morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-27
To: A little over a week away
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Ordered "business cards" with this photo on it. It's a little over a week away to begin the epic journey.I don't have all of the requisite journal entries that magnify the angst in beginning the hike; however, it doesn't mean I don't have the angst. I am going thru the absolute "must have" list of stuff to bring and I'm making sure I only bring that, not anything else. I'm determined to keep my pack weight down in order to have a happier back/knees/ankles for the long haul. Look for the completed Gear List in days to come.I had a nice conversation at the coffeehouse with my good friend Maria today. As always, she is very encouraging to me. I will keep her in my prayers as well.I'm finishing up "the list" this week and can't wait for the epic adventure to begin next Thursday, God-willing.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: Madison Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 121Each morning the hut croo (sic) does a skit during breakfast. This morning was the best, a take-off on Star Wars: "Come to the Dark Side, Luke. You won't have to pack out your trash.""Well, it is kinda heavy..."Also, a croo member reads the weather report from Mt. Washington. It is 42 degrees, wind gusting up to 66 mph, wind chill 28 degrees, 100' visibility. Last night I was cold inside this drafty Madison Hut, and could hear the wind rattling the windows. I'm happy to be getting off this ridge today. I just have to get over Mt. Madison.Not as easy as it sounds. Mt. Madison is a pile of rocks that is tough enough without steady 40-mph winds. The clouds speeding overhead look surreal, like time-lapse photography. Biscuit asks if we can hike out together and I'm happy not to go it alone.When I lift a foot the wind moves me, yet I have to be careful to pick through the boulders. Blown from behind, I'd just lean into the rocks and crawl on all fours. Near the peak, we started to get some strong gusts, during which I couldn't move safely, and would stay put for a minute or more and brace myself against the wind.After the summit there was still a few miles of ridge above treeline. My hands get numb inside my gloves. The first 3 miles take us 3 hours. Below treeline all is well. Day hikers are out today (Saturday) and they comment on what a beautiful day it is. I start sweating and off come the jacket, long pants and gloves - hiking in shorts and a tee shirt when an hour ago the wind chill was below freezing.Arrow (AT 2002) picks us up and takes us into Gorham, a great trail town where I'm staying at The Barn Hostel.
Date: 2013-03-07
To: Home to Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Taxi came right on time at 5:30am to take me to the airport. Hugged a sleepy husband and son goodbye. That was harder than I expected and surprised my taxi driver when I cried most of the way to the airport. Was I really doing the right thing? I need to get started on this adventure and see if it is what I expect, otherwise, I need to come home to the family I love.Early flight to Atlanta was uneventful, good. Denise, one of the Summit Sisters arrived at the airport first. Knew her immediately with her purple Crocs. We were instant friends. Next Dee arrived and we all navigated to MARTA for the train trip to the North Springs stop where the Hiker Hostel would pick us up. We chatted and got to know each other on the ride.At the Hiker Hostel we met up with most of the other 3/8 start sisters. Infinity, Lady Grey, YPO, Inch by Inch, and Loon. We had a really nice dinner together at the Hostel and talked until late. Morning was to be our start of the adventure so we all turned in.
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 122After finishing this section of the Whites I feel like taking a little break. It is a perfectly clear day here in Gorham, still a little windy. For a person from Florida, this is a bitterly, unbelievably cold August morning - it must be 50 degrees. I bought a fleece cap. Some of the crazies that live here are walking around in tee shirts. Instead of ¢Se Habla Espanol", some of the stores have "Nous Parlons Francais" for the sake of visitors from "up north".I spent the day hanging out with Arrow and his friend Malcolm. They cook a fantastic lakeside grill of sausage, chicken and corn on the cob. Later they take me to see Gen Ellis Falls. From there, we can see hikers on the rock ledges on the way up Wildcat Mountain. That's where I go next.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

The Hiker Hostel provided a delicious breakfast and after last minute pack decisions, we all piled into the van for the ride up to the mountain. I had weighed my pack with food and water and it was 31#. That's a lot...We all laughed and talked nervously all the way to Springer, the 3/8 Summit Sisters, Camel and T.J., a delightful father and son team that also has a trail journal here. Even as we piled out of the van and collected our packs and poles we collected into hiking groups. Two sisters quickly walked up to the Springer summit followed by two other strong hikers and last but not least, Inch by Inch, YPO and me hiked forward on a blustery but beautiful start to a dream experience. We took photos at the top of the mountain and began forward. The day was hard for us, but with every turn we thanked God for the experience and the beautiful day He provided. Several times Inch by Inch and I sung songs, talked and laughed our way to Hawk Mountain Shelter. We set up our tents, made dinner and crawled our tired bodies into our sleeping bags waiting for the cold night to approach.
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 123I got a late start today, and headed out worried about the long slackpack I was planning. Not 50' down the road, it was raining hard enough to put on my pack cover. The clouds look neat where they meet the ridge and get twisted by the wind. I decided to switch my long pants for shorts, worried about getting my only warm clothes wet. Soon enough the plan changed into a zero day.I spent the day buying rain pants, going to the library to get on the Internet, and tweaking my gear.My Kelty Satori is falling apart.   I'm doing my best to rig it up for the rest of the way. What a piece of junk. The supports fall out of place and drop all the weight on my shoulders. Curved metal rods on the sides spin out of place and poke me in the rear. The pack rides me like a little jockey wearing spurs.On the streets I saw Muktuk, a hiker that I met in Erwin and last saw in Bland. He flip-flopped from Harpers Ferry and is getting off the trail after reaching Mt. Washington. He seems happy with his decision to end it here, but it gives me a twinge of sadness to contrast the talk we had today with the talks we had near Erwin when the trail was a fresh new experience for us.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

The night was cold, but we survived. We cooked a hot breakfast of oatmeal and tea and started on the trail. Today's hike was included two very tough climbs up Sassafras Mountain and Justus Mountain that really took the wind out of our sails. Inch by Inch and I were doing fine but our other hiking partner was not. We rolled into camp late and found a sloping tent site that all i could do was get into the sleeping bag. It was a warmer night; however, even with everything on, I was shivering. I felt my skin and I was sweating. My body wasn't reacting favorably to the last two very strenuous days. I began rethinking this hiking dream. Was it what I expected? Am I really up for this type of challenge?
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Gorham, NH

To: NH 2 (Gorham)
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: mist

Day 124By 10 am I had walked for 2 hours and covered only 3 miles. Going up Wildcat is tough. At this pace, the 21 miles would take me 14 hours and I would finish at 10 pm. I need to step it up to 2 mph the rest of the way to finish before dark. I'm always watching the time, miles traveled and miles remaining while I hike, and guessing ETAs.I don't have much time to spare today, since hitching was slow and I didn't get to the trail until 8 am. At 3:20 I stopped at a shelter to get water after traveling 13 miles without taking my pack off. This is probably the furthest I've ever walked without a pack-off break. Back on the trail at 3:45 with 8 miles to go, I now have to do better than 2 mph to beat sunset. A note on the side of the trail warns that a 4000-pound moose (that has to be an exaggeration, right?) chased a day hiker near this spot. My paranoia that a crazy moose is going to come crashing through the trees slows me down. But the last 4 miles of trail are great and I make it to the road by 7 pm.I'm a little pissed at the trail - more specifically, whoever chose the route. The trail goes straight down Carter Mountain. I go down slabs of stone sloped 45 degrees or more - nearly impossible to walk on. Sometimes the best thing to do is sit down and butt-slide. Mostly, hikers go along the edge of the rock and grab trees to keep from slipping. The trees take a beating and wobble at the roots like loose teeth. I've heard of 2 hikers who won't be thru-hikers now because they were injured in this stretch. Another quit for fear of getting injured here. I pass a gimpy day hiker today who fell and hurt his knee. What is the purpose?...to limit the number of hikers by increasing the odds of injury? There is no reason for the trail to be like this. It can go up/down on switchbacks just like most other places on the AT. There are plenty of other places for people to go bouldering. A good backpacking trail is one you can walk on, not slide down or crawl up.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap - ride into Dahlonega
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked out to Gooch Gap and waited for the Hiker Hostel driver, Willie. What a sweetheart. We needed a day of rest and re-thinking and re-grouping. YPO and Dee were able to stay at the Hiker Hostel. Inch, 1Foot and I went to the Holiday Inn to relax. During our two nights there, 1foot and I re-grouped and rested and we were ready to try the trail again. Rest and Advil can do wonders we discovered.
Date: 2003-08-27
From: NH 2 (Gorham)

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 125When I passed Dream Lake today I did a double take: there was a boulder in the water and I thought I saw it move. I watched it for a few seconds, and a moose head popped out of the water.   It was a big cow, standing mid-body deep and feeding on the bottom.After a long day yesterday, I was slow getting going in the morning. It was 8:30 when I was packed and out of the hotel. I started walking down Main Street and a car pulled over offering a ride before I even started to hitch.The trail was tough again today. There were a lot of ups & downs and 2 boulder crawls near the end of the day. I met up with Ken and Marcia once again, and walked with them the last 4 miles to this shelter, arriving after 7 pm. I'm in Maine!
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Gooch Gap - ride into Dahlonega

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

The lovely Mrs. Wisson dropped off back to Gooch Gap where we were picked up a couple of days ago. I was a bit apprehensive about the hike, how would I do, would I get discouraged? We started the hike in 40 MPH gusty winds and about 35 degrees. To my surprise, hiking with 1Foot was a dream. We had the same pace and today was a total turn around from the two days prior. We hiked in a dense pine forest. The night before was a rain storm like no other. Folks were coming down the mountain, cold, wet and carrying wet tents and shivering. I really didn't want to tell anyone we had just stepped out of a warm car...   1foot and I arrived at Lance Creek, our designated stopping point at about 2:30 pm, a nice time to arrive in camp. We had time to set up our tents on an old logging road. We were able to find two flat spots up the road a bit. We cooked our dinner with some new found friends, Crazy Legs, Junebug, Turtlestone and Jack. 1foot and I began planning the most challenging day so far. Tomorrow we would hit the dreaded Blood Mountain.
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 126Coming over Goose Eye Mountain all I could think of was, I did not want to be out in this weather. It must have gone below 40 degrees last night, and the wind on this open area is about 40 mph. The hard part of the day is still ahead. I passed southbound hikers and noticed a couple of them had scraped-up knees.Mahoosuc Notch is supposed to be the hardest mile of the trail. Hikers have said they've walked it anywhere from 50 minutes to 2 hours. I figured I'd do it near the long end of that time frame, since I'd be cautious and stop for pictures. Besides, you can never trust what a hiker tells you about hiking time - they always want to tell you they go faster than they do. There is no marker at the north end of the notch, so you can't accurately time yourself anyway.Mahoosuc Notch is a jumble of big boulders, with the trail going over, under, and in-between. I packed away my trekking poles, because I used my hands most of the way. Twice the trail went through narrow caves under a boulder that I had to belly-crawl through. I almost got jammed, but made it without taking my pack off.My opinion: the notch is far from the hardest mile on the trail. It was time-consuming, but kinda fun, and not aerobically taxing.Ken and Marcia are again in the shelter tonight, along with a day hiker and a southbound flip-flopper named Detour. An "Outward Bound" group is tenting nearby, and they stop by to grill us with questions about our hike.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

1foot and I packed up quickly at Lance Creek to hit the day that contains Blood Mountain. The day was a gradual climb up some beautiful mountains. I sang to myself church hymns that helped with the climbs. We saw some hikers coming southbound and one of them was the hiking legend Cimmarron!! That was awesome. We chatted then kept moving. We climbed and climbed but I felt stronger rather than beat. We made it to the top and were extremely proud of ourselves! We high fived each other. We summited with Crazy Legs, Junebug, Turtlestone and Jack. We took photos of the shelter that was built by teh CCC in 1937. We had heard that the down was worse than the up and they were indeed correct. The downhill was very difficult on the knees. There were rock scrambles, and slow moving. Low and behold we made it to Neel Gap!! That was a sight to see. We quickly booked a room at the cabins and had a wonderful evening together in the warm cabin.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Andover, ME (East B Road)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 127Last night was cold again, maybe below 40. I wore everything; my fleece jacket and hat, gloves and rain pants inside my sleeping bag and I was still cold.The trail showed some signs of easing up, with a nicely graded couple of miles out of Grafton Notch, and a few smooth miles leading into East B Hill Road. Overall, the trail is still tough.It was clear most of the day, with nice views from Speck Mountain and Baldplate. The entire summit of Baldplate is stone. It was windy up there. I made many stops during the day, taking my jacket on and off. In the wind or going downhill I needed it, going uphill I would sweat.Andover Guest House is one of the nicest, cleanest hostels I've stayed in.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

1Foot and I began the day early after packing up at the Blood Mountain Cabins. We began the climb out of Neel Gap with strong whipping winds. We saw Davy Crockett and his hiking partner come down the mountain defeated. They were carrying all wet gear and were very cold. 1Foot and I were also getting cold and cold feet going farther so we turned around and came down the mountain. While we were talking to folks at Mountain Crossing, Razor and RedHat offered a slack pack deal from HogPen Gap back to Neels. YES! That would be fabulous. We quickly packed up daypacks and were carried to HogPen Gap. We had a very nice hike over Wildcat and through the woods. We had a sunny lunch atop Cowrock Mountain and finished back at Neels. It turned out to be a glorious day of hiking and ended back up at Blood Mountain Cabins.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Andover, ME (East B Road)

To: Andover, ME (South Arm Road)
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 128Slackpacking, town stops, and short days. I'm trying my best to take it easy the rest of the way. I'm having my warmer sleeping bag mailed to Stratton, so I'll try to hostel-hop until I get it. It was a mistake to head into NH/ME with a 40-degree bag.Today I slackpacked 10 miles and returned to the Andover Guest House. The first 6 miles was a cakewalk, then there was one moderately difficult down and up. This was a good day for me - I had an easy day like this earlier in my hike.   When I don't have to "work" hard on the walk, or worry about setting up camp or the weather, I'm free to think, write, and plan.Non-scientific observations on the mechanics of walking (i.e.: boring stuff)-----------------------A hike is not a march, but it is good to pay attention to how you walk to make the most of your efforts, and there are always cases where you need to do some fast miles.Trekking poles are helpful. They've saved me from falling a few times, and take a bit of the load off your legs. Try to avoid "ski-poling" where you plant both poles at once. You go faster when you alternate them. On near-level ground, pick them up (hold one in each hand).Going uphill, don't let your toes wander outward. This can happen when you get tired. Keeping your toes nearly aligned with your direction is better. Keep steps short - lunging strides uphill stresses your joints. Leaning forward can give you a boost on high steps.Even after 1900 miles, I feel winded and my thighs burn sometimes shortly into an uphill climb. Usually it means I'm going too fast. I slow down, find my pace and think about something else. Next thing I know, I've gone up a few hundred feet and am no longer struggling.Downhill you've got to watch your step. To pick up the pace, avoid shuffling or half steps to find the perfect spot to step. Try to keep your stride and trust your eyes to work as fast as your feet. On steep slopes, getting lower and leaning a little forward will help keep your feet from sliding out from under you. I find that I can walk down rock that is too steep to stand still on - just don't stop.I.T. band (main cause of knee pain) is a subject in itself I've mentioned earlier. Look into it. I've heard that it helps to shake a leg if your knee is getting stiff - lift your foot and wiggle it. Massage the outside of your thigh just above your knee by digging your fingers in and rubbing front-to-back (across the tendon).
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Stealth Camp near Cold Springs Gap
Miles today: 8.5

RedHat shuttled us back to HogPen Gap to go north. I knew I liked her from day one, her kids are Aggies!! We talked about Texas A&M all the way to the trailhead. Thank you RedHat for the ride and the encouragement. 1Foot and I had a nice lunch at Low Gap Shelter with many hikers. It was a beautiful day and nice miles.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Oquossoc, ME (ME 17)

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 130Yesterday afternoon I was bothered by "intestinal disorder", hopefully not giardia, but it continues into today. I woke up unrested and never felt totally well all day. Good thing it was an easy day. I passed a few ponds and never got higher than 2700 feet.Bob, the owner of Gull Pond Hostel, took us to the trailhead and pointed out that the mountain range in view to the northeast is in Canada. He also told me moose get up to 2000 pounds. He hit one weighing 1600 pounds with his car. It fractured his eye socket and broke his hand. 7 people have been killed this year in Maine in collisions with moose. I didn't see another hiker until returning to town. Timber and Bipolar, and Ken and Marcia are in town. Bipolar is done with his section, and the rest of us plan to reach Stratton in 2 days.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Tough day of hiking today. Up and over Rocky Mountain, and Tray Mountain. Our saving grace was Glenloch Baptist Church Trail Magic at Indian Grave Gap. You Guys ROCK!! Thank you for the delightful hot dog and coke and camp chairs! There were quite a few folks at Sassafras Gap tenting, including the Mall Cops.
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Perham Stream (tarping)

To: Stratton, ME (ME27)
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 132Tarping last night reminded me of my first night on the trail. The whole hike is taking on a full-circle feel. The White Mountains on this half of the trail are similar to the Smokies in the south. It is cold again like it was in the beginning. I'm seeing flip-floppers that I saw early in my hike; Crossroads, Spock, and Muktuk.I got a lot of sleep and felt much better today. The trail was a lot better also, going up/down at a good slope, so it didn't seem like too much work, even with a good amount of elevation gain & loss.Hats off to day-hikers; a group gave me water when I was running low, and a day-hiker I saw on the trail later gave me a ride when I was hitching. In town I had dinner with Timber and also saw Gazer, 81, and Ken & Marcia.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Holiday Inn Haiwassee

To: Aquone Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

We knew the weather was getting worse and really didn't want to be in the middle of it. 1Foot and I thought if we could slack for a few days and sleep in a warm hostel that would suit us fine! We decided to jump ahead to Wayah Gap in order to stay at the Aquone Hostel and slack for a few days. One of our better decisions.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Stratton, ME (ME27)

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 133Ever since the 14-day rain that chased me out of Vermont the weather has been better. It has rained, but I have been dodging it. I took a zero in Gorham on a wet day. It rained just after I snuck into Andover. Last night it rained hard and continued into this morning. I had to write and make a trip to the P.O., so I just took my time and left after it stopped.It was good to get these 5 miles out of the way, because there was a 1900' climb. There was not much to see due to the fog. Horns pond has 2 spacious shelters that can probably hold 18 hikers but I am the only one here as of 5:30 pm. (Ken, Marcia, and SOBO Crash would come in later.)I took the time this morning to plan out the rest of my hike. I should make it to the base of Katahdin easily by the 16th, with all days under 20 miles. I am happy with the relatively easy schedule I have ahead of me. I try to keep my head in the present, but can't help but think about the conclusion of this trip. I spend a lot of time recalling what my hike has been like, what it will feel like to finish, and what I'll do when I get back home.Awol
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Aquone Hostel

To: Aquone Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked from Wayah Gap to Burningtown Gap all in a light dusting of snow. The grade was easier than all of our former days and the snow made it magical. We lunched at Wayah Bald Shelter where my phone had 4G and 4 bars, so I texted family and friends to let everyone know where we were. We came back to the Aquone Hostel to a lovely dinner and conversation with all of our fellow hikers. Lady Grey, Chino were there along with Son Driven.