morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-27
From: Madison Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

I'm in Randolph, NH with Slo' Goen. He picked me up from Pinkham Notch.Those 8 miles from Madison were not as easy as I thought they would be. Started with. Huge rock scramble up Mt. Madison which felt like it was straight up. That was followed bylaw of the same till I got below treeline. Being back in the woods actually felt strange. The rocks, roots and mud certainly brought it all back to reality quickly.The croo Madison were great and very appreciative of the help. Sarah asked if I was going to another hut, she was going to give me a note. So sweet!The hurricane is suppose to be moving in tonight. So far nothing.I'm grateful for Slo' Goen and a safe dry place to ride out Irene.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-28
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Pinkham Notch - Randolph 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Hurricane Irene.Quiet, relaxing day. I slept till almost 7am. I was tired and Slo' Goen and I stayed up late watching the weather stations and talking.We definitely got rain and wind. Not as much of either as I had expected based on the forecast which is goodness.Late in the afternoon we took a walk down to where the river was visible, about a mile. SG said it was definitely up; that usually the rocks were visible and a person could almost walk across on them...there were no rocks visible. Along the way we saw at least half dozen streams that are now waterfalls. Along the road is a drainage ditch, it was flowing rapidly and, in two places, overflowing. Only two trees down - small ones that were already dead. A handful of cars passed us, folks were listening and staying in.I read on the TJ forums that the water was knee to hip depth on parts of the Trail. I'm thinking it's going to be a crazy mess for days. There is another storm, Jose, NW of Bermuda; be interesting to see what that brings. Forecast is for sunny weather through the week.SG has been a great host: fixed me a great sandwich on toasted roll for lunch and a really good chicken stew with potatoes and carrots for dinner. I'm blessed to have a great friend take me in and take care of me!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-29
From: Pinkham Notch - Randolph 

To: Pinkham Notch - Randolph
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Absolutely gorgeous day! Amazing how that happens after a storm.This part of NH was fortunate and didn't get hit too hard. VT was not as lucky.We did a tour of the area - saw some very swollen rivers and lakes; the streams are running heavy. A little damage to the local dam.I met SG's friend, Vivian, very nice lady who lives nearby, owns a lodge and knitting shop. She has a cat, Whiskers, who is 21 years old. Very sweet!Later in the day we did a tour of the mountains to come including right over the Maine border. Some biggies! I'm ready.Local haddock for dinner; very good with a Tuckerman's beer. Bunch of hikers at the restaurant: Flame and Hippy Kippy who does have giardia; Bootlegger, whom I haven't seen in weeks; Truckin and True Grit; Sparky, who has a fractured arm and MT. Also 5 or 6 older guys I didn't know.I'm hiking out tomorrow; be back here on Wednesday. On Thursday SG and I will hike out together; he is joining me to Grafton Notch.Thankful tonight for the rest and good food!Ready to get this hike back on track.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-30
From: Pinkham Notch - Randolph

To: Campsite near Imp Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: fog

In for the night at a claire about .5 miles south of the Imp Shelter. It was getting windy, I was getting tired so I decided to call it a day. I'm happy with my mileage and to be in my tent. Feels like it's been a long time with hostels, huts and hurricanes.SG and I watched 'You Can't Take it with You' last night. Good old black and white film. It was late when I finally got to sleep. I was falling asleep during the movie but once the lights were out I couldn't sleep.Another gorgeous day. Got on the Trail before 7:30 and immediately encountered some wash out from the storm. All the boardwalks down by the creek were washed out and the for ridge over the creek was gone. Took some time to negotiate thru that mess without getting wet.I met Vision Quest; nice lady, taking her time.The Wildcats were wild. Challenging ups - they just kept going - but doable. Really amazing views. I had lunch at the Carter Notch Hit; very unique: all the different sections are in separate buildings like the kitchen/dining room, bunks, toilets. The setting is beautiful on a nice pond - bet they see moose. They had corn chowder today so inhad a bowl of that with my peanut butter and honey sandwich. I took a leisurely lunch which was nice.The Carter Domenclimb was after lunch - another steep one. They are all straight up, rock scrambles with some flowing water thrown in to keep it interesting. LOLSpectacular 360 view from Carter - all mountains in every direction with lakes and no houses/towns, etc.SG told me the reason there are no song birds in the NE is because their habitat in South America was destroyed. The birds are gone. This is so sad. There are wrens and I did hear them today. Didn't see any other critters.I'm thankful to be settled in my tent. Pray for no bears cause I didn't hang my food.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-31
From: Campsite near Imp Shelter

To: Randolph
Miles today: 8.5

It was windy on the ridge where I camped last night. Also more sloped than it looked. Once I was asleep I didn't care but woke up jammed against my pack which was jammed against the tent side.Most of today was a big long down. Not to steep although there were a couple of places I went down backwards or eased down on my butt. I have to say I'm getting much better with my rock hoping which makes my progress faster.More muck and lots of water flowing down the Trail - steam and Trail are one again. We know water seeks the path of least resistance.Ended up being a pretty day. Very warm and sunny - nice.I met up with Trolley Stop and Buffalo Bobby going SoBo; Guardian quit 4 days ago. They have Brother of the Wind with them now.InsW several day hikers and a few birds.As I was calling Slo Go'en to come pick me up I heard a noise off to my left; I looked over and a huge piece of tree came crashing down. Kind of neat but scary. Later SG said you know you've been in the woods a long time I'd you've seen a tree fall.I did these 8.5 mules in about 5 hours. SG picked me up and we had AYCE Chinese, went to the PO and to Walmart for last minute food supplies ... Tomorrow we head for Maine.I can hardly believe it. I'm under 300 miles and state #14 is just 16 miles away. It will be Friday when I get there.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-01
From: Randolph

To: Gentian PondnShelter
Miles today: 11.8

I'm in for the night at the Gentian Pond Shelter, actually in the shelter. There is a youth group from a local academy taking the tent sites. That's fine cause it's cloudy and there is a chance of sprinkles.Another beautiful day. SG's friend John gave us a ride to US 2 and we headed out. His wife, Chris, baked muffins and sent them to us. Thanks, they were delicious!The forest in NH have been beautiful. Inreally like the pine forest with ferns and moss. Very pretty today when we went through a section of the closely growing pines that look like Christmas trees. Looked a lot like the climb up to Killington which I thought was beautiful.Two pretty lakes today: Page and Dream. Had lunch by Page Pond - nice scenery. Thought the Trail went off to the left and the pond hades flooded it so I trugged off that way in my Crocs to check it out. My feet kept sinking in the silt bottom - it was pretty hilarious. As it ended up, the Trail went to the eight and skirted the pond. Blazes and/or a sign would have been helpful. Thankfully I had my map which helped.I had a text from G regarding a hiker named Stonewall. Apparently he was found dead and my name was listed as someone who may gave had contact with him. Very strange. I do think I remember talking to him; a Civil War enthusiast, had a huge pack and I remember he said he didn't mind the weigh but incan't remember what henwas carrying that was heavy.Maine tomorrow. Can't believe it! When I talked to G yesterday he was excited I'm getting close to finishing.Very strange to think I'll be done soon.Tonight I'm thankful for patience and endurance.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-02
From: Gentian PondnShelter

To: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

BIG day - I'm in MAINE! And I crossed the 1900 mile mark. Amazing. It's almost hard to believe I've walked from GA -> ME. The weather remains amazing and beautiful. I've had the rain, the pain and now I have the Maine. It's so cool. Really. I can hardly comprehend it myself that I've walked 1900 miles. Me. All on my own.Big mountains in Maine. Took a full 10 hours for the 9.6; of course that includes a couple of breaks, lunch and a long break on Goose Eye.Tonight I'm grateful to be in Maine. Praise God!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-03
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite

To: Bethel
Miles today: 9.5

Did the Mahoosuc Notch today. What a ridiculous section of the Trail. Seriously. Crazy rock scramble with boulders that are the size of cars or small houses. With wet rocks, miss and an unclear path it was really crazy. The climbs are nor difficult; it's more that they are time consing because until you climb up and see what's on the other side you don't know what is the correct route to take. There was one rock I could not climb. I couldn't figure out hand/foot holds, etc. I made it part way, slipped and fell. SG gave me a hand up. Probably had to take my pack odd 4 or 5 times to climb through tight spots and caves.Then the Mahoosuc Arm was about a 1500' elevation climb in about 1.4 miles. Lots of the flat bare rocks to climb up. Speck was prettying the same, not as steep followed by a long down of almost 4 miles.But, there was amazing Trail Magic at the bottom:3 former thru-hikers were cooking fresh lobster and cheeseburgers with fresh corn, potato salad, macaroni salad, any king of chip, cookie or candy you could want. I was blown away! How terrific.A couple gave us a lift to an Inn outside of Bethel but it was all 2 bedroom suites. Ingot us a hitch into Bethel, former high school teacher is now responsible for the ziplines at the ski resort. Nice guy, dropped is at the IGA and recommended the hotel where I am.The lady here at the hotel is so sweet. When I checked in she said she was giving me a room with a tub cause I looked like could use it. I laughed and said I loved a tub and it had been a long time since I had a bath. She asked if I would like a bubble bath then went and got her White Jasmine for me to use - isn't that so sweet! As soon as SG was gone I took a shower to get clean then soaked in that bubble bath - ah! What a joy'Picked up a few things foe dinner at IGA - Brie, crackers, apple and yogurt. Then walked down the street and had an IPA at the pub.Talked to G and now I'm calling it a night.Tonight I'm thankful for my 29th anniversary to my Sweetie tomorrow.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-04
From: Bethel

To: The Cabin - Andover
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy 29th Anniversary to my Sweetie! It won't be long till i home and we can celebrate birthdays and anniversary.This has to be, by far, the strangest anniversary ever - I'm sleeping in a motor home at TheCabin in Andover, ME.Rewind to the morning...actually last night. When I got back from the grocery and pub last night I washed my clothes by hand and hung them, in various places, to dry. Woke up at my usual early time and realized nothing was really dry so I turned the fan on and started hanging things over lamps. Around 8 I ventures out for breakfast to a vegetarian bakery that had been recommended, DiCarlos's (I think). Anyway, great place. I had a bagel with cream cheese and a chocolate croissant; then a cinnamon swirl and blueberry scone to go. Yes! I'd already eaten a banana and yogurt. Inwent to the grocery for snacks then back to the room to pack up. I checked out and asked the best way toGet a hitch - basically go to Route 2 - so I started that way. Hooked up with Coma and LB and two hitches later we were at Grafton Notch. The first guy took us to Hwy 26; nice guy - big pickup,We rode in the back. He told me it's been his life's dream to thru-hike. I told h to hold on to that dream; I did and now i almost finished. The second ride was with a couple who were headed to Grafton to dY hike Baldpate.Started out, nice day - warm and humid. I was really sweating on the climb. Cloudy on Baldpate, I was making good time. A lot of that climb is the bare rock plates, really work those calf muscles. I had lunch on the summit - no views - and headed down. I could heR the thunder and was hoping it was moving away. It wasn't. Just as I made it to Frye Notch Lean to the bott dropped out. Another couple, Sarge and Weaver, were hanging there as well. We were chatting and they told me about The Cabin, they were slack packing, I said if the weather broke I would hike on. But, by the time it cleared and we walked to the Andover road it was late so I caught the shuttle with them. Now, it's actually full but they didn't turn me away - offered the motor home. So here I am and it's raining outside. I,'however, am clean and dry.Smiley, Honeybee and Milkman and Snakefarm are also here.Tonight I'm grateful for Garry, my amazing husband! God Bless!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-05
From: The Cabin - Andover

To: Bemis Lean to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: moderate rain

Ok, don't let that mileage fool ya'! I walked 8.8 and skipped 10 miles because of information given to me that the two streams in that section were dangerously high and hikers should not attempt to ford. Instead of waitin around I decided to keep going North.It's been wet, mucky, muddy and just plain yucky today. I'm tired and had no energy. I'm in a crappy mood today. I haven't had a good nights sleep in two days.The Cabin was interesting, run by Earl and Margie. They have a bunk room, 3 campers and a motor home, which is where I stayed. It was stuffy - I couldn't get comfy. I know it's just me but I need an attitude adjustment if I'm going to finish this adventure. And, today, my iPhone lost the icons for the phone and email. Not sure how that happen; more importantly, not sure how to get them back and, at this shelter - called lean to in ME - Bemis, there is no cell service. So, I'm SOL.Keep forgetting to mention I met Redwood, Hollywood and Snow with their dog Jordan.Ok for now, going to get in my sleeping bag and read, it's chilly.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-06
From: Bemis Lean to

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Yahoo! Under 225 miles to go.Today turned out to be great - Thank You, Lord. Things are always better when let You be in charge instead of me.It rained all night. Hard. I slept well. Would have slept even better if I hadn't put off going to tinkle till I thought I would explode. There's just something so hard about getting out of a comfy, warm sleeping bag, in the dark with the rain, to go out, swat and pee. About 3:30 I finally did. It really wasnt so horrible.Ended up with a full shelterast night: 2 NoBos from Idaho (I didn't get their names); a SoBo, Smookie, which reminded me of Smoochie (John and Holly) and all mu Austin friends. Also Redwood, True Grit and Peebles were there. This morning when I hiked out I counted at least 5 tents. Busy place.Speaking of Austin, Coma and LB are from there.I made myself get up and moving this morning about 6 am. It was hard cause it was still raining and, with a good heart, I could have gotten out my kindle and. Idled up till it cleared. Infelt pretty good after a good night's sleep and a good dinner and breakfast. Ate the last of the yummy granola. Got some Power bars that are good and give me energy.Once I actually got hiking I realized it was reLly just drizzling. Most of whT we beRd on the shelter roof was dripping from the Trees. It was wet, however. Probably a good hour after I started walking my feet were soaked. My boots were already wet from yesterday and I stepped in a puddle that was deeper than I thought sonwater went over my boot top. I decided I couldn't walk with the water sloshing/swishing in my boots. I took them off and put on my Crocs. I figured my feet were wet I might as well abandon any notion of changing that and free myself to just walk where I wanted and not worry about the puddles and bogs. It was actually fun and seemed quicker.As I was sloshing through the puddles I thought the welcome to Maine sign should include 'all who enter should abandon all hope of keeping their feet dry!'. Just not possible. No one ever told me, or at least I don't recall it, that Maine is so wet. The Trail is either a stream, bog, puddle or muddy. It's difficult to know where to step without constant prodding cause what looks solid can have yo sinking in muck to your knees. In some places it looks like mini poznds. The boardwalks are useless in places cause they are floating which makes for an interesting balancing act once you've stepped on it. Seriously, thru-hikers become mountain climbers and gymnast by the time their hike is done - maybe that should be the new Olympic sport: Gymnastic Mountaineering.
Date: 2011-09-06
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: Part 2 of Little Swift Rivet
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry this is in two sections. I was unable to edit the first entry.Thankfully the rain did Sto and before lunch the sun was shining. I was so excited! I found a sunny spot for lunch and started letting things dry out - including myself. It just felt good to be dry and warm. It never did get hit today. I kept my rain jacket on almost all day.I had one good spill today - was attempting ansterp rocknclb, stepped on some of that mulch stuff and slid a good 5-7'; got a good bruise on my right thigh but it didn't hurt. I gave a big yelp!The woods are beautiful. Today was a mixture of pines and hardwoods. Saw two ducks and Least two red squirrels and a few birds. I crossed at least a dozen legitimate streams and one scary river. My goodness - I crossed on logs that had been carried down and jammed; I was praying, out loud, the whole crossing. Whew! It was wild. I took a pic of the spot.And, there was road construction in the Quinoaey road.So when I got there, across the road is this huge shale cliff. I'm looking and looking for a blaze - finally spot it and then have to figure out how to climb this cliff. I did but them couldn't find the blaze. Crazy. Finally did and hiked on.All in all a really good day. I'm in my tent - yea! - at the Little Swift River Pond campsite.There were several pretty ponds today. No moose. Maybe I'll get up early and go sown by this pond - maybe a moose will be there.Tonight I'm grateful for an attitude adjustment.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-07
From: Part 2 of Little Swift Rivet

To: Rangeley - Town and Lake Motel
Miles today: 4.8

Big time in Rangeley - doing my laundry at the Scrubboard. I made the almost 5 miles in less than 3 hours. Pretty good for Maine. The rain and peiae of dry clothes and warmth was incentive. I'm grateful for no rain last night. guess I should have requested no rain today, too. It took me a good 30 minutes to get a hitch. There was no traffic on the road going into town. I started walking cause I was cold and my phone had no service. A great guy picked me up - I was so grateful - I probably went iverboard thanking him.I had lunch at the Parkside and Maine - fish and chips. It wasn't exciting. I'll head to the grocery after laundry. Another half mike walk.I'm getting there. Today wasn't bad really. Inwas only frustrated when I got to the road, it was raining hard and there were no cars. It's all over now. I'm clean, warm and soon will have clean clothes.Maine is about endurance. Just how much of this rain and muck can you handle before you go over the edge?I was camped by a pond so I got up about 5am thinking might see a moose. LOL when I opened the fly on my tent I couldn't even see the pond the fog was so thick! I dozed for anothe 30 minutes and checked again, actually walked down to the pond - couldn't see 3 feet. Same thing at 6. I gave up and got ready to hike out. It was chilly but as long as I was moving I was fine.Sarge told me ME has the highest suicide rates in the country. Guess that must be as a state; I thought Seattle had that dubious honor - at least as a city.LaterThe rain appears to have stopped. Still a chance for more tomorrow - praying not.Got laundry done, groceries and had two decent meals.Lots of folks in town. All the bad weather is causing us to stop and dry out.Tonight I'm thankful for maintaining the positive attitude - 220.1 to go'Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-08
From: Rangeley - Town and Lake Motel

To: Poplar Ridge Lean to
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day! It was foggy and chilly this morning - about 52. I was a bit concerned about being cold. It wasn't raining though which was definitely positive. I had breakfast with MT, he had to go to the PO and also to the outfitters before leaving Rangeley so I hiked on. It took me three hitches to get back to the AT. The first guy actually turned around and came back, he told me he was going only as far as the IGA but he would take me if I thought it would help. Hey, a mile is a mile! The 2nd guy said he say me when he went into the IGA and he was going only 3 miles but it was a busyintersection....okay dokey. And, the third person, was a sweet older lady - she took me the rest of the way saying I'm going right by there!Grateful, thankful and glad for all three.It was 9:30 be the time I really got hiking. I had to make clothing adjustments which meant repacking. The weather was sunny and beautiful. I didn't care about the time - I was enjoying Maine, finally.The locals at Moosely Bagels this morning told me this is the rainiest it's been; they, too, are tired of the wet. Huh, imagine that!I saw Ruffles when I checked out - she said they got in last night. Seems there was a big crowd in town last night. Peebles and the gang posted at the outfitters they were at the Town and Lake.I'm wondering where everyone is today. Usually, no matter how much ahead I am, someone will pass me. Not today. I did met a NoBo, Zeke, he is finishing his hike from 3 years ago. Saw two day hikers on Saddleback. That was it no one at the shelter or tenting. Fine with me.Got to adjust the flies and close-up, it chilly...The wind is picking up and it's chilly. Much better with the flies all lowered and I'm sitting in my bag.Three steep climbs today - really had my heart going, heavy breathing and sweating. Saddleback, The Horn and Saddleback Junior. I got a few pics before the clouds/fog rolled in. Got some good pond pics, still no moose.I was told the North sides of the mountains are sonrugged because the glaciers carves them. I know the decents take me longer. I'm braver going up. Cause I don't have to look down. Going down I get chicken but I'm getting better.Oh, I just want to mention that Maine dies have switchbacks. Someone said they didn't and all the climbs are straight up. They are straight up but thy have switchbacks between the straights.I'm in for the night, in my tent, on the ridge above PoplarRidge Lean to.I'm so thankful for sunshine today!Hike on!Scribbles