morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Some days are tough. I am going to be honest. Today I was a big baby. I didn't cry but I pouted. I did not stop hiking but I dragged my heels. I did not quit but I thought about it. Only as a threat to my goal, never with intention. For the first time I felt this privlage was a great injustice. A sour child at her own birthday. I felt trapped and limited.I might expound on this another time, I am not ready to revisit my rational. Remind me if I don't, it hit me hard and I don't want it to surprise other hikers.I called my sister, and we talked as I hiked (hands free, no witnesses) and she did wonders to soothe my woes. I put my head down and plugged Ira Glass into my iPod. I was going to do those miles, and I am glad I did.You can't quit in the middle of the woods. And you shouldn't die on the side of the trail- it is poor "leave no trace practice". Hike and the miles will move, sometimes it is just very slowly.There was a great treat at the shelter, helping to silence my internal baby-food! Food and a grill and cold drinks! Cold Drinks! And so many friendly faces. I hope to sleep on a puffed up belly and wake renewed.
Date: 2008-07-13
From: RPH Shelter

To: Dover Oak
Miles today: 17.8

I hear that the night is darkest before the dawn. Is it bipolar rationale or is it optimistic hope when all seems hopeless? maybe it is true. Today was such a beautiful day. The most beautiful day.I woke early, feeling refreshed. I passed up offers for a free breakfast in order to get miles in before the anticipated heat wave hit. I stopped at a market 0.4 off the trail and met an ex-through hiker named Giggles who offered to treat me to breakfast. We visited and reflected on our journeys. I bought a deli sandwich and fought temptation for nearly five miles before I ate it at the first shelter. It smelled so wonderful in my pack I was certain all the animals in the land would come to see what I was up to. On a bridge I ran into a hiker I knew named Seeds. I had met him in Virginia while he was on a southbound section hike. He was the one who beat the hail storm! It was great to run into him. He and his sister were giving out cold drinks!!! Not a big deal to many but it was one of the things I was lamenting the loss of in my life.When it seemed as if the day could get no better I came across Nuclear Lake. Not a reassuring name but all the fish looked healthy, and there were no warning signs..... So I went for a swim. I floated and faffed in the water for thirty minutes or so, cool and refreshing. Cleansing.Happy.Better.I am off to find a campsite to dream about this day.
Date: 2008-07-14
From: Dover Oak

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 20.2

Okay- I found a place to camp. I had a host of cows as roomates last night. And some less appealing ones this morning. Slugs. Nearly twenty of them. Yellow ones. It had started to rain in the early morning and they must have moved in to avoid disrupting their osmotic gradient. I bumped one with my knee and he all but exploded leaving slime and dense orange stain. I packed up in a light drizzle, flicking the slugs off one by one. I wanted to die every time they withstood my efforts.I would never make it on fear factor. The rain let up but I was soaked all day hiking through wet grass.I passed the largest and oldest oak on the trail- so grand and also passed one more state line- NY/CT.NY has been great to hike in. Nice trails, beautiful streams and weaving ups and downs. It is my home state- so I cannot proceed without claiming my bias- but I found it to be kind.Plus the best subs around.I got into Kent, CT late and found much of this bedroom town to be asleep. The church that allows camping was not available, so alternative sleeping arrangements would have to be made.I ate dinner, ran into Hammer and reunited with Sampson and SuperChunk in time to enjoy some home run derby.Society feels so gluttonous and good. Tomorrow we will tend to town tasks and sloth about best we can. For now we have to find a place to sleep.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Kent, CT

To: Stony Brook Campsite
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

If this is the town of Kent reading we did not find an old repair shop, hiding a recently mowed field that was perfect to sleep in for the night. If we had, we certainly would have gotten up early to reduce the risk of trespassing charges.But none of this happened, if you the reader represent Kent CT. We are guilty of loitering. The laundry mat was declared home base. We did laundry, grocery shop, visit the post office and squeeze in both breakfast and lunch. It was 3:30 before we walked the mile back to the trail head. The heat (90+ degrees) curtailed our desire to hike, but once back in the canopy we felt cooler and much more comfortable. Kent was a beautiful town but perhaps more suited for a single person with 150k salary than a lowly thru hiker.We found a beautiful campsite along the river and slept with the coursing sounds of water lapping at its banks.Goodnight, good day.
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Stony Brook Campsite

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Dehydrated feet, cranky pete, familyI happily got some new insoles for my shoes. I had been without insoles for nearly two weeks. My feet had swollen, making any bone structure indistingushable. They were growing painful earlier and earlier in the day. Now with insoles my feet feel much better. I hope that after a few days they will return to their baseline mild discomfort. I am hopeful.It was another hot muggy day. You would think after 110+ days I would understand my hydration needs. Not today. I had done ten miles by lunch but soon realized that the liter of water had not been enough. I started to feel heavy in the waist, and remote in the ears. I sat and noted a shake in my voice and hand. I drank water and soon the boys came by. We decieded after a few more miles and a lot more rest that a short day might be best at this point.I feel much better now after 3 liters of water and a good dinner. At the campsite we met Cranky Pete, who was not cranky at all, and we all kept each other laughing.Laughter really is the best medicine. Also Aleve- pain killer, anti-inflammatory and easy (not to mention lightweight) twice a day doseing. It's all about the ounces.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Ball Brook Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A.T. Lesson number 276- if you are staying at a campsite with a name of a mountain in it and you have not climbed said mountain you should expect to do so first thing in the morning. So guess how I started my day? Yup Sharon Mountain. It was a nice climb with rewarding views and a good propulsion for the rest of the day. I watched my fluids closely and kept a good motor under my feet. There was a rumor that a shower head was located at the hydroelectric plant that hikers were welcome to use. This was true but it was outside and not concealed in the least. I hate to be a spectacle so I passed. I hiked a long a river with beautiful waterfalls. I calculated 9+ days without a shower so I decieded a quick wash in the creek was in order. There were dead crawfish floating nearby, and your basic rock fuzz was stirred up but by the end of the process my hair felt legions better.I headed into the town of Salisbury for quick resupply, battery charge and a bite to eat. I had done nearly 13 miles by noon. Salisbury is lovely but for the first time I was snubbed at an eating establishment. Other hikers say this often happens but I only had anecdotal reports. My table was not wiped clear, I did not get a menu for some time and I watched others, who had arrived after me, waited on and served first! Oh well, maybe I smelled like creek water or crawfish. They did not know I was a hiker because they inquired if I had left my lights on.Funny world. Hammer and I happily hiked out of town together. We ran into a birder who gave us some IDing tips. A beautiful day all in all.Looking forward to dinner- I packed out an avacado, plums, and Pepperidge Farm cookies to share.
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Ball Brook Campsite

To: AC and family comforts
Miles today: 0.0

Well we hiked two+ miles but none of them on the AT so they don't count for doody. Just as the weather man was running out of socially acceptable ways to say "so freaking humid you are going to die", family comes to the rescue.At the "Fort" of July Chris and Kimberly proposed one of those five variable opportunities. You know-if you are walking, and the rain falls for three hours, and stops as a dog crosses the street deals- but this one worked out!Sampson, Super Chunk and I were off the mountains and into an AC car with ten pound apple fritters in our laps before most people had started their work day. We got to shower, do laundry, sit in chairs and pet the charming pup Holden. Then Thai food and and and and......Opening Day- Batman: The Dark KnightSnap! (that's what the kids say right?) It was great. A total treat. We even got monster sodas and a bathtub sized popcorn. It was Kimberly's birthday (yippie) so she made a cake and three pies (more on that momentarily) and we all went to "The Corner Pug" (not a typo) for dinner.Well we all are pretty conked out at this point. The boys are watching Chris play Grand Theft Auto and I am tucked into bed, resting up for tomorrow's pig roast.Oh yah a pig roast you heard me right (hence all the pies and cakes). I see I have fallen back on old parenthesis habits- not ashamed.Our favorite thing all day was mentioning how hot it was and how glad we were to not be hiking. So good.Comfortable- heroes.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: AC and family comforts

To: pig roast
Miles today: 0.0

The trail has provided me with many new and unique experiences.Seeing a whole pig bound up, spinning slowly over coals was a new one for me. I was hypnotized, like a rubbernecker on a highway. I stared, glazed over (like the pig itself), and realized that I did not know this victim either. I did not watch it spin much more- a little too "Lord of the Flies" for me.The hosts were outstanding, and like all good Greeks, ultra welcoming and eager to share. Share they did- so much food and fun.I managed to sitdown 93% of the time and was entertained by the stories around me. The most effort I put forth was moving my chair to continuously stay in the shade and out of the heat. Perfect. There was even Karoke (Sampson and Superchunk were big players) that I was pleased to play the role of spectator.Chris and Kimberly drove us home like a bunch of sunkissed kids, tuckered out after a day at the beach.We watched Juno (great movie) and hit the hay.Tomorrow we hit the trail.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Hartford, CT

To: Glen Brook Lean
Miles today: 9.5

Ahhh waking from bed streching and feeling a fan blow across my face. Then it hits me, rudely like an alarm, back to the trail, back to my life- the new strange reality. We got a late start- (surprise) and got back to the trail head at noon. We then had two miles to hike (uphill!) to get to the A.T. We finished out CT with its highest peak, and then were greeted by MA by two good sized mountains.We went through the beatiful Sage Ravine, loaded with soaking pools and cascading waterfalls, and moved through the hot humid day with mild tensions. All was well by the time we reached the shelter, miles calming our nerves as we broke back into hiker mode.We tucked into the shelter and ate dinner just before the thunder and lightning hit. Cozy in "bed" I was and ready for bed.I am ready to wake an role. Some people have five year plans- I have a three day plan- I hope it ends with blueberry pancakes- but we shall see.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Glen Brook Lean

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6

Another triple H day on the trail (hazy-hot-humid) though it was cooler then days past. I got up and out and made good miles and had much of the day done by noon. I afforded myself breaks as my feet requested them and relaxed in berry fields as provided.I have been listening to the radio. After a few brief days with "Lite" music I found there were only thirty songs included in this category. As much as I love songs from aging men, with pony-tails and a keen sense of how love works (Elton John, Phil Collins, Sting, Peter Gabrel) I can only take so much. I turned away from music and tuned into NPR. I think I love a onesided conversation that I don't have to alter my hiking speed for. They never ask me questions that would expose my political and geographical ignorance. They tell me stories, give me breaking news and just may make me more informed. I also get the local weather. Very helpful.There was a great swimming spot just before the shelter where I stopped for a dip/bath/laundry. It feels so refreshing to purge the salt off your body. Cleaning the mud and dirt off your legs offers a quick rewind on your day. It is amazing how frequently we kick ourselves. Sampson and Brown Bag join me and we reluctantly climbed up on last hill to the shelter.The shelter was particularly full, section hikers are at their peek and southbounders an northbounders are colliding with greater frequency (take that with a grain of salt, there have only been 7southbounding thru hikers). I was tempted to sleep in the old empty shelter but the Mosquitos are out in force! I have only caved and used Deet twice and if I did not have to sleep in it that would be nice. I found the final, 14ber scrappy tent site and tucked in shortly after dinner.I am doing well on my three day plan, I did break rations and eat an extra poptart tonight. Plans for more swimming tomorrow...though the forecast calls for "isolated thundershows thoughout the region in the late afternoon and into the evening". At least the voices in my head seem well educated.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Sadie swim, no holds barredThe benefits of a community such as the AT community is that although we may not think as one, we all think along the same lines. These thoughts are rudimentary and fairly universally shared:1. Food2. Weather3. Rest4. Maine/Georgia5. Weight6. PeopleThat is pretty much all we think about, talk about, read about, well you get the picture. When something comes along that combines or features many or all of these items it is a real coup. This is how we came to hear, and in turn know of, the most glorious Upper Goose Pond Cabin. The Upper Goose Pond Cabin is considered a shelter on the AT and is free to hikers. It is also located .5 miles off the trail. So why would we go a mile out of the way? See items 1-6 above. It is a full cabin, with beds, hints of a blueberry pancake breakfast (coffee too), friendly caretaker and swimming and canoes! How can you argue? With storms forecasted for the afternoon I wanted to get in, swim, and keep dry- well outside the swimming- I wanted it to be on my terms. I put the pedal to the metal and made it before three.The rain hit at six or so and two sopping wet south-bounders dripped in. One of them knew me, and I her! It had been 15 years since I had seen Sadie and here she was in the middle of nowhere with me. I told you this place was not to be missed!
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: moderate rain

A wonderful nights sleep well out of the rain, followed by scrumptious pancakes AND coffee made going out into the continuing weather even more difficult. Many people didn't, having decided that this was a fine place to dilly dally and take a zero. I myself loitered for some time but I took back control over my three day plan and marched off into the rain. Sampson followed, as did Superchunk, although both a little reluctantly.The motive? Maine and town, and the prospect of a warm house and shower. The tipping point- news that tomorrow was going to rain- even harder- making the trail one messy path to splash through.Our sites were set on Dalton, for a home nicknamed "The Birdcage" that was somewhere in town. A little vague but hope sprung like the water out of our boots and we got into town around seven. After asking around we felt we must be getting close when all of a sudden a van pulled over and told us to hop in, we were going to dinner! I guess we had found it just in the nick of time. The house was full of new as well as some familiar faces. Strange Habit was there, I was so happy to see her, she makes me laugh. She ducked out that evening (while I was in that hot shower) without letting me smoother her with goodbye hugs! Too tricky she is, I hope she enjoys hiking with her family these next few days.I will sleep like a log in my clean skin, clean clothes, and full belly. Happy chicken. Plus my Dad is coming tomorrow.The hike today was actually fairly momentous for me. The impetus to my AT interest is the Mass Pike over-pass. A section of trail that probably annoys most hikers- zooming cars and roaring trucks- brought me nearly to tears of joy and a great feeling of accomplishment.From a highway to the foot path of the east. Go AT!
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Dalton, MA

To: Albany
Miles today: 0.0

I slept like a log! Mattresses- what a beautiful concept. My Dad, one of the finest arm chair hikers I know, was coming to visit. This would be the closest place I would alight to home. It was great to see him, give and get hugs and still be in my alternate parallel. The trail is just that- running along next to your life, but separate, different in so many ways. When you hit one of those intersecting lines, you know the ones that will form equal opposite angles, it is thrilling to get the sense of how close those two worlds can be. Sometimes what is more striking is that binding line.Psycobabble!? Maybe, early morning flow of consciousness- definately.Our choice to zero was easy, my Dad's visit, combined with The Birdcage's hospitality made things clear enough. Add the atomic rain storm outside- just confirmation that we are psycic geniuses. My Dad pulled a major hero, driving us around town and then me clear to Albany to get my iPhone replaced. I would of lost all of my photos if we hadn't acted when we did. Hero, champion of the trail, Dad.All this rain recently has been driving the fungis out from their lares. With colors that seem to have been borrowed from Floridian interior design, they light up the forest floor. Crayola yellows and citrus greens mingle with lipstick reds and oranges more vibrant than any sunset. There are pure white stalks and black wrinkled tops that push out in clusters, looking like wise men at confrence, traveling to this sun stained world to settle great disputes.Pretty amazing. The only negative thing is the joke that plays and replays in my head about the mushroom at the bar demanding service because he was a fun guy... Bahda ching!The rain continues, tomorrow we should hike.
Date: 2008-07-25
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepel Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7

Q&A (not T&A)Lady Cluck what are you wearing, in detail?Oh my, well ruffle my feathers! Let's start at the toes.Shoes- Montrail Hardrocks (sadly not gore tex) a full size larger than normal shoe, in wide. I love these so so so much.Inserts- orthotics made through my podiatrist. This has saved my knees and feet. Soft sol insert- cheap five dollar blue cushions- great. I have tried many variations, these suit me the best.Socks- darn tough ankle high. I wear out the heels, not so tough. I have worn out three pairs, they replace them but I just want them to last. They are comfortable and they breathe well.Gaitors- OR rocky mountain low gators. They keep the debris out, keep my feet cleaner and ward away the ticks. Not too many people wear gaitors but those who do would never go without.Cho-pat knee brace- 80% on the left 20% on the right. Minimal knee pain resultantly. I would recommend to anyone with wonky knees.Shorts- Columbia dirt brown nylon shorts. Fastest drying ever, drawstring for the various waist sizes I tote around and a good amount of inseam to prevent the dreaded chaffe!!!Shirt- hind tank top- this shirt is going all the way. Broad shoulders and a high neck and back limit rubbing on exposed skin from the pack.Bandana- pink, bandit style, around my neck everyday and on cool nights. This will be a hard habit to break.Visor- #1 grandma the boys call it, but I call it a dream come true. Sun in your eyes? Nope. Hair on your face? Nope. It keeps my head cool, the sweat back and the rain off my mug. I don't need sunscreen for my face, nor sunglassses, and no need for a comb when the visor does it all!Hair elastic- wear one, carry one spare. It keeps my hair in it's duck tail.Pack and Poles- as always.A nice hike with Bus Driver (VW that is) and Sampson. We took a long luxurious lunch and stopped early so we could climb Mt. Greylock in the morning light.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Mark Noepel Lean-to

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Visitors from another planet (or there are mountains in them there hills).I woke this morning, after a chilly but dry night, and faced Mt. Greylock. I can only imagine that the number of mountains with light houses on them is limited so I knew this would be a unique summit.It was beautiful. Hazy but beautiful. I was excited to get down to North Adams and see my friends Annika and Carl. They were driving up from Boston to visit and do some camping."You look like you are in a hurry to get hurt." And so I was. I tripped, slamming my knee hard into a rock. Owwwww! Quickly I wrapped it to limit swelling and I gobbled down some aleve. It was ten fussy minutes before I could walk on it. Ah life on the trail. I was glad to be able to relax it this afternoon, I think by tomorrow I should be back to 80%.Annika, Carl and I found a great place for the most deliscious salad and then headed to Mass MoCA (museum of contempory art) for some liesurely perusing.We headed out to the campsite and Carl built a fire and grilled us a storm. We tucked in late, but satisfied with the day. The rain has just started and thunder rocks off in the distance.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

Oh mahy gosh! Did it ever stormble out last night! Lightning flashes so frequent I never did see in all my life! And thunder and rain. And rain. So much rain.I woke Hiccups and Handsome (Annika and Carl) up and bid them farewell with many thanks. I headed out to hike, and hopefully meet up with Sampson. I didn't end up doing much hiking though. What did I do all day then? Splashed and waded through rivers than ran through the trail. I tried to avoid the mud and rivers but there was not point to that project. Sort of liberating to just jump on in. Only moments after I gave up trying to stay dry we crossed under a beaver dam. You read that right, under. The water level was at our shoulders and the planks there to help keep our feet dry where 7-10 inches under water.I crossed into Vermont and resolved to go into town. At the shelter 3 miles from town we nabbed Cosby, and Bus Driver too. It didnt take much convincing. My feet are wetter than ever. The bottom of my pack is wet from splashes! Crazy.Out goes my thumb, I am headed to town with four soggy hiking friends.