morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Stealth Camp atop Bear Mountain

To: Joanne & Ed's House, VT 103
Miles today: 4.6

I woke up early, packed up, ate a quick breakfast and headed out. I didn't pass any good campsites, so I was glad I had claimed the spot that I had. There's always a moment when choosing a campsite when you wonder if there is something better just around the corner. I passed several hikers coming up the hill I was headed down. Each one asked me if there was a road a few miles away. I said that there was, but it seemed curious to me that they would all have the same concern. Curious. The morning hike flew by, and before I knew it I was down at Claredon Gorge. I was about 45 mins early, and there was a great looking swimming hole. Yep, I'd have to test this one out. I walked down to the water's edge. I stuck my hand in the water. My, it was cold! But I felt that I had to get in this deep pool anyway. I shed my clothes and hobbled on tender feet down to the water. I eased in. Yow-ee! I lasted 15 seconds tops. I'd taken me 10 times as long to get undress. I didn't dunk my head. I climbed right back out and got dressed again. I tettered across the narrow, swaying suspension bridge. I'm sure it was perfectly safe, but it had me nervous. I got up to the parking lot. There was a pile of trail magic, and I was tempted to dig in. But I knew that my family was there to meet me, and it seemed selfish to take something when I was about to live the life of luxury. I saw two women standing across the way. I called out to ask if they were Joanne & Patty. They were! Yeah! We hugged and chatted. I threw my pack in the back of the car. They pointed to the trail magic and said that they had been the ones who put it out. I was really glad that I hadn't grabbed any of it!Back at Joanne & Ed's house, I took a shower, ate a great lunch, and tore through my boxes. I had seven waiting on me. I tried on the new boots. The Montrails I'd been waiting on were too small. The Merrills were a big too long and too narrow. Darn. I'll give the Merrills a-go, but I'm not really satisfied with either of them. I laid my winter gear out. I was happy to have it, but it certainly looked heavy. I washed all my clothes, and Patty joined us for dinner. It's so nice to get to meet Tom's family. Also, Joanne offered to slack pack me on Sunday. Woohoo! So I'll have ANOTHER night in a bed AND get some big miles in. It will give my knees a day off from schlepping that big pack around.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Joanne & Ed's House, VT 103

To: Joanne & Ed's House, VT 103
Miles today: 0.0

I slept soooo well last night. I didn't get up until almost 8 a.m. Joanne had breakfast waiting on me. Blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, fresh blueberries and bacon. I wolfed it down. Yum. Tom called, and we had a nice chat. I organized my boxes and cleaned out my pack. I sent home my hiking skirt, t-shirt and sleep shorts. I'm trying to shed some weight where I can. I even sent home my beloved town dress, a testament to my determination. I'm also sending home my worn out boots. We drove to Castleton and managed to get the stuff in the mail just as the post-office was closing. Then we headed to Patty's house, and she treated us to a delicious lunch. Back at Joanne's, I settled in front of the computer with a bag of homemade cookies and munched away while I typed. I've still got 5 entries to go, but hopefully I can get those knocked out tonight when I get back from the slack pack.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Stealth camp @ Kinsman Notch, NH 112

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5

I didn't sleep great, but I don't really know why. It didn't matter. We rendez-vous-ed outside the privy in the parking lot. The morning mist still hung tight on the tops of the hills. The sharp toothy spruce looked like rows of dark sharks' teeth. The fog cleared enough to see the cut of the waterfall we'd followed down the evening before. The morning started with a heart-thumbing climb. I didn't really pay attention, but the trail just climbed and climbed. Our little four-person team talked and laughed, told stories and jokes. It made the time pass, but not the miles. It didn't feel that we were going slow, but the miles refused to pass without a fight. We stopped at a fat, rounded rock big enough to fit the four of us. There was a vista, but it was hiding behind a solid white wall that only allowed for brief glimpses. We talked to several hikers as they passed. Walking Stick passed by and joined our party. He's such a kind, funny soul; I was glad he decided to stop. He led our little hiking train when we set off, and with him as a pacer, we moved faster. There was plenty of mud to slosh through and plenty of rocks to scramble over and through, and I enjoyed every second of it. I think it's a combination of having great company and hiking shorter miles. I don't feel pressured to hike double digit miles, so now the rock scrambles feel like part of the hike rather than obstacles. Initially, we'd planned to make it to Kinsman Pond Shelter, but it was still four miles away, and there was still a super difficult (one of the most difficult hikes to date, we'd been told) climb leading up to it. It was only 3:30, but we made a group decision to stop for the day at Eliza Brook Shelter. Walking Stick joined Sweetpea and Oaks, and they continued on. I know it's early, but I LOVE the idea of having relaxing "camp" time. I took a river bath. I wrote some postcards. I had an early dinner. We sat around and talked and laughed and told stories. I've almost wet my pants laughing several times. Badger and Walkhard showed up and joined the laughter. There was a large group from Brown that was out on a outdoor leadership trip. We watched them bat a pinata. They shared some of their candy with us. Our current plans for tomorrow are to get up early and be on the trail by 6:30. It's supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, so we'd like to be up and over Kinsman by the time the rain hits. Also, I texted with Dreamer, and hopefully she and Chad can meet up with us tomorrow night in Lincoln. Woohoo!
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Rental house in Glen, NH, Crawford Notch

To: Rental house in Glen, NH, Crawford Notch
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a typical zero day in an atypical location. After a cup of coffee, I set up shop in the leather arm chair with matching ottoman. Anita's laptop perched on my lap. I have 10 days worth of trail journals to catch up on, so I don't expect to do much else. I stopped periodically to eat, chat and pee. But then it was right back to work. I darted across the road to do a quick resupply. It's hard to believe that we're headed up Mt. Washington. I'm so glad that we're not attempting it today. Our area is under a flash flood watch. Hopefully the weather will get all this rain out of its system so that we'll have something to see from the top. The forecast is for some pretty cold temperatures at the higher elevations; we're talking below freezing. Which I can't help but think, Oh shit. This again?Oak and Hipsy Gypsy treated us to some amazing food: hamburgers with bacon and fresh guacamole. And pasta with marinara sauce and sweet Italian sausage. I haven't gotten any exercise in, so it's sitting in stomach like a ton of bricks. Oh well, it was so good that it was worth the discomfort. When I'm eating dehydrated food tomorrow, I'll be all the more grateful for the feast we enjoyed today.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel

To: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

When I woke up this morning I made a vow to myself. I would spend my entire day in my pink flannel PJs. And I did. I found the matching top which made for a nice 3-piece suit. I wore it to town. To the coffee shop. To Walmart. Back to the hostel. I wore them laying in bed hen-pecking away at the keyboard on my phone trying to bring my journal up to speed. I wore them while I chatted on the phone. I've grown attached to these pink striped PJs with black cats and wrapped Christmas gifts. Several townspeople commented on how bright they are. I'll miss them when I leave tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: The Stratton Motel, ME 27

To: The Stratton Motel, ME 27
Miles today: 0.0

After all the beer last night, I was prepared for a hangover. Instead I just had to settle for a restless night's sleep. I woke up around 1:00 am, and I flipped and flopped until 2:30 or so. I wondered if Tom was officially home. I waited for a phone call, but it didn't come. I woke up again at 6:30, and I knew I was awake for the day. I took out my phone and started journaling away. I tried to open the curtains, but no matter which way I opened them a ray of light beamed in on Walking Stick's head. He pulled a pillow over his head and didn't say a thing. I felt bad; it's not often he treats himself to a hotel room. I decided to take my journaling over to the White Wolf Cafe. I sat down at a booth table, plugged in my phone and pondered the menu. I realized that I'll miss going to restaurants with meal options such as the "Hiker Breakfast" that features 4 eggs anyway, a 1/2 lb of homestyle potatoes and veggies. And not only that, but I'll miss seriously considering ordering such options. The cafe was already hopping with hikers and more filtered in. Hobo came in while I was finishing up breakfast, and he joined me at the table. We discussed the days to come and came to the conclusion that I should probably hike on. I'll miss my trio, and there's a good chance that we'll still hike in the same bubble, but I'm pretty focused on getting to Tom, and that's an unnecessary stresser on everyone else.I kept on writing until it was time to head off for massages. Hobo hooked us up with massages at the Sugarloaf ski resort. Oh yeah. It was a lovely treat. Finally around 1:00 pm I got the phone call I've been waiting for. It was Tom! He's home and well and busy trying to get out lives sorted. He was left to tie up all the loose ends that I'd planned to get tied up before he got home. :/ Poor guy. I got my food resupply done and was thrilled to see Pressure-D and Tough Cookie again. They've only been a day behind us for a while. There was a lot more writing, a phone call with Mom & Dad, more writing, a phone call with Tom, more writing, eating dinner, and now more writing. The weather forecast for tomorrow is pretty terrible, we're under a flash flood watch. I'd planned to hike out first thing in the morning, but I think I'll wait around to see what happens. I'll hit the Bigalows first thing, and from what I've heard, it's not a range you want to face in the rain if you can help it.So now Walking Stick and I are watching a show about kittens on the Animal Channel. Why not. Okay, I'm pooped. Sweet dreams.
Date: 2013-10-02
From: White House Landing, Mahar Rd. 

To: White House Landing, Mahar Rd.
Miles today: 0.0

I slept pretty terribly last night. Our bed was probably the most uncomfortable bed I think I've ever slept in. Anywho, we were up for coffee and breakfast. Poppins was already at the breakfast table. We had eggs, bacon, english muffins and all-you-can-eat blueberry pancakes. I was surprised by how hungry I was, especially after last night's 1 lb hamburger. Afterwards, we talked to Bill about his off-shore fishing charters down in Florida. Then we meandered over to the hammock and stretched out in our matching outfits. We talked and relaxed. We didn't move for over an hour. Heaven. Then we headed over to our porch and sat there for a long time. I wrote on my journals. We headed back to the Lodge to split a pizza for lunch then headed back to the porch. I took a little swim, but the wind had picked up so it was even chiller than yesterday. I washed some more clothes, and then me moved to a different porch swing to sit for awhile longer. It was amazingly relaxing. A section hiker, Squire, showed up on his way to be shuttled out. He came over to visit with us, since we seemed incapable of moving out of our chairs. Three thru-hikers- The Voice, Rabbit and Indy- joined the mix. We visited with them, and shared some beers that we'd had Linda pick up for us. Another thru-hiker Midway, stopped in for a resupply and then headed back out. Somehow we managed to make enough room in our stomachs for a pizza and 1 lb hamburger. Afterwards, we sat on the porch and watched the stars again. I like looking at the stars with Tom.
Date: 2013-10-29
To: Reintegration
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a little over three weeks since I summitted Katahdin. The physical and psychological effects of the trail continue to reveal themselves to me. Physically, I'm shocked by how "beat up" I still feel. I stopped taking anti-inflammatories as soon as I finished the hike. I was taking taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen and 440 mg of naproxen a day, but I quit cold turkey as soon as I summitted. It took a few days for all the meds to work their way out of my system, and after they did, Woooweee! I could barely walk. My knees and ankles screamed. Just standing still was incredibly uncomfortable, much less trying to negoiate stairs or even just standing up. I felt like Nancy Kerrigan after Tanya Harding got ahold of her. And even now, I have a pretty signifcant "hiker hobble." I try to always wear shoes with good ankle and arch support, but even then after a few minutes I'm limping about. I had my right ankle looked at by a doctor, had an MRI done, and I'm waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon to have fluid drawn out of the joint. That should be fun. But at least nothing appears to be broken or torn. I've been trying to slowly work my way back into a workout routine, but finding exercise that doesn't hurt has been a challenge. I've found my way back into a yoga mat, but my ailing ankles and feet have caused me to modify even some of the most "basic" positions. It's quite humbling. I've started swimming again, but again, my right ankle objects to the "kicking" motion, so I'm not able to swim as aggressively as I'm used to. I've tried the eliptical machine, but the pressure on my feet usually leaves me limping afterwards. I ride stationary bike which causes some discomfort in my knees, but so far it seems to be the best cardio option I've found. I'm constantly fighting the urge to eat a handful of painkillers and head out for a hike. To make it all the more interesting, my metabolism is all out of wack. I'd heard that hikers often gain weight afterwards, but I seem to be an over-achiever in this realm. The bathroom scales say that I've added 6 lbs since I've gotten home. Ahhhhh!!! And my clothes seem to back that up that claim. So, this whole physical reintegration has been a bit of a struggle. Pyschologically I think I'm fairing a lot better. I certainly miss the trail, and I miss my friends. In fact, everytime I see someone with a beard I scrutinize their face to see who it is. Then I remember that I'm not on the trail anymore. It's a bit of a let down, but I also find it funny. I've come to realize that the trail has changed me in very positive ways. I find that I'm much less judgemental and far more accepting. I see it most prevalently in my relationship with Tom. Former points of contension seem to have dissolved away into obsolescence. They say that if you have anything to sort out in your head, by the end of the trail you'll have them sorted. Well, I'm happy to report, they (whoever "they" are) were right.
Date: 2014-01-15
To: The AT Ruined me
Miles today: 0.0

It's been 101 days since I finished the trail, and life keeps chugging along. I am almost 2 weeks post-op. My MRI came back showing two sizeable bone chips floating around my right ankle (but no real idea where they broke off from). But they are out now, and I'm happy to be rid of them. My knees are starting to feel somewhat normal again, but my ankles and feet still snap, crackle and pop in ways they hadn't before the hike. I wonder if they'll ever be the same. In the words of Hobo, "the AT ruined me." I say this all with a light heart. Yes, I still ache, and no, I'm not sure that physically ever be the same, but I would do it all again tomorrow given the chance. The AT ruined me.As I follow along on the AT Class of 2014's Facebook page, reading the questions, responses, angsts, gear deliberations I feel a mixture of excitement and sadness. Excitement because I've been there. The lead up to launch: what to bring, what to leave behind, when to start, where and how to poop in the woods, what to do if you meet a weirdo, and so on. Sometimes I chuckle, sometimes I shake my head- at the questions and to my own reaction. Not so long ago I was still asking those same questions, and now somehow I have the answers (must.restrain.self.from.being.a.know-it-all.) The AT ruined me.Sadness because my 15 minutes (or six months, two weeks, and six days) in the spotlight is over. The next group is at the starting gates, chomping at the bit, ready to try out their trail legs (heck, some have probably already started). My mind spins as the rapid turnover- from thru-hiker to AT'13. That was quick! The AT ruined me.To the AT Class of 2014, I wish you all the best of luck. May the Appalachian Trail gods smile down on you and send you beautiful weather. But watch out, the AT will ruin you.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Pittsburgh

To: Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

I guess this is the start of my Appalachian trail journal. This summer I'll be hiking the AT starting on May 15th in Georgia at springer mountain and ending August 16th hopefully at Mt Katahdin in Maine. I've spent the last few months researching and learning and training and purchasing all the gear I'll need to get me along the 2000 mile trail. Today I flew down to Georgia with my mum and tomorrow I'll start my hike.Georgia has been amazing so far. Nice people, good food, and great views. We're staying at the hiker hostel, a little place that caters to AT thru hikers. I've checked all my gear a half dozen times and I'm pretty sure I haven't forgotten anything, but if I have the trail well definitely let me know!My plan is to write every night and upload it all every few days when I'm in town. right now everything feels great and I can't wait to get this party started!Day 0, mile 0.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Sassafrass Mountain
Miles today: 11.5

Day 1. 11.5 miles today, 11.5 miles total. Sassafras mountain.Whew what a day! woke up this morning at about 7 and had breakfast at 8 at the hiker hostel with the other hikers. Grits and eggs and pancakes are a great easy to start off the day!got to the trail head at amicalola falls at about 9 30 and began the hike after signing the register of thru hikers. Mum hiked with me for an hour or so before we said our goodbyes. The approach hike top the start of the trail on the top of springer mountain is about 8 miles and took around 4 hours at a nice slow pace. After that it was all pretty easy hiking for the rest of the afternoon.I stopped by the hawk mountain shelter and chatted for a bit with some other hikers, but there must have been atleast a dozen hikers there so I hiked another hour before finding a spot on sassafras mountain and got my tent set up just as the sun set. Turns out it hadn't dried as much as i thought it had and is still a touch damp.yuck.It was a big hiking day totaling 20.3 miles with 11.5 of that on the AT itself. Pushing the original plan of two 15 to 20 mile days to start followed by three 20 to 25 mile days, and after that the training wheels come off!Weather was good and hot all day, got a touch of sunburn. The body and legs and feet all feel great, hopefully there isn't too much soreness in the morning. Saw some Turkeys today and gobbled at them for a bit as they gobbled their way down the hillside.Met a bunch of awesome people today but because of my pace I probably won't see them again. Lots of people are taking their sweet time, hiking as little as five miles a day. I'm glad there your here enjoying the hike but I know I would wanna go faster!Time for bed now! My hope is all the bears are too lazy to climb this mountain to try and eat me!Day 1. 11.5 miles today, 11.5 miles total. Sassafras mountain.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Sassafrass Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 20.2

Day 2, 20.2 miles, 31.7 miles total.pretty slow day from the start, woke up at 6 40 and hit the trail by 7 10. the ligament ontop of my left big toe was hurting and stayed sore through most of the day. The weather was cool, cloudy and breezy all morning, perfect t shirt and shorts hiking weather. Got a bit hotter towards the end of the afternoon, but still bearable.Covered twenty miles today to mountain crossings at neels gap. Staying at neels gap now with some neat guys. I met Jeff at the top of blood mountain, 2 miles before neels gap. Beautiful views from the top of the mountain!Jeff is a neat guy, did peace corp in Nepal and owns his own IT company now. His oldest son played D 1 football and him and his youngest are hiking the tallest mountain in each state which is pretty neat. He's out hiking for a few days from woodys gap to Unicoi gap. We might hike together tomorrow for a while. Also met a guy who is hiking the AT to kill time until he heads to north Dakota to work in the oil fields up there. Third guy is doing a month hike to Damascus. we've chatted a bit about hiking styles and skills.the feet and Achilles are a bit sore but hopefully they feel good in the morning. so far I'm still yet to meet anyone with a lighter pack than me or anyone who has been hiking faster than me. At amicalola falls I was hiker number 1098 but here at neels gap I'm in the low 800s. Guess lots of people have been dropping out.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 3, 18.5 miles, 50.5 total.Got a decent night of sleep in the hostel. Better than the guy who was sleeping nearby outside and had his pack attacked in the middle of night by a bear that then chased him back in to the shelter! He was bear bagging his food and everything, but the bear must have smelled something in his bag and so he ripped open a side pocket.Started the morning hiking with Jeff at a pretty slow pace. By noon we had only done 7 miles despite starting before 8 am. We picked it up in the early afternoon as the trail flattened out, and at around 2 I passed him as he took a longer break at the Low Shelter. Made good time the rest of the afternoon and pulled into blue mountain shelter where I decided to crash for the night with a bunch of great people. Mick is from Indy and we talked a fair bit about some of my lighter weight great choices. Also meet kingfisher who is hiking with his dog Osceola. He had some really light stuff, nice and cuben fiber. also meet joker and shutterbug from Florida. joker was a funny guy and shutterbug took a ton of pictures. Chuckwagon also got his trail name as he had nearly 20 pounds of food with him! there are others too and I feel bad for not remembering their names, but it was nice to chat with all of them for a few hours. I answered a bunch of questions about my gear and hiking plans.Tomorrows a big day with some brutal ups and downs to start the day, after which it will flatten out. There's some rain forecast and it feels overdue. Three straight days of gorgeous weather is asking too much from the trail gods! My body is feeling good, with just a small blister between my big and pointer toe which I duct taped up quickly. Gotta get those hotspots early!I'm hoping I can do 25 tomorrow but regardless I'm in a bit of a pickle with 2 days of food and 3 days until the really good resupply point. I might have to hitch at day 1.5 to resupply, so we'll see how that goes. Still haven't had any cell service, though I've tried at the top of just about every mountain. Curse you cheap sprint leftover knockoff cell service! Maybe tomorrow I can finally reach the outside world and upload this stuff. Which reminds me I need to set up a trailjournals.com account. Which reminds me I might have gotten a trail name today. Joker said speedy, while shutterbug said runner. We'll see if either one sticks.