morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-30
From: Zealand Hut

To: Crawford Notch, Rt 302
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

(Plus 2.8 miles from parking lot to Zealand Hut, for total of 10.5)Sunny morning, I slept the sleep of the exhausted hiker and woke up rested and ready to hike. We ate breakfast from our own supplies, and headed out to spot cars, a somewhat lengthy operation since we wanted to do a northbound slack, not the most convenient to set up.The hike up to the hut on the Zealand trail was a total cruise, and very beautiful. Much flat path, and lovely ponds, forest and ridge views on this very sunny morning. This is a great hike for visiting relatives, with much bang for the buck - not strenuous, lots of great NH scenery, and a nice hut to visit next to a stream flowing over smooth rock slabs - very nice.After lunch we headed down the Ethan Pond trail (AT) which is for several miles an old railroad bed and very flat and fast. The last half is more rocky and rooty, and less flat, so slower. We stopped at Thoreau Falls which is another smooth carved rock streambed, with enough water tumbling by to be very soothing and lovely.Although it was relatively smooth, fast trail, by late afternoon we were tiring and were glad to get to the end of the section. Our reservations at the Highland Center included dinner at 6pm and there was a little worry for a while whether we could retrieve the other car, check in, clean up and be seated in time. But it worked out. It was, frankly, great to have this be the worst of our worries today...The forecast by dinnertime was for rain tomorrow which gratified us - we had decided to take a zero since Certain's friend, Incessant,was coming up, and AM and I would be taking a few days to see respective relatives and friends as well. So ends this chapter until more plans get made. I had a great time on these last three hikes and hope to fit in some more before the summer is over.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Another section hike in NH coming up - Auntie Mame got to my house in Waterville around 10am and we were off, driving through gorgeous Maine summer countryside across the state line to Gorham, to meet Certain and Incessant at the Town & Country Motor Inn. En route we indulged in ice cream at Gifford's in Farmington and burgers at Burger King in Gorham, figuring that we'd earn them the next few days.Great to see Michele and Karen again, and to be gathering ourselves for another rugged section - the Wildcats and Carter range, from Rt. 16 at Pinkham Notch to Rt 2. I've put this one off, fearful of it's steepness, so I guess this is the time to do it - good friends and decent condition, what more do I want!?So, Mame and I are sharing a room which until a few moments ago was strewn with the contents of our exploded packs for the final sort-through and decision making about exactly what and how much stuff needs to go along on this 2 night, three day leg.I know some hikers just gallop over this 22-odd-mile section in one or two days, but that is unlikely in our case. Time to wind down and hit the hay - more news tomorrow from on the trail.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carter Notch Hut, NH
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Up early so we could get to Pinkham Notch and get started by 7:30. Karen kindly drove us - it was foggy, cloudy and not too promising, but the report was good, save for a chance of afternoon thundershowers. We shall see.Our goal was to camp near Carter Notch if we couldn't get reservations at the hut. I had emailed yesterday to inquire, but had no answer before we left this morning. I was somewhat anxious about the uncertainty, but fortunately we were hiking with Certain, who assured me it would all work out Although it was a mere 6 miles, the hike up Wildcat E, D, C, B and A took us until 2:30. We stopped for lunch at the ski lift area on Peak E at 11am, by which time the sun was out, warm, breezy and good views. Several people were strolling around the summit area having come up in the gondola. We met a group of guys backpacking who were about our age - this is always cheering. This is a slow, slow section. Roots, rocks, up, down, pick pick pick. Absolutely no striding along, no rhythm possible. I was super glad to be in hiking condition - the uphills were tedious but not gasping, if you get the picture. It would have been impossible for me any other time.So the afternoon grew sunnier despite the chance of thunderstorms that made me tense - and we came to a group of totally lovely little campsites which were outside the 1/4 mile no-camping radius around the hut, and we immediately recognized our home for the night. Oh, at one point Certain was able to call Karen on her cell phone and have Karen check the email, only to find out the AMC had only one vacancy at Carter Hut, so that settled the question of lodging - camping it was.Marcia and I were sharing the Double Rainbow tarptent, like we did in March, in the interests of going as light weight as possible for this section. It was fun setting up - reminded me of the early months of the thruhike. I did, however, switch at the last minute before we left, from my 45f quilt to the 25f mummy bag, since it was real crisp at 6am and is supposed to get quite cool the next few days.Fixed a sandwich for supper, having shorted myself a dinner and a breakfast, thinking we might end up in the hut, but it turned out I had ample food. The five guys we saw at Wildcat arrived and camped nearby. Turned out they were from Atlanta, section hiking for the 10th year in a row. They only have from here to Katahdin left to do.I fell into bed as soon as it got darkish, and later on thunder and lightning started up - never got too close, to my great relief. It rained lightly for some time, but also never terribly hard, so it didn't splash mud all over, or swamp us or flood the stakes out of the ground. All well at Carter Notch.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Rt 2, Gorham NH

To: Rt 2, Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Slept great, at the Town& Country Motor Inn, and Auntie Mame and I drove over to the White Mt. Cafe in Gorham for good coffee and maple danish, which we deeply enjoyed as we pored over our maps at a corner table. The next leg of this journey is the Mahoosucs, from Rt. 2 in Gorham to Rt. 26 in Grafton Notch, ME. I have hiked both ends of this section, and the middle, but still have two 5-mile bits to hike. The Mahoosuc Notch - to - Old Speck summit will be my last section to complete the AT in the state of Maine, so I look forward to having good company for this momentous event. Time to lay out all the existing food, sort through it, decide what else is needed, make a list, and go to the grocery store. We are planning 5 days, 4 nights but thinking it might be one day and night less - would rather have enough food than too little. The pace in the last section was so slow, even in our good condition, that we are inclined to err in the direction of overestimating the time at this point. Off to the Shaw's grocery, and to the laundromat with everyone's dirty clothes. I enjoy, oddly enough, the laundromat scene, where the project is clearly defined and completely do-able. And it's a little like waiting for people at the airport - you get to sit there, doing nothing, for a good reason. A cross between meditative and amusing, watching people and occasionally chatting.As I nipped in to the Rite Aid, I saw a hiker loading his pack outside the door. I found out he was Superchunk, NOBO, and in need of a lift back to Pinkham Notch. I had the time, so was able to drive him there, in the process having a great time catching up on hikers we knew in common: Bones, Bus Driver, Brad & Aggie, Kyonite & Sunkist, etc. Felt great to hear about everybody, and to feel a little bit part of it all again.Back at the motel I wrote more journal entries, which take time that is easy to let slip away. I especially admire the devotion with which Certain tends her journal - she is incredibly disciplined about doing this EVERY day, almost no matter how tired she is, or how rough the day. Amazing. Speaking of tired, it was obvious to Certain that another zero would be optimal, so we have decided to start the Mahoosucs on 8/23. Since we've all done most of our chores today, it'll be nice to just relax tomorrow with little pressure to get things done.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Rt 2, Gorham NH

To: Rt 2, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This morning, AM and I drove around to the Grafton Notch trailhead to leave my car so we could get back at the end of the hike. This turned out to be a longish drive of some 40 miles, plus several miles of construction along Rt. 2 - took us an hour to get over there. As we drove back to Gorham, the Sunday River Brewing Company drew us in for a wonderful burger and salad, and the best IPA I've had in years. In the spirit of a true day off, we also stopped for ice cream in West Bethel - perfect!It is getting to be late August, and the experience the other day with a cold morning and insufficient clothing told me I had better think through the clothing situation for the Mahoosuc leg. So I switched the thin tights for powerstretch tights, and put in the micropuff pullover instead of the powerstretch top. Made sure the gloves and warm hat were in there. AM is planning to hammock, so I will bring my single person Tarptent Rainbow. This is the lightest weight arrangement, with 25f bag and an inflatable mat, for the most warmth. After naps, we all convened this time at Saladino's, the Italian restaurant in Gorham, for supper. I was delighted with the food and the service. Incredibly good Caprese salad with big ripe tomato slices, fresh mozarella all soft and delicate, good olive oil, fresh basil leaves and homemade garlic bread toast, and a perfect shrimp cocktail with four fat gulf shrimp and very piquant cocktail sauce, and a glass of chianti. (You're wondering now how these people can afford to eat like this - well, I had saved up for a thru-hike that got cut short, and still have some funds left, that's how come these restaurants and motels are possible at this point.) Tomorrow, the Mahoosucs!
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh my, turning around from a 6-month leave is sort of like turning an ocean liner around - slow going. Since I live in Maine I will likely hike more sections before the end of the year, but that wonderful chunk of time dedicated to Appalachian Trail progress is nearly up. Who knew it would be so compelling? It's a different world, a different culture, with new people and dramas and demands and amazements. New difficulties, challenges and disappointments, too. The works. When AM and I got off the trail in mid-June, I went into a definite decline which took several weeks to lift. Probably this had a lot to do with the sudden stop in the high level of physical activity as well as the culture shock of moving from one complete system to another. And I have a marvelous home life! It gives me a lot of compassion for hikers who are leaving the trail and do not have a home, or people or good work to go back to. Then, in July and August we got the chance to hike sections in NH with Certain. This was so exciting to me, and so very fun, and so spirit-lifting, to go back onto the trail for some serious hiking. Once I am "out there", on the trail, I become absorbed in that world, where I feel like I fit, am competent, happy, capable. It was so wonderful to meet other hikers who we had met in the early months, and even to talk with new hikers and discover that we all knew the same people. The funny thing now is that I feel like an outsider in my "own" life! As I turn the ship around and sail toward my former life - work, friends, activities - it seems to be taking so much more time than I had imagined. I have set tasks for myself, like arranging all the hiking supplies into a less prominent array - still handy, but not spread all over the spare room - and getting all the work clothes out of the closet and trying things on and seeing what still fits. Also, I've plunged into some household chores that have needed doing, and the concrete nature of painting, for example, has been refreshing. All these practical tasks parallel the emotional/psychological task of taking up my non-hike life again. And then, after the most recent section in the Mahoosucs, which got cut short, I realized I HAD to bite the bullet and GO HOME. Every time I am out on the trail, I get back into that life, and it's like I have to re-adjust all over again when I get back. This didn't used to be a big problem as a section hiker, but it has become one now that I've had the experience of really LIVING out there.So, when AM and Certain called to implore me to join them for Mahoosuc Notch - "just one more hike!" - I laid awake much of the night stressing about the pros and cons, and finally realized that I needed to "just say no", in the interests of being ready for work on Monday. It won't do to show up in person but be mentally miles away.I'll write again when I get a chance to hike a little more AT, or when more deep thoughts bubble to the surface...!
Date: 2009-02-18
To: 2008 Hike Summary, part 1b
Miles today: 0.0

A few more summary comments on practical matters:Bounce Boxes: I really liked having a bounce box with various little things in it when I got to a town - especially a clean shirt, underwear and shorts, and a clean nightshirt - but it also is a pain to have to pick up (unless it's sent to your hostel or motel), and go through, and repack, and send out again. The nightshirt was such a luxury - cotton t-shirt type that felt wonderful after days of stinky nylon. But it's a close call whether the hassle of dealing with the box was amply made up for or not by that luxury.More on Food: Instant mashed potatoes was a staple for me, I'm not a rice person. They rehydrate easily without needing a full boil, which is handy. English muffins turn out to be fantastic for sandwiches, carry well and are efficiently shaped, but curiously are hard to find in many of the stores in the south. I didn't realize they are a regional food until the hike! Plain dehydrated ground beef was great in the mashed potato - sorta like shepherd's pie, a real comfort food. I didn't worry too much about vegetables on the trail, just ate a lot of big salads in towns. Also came to be very fond of cole slaw, which I have never liked - I'd eat everyone's on the table and order more! Packaged mountain-house type foods never caught my fancy, though I tried all brands. They'd ride around in the pack for days, uneaten. Pizza in town was always wonderful, never tired of it. Poles: I used hiking poles the whole trip, and the fact that the Leki's I had did not collapse very small did not bother me at all - no one collapses their poles, so it was a non-issue. I love the kind with foam grip running down the shaft quite a ways - gives nonslip grip options when climbing steep ups, can choke up on the poles briefly as needed.Maps: Excellent to have, but the fact that they are not uniformly scaled, drawn or anything else is frustrating. I love to cross-reference different guidebooks and maps, to have the most information about our surroundings as possible. Did not carry the map guidebooks, but always had the maps and relevant pages from Appalachian Pages and 501's book. Compass: hardly used, but if you get turned around, and already have a good sense of the area (see above), can get back on track quickly with this. In extreme fog, or snow, or wandering off for a pit stop it's possible to get disoriented. I would always have a small one with me.Crocs: Excellent, used 2 pr. - first one was cheap black knock-off, got grubby and horrible by Pearisburg, so fell for another cheap pair in glorious spring green, to celebrate the warmer weather. Fun. Lasted fine til the dog chewed them up after I got home. Bad dog!
Date: 2009-05-10
To: 2008 Hike Summary, part 2, conclusion
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, then, the last of the 2008 remarks.People: This was the best part of the hike, and surpassed everything I could have imagined. Every day was filled with little stories, small encounters - from the early days when everyone was new and anxious, to later on when the bonding came from shared experiences. It was sort of like the thrill of going to a big convention for a hobby you had only known a few people in, only the convention lasted for 100 days. The stories of these encounters would have made fantastic reading. Much as I love reading other journalists' details about the people and dramas of the hike, I chose from the outset to avoid such detail about other people because I didn't know how folks would feel seeing their hiking lives or even their trail names published for all to see. There is the matter of safety as well, where hikers may chose to remain vague about their location on the trail at any given point, and which vagueness is destroyed when journalists itemize by name the hikers at a shelter. But that omission robs the journal entry of a huge, colorful and sometimes dramatic dimension. Next: 2009 looks like a week or so of hiking from Loft Mt, VA in June, probably dayhiking in order to get better mileage, and because the Skyline Drive area lends itself to spotting cars fairly easily. Then Mame and I will return to Maine and do shorter sections of New England AT on weekends as our schedules allow. Dreams: I would still love to hike the second half of the AT from VA all in one swoop, to have time to become integrated into the hiking community and to enjoy that connection. In fact, I would love to thru-hike someday. There, I said it. I have much more of an idea what that will involve, and should conditions permit I would leap at the chance to do that some Spring. Speaking of Spring, it has been so incredibly evocative of the trail, watching the leaves unfold, seeing azaleas in bloom, feeling the warm weather roll in and the thunderstorms begin. Amazing.
Date: 2008-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just trying to tie up some loose ends as January ticks by. The first of February is encroaching and I can almost feel the cold that waits. Gear is almost complete, aside from a few things. Will try to post a final weigh-in prior to departure. Still haven't figured out how i'll be getting to Springer, but all in due time. Looking forward!
Date: 2008-01-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My complete map set arrived today and I have coordinated my map drops and likely food drops. Current food drops include NOC, Fontana, Harper's Ferry, Port Clinton, Glencliff, Andover, and Monson. Spent saturday night tarp camping in Madison, Florida on the families old pine farm. Can't wait for that crisp mountain air.
Date: 2008-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's 1:58 in the morning and I am exhausted. But with reason. Today was rather productive. I woke up, installed my service with SPOT, took my grandmother to the airport (90 minutes away), completed the federal student financial aid forms for medical school, made a decision on which medical school i'll be attending come July (Wake Forest here i come!), called my entire family and close friends, extracted a dead shrew from the screen-porch, unpacked from my trip to Colorado, packed up for the thru-hike, obsessed a little more than i should, went out for the 'last dinner,' with my folks, ripped up the companion guide into more manageable sections, bought a Greyhound bus ticket to Tallahassee, and have somehow found myself back at the computer to upload a couple photos. I'll be in Tally by 4:40 tomorrow afternoon, in time to see some good friends and get a haircut. Then dinner and bed. I'll be leaving Tally thursday morning around 4 or 5 to get to Amicalola by noon-ish. My buddy and I'll hit the trail and plan to spend the night atop Springer.February 1st rolls around, I sign the register, Tim heads south, and I'll head North. See you goons on the footpath. And good luck to all.I'll try to be posting photos and updates as i come into resupply towns.
Date: 2008-01-31
From: Amicalola Visitor Center

To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough climb with Tim. Made it to the first blaze and the big ice storm set in. Two flashes of lightning in a black sky greeted my entry to the southern terminus. Low of 24 degrees on the first night. Everything was frozen in the morning. Falling chunks of ice on the shelter roof kept us up at night, but all in all, not a bad start. Tim headed south and I headed onward. Thanks again Tim. Excellent pistachio trail mix.
Date: 2008-02-01
From: Springer Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Came into Gooch around 5:10 to meet Crash and Dozer. Hips and shoulders took the brunt of the abuse today. But the feet feel fine. Motrin for breakfast? Nice shelter, good water. Off to Neels Gap tomorrow.
Date: 2008-02-02
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day today. Tons of hikers participating in "Take back the Mountain Day" in attempt to reclaim Blood Mt. from its recent tragedy. Dog tired by the end of the day. Achilles and heel pain. Weather was astounding. Cloudless, crisp, and clear. Glad to be at Walasyi tonight with Dozer, Crash, and the three guys from Quebec. Oh, and Pirate, thanks for all the hospitality and much needed foot therapy. Can't miss Snaggle and Bronson, the local feline duo.
Date: 2008-02-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

After throwing on the pack and tightening up my bootlaces, I decided to make a late start. My heels were throbbing from the pressure in the boot, so Pirate hooked me up with some ice and Ocean's 13. After an hour or so, I tried the 'loose boot' technique and found that the pain subsided after 20 minutes or so on the trail. Excellent. With 400mg motrin, i'll press on another day. Short hike as i left Neels around 13:00. The climb out of Tesnatee Gap was something for all to enjoy. Met Dozer at Whitley, a screaming 1.2 mile detour from the trail. Dozer is a master at 'cowboy television.' I finally recovered from the cold i started the trail with, so I am no longer 'wheezing' at night.
Date: 2008-02-04
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started off in the rain this morning. Passed Stormin' Norm and Water Bear tenting south of Low Gap. Arrived early at 13:00 Dozer and I lounged until Stormin' Norm and Water Bear showed up just before Dark. The fog never burned off unfortunately, so I never got the view from the shelter. Feeling good. Time to 'bust nose,' for an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2008-02-05
From: Blue Mt. Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start this morning. The 'loose boots,' feel like heaven after 20 minutes. Big climbs today up Unicoi Gap, Tray Mt, and Kelly Knob. Scheduled a ride into town to stay at the inn. Resupply at Ingles and dinner Chinese for dinner. Lee's 'Enter the Dragon' kept me up long enough to enjoy a Heineken and a quick session of blister popping. There's a gnarly low moving in from the west. Mass casualties in Arkansas from tornados. I'll be getting wet tomorrow.
Date: 2008-02-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Long wet day today, but i feel strong. Lisa had bagels and coffee ready in the morning which was much welcomed. She gave me a ride back to the trail around 8:30. Good ridance Georgia. Crossed into NC around 12:20 and was immmediately welcomed with a painful climb. Made it into the shelter around 14:00. As soon as I settled down the sun came out. Ideal. Dried my clothes with the howling wind on the ridge just south of the shelter. Went to bed early at around 60 degrees. Woke up the next morning to a different tune.