morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-01
From:  Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter #1
Miles today: 12.7

Thursday May 1stSUMAIN.Deaf is such an ugly word. In old language, it means empty; barren. It is often associated with sub-par/sub-standard.Even within our community, the "Deaf voice" is a descriptive term we'd hurl at each other and we know it would only flatter an Orc - those filthy creatures that make guttural sounds. For decades, "Deaf" have been associated with dumb, illiterate, immature, animals, unsuccessful, limited opportunities...And, yes, we have "Deaf Pride", "Deaf Power", "Deaf Family" and even Deaflympics. But. No. No more. I will not be defined by those ideas. I'm not an infirm. Or an Orc...I AM A SUMAIN.For those who are holding on to "Deaf", if you are upset with me, come up with a better word. To me, "Deaf" is dead. It's been a wild ride and it has come to an end. Why Sumain?Identity is an important concept. It defines you and helps people understand you. I connect with people through hands - sign language, gestures, and writing.In Spanish, Su means your, and in French, Main means hand. Your hands inform me that I exist. Why Spanish/French? I'm a global citizen. Sign Language transcends national boundaries. (Additional thought - not in book that I wrote in: if you are fluent in a sign language and you meet someone while traveling abroad who is also fluent in sign language of their respective country, you'd be able to engage in a philosophical discussion within an hour even if both languages are distinctively different. Is this possible with spoken languages? Nope.)The 'S' part of Sumain also signifies Spatial and Spherical. We, Sumains, use our brain and eyes differently. We think in 3-D. Sign Language is 3-D; spatial.And, lastly, Sumain pays homage to "Human" ... we are human!I am a sumain!(credit: Walk for ASL & Chantal Deguire)
Date: 2014-05-01
From: War Spur Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter #2
Miles today: 0.0

My dad is a marathoner in every sense of way. Boston Marathon - 6Chicago Marathon - 1New York Marathon - 1Detroit Marathon - 4 (2 when he was younnger)San Diego Marathon - 1Marine Corps Marathon - 1Myrtle Beach Marathon - 2Since 2007, he ran in 14 marathons. Yes, in 7 years. Oh, and a couple of 1/2 marathons in the between. That takes dedication. Resilence. Iron will. Quitting is something that he doesn't seem to understand. "You have to work hard at it", he would tell me. Thank you, Dad, for setting an example.P.S. He did his 6th Boston Marathon on April 21st and collapsed due to dehydration. His calves seized up so bad that they had to be massaged by two people before he could walk out of the medic tent. Eight days later, we're hiking out of Pearisburg.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Enroute to War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

On third day, we saw a traverse system set up going over a creek. On the other side, there's a refrigerator full of sodas free for taking. Trail Magic, they're called. So hikers could traverse over, camp out there, enjoy the sodas, then resume on their way.When we arrived at our shelter, some hikers were about to leave and after they left, we were alone for a bit. I showed dad the journal (the entries about my voice and thoughts on 'sumain'..) had a good talk about it. Suddenly, SuperDave showed up carrying a cooler and a half-eaten cherry pie. Trail Fairy!He shared that he did all three, the Triple Crown: Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Whoa. In the cooler, there were assortment of drinks including Pabst Blue Ribbon. As a beer snob, I never thought I'd enjoy a can of PBR!
Date: 2014-05-02
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday, May 2nd...we did the crazy. 18 miles. There are hikers who would hike 25+ miles a day easily and they started in March in Springer Mountain, GA. So they've had 2 months of conditioning. Doing 18 after only 3 days is a bit nuts. Ok. The entry:Pain. Hotspots all over the palm of our feet. Cramps threatening a full protest.Dad, "the palm of my feet hurts every year." Sticks and 4 Tree have been doing sections of AT for the past 6 years and hope to complete their journey in Maine next year. I asked, "Why do you keep coming back to AT if it hurts so much?""When you start something, you finish it." he replied. *****************Another entry:At Laurel Creek Shelter where we stopped for snack and rest. We try to write in the log books at every shelter. Dad wrote: "Thanks SuperDave for PBR and apples. It was cute leaving a gala and 1 apple in the trunk at Rocky Gap and the other in the tree across the road. You are a class act my friend - Sticks /Scribe"*****************Last entry for the day:18 miles on 4th day. 10 hours of meditation. The tranquility of these woods is beyond words. If everyone walks at least 10 miles a day, we'd have world peace.Anyway, I want to share a thought about American Sign Language & Sumain.Language and identity are one and same. If you kill the French language, you've killed the French.You follow me? I'm now proposing that Sumain replaces ASL as well.This way, if you kill the Sumain language, you know who you're killing as well.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Niday Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

The Confederates are alive here. Paintings of Stonewall Jackson and Robert Lee hung on the wall.Old southern house stands erect and proud atop rolling green neatly trimmed lawns. Beautiful and dignified. Great comfort food! AYCE (all you can eat)! Fried chicken, oooohh yea! We were filled to the brim.While waiting for an hour for our table along with 5 dozens others (the whole yard was filled with hungry to-be patrons), Dad told me a story.He signed up for the Marines at the age of 20. Needed the G.I. Bill so he could finish college. His family had no money.He didn't tell his parents till after he was officially a Marine. Grandma cried. Grandpa screamed a long strong of colorful expletives. Dad had to wait for 2 months before departing for the training. Grandpa stayed mad for 2 months. Grandpa was in the Army - he signed up for one year and then WWII erupted so he couldn't get out till 5 years later. Today, my dad is still a Marine and today, we went slackpacking and are staying at a hostel. Even the Marines appreciate finer things in life. Such as hiking with a lighter load, a hot meal and a warm bed. Slackpacking: it's when you decide that you want to call in a ride, put your pack in the car to be transported to a destination and then you walk to the destination without the pack on your back. Slackers. And, boy, how fast we flew!
Date: 2014-05-04
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Lambert Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Sunday, May 4th.We're maniacs. 3 straight days of long miles. 18. 17. Then 16. Tomorrow, we'll do 10 miles into town that's in between Daleville, Cloverdale, and Troutville.The P.O. is in Troutville where we'll resupply. Laundry, Hot & Hearty lunch, AND DINNER. Bed. Shower. And maybe a T.V. with captions.After 6 days, your undies & socks begin to feel slimy. OK. TMI.Deer! Wildlife! Just now, 4 deer walked by us about 200 feet away. Woo! Not much wildlife around here so my dad would tease me from time to time. "Look, there's a millipede.. a wildlife! Look, a ladybug! Look, a butterfly! "I think it's due to the constant stream of hikers on A.T.... the WILDIFE are smart to stay away. Otherwise we'd bore them to death with useless chatter.Dad is exhausted. So tired that he had a hard time eating his dinner. Today, while taking in the amazing Virginia scenery, I thought about what we'll do this summer. On June 10th, Jess & I will host 5 young men from Detroit out in Colorado and take them whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking...and of course, camping for a week. Then they'll go to the Aspen Camp for 2 weeks. We're looking forward to that.Transformations are always fun to witness. Otherwise, why live?Cheeseburger with bacon. That's what I'll have for lunch tomorrow!
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Troutville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter #1
Miles today: 18.5

We flew. Conditions were perfect so our legs became wheels. Phew. Now, at this shelter, there are a couple of guys in military and they immediately got into talking about it. (Including Sticks) Naturally, I saw an opportunity so I asked them:"Should sumains (Deaf, if you will) be allowed to serve in the military?" Unanimously, thy all replied, "Yes." "There is a place in the Army for Deaf people" says one guy. Another said, "They can shoot cannons. Most people are bothered by the booming sounds of them." Hey, J. S., there you go. You'll have the votes. We gotta get the bill on the floor. As for the rest of you, call your senators/congress people. "Please vote YES on allowing Deaf (sumains) to serve in military."In picture: Sticks, Apos & Key
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter #2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Inevitably, the discussion about views on military evolved into the issue of whether women should be allowed to be in combat due to strength difference... the age old debate about women not being as strong as men, and so on. My dad didn't interpret the whole convo- only shared a gist of what was going on. I looked at him, smiling, and replied "I don't think the point that the women are making is about whether they can be as strong as men or if they can serve in combat, I believe what they're essentially trying to say is this- Don't make decisions based on assumptions of what people are capable of doing. Everyone is to be given an opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring to the table."
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter #2

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sorry. No photo here. Didn't think it'd be polite taking a pic of someone smoking a cig. But seriously? At nearly every shelter we stayed at, someone smokes. Whether its a cigarette or a cigar, the smoke was suffocating all the same. Especially when you're trying to sleep and someone is standing 5 feet away blackening their lungs and yours as well. In the middle of gorgeous Appalachians? I don't get it. On a lighter note, we hitched a ride to the Middle Creek campground for a milkshake and cheeseburger after 10 mile hike (with 3 left to go).. t'was a gastronomic break.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter (Yea, still here..)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When you're on trail doing 10+ miles a day, you have ample time to think. Plenty. Today, I thought about Rocky Mountain Deaf School. Currently, it is located at a strip mall in Golden, CO. Soon, the students and staff will move into a newly constructed school in Lakewood slated to open November 2014. RMDS is primed to become the most sought after K-12 academe in the country. After the pomp and circumstance, we'll be witnessing history. The school will be the first designed by and for sumains in the world, designed to stimulate our sensibilities. Some of the staff and teachers have the potential for creating an innovative pedagogy and some are already making a headway implementing the works of Paulo Freire. Amy Novotny is the new administrator. Her strength and resolve are admirable. These traits are especially important because the daily battles within the arena of "Deaf Education" are simply disgusting, to say the least. Amy has to face blatant oppression and the masks of eugenicists head on; day in, day out. Yes, there are people who want to wipe out "our kind" and while they're at it, they profit off of us simultaneously. To be a successful Deaf (or Sumain) school administrator, one must believe in humanity, in the value of sumains, and in the idea that we are worthy of investment. One must be innovative and creative in finding ways to advance our existence. I believe in Amy. I believe in the staff and teachers at RMDS. I believe in students and their parents. And, the community of RMDS, you are valuable. Here's a shout out to Jenny, Sunshine, Colleen, Ryder, Juan, and Payton. Education is what you make of it. Own it.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter (Yea, still here..)

To: Harrison Springs
Miles today: 13.0

Today was kinda hard. Well, it gets harder every day as all this takes toll on our bodies. We are accustomed to the daily comforts such as a couch, house without constant cloud of gnats, and unlimited access to clean, filtered cold water at all times. This morning, we went from 1,320 ft to 4,225 ft via 9 mile trek. Long morning. Then, yes then... achilles tendon happened. It was within the first 2 or 3 miles so I limped the rest of the way up. Dad was out of fuel. It was steep. Again, long morning. Oh oh... then a miracle happened. Trail Angel by the name of Energizer Bunny left a surprise for each of us. A bottle of water and a ziploc bag filled with a banana, cheese crackers, and. bite size Snickers bar. After the painstaking climb, it was just perfect. Thank you, Energizer Bunny!
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Harrison Springs

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail wise, today wasn't difficult. There were a couple of tough & steep ascents, so it was a tiring day. Both of my legs are swollen and that sapped energy outta me. Plus, dehydration. We were losing more water than we're taking in... hot day, yea. Crossing James River was cool. Nice scenery as usual. Guess who we ran into? Yep. The Energizer Bunny. An apple for dad, banana for me. My legs needed the potassium. After arriving at this shelter, we both took a brief nap. Then we had some ramen noodle soup and beef summer sausage, then dad went back to nap again. Earlier today, I asked him, 'when was the last time you rested (no running) for a week?'He replied, "Boston". "So, you've been running 5 days a week for 7 years?""Yep.""Dad, I think your body needs to recover. Lets stay in Buena Vista for two days.""I agree."Mom was right.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Buena Vista Motel

To: Enroute for Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sticks working out a sudoku at the upper deck of a moving Amtrak train. I'm drinking Sierra Nevada in honor of Aaron (his favorite brew... and yes, also to add to the blood deficiency in my liver). Just like Forrest Gump, we stopped hiking to go home and be with mom. Harpers Ferry is a lovely historical town. If you happen to be in the area, it is definitely worth checking out!
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Home

To: Hamlin Pub
Miles today: 0.0

Mom and Dad dining at the local Hamlin Pub. Needless to say, mom was thrilled to have us home. Dad (Sticks) decided that he's been away long enough and often enough that he'll end his Appalachian Trail journey after 6 years here and now. He won't be returning this summer and the next to complete the hike that ends at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. He also decided that he won't be doing 2+ marathons a year anymore. He'll reduce it to once a year along with a couple of half marathons, and allow his body the recovery it needs. As for me, I will return to Colorado this Saturday and get back on the Facundo Element saddle!Thank you all for sharing this adventure with us!Cheers.
Date: 2014-06-27
To: monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Leaving tomorrow morning for two weeks heading SOBO from Monson to Gorham, NH. When I finish this section I will be done with Maine!! I start my trip with Hiking buddies Lam and Jerry, meet Mark from Stratton to Rangley, then Rangley I am solo bound to Andover, where I meet Sarah to finish our trip to Gorham. Have been getting ready all week. Preparing and packaging food and even getting in a Long Trail section early in the week. Follow along as I once again step into the woods for more adventure,~Step Lightly
Date: 2014-06-28
From: monson

To: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mark drove me to Portsmouth this morning to meet LAm and Jerry. We did wait for Scott and Aiden and we ended up leaving around 10:00 for Caratunk. I drove up with Lam and got a snooze in the way. We stopped for lunch all the while trying to catch up to Jerry, a known lead foot. We never saw him until we got to Caratunk. All piled in Lam's car and we headed to Monson. We finally got on the trail about 3:00 with hopes of getting to first shelter, 9 miles away! We got off to a good pace and ran into out first crossing. Oh no, the dread creeped up on me. Jerry went over first without his pack and we realized that this crossing was tame compared to what we endured last year in the 100 mile wilderness.   We crossed without incident. It was about 7:30 and we were checking for suitable campsites in case it got dark over the next 2 1/2 miles. Our feet got wet right after the crossing when the trail became a river. Wet socks to start my day tomorrow. Ugh! We made it to the Horseshoe Canyon shelter about 8:15. Set up camp. Cooked. Went to bed. Tomorrow another river crossing.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Started off at 8:00 am this morning. Later than I like considering I woke up at 5:30. But hiking with a group means following group schedule. Still mostly flat meandering experiencing Maine's typical roots, rocks and mud! About three miles in, we had our first crossing with a rope. It was a piece of cake! Still the trail continued following the river till we came to our final ford for the dayl. Again fairly easy.   We got to the next shelter at 2:00 and decided to stay. We are on a beautiful pond. Have seen loons, a deer getting a drink and leeches. Yuck! We are in a group of SOBOs. A couple from Massachusetts and a kid from W. Virginia. This morning we met a group of NOBOs who left from Georgia in March, a young man who was completing his final section after 11 years of section hiking and two older gentleman from Ohio who were completing their final section after 11 years. Tomorrow we have to hit the Pleasant Pond shelter over 12 miles away. We have to climb two mountains with quite a bit of elevation gain and our last ford. Oh, there are the loons again! Time to listen and fall asleep to their beautiful sounds!!
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Moxie Bald Lean-To

To: Pleasant Pond Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

The day started early. Up and out by 6:30 am. Immediately the trail headed straight up....2.1 miles up. The view up on top of Bald Mountain was fantastic. Blue bird skies with some haze, but we could see Barten Mountain in the 100 mile wilderness and the Bigelows to our south. Going down was steep and treacherous. We were doing one mile an hour both up and down. Two miles down and we came to the Moxie Pond ford. Another piece of cake. We decided to swim and have lunch. A group of Canadian kids were having their lunch and beginning their trek yo Katahdin. The driver was kind enough to take our trash for us. Less weight!! We filled our water bottles fully because signs told us no water for the next 4.7 miles. It was a long slog up Pleasant Pond mountain. Many times we thought we had reached the top and realized we were at a minor summt. It took us 5 hours to get to the top. We got there by 4 pm and still had a mile down to the shelter. We got to the shelter about 6 pm, set up camp, are and to bed. A ball buster of a day on the AT.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Pleasant Pond Shelter

To: Rt 201 Caratunk
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early again. This time I found a slug in my sleeping bag. I was totally grossed out and decided that I was done using the tarp! I bargained with Jerry and bought his older Six Moons Design Lunar Solo. I got it for the bargain price of $75. Another 12 oz in weight to my base weight but no more sleeping with the slugs!!! Last stretch before saying good bye to the guys. We rambled at a good clip through a very mosquito infested section. They were all over us. We made it out in just over 3 hours. Jerry decided he would continue down the trail to Stratton and quickly packed up his stuff for the next leg. He needed to catch the ferry before 11 am to cross the Kennebec River. We all piled in his car and I drove us all back to Monson. Lam,Scott and Ayden headed for Drskes Island where the were planning a lobster dinner while I contined down the road to meet Sarah and Mark. Got to ME 27 about 2:00 and left Jerry's car in the parking lot. Jumped in Sarah's car and headed up Carabasset Valley road to get Reddington, another 4000 footer in the area. However the distance to the peak was under estimated and I was way too tired to walk another 7 miles. So Mark and I turned back while Sarah continued on. Mark and I drove to Cathedral Pines campground for the night and Mark drove back to pick up Sarah. We settled for beautiful night on Flagstaff lake over looking the Bigelows peaks. Tomorrow Mark joins me for the leg to Rangley.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Caribou Valley Road, Stratton, Maine

To: Spaulding Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Sarah drove us to the jersey barriers on the CVR where walked 1/2 mile to the trailhead. The trail ascended straight up. It was rugged and steep. Took us three hours to do 2 miles. I did the summit am additional 1.2 miles without a pack. The view was great and the breeze refreshing. Mark waited at the junction for me. Next we descended down and then another steep to Spaulding summit. Another .2 mile to summit. Two more 4000 footers nailed. We came down the. .8 miles and found the Spaulding shelter empty. The spring close by was cold and refreshing. After a quick sponge bath we set up camp inside the shelter as we could hear thunder off in the distance. We ate dinner at 3:30 cuz Mark was hungry. He is always hungry!! So now as I type this two hours later, I am hungry. Maybe I'll eat my lunch!! Two other section hikers are with us so far. Hopefully the rain will hold off for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Spaulding Shelter

To: Reddington Tent Site
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The rain was only a quick shower with some boomers last night but enough to make the trail wet and muddy. A group of thru hikers showed up last evening just as the heavens opened. They were a lively young bunch and we enjoyed their various antidotes and stories of trail life! Another pair of older gentlemen joined us. One had been section hiking since 1977 and was ready to call it quits stating he had too many aches and pains to continue. Right now I can totally relate! My 6th day on the trail and I am tired! Today started out cool and sunny. The first part if the trail was downhill and then nice and flat. We made good time down to the river where we hopped over a rock bridge and then started up. A 1000 foot elevation gain in 2 miles. It was tough, hot and rugged! We finally made it to the top and were rewarded with a small view from atop Poplar Ridge. The shelter wasn't too far away so we stopped for lunch and refilled our water bottles. The next summit was Saddleback Junior. This climb wasn't as long but still tough. Mark decided to strip downs to his skivvies on the summit to dry off his clothing. No one around. Why not?? We started back down and going down was as rugged as going up on the other side. Tonight we are at Reddington Tent Site on tent platforms. I cooked a package of Chinese noodles that Lam had given me. It was so spicy I couldn't eat it. I gave it to Mark and he gave me his dinner and we were both happy! Tomorrow the forecast is a washout and we are a little concerned about going up and over Saddleback which is above tree line for quite a while. Maybe the forecast is wrong. We have a Rez at a Rangley B&B. and can't wait to get a shower, clean my smelly clothes and sleep in a bed!