morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Home 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its Monday, I am sitting on a worn gray sofa next to our small black dog, with a light rain streaking the windows. My bounce box just arrived here after being forwarded from Harper's Ferry. When I opened it I felt confusion well up, as I handled the plastic baggies, Nido, personal care items, etc. THIS stuff isn't supposed to be getting put away at home! I decided I wouldn't disassemble it just yet. Yesterday was the first day back, punctuated by a 4 mile walk in the rain with Tom, Under our umbrellas. It was cool enough to walk in wool t-shirt and poly zip neck, so we have definitely left the south. Tom has been jonesing for another hike, so he played with the maps and guides a bit and invited me to do a loop trail in NH, in the Pemegewasset Wilderness. We hope to go Wed. through Sat., weather permitting. Its going to be showery and cool all week, but we are willing to suck it up for the purpose of getting out there asap.Part of this walk includes a few miles of the AT, around Galehead Hut, so I can add a little more marked trail to my AT map when I get back. Meanwhile, my brain is a snarl of competing threads, most having to do with prioritizing tasks. The trail is so SIMPLE in comparison to civilian life. There seem to be choices to make constantly about what to focus upon and how long to do that. Then, I sense a constant backlog of to-do's, piling up relentlessly, awaiting their turn for attention and action. No news, this, but its so strikingly clear to me in contrast to the hiking life.   I want to hide out for awhile at home, probably because I am sensitive to the suddeness of my return, and resisting, at some level, rejoining my former life context too quickly. So I went to the town north of here for a foodstore run, where I was less likely to run into people I know. Meanwhile, I am looking and looking at how I set my space up here at home and wondering if boiling my possessions down to essentials would have a clarifying effect. "Certainly", I tell myself. And then begins the process of sorting and choosing and discarding.! I can feel my discouragement take over as I picture the hours of handling and thinking about the accumulated stuff of a lifetime. Clearly, I need to start small and keep this project manageable. As with distance hiking, I should remember that I do best when I stay with the hour I am in, once I make a plan for the day. Its interesting how I feel less pressured by the simplifying process now. Enough of the inner monologue for now. I think will make a home for my AT gear, so I can get it together for a return, either back where I left off or further up the trail. It can rejoin the general equipment stash when November rolls around. My very best to all,Auntie Mame------------------------------Allow us to help those in need, sell back your spare PocketMail and make some extra pocket money.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Home 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My 3rd full day at home, and I am looking into ways that I could continue my hike on the AT. The wheels are turning, and I think that there may be a way to go back to the trail. I feel connected to the hikers that I know, and my preference would be to resume the hike somewhere in the vicinity of my buddies. I also know how difficult it is to locate hikers who are making miles, so it may be impossible to actually connect with them. I need to put my mind to this and see what transpires.Tomorrow Tom and I are heading west and north to the Pemigewasset Wilderness for a taste of NH hiking. Three days and two nights, we plan to do a loop that will include a few AT miles, and about 25 miles altogether. Needless to say, I am SOO glad to be going back out and hiking.For now, I will consider myself on a break from the hike, but not officially off trail. I guess these have to be counted as zero days.I will keep notes on this short trip and put a couple of entries in when I get back, probably Sunday. My sister Gail and her husband, Cam, live in the Conway area, and we will be stopping there on our way home Friday night for a visit, dinner and a shower, not necessarily in that order! I hope that readers will bear with me a bit longer as I figure out what's best for me Meanwhile, I will post hiking related activities and musings as they come up.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Lincoln Woods parking area

To: 25 mile loop, Pemigewasset Wilderness, NH
Miles today: 0.0

New England trails near the Whites are so different from what I have enjoyed on the southern part of the AT. We did the bulk of today's hike on old RR beds, graded ever so gently. We were stunned and delighted. Only toward the end, as the elevaton began to climb, did the familiar elements of roots, rocks and mud come together to form classic NH trail. By then, the formerly swarming black flies and mosquitos had thinned out, the breeze had picked up, and the temps had dropped to a much more comfy 68 or so. A nifty trade. Another key feature of today's hike: AMPLE water. We must have crossed, oh, half a dozen vigorous streams, all but one without bridges. I picked my way across one or two, balancing on stones set just the teensiest bit further apart than I could easily step. OK, I can still do this, I'm doing alright... then, sure enough, a wider, deeper, roiling and rushing branch comes up. Raging torrents forced their way between ancient boulders. The absolute picture of post-storm run off. I seized up as I started across, and called to Tom to tell me which stones he had used. What a crumby feeling it was to grow instantly filled with irrational fear. I think I need to practice some dry land leaps, kind of like a desensitizing process. Anyway, Tom shouted out the steps for me and I made it across without falling into the drink. Thanks, Tom!Our tent is set up on a carefully constructed gravel pad, surrounded by boulders and an elegant trench. Ths area is heavily used and the AMC has tried to protect the land by providing sites, bear cans, and a cooking area covered with a tarp. There are hemlock, balsam and birch around us, with a pitch black soil surrounding the damp rocks. It smells divine. I can hear the rushing falls from here, and the evening birds, piping back and forth their animated exchanges.Tom and I did this loop hike 37 years ago, before we got married. Neither of us remembers the specifics, but we both have a feel for the place, and look forward to getting up on South Twin and Guyot tomorrow. Hiking today really helped my sense of displacement and confusion. I know what to do and how to do it out here. So simple.Small insignificant things can be so meaningful right now: Tom stopped so I could get an ice cream cone at Kelly's, right at the start of the Kancamagus highway. Lovely! Ice creamgrew more appealing as our AT hike went on, yet it was not easy to obtain. Today, we just drove in and there it was. Very few people were hiking this week, to my surprise. We met two men at 13 Falls site, occupying two out of ten sites. We took the third site. Weekends may be different, but still, this is the White Mtns, an old and spectacular setting with tremendous trails. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-06-19
From: 13 Falls Tentsites

To: Guyot Lean-To
Miles today: 0.0

The day actually started with a post-midnight shower that became a steady rain for a few hours. I had bet that it wouldn't rain, so left my pack on a tree branch stub, and my hiking shirt on a hemlock bough. I had flung my other belongings rather haphazardly about the tent, so found a few items soaked in the morning. I am not used to doubling up any more, so abandoned my system for protecting gear in questionable weather. Tom kindly put my pack cover on after I had gotten into my sleeping bag: thanks, Tom! The silvery woods were wet in the morning, but cool enough to quiet the bugs. We packed up, made coffee under the cooking fly, and headed out by 9. Its only 6 miles, right? The first section was moderate, again, classic NH trail. Then we hit the .8 mile section that gained 1100'. Picture a boulder strewn sluice, pouring down between varieties of densely packed fir and pine. Each step was higher than I could comfortably take, so I was levering myself up, throwing my weight ahead to gain balance as I stepped up the trail. Eyow! By half way up, I was stressed and overwhelmed, and that only worsened, despite my desire to hike the section with equanimity. I just did 860 consecutive miles of the AT, and this little piece of the Whites was kicking my butt. Note that I do not use this expression, usually.Happily enough, I came in 8 minutes after Tom did, and recovered my strength and attitude quickly. The remaining trail wound us up over Guyot, and down the steep access trail to the shelter area. The AMC has set up this camping area with a series of tent platforms and one log shelter, much like a very rustic old chalet. We met Scott there, deciding whether to tent or shelter, and we invited him to consider the shelter as rain was predicted. In short, we hiked up the rock approach and scaled the steep stairs to the narrrow porch, which overlooked the treetops and distant mountains. Inside, the 20' wide room had a second deck about 4.5 feet high. We expected a full house by nightfall, but others all took the tentsites. We so enjoyed having space to spread out in. Scott was from Philly area, able to take a few days to hike after ferrying a son to Dartmouth. He had lots of experience in the area and made for a positive shelter mate. The temperature sank that night, and we were so happy that we had brought cold weather bags to sleep in. Despite the effort to get up the mile from hell, my feet and legs were no worse for the wear. I slept like a baby. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Guyot Lean-To

To: Lincoln Woods parking area
Miles today: 0.0

Slanting sun streamed into the lean to, blazing against the far corner, a most cheerful scene. I woke up at first light, but it was only 4:45 a.m., and not time to get up. By 6:00 we all started rumbling around. Tom packs his sleeping bag up the instant he is awake, followed by mat, clothes, etc. I luxuriated in starting my stove right from my bag, having coffee and cereal sitting up in al that fluff. I got everything arranged to put in my pack, and THEN slid out of my bag and packed up. Oddly enough, we were ready to go at the same time. Let's hear it for diversity.Today's trail took us up over the ridge to Bondcliff, a spectacular view of the col, and many, many surrounding mountains. The clouds held off for a bit, allowing us to take a leisurely walk across the ridge and to take a coffee break tucked into the rocks partway across. I never seemed to have time for that sort of thing while hiking the AT earlier, so this was gratifying in the extreme!Clouds began to build as we started down the trail to Lincoln Woods area, but still no rain. The decent was fairly gradual, and eventually came to another 5 miles of old rr track, which allowed us to really fly. We put up umbrellas a half mile from the parking lot, as a sudden shower surprised us with its fury. However, it soon stopped, and we got to the car in partial sun. 25 miles in 2 full hiking days, not too bad for the Whites. We drove over to Lincoln to stop in on Chet, who had hosted Tom last summer. He seemed like a very nice guy, cordial and warm. Then off to my sister's house in Silver Lake. Sure enough, the skies opened up minutes after we arrived, making us inordinately glad to be indoors. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Home 

To: Odd thoughts on being home a week
Miles today: 0.0

Its Monday, June 23. Jan and I got back home a week ago. Taking that 3 day trip to the NH mountains bought me some time to acclimate by taking me into a different hiking scene closer to home. We came back from that on Saturday afternoon, so the last two days have been about picking up the reins at home. Last night five of our friends met along with us for supper and some visiting. That cheered me up some and helped me feel less alienated from my old life. I have great friends, and being with some of them again was very heartening.I have done some more thinking about what to do about the AT. I plan, at this point, to stay open to doing sections with Tom or with Jan, when she feels free to take a couple of days at a time. I am not having much luck contacting friends still on the trail, but hopefully will hear something about their plans sooner or later, as well. I went up a local trail today, just a 2.5 mi. round trip, and it was socked in with fog, but it felt so good to be out there. I am still pretty unglued when at home, although a bit better than when I first arrived. That should ease up over time. My next task is to put photos into this journal. I have a lot of them, and will enjoy seeing them placed appropriately in the daily entries. Now to find out how to do that again!
Date: 2008-06-29
To: Perspectives on cultural excess
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I watched a home improvement show. An add for low-flow plumbing fixtures came on. It said that an average American uses 100 gallons of water a day.What stunned me was that I just spent over three months using probably less than two or three gallons a day, and fared quite well.I know that people all over the world must do with even less.The excess here is so clearly industry-driven. I watched a young couple glance at a bathroom in a new home, and mutter about there being only one, and how basic it was. We all have the experience of coming back from a camping/hiking trip and seeing our homes with new eyes, seeing the luxury of hot and cold running water, mattresses, solid roofing, electricity, storage space. A writer once wrote that people in small homes can afford to relax. I am beginning to appreciate that more and more, and am finding our already small home too big, as I pick up the tasks of dealing with clutter, storage, cleaning, etc. I find myself wanting more spaciousness, not more space. So lots of stuff is going to the group yard sale we are having with our friends in July. I thinned out my clothing selection dramatically, heading to Goodwill and a resale shop on Monday.Nothing like a long distance hike to shake up your vision of what's necessary and desirable for one's home and possessions.Just spent a bracing 5 hours editing my closet and drawers to make more space and simplify my clothing. Upon arriving back home from this section of the hike, I found that I had lost 25#, and most of the pants and skirts I owned no longer fit. I am moving along the bulk of those things, keeping a few favorites for the future. I have found that the trail life has influenced how I eat here at home. On the trail I often thought about what I needed to eat to get the work of hiking done. I did not pig out very often, I just ate well and with a degree of care. Now back at home, my activity level is lots less, and I am interested in eating in a way that lets me stay at this weight and feel vital and energetic. In other words, I am not eating the same diet as on the trail, just using the same process to find a responsible way to eat. So far, so good, and its radically different from my pre-hike habits. I do well with vegetables, meat/fish/poultry, fruit, dairy products and very limited grains. Less sugar. I am practicing tolerating a certain degree of hunger. I used to leap for a snack when I felt hungry, but for now, I want to redefine that signal as evidence that my body is utilizing what I give it. Its a cloudy, humid Sunday here, which supports musing over all kinds of minor life concerns... probably more to come.
Date: 2008-07-03
To: Joining a hike from Grafton Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

As of today, I have plans to join '07 hiker Signage and friends who are starting her last 260 miles of Maine next week. I am planning to do a four day section, with V8 taking me to the start point, and picking me up at the end.I am so psyched! Back on the AT, and with new faces and friends. Time to get packed and to sort out the necessary equipment. I have a Northface Skareb pack from last year, one I haven't used, and hope I can get my gear into it. The Boundary pack I have been using on the AT is terminally embedded with hiker stank, so unless I find the miracle chemical to clean it, its getting retired to the museum. Poor Tubby. He gave his all, I have to say!Several people with whom we hiked this spring, have mentioned that they will get in touch as they near New England. I hope that happens as it would be so enjoyable to do sections with folks we know. It looks like V8 might be able to do some short bits in August, even better!Things are looking up.I will bring Pocketmail on this upcoming section, and get the entries in as soon as possible. Tom is still eager to help with that, as he remembers his own trip over the same areas, last year.
Date: 2008-07-05
To: Heading out
Miles today: 0.0

Its a go! I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining Signage and her hiking friend Yvonne for a four day sashay through Maine, covering AT "miles-to-Katahdin" 256.5, at East B Hill Rd, to Maine Rt 4, at mile 220 in Rangely. Major trail magic has been visited upon me, in that I have been included in a slack pack arrangement, as well as some prepared meals, courtesy of Mary Anne. I am so amazed and grateful! The scene here at home is the usual chaos of gear spead across the sofa, and piles of yes, no and maybes forming along the floor. I took the opportunity to set up and evaluate my small solo tent, the REI Roadster this afternoon. I am going to use it for this trip, as it takes up less space than the Tarptent Double Rainbow, and I can manage with a small square footage quite easily for a few days. I will bring the Western Mtneering 40 degree Mity Lite, full zip, rectangular bag. The Exped air mat is also coming along. Its hard to gauge the temperatures for hiking and sleeping in the western mountains of Maine. I have been out when it has plummeted to the high 30's at night, and also when its been close to 90 in the daytime. I'll tuck a set of microfleece stretch top and bottoms into my pack, useful for sleeping if it gets colder than usual. I can also use them under raingear if its cool in camp. I have selected and weighed my book: E is for Evidence, another highly educational tome by Sue Grafton, 3.6oz total. Others came in at 6 oz, so this is the winner, hands down.July 4th was a very relaxing time for us, spent on the pond with friends, eating, walking, playing Scrabble, and watching the little pond-side neighborhood celebrate the 4th. I have made a decision to move into a larger office suite with my business partners, effective as of sometime on August. I plan to return to work after Labor Day, and am very happy to have this secured in advance. Our area of Maine right now is cool, sunny and dry: YESS!! Meanwhile, lets keep hiking and enjoying that beautiful trail.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Heading out

To: South Arm campground, Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Subject: 7.6.08, South Arm Campground, Andover, MESouth Arm is a woodsman's paradise, the kind of place where people sit and read on their folding chairs, or walk lazily around the roads, or fish, or barbeque... in an atmosphere of mixed woods and a clean, expansive Lower Richardson Lake shore. V8 and I had driven up to the campground earlier today. She and I reminisced through out the drive, moving north and west into the beautiful, forested lakes region. We stopped in Farmington for an ice cream, a buttery peppermint stick on a hand rolled cone for me. Heaven!After saying our goodbyes, V8 drove off in order to get home by dark. I had a couple of hours before the others came, so I walked about, had my Subway sandwich and chips, and read my new detective novel. I set up the little Roadster tent, aware of how weensie a solo tent is after enjoying a palatial double. Maybe I should hav stuck with my tarptent... The Subaru Forester came around the bend slowly and turned into the wooded campsite. Out popped Signage, Mary Anne and Yvonne, who, after introductions, flew into action. It was 7:30pm, exactly when they estimated their arrival from DC area. I was impressed! The base camp emerged from the vehicle, bag by bag, and before long there was a group tent, a screen house and assorted chairs assembled on the quiet site. The plan was for Signage and Yvonne to slack pack the first 4 days of the Grafton Notch to Katahdin section. Then they would backpack the rest, with occasional stops at the base camp, which Mary Anne would move every 4 or 5 days.As always, meeting up with folks I had only met online was a little strange, because you know a lot about one another but haven't really interacted much before. I felt really good about each of these women.Signage is a twinkly eyed, warm and engaging lady, absolutely in her element being back here to complete the AT journey she accomplished last season.Yvonne seemed caring and competent, and Mary Anne was extremely well prepared to keep an overview of the group's needs and to support other hikers as well. I was disappointed in the weather, in that it was still hot and humid as it grew dark. Mosquitoes and black flies competed with no-see-ums for any exposed flesh. When I crawled into my tent for the night, I noticed that it did cool down slightly and allowed me to sleep inside my sleeping bag pretty comfortably. Air circulated pretty well, considering the humidity. I felt a tad confined in the low ceilinged, narrow shape of the Roadster. Its no Tarptent, that's for sure!Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame------------------------------