morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-13
To: Short prep hike
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday, I finally got out for a real hike. I walk four or five miles everyday, but I've been wanting to do a longer day hike for a while now. Yesterday it was gorgeous, in the mid 70s and a perfect day. I talked a friend into joining me to do the Somerville Trailway. That is a combination, hike, bike, and horse trail that joins two State Parks near my home. It is a total of 13 miles. We parked my car at the first State Park and drove over to the other.When we checked in at the Ranger station, the ranger asked "You're going to do how many miles today?" I told him we planned to do the 13. He didn't seem to think we could do it in the seven hours left before park closing. (I can usually do 2+ miles per hour in the mountains, I should be able to do 3+ on flat land) He got our names and said that they would come in after us if we weren't there by 5:00.I assured him that it wouldn't be a problem and off we went. The trail is basically a road walk, albeit a bumpy dirt road. Since we had a good bit of rain on Monday, the trail was pretty muddy in places. We were enjoying the weather and the scenery though. Several places we had to hike in ankle deep water. Not a problem. As we neared the creek that flows into the lake, we noticed how high the water was. I have been here before when the spring rains totally flood out the trail. Last spring I had to turn back when I came to a lake where the creek should have been. I had no idea what was the trail and when I waded up to my thighs, I knew it was time to turn around. But that was last year, lots more rain....Anyway, when we got to the bridge crossing the creek about six miles in, I could see that it was high but passable. So we stopped for a little lunch, rested our feet, then went on. About seven miles, in we turned the corner and I saw the whole area was flooded ahead. I took off my shoes again and began to walk, thinking it was just shallow water. I went on 25 yds or so and it began to get much deeper. In front of me the creek was rushing very fast. I could see the trail climbing ahead of me about 100 yds or so. If I had been alone I probably would have gone ahead and forded it. But I was concerned about my tenderfoot hiking friend. So we turned around and headed back. We got to the ranger station about 3:30, having done a mile more than we planned, and spending some time trying to decide to ford or not. I grinned at the ranger and told him it would have been nice if he had told us it was flooded out. He said he didn't know, that we were the first hikers since the rain. Can't believe no one was out Tuesday or Wednesday ahead of us! Anyway, it was a nice hike. I can see that I need to do more distance hikes as I was tired after only 14 miles. And they were not mountain miles, they were pretty flat miles. But at least I'm not the slow old lady he thought I was.
Date: 2008-04-09
To: Camping at Lake Somerville
Miles today: 0.0

We just returned from two weeks camping in our RV at Lake Somerville, a US Corps of Engineers lake. It's not much of a hike prep, but it's lots better than sitting at home. Since we get about 7 miles per gallon in our motorhome, we can just about afford to drive the mile from our house to the lake. Every day I would get up, feed the two dogs and take them out, have my coffee and quiet time, then go for a walk on the trails. This is a poem I wrote while I was walking:Hiking Lake Somerville in SpringtimeEach time I walk the trail, something new I see,Something awesome or amazing, something great to me.Trees of oak, spruce or pine,Weeping willows and hanging grape vine.Yaupon with berries of red,Blooming cacti with new ¢hats¢ on their head.Paintbrush of orange, bonnets of blue,Lavender buttercups, yellow dandelions too.Little white flower, I don¢t know your name, But you bring a smile to my face just the same.Tiny cottontail rabbit, big white-tailed deerEven some over friendly squirrels come near.A big fat raccoon crosses aheadDumpster diving keeps you well fed.Water lilies and scum cover a small pondA dry creek bed is now filled by spring¢s magic wand. Plenty of poop made by dogs or a catBut what¢s that? Furry Scat! I wonder who made that!The path used to be covered with leaves left over from last fall,                                        But now Spring¢s live oak leavesSeem to cover it all.Spider webs woven of delicate laceThese I usually find with my face!Flies with green backs, I¢m glad they don¢t biteLike the mosquitoes that are beginning to come out at night.Cardinals of red, jays of blue,yellow finches, and vultures too.Dirt mounds abound in large area digsThese the result of rooting feral pigs.Each time I walk the trailSomething new I see,Something awesome, or amazingSomething great to me!For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,For the love which from my birth, over and around me lies...Lord of all, to thee I raise this my song of grateful praise.
Date: 2008-04-09
To: Spanish Moss
Miles today: 0.0

When I was walking around the park, I couldn't help but notice the Spanish Moss on all the oak trees. One of my friends commented how sad it was that the moss was killing the trees. So I wrote another poem...Spanish MossWhile walking through the woods todayI noticed an oak draped with Spanish MossIt gave the tree a majestic look And its "hair" a grayish gloss.But beautiful as it wasMoss is a parasite you seeAnd that tree is slowly dyingJust the same as you and me.So take a lesson from that oakStand tall and proud while you canGive glory to the one who made youEven if you're just a man.
Date: 2008-04-26
To: Walkin' Stories
Miles today: 0.0

My town has a Walk-Run every year that attracts lots of folks, called the Bluebell Fun Run. This year I decided that I would do the 10K. Since I'm pretty old and slow, I set my goal at finishing in 1 hr 30 minutes. I ended up finishing in 1 hr 20 minutes and was really proud of myself. Anyway, I came in third in my age group and won the bronze medal. (There were at least five ladies my age, so I beat a couple...)Last night was our Relay for Life event. I was captain of a team called "Marching for Mary" in honor of a friend who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last July. Mary went to be with her Lord on April 13th. So it was emotional for our team. I planned on walking the whole 12 hrs, with only the breaks for events. About 10 pm, the announcer said that the National Weather was calling for a huge storm with thunder, lightening, and hail within the hour and we should all pack up. I knew we were expecting rain and had my rain gear ready to walk through it. But lightening and hail were another story... So I packed up along with everyone else and headed home. I only walked for about three hours. So much for good intentions. As far as my hike is concerned, I've made another good prep. I have made reservations at the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket. Their thruhiker special is a great deal, modeled after the one owned by Profile and Almanac down in Dahlonega. I get a ride from Medway to Millinocket, a night at the lodge, a meal, and a shuttle to Katahdin for only $70. Wow, shuttles alone could cost that! Thanks to Ole Man and Navigator!
Date: 2008-05-08
To: New Gear and thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

Well, only 53 days left, but who's counting? Everyday I spend too much time on Trailjournals and Whiteblaze, wishing I was already out there. (was or were, is that correct grammar, Louise?) On Whiteblaze I found an almost new Rainbow tarptent. My Zoid is fine, but I could shave 1.5 lbs off and go freestanding...hmmm. So I bit and bought it. I started going through all my gear, weighing and listing it, deciding what was necessary and what was luxury. Right now I am at 15 lbs without food or water. That will put me around 25 lbs total, and right where I want to be.This morning my daughter sent me an early Mother's Day gift card to REI. So I broke down and bought myself the Steripen Adventurer. I've used Aqua Mira with good results and had planned on staying with it. But what I have has expired and I couldn't find it anywhere around here. Besides, I rationalized, it must be resupplied and would eventually add up to what I'm spending on the Steripen... So thanks to my daughter! While walking yesterday, I was thinking about the saying that a bad day on the trail is better than a good day anywhere else. Not So! I've had some bad days on the trail and they were lots worse than a bad day anywhere else! I know what I'm getting myself into this time. I know how highs the highs are and how low the lows are. I know that when you walk you think and you dwell on things you shouldn't. The mind is a curious thing... But I also know the regrets of leaving the trail that build over time, so I will go on. But my views of the trail are not the fantasy they used to be. Funny, as I read journals of hikers who are getting off, I know how easy it is to think they should go on. It's easy to think that from your desk chair. But the reality is harder than you think. Until you've spent a month or more out here, you don't get how hard it really is, not just physically, but emotionally. Small problems become mountains! So to those who have attempted a hike, my red hat is off to you! For those who have completed it, I stand and salute you for a job well done.
Date: 2008-05-17
To: TRANSCRIBER NEEDED! (Transcriber found)
Miles today: 0.0

I'm working on getting used to my new PDA/cell phone. I can now access the internet and send emails. I haven't tried to send any photos yet, but I will. Anyway, I really need an experienced transcriber for my journal. By experienced, I mean someone who has used trailjournals before, not necessarily by transcribing, but by keeping a journal. If you would be interested, please email me. I would email my entries to the transcriber, who would copy & paste them into TJ, then edit for errors (I am on a cell phone and typing is not easy...) If you agree I could also send photos, but if you'd rather not, that's okay, I can do photos when I get to town. That's it for now, 45 days left!Next day - I got several volunteers, thanks! Heartfire (2006/2007) will be doing it for me. Thanks to everyone.
Date: 2008-05-18
To: What's In Your Pack?
Miles today: 0.0

Lots of folks put up gear lists on Whiteblaze.net hoping other folks with help them trim it down to what is really necessary. What we take with us helps determine our success. Some of my gear is listed under "gear" on the left. But we take a lot of other stuff with us when we hike. All that stuff is what makes the difference...First of all there is the physical stuff. We need food, clothing, shelter, (and cash or credit cards) to make it all the way. But that's the least important, albeit essential stuff.Next there is the social stuff. Past, present, and future relationships make us who we are. If we are running from past relationships, they will haunt us. If our present relationships are not solid, we will either hurry home or lose them. One hiker friend from 05 had to decide whether to go home to his untrusting spouse or keep hiking. He decided to go home. Another hiker friend got home to find out she was too late and her marriage was over. Our future relationships, our trail relationships can be strong, lifelong bonds, but they usually are not sexual. This can be difficult for a spouse to understand. So your social stuff plays an important part in your hike.Third is the intrinsic stuff. What kind of personality are you? Some type A's are so freaked out when the spread sheet hike they planned is not what they get. Some type B's are so lay back they spend all their time and money in town. But some of both types make it. Fourth is the past stuff. Do you learn from your past or just regret it? It took me 27 years to finish college! I started in 1965 as a drama major, then quit to get married in 1967. I went back and took a number of real estate courses in the 70s. Finally, I went back again in 1990. Graduated with my BA in English in 1992. I fully believe in "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" So we pack all that stuff in our packs and head for the trail. Some of us will make it all the way the first time. Some won't. Some will try again and again. Some won't.   So what's in your pack?
Date: 2008-06-05
To: Kentucky
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my first entry via my transcriber. I have discovered, after many tries, that I can not attach files using yahoo on my cell phone. I have to wait until I get internet service and type my text there. What a bummer! I hoped to use the word processor on my cell daily and email them as attachments when I found internet service. Apparently I can only do attachments with text messaging and I didn't arrange for text messaging since I'm old and cheap. Same with photos... So I'll be doing the photos when I get to town and can get to a computer. Oh well, the best laid plans.... For the next couple of weeks my husband and I are vacationing. I figured we should enjoy our time together since we'll be apart for quite awhile when I am hiking! So we are in Kentucky right now visiting our younger daughter and her family. I got to see our grandson, Tyler, receive his Weebelos God and Family award, and the last day of school awards. Our granddaughter, Josie, is four and as precocious as her mother was at that age. We have really enjoyed being with them. I gave them a copy of my trail guide (Appalachian Pages) so they can follow me on my journey south. Tomorrow we'll be heading to NJ to visit my oldest daughter and her family. Then we'll head south to VA to see our son and his family. Finally, I'll head home to repack my pack and catch a bus to Maine.
Date: 2008-06-09
To: The Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today I was reading journals, as I often do... and came across a mention that Hopeful and Redwing were the caretakers at The Bears Den Hostel. I knew that they had been caretakers up the road when their daughter was born, and knew that they had left. What I didn't know was that they were now at the Bears Den. In 2005 we were at the Bears Den together. Queen Diva was the caretaker then. Not sure where she went, but she was great! Anyway, there is absolutely no one better to take over for her than Redwing and Hopeful!!! I can't wait to see them this fall. Wow!
Date: 2008-06-22
To: Home again, but not for long...
Miles today: 0.0

Our three week whirlwind tour is over and we are back home. My husband and I had a wonderful time visiting with all the kids and grandkids, as well as his sister and brotherinlaw. Can you believe that we spent three weeks driving over 4000 miles and didn't even have a cross word? Even driving through Atlanta! Amazing! The gas crisis does seem to have hit RVers the worst. There are still plenty of trucks and cars out, but a lot fewer RVs. At 7 or 8 mpg, that's understandable. Everyone is staying pretty close to home in those babies. I can't even imagine what it must be doing to the truckers with the price of diesel, but they are still moving on. Now comes the process of getting ready for my journey. I bought a Granite Gear Latitude Vapor pack while we were out. It is 400-500 cu larger than my Osprey Atmos and a tad lighter. I have to figure out about packing it now. It has front entry instead of top, so I think I'll have to turn the trash compactor bag sideways then roll it to keep everything dry inside. I also got a new starlyte alcohol stove to try. It uses 1/2 oz of alcohol to boil my water for dinner. That is an amazing weight savings over my pocket rocket and 8 oz fuel cannister. (I still love my pocket rocket, but thought I'd finally give alcohol a try) My maps are all divided into 10 mail drops, addressed and numbered in order. I should be good to go for Friday morning's bus trip. Next time you hear from me I'll be on the way to Maine!
Date: 2008-06-30
To: Fun on the bus
Miles today: 0.0

Part One June 27: I caught the bus out of town at 9:30 am Friday. We got to Houston in great time. Houston was very efficient and organized us into three groups: one headed to Atlanta, one headed to Fla west, and one to Fla east. There was a construction zone where we lost about an hour. Then my bus had a flat. Since the two Fla bound buses were right behind us, they crowded us on and delivered us to Baton Rouge (minus our luggage since it was too dangerous to unload on the interstate). We waited for a long time before they put us on another Fla bus headed to Mobile. When we got there we headed to Atlanta, several hours behind schedule. The night ride to Atlanta was actually quite pleasant. Most everyone slept. We arrived in Atlanta just in time to see my bus leave. Part Two June 28: With 30 some odd folks waiting, they (Greyhound) discussed and decided to send out another bus heading to NY. We got to Charlotte and had to change buses again. Luckily, I didn¢t have to again all the way to NY. The driver made great time and got us to NY on time!Part Three June 29: There was over an hour wait for the bus to Boston, but the line was forming. Two young guys in line were sitting on military duffels and had large green backpacks. Turns out they are planning on hiking and were on the way to the AT Lodge where I am. We left NY at 7am. When we got to Boston we had to change buses again. This is number 9 of a total of 10... The bus stopped at a lot of towns in Maine before dropping us just in time to catch the local to Medway. Plenty of hikers joined us here. Paul and Jaime of the AT Lodge each had a vehicle since there were so many of us. Unfortunately my backpack did not arrive when I did. I have to wait 48 hours before it is quote ¢missing¢ I hope it gets here soon as I can¢t hike into the 100 mile wilderness without it...All in all, my 56 hour bus ride was not bad at all. The drivers did all they could to get us to our destinations on time. Small stations need better food options than vending machines. But I shall reserve judgment until I see what happens with my pack.
Date: 2008-07-01
From: 5.2 miles south of Katahdin

To: 5.2 miles S of Katahdin -Katadin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The pack did not arrive, but I had an appointment with a mountain. I borrowed a pair of shoes and rain jacket from Jaime (at the hostel) and went hiking. A bunch of friends from Whiteblaze were supposed to meet and summit together. D-Wreck, Britta, Abby, Corialice, Britta's boyfriend (sorry, forgot his name) and myself all started up the Hunt Trail toward the summit. We signed the register at 7:30am. The first couple of miles went really fast, and were pretty easy. Then came the rocks... I stashed my poles to climb with my hands and feet. Tough doesn't even describe it. But the group was great! We encouraged each other when the going got tough. The guys helped us up the bigger climbs with a hand up a couple of times. We got to the summit 6.5 hours later and had lunch together. Then time for celebration: summit chocolate. I had been carrying some Hershey's dark chocolate sticks just for the event.After photos, we headed back down, concerned about beating dark. The 3 hiles of rocks were easier on the way down, as we could slide on our rears when the going got tough. (I wore the seat out on my pants!) We were relieved when we got to the last two miles, expecting an easier time. But not so! This part was much more difficult to do going down. My legs started to shake when I would step down more than a 10 inches or so. It was really frustrating. When I got to where my poles had been stashed they were missing! How could someone take hiking poles from an old lady? Well, D-Wreck came to my rescue and lent me his poles. I would not have made it down without them. Finally we saw the register. 7:55 pm... nearly 12.5 hours. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done, but one of the most rewarding. I went to the ranger station and called for my shuttle. My poles had been delivered here by some hiker who thought I had lost them. Wish I had my pack and could stay at the campground with my friends. No Pack again. I'll file a missing report with Grayhound now. Hopefully it will get here soon so I can hike with my buddies again.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: 5.2 miles S of Katahdin -Katadin Stream Campground

To: AT Lodge hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was just a lazy day hanging around the lodge with Jclimb and Stealth who finished their NOBO hikes yesterday. I called Greyhound and my pack is in Bangor, scheduled for the bus to Medway . I'll pick it up and head south tomorrow. Maybe some of my buddies took a rest day and we'll hike together. If not I'm only a day behind. Thanks to those who were concerned. Some things just take three days. I'll be out of touch for about a week or so as I do the 100 mile wilderness .
Date: 2008-07-03
From: AT Lodge hostel

To: Hurd leanto
Miles today: 13.4

Paul dropped me off with three hikers headed to Katahdin. They said they would see me soon. No Car and Five Stones are flip flopping from NY. They will hike south and avoid the heat while getting to see all their buddies still headed north.I walked all day with my bug shirt on. Sometimes you have to decide between the heat or the bugs...About 1 pm I walked out of Baxter State Park and down to Abol bridge. My summit buddies had stopped here last night, but most had hiked on this morning. The only one left was Abby who had taken a fall. She realized her pack was just too heavy. She may get new stuff and meet us in Monson. My hike today was nice, as the trail is well cared for. I did take the ranger recommended high water trail instead of following the AT section which required two fords of the Nesowadnehunk Stream. I wasn't dismayed by the warning sign heading into the 100 mile wilderness. I have plenty of food and should make it in less than the 10 days. This evening, I met Patrick and Jeff who stayed at Abol Campground. Bootstrap and Slot Machine, who I had met at the lodge are here at Hurd shelter too. I ended up pitching my tent to avoid the bugs.
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Hurd leanto

To: Rainbow Lean to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up and out at 6:30. Took a break on Rainbow Ledge where NOBO's get the first view of Katahdin. I hiked with beautiful views of Rainbow Lake. Decided to cook lunch at Rainbow Campsite, then hike in. There was so much bog today! (black muddy yuck that sucks you down if you miss the rock or log step). I took a fall on one bog log. My foot slipped and there I was knee deep in the mud. I couldn't pull myself out till I took off my pack, put it up on the log and crawled out. Not fun hiking by myself. Tonight at the shelter, there are more than twenty people, including a group of girls from some camp, four girls from NH and a bunch of thrus. Too tired to cook, that's why I cooked early. Snug as a bug in my tent.
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Rainbow Lean to

To: Wadleigh Stream Leanto
Miles today: 8.1

Hiking this morning was pretty nice. I stopped and enjoyed Crescent Pond, along with my buggy friends. My plan was to hike to the shelter, cook, and hike on to the Nahmakanta Stream Campsite. But at 2:30, hiking over Nesuntabunt Mountain, I had averaged about a mile an hour. Six miles to the next shelter area meant it would be so late! So I just decided to stay. I feel like I am sooo slow! The two flipfloppers (No Car and Five Stones) are already here. But it is better to go slow and safe, than too fast and get hurt. My pants have bitten the dust. The ducktape didn't hold up and they are totally ripped in the rear where I have been sliding on the seat of my pants. I'll switch to my hiking skirt tomorrow, and wear the rain pants underneath if the bugs are too bad.