morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-21
From: Mill Road

To: Trail Side After Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Today was so much fun. There were several times during the day where I keeled over laughing. Nothing fit the usual life pattern. I was out of bed at 6AM. Everything was packed and loaded into the car by 7:30AM. The plan was to hike in Vermont doing a strange flip and with Angie, Christen, and Holly, all my daughters. Jim and Angie drove to VT and trail crossing in Bennington VT. We left Angie's car there and headed off to Mill Road to begin the 11.2 mile hike back to VT 9. THe trail was easy to follow and only slightly slippery from the early morning rain. Jim dropped us off and the four of us gabbed as we hiked. We also stopped and picked berries a few times. We were out at VT 9 by 4PM and off to Friendly's for dinner. Angie then brought Holly and I back to Mill Road where we hiked south about 1.3 miles and pitched the tent by the trail. Excellent day.
Date: 2005-08-22
From: Trail Side After Seth Warner Shelter

To: Tent Platform at Wilber Clearing Lean to
Miles today: 8.9

Today was an eventful day. First I finished the AT in Vermont. Ya! Massachusetts here we come. Holly and I packed up with ease. We have a good team effort. I knew I was in trouble when she said "Pick it up Mom" when we were hiking. It was a warm day and that slowed her down a little, thank God. We enjoyed nature today. We saw a small brown mouse, a huge hornet's nest hanging in a tree, a bird upside down in a tree and mushrooms. The view from Mt. Prospect Trail intersection was awesome. I picked all kinds of stuff to add to my dinner: chicken of the woods mushroom, black trumpet mushroom, sorrel, dandelion and baby plantaine seeds. We are tented on a tent platform at Wilbur Clearing. The initial climb up Mount Graylock kicked our butt. Nice to sweat and work at a climb. I had a pleasant surprise at the VT/MA border. There was Hopeful Hiker. We chatted for about 45 minutes. Great to see someone I knew. To bed early tonight.
Date: 2005-08-23
From: Tent Platform at Wilber Clearing Lean to

To: Cheshire Post Office
Miles today: 11.5

Holly and I conquered Mount Greylock today. The war memorial tower was beautiful. We ate lunch at the Bascom lodge. Everyone was so friendly. Extra thanks for the cookies. As we hiked down Greylock Holly's knees were really bothering her. I gave her my poles and we took it slow. We hobbled into Cheshire, Ma. A young boy gave us directions to St. Marys Chruch where we will spend the night. Bagel stopped in and gave us a ride to Christina's Restaurant. I loved Bagel's hiking stories. So nice to hear other's history. I almost forgot to mention listening to the owls call in the night Monday night. It made me feel all warm and cozy remembering all the owls I heard earlier in the trail.
Date: 2005-08-24
From: Cheshire Post Office

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Holly and I walked from St Mary¢s Church to Dalton, MA, MA 8/9. We are staying at the Bird Cage. Rob opens his home to thru hikers. He has been extremely kind to us. We got an early start and climbed up to The Cobbles before the clouds had lifted from Cheshire. I could see the monument on Mt Greylock above the clouds. It was so beautiful. I enjoyed the climb up to The Cobbles as well. After showers and laundry, Holly and I walked downtown. We went to the library, to a small store, and out to eat. This town needs a real grocery store. The weather has been perfect. I have met several north and south bound hikers. Amazing how we can all share our stories and our goal ¢ yet each of us completing it our own way. I met a woman on the trail today named Grasshopper. I hope to see her again when I hike NH. The wild mushrooms were plentiful today.
Date: 2005-08-25
From: Dalton, MA

To: Washington Mtn Road
Miles today: 9.6

Holly and I slack packed from Washington Mtn Road back to Dalton, MA today. Rob Bird gave us a ride to the trail head and we were off. We enjoyed picking berries and mushrooms. Today was the mother load of oyster mushrooms. Yummy for dinner with Ben and Jerry¢s to follow. When Holly and I got back to town the fruit smoothies were the best. The Bird Cage is full for night two with 18 people.
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Washington Mtn Road

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Rob loaded twelve hikers into his van to return Holly and I to the trail and deliver some slackers 20 miles up the trail. I met so many neat people at the Bird Cage. I was grateful my daughter got to experience the hostel environment and people. It is so hard to describe how we live. I wanted her to experience it first hand. I think she enjoyed everything. When Rob dropped us off at Washington Mtn Road we walked down to the Cookie Lady¢s home to pick blueberries. The blueberries are to be packed to Upper Goose Pond Cabin for the morning pancakes. We ate a few too ¢ way yummy- then we hiked on. We were both tired especially at the end of the day. We rested at Finerty Pond, beautiful spot. Crossing over I 90 was loud as usual, then on to the cabin. The cabin is so restful. I hope I can return here. The privy is unusual with a number one hole and a number two hole. The fireplace is breath taking. I watched the fish in the lake, all good.
Date: 2005-08-27
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Main Road, Tyringham
Miles today: 7.0

Today is my last day to hike with my daughter Holly. It has been a great week. We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast at the cabin, yummy feast. Then we were off to Main Road, Tyringham, MA. We arrived with eight minutes to spare to our pick up time. We passed lots of stone walls and an old chimney that was neat. I love to see the stone walls and know that fields covered the land not long ago.
Date: 2005-09-05
From: Gorham NH

To: Mt. Moriah, Imp Shelter 
Miles today: 8.0

Today was a great day. Double Healer and I got dropped off at US 2, Gorham, NH, just before 11AM. We ate cookies and headed into the woods. I was actually excited to have a pack on and to be back in the woods. There was a stream running down beside the trail. The clear water turned white as it fell from rocks in the filtered sun. I enjoyed listening to it flow. The trail was covered in mica and quartz. The sun turned them into millions of diamonds. The sky was clear blue ¢ not one cloud. Absolutely a perfect hiking day. I saw Puss Gut, Jax, and Graybeard that I knew. I was so excited that I screamed when I saw Graybeard. I nearly knocked both of us down the trail in my excitement. I¢m glad to see all of their progress to Maine. I learned how Puss Gut got his name. On naked hiking day (6/21) he stuffed poison ivy or oak into his pack belt to cover you know what. This lead to a doctors visit and much suffering I¢m sure. I was greatly impressed that Jax remembered my name. Many thanks to his mom for the trail magic earlier on the trail. Double Healer also saw a couple thru hikers he knew that I had not met before. The people part of the trail is exciting. The AT came within .2 miles of the summit of Mt. Moriah. I dropped my pack at the intersection with the Carter Moriah trail and climbed to the top. Now I think I have completed 30 of the 4000 footers in ME, NH, and VT. Mt. Moriah is 4049 feet. The view from Moriah was spectacular. I could see the Carters ¢ I¢ll climb tomorrow. The Presidential Range was clear with Mt. Washington¢s towers visible. I¢m spending the night at the Imp Shelter(cost $8). All kinds of men hiking and here at the shelter. Women are highly underrepresented.
Date: 2005-09-06
From: Mt. Moriah, Imp Shelter 

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Oh my God, I have been beaten. Double Healer and I left Imp Shelter before 8AM. The weather was perfect. I knew the day would include us climbing over five mountains over 4000 feet but I didn¢t really think about what that would include. The climb up North Carter Mountain (4530¢) was all steep ledge. I climbed on all fours most of the way. The climb took forever. I enjoyed the trail over Middle Carter Mountain (4600¢), South Carter Mountain (4458¢), Mt. Hight (4675¢), and Carter Dome (4832¢). The best views were off Mt. Hight, which was a total surprise to me. What an awesome mountain. I saw all kinds of north bound thru hikers. Cola, Chuck, and Sunshine let me get their pictures on Middle Carter. I was psyched to see everyone. Then I saw Adam and Nomad near Mt. Hight and Carter Dome. I love everyone¢s smiles when they see me coming. Makes my day. I got an update on Doc Narly ¢ the painter at the Red Bard in Vermont gave him the boots off his feet. I was so happy to know he isn¢t still walking in holey boots. The climb down into Carter Notch Hut was very steep. My leg muscles are so tired. I¢ll be staying at the Hut tonight. And doing my first work for stay. I have the job to clean the stove. Oh no, I¢ve
Date: 2005-09-07
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Pinkham
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: few clouds

I have no reasonable explanation as to why it took me all day to go 6 miles and why it beat me up so. Double Healer decided to blue blaze to Pinkham Notch camp. I headed off on the AT up Wildcat. I enjoyed climbing all five Wildcat mountains. I saw several thru hikers. I saw Joshua first who now has a trail name ¢ No Show. I thanked him for stopping to gab with me. Then I saw Sleeveless. We had a nice talk about all the soul searching we do on the trail and about problems we try to solve. Then just before I arrived at Pinkham Notch there was Chuckles and Got to Go. So nice to see them and hear of their hiking stories. I spent all day in deep thought and cried my way up the first Wildcat. The mountains are a good place to think and try to work things out in your mind. My journey down off the Wildcats and into Pinkham was eventful. It was one of the steepest down hill climbs I¢ve ever done. I slipped several times. The blazing has been poor in NH so far. At one point I was gong down the trail and it turned to the left. It wasn¢t marked and I missed the turn and continued down 10-20 feet when I found myself clinging for my life on the side of granite ledge. There were loose chucks of granite under my feet and I was slipping. One of my hiking poles fell a long way down the mountain. First I had thoughts that I could die. Then I figured I must be off the trail. I had to give up on my hiking pole for now. I climbed back up and after a while I saw where the trail went around a narrow shelf of ledge. I followed the trail down until I thought I could go into the area where my pole was. I must have looked like spider woman all sprawled out on loose chucks of granite and holding small trees trying to get over to my stick. I finally made it and was back trying to get down the trail. When I arrived at Pinkham, Double Healer had a room for us and had arranged for dinner and breakfast. Showering was so nice. The simple pleasures of life. Thanks to Double Healer.
Date: 2005-09-08
From: Pinkham Notch Camp

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.7

Today was an eventful day. Double Healer and I hiked from Pinkham Notch Camp to Madison Hut. We enjoyed breakfast at Pinkham Notch and we were on the trail before 8 am. It took us most of the day to reach Madison Hut. Red Eft passed us on the way up to Madison. Little did I know that he was packing bag pipes. The trail was all large rock slabs. A rain storm was approaching and the wind was strong. I fell several times with minor ailments each time. I did work for stay. The Croo was awesome to us. This was the best Hut ever. There were seven thru hikers at the hut: Red Eft, Scholar, Pixie, Pine Dragon, Poet, Feeling Free, and Serenity. It was so awesome to see Pixie and Pine Dragon again. I saw them last on naked hiking day. They remembered Swampfox just before his compression fracture sent him off the trail, and asked about him. Scholar I also knew from down the trail. Pixie gave me a back rub ¢ so great. I melted like butter. Red Eft and a Croo member we call Italian Sausage, played bag pipes and a guitar all evening. I shared my Sambuca. What a special, relaxing evening. Life is good tonight. I am grateful for all my fellow trail companions.
Date: 2005-09-09
From: Madison Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

I hiked with Double Healer from Madison Hut to Lake of the Clouds Hut. My work for stay at Madison Hut consisted of washing out draws and moving food to wash the shelves. It rained in the evening and during the night. I was grateful to be inside. The morning was cool but sunny. The Croo fed us breakfast by 7:45 am and we were off. The sun and beautiful day continued until we were heading for Mt Clay. I walked ahead of Double Healer as I walked around Mt Adams so I could thank Mr. Edmunds for all his trail work. I knew I sounded nuts so I didn¢t want Double Healer to hear me. When I got to the plaque at Edmunds Col I learned that Mr. Edmunds died at 60 years old. What a loss. He put so much of his life into trail work in the Whites. When we were rounding Mt Clay a black cloud moved over us and it became cold. By the time we were on Mt Washington (3 pm) it was 40 degrees with 43 mile an hour winds. I was blown off my feet. It was hard to hike with a pack and the wind. We took a break on the top of Washington before heading to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. I was blessed with another evening of Red Eft¢s bag pipe music and a former thru hiker on guitar. I truly am hiking from one party to the next. I had a hard time waiting for 9:30 to go to bed. I am a party animal you see, smile. I almost forgot to mention that Dorothy and Toto are here tonight. I enjoyed another family reunion.
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

My work for stay at Lakes of the Clouds Hut included clearing breakfast dishes, sorting dishes, and washing tables. Double Healer and I hiked together from Lakes of the Clouds Hut to Mizpah Hut. Then Double Healer blue blazed out and I went backwards a half mile toward the South Peak of Mt Clinton. Bad enough to go the wrong direction but, it¢s worse when it¢s up hill. I saw two dogs that I recognized from the peak and that told me I was going the wrong way. I turned around and found the trail. I headed up Mt Jackson and Webster. The views were completely clear. Visibility was 120 miles plus. From Jackson I could clearly see Mt Washington and Mizpah Hut. When I was coming over the Southern Presidentials I swear I could see the ocean, Maine, and Vermont. I fell a few times today. Most of my body hurt. I hiked out to Crawford Notch. Double Healer was waiting and helped me with my pack the last 200 feet. My husband had come to resupply us. He took us to Crawford Campground. There was only one bunk left so, I asked my husband to take us home for a zero day. I was tired and sore. He reluctantly agreed knowing I would need to get back on Monday. I got home at 10:30 pm. I was asleep in the car. I couldn¢t stay awake. I got to see a spruce grouse today. It was so pretty and close to me in the trail. I also saw three people I knew: Toolman, Chickity, and Hopeful Hiker. I was so excited to see Chickity hiking up the Southern Presidentials I started screaming. She ran up and gave me a hug. Now that she is done the trail she was out for a day hike with no pack. I look forward to the day I can hike pack free.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Crawford Notch

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 7.7

Today Double Healer and I hiked from Crawford Notch to Zealand Falls Hut. We started at 11 am and arrived before 5 pm. We took lots of breaks and I enjoyed sitting by the Zealand Falls. It was a perfect spot to sit and day dream. I visited with old trail mates: Bubble Toes, Rawhide, Colorado, and Marshmallow. I met Painfully Slow (Southbound) at Zealand Hut. She told me she saw Tomcat in Maine twice. He completed the trail and then hiked Maine again with NumTum. I also heard Freeze Dried broke his foot on Killington in VT. O¢Connor signed the Zealand trail register on 8/13. Exciting to have information from hiker pals of my past.
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Trail side after Gale River Trail
Miles today: 8.2

Double Healer and I hiked from Zealand Falls Hut to a spot beside the trail about a half mile after Gale River Trail. These mountains are so challenging. We both fell on slippery rocks. We had a late lunch at Galehead Hut. I really didn¢t want to stay so we hiked on to tent. I talked with all kinds of thru hikers and vacationers. I feel the hard work of the day. I¢m happily tucked into my tent. The life of a thru hiker is sweet, to bed by dark, smile.
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Trail side after Gale River Trail

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 9.2

Today was a day of hard work. Double Healer and I started hiking at 8 am and we finished just at sunset. We hiked from the side of the trail about half mile after Gale River Trail to Liberty Spring Tentsite. We summited Mt Garfield 4488¢, Lafayette 5249¢, Lincoln 5089¢, and Little Haystack 4760¢. Both yesterday and today Spruce Grouse came out to greet us. Yesterday one kept talking to me with the sweetest sound. It was such an honor to see these birds. When I arrived at Liberty Spring Tentsite Gunner greeted me. He remembered my daughter and me from the Bird Cage in MA. He cooked my dinner from food donated by the caretaker. It was noodles with peppers, very tasty. Many thanks to Gunner and the caretaker. Awesome to see Gunner again. I passed Garfield Pond today. It was a beautiful spot.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Liberty Spring Tentsite

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: moderate rain

Thunder storms during the night; I could see flashes of lightening from my tent. In the morning most of my gear was wet. My husband planned to resupply us at the Liberty Trail head. Double Healer and I debated if we should go home with the rain and wet gear. We decided to go and dry out. It was a 2.5 mile hike out then nearly another mile to the parking lot where Jim was waiting. I ran into one of the ridge runners from the Smokys. It was a great surprise. I also stopped and talked with Oakey who I saw at Miss Janet¢s. The trail is like old home day so often. I¢m home and dry now.
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Three Mile Road

To: Main Street, Hanover, NH
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: haze

Double Healer and I slack packed from Three Mile Road to Main Street, Hanover. With all the rain we¢ve had recently I wanted to avoid the streams in Franconia Notch. Ophelia will be here tomorrow and we plan to take a zero. I can¢t believe we have less than 61 miles left in NH. Ben and Jerry in Hanover made a great afternoon treat. It rained lightly as I drove home. Lily Rose, my Terrier, hiked with me today. She is totally pooped. Few people were on the trail today, one couple and a few trail workers.
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Three Mile Road, NH

To: Lyme Dorchester Road
Miles today: 11.2

Today was another awesome slack pack from Three Mile Road to the parking lot at Lyme Dorchester Road. I hiked with Double Healer and Lily Rose. I gave Lily Rose the trail name Fang after she gave another dog a growl for getting in her space. No harm done and off we went. I was tired when I got home. Jim had cooked Pork Chops, yummy. I enjoyed a bath and off to bed.
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Franconia Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: few clouds

We got up early today and headed for Franconia Notch. We took the blue blazed Pemi Trail, 0.9, back to the AT. We hiked on to Lonesome Lake Hut for lunch. We hiked over North and South Kinsman, and down to Eliza Brook Shelter. The trail coming down off South Kinsman was sheer rock, very steep, and slippery. I was slow and ended up coming into Eliza Brook Shelter by head lamp. I make every effort to not night hike now but, I got into a situation where I had to. The Eliza Brook is beautiful, lots of water falls. I loved the views from North Kinsman looking back on Mt Lafayette and Mt Lincoln. You feel like you¢ve done something when you see those peaks from North Kinsman. I saw a couple hikers I knew from the Bird Cage today. One was named Snack Man.
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: NH112
Miles today: 7.5

I awoke to rain on the shelter roof. I knew the report called for rain but I thought it would start in the evening, wrong. It rained steady all morning. I was drenched and cold. My feet are all shriveled. I hiked from Eliza Brook Shelter, over East and South Mt Wolf and out to NH112. Double Healer convinced me to hitch a ride to the hostel in Glencliff. There was nearly no traffic. But by the Grace of God and good people we arrived at the hostel with ease. Here at the hostel I took a hot shower and wore dry clothes, life is good. Totally Different Subject is here. I haven¢t seen him since Miss Janet¢s. Good Ole Boy I met earlier in NH is here with his dog Honey. Oakey bought Hot Dogs and I had one by the camp fire with a beer. Sometimes the simple things in life are awesome.
Date: 2005-09-21
From: NH112

To: NH25
Miles today: 9.5

Today worked out well. Oakey shuttled Double Healer and I back to NH112 around 9 am. The trail is a steep uphill climb up Moosilauke. The trail climbs beside a water fall for a long time. It is breath takingly beautiful. I took a couple breaks and admired the beauty. This is one of those places where it is impossible to explain the experience. The view from Moosilauke was clear. I could see the mountains I had climbed over the last few days. We hiked at a good pace and were out to Rte 25 by 5:30 pm. We returned to the hostel in Glencliff. Fat Chap is running the hostel and has been super. I enjoyed visiting with him. We gabbed about deep stuff and trail stuff. Nice to catch up, I love to see people that I met down South, up North. The trail has a way of drawing people together.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: NH25

To: NH25A
Miles today: 9.8

I lay curled up in my sleeping bag this morning. I didn¢t want to pack up and leave Hikers Welcome Hostel. I enjoyed the coming and going of hikers and the relaxed atmosphere. Double Healer and I left after 9 am. We hiked to NH25A to be picked up for the Highland Games that are this weekend. Less than 14 miles left to complete from Hanover to Gorham, NH. Time is going by too fast for me.
Date: 2005-09-27
From: NH25A

To: NH25A
Miles today: 14.0

Today I finished the trail in NH between Hanover and Gorham. I hiked from Lyme-Dorchester Rd to NH 25A. Double Healer and I slack packed over Lambert Ridge, Smarts Mtn, and Mt Cube. The day started out foggy and bone chilling cold, but improved into a cool sunny fall day. I saw a few late thru hikers, but only one I recognized. Painfully Slow was climbing Mt Cube as I was decending, and ending my climb for the day. We chatted for a little bit. I may see her at the ALDHA Gathering. Some crows flew over me so low I could hear their wings flap. I saw three small salamanders. The were moving extremely slow because it was so cold out. I'm glad to have this section of trail completed, but it's also sad in a way. I enjoy trail life. I can feel winter approaching and will miss it when I'm done for the year.
Date: 2005-10-11
From: Tyringham, Mass

To: Mt. Wilcox South Leanto
Miles today: 8.8

Today, I hiked from Tyringham, MA to Mt Wilcox South leanto. I got up at 5 am to drive to the trail. I started hiking at 9 am. There were lots of stream crossings. Beartown Mtn Rd was washed out and impassable by car. There were orange salamanders everywhere. Lunch was at Shaker Campsite. The stone foundation was beautiful there. Also stone walls inthe woods were awesome. I saw no one all day while I walked. After getting settled into the shelter, two southbounders joined me for the night (Scoobie and Southpaw). They followed the smell of my garlic cooking into the shelter.