morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Pinkham Notch

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

Swansons and I can't seem to get rid of whatever bug has gotten us. Our appetites seem to be getting worse, not better. We eat then feel sick, not a good combination. So our energy is lacking due to the lack of food. Reasons for why today was so short.The Wildcat Mountains beat us up a bit and we both were cold and slow moving. We ate lunch at this hut, put our packs back on then decided not to push it. On days when it's getting to us we are better off taking it easy. So, we sat and played scrabble waiting for the caretaker to show up. Oh, and I also drank about 6 cups of tea.Chris, the caretaker gave us some work to do for our "work for Stay" and we actually get bunks to sleep in tonight. Bunks that I swept out for my stay. Pretty easy work. This is a great hut with no crew, just a caretaker and it is self serve. Plus there are two ponds. Gonna get up early and hope for some moose action.We forced some dinner down for energy purposes, and we are hoping for a better day tomorrow. Hopefully, into Gorham!
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, New Hampshire
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

298 miles left! We are officially 16.5 miles short of Maine and I guarantee you I will cry when we get there. I mean I'm gonna be a mess! But it will be a good mess. Things are finally looking up for us since getting sick and all the other rediculous things that have happened on this expedition.Today was an awesome day, despite the fact that Swansons was still feeling pretty sick. We almost stayed at the hut because both of us were having trouble keeping our breakfast down, but we decided to just keep on. "No pain, no rain, no Maine...right?   And we were glad we did.About an hour into the hike, as I was singing, loudly I might add, (Because Swansons was a bit behind this morning} I was startled by a loud crash and what sounded like something large running away. I looked up, nothing, looked down and there were fresh moose tracks in the mud at my feet. A moose!! Swansons and I crept along and suddenly there was a giant head peaking at us from around the corner. Then, she was gone. Her tracks followed the AT for a good half hour, but we never spotted her again. But still our first MOOSE!! That was all we needed to turn our day around and make it an awesome day.From that point on we hiked steadily, stopping briefly for a lunch, but with a new determination to get all the way into town so we could call home with our moose story! Luckily the terrain got easier as we got out of the Whites. (Finally) and it actually turned into an old road bed and was very smooth sailing.I was singing again, when I saw a black form back out onto the trail. I stopped and squinted thinking to myself "Gee, that's a little moose", then the "little moose" looked up at me and wasn't a moose at all, it was a little black bear! Our 3rd bear. Something about my singing really draws them out. It's that bad! We had a bit of a staring contest with the bear then he at first ran then walked back to the woods. He must have decided we really weren't worth running for. I don't blame him, wer are very nonthreatening creatures, all whistling and singing. We must look really weird to them.So, a bear and a moose all in one day, a day that we almost didn't hike at all. It was very good that we did. Especially because we got to town for TV and Mc Donalds and laundry. We hadn't done since Hanover two weeks ago! Very bad smell coming from us.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Gorham, New Hampshire

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

OK, we didn't quite make it to Maine today....We got lazy. After lunch, it was all wet and foggy so we decided to hang and dry out. And, whoa, did the thru-hikers roll in. I haven't been in a shelter with this many North Bounders in months.I don't even think I can name them all. There's Pie, Mo and Ponch, Bama, Baldilocks, Jesse James and The Professor, Fiddlehead and a few others I don't know wandering about. But it's a good time and everyone is stoked to step into Maine in the morning. 286 miles left!I fell three times today on the wet rocks and roots. I was literally body slammed into one rock and just laid there for a few minutes trying to remember my name. Lots of swamp and deep deceiving mud all over today. No moose today, lots of tracks, very, very dirty by the end of the day.Did I mention we will be in Maine tomorrow? GOOD! GOING TO MAINE!!!
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Northern End of Mahoosic Notch
Miles today: 12.2

MAINE!! It was foggy, rainy and dark....but we got to MAINE! FREAKIN MAINE!! And it did not welcome us easily. But it was an incredible feeling to finally get to our last state.....the last one...But the Mahoosic Notch, what a crazy one mile of trail that is. Giant boulders, up and over, under and around. Trying not to fall into the deep holes. I haven't used my arms that much in 6 months.   It took us two hours to do that one mile where it usually takes us 2 hours to do 6. But it was fun.When we got to the end, I had bruised and bloody shins and we were thoroughly exhausted. Very glad, however, that we did it at the end of the day. It was the coolest and hardest mile we've every done. And we are in MAINE!   How great is that?
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Northern End of Mahoosic Notch

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

For our first full day of hiking in Maine, it was a really awesome day. Maine is so wild and beautiful, and everyone says it only gets better.We are here in Andover, Maine. 256.5 miles away from our destination. Every step I take now I grow more and more excited. Lots of rocks and roots here and my shoes are beginning to show the effects of it. I hope they can carry me through.We sped through most of the morning. There was nothing to look at but thick fog, and the wind was threatening to blow us to another mountain. But, by lunch, most of the fog had burned off and the sun was on full blast. It was turning out to be a beautiful afternoon.While we sat at the shelter eating lunch and enjoying our grape gatorade a former thru-hiker from 05' came up with a group of kids. I asked her about the terrain for the next mountain, and she told us it was her favorite mountain and that we would know why when we got up there. She didn't want to ruin the surprise. Without really even thinking about it we both set off to climb Bald Plate Mountain, just looking forward to being above tree line and getting some awesome views of Maine.Well, we got awesome views all right. When we got to the top there were two day-hikers enjoying the view. Then I saw it. It was our first view of Katahdin. Right in front of us, plain as day. (At least I'm 90 percent sure it was the big "K")I thought I would cry when I crossed the border into Maine, but I didn't. I just whooped and hollered alot. But I cried when I saw that damn mountain. And right in front of the day-hikers. But only a little, I held most of it in. It was such an awesome feeling, to actually see our goal. And to be in such a beautiful state. At that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I know it sounds childish, but I can't think of any other way to explain it. It was awesome.   256.5 miles to go......1918.1 miles down.........
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Andover, Maine

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, here we are still in Andover. Today felt like a zero day, but the best part about it is that we actually hiked 10 miles. We slack packed, thanks to the wonderful folks at the Andover Roadhouse and got to come back here in time for lunch. And what an amazing lunch it was.So we flew through the 10 miles seeing little more than a red squirrel and some bear tracks in the mud. Which are always cool tracks to see. So different looking. Again, Maine is so freakin beautiful.We sat and vegged watching movies this afternoon while a few other thru-hikers filed in off the trial. Corny movies, pizza and beer....plus a bunch of stinky hikers...The Andover Roadhouse is the place to be. It feels like home, it is going ot be very hard to leave this place in the morning. It is just a good thing I really can't afford to stay another night, or I might just do that.Tonight, I spoke to Granite on the phone. She has already completed her journey and has returned to the real world. And hearing how lost and depressed she is has made me a little nervous that this lifestyle I have come to know is very quickly coming to an end. I am so excited to be home and around my friend and family again. But I'm not sure how the adjustment is going to be. Driving a car again....coming out of a grocery store and having my car waiting for me in the parking lot....that is going to be wierd. I hope I don't forget it is there and start walking home or asking old ladies for a ride.....
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Andover, Maine

To: Sabboth Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

230 miles left to go! Maine is amazing, it is really beautiful. I can't even begin to put it into words. It seems different than every other state we've been in. We are definitely in awe.As for the mud! The mud out here can really, really fool ya. It looks like normal mud, stuff that you try to jump around and not step in, but usually if you do, just your shoes get covered. Well, this mud will get ya, up to the knee, with no remorse. You slip off the log you are trying to balance on and boom, this seemingly innocent muddy trail begins sucking you in by the leg. And you are up to your knees in sticky dirt before you know it, cursing all the way, trying to find something to grab on to to pull yourself out. Maine is muddy, crazy muddy. Life Vermont, but this mud is more serious, deeper.No moose today. Lots and lots of tracks. Lots of beautiful views and scenery. Now we are hanging with Rockshock and Lush. Lush actually made a campfire which I haven't done in probably over a month. It is nice to warm up next to a fire. Especially when Swansons and I just ran and jumped in the lake. Very cold. But I got all the day's mud off me quickly. It stinks to slip onto your sleeping bag at night with mud cking the inside of your legs.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Sabboth Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangley, Maine
Miles today: 9.4

We cut today short due to everyone going into town and we broke under pressure. We were only going to do 11 miles anyway so we didn't believe it would matter that much. Hopefully, we'll still get to Stratton by Monday.This morning, we had our second moose encounter. We didn't get a great view of him, jus a quick back shot as he sprinted away bringing down half the forest with him. The path was full of moose prints this morning, they were nonstop the entire way. It made it easier to steer around some of the deeper spots in the mud, apparently the moose don't like to sink in the mud either.It took us a quick three and a half hours to get down to the road, and we even got a hitch pretty fast. Unfortunately, it was from a very creepy guy who told us his life story and all his family members life story. But, hey, he was nice enough to give us a lift, so no complaints here.The little town of Rangely is very cute, and has awesome pizza. Maine has proved to have awesome pizza, and being Jersey kids we are very snobby about our pizza. But Maine passes with flying colors.Tonight we are staying at the hostel outside of town. It's an interesting place, but the owner is a wonderful old guy, sweeter than ever. And he has two dogs so I am very happy here.   Plus a bed, beds are always points in my book.Tomorrow we get free breakfast, then it's back to the trail and up over a big guy above tree line. In the rain! I am looking at the full length map now and we are only about 4 inches away I believe. Scary, but exciting, somewhat crazy. We still have two more weeks to drink as much soda as possible and eat junk food before it is back to normal life......
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Rangley, Maine

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: light rain

Nero day due to HEAVY rains. But we were all very thankful we did it because we had one of the best nights on the trail.We woke up early, but didn't get ourselves together until late. A good movie was on TV and Swansons, Sumo and I were mesmerized by it. Plus is was pouring rain outside. That did nothing to motivate us. We sat around Bob's procrastinating until mid morning when he told us he was headed into town for lunch. Well, we love lunch! So, Homeward, Wiggy, Rockjock and Swansons and I jumped into the car with him for the best pizza I've had on the trail yet.Then, it was back to hiking, for the time being. We hiked into the woods and moments later it began raining again. So when we all got to the first shelter, 1.8 miles in it was a hard decision on whether to stay or keep truckin. Since it was late in the day and pouring, the decision was basically made for us. We would stay. And since we were still to so close to the road, Swansons and Homeward returned back for goodies. After all, apparently we had finished 90 percent of the trail, it was time for celebrate!!!It turned into an incredible night. Some weekenders showed up with their guitars and scotch and we got a fire going in the rian. It was a regular old party. The one weekender turned out to be the best (by far) guitar player I have ever heard. And he jammed long into the night for us.Live music does not come easy out here....so it was very special to us. This is what we come out here for, quickly formed friendships and just straight out good times around the campfire.....even in the rain...
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

Nothing sums today up better than crappy. And we had to climb up above treeline where it was windy and crappy and very wet. The rocks were like ice and there were lots of them, big long slabs that we had to somehow maneuver over even though it was slanted like an icy slide. I fell once and slid all the way down about 10 feet before I came to a wonderful stop in the mud. That was only the beginning of the day.By the end of the day, we were soaked and covered in mud. I could no longer see my shoes or socks, just thick mud caked everywhere. We were incredibly happy to see the shelter and callapsed gratefully on its decks.   Maybe the night before we had a little too much fun with the jamming weekenders.This shelter is wonderful. The fall foliage around it makes it feel like October. And the wind sure makes it feel like it. Tomorrow we go under 200 miles left and head into Stratton, Maine.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

187.8 miles left. And we had our first beautiful day in a few days. It's funny how quickly you begin to miss the sun when you live outside. The rapidly changing colors of the trees look amazing in the sunlight as well. For the millionth time. Maine is beautiful!We had some great climbs with cool little rock scrambles up and down. South and North Crocker Mountains stood between us and our town food and they really made us work for it. Some little steep scrambles and burning tired legs.But once we got to the road we scored a hitch on the first car. And it was a guy originally from New Jersey. Very small world.We are hanging at the Stratton Motel/Hostel gearing up for the home stretch. Everyone seems kind of antsy and lost as to whether they are happy or sad for the conclusion of this adventure.   I guess we will not know how to feel until it is actually over. No matter what I'm excited for these last two weeks and all the great things we'll see, and excited to go home again. It will be nice to be with my friends and family again. And take a long bubble bath, then sleep for two days.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day out of town today, as usual.   It was a wonderful morning. Slept in (which for me is 7:00AM) and woke up slowly not rushing to get our stuff together. Then I had the biggest and best breakfast yet. Swansons, Wiggy, Homeward, Rockchalk and I went across the street to the little diner, and my feast began.   Now, this is one breakfast I have to list so that I can look back one day and wish I could still eat like this. I started off with two cups of coffee, two eggs, over easy, three sausage links, homefries and toast. Then, upon leaving the diner I ran over to the general store and bought/devoured a 1/2 gallon of OJ and my last three pieces of chicken parm pizza from last night. I thought that would be enough, but I was terribly wrong because ten minutes later I was nuking a canadian bacon, egg and cheese and eating two free donuts I got.Was I full? Not really, but I couldn't go on eating. We actually had to hike. Our ride was geared to go. But what a wonderful way to live, I'm going to miss all the junk food and soda. But, I can't wait to be able to eat fresh veggies all the time. On our way back to the trailhead, I sat in the bed of the pick-up by myself and it was beautiful. Just watching the Maine forest for by at 60 mph. Gave me such a feeling of freedom. Reminded me how much I do love this life no matter how much I miss home. I've gotten to ride in the back of pick-ups and watch strange towns and country fly by me, with total strangers at the wheel knowing I am seeing this country in a very different and wonderful way. I'm going to miss riding in pickup beds or with kind strangers who are eager to lend a dirty traveler a hand.Our five miles (up hill) went quickly as we were all pumped after being in town and talking about our planned finish times. When we got to the shelter, we relaxed and celebrated with some fine wild blueberry beer straight from this awesome state. Every day from now on is cause to celebrate. Now that we are under 200 miles and time is flying by.As for this shelter, we hear rumor of heavy moose activity right in front of the shelter. So we are all eager for a potential visit from our gigantic friends. Fingers crossed! We can actually see where they have stripped the trees of their leaves not six feet from the shelter entrance. Have I mentioned that I love Maine? I can't wait to get to Katahdin, but I am now starting to hope it doesn't go too fast!
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: East F;agstaff Road
Miles today: 11.6

Well, we actually did it. We made it to the 2000 mile mark. Little Bigelow Mtn. marked it for us. We sat on the top and celebrated with easy cheese and bagels, looking over the amazing forests of Maine. The day was beautiful. The Bigelow Mountain Range was absolutely breathtaking. Maine is breathtaking. And to top it all off we got the biggest, the grandest trail magic we have yet to receive. I'm in heaven, or pretty damn close.Three former thru-hikers, Walkin Home, Hydro and Mad Mike set up three tents, three grills and lots and lots of food and drinks. It was incredible. I have never seen such a display. And it really helped me out with my drink as much soda as possible before the end campaign. They kept the burgers coming and corn on the cob, beans and dogs as well. Freakin' incredible.After gorging ourselves on everything around us possible, the guys built an awesome fire and we sat around watching the full moon come up.Guys like this really make our whole trip. That really made us open our eyes to how lucky we are to be enjoying this adventure, and to be taken care of once in a while by such fantastic human beings. Before I began this trip I thought there was barely any kindness left in this world. Now, I see that you just have to slow down a bit and you'll see it all around you.
Date: 2006-09-08
From: East F;agstaff Road

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 19.9

Trail magic continued this morning as we woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and frying eggs. In an attempt to avoid the heavy amount of dew last night, we all threw our sleeping bags under the picnic tables and slept soundly, in the parking lot. We were still soaked when we woke up, but it didn't matter.There were eggs and canadian bacon sandwiches, little debbies, OJ and coffee all around. The bad thing was we couldn't hang around too long this morning because Homeward, Swansons and I wanted to get into Caratunk. It was 20 miles, and the trick of it was that we had to make the Ferry across Kennenbec River by 4:00PM, or no town. The river is too dangerous to ford and the canoe guy will only pick us up between 9-11 AM and 2-4PM. After that, we are stuck on the other side till the next morning.Shananigans told us we'd never make it, there was no way. Especially since we didn't leave unti 8:00AM. 20 miles by 4:00PM. Well, of course, we felt it was now a challenge and the three of us practically ran. The terrain was very easy, just little ups and downs and we did the first 16 miles by 1PM. Plenty of time to sit and have lunch at Pierce Pond Shelter and write gloating messages to the skeptical Shananigans in the register.Then, it was back to the race. The last four miles to the river. These last four miles were more difficult than the other 16, with tons of roots and rocks to slow down our walking. I fell once and Swansons fell twice. But we made it with an hour to spare.The Kennenbac River has a dam which leaves the river relatively shallow in the early morning, but quickly goes up to eight feet deep in the afternoon. It used to be that we'd have to take our chances and ford it but a thru-hiker drowned a few years ago attempting to do just that. So, now there is an official AT ferry, complete with a white blaze in the bottom of the canoe.It was a great change of pace to get a lift and ride along in the canoe. The river was very quick and I was surprised to think that anyone would have to try and ford it, with their packs at this level and speed. And yet some real AT purists still do it, considering the canoe as cheating. Well, I don't consider it cheating, just staying dry and having fun.After our ferry the three of us walked to the hostel grocery store and chugged down a few sodas and snacks while trying to decide where to stay for the night. The ferry boat man offered us a ride up to Northern Outdoors where they had cheap rooms, shower, a hot tub, pool and a brew pub. It was a better deal than the hostel and we were sold.So we spent the night celebrating, once again, this amazing experience. And, also retelling our story over and over to all the rowdy drunk tourists. It was a great ending to a great day. Plus we got our own private shower and each our own bed. Life is good.
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Caratunk, Maine

To: Bald Mountain Brook Leanto
Miles today: 14.7

136.5 miles left to go, 2038.1 miles done. Wow. I can't believe we are so close, today we are past half way through Maine. Time is really flying by now. And we even have a summit date, hopefully, the 18th. It is all so surreal. What is it going to be like without woods as home base?This morning we got a bit of a late start, due to a late night and sleeping in plus poor Homeward losing his wallet. But, we ate lots of food and got off to a great start until it started to rain. The rain was brief, but we knew it would be back. It threatened all day.We went over Pleasant Pond Mountain and discovered that even in the clouds the views in Maine are the best. We didn't stop for lunch until about 3PM and had planned to go another seven miles to make it a 19 mile day. But when we got to the second to the last shelter and foot of Moxie Bald the thunder began to rumble and the rain came again. So, we decided to cut the day four miles short instead of hiking over a bald in a thunder storm. Swansons and I have had some not so great luck out here, we didn't want to press that luck with lightening.Rockchalk had the same idea. Now, we are here in the shelter listening to the wind and rain with Rock, Kyffan, (a section hiker we have adopted), Karuna, Miel, and Travelin fuzz. The temperature is supposed to drop near 30 tonight and I can already somewhat feel it. So I'm retiring to the sleeping bag. 22 miles into our LAST TOWN on the trail tomorrow. Have to make it in in time for the Big Giants-Colts game at 8PM. Can you believe it is football season already?