morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-20
From: NH 25. (tenting)

To: Lost River, NH 112 (tenting)
Miles today: 9.3

Day 141, July 20, 2014 So whenever I reread a post that is full of emotional or introspective chatter like yesterday I cring with embarrassment and want to delete it. But, even if it might seem nonsensical it does have meaning to me. And I know that someday when I read my journal I will remember that day and why I wrote it. So my journal stands as is; warts and all. Today we did a little executive hiking SOBO. I have heard that the AT saves the best for last for NOBOers; The Whites and Maine. And after I finished my first day in the Whites I can now report that it did not disappoint!!! Today we had our first monster climb since saw the Priest down in Virginia. It was a 3800 foot climb up to Mount Moosilauke. We started the day walking a very steep hike that paralleled a cascade for at least 1 1/2 miles. Then another two easier. Just before the summit we popped out of the trees to the most incredible view of the Whites. It actually took my breath away. We sat at the summit, took photos and high fived. It really was a magical day. The climb down was not as steep. I walked the final couple of miles with The Priest. Mouny Moosilauke is the first big climb of the Whites. It is on this climb that AT Thru hikers sometimes wear a dress. This is especially funny because of the beared men. But, I wore one too. My friends will laugh as they know I hate dresses. I had vowed in 2009 never again to wear one. Never say never I guess I had brought one for Coop. But in all the excitement of the summit I forgot to pose him. But I made him wear it anyway for a photo op. The Hiker Hostel I am staying at is very cool. There are at least 20 hikers here. The shower, toilet and washer and dryer are all outside. They have a huge DVD collection and hikers are just relaxing, eating and watching TV. Raman Shaman, Cheese It and The Priest have only a few more days of hiking and then they have to head back to the real world. So, I plan on spending the last few days with them. I sure am going to miss them. Last night we were talking about the hike. One guy is sick of hiking. He hates the long walks and days. I haven't reached that point. But then he said I am also tired of always being in my head. We all laughed!! We all are. Hours and hours and miles alone walking, we are contemplated out. I suppose that's way I like listening to my books. I get to live in someone elses head/world. So Hudson, from Bearded Woods, had told us that once we reach the Whites the mountain (Mount Katahdin) will start pulling you north. I for sure have felt tugs. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 9.3 Completed: 1795.9 Remaining: 389.4 Start Point: NH 25. End point: Lost River, NH 112 (tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (23 photos)
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Lost River, NH 112 (tenting)

To: Cascade Brook (tenting)
Miles today: 14.8

Day 142, July 21, 2014Today, not yesterday, we hit the 1800 mile marker!!! Today's big climb was up and over North and South Kinsman. Again it was a big climb with a big view for pay off! And the weather was perfect. The Priest and I sat on the summit just soaking it in! I did try calling my friend Jeanne to rub it in how she was working and we were relaxing. She wisely did not answer. Hehe. We also got to hike along another casading stream for a bit. I just love being by water. I went past my first hut. These are fancy huts for vacationers not us hikers. Even if we could get a bed I hear they are pretty pricey. In the whites they also charge you just to stay at a shelter, eight bucks. It is an odd place. Today for lunch Raman Shaman and I both had a whoopie pie. 600 calories of decedent fat!!!!Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 14.8 Completed: 1810.7 Remaining: 374.6 Start Point: Lost River, NH 112 End point: Cascade Brook (tenting)States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Cascade Brook (tenting)

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter (shelter)
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day 143, July 22, 2014 Today started with a fairly easy hike into Franconia Notch. Notches up here are gaps in Georgia. Then it was another huge climb up to Franconia Ridge and Mount Lafayette. I can tell you my legs felt every step today. It was actually a bit easier as far as grade and rocks then the two prior days up Mounts Moosilauke and Kinsman but with the muscle fatige it was not easier. Franconia Ridge is one of those sacred and famous AT milestones. And again it did not disappoint. I ate lunch up there and lollygagged and then spent a little more time taking in the 360 views on Lafayette. It was then a hike back down and then another up over Mount Garfield. I was whooped and so was Coop. We have earned every mile and view these last few days. I could have taken a thousand pictures up there. But it dawned on me how they would never really do them full justice. So, I will only post a few I was pretty tired before Garfield and thought about calling it a night a mile short of Garfield Pond. But I need water and prefer not to drink pond water. So I pushed on. I came to a sign I thought directed me to the shelter .2 off the AT. Well, for some reason I had a big internal fit walking down that steep rocky hill. I imagined having to walk back up it. I thought about turning around but I need water and Cooper was exhausted too. So, I just continued on with my fit and walked. I got to a stream with a bunch of people getting water. I asked how far the shelter was and they said not far. I got water and walk towards the shelter. It was a long way and my agitation just increased!! Once I got to the shelter I went to look for a tent site. None available. Oh great I thought!!! I was so in a foul mood. And I have to pay 8 bucks too! That just got my ire up even more. I want back to the Shelter. Giggles and Chuckles were there. They gave me some water and walked me off the ledge. They also pointed out I was sorely mistaken. I didn't have to walk back up the hill. Just take a left at the stream. WHAT?!?! I was feeling better. But knew I still had to deal with the caretaker of the shelter who I was sure would ban Cooper. Nope, Becky was just sweet as could be and verified the left at the water source. Now I was a little embarrassed. I really don't get angry often and surely don't have full blown fits. Not sure what that was all about. Hard days and water? Thankfully I didn't turn around and take a chance. Then I would have gone the wrong way and been really mad at myself. It is just us three in the Shelter, plus Coop. I am so glad they were here. What a mess I can be. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 11.8 Completed: 1822.5 Remaining: 362.8 Start Point: Cascade Brook End point: Garfield Ridge Shelter (shelter) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (11 photos)
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter (shelter)

To: Near Zeacliff Trail. (Tenting)
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 144, July 23, 2014 Well, I drank all my water last night (maybe I was "wangry" Cheese Its) so my first chore today was to get water. While waiting for my filter to do it's business I chatted with a man using a pump. I, like him, started out with a pump but switched to the Sawyer. My first bit of hiking was straight down the rest of Garfield. With plenty of serious rock scrambles. I am not ashamed to admit I spent a good bit of time on my butt!!! Next another climb up Twin Peaks. Cooper has been sans his pack and it will remain that way I suspect for a long while. It is just to hard for him to do rock scrambles with the width and the weight of the pack. I am only averaging about 1 mile per hour. Doesn't matter if it is up hill or down. Both are difficult but the downs are more treacherous in my humble opinion. I ate lunch on the peak and headed down. I came to an intersection and took a wrong turn. Thankfully I ran into some nice ladies after only about 1/2 a mile who set me straight. No fit today, I just retraced my steps and got back on the AT. Legion, a 2011 thru hiker and manager at the Hiker Hostel, told me yesterday everyone gets lost in the Whites. That's twice for me. I think it counts as being lost if you think you are not on the trail but are on the trail. About 4 the weather turned ominous. I did not want another fiasco like on Straton Mountain. Also, I remembered some wise words The Priest had bestowed upon me a couple of days ago. I asked what he thought about the predicted rain. He replied that if it started to rain he would just get in his tent and stay there! So, I hit a good stream with a ok tent spot nearby. This time I had the tent up and the pack and "the dog" were in before any rain. I fetched some water and got myself in the tent, getting only a little wet. I had hoped to get in a few more miles but oh well. It is still raining and there is thunder and lightning. I think Coop is liking the extra snooze time and we could both use a little extra time to rest our tired legs. I can't wait to get my new sleeping pad. The leak is worse. Now I have to rollover about 6 times a night to reinflate it. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 8.3 Completed: 1830.8 Remaining: 354.5 Start Point: Garfield Ridge Shelter End point: Near Zeacliff Trail. (Tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (9 photos)
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Near Zeacliff Trail. (Tenting)

To: Mizpah Spring (Tenting)
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 145, July 24, 2014Today was a glorious day of hiking in the Whites of New Hampshire. It started out with a nice level walk down into Crawford Gap. There was one area where we crossed a boulder slide. It reminded me of the Rockies. These are old mountains so we don't see exposed slides very often. They are covered in trees and moss and ferns. From there we started an up hill climb. The ultimate destintion for this climb is Mount Washington. I stopped a few miles short. As you make this ascent you go over various other peaks with awesome views. We are in part of what is known as the Presidential Range. That affords us view after view. I am near a Hut. Remember those are the pricey places. They had one spot left where you can work for stay (WFS). This buys you a place to stay, like under the kitchen table, and also any leftover food. They don't allow dogs, so even had I wanted to do this I could not. So, am at the tent site. Again the caretaker was awesome and sweet. His name was Harrison. I am on a wooden platform for the first time. I had no idea how to set my tent up. Twizler is tented beside me. Remember him? He's the one who found and delivered my tentpoles to me back in Port Clinton, PA!! Anyway the tent is up as well as can be and will hopefully dry a little before tomorrow from last nights rain. Live Free or Die, Cowgirl and CooperHiked today: 15.5 Completed: 1846.3 Remaining: 339.0 Start Point: Near Zeacliff Trail. End point: Mizpah Spring (Tenting)States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Somewhere South of Osgood Tent Site (Tenting)

To: .3 miles South of Carter Notch Hut (Tenting)
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 147, July 26, 2014 I really liked my little stealth camp site just below tree line last night. I should have took a picture!!! So today I started seeing crispy bright white blazes. It made me so happy. I think I might have White Blaze Fever So at the Mizpah tent shelter the other night I meet a thru hiker named Chops. We were tented right next to each other on the same platform. He says to me just before I was retiring to my tent, "hey I want to tell you something and it will sound weird". Bring it on. Well, he said he moans in his sleep. And boy did he. Nothing distressing. Just moaning and mumbling all thru the night. I know this because I woke up often to reinflate my sleeping pad. Pretty darn funny. So I got up this morning and headed to Pinkham Notch. My new sleeping pad was suppose to be at the AMC Visitor Center. Well, when I got there and they could NOT find my name. Oh crap I thought. But the girl looked again. It was listed as Deli. Whew!! I can't wait to see how it feels to sleep all night and not have to reinflate my pad. Cooper and I lounged around the center for more than two hours. We are both pretty tired from the Whites. The rock scrambles and hikes are not easy for anyone. But offer special challenges for someone 5'2" and a min pin. We finally got moving. Our climb out of pinkham notch was another steep and rocky climb 2400 feet up Wildcat Mountain. Coop was moving a little slow. Mom thinks he might be a little bored, since he can't chase squirrels she might be right. Anyway I digress. I stopped by the side of the trail to let him rest. Chops comes by and asked what was up. I said just resting. TLM is not 100%. He says want me to give him a lift in my pack? I looked at him to see if he was serious. He was. I started laughing and replied that Coop would probably love that!!! So we loaded him up and Coop had his on Cog all the way up Wildcat. He reminded me of a Cleopatra!!!!! He walked the rest of the way from our tent site and had a little more skip to his step. He actually fell asleep on the ride up that Mountain. Thank you Chops for making my day!!! I miss the Raman Shaman and Cheese Its. But they were nice enough to send me a picture of the at Dunkin Donuts drinking an Ice Mocha. RAT B@STARDS!!! Live Free or Die, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 12.3 Completed: 1871.5 Remaining: 313.5 Start Point: Osgood Tent Site End point: .3 miles South of Carter Notch Hut (Tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (5 photos)
Date: 2014-07-28
From: US Route 2, Gorham, NH (Motel)

To: US Route 2, Gorham, NH (Motel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 149, July 28, 2014. I had big plans today. Wash my clothes. Resupply. Hike about ten. I realized none would happen. My heart was to broken. I finally waddled down to the laundry mat about two. Guess what? Chief Chitaka reached out to me. You ok? Oh yeah I replied. She knew I was lying and drove from Concord to just sit by me for five hours. guess who WE met? Princess and the Rocketman. I wanted to hug them until they turned blue. But held back due to social protocol. How long can one wallow in self pity? A day at least. I chose this Day. My legs can not move. My heart aches. My mind swirls. And Ms. Bell said one day all will be good. The Priest and I recently had an argument about the ending of the book "Into the Wild". I hated the ending. Why did he not just walk up and down the river for a place to cross?! Priest on the other hand loved the ending because from his view point McCandless got what he wanted according to his last journal entry. Something like - life is to be shared with friends and family. Well duh!! I don't need to go to Alaska or walk the AT to know that. I agree to disagree with the Priest. He should have walked the river bank early on. Mike hates social media. If not for it I would be a boat a drift. So I posted pics of Jer regardless of his wrath I had big intentions of hiking but today I failed. My heavy heart and bad weather steered me differently. I zeroed. Did laundry, let the min pin rest and ranted with Chief Chitaka. I must hike on. Live Free or Die, Cowgirl and Coopet Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1887.0 Remaining: 298.3 Start Point: .3 miles South of Carter Notch Hut End point: US Route 2, Gorham, NH (Motel) States Completed: 12GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-29
From: US Route 2, Gorham, NH (Motel)

To: Dream Lake (Tenting)
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 150, July 29, 2014Got my resupply done. Ate a little. And then hit the trail about noon today. It felt good to walk. Therapeutic. It was a beautiful day on the trail. I can already feel Maine coming. The trail was a little more rugged. There was lots of water and plenty of mud on the trail. Coop actually got stuck in the mud today. All the way up to his belly. He also fell into a stream. Poor little fellow. But only a few more days until Jeanne amd Cindy come to visit and he can have a couple of zeros. Live Free or Die, Cowgirl and CooperHiked today: 9.7 Completed: 1896.7 Remaining: 288.6 Start Point: US Route 2, Gorham, NH End point: Dream Lake (Tenting)States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Dream Lake (Tenting)

To: Full Goose Shelter (Tenting)
Miles today: 11.7

Day 151, July 30, 2014 And then there was one!! Today Coop and I hit two milestones. We completed over 1900 miles and hiked our way thru New Hamshire into Maine. Still in awe. Sleep was a little elusive last night. Then getting up was a little elusive. As reported Maine is Not an easy State. Full of rocks, roots, mud, water, ladders and rebar We had some pretty narly class 4 rock scrambles too! A few required removal of my pack or more butt time. It was hard but rewarding. I am also doing as well as can be expected. I know everyone is still reeling. Hiking, hard hiking like today, has a way of keeping sad thoughts away. Live Free or Die, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 11.7 Completed: 1908.4 Remaining: 276.9 Start Point: Dream Lake End point: Full Goose Shelter (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Full Goose Shelter (Tenting)

To: Grafton Notch, ME 26 (Tenting)
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 152, July 31, 2014 What a day. What another hard day. Maine is wet, muddy, rooty, rocky and very very treacherous thus far. Last night I tented with two awesome young men, U-Haul and Dozer. It was the seconded time I had tented right next to them. I asked if the might not mind hiking with me thru Mahoosuc Notch. The AT Guide actually says its the hardest or most fun mile on the trail. Yesterday I had gotten a text from Princess checking on me. She also voiced a concern about Coop going thru the Notch. She said there were large drop offs in to bottomless pits. Well I am certainly not to prideful to ask for a little help. The guys said OF COURSE!! They are both big strong guys and U-Haul has the added benefit of being 6'5". So, off we went this morning. Mahoosuc Notch is a boulder strewn affair. U-Haul ended up taking charge of Coop. It was so fun to watch those two. U-Haul is very good with animals. Patient and gentle. As for us humans, let's just say I did a few contortions that I didn't even think possible at my age It took us just over 2 hours to complete the mile. I suspect had I been alone it would have taken 3 or 4. It was also a lot of fun just to hike with them. There was ice under the rocks. It would be chilly and then suddenly a burst of warm air. It was a neat phenomenon. After the Notch we had another hella climb up and over Old Speck Mountain. The down was about 3 1/2 miles. But gave us a little break. Not quite as steep and none of the huge wet big drops off rock slabs. Regardless I am tuckered out. Today worked my whole body and my mind. The 9.7 miles took me about 11 hours. Thanks again U-Haul and Dozer for the help and the company. The weather at nights has been a little chilly. Mid to high 40s. I am very glad I did not send my liner home. I have used it with the sleeping bag many many nights. I am tented near the road with U-Haul and Dozer. They got here well before me. I have been trying to check FB and messages. Reception has been spotty and will probably remain that way on and off for the remainder of this journey. I loved all the pictures and comments about Jer. No one could pull off a smile like him or make others smile so easily. And thanks Meredeth for the awesome 1900 all the way from Kosovo! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 9.7 Completed: 1918.1 Remaining: 267.2 Start Point: Full Goose Shelter End point: Grafton Notch, ME 26 (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Grafton Notch, ME 26 (Tenting)

To: East B Hill Road (Tenting)
Miles today: 10.3

Day 153, August 1, 2014 WOWWIE it's August already!?! What a whirl wind year this has been. From Grand Isle, LA living the good life on the beach to hoofing if from Georgia to Maine. Today was the easiest day hiking I can remember in two weeks. Or at least since Moosalaki. It still contained a 2400 foot climb up Baldplate Peaks. The SOBO's say there are only a few more big climbs. My knees hope they are correct. Coop and I got a late start almost nine. We sleep like eleven hours. U-Haul and Dozer were still snoozing when I left. That made me like them even more. As a snoozer I am fond of kindred spirits. The top of Baldplate was beautiful. Coop and I stopped there for lunch and met a SOBO named Freight train. Then we headed down the mountain. We arrived close to the road and I stopped to check for a phone signal. I had some so I made a call and sent off yesterday's journal. While I was there U-Haul and Dozer came by. They planned to go to the road and then see if they could hitch to town to get a pie. I asked to join the little party. At the road were three guys and some cars. We asked about our chances of getting to town. One guy offered a ride. I want to say we were not Yogi'in, just asking. But who am I kidding. I stayed back with the packs and the dog and set up camp. It was so nice to have everything set up and be done walking so early. And well deserved if I don't say so myself. After I got camp set up I left Coop in the tent, he was sound asleep, and went back to the road to say hi to the guys. I had noticed the van had Utah plates. Well, ends up the are supporting a gentleman named Karl Melzer who is trying to beat the time for completing the AT with support. To do this Karl will have to go almost 50 miles per day. This record is currently held by a woman. As I was sitting there visiting Karl came in. It was a very intense affair. He sat, ate a little. His team refilled water bottles. Checked headlamps. Resupplied him with snacks. Karl gave his instructions for the evening. Then he was off!!!!!! I wish them all the best of luck. I can't even imagine taking on such a feat like that. WOWWIE again. Glad I stopped here to witness it all. U-Haul and Dozer made it back just before dark. With Pizza and soda and a crappy brand of beer. Hey, two out of three ain't bad We sat up much later than we should have chit chatting. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 10.3 Completed: 1928.4 Remaining: 256.9 Start Point: Grafton Notch, ME 26 End point: East B Hill Road (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (5 photos)