morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: The end of the line
Miles today: 5.2

The end. I could barely sleep all night. I felt like I was 6 years old waiting for Christmas. I got out of my sleeping bag at 5:30 waking up don Juan, who wanted to sleep more. I packed up gear for the last time and together we headed up the trail. We separated quickly and walked with our own thoughts. It was hard not to reflect on the 106 days and nearly 2200 miles that created this moment. All of the effort, the sweat, the planning and the pain. The climb was amazing. If it weren't for the excitement it would be the toughest climb of all, but I barely noticed. It was beautiful. Not like the whole trail was beautiful, but something different, better. There were many spots where it was hand over hand climbing on the rebar pounded into the rock. The long scramble up to the table lands was amazing. I rested at Thoreau Springs and my thoughts moved to Thoreau's writings and there impact on me and this trip. But that didn't last too long and I moved on. After another mile I heard the most triumphant scream of my life. Don Juan had finished. I knew I was close. Then it happened. I came over a rise and there, sitting amongst the rocks was the sign. The goal. I couldn't help myself. I cried. I had put so much into and it was worth every bit of effort. I had never been prouder, happier, more alive. Don Juan had hid behind a rock pile to give me the summit alone for a few minutes. It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. We congratulated each other. Stared at the sign we had both longed for for so long. We took some photos and I cracked open my Pabst Blue Ribbon to celebrate. Some tourist came and went but we reveled in that mountaintop in a way they couldn't understand. After and an hour or so we decided we should move on. We headed down the Knife's Edge, a razor thin ridge of boulders that leads away from the summit. It was hard going but beautiful and one of the coolest sections of trail I have ever seen. When we got to the bottom of the mountain we needed to get a ride to the park entrance where we were supposed to meet Crazy Legs. I asked the first person I saw and they agreed to give us a ride out. At the gate there was a note for us saying to meet Crazy Legs in town so they agreed to take us further. On the ride I found out they were going right past the airport in Bangor and they offered me a ride. I couldn't turn it down. I bid farewell to don Juan and told him to congratulate Crazy Legs for me. I was done.
Date: 2009-01-01
To: Final Thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a long time since I stood atop Katahdin and a lot has happened. I hike Isle Royale for a few weeks, toured Upper Michigan and Wisconsin for work and put off the Peace Corps for the time being.I got back and started work doing invasive species research with Michigan Tech University. I adopted a puppy and moved back to Houghton. I have decided to put off the Peace Corps until Hannah graduates so we can go together. Lots has changed but basically things are the same. The trail was an amazing experience and will have a profound impact on me for the rest of my life. The adventures I had and the people I met I wouldn't trade for anything.We raised about 1,500 dollars for MLD research and I couldn't be happier. Thanks to everyone who donated and anyone who followed along with my trip. Sorry it took so long to get finished. You know how life is. As for the future... there are tons of plans and dreams and time will tell which ones I pursue. I would love to take another long hike someday, maybe even finish a triple crown. But who knows. I am currently planning my next adventure. In the summer of 2009 Hannah and I will be circumnavigating Lake Superior in our sea kayaks. I'd love for anyone who is interested to follow along with that trip as well. You find more information on our website at www.asuperioradventure.com. Both Hannah and I will have journals for that trip hosted here on trailjournals. You can access both on our website.Thanks for following along drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you.
Date: 2008-06-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We walked to church tonight which is about an hour walk. This time we brought our packs (not fully weighted) and poles. Matt tried out his poles for the first time and seemed to really enjoy them. I know they're going to be a huge blessing on the trail. We need to pick a night to walk home in the dark and use our headlamps just in case it comes to that on the trail.
Date: 2008-06-26
To: 7 more days
Miles today: 0.0

Exactly one more week until we begin our drive North in order to start our walk South. My excitement continues to build. Right now, trying to sell our furniture, move our stuff, and continue to organize for the trip has taken priority over actual physical preparation. I'll let you know how this affects us in the long run (or should I say walk). There is a lot to be done and there doesn't seem like there is any time left. It will work itself out. Oh yeah...one more preparation...I cut all my hair off. You know...it's for the sake of the trail.
Date: 2008-07-06
To: Almost There
Miles today: 0.0

Two more days and we will be on the trail!!! What an exciting adventure awaits us. We will be repacking our packs today and making sure that we have everything that we need. For the 100 mile wilderness we are having a little difficulty finding the person that will drop a box for us in that section. Now we are debating whether we should just carry an extra box of food, try to do with less, or try to get a hold of our contact. What to do...what to do...At this point, we are just ready to get going no matter what happens. If all else fails, Matt can kill a snake and we can have snake-ka-bobs over the fire. The Lord will provide, this we know for sure. We hope to be able to update while on the trail. We'll keep you posted.
Date: 2008-07-07
To: Thanks
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to everyone that has made our trip happen and have been extra special blessings. Thanks Ken for taking us all the way to Maine and then while there giving us the royal treatment. That lobster feast will stick with us forever (or at least until the next one). And how can I forget the number of encouraging cards that you wrote. Thanks mom and dad for all the storage space at your home, we didn't plan on using you as a storage unit but we couldn't have done it without you. And thanks for letting me drive your truck, it's a real smooth ride. Thanks Mom and Miranda, I couldn't ask for a more encouraging family. Thank you Russels for introducing us to the Fearings and for helping us pack (we didn't even need to ask and you were right there by our side...now that's friendship). Thank you Fearings for welcoming us into your family and treating us as one of your own. Thank you Kervins for doing the same, we have definitely seen hospitality at its best. You know there's still true love out there when you spend six nights traveling and not one of them is spent in a hotel. Your family's are AWESOME!!!! Thank you Rhomes for taking in some of our stuff into your storage unit. Thank you Laura for the hiking poster (you really have a way of making people feel special). Thank you everyone who responds to the emails or posts a note on this site, that really has a way of keeping us going. Thanks for all the love and prayers, you have shown yourselves as true family.
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Mount Katahdin

To: Killer Katahdin
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

This mountain is no joke, I rate it at as a 9 1/2 in terms of difficulty. My whole body is screaming in pain. From the bruises on my hands because I had to cling to the edge of the mountain to every bone or muscle in my foot. Katahdin was so difficult for me, I came very close to quitting, crying, or sacrificing myself to the mountain. The decline never seemed to end and I think I really hit a low when a group of 10-11 year olds passed us. Later we caught up to them and they did happen to mention that it was a very difficult hike. One guy we met actually met puked. Pretty gross, huh? I can't figure out which is harder...giving birth or climbing Katahdin. Granted, I've never had a baby so I can't really say, but this mountain seemed to never end. I was stumbling at the end, legs shaking, and a little dizzy. Right now, I am so close to falling asleep, it has been an extremely trying and extrenuous day.
Date: 2008-07-09
To: Sleeping at Abol Bridge
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a little description of the pain...the second day hurts the worst. I don't know if my extreme sunburn (probably 3rd degree burns) or my throbbing, sore, pounding thighs are worse. We thought about bringing sunscreen but thought we wouldn't need it and couldn't afford the weight. Now, I wish we would of brought some aloe vera to soothe the pain. The mosquitos are horrible, they really really are. I go to kill them and slap my burn and then they win no matter what. I have an entire mosquito graveyard on my arm, (bring it on mosquitos). MY toes are in pain from jamming them into my toe box on the downhills, and my calves are screaming for help. My thumbs hurt from using my hiking poles. My whole body is screaming for help and probably wants to just shut down. But overall the day went well. When we arrived at Abol Bridge (forever later), we were debating whether to go to the next stop (3.2 miles away) and it was about 4:30 PM. We met a man (who turned out to be God's blessing to us and a Florida Gator fan) whose name is Doug Hancock. He had just finished the 100 mile wilderness and had parked his car at Abol Bridge. All this poor man wanted was a shower, but the owners of the park wouldn't let him take a shower without buying a site for the night (which is really not cool). Doug would have paid 2 bucks to buy a shower, but they wouldn't go for it. So he rented a spot for $10 just to take a shower and then drive home. We came up later and met him and he let us use his spot as the clouds were rolling in. Well, that's not the end of the story...once he found out that we were Gators, he offered to drive us into town (which wasn't that close) so we could have diner at the "Appalachian Trail Cafe," (which turned out to be amazing, both Matt and I had the AT burger). Then he drove us back (what a great guy). The torrential downpour was pretty incredible. Before the rains came, the wind took our tent right into the woods and I had to chase it down. But all in all, I had an awesome day, a hot burger, and a shower (who could ask for anything more). I am still having trouble sleeping, getting use to the hard floor, small space, and climate.
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Sleeping at Abol Bridge

To: Revelation
Miles today: 15.0

Today we bought 100% deet to keep away those pesky persistent mosquitos. I rubbed some on my arms and face. I guess I put the deet a little too close to my mouth because as I licked my lips the right side of my mouth went numb. And it was numb for a good half hour (freaky...note to self...do not put 100% deet in lick range). But if I could figure out how to inject it into my legs, feet, shoulders, hands...well let's just say body, I totally would. My legs feel better than they did yesterday, which is awesome. But I'm definitely not back to normal. I took for granted the normal feeling. We walked from Abol Bridge to Hurdbrook Lean-to (302 miles), then to a site called Rainbow Spring Campsite (another 8 miles)...and this is where the revelation hit. You see we had been hiking and hiking with little breathers but no real break. I was lagging a little bit. I thought my legs were going to literally fall off, my feet were burning and so sore, and I actually believe that my hiking poles were walking me instead of the opposite. We got to Rainbow Spring at 2:30PM and we hadn't had lunch yet. I honestly wanted to give up right there, I could not go on. So we breaked, had an amazing lunch (tuna with crackers loaded down with mayo and mustard and fruit chips), and lied down for a little while. We must of rested for about an hour. When I got up I felt like a million bucks (well not that great but much much better). We were able to hike the next 3.8 miles which made a grand total of 15 miles. This was our longest day and yet when I reached our site I felt pretty good. The revelation...rest is important in order to keep going. Later on, I put some more deet on my arms and not two seconds later I wiped my face with my arm (you know the rest of the story, I'll learn sometime). We have also met two groups of two that seem to be traveling at the same pace as us. One is a married couple (John and Jonny) and the other is two guys (James and Adam). They are all really cool and we have enjoyed their company. And I am working very hard on not being competitive, so what if they are closer to the shelter than we are (but I will have you know, we've beat them every time). You know, I even think the couple is competitive...I can hear them right behind us every once and awhile. So far, I have bandaids (or blister treatment) on both big toes and both pinky toes. At lunch, I discovered that one of my toenails was stabbing another toe causing a near fatal wound and close to gushing blood, needing immediate attention from my husband. Because we had no nail clippers, I ended up "trimming" them with Matt's scissors on his swiss army knife. I have also discovered a blister on my heel. I'm telling you, my feet are taking the brunt of it. It has been a beautiful day today. And because Matt has given me an Advil PM to take down some of the swelling in my body, I am getting very sleepy.
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Revelation

To: Whitehouse Landing
Miles today: 16.5

We tried to get an early start this morning and left at 5:45 AM, when the sun rises at around 4AM. Rainbow stream was BEAUTIFUL, with rushing waters that you can wade in. I was glad to get going. Later on during our break, we met up with James, Adam, John, and Jonny. Hiking with them was awesome, sometimes talking helps me to be distracted with the actual task of hiking. They went really really fast and it was kind of difficult to keep up. We finally made it to Whitehouse Landing (1.2 miles off the trail), which is a lakefront hiking lodge. This place is absolutely incredible!! We walked up, sounded the fog horn, took the boat to the house, and finally...after a long hard day, we put our feet up. Bill and Linda served us pizza (which hit the spot like nothing else could) and the rest of our crew ate the one pound burger. It is a pure blessing to be here, even though it is a little expensive. I almost wish we didn't have to leave, but we hike on tomorrow.
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Whitehouse Landing

To: Down Day
Miles today: 10.0

It was wonderful to wake up in the bunk house this morning. Last night we played Fandango and talked about God and creation, I am really happy to be blessed with such awesome company. I thought we would be leaving right after our egg, bacon, english muffin, and pancake breakfast, but we decided to hang out until after lunch. I took a swim in the lake and it was so refreshing, I am filled with joy to be here. We leave around 1PM to start on the trail and get to Antlers Lean-to around 5PM. Since it was only a six mile hike, Matt and I decide to leave our group and go as far as possible while there is still light. The mosquitos are at their best, they take us on by the hundreds and we are traveling over tons of roots and rocks. My baseball ankles aren't getting any smaller, nor are my torn open blisters on my heels. The sun begins to descend and we are now looking for a place to put up our tent. I feel kind of strange not sleeping in a shleter, but Matt has been the most amazing leader and we find a perfect spot next to a flowing brook. Finally, a good nights rest.
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Down Day

To: Black flies and bugs
Miles today: 12.0

Tough day today because of aching blisters, mosquitos, muddy bogs (where we have to find slippery stones to walk on less we get slimed by mud), swollen ankles and knees. We catch up with our group at Cooper Brook where a group of four southbounders (sobos) were taking a zero day and trying to spear fish. We left hoping to make it to Logan Brook Lean-to but ended up staying at East Branch Lean-to. At first, the rain fell nice but after a little while it got cold, but we weren't far from the shelter. James and Adam got left behind and ended up getting lost and went two miles out of the way. We were pretty worried as there was a tough place to cross and lots of slippery tree roots. John went back to check on them and they were fine. I forded a river for the first time today! Matt, I think, wanted me to try to cross the river in my boots across the slippery rocks, but honestly he has much better balance than I do, and I didn't want to risk it. Right now, we are lying in our tent and Matt is looking over our schedule, while John in singing a Beyonce song and the others are laughing, and I am journaling. It has been a good long day and rest will be needed. James begins to play the guitar (more Beyonce) while Jonny Cakes sings in the other tent.
Date: 2008-07-14
To: Beautiful view
Miles today: 9.0

We summited White Cap Mountain today and it was definitely a climb. I find that I like uphills much more than downhills, and today we had plenty of both. Sore body and ready for bed. Matt wanted to press on in front of the group, but my body just could take no more. My baseball ankles need a rest. I made dinner tonight (pasta with sun dried tomatoes)...not too shabby. In fact, most nights our dinners are so delicious, maybe it's beacause we worked so hard to earn them. Right now, Matt kneels at the fire keeping it roaring making a teepee out of semiwet firewood. I prepare to clean the dishes for the night. And tonight is the first night I've had an awesome bath in the woods. Thanks Matt for heating the water.
Date: 2008-07-15
To: One of the hardest days
Miles today: 12.7

Chairback Mountain was definitely a challenge, we had to scramble up the side of the mountain. We left the Sidney Tappan Campsite this morning at 7:15 AM and now we find ourselves tented just after the Chairback Gap Lean-to (it was a little crowded and we had a bit more umph in us). The blisters on my heels are beginning to heal and our sunburns are just fun peeling at this point. Matt mentions soreness in his right knee, but out of the group of six, he complains the least. We went on tonight, just the two of us, and found a nice romantic spot. It should cut our long day tomorrow by about a mile. We are hoping to cover about 14 miles. Great views, great fun, and less pain...things are beginning to look up. We have run out of TP so borrowing from friends and leaves have done just fine. Right now, I'm enjoying nature's closing song and enjoying myself watching Matt finished up the rest of the seafood gumbo. We have two more days in the hundred mile wilderness...then...clean clothes...a hot meal that someone else made...pancakes...shower...bed...I can't wait.
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: The Fall
Miles today: 14.6

Today, was my second hardest day just after Katahdin. At several points in the day I could have broken down and quit. For instance, my interactions with a slippery rock was one of my break down moments. We have walked over countless slippery rocks and roots and this one got me. I ate it, but I was lucky because a huge tree stump broke my further falling as it was jammed right into my shin. I'm not going to lie, I started crying but Matt told me that it was okay to cry because it probably hurt a lot. It bled a little, mostly bruising and it ached a bit as we started hiking again. I knew it had to happen sometime. It was a pretty high mileage day and the terrain was nothing to laugh at. We probably hiked about 14 hours and we are finally done. Matt and I, hiked mostly by ourselves today but caught up with Superman at the end of the day and enjoyed our time with him. Matt has been wonderful!!! When I am done for the day and a little down, he is what keeps me going, that's especially when his humor picks up.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Shaw's Boarding

To: Shaw's Boarding
Miles today: 10.0

The ten miles today was a nice hike as we knew what was waiting in front of us. At this very moment, I'm lying in a BED and journaling. We hiked with Superman today and really had an awesome time. You can really get to know someome when you have so many hours with them and not much else to do but talk and walk. We tried to hitch a ride into Monson but there were no takers (aren't we cute enough?) so we finally got a hold of Shaw's Boarding and they came and picked us up...thank God. I am still sore everyehere, perhaps I'm not stretching enough after hiking. Everyone told me that after a week I'd feel awesome...yeah right. Tonight, is all you can eat tacos in Monson! Matt says, "I'm going to eat 25 tacos, one for every year you've been alive." I really don't know if he's going to make it past 8 tacos. He's lost a lot of weight, so much so that we're going to have to sew his pants to a smaller size. It is tempting to head home at this point considering the pain in all my joints and just the thought of a hot shower and meal. I need to force myself not to even think these thoughts. I'm looking at my fingernails and they are really dirty and I just took a shower. We have now traveled just over 100 miles. We have about 500 more to go...I feel like I need some extra encouragement. The results...Matt downed 15 tacos (not too shabby). Although, Superman beat him by eating 20 tacos. The record was set by a big man with the trail name of Landfill (go figure) and he ate 22 tacos. I really wanted Superman to beat the record, but he wasn't looking to good. But the waitress did tell us that Landfill cheats by puking...this doesn't really surprise me. I'm sitting by Landfill right now (he's been here for two weeks).
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Shaw's Boarding

To: Trail Magic
Miles today: 6.0

It's hard to start hiking in the rain. If we are three or four hours into a hike and it begins to rain, then it's not so bad. But really...who wants to step into the rain first thing? So it's raining here in Monson, Maine and we are debating whether to take a zero (a day where you do no miles) or a nero (a near zero day). The library opens at one and I have been excited about updating our Trail Journals Page. But after that, we will decide whether to hike or not. Hiked in the pouring rain. I had some really awesome prayer time with the Lord during the torrential downpour. We had to ford a river (which is usually really cool, but with the rain it just made the rest of the hike even more soggy). But one blessing is I got to witness and partake in a little trail magic (don't worry it's not drugs). As we approached the north side of the ford we found a cooler loaded with sodas and fruit for the hikers. What an amazing surprise!!! It made backpacking in the rain a little better.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Trail Magic

To: Horshoe Canyon to Bald Mountain Brook
Miles today: 13.0

Great trail today, no rain, just a bit muddy. Superman put a foot into the mud and went all the way down to his knee and even lost his sandal in the mud. He had to dig deep for it with his hand...pretty gross. We had an amazing view on the top of Moxie Bald Mountain.