morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Near Death Experience

To: A New and Better Day
Miles today: 7.5

Madison Hut last night was such a welcoming place. When I came in shivering, Iona (hut crew), let me borrow two sweaters to get warm because all my gear was wet and cold. What an amazing place! Four northbounders joined us for the night, which was perfect because there were six tables to sleep on. We woke up refreshed and ready for breakfast. And the neatest thing happened...we could see the mountains surrounding us. We've been walking through the clouds for the past week and to have any kind of view is wonderful. It didn't last long but that's fine with me. Today, we summit Mt.Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast and in New Hampshire. One month ago, we summited Mt.Katahdin, the hightest peak in Maine (pretty cool how that all worked out). There is a tradition on this part of the trail where the thru hikers will moon the cog train and all it's passengers as it makes it way up the mountain. And in return, the conductor gets to throw coal at the mooners. Last year, 7 people were arrestd and who knows how man this year. The passengers that pay $45 to take the train are forewarned that they may be mooned during their trip. So, did Matt and I, moon the cog train? Use your imagination. We are taking it slow through these mountain ranges, and that's just fine with me. There 's no work-for-stay tonight, so Matt and I paid $10 each to sleep on the tables. The 1.5 miles from Mt.Washington to Lake of the Clouds Hut was the fastest we have probably ever gone. I am so happy to be here and I'm feeling good. The hut sits within a giant cloud. I guess it's always here and that's how they got their name.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: A New and Better Day

To: A Little Bypass
Miles today: 12.8

In the morning, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do for the day...how many miles, where will we stay, and so on. One of the biggest factors is the weather. And the forecast...chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms...big surprise...I think the weathermen don't want to do their jobs so they've been copying and pasting the same forecast for the past month. Oh how I long for sun. We made it to the next hut (4.8 miles away) and didn't get work-for-stay because we were too early, so they pushed us on. So we made a big decision...we cut 6-7 miles off the Appalachian Trail and took another route in order to make it to the hut at a good time. We did catch the thunderstorms but it wasn't windy so we were thankful. And we were able to work-for-stay, thank God. Anna (hut crew), welcomed us with a smile and offered us a hot beverage. We have met some amazing saints while on the trail.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: A Little Bypass

To: The Great Joe
Miles today: 7.0

Life continues to get better...lots better. With it raining this morning, I thought it would be like every other day in NH, but it wasn't. After 2-3 hours of the day, the sun poked it's rays out of the dark sky and began to make changes. We walked about 7 miles to the next hut (Galehead) where we planned to rest awhile. The place was beautiful and the guests were GREAT! Within minutes we unpacked all our gear and laid it in the sun to dry. Oh to have dry equipment and clothing. Matt asked the crew if we could work-for-stay but they said we were too early and needed to keep moving. What a bummer. After a bit, we began to pack up our stuff and just then something amazing happened. One of the guests (the great Joe of Mass.) asked us if we wanted to stay the night because they had some cancellations from their group. I must have been dreaming...or maybe I didn't hear him correctly. Joe went straight inside, asked the crew if we could take the two spots, and now here I am journaling...IN A BED. We enjoyed a hot thanksgiving dinner with turkey and pumpkin pie (my favorite). And also partook in a steaming breakfast filled with eggs, bacon, delicious bread, and tea. We thought it was appropriate that it was a thanksgiving dinner considering how thankful we were in our hearts. Thank God for His goodness and the sweet hearts of others.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: The Great Joe

To: Pure Exhaustion & the Hospitable Chet
Miles today: 14.0

Thirteen miles doesn't seem like that much but the terrain was incredible challenging. Coming from Galehead Hut at 3800 feet, we climbed Mt.Garfield (4488 ft), Mt. Lafayette (5249 ft), Mt.Lincoln (5089 ft), and Little Haystack Mountain (4760 ft). And then we went downhill all the way to 1450 feet. My legs were shaking by the end of the day. I was exhausted, dehydrated, dizzy, and drained. All those horrible aches and pains went away as soon as I say Dutch's truck (the woman who came to pick us up). Off we went to Chet's house, a much needed restful safe haven. Chet greeted us with such a sweet smile and welcoming spirit (how thankful I am for Chet). About 7 years ago, Chet was testing his backpacking stove when it blew up on him causing major damage internally and externally. He sits in a wheelchair now (but not for long) taking hikers into his home. What a wonderful place to be and what a hospitable man to meet.
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Pure Exhaustion & the Hospitable Chet

To: Zeroing
Miles today: 0.0

It's raining outside and we're inside and warm...to hike or not to hike...that's not a hard question. So we took our second zero day and enjoyed it thoroughly. I went to the library to update my journals but didn't get too far because the library was charging two dollars for every half hour. After 12 dollars, I needed to leave. What kind of a library charges to use their internet?
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Zeroing

To: Slacking Fun
Miles today: 17.1

Slack packing today's 17.1 miles was the absolute best idea. When an individual leaves their heavy smelly pack at a hostel, takes a lighter daypack, and gets dropped off at the beginning of a section, and picked back up after that section is hiked, this is known as slackpacking. This way you can cover all the miles but with so much less weight. And in my case, I no packed it today since Matt was carrying everything. It poured on us, but it didn't matter, I felt so light I could fly. And right now, I am very sleepy, so I think I will go to bed.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Slacking Fun

To: Farewell White Mountains
Miles today: 11.7

We started the day climbing 3,000 feet in three miles to summit Mt.Moosilauke (4802 ft). Luckily, our climb will end our time in the White Mountains and we will be walking on smoother terrains. We were blessed to be slackpacking this portion of the trail as well, but I don't think we well slack much more (it can get kind of expensive). The sun was shining today which is always exciting. And we didn't get rained on once. Around 1:30 PM we strolled into Glencliff and waited for our packs to be delivered. Matt and I, decided to move on just a little bit so we wouldn't have to stay at another hostel. We have 22 days to make it to NY, down days need to remain real limited. I love being out here but I really miss my family.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Farewell White Mountains

To: Sunshine Streak
Miles today: 13.7

Great weather again! Sunshine makes a world of difference in the life of a hiker...and boy am I grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for sun and beauty. Well, I thought I was out of the Whites, but the guy next to me says that Mt.Smart (tomorrow's mountain) is really the last. Why can't these people keep their mouths shut? We'll just keep on hiking no matter what, even if the White Mountains extend all the way to Florida. Because no major events happened today, I'll tell you one reason why I really love Matt. His hand is ALWAYS there for me. When there's a big step down, he takes me by the hand to help me down. When there's a big step up, he gives me a little push to help me up and over. He is so faithful to turn to me and give me his hand to make sure that I'm okay...and I love that about him. Right now, I am lying in Hexacuba lean-to (built in the shape of a hexagon) writing and watching the sunset. We'll see if Chef and Bootstrap make it to the shelter tonight.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Sunshine Streak

To: Ice Cream Lady and Scary Man
Miles today: 12.6

This is our third day without rain and it's awesome! I'm sorry that I talk about the weather so much, but weather can either make the trip great or horrible. We hiked six miles and had lunch on the top of Smart Mountain in a fire cabin. We hiked another four miles when we saw a sign for free water and ice cream pointing to a nearby house. Yum...a delicious frozen chocolate treat in exchange for our hiking information (apparently her husband is working on hiker statistics). Ice cream is the perfect way to lure in hikers. We walk another mile to the shelter where we meet a gentlemen, whose name I don't know because as soon as I said, "hi, my name is Berry. What's yours?"...mystery man retorts, "I don't like to speak to hikers." Oh...I thought...I should sleep as far away from this man as possible. No hiker has ever spoken to me the way he did. Everyone in the shelter was put on edge by him. My hand is doing much better. Thanks for all the concern you have shown. It has dried up a lot and the red is just beginning to fade. We do our best to keep it as clean as possible.
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Ice Cream Lady and Scary Man

To: Into Hanover/Tenting Dilemma
Miles today: 17.0

Rolling HILLS, wide trails, and beautiful sunshine all made for a great day of hiking. We met two ladies out on a dayhike who said that they wouldn't mind if we did laundry at their house tomorrow...pretty cool. Trust me, I really need to wash my clothes. When we arrived into Hanover, we found a pizza place that gives out a free slice of cheese pizza to all the thru hikers that come into their restaurant...talk about an amazing pizza place. So, Matt and I, enjoyed our slice of pizza and watched a little bit of the Red Sox play some other team that all New Englanders hate. Unfortunately, the Sox were two runs down. We headed to the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club), where they let us sit and use their computers for quite some time. Finally, a chance to update these darn journals. Because it always takes me some time on the internet, by the time I looked outside, it was dark and we still had no place to sleep. We heard of a fraternity that takes in hikers but only on certain days, so that's where we went next. They let us hang out for a while (even gave us a slice of birthday cake) but word eventually came around that tonight was not a hiker night. So on we went in search of a place to lay our heads. We called Tiggers (another place for hikers) but no answer, probably because it was already 10PM. We left thinking we might as well head back to the trail where there are some soccer fields that we hear people camp on. But on the way we saw a Lutheran church, looked around it, saw that no one was around, and BAM...it came to us...let's sleep behind this church. And that's exactly what we did. I felt kind of like a rebel and I liked that feeling.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Into Hanover/Tenting Dilemma

To: Best Day of Non Hiking
Miles today: 0.0

IT'S SUNDAY!!!! And the best Sunday ever as God blessed our day in so many ways. We found a Calvary Chapel online that is about an hour away from Hanover. We called them to see if there was anyone that lived out here who could pick us up for church. And one lone soldier (Jay) was lovingly willing. He drove 45 minutes to come and pick us up and then another 50 minutes to take us to church. Jay is an awesome example of a servant. The service was exactly what we desperately needed. Ron (the Pastor) spoke on the "self" through Matthew 11, and really broke down the Scripture. Like I said, we really needed a service just like this one. The congregation was loving and welcoming. And after the service, the Pastor surprised us by treating us to lunch. Oh how the Lord so graciously provides. After Jay drove us the hour and 35 minutes back to Hanover, we called Betsy to see if the offer was still up to use her washer and dryer. She swooped us up in her generous arms and not only let us wash our disgusting clothes, but also cooked us a delicious steak dinner, gave us a warm and comfy bed, made us waffles for breakfast, and then drove us back into town this morning. Betsy and Mike...thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you restored our spirits and bodies. We have met some beautiful people today. Betsy and Mike were the first ones to take us into their home and offer up anything we needed, they were a wonderful example of love and generosity.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Best Day of Non Hiking

To: Into Vermont
Miles today: 15.2

Crossing into Vermont this morning felt so good, especially after our waffle breakfast. Many northbounders have renamed Vermont...Vermud. But honestly, this is the driest trail we've been on since we left, July eigth. A sunny week can work wonders on mud. At 10AM we began walking, and the plan was 15 miles. And 15 miles is exactly what we walked. Tomorrow, we're hoping for a 20 mile day (we have yet to pull 20 miles in one day). The mosquitos are back and we're just about out of our 100% deet that we bought 400 miles ago. I really don't want to buy anymore. Sweet memories of all the people we've met have filled my thoughts all day. So tonight, I believe I will sleep well. I had a really good time picking all the blackberries along the way to the shleter. Even if Matt says they'll give me diarrhea...I think it's worth the delicious taste.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Into Vermont

To: Slowing Down
Miles today: 11.8

Something in my attitude has changed and it's not necessarily good. I have been moaning and groaning more than I ever have and I feel like I am just about done with the hiking thing. Matt has been an excellent source of encouragement and conversational distraction...I am very thankful for him. Perhaps because of the late start I felt sluggish for the entire day. So hopefully my attitude will be renewed and refreshed for tomorrow. The thought of taking the next two weeks off constantly fills my mind. I should be enjoying it everyday while I have the awesome opportunity to be out here.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Slowing Down

To: Back Home Again Cafe
Miles today: 17.0

The trail has been beautiful, just continually challenging. I am still in that hiking rut and am not sure how to get out of it. I feel as though I am done with the trail. When we arrived at Kent Pond, after 17 miles of hiking, we walked into town via asphalt. And then we took a short bus ride to Rutland where we found a warm bed, hot food, and some amazing people at the Back Home Again Cafe. These people call themselves the Twelve Tribes. They believe in Jesus (trust me, they really do) but do not take on the label "Christian." They all live in a tight community and they taught Matt and I, a lot about loving others. We are happy to be here and are blessed by our surroundings. When the cafe shut down for the night, we helped clean and then they fed us a nice dinner.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Back Home Again Cafe

To: The Twelve Tribes
Miles today: 0.0

We left at 6:45 AM to make it to "the gathering", this group's morning meeting. Their meeting was actually very cool and the baby dedication was well thought out. With no plan for the day, we just went with the flow. A bus taking us further south was one option but that never happened. We went to Wal-Mart (so Matt could restock his precious pop tart stash) and developed pictures, we sink washed some clothes, Matt sewed my pants to make them a little smaller, and we sifted through our packs to send some weight home. Overall, we had a pretty laid back but productive day.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: The Twelve Tribes

To: Larry's Blueberry Farm
Miles today: 4.0

We took a bus from Rutland to Danby, Vermont so we could hang out with Larry on his blueberry farm. Matt took the grand tour and really gained a lot of knowledge about farming berries. Even I have become inspired to be a farmer (which has never really been my thing). Larry is quite an incredible older gentleman. Not only does he farm, he makes his own jam and jellies, he's built his own house, and he has an entire collection of squeaky toys! We were blown away by how talented this man is. As we left the twelve tribes this morning, they blessed us with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We went to bed satisfied, in our tent, lying next to fields of blueberries.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Larry's Blueberry Farm

To: Stratton Pond
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Larry dropped us off in the parking lot at the trailhead so we could make our way to Stratton. We have skipped some miles on the AT (what thru-hikers call "yellow blazing" due to the yellow paint on the asphalt). But Matt and I, have come to grips with the fact that we will not be thru-hikers this year. We are just as satisfied being section hikers. Trust me, there can be a lot of condemnation on the trail when another hiker discovers that you've been yellow blazing. But you won't see them for long so who cares what they think anyway. Today was an awesome day of hiking! The trail was pretty tame and we got to go swimming in a beautiful pond. We hiked until we reached the parking lot and then we found a spot in the woods to throw up our tent. Tomorrow morning at 8 AM, Pastor Ron is coming to pick us up for church! Woohoo!
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Stratton Pond

To: Zero Hero
Miles today: 0.0

At 8AM exactly, Pastor Ron pulled up to the trail, rescued us, and brought us to church. And what an awesome church service it was! He spoke on Matt. 12 and really broke the verses down bit by bit. How wonderful it was to fellowship once again. Before the service even started, Pastor Ron and his wife Kelly, invited us to their home for lunch, dinner, shower, laundry, and a good nights rest. Well, Matt and I, had the best time hanging out with this family. We talked and laughed and shared for hours. If Pastor Ron and his family would have invited us to live with them, we would have started the moving process immediately. I have learned so much from his example, I only hope that I can remember it all and put it into practice. If you are ever traveling through Vermont, make sure to stop in at Calvary Chapel West Townshend and give the Millette family and the congregation our love. We fell asleep on their amazingly comfortable air matresses in their living room watching the starts twinkle. Today, was the best day I have had yet since leaving on July 8th. No grouping of words can adequately describe the love that I have found for the Millettes.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Zero Hero

To: Saying Good-bye Is Hard To Do
Miles today: 13.5

Walnut pancakes with as much maple syrup as I could dream of made by Pastor Ron himself...and he thinks he's going to drop us off today. I can't get enough of these people...I could stay here forever. Kara, Kelly, and Bob, their three children, are just as cool to hang out with. Bob is only visiting after being stationed overseas for 15 months, and they still opened their doors to us. Incredible!!! Unfortunately, our time had come, we needed to get back on the trail. Breakfast ended way too early for me and our lunch date (the trail) was awaiting us. Our first mile was a tough climb, but it was certainly less challenging then saying good-bye to the Millettes. We saw the Lord provide in a wonderful way. Pastor Ron asked us several times if we needed to go to Wal-Mart, but since our budget is so tight, we always told him "no thanks." We were running pretty low on certain things but we thought we could make it by. As we approached the trailhead, we met "Mustang Sally." She's an older woman who had too much food and was getting rid of a bunch of different items. The Lord provided every food that we were in need of. What an awesome God that we serve! The rest of the day was smooth sailing and we pitched our tent right before the Vermont/Massachusettes border.
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Saying Good-bye Is Hard To Do

To: Bussing It
Miles today: 7.5

We crossed the border and into Mass. and walked to North Adams. Our short walk into town led us straight to the busses where we decided to bus it to Dalton (about mid Mass.). Twenty mile days are no longer something we dream of, but more something that Amber has nightmares about. So we believe it would be better to skip portions of the trail and enjoy walking when we do, rather than suffer by bringing our bodies to complete brokeness. In Dalton, there is a man who opens his home to hikers and sometimes makes them dinner and provides ice cream for the closing ceremonies. I can't ask for anything else. So we arrived, showered, and rested. For dinner, Tom drove us to the Chinese buffet. I believe that this is the first buffet we've been to since we began the trail. Now I know why I stay away from buffets. I definitely left the place feeling like I was going to yarble (hikers term for vomit). Who in their right mind eats three plates of food and then tops it off with ice cream?
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Bussing It

To: Tom's House
Miles today: 0.0

We zeroed here in Dalton, MA. Tom (our lovely host) has let hikers have full use of his home for over thirty years now. And sometimes he even cooks them dinner and have ice cream afterward. I have really enjoyed our time on the trail, but I have also loved our time in towns getting to know such generous people. Matt and I, took a couple of Tom's bikes into town where we had Taco Bell for lunch and a good time at Barnes and Noble. I went across the parking lot to a clothes store and tried on a dress. I had so much fun trying on dresses. Oh to be clean and pretty! That night, Tom cooked a feast for the five hikers staying with him. Pasta with meat sauce, corn on the cob dripping in butter, salad, and bread was laid before us. Tom was a pretty neat guy. Thanks Tom.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Tom's House

To: Short Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Massachusetts went by fast, especially because we took a bus for some of the state. Today, we took a bus from Dalton to Great Barrington (southern Mass). After the bus, we hiked to the trail, and then to the shelter. Smooth day of traveling. I'm just glad that we had the opportunity to enjoy some of the architecture in New England, it really is beautiful.
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Short Entry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

The ten miles today went by so quick. A beautiful sunrise started our day and a spectacular view at Riga shelter closed our day. Last night, the squirrels in the trees were going crazy. I'm hoping tonight will be a more peaceful rest. We have now started our preparation for leaving the trail and I am so ready. After summiting Mount Everett, Race Mt., and Bear Mt. today, I could use a two day long bath and a pedicure.
Date: 2008-08-30
From: The Beautiful Hoosic River CT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.0

Amber and I spent the night on the edge of the river not knowing it would be our last night in CT. We hiked out to 112 and Highway 7. After praying and waiting a bit, we started south on 7. With thumbs out, we hitched a ride. A young Jewish-American girl named Jennifer picked us up and said I'm going home to NY. We had a good time getting to know her. She is from Brewster and they have a train station into NYC. So, a dear friend of Marty's (Amber's mom) took us into her home and ministered to our needs. Thanks Camille!