morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Katahdin Stream Campground - Hunt Trail 

To: Baxter Peak
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Ben Howard wrote a song called Conrad. In this song he placed these lyrics: "Climb out, out to where you see, the curl of the world". I thought of those words - I felt them throughout our 10 hour hike today. 10 hours to climb 5,000ft in 5.5 miles and then go down just the same. Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin. One of the hardest treks on the AT - done. We crawled above the clouds and my eyes misted over like the world now below us. Peaks and valleys and every shade of green. My photo with the Katahdin sign is a tribute to my crossfit journey. 3 years of squats and deadlifts and pull-ups and box step-ups (and a million other movements) prepared me VERY well for the steep incline of boulders that is this particular hike. Rarely felt out of breath - legs and back felt invincibly strong - self talk and mental game on point. Fist bumps from Maine, CF 405 fam. <3 The mosquitos here are damn wild. I have bites in the double digits and two of those find themselves on my FOREHEAD. Why tho. Other than those and the intense sunburn on my hands, I feel pretty fearless about taking off into the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow AM. Thank you for the birthday wishes today. All the love. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Abol Bridge Campground 

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

11.4 miles for day 1 in the 100 mile wilderness. My feet are killing me. I forgot to tell dad happy Father's Day. Feeling really overwhelmed - keep trying to not burst into tears. In my tent now, dreading the hike tomorrow. But at least I am finally relieved from insects swarming around my head nonstop. A fellow hiker named Bill helped me hang my food bag for the first time. He said he might have to quit the AT due to knee pain. I met another older dude named "Stepping Wolf". He's hiking with his dog Magnolia who very much appreciated the fact that I'd packed a tennis ball. Hope it doesn't storm tonight. I'd have no idea what to do. Also worried about whether or not I packed sufficient food to get me to Monson. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: moderate rain

Not as miserable today, but still miserable. Climbed a small mountain (straight up, mind you, there are NO switchbacks in Maine...) and the view was magic. Started raining as soon as I arrived at the shelter. It was a full house, I was lucky to get a spot - 7 of us in there total I think. In hindsight, I would have much rather slept in my tent. Didn't get a WINK of sleep in the lean-to because several were snoring at decibles I didn't even know were possible to unconsciously escape the lungs of humans. Also someone had a night terror and let out a shrill and abrupt "OH MY GOD" in the dead of night. I've started entertaining myself during the 8 hour hikes by debating exactly how much $ I'd dish out for different pieces of fresh fruit at this point. Decided $5 for one nectarine would be more than reasonable. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was worth it. And I guess today would qualify as what people are referring to as "short" miles. Much flatter/easier terrain vs the last two days of rocky & steep. I only had something of a breakdown once - mainly because I kept getting lost and couldn't take a break because relentless mosquitos. They swarm me even now as I sit in this lean-to wearing my full rain suit & net hat & bug spray. I swear I must have 15+ bites on my ass alone. Got a couple extra Mountainhouse meals from two guys dropping out tomorrow. "The trail broke us", they said. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

Much audible cursing along the trail today. Deduced for SURE that I would have Moose take me back into town tomorrow at the halfway point. Then I got to camp... it's so beautiful. And not raining. I guess that's why they say you shouldn't quit on your worst days. Fuck mosquitos though. Every damn day. See photos. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Food bucket re-supply drop 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Arrived to food bucket drop a day early - currently sitting on the side of the logging road waiting for the AT lodge in Millinocket to show up with my re-supply for the last half of the 100 mile. I thought they said they bring them a day early from your projected date. Of course I have no cell service. Tore some tape, along with a strip of hairs, off my leg - pretty bad shin splint happening, it's swollen and sore to the touch. Can't believe I'm halfway through this section. The trail is growing on me. I felt sad watching my new trail friends (James, Stewart, Bill, and another awesome couple) carry on without me since I ended up having to wait hours & ultimately overnight. Good luck guys! Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Food bucket re-supply drop

To: Millinocket, ME 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Bucket came at 8am and it, along with myself, traveled back into town for a few days. Going to ice and rest my shin splint situation. I know it would be much more heroic to declare I stuck it out for 100 miles straight, but I've experienced enough to know that choosing to stop enduring pain IS OKAY. Enduring pain can cause much long-term harm. I embraced it for 50 miles and now I write from a bunk bed with an ice pack and a big plate of fresh fruit by my side. 0 regrets. What happened is I got a euphoric confidence boost after summiting the highest peak in Maine with relative ease. Amidst that euphoria, however, I failed to account for my 30-35lb pack since I didn't take it on the Katahdin climb. I've lowkey given myself the trail name Bambi because of all my onset staggering, easily losing my balance, tripping over small rocks & roots... it's like learning to walk again (*cue foo fighters chorus*), but being much harder on the self mentally. S/o to Ben back home because I know you are like me when it comes to perfectionism. The whole experience is already teaching me lessons right and left (and up.. and down..). The prominent one being the fact that you can hardcore research a topic yet still not know a damn thing about it until you get out there! Trial and error. Live and learn. Go experience that shit and then tell me what you know. So I didn't make it a week before going back into town. I'll be back out there soon. Everyone hikes their own hike - on the AT and off the AT. Whatever journey that ends up looking like is perfect. We're all ultimately just winging it anyways. Maybe the point is that we don't throw in the towel on a bad day. Hold on for just a little bit longer...
Date: 2017-06-24
To: AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Amazing rest day. MUCH needed. Slept in until 7! Bought some insoles/compression sleeves for my shin splint. Met another vegan chick - her and her bf are summiting Katahdin today to complete his thru hike from Georgia. Several NOBOs here doing exactly that - it's the coolest thing. They all comment the same: "I can't believe it. So ready to be done." Ha! Apparently, Maine is the toughest stretch of the AT so it's not exactly a sexy finish. Gotta get that photo with the Katahdin sign though. "Honey Bear" gifted me his Walt Whitman book to have on the trail. Thank you so much. And also provided some good convo regarding the fact that maybe life actually is pretty simple. All goes back to *this moment* and the subtle beauty all around us. The flow!Confession: broke down and shaved my arm pits.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Kokadjo-B Pond Road

To: White Brook Trail to east
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

BEAUTIFUL first day back on the trail! Sunny and warm and I climbed a lot of feet into an elevation where mosquitos do not thrive. Plus, no excruciating shin pain. I borderline wept from experiencing so much joy. Taking two days off was a solid choice and I'm so glad I did it instead of quitting entirely. Gotta be kind to the self and give body & mind the rest and care they necessitate. Learning. Ran into a NOBO from OKC. This wild, tiny world. BC has been tackling sections of the trail for 17 years. Homestretch to Katahdin now! 1st night to stealth camp. My feet wore out before I could get in reasonable distance to a shelter, so the side of White Cap mountain had to do. What a gift it was, too. So quiet and green and evening light. My bladder forced me to get out of my tent around midnight and I wasn't even mad because the STARS!!! The stars. I nearly fell backwards trying to take in the blanket of glitter above me. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-26
From: White Brook Trail to east

To: Chairback Gap Lean-To
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

DJ Khaled wrote a song entitled All I Do Is Win. Not only was it stuck in my head for hours, along with Be A Man from the Mulan soundtrack, but it was 100% the theme today. Some days one simply feels more invincible than other days. My legs and feet felt relatively pain-free, weather & views were on point.. The trail gods heard my cries from days before and opened up a decent stretch of flat AND smooth trail for a solid mile or two! (See photos for reference as to what I typically deal with, terrain-wise.) Crossed paths with NOBO couple "Yes Man" and "Peace Walker" on my last leg of the trek. Extremely chill and generous humans. My feet were done by this point and I was staggering, so they sat with me to rest for a minute. Smokes were had and water was chugged and they gave me the name "Rainbow". We talked about simplistic living and what it means to never say "no" to anything. Say "yes" to the things bringing you joy and maybe the harmful, toxic things start to eliminate themselves. 26 miles to Monson! Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-27
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Shitty terrain. I hated today.Over it. However, I did meet "Wuss". I don't really understand her trail name because she comes across as exactly the opposite of anything or anyone tinkering in the wuss category. I mean, this brave woman has hiked down from the Canadian border and is heading all the way to the Florida Keys! Over 4,000 miles. "Why not?" she said. And I absolutely could not argue with that.
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 8.7

10.4 miles left to Monson. 104.1 miles since Baxter Peak back on Katahdin. Stopped earlier than normal today because so much rain. Just want to be dry and warm. Tired of my shoes & socks being wet. I had to ford several streams (raging rapids) and the one pictured was indisputably the worst. Water so cold it burned and my legs borderline caved to sweeping out from under me an unnerving amount of times. I just kept inching along mumbling "this is fine...". Intense craving for fresh watermelon. Ready for quiet and warmth and a shower. Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-29
From: Wilson Valley Lean-To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Aaron (owner of CrossFit 405 back home) thru hiked the AT in 2008 and warned me that it's inevitable to slip and fall on the trail. Like, a lot. I believed that, but at the same time I low key thought "nahhh". Well. Fell victim to 2-3 "banana flips" today, aka falls in which your feet fly forward and up as you land on your back. All except the last two miles of this stretch were doused in deep mud and mounds of wet slate. I haven't yet fallen face first into anything outside of low hanging tree branches, so that rules. Got pretty close when I slipped off a mossy log bridge and ended up on all fours, elbow-deep in stagnant, murky pond water this afternoon. It's hard to not be entirely overtaken by rage in those moments. Multiple times have I angrily launched my trekking poles across the trail & watched them clamor to the ground, knowing damn well I'd be full of regret if they broke. IDK y'all. All the staggering and balance losses and times when I wander off the trail have me out there stopping & audibly asking the trees if I'm disabled. It's hysterical to swap similar stories in the evenings with fellow hikers though. Much #relate. The Lakeshore House picked me up when I got to the highway and all was light. Shower!!!!!Rainbow
Date: 2017-06-30
From: Monson, ME

To: Lakeshore House Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I have never known alleviation like these soft, dry sweats that blanket me now. Hiker loaner clothes to wear while mine get washed. I can almost hear them gently whispering "you're safe now, my child". Clean clothes and water faucets and legit pillows and a Lenny & Larry's chocolate chip cookie in my resupply box: Pure bliss; brings a tear to my eye. Met Anne & Patrick a few days ago on the trail. A SOBO couple, also vegan! Got to tell them about our lord and savior Instant Hummus and they shared with me info about how to use the AT app. Stoked about that, especially since I'm not yet capable of accurately guessing distance. I currently just set out each morning and hike for hours, grateful for the wooden sign that finally shows up and says "Lean-To, 150 feet ->". Monson & Millinocket have been tiny towns, but they still both came thru with vegan food options! The restaurant downstairs has a bomb veggie patty wrap. And hand cut fries. The bartender introduced me to a drink called Water Moccasin because she learned about my taste for Crown.Later bought some Twizzlers, local strawberries, a tomato, and a few more clif bars. I haven't been finding many greens. Craving the Whole Foods salad Ore treated me to before I left OK! Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-01
To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It occurred to me how I don't have a consistent answer when questioned about why I aim to hike 2,200 miles. Solo. With no backpacking experience. My answer normally starts off by asking them, "Well, have you seen or read 'Into the Wild'?" For those familiar with Alex Supertramp, I don't need to say any more. For those who haven't (aka the majority), I have further explaining to do. And it's always messy. So, here is the list:Because everything. Because there is so much pain and I can't help but to feel it. Because it's a glorified concept to discredit Self and consequently to stay trapped in what you're misinformed is the way of things. Because one too many people have shrugged and told me "that's just how it is".Because Christian companies fuck over their employees & customers & countries outside the US and front like they're something good and holy. Because if you must leave, leave as though fire burns under your feet. Because I feel sick when I sit in traffic. Because I can't see the stars that well back home. Because lovers cheat. Because sports games take priority over broken hearts. Because when I was in Chile, a wise stranger told me that there are so many things wrong in the world, but I need only go after one of them & that will help the Whole Thing. Because I've been worrying that we all live our lives in the confines of fear.  Because I used to track every last calorie I consumed. I'm out here because the mind is very powerful. I'm here to have the feeling today or any day I am sufficient as I am. To be lost if it must be so! To feed the remainder of life with one hour of fullness and freedom. Because I listen to songs like "Dream In Blue" by the Stray Birds, "Minority" by Green Day, "The Fear" by Ben Howard, and "The Only Thing" by Sufjan Stevens, and a lot of Lord Huron. Because the Dead Poet's Society and because Shawshank Redemption. Because the trees are good for us.Because sometimes you just gotta risk it all!Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-02
From: ME 15

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was beautiful. I rejoice when I get to rest in an actual bed, but I'm also starting to find much comfort dozing off in my sleeping bag + tent. The stillness of the trees, the ground. And the nylon walls diffuse the light lovingly so it pleases the dormant photographer in me. Fair weather days are amazing for tenting- I high key dread the day I have to set up in a downpour. Still no moose sightings. Chipmunks and snakes galore though. I hiked with "Uke" and Brittany ("Frogger" or "Dory"). We forded several rivers including the Piscataquis where Uke had to solemnly watch his flip flops be swept out of reach and into oblivion. Arch in my right foot is feeling spicy. Yarg. Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Felt good to push a few extra miles today. Passed a few NOBOs and all groaned about how strenuous southern Maine is.. long stretches of steep rock scrambles and muddy, rooty trails. So. Yay. More of that to look forward to. Summitted Moxie Bald and saw Mt Washington and the Bigelows in the distance. Them look real big.... Ungracefully crawled up and through a low hanging, slightly suspect tree branch in order to avoid changing my shoes for yet another stream crossing. "Frogger" is the rock hop, tree climb extraordinaire! Two days in a row of stellar weather and gentler trails. I'm skeptical. Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-04
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: US 201 Caratunk
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed Pleasant Pond Mtn and saw the whole world. Wrote some of this while watching the rain shower distant mountains. The presidentials, Mt Washington, etc. Sounds like a far away waterfall - really cool. Really beautiful. Mainly I'm just grateful that rain isn't hitting THIS mountain. Yet, anyways. Met two older dudes while breaking for lunch at the Pleasant Pond Lean-to (a shelter with the Taj Mahal of privvies, apparently). "Southern Planter" & "Slide Rule". Planter, a jokester, informed us that there are "hoop snakes" on the trail. Aka snakes that can get their tail in their mouth and roll along the trail to chase you. Also met "Just Chris". He had heard of me further down the trail which is always a weird thing. Frogger and I caught up with bro & sis and we all hitched into Caratunk to treat ourselves after some long days this week. The Sterling Inn had my resupply box and my Sawyer Squeeze syringe and a couple letters from angel humans back home. It is the best thing ever to receive mail out here. Thank you mom and Kim!Ate at Three Rivers and they had a killer vegan burger!!! Actually homemade patty instead of a reheated Morning Star. I ate it entirely along with a side of fries and another entree salad. My stomach isn't used to being that full, so some temporary cramping followed. Worth it.One of my favorite things about staying in hostels is being able to listen to my music - I love it & miss it most nights. Gotta save battery power out on the trail because I am now obsessed with the AT app. Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-05
From: US 201 Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Easy day! Amazing weather + sunset + evening. Good company. I met "Road Runner" when I hopped back into town midway through the 100 Mile and he caught up with me today. So frikkin fast! New friends: "Chef", Collin, "Wildcard", and a couple others. Chef packed healthy food like me, but far superior. Kashi smoothie packs, y'all. Wildcard is awesome because she's low key and has helped me get over myself when it comes to being okay with getting my shoes caked in mud. I've heard of and witnessed many different food items being wrapped in tortillas out here, but Wildcard totally stayed true to her trail name with this combo: peanut butter, pepperoni slices, and sour patch kids. Here are some typical evening hiker conversation topics for ya:"Did you try the lake water yet? How does it taste?" "Like lake water." "Can someone pop my blister?" "Do you think it would work if I superglued this KT tape to my feet?" "I found a leech in my shoe the other day." "My girlfriend uses a bandana as a pee rag." "We googled how many mosquitos are in the world. The answer is 100 quadrillion." Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigalow Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Longest mile day yet! It's such a sight for sore feet when the trail is flat(ish) and smooth(ish). Plus, minimal mosquitos today for some reason - grateful for that. I've named my pack Manny. It's a reference to the mammoth featured in Ice Age. Manny and I are pretty much on the same page by now - I have a whole routine for packing it and I no longer get tossed around by the momentum of slinging the weight onto my back. Celebrate all victories, man. Also grateful for the ankle mobility I improved via CrossFit. It is being tested to the max on all these toaster-sized rocks littering the trail. Jealous of the guy I keep seeing whomst has packed some dark chocolate covered cashews...... Rainbow
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Little Bigalow Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Well. I have officially gotten up close and personal with the Bigelow mountains. Today was a lot of things. I was positive and upbeat for the first two peaks (tallest one being at 4145'), but I slipped and ate it pretty hard coming down from the second one & all went to hell after that. So many boulder and slate scrambles. Flashbacks from the Hundred Mile Wilderness kept surfacing and I was in tears by the end of the day. Legitimately considering skipping the Whites and re-visiting them when I have more experience. It's getting to me how everyone else excels at maintaining positive mindsets and I'm out there ready to burn the world down because a minuscule gnat flew too close to my eye. Many feelings of mental isolation happening. To avoid spreading my negative vibes, I've cooped myself up in my tent at 16:00 for the night. Peanut butter binge & Walt Whitman poetry, take me away. Taking a zero day in Rangeley for sure.
Date: 2017-07-08
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: ME 27 to Stratton
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Original plan was to push through and hike 18 miles to the next shelter today, but 2 miles in of shitty, drenched downhill trail and I decided town = necessary right now. Amazing how quickly my attitude changed when I made that decision. Rainbow