morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Lyme Center, NH

To: Brackett Brook
Miles today: 14.4

Up at 7. Bill had coffee ready for his guests (I accepted a Mountain Dew as my morning caffeine). After packing up, I said goodbye to Bill and Dick. In mock seriousness, Bill observed "I think you're a very pretty girl." I reminded him that I am just a very dirty girl. They just got such a kick out of that Trail name!I made sure I wrote down Bill's addresses in Lyme Center, as well as Cambridge, so I could continue to correspond with him.Today was the approach to, the ascension of, the observation from, and the descending of Smarts Mountain. Because of the terrain and Trail design, I could easily identify where I'd been miles before and where I was heading next. It is insanely fulfilling to know exactly where you started your day and to be able to track your progress visually along the mountain range. This is something I really missed from the John Muir Trail!Today, a fire tower and the Dartmouth College ski slope acted as my points of reference. And the view from the fire tower (as they always seem the be) was amazing; worth the climb despite the nerve-jangling rattles and creaks created by the rushing wind.Stealth camping tonight by a brook (I love the sound of the bubbling brook and the falling water downstream). Camping across the brook is SoBo hiker Pawn, who filled me in on how to survive the Whites over our meager dinners of instant mashed potatoes (his) and noodle sides (mine). After the conversation, I'm much less nervous about that section of the AT. Still NOT looking forward to southern Maine, however!
Date: 2012-08-08
From: Brackett Brook

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 11.5

Good hiking day... I think I was motivated because I was going into town to a hostel (and beverages with ice!). Also, the weather was nearly perfect: low 80s and sunny, but lots of shady trail.Hiked to hostel in Glencliff to pick up my resupply boxes, mail unused items home, and purchase items at the grocery store. This town only has a post office and a hiker hostel, so I got a shuttle to the nearest town's grocery, which was basically a glorified gas station convenience store.Spent $60 at convenience store to resupply for a week. For the record, at WalMart, the cost would have been half that, haters.Kindle Ninja is here, as well as Shaggy, Lighthouse, JayBird, and Lone Duck. Wild Turky was here, but hiked on to the next shelter to save money.Coincidentally, Miss Janet (the famous trail angel) was passing through Glencliff. When I told her and her friend that I had less than a month to make it to Maine, they told me I didn't have enough time to make it. D'oh!I think they were trying to encourage me to enjoy the last few weeks on the Trail and take it easy... BUT, I don't WANT to take it easy. I want to be DONE. I want my dog. I want a job. I want a home. I want friends and things to do and beverages with ice and I want my life BACK. (Sorry for that rant!)Received an encouraging email via Trail Journals from an old Tennessee hiking pal Medicine Woman. Her note lifted my spirits.Will try to get going at a decent hour. Mount Moosilauke (the first in a series of big mountains in the Whites) is tomorrow!
Date: 2012-08-09
From: Glencliff, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 9.0

Challenging hiking day... Mount Moosilauke is over 4800 feet and the climb was nearly straight up. The top is covered with rocks and cairns (stacked stone columns), so it was a nice place to sit, have lunch, and enjoy the view.The hike down the hill was VERY steep. My recurring nightmare is having to descend a staircase of huge blocks, and having them get larger and larger as I proceed, so I end up getting trapped on the edge of a steep cliff. Hiking down Moosilauke was similar, as there were some very steep rocks and it was easy for my pack (full of groceries and supplies for the next week) to throw off my center of gravity, leaning me forward and causing me to be off-balance as I descended.At some points, iron rebar and large posts had been hammered into the steep rocks to create stair steps... unfortunately, they were as far apart as three regular steps, making it hard to lower oneself to the next step without sliding or putting one's knees at odd angles. Add to that the loose pine needles and the spray from the adjacent waterfalls, and the descend was nerve-wracking.Finally made it to the bottom, where I found some trail magic in the form of Gatorade and cheese & peanut butter crackers (thank you!). Arrived at the trail head near North Woodstock (6 miles from the Trail). Was considering hiking on, but the skies looked bad. Luckily Lighthouse met a father & son who were heading into town to the store, so we were able to hitch a ride with them.Once we got to town, we called Chet's Place and learned that the hostel was about a mile from where we were dropped off. We hurried over, as Chet told us that some of his friends were hosting a dinner for the hikers. When we arrived, there were sodas, beer, chips, burgers, and hot dogs. Just as we took our last bite of dinner, the rain started and it proceeded to rain the rest of the evening. I was so happy I made the decision to head into town, as the storms got heavier and heavier as the night went on.In addition to Lone Duck, Lighthouse, Mr. Noodles, Secrets, and Shenanigans, there were three SoBo hikers and a NoBo hiker named Bison who I had not met before.After dinner, the trail angel Dave took folks in two "shifts" to his vacation condo, where we were able to get a shower and enjoy the hot tub for 30 minutes. When I was there, it was thundering and lightning outside, which made for a dramatic hot tub-ing experience on the condo deck!Afterwards, we all settled in at Chet's Place where every bunk and mattress was taken. Slept pretty well!
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a chance of rain in the forecast, which would mean no views from the mountaintops, so about a half-dozen hikers took a zero day, but not DirtyGirl!Shared a morning shuttle to the Trail with Secrets and Shenanigans. But since they are faster hikers, I let them power up the hill without me.Today's mountains... 4800 ft., 5089 ft., 5259 ft., 4500 ft. No wonder I'm tired!Used a tenting platform at Garfield Ridge Campsite, sharing the deck-like structure with a SoBo hiker. The other platform held two three-man tents. It was interesting, to say the least, to hear the politics and negotiations of (apparently) heterosexual men as they attempt to sleep side-by-side in very close quarters.
Date: 2012-08-12
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.5

Fell down steep, wet, muddy trail, injuring left knee, breaking left trekking pole. Right trekking pole no longer locks into place, so it is shorter than the other.Stopped at Galehead Hut to regroup mentally and purchase lunch. Three bowls of a hearty, black-bean and mushroom soup for $4. Fresh lemonade and brownies were available, too. Contacted hotel about shuttle from next road crossing. Contacted friends in San Francisco to get my John Muir Trail trekking poles sent as a replacement. With the problems addressed, I ventured on to the next hut.When I arrived at Zealand Falls Hut, I learned that a work-for-stay was available. After a dinner of stuffed shells and homemade bread, with raisin-spice cake for dessert, I helped out in the kitchen washing the dishes for the hut croo (their spelling of the word "crew") along with SoBo hiker Pesky (also from the Bay Area, in Napa). Slept in the dining room underneath a table from 10 pm - 5 am.
Date: 2012-08-13
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: fog

Got up early at 5:00 am, left the hut at 6:00 am, to try to catch the 9:00 am shuttle at the notch. Unfortunately, I missed the shuttle because I am hiking one mile per hour with these crazy ascents, descents, and my bad knees. Also, it is nearly impossible for me to hike without trekking poles, as I shifted a portion of the backpack weight from the legs to the upper body by using the poles for support. Without the poles, I was turning my ankles many times, I was stumbling down the Trail, and my knees felt the increased pressure of having to balance everything with my legs alone.Made it to the road by late morning, so I went down to Willey House (a 1930's era roadhouse) for lunch while I waited for the shuttle. Unfortunately, I had been given a set of confusing information, so I ended up hitching a ride from the notch up to the Highland Center to catch the shuttle to the next notch and the closest hostel.The shuttle took me to Pinkham Notch, where I met Geri from White Mountain Lodge and Hostel. We returned to White Mountain Hostel, where I was able to shower, do laundry, and get some dinner.My hiker buddy Pacecar (the guy who found my camera on the Trail!) was zero-ing here, too. I will zero for the next couple of days until my replacement trekking poles arrive.
Date: 2012-08-16
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Zero day.Healing up and waiting for trekking poles.Trekking poles arrived via USPS. Very grateful to Mr. Right (GA>ME 2009) for shipping them to me from San Francisco.Had one final dinner with Bigfoot and Big Naranja tonight in Gorham. I will miss those guys! Next to The Flash, they have been the two folks I have spent the most time with on the Trail.
Date: 2012-08-18
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Redington Campsite
Miles today: 8.9

Great night's sleep in Rangeley motel. Had left-overs for breakfast, then checked out at 9:00 am. At 10:15 am, I got the first shuttle of day from the local outfitter / nature store up to the Trail for only $10.Stuck in my head today. Dwelling on past struggles with substance abuse. Concerned that returning to San Francisco without full-time employment to keep me occupied in a positive way might plunge me back into depression, where I am the most susceptible to "temptation". But I have to realize that temptation comes when I am "Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (HALT)" and for most of the Trail, I am hungry, angry, lonely, and tired!First big hiking day since the accident. The steep vertical declines continue to cause terrific knee pain.Arrived at campsite at 5:45 pm, but with a big climb and three more miles to go, I was concerned I would not make it to the next shelter / lean-to before dark.
Date: 2012-08-19
From: Redington Campsite

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 10.7

At shelter (or "lean-to" in this state), I camped with section hiker Good Medicine (his "good medicine" is herb-y...), as well as SoBo hikers Old School and Piper. It is so funny to see SoBo hikers in their first 200 miles and wonder when I used to be that young and enthusiastic! I feel like I am surrounded by the kids from Twilight... no one is aging and I am the only tired and broke-down person around. Knee is failing. Making it SO much harder to hike. Will need to split 14 mile day in half tomorrow and hike 6 and 8 miles over two days to accomplish these mountains.Would rather hike 14 tomorrw and take a full day off in Stratton, but I hear that the NoroVirus is going around (one of the guys in this shelter has been sick for 72 hours). Also, my knee needs rest, not another "death march"!
Date: 2012-08-20
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Met SoBo hikers Rocket, Waffles, Sweet&Sour, and Mowgli (named after the character from the Jungle Book... THIS character was hiking in flip flops with scabbed toes and a fresh wound on his little toe... I wonder how long THAT shtick will last). They are all fresh-faced and excited about the Trail, just nearing their 200 mile mark today (which means I am LESS THAN 200 miles from my goal!).Short day. Ending at 2:00 pm seems like a wasted day, but the next 8 miles are going to be a challenge. South Crocker Mountain is 4040 ft. and North Crocker Mountain is 4228 feet, with a descent of 2778 feet over 6 miles with no campsites. With my bad knee, I cannot guarantee how quickly I would finish this section and I cannot get stranded on the side of a mountain after dark.LUCKILY, I got a T-Mobile signal (which is rare!), so I could catch up on Facebook.Stratton tomorrow evening. Town can wait. Camping tonight will save money on hotel/hostel and restaurants.
Date: 2012-08-21
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked from Crocker Cirque Campsite, across South Crocker Mountain (4040 ft) and met up with Hippity-Hop and Trips-A-Lot at the summit. Hippity-Hop and I hiked to the top of North Crocker Mountain (4228 ft.) together, which went really quickly, as we chatted the entire time. She is an aspiring architect from Rochester, NY, who moved to Portland, OR, a year ago. The AT was her last big "adventure" between college and career.Hitched into town, getting a ride from a landscaper named Michael. He and his sister want to hike the AT, as they have section-hiked many of the trails in Maine. I told him he was ready to take on the ENTIRE Trail, especially if he had hiked in Maine! In the summer, he is a landscaper. In the winter, he does snow removal. He is also starting up a canoe/boat rental/shuttle service. He realizes that it is not going to make him rich, but he would rather love his work rather than be wealthy. Hear, hear!!Ran into Golden and Crush in Stratton. They were outside the little grocery store, which for such a small town has a GREAT selection, good fresh food, and fair prices... plus, Mike's Hard Lemonade. Yum!Stayed at Stratton Motel, one of two hiker-friendly motels owned by 2004 thru-hiker Sue. Got my own room, did laundry, showered twice, and had my fill of pizza and MSNBC.
Date: 2012-08-22
From: Stratton, ME

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Late start out of Stratton at 10:15 am. Sue shuttled me up to the Trail, while also taking a SoBo hiker to the Greyhound station (he is heading home to Nashville after only 190 miles on the AT). I guess he did not anticipate the rain and how wet boots might tear up his feet. Also, he was a heavy-set guy, so I am not sure how much longer he would have lasted in the Whites.The high point of my morning was watching two red squirrels chatter and chase one another around the woods. The red squirrels in Maine seem more comfortable with people, while the grey squirrels south of here seem to be more skittish (like the chipmunks).A few big climbs today in the Bigelows... 3831 ft. for South Horn and 4145 ft. for West Peak. Camping at 3825 ft., so it should be nice and chilly tonight.These "big" climbs are going away soon (until I get to Mt. Katahdin), so I should be able to increase the daily mileage again.Lots of section hikers, day hikers, and SoBo hikers today!Ran into Facebook friend "Jimmy Danger Brooks", trail name Diggit. He is hiking SoBo with his dog, but she is really slowing him down, so he's not sure if they are going to do the Whites together.I wish my hair would stop falling out. I really hope it is due to poor hiker diet.
Date: 2012-08-23
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Accomplished goal for the day (15 miles, and in the rain, no less!!).Could only get a hard rock station on the radio... that, or Glenn Beck... one of the songs talked about rape. Ugh. But I need something playing to keep me company. I feel so isolated on the Trail.Camping with five section hikers at shelter! One has been hiking the AT since 1964 and has about 525 more miles to go.Two of them are college students carrying a spaghetti pot to make their dinner. They've run out of fuel (not a surprise) and were relying upon a tiny campfire to boil their pasta water.Luckily for them, a trail angel named Kringle lives across the pond and just so happened to show up on his boat to bring dry firewood, kindling, newspapers (one of the students started reading the paper, rather than building a fire!), matches, and beer. They had a fire going in no time!Hearing the loons for the first time. Kind of haunting, at first, but then aggravating when you are ready to sleep! I realize I will need to start using earplugs again in Maine.
Date: 2012-08-24
From: West Carry Pond Lean-To

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

Originally, I started out planning only to hike 10 miles to Harrison's, a lodge on the river where I could get a bunk, shower, and a pancake breakfast for $40.When I arrived at Harrison's, the place was full (today is Friday). It was 2:00 pm, and I knew that I only had two hours to get to the Kennebec River ferry. With an upstream dam, the level of the river changes throughout the day (an accommodation for the rafting and kayaking companies), making it unsafe for hikers to ford. With three miles to go over rocky & root-covered trail, I was not sure if I would make it and be forced to camp on the shore for the night.I arrived at the ferry with only 12 minutes to spare. As soon as I set down my pack, I was joined by Johnny Walker Black (there is also a Johnny Walker Red). The ferry is a canoe with a white blaze painted on the floor of the boat, making it an official part of the Appalachian Trail. The operator and Johnny paddled the boat, while I rode in the middle like George Washington crossing the Delaware River.The operator was done for the day at 4:00 pm, so he kindly gave us a ride to the nearby Sterling Inn. Johnny and I split a double room, saving some money, which we were able to use for dinner down the road.After the Inn's owner shuttled us to dinner and back, we had the opportunity to sit and visit with him in the hotel's parlor, learning about the history of the Inn.
Date: 2012-08-29
From: Monson, ME

To: Stealth Campsite at Mile 2083
Miles today: 13.3

Within the first hour of hiking, fell laterally onto a cord of roots, my ribs on my right side taking the brunt of the fall.Mercifully, my radio (in my right breast pocket) was unharmed and was able to get the "Fun Country" station (and my battery lasted all day)!Stealth camping on a woods road (old, overgrown roads tend to be flat and easier for tenting) with Diesel, Big Sky, Hill Hiker, Dame Quixote, and Deep Purple.My ribs are making it very difficult to bend over or lie down. As I am trying to go to sleep, we are being serenaded by coyotes or wolves (I do not know the difference, sorry).
Date: 2012-08-30
From: Stealth Campsite at Mile 2083

To: Stealth Campsite near East Chairback Pond
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Exceeded goal for the day AND picked up miles not hiked yesterday. Ahead of schedule by 2.5 miles.Had to backtrack to Trail to set up tent right by the AT.Weekenders taking up all the flat tent sites at the lake. They have their tents arranged like a cul-de-sac.Ran into group of college students on a weekend team-building hike. Mistook them for very fresh-faced SoBo hikers.So rarely do I get to talk to people on the Trail that when I do, I get amped up and sound like an idiot.Bruised ribs (? ...self-diagnosis) are not impacting my daily hiking but I cannot lie flat without a great deal of pain. Wish this would heal up so I can sleep at night.
Date: 2012-08-31
From: Stealth Campsite near East Chairback Pond

To: Stealth Campsite at White Brook Trail
Miles today: 12.2

Last day of August... Friday... Labor Day Weekend. Per usual, hikers don't have weekends. We have zero days, which are OUR "days off", but they are not scheduled like the traditional "weekend". Usually, we are working on our day off, too, with laundry, post office, resupply, outfitters, equipment repair, etc.Since I cannot sleep on my back, I slept awkwardly. Woke to the sounds of a very blustery wind. Then some weekenders walked by and had to park by my tent and talk loudly. No rest for me...Fell. Tripped over root, slipped in mud, landed hard on rock. Left thigh has hurt all day and has slowed me down.However, I am ahead of schedule by 5 miles or so.Cooler day, but sunny, so many, many little snakes are out "sunning" themselves on the Trail.
Date: 2012-09-01
From: Stealth Campsite at White Brook Trail

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept at 3,003 ft. last night... very cold. Woke up a few times because of the chill. Started day hiking in fleece pullover.From top of White Cap Mountain (my last big mountain), I could see Mt. Katahdin for the first time. I kept stopping to stare at the "goal" or "finish line" for these past five-and-a-half months. Soon, I descended back into the "green tunnel"and did not see it again all day.For being in the One Hundred Mile Wilderness, where we are encouraged to carry at least 10 days of food, I ran into SIX day hikers (three separate couples) today. "Wilderness", indeed. Not if you're willing to drive a few miles off the main road...Trail magic today! Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a brownie, and s promise of a hot dog cookout, if I wanted to wait around. I accepted the former, but in the interests of making decent time today, declined the latter.Assertive chipmunks at this shelter zipped right up to see what I was making for dinner. Only tuna and noodles... no acorns, sorry. But while I ate, they kept circling, closer and closer, like tiny sharks.Thought about life after the Trail. If I had the money, I'd but a hiker hostel or hotel. How can I make that happen?!?Had two dinners tonight. I'm stuffed. Chipmunks hate me.Sleeping beside a waterfall... My favorite part of the Trail is the opportunity to sleep beside rushing water.
Date: 2012-09-02
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 15.0

Uneventful day... very easy hiking, as the Trail levels out between White Cap Mountain and Katahdin.Had another view of Katahdin today across a lake. I am in awe of its size. I approached the even talker Mt. Whitney from the opposite side, so I never had this kind of perspective approaching my goal.Lodging at White House Landing. Had a one pound cheeseburger for dinner. Got to know Bucket and Grandad, as well as the owners. The same couple has run the lodges from Memorial Day to October 15th each year for twenty-two years! They love the hikers, but are ready to sell.I thought about running a hostel all day today (autocorrect just inserted "ruining a hostel"... I'm sure I could do that too!).I also thought a great deal about writing a book "Hostels, Hotels, and Homes - Lodging Along The Appalachian Trail", with stories and photos from each one.If I were to open a hostel, I would base it on the model of Green Mountain House... probably the most efficiently run hostel (no offense to the others) I visited this summer.But, owning and running a hostel takes money, and I have none. Maybe my book will sell!Trying to type my journal in my lakefront lodge by antique gas lamp. Very anachronistic!The National AIDS Memorial Grove sent out an appeal on August 23rd, mentioning my ascent of Katahdin this Thursday on my 50th birthday. But I'm only going to be 45! Man, I feel old all of a sudden...
Date: 2012-09-03
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sixteen miles and boy, can I feel them.Started the day with a big breakfast at the Lodge, getting to spend a little more time with Bucket and Grandad. Grandad is taking Greyhound from Bangor to Chattanooga... trust me, he loves buses.Owner of lodge took us by boat back to a beach near the trailhead, saving us about 30 minutes of hiking.Passed on the trail by Nokey and Sprinkles (aka TrophyWife). They said they have been hiking twenty mile days consistently. He has lost too much weight, so they are going into town tomorrow night to spend a few days eating. I'm not kidding. This will get some weight on him so he can confidently ascend Katahdin.Called AT Lodge about shuttle. Need to be done hiking on Thursday by 4:00 pm.AccuWeather calling for clouds tomorrow, rain Wednesday, clear Thursday for my ascent. Hiking 12 miles tomorrow, 14 the next, then 11 miles on Thursday.Only person here at shelter. I think everyone moved on to the next campsite.