morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Glencliff, NH

To: East peak of Mt. Wolf, NH
Miles today: 14.1

Blah.Today definitely brought me back to the Grayson Highlands near Mt. Rogers in Virginia. Jangles fondly recounts when I forced her to put on her fleece pants because it was dangerously cold and she had already lost function of her hands. "That was the day Chardonnay saved my life," she now tells people. Today was pretty similar with a cold cold rain and really tough terrain. I took an hour and a half to hike 1.6 miles down Moosilauke to Kinsman Notch! It was pretty frustrating, but a sure way to put me in my place and teach me that I can't plan on 17-mile days up here.I'm so tired and cold and wet. Can't wait to meet Leon tomorrow and possibly stay in Franconia with my aunt and gramma.Good night,ChardonnayPS. Moosilauke was beautiful today.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: East peak of Mt. Wolf, NH

To: Franconia Notch, NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today sure beat yesterday, though the terrain was still difficult. I went past Eliza Brook Shelter this morning, the place I was supposed to reach last night when I stopped at dark. The whole gang was still packing up at 10 am, so I guess yesterday was rough on them as well. We went up and over the Kinsmans (Hey Jangles, where's the button for the elevator?) then down to Lonesome Lake Hut, the first hut northbounders go by. What a view of the ridge! I actually had some cookies and other treats waiting for me, left by my aunt and cousin who stayed there Wednesday night! Spoiled rotten, I tell you.I was able to meet up with my aunt (a different aunt...I have loads of family if you haven't noticed) and company, as well as Leon, and we're staying at her friend's house in Franconia. I really needed this. I was teary-eyed this morning when I heard that we'd be able to meet up. My sleeping bag and tent were soaked, and I just needed a fresh start before Leon hikes with me for the next five days. Wine, pizza, laundry, and a shower. Mmmmmm...Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Franconia Notch, NH

To: Garfield Ridge tentsite, NH
Miles today: 10.3

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!Man is it cold for August! Leon and I had a pretty incredible day, it was just extremely windy and cold. I can't wait to see the wind chart for today when we get to the Obs. We came out of Franconia and headed up the Flume Slide Trail to Franconia Ridge. It was a highway up there! The views were first-class, though, and we were happy to share them with everyone else. After so much time fighting the wind and cold above treeline, we were happy to finally head down to the tentsite where we found Mouse, Shasta, H-Bomb, and Jangles. They're as freezing and tuckered out as we are and we're all going to bed well before dark.My big concern for tonight is if it rains. Being wet and cold is much worse than just being cold, especially on the first night out.I always think I'll be emotional when I get to a certain point on the trail, but there's always some physical ailment that takes over any emotion I have. How to get nostalgic when your ears are in danger of freezing and falling off? Now that I'm in my sleeping bag, though not quite warm yet, I'm able to think about how special this place is to me. I literally lived on the trail as a caretaker for AMC for a couple seasons, and Garfield was one of my sites (but hmmph, having stirred poop here doesn't grant me a free stay). I have memories of hiking this section with a good friend from high school that lost her battle with cancer later in college. I can vividly remember her rection to Lafayette (exhaustion and contempt for getting her that far from civilization) and found the spots where we stealth camped and took pictures on a false summit of Garfield. We were so fogged in that we didn't see the real summit! We even peeked inside the caretaker tent, not knowing that I'd one day occupy it. I love this area for its beauty and the nostalgia it brings me. I may be biased, but this was perhaps my most beautiful day on the trail. How exciting to show it off to Leon, who hasn't explored New Hampshire quite like this before. If only I could stay warm and enjoy the views for longer...Good night,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Garfield Ridge tentsite, NH

To: Thoreau Falls, NH
Miles today: 12.0

Oh I could not be more pleased with the day! We hiked past Galehead Hut this morning and warmed up with hot cocoa over a game of yahtzee with Hot springs and Donkey and their friend Rich. It was still super cold and windy, but we were only above treeline briefly on North Twin. By the time we made it to Zealand Hut, it was downright balmy! More Yatzee, this time over soup. The last time I was at this hut was New Years Eve 2004 when it was much colder!We wanted to avoid paying to stay at Ethan Pond (I'm loyal to AMC, but it gets expensive to pay $16 for two of us to camp every night) so we took a quick look down the Thoreau Falls Trail to see if we could find a good spot to camp that I remembered from high school. A couple minutes down the trail and we found the gorgeous spot my cousin Molly and I camped at about five years ago. It's not quite legal, but I promise we aren't trampling any plants.It's a lovely night at a gorgeous waterfall, and we're much warmer and more comfortable than last night. I'm so pleased to be in the Whites. Leon is on vacation from work, and I feel like I'm on vacation from my hike, which amounts to my job these days. I've been doing less miles, I get to share my time with Leon, and I'm so proud that I found a great camping spot off the AT that isn't even in my Wingfoot guide! I'm on vacation!Cheers cheers cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Thoreau Falls, NH

To: Nauman Tentsite, NH
Miles today: 11.8

Another fabulous day! This vacation rocks.We left Thoreau Falls and found Hot Springs and a canine friend at the Ethan Pond Shelter. It seems like ages ago, certainly seasons ago, that Lindsay and I came here for a shakedown hike. There was snow the last time I was here in May 2005, just after I finished my last college final. Anyhow, we moved on to Crawford Notch and were greeted with trail magic! A good thing too, because Leon was whining about wanting a Coke and some ice cream. He got both, thanks to Drifter, who drove us up to the Willey House for treats. We slowly trekked up Webster Cliffs, over Mt Webster and Jackson, and finally made it to the tentsite. The caretaker was more receptive to a work-for-stay, and we'll meet up with Donkey and Hot Springs in the morning to do a project before we head north. I really feel at home here, can't count the number of nights I spent hanging out at the hut, then heading back in the dark to the tentsite. More Yahtzee, go figure.It's supposed to rain tonight, but we should be all right in the tent.Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Nauman Tentsite, NH

To: Mt. Washington Observatory, NH
Miles today: 6.2

Nearo!We had a slow slow start this morning. Leon has finally begun to keep up with my appetite and we nearly finished off the hut's leftover coffee cake from breakfast. We did some cairn-building with Stephanie, and headed north to Mt. Washington. It was a super windy day with a peak gust near 70 mph. A quick Yatzhee stop at Lakes of the Clouds with Donkey and Hot Springs, and we finally made it to the summit.Many many thanks to the observers and the whole crew up there for a warm reception and restful night. I know what a privilege it is to spend the night up there while all the other hikers were stuck at the Lakes' dungeon. Ken (my buddy and former boss) was the day observer, and Tim (who shares my love of Madonna) was on nights. The volunteer cooked a fabulous meal, complete with a chocolately dessert, and I even got to visit with Sunshine, the bubbly museum attendant. Nin is looking better than ever. It was certainly busier than it was during the winter season, but it was the same eerie feeling as the crowds left the summit and the fog rolled in. I'm on top of the world!Warm and cleanish (shower, but no clean clothes) in a special place.Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Mt. Washington Observatory, NH

To: Pinkham Notch, NH (errr...Boston, MA)
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: fog

Whew, what a day. Leon and I packed up at the Obs and stuck around long enough to see Jim and Ryan come up for shift change. Jim seemed pretty concerned that I hadn't updated trailjournals in so long. Was I in Killington, or was I on Mt. Washington?! Clearly Mt. Washington. It was good to see Ryan as well, the intern that came on just after me. I apparently did such an amazing job training him that he is now a full-fledged Observer! Me, I'm homeless. Should have stuck around the Obs, huh? Jim, we'll find a time to go fishing over the winter if you promise some ice this year. Ken finally had a good deal for me and offered to leave our packs at Pinkham Notch so Leon and I could slack pack! Hoorah! 13 miles may not seem like a lot, but I hadn't hiked the Northern Presidentials before and there was a big down to Pinkham, which kills my knees. It was great not to have the extra weight.I decided to take the ride back to Boston with Leon. No no, I'm not getting off the trail. But I felt I needed the time off for a number of reasons. Even though I've seen so much of my family and friends in the north, it's been busy busy busy. I realized that my next big stop isn't until after Katahdin, and with less than 320 miles to go, I decided to cash in on some time off. I'll appreciate it much more now than when my trip is done and I'm busy job-seeking. The sacrifice is that I certainly won't be summitting with a lot of the people I enjoy hiking with most, but I don't have it in me to keep schedule with such a big group. I have just over 3 weeks of hiking to go, and I'm sure I can do it on my own. Plus, I'm sure there are great people behind me who I'd love to see (thanks Willow for signing my guestbook and reminding me of everyone!). The end is finally in sight and I feel justified taking the weekend off. Plus, Leon was such a good sport and completed his 53 miles with me, so I thought we could use some time together when we don't smell so badly.Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-20
From: New York, NY

To: Pinkham Notch, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

So I made it a true break from the trail and didn¢t journal over my days off. The first couple days were extremely restful, just what I needed. Leon had to work both days, and when he came home I was still in my pajamas in front of the television! I deserve some laziness. I did get a couple trail errands done at REI. Thursday night we went shoe shopping for me, since we planned on going out and I'm too embarrassed by my feet to wear sandals and my crocs look ridiculous! Friday night was dinner (Thai food!) with his brother and his wife and a law school friend, then a party with some friends from high school. On Saturday we took the Fung Wah bus (if you haven't heard of this, check the website! It's a real bargain) to New York City for his friend's housewarming party on the Upper East Side. It made for a busy time getting back on today, as we left NYC early and I sat on buses for 9 hours to get back to Pinkham Notch. But it was a fun time and nice to get into the city. Our cab driver joked that it was such a nice day we should walk back to Boston from New York. If he only knew! Ah yes, and while all this was happening, the Yankees continued to crush the Red Sox in the first three games of the series. I think tonight got rained out...I know I am!So throughout all his excitement I didn¢t think about the trail too much, though the New Yorkers were baffled as to why I would choose to do such a thing.   Riding the bus back to Pinkham tonight, I was really at peace with getting back on. Likely some rainy days, some cold days ahead, but the end is in sight and if I take it slowly it should be more enjoyable than painful. What can¢t I handle for a few more weeks?When I got to Pinkham it was raining, and I certainly can¢t afford a room, so I hiked back on the trail a bit to find a spot to pitch my tent. Blaahhhh. My tent doesn¢t seem to be as waterproof as it once was, and I¢m sure to have some wet things in the morning. Needless to say, I¢m less excited about being back on the trail!Good night,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Pinkham Notch, NH

To: Just shy of Imp Shelter, NH
Miles today: 12.0

I had all these big thoughts for the day, but you¢re stuck with what happened this evening. I had set my mind on getting to Imp Shelter tonight, even if it meant a little night hike. We all know that I hate night hiking and it never works out, but I really dragged all day and was going to be a bit upset if I didn¢t get in some miles. It started out all right - I was mesmerized by all the mica bits reflecting off my headlamp. Then the trail headed straight down. I'm not kidding, it¢s a pretty treacherous descent, especially when it¢s wet and dark out. It was slow going for me, much of it accomplished by scooting down on my butt. After an hour of this I snagged the first tent-sized spot that I came to next to the trail, and here I am. I'm so glad to be done!The day started out quite nicely. I dried my tent out at Pinkham. Michael, the front desk person at the visitor center who recognized me from my caretaking days and also grew up with my father, fixed my poles and bought me breakfast! Really, the morning was first-class.I'm not sure if it's the terrain (we're still in the Whites) or my new boots and insoles or coming back after a break or what...but I was in slow motion today. Especially with it getting dark so much earlier (I pulled out my headlamp at 8:05 pm) I need to be more conscious of when and where I plan to stop. I just ran out of time tonight. Now I realize that this isn¢t a good motto for life in general, but if things get too tough and you aren¢t meeting your goals...just lower your expectations! This may only apply to hiking. Until I get to easier terrain, I can¢t expect to do big days. I have a vague idea of when I¢d like to finish and how many miles I need to average each day to reach that, but it¢s all very flexible and I shouldn¢t hike at night to meet that goal.Good night,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Just shy of Imp Shelter, NH

To: Just out of Gorham, NH
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: fog

Luckily I woke up in a dry tent this morning. The sky was blue at 7 AM and the sun was pretty bright. I spoke with the caretaker at Imp Shelter and he was telling me how difficult Maine was. He said everyone thinks it¢s such a cakewalk, but it¢s more of the same grueling switchback-less ups and downs as New Hampshire, but with less exposed mountaintops. Eeek! I almost cried right there. I don¢t want the rest of the hike to be difficult. I was in one of my lonely overemotional moods that always comes just after a visit, and started crying after I left the site.How could someone quit so close to the end? I've read stories about people dying of exposure 50 feet from the top of Mt. Washington. Why couldn¢t they hang on just that last little bit? Maybe it¢s a bad analogy as I'm certainly not in a life or death situation, but these months have worn me down. At the beginning I thought my blisters were grossly impressive, and even in Pennsylvania I plowed through the rain pretty well. I don¢t have that toughness in me anymore, and the rougher terrain and shorter days have cut down my miles to a frustrating extent.No worries, I did not decide to get off the trail today. Instead, I spent much of the day giving myself pep talks and crunching numbers. I have no scary deadline to keep. I do have Red Sox tickets September 30, but at the rate they¢re going the game will be meaningless by then anyhow! No, in all seriousness I realized that if I hike 10 miles a day then I¢ll finish in just under a month. Any day that I do more than that I get a big pat on the back. Way to go Chardonnay! It¢s that whole lowering of expectations so I don¢t kill myself night hiking to get in an extra few miles. It¢s more than likely that I blow by that average, but it gives me peace of mind to get through the next few days, which are supposed to be the hardest miles on the trail.I apologize for all the stressing I do. It¢s just my personality. But anyone would be anxious to get home after 5 months being away. However, I know that my friends and family will be around whether I get home early September or mid-October, and I have the rest of my life to take showers regularly and go to work. This is likely my one chance to complete a thru-hike.That¢s enough pepping for one day! I made it into town before the post office closed. I even made it to the outfitter and bought another pair of Merrill¢s (I can¢t wear those boots another mile!) and mailed home the muddy boots to my mom. It¢s the least I can do to send her some mail after all the lovely packages she sends me, right?! She¢ll love it. After a good dinner, Mr. Parkay and I found a place to camp just out of town.Good night!Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Just out of Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter, NH
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Wow, talk about a room with a view! We not only have a view of the mountains from the shelter, but there¢s also a lake! This is definitely a spot I¢d come back to sometime. The hike was very pleasant as well with more gradual climbs and descents. I tell you, that day out of Pinkham really got me.Today was peaceful for me. I'm on the slow train and I'm happy about it! I've said this the whole trip, but I really am slowing down now. It helps that my mom writes inspirational messages on my food, so when I pull out my trail mix I read "Never hurry, never worry. Yeah Erin, we love you!" They love me even if I don¢t hurry! Don¢t mind if I do...This is my last night in New Hampshire. I was so excited to get here, but I'm more excited to move on.Good night,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Gentian Pond Shelter, NH

To: Full Goose Shelter, ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Maine! MAINE! Mmmm...the way life should be...It was mostly just another day on the trail...some ups, some downs, some rain and mud. I don¢t think it quite hit me until now...I'm in Maine! It¢s my 14th and final state on this adventure. It always seemed ridiculously far from wherever I was. Down south I might as well have told people I was hiking to the moon! But here I am...So the thing to remember is that you can¢t just get to Maine, you have to hike through it for 280 miles! I'm excited to pick up the miles because it sure is getting chilly out! But for now I'm still on the slow train, and it¢s about all I can manage. I swear, the average age of this group is more than twice my age! But they¢re keeping me moving.The final excitement of the day was running into some AMC folks, including Hawk. He is another person responsible for me being out here. He hired me for the job that exposed me to so many thru-hikers. I was so impressed with northbounders who made it all the way to the Whites; I guess I wanted some of that swagger. A true testament to the age of the hikers I've been with is Scott seeing us and asking if I was hiking with my parents, Karuna and Pumpkin. Hah! With a couple generations of young mothers, Pumpkin could actually be my grandfather at 64 years old! Hmmmm...he also hiked 4 more miles than me today!Way to go, Pumpkin!Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Full Goose Shelter, ME

To: Grafton Notch, ME
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

The trail is making me lose my mind!It was a tough day all around. I tried to get an early start this morning and hit the trail at 7:30 while the older people were still having their coffee. However, after a mile I realized that I had left my pack cover back at the shelter. It¢s probably the most commonly lost item and not necessarily cheap to replace. That mile had taken me nearly an hour, and it was worth the $30 to replace the pack cover and not backtrack on what I knew would be a tough day. I waited for the slow train to catch up and lost my early start, but was rewarded with my pack cover! Hoorah.Today includes what is touted as the toughest mile on the trail. I'm generally skeptical of such hyped-up sections, but I'm not kidding...this was by far the most difficult mile on the trail, and the miles before and after it weren¢t particularly easy either! Mahoosuc Notch looks great on the profile, nice and flat. However, it¢s a boulder field. At first I thought it was great fun, twisting around, finding creative ways to get myself up and down, in and out. However, as I had just taken off my pack for the third or fourth time to crawl up a ledge or through a tiny gap (it¢s a good thing I lost weight, huh? Poor southbounders must get stuck!) It became less fun. 2.5 hours later and I had finished the 1.1 mile, only to climb more ledges up to Mahoosuc Mt. and Speck Pond campsite. The campsite was whopping 5.1 miles into the day, and was the final destination for most of the slow train. But there was no way I could stop after so few miles, no matter how hard the day. So on and up I went.Descending into Grafton Notch I realized I wouldn¢t make my 12 miles to the next shelter. I'm not sure what came over me. I guess I was just lonely, probably exhausted after a very long day and weary of having to night hike. There was also a possibility of Leon visiting tomorrow, but I wasn¢t sure and the not knowing was eating me up. I could feel the tears coming on, so I sang...loudly. Songs from summer camp, tunes my dad used to sing to with his guitar, and my repertoire of sea shanties. Success, no tears. In the parking lot at the notch a woman asked me how long id been out, and the floodgates opened. Waaaaaaaaah I could not stop the tears! Poor woman, she didn¢t know what she did wrong! She really wanted to drive me to the next shelter (hah!) but I told her I¢d just pitch my tent somewhere if it got dark. Yes, she'd seen another tent, an orange tent, on the side of the trail. Ooooh, it must be Pumpkin, I realized! That¢s where I find myself now. Shy of the shelter, but with some company on the side of the trail. I needed it.Every day really is a challenge out here.Good night,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Pine Ellis B&B (Andover), ME
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ooooooh did I need today! It was a relatively easy hike, at least for the last four miles. Baldpate Mountain was steep and rocky, but the trail looked like a real trail again towards the end of the day. It was even warm out and there were families out dayhiking.Best of all, I had a ride into town from the trailhead with a cute guy in a convertible! I know, I know, you¢re all Leoned out, but I have to gush because he came to visit! I didn¢t have any cell service until this afternoon so I assumed he wasn¢t coming, but when I called at 1 pm he was almost here! We went to Mexico for dinner, compliments of his father.I got one of my last few mail drops. Thanks mom, as always. Also, thanks to Lindsay for sending some of my favorite power bars (iced oatmeal raisin!) and the ATC map set for Maine. I almost cried when I saw the profile for the rest of the state. It really does get easier! Maybe I will finish...Cheers,Chardonnay
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Pine Ellis B&B (Andover), ME

To: Pine Ellis B&B (Andover), ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a guy! I'm serious. I know you must be really really Leoned out, but he hiked 10 miles (10-point-ONE he chimes in!) in the rain with me today. I could have zeroed with him, but I'm very anxious to keep moving, especially since it's been so cold. Thanks soooooo much. More deliciously greasy food at the diner in town and we're lying around watching the Red Sox lose.Cheers,Chardonnay