morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Gale River Trail - Mt Whittier Hotel Ossippee
Miles today: 2.2

With my things soaked and my sister and her husband on the way, I decided to find the nearest road crossing. Gale River Rd was a four mile side trail that saved me a few hours to meet up with my sister Susan. It was worth the trip and great to see her again. She nearly knocked me over in running to hug me! We spent the day at brekfast and later at the Pizza Barn (one of my old favorites) where Phil (Susan's husband) thought he would challenge my new appetite with a "Farmer's Daughters Pizza" (loaded). While thinking of what to do next, I called a friend to see if I could use his local place to shower and dry my clothes. Unfortunately I found out that I was not welcome in his home any longer. This was quite a shock to me since we have been friends for decades. I didn't get the reason why but know it is related to my stance on not accepting the divorce courts ruling on child custody. I thought I had this friends support as we had many discussions previously and he was very sympathetic to my situation and not happy at all with my ex-wife's manipulations of the system. I'm sad to lose a friend like that and it hit me very hard to think that this could happen. My feeling is that had the circumstances been reversed I would have supported him no matter what. That's what friends do. I'll move on though. One consolation is that I have made so many new friends along the trail that I know I will stay in touch with for a long time to come.
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Gale River Trail - Mt Whittier Hotel Ossippee

To: Thoreau Falls
Miles today: 9.9

Finally! I have been looking forward to seeing Thoreau Falls agina the whole way up the trail. I have been telling fellow hikers that it is my favorite camping spot on earth. Well it didn't dissapoint. I was able to share it with at least one hiker (EZ Strider). Although I couldn't find my old camp spot for sure (maybe grown over after twenty years) we found decent spots to pitch tents and enjoy the falls at dusk.This is the same spot that I tried to bring my boys Ryan and Neal five years ago but failed because I couldn;t bare the packweight. It had been twenty years and I forgot that i wasn't so young and strong. Neal was so disappointed. Now that I am so in shape, I'd like to try it again with my boys. Maybe soemday?!
Date: 2008-09-10
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.3

The day started out still rainy and windy but headed out anyway. Reached Crawford Notch in 3 miles and contemplated hitching in to N Conway. Decided to continue on across and up Mt Webster. What a challenging climb this was! It was great though and I saw some beautiful views. When I approached the summit I fnally had a cell phone signal and had a message from Dad waiting. He was in the area and wanted to pick me up at Crawford Notch. I called to tell him I was looking down three thousand feet on Crawford Notch. Oh well, missed opportunity. However, in driving around, dad is getting the hang of this hiker thing and picked up a few hitch hikers needing a lift into town and back to the trail.At Mizpah Spring Hut, I did my first ever work-for-stay. Washed and scrubbed pans, swept floors and changed linens. Last Minute, and @7 others did the same.
Date: 2008-09-11
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: fog

I was so excited today. Most of the day was with a view of approaching Mt Washington. Snapped lots of pictures as the view was SPECTACULAR! I had a great climb up which wasn't anywhere near as difficult as expected. (My previous climbs wer in the winter and straight up tuckerman's ravine and up the SouthEast slope.) Summiting Washington gave me such a sense of accomplishment and purpose! I was sad to descend.Last Minute and EZ Strider joined me at Madison Springs Hut where I sifted compost for my work-for-stay job. Tough work after a long day of hiking. I later found that I left my camp shoes (like Crocs) behind at the hut. Since I alos left my Arizona ball cap at Etahn Pond Shlter I am wondering if my mind is starting to wander too much. Up to this point I have been very organinzed and on top of things. I need to focus more!
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Pinkham Notch - Mt Whittier Motel Ossippee NH
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

After another rainy day hiking, Dad picked me up and we headed to Glen NH for my favorite breakfast spot at Glen Junction Restaurant. (Dad enjoyed the baked beans.) We later stopped at Shannon's Door in Jackson and by the end of the day I was ready to hike in to find a camp spot but Dad talked me into staying at cozy Mt Whittier Hotel again. I am glad I did. It's great to have a hot shower and comfortable bed off the trail every so often. Dad was concerned with my roughing it even though I do it every day. We were both relieved to have me stay one more night. Emma the host and owner was gracious and accommodating and let me use the hotel computer to upload my trail journal photos. Great people!
Date: 2008-09-13
From: Pinkham Notch - Mt Whittier Motel Ossippee NH

To: beyond Zeta Pass
Miles today: 10.0

Wildcat Mt kicked my butt! I have skiied Wildcat for years and have always enjoyed the very challenging terrain. Going in the opposite direction (uphill) turned out to be just as challenging if not more! EZ Strider and I stopped for lunch at the top where I enjoyed the two ham and cheese sandwiched my dad made for me along with the banana, cream cookie and apple. I think he enjoys taking care of me! While on the summit, I recieved a call from sister Susan who was now in Florida on a surprise visit to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday. Susan wnated to tell me that my son Ryan asked to pass on to me to keep my cell phone on all day Sunday as he would try to call me from bootcamp at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. That made my day and I couldn't wait to hear from him although I was worried that I might not have a signal while hiking or lose the battery charge.At one of the peaks, I ran into a couple who were organizers of the "48 Flags on 48 Peaks" team that sets flags on all 48 of the NH peaks over 4000 feet in memorium of 9/11. Very nice people who offered me and EZ Strider brownies and candies.When I reached the Carter Notch Hut I had only done 6 miles on the day and was wiped out. After a half hour, Idecided to press on anyway and did 4 more miles and was glad I did. I found a nice tent spot over the 15000 ft ascent up Carter Dome and beyond Zeta Pass.
Date: 2008-09-14
From: beyond Zeta Pass

To: White Birches Hostel - Gorham NH
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It rained all morning and I left the tent site early to get to town in time to charge my cell phone for Ryan's call. Unfortunately, the battery died out three hours before I reached town. I became anxious that I would miss his call and pressed forward with my hike. The way was difficult as North Carter was one of the most tracherous descents I have done on this trail. Lots of cliffs and slippery rock slopes. I reached the road by @1:30pm and found EZ Strider hitching. I called the White Birches Hostel who sent a shuttle for us. At the hostel I found Pullup who I hadn't seen since Rutland VT and hadn't hiked with since NJ. Good to see this young man (16) still going!While doing my laundry, Ryan called! It was great hearing from him. He sounds so good and talks as if he actually enjoys bootcamp. While talking, I asked him if he was ready to know where I was. He was enthusiastically ready and was, in his words, amazed at what I was doing. He thinks what i am doing is tougher than what he is doing and he appears to be very proud of his old man! Now that he has access to his cell phone we plan to talk a lot more.
Date: 2008-09-15
From: White Briches Hostel - Gorham NH

To: White Birches Hostel - Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a great breakfast at Welsh's Restaurant. Talked with my Mom to wish her a happy birthday. Sitting here updating my journal. Met Flip and Flop on the street. I haven't seen them since before Harpers Ferry WV. I'd been just missing them since Southern VT.One month to go and just over 300 miles. I feel good about my miles per day rate and should be in good shape to finish on time.
Date: 2008-09-17
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose SHelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Camped again with Pete's Draggin, Creeper, Rocky and RootC. Stubbs also joined us. FINALLY arrived in Maine. What a feeling! The end is near. SOme of the terrain has gotten extremely tough. The miles are tough to come by. Many more extraordinary views again today over Goose Eye peaks east and north!
Date: 2008-09-18
From: Full Goose SHelter

To: Chapman Inn - Bethel ME
Miles today: 9.7

Hiked through a mile long boulder field today. It took me an hour. Just before the end I planted my right trekking pole and it went through a hole. I went over and the pole snapped. I'll need to find a dealer soon to get it repaired. By the end of the day I started feeling very dizzy all of a sudden. I almost couldn't make it down the hill and decided to go into town. Fortunately, there were three hikers at the rt 26 parking lot that graciously agreed to drive me into Bethel 12 miles away. The men were from the Leominster/Fitchburg MA area not far from where I grew up. I made it into town annd registered at the Chapman B&B in the hiker section (cheaper). I had a bunkhouse (queen bed) all to myself and was able to shower, do laundry and had breakfast included. That night I went into town and had a chinese dinner in case the dizziness was related to malnutrition. I then went to Shop&Save and resupplied. All in all it was a tough but rewarding day.
Date: 2008-09-19
From: Chapman Inn - BEthel ME

To: Surplus Pond
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Finally, another day over ten miles. Baldpate east peak was a climb up a very long rock face. It was windy and challenging but the views were great. COuld still see Mt Washington in the distance.Spoke to friend Flutterby. Her dad is in the hospital. Thinking good thoughts for her and for her dad.
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Surplus Pond

To: Pine Ellis Hostel - Andover ME
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Reached South Arm Rd and decided to go into town. Called Pete's Draggin who was slackpacking south and found out that he was about to reach SOuth Arm Rd as well. Waited a few minutes and the shuttle showed up. Getting used to being pampered. Gotta keep focused on the trail and bang out those miles. HANTA YO!
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Pine Ellis Hostel - Andover ME

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day going up Old Blue Mountain-a tough climb. Finished strong and finally and picking up the miles again. I was at the shelter by myself and took the opportunity to go down to the pond at dusk to see if I could get a picture of a moose or two. No such luck. Then after dark I heard a big crash in the water. No mistaking-it was amoose but when I ran down with my camera it was gone. The next morning a local hiker wander into camp and told me he had seen 5 moose that morning and showed me his pictures. My luck has to change soon!
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Gull Lodge - Rangeley ME
Miles today: 9.4

Bob was a great host at Gull Lodge. I caught up to Flip and Flop again. I saw them back in Gorham but hadn't hiked with them since before Harpers Ferry WV. We enjoyed the evening and watched some Monday Night Football but I didn't need to hear about the Patriot's crushing defeat the day before at the hands of the lowly Dolphins!
Date: 2008-09-23
From: Gull Lodge - Rangeley ME

To: Spaulding Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

A large group of us tented or casmped at the shelter including Rocky and RootC, Flip and Flop and Pete's Draggin'. Creeper slowed down and was to meet Pete in Stratton on Thursday. As Pete was leaving in the morning and I was well behind the shelter breaking down my tent, he saw a bull moose right in front of the shelter. I'm still not having any luck capturing Bullwinkle on camera.
Date: 2008-09-24
From: Spaulding Mt Lean-to

To: Stratton Motel - Stratton ME
Miles today: 13.5

Smiley was at the trail end at rt 27 with a cooler of trail magic as Rocky, RootC, Flip, Flop, Pete's Draggin' and myself arrived at the end of the day to a great surprise. Smiley even shuttled Pete and I into town. Before we left we saw Thor, Kyle (a.k.a. Hornswoggle), Wavepool, Freestyle and Hobo Joe heading back out of town. Great reunion! P.S. Less than 200 miles to go and will break the 2000 mile mark tomorrow!!!
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Startton Motel - Stratton ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day with a phone conversation with my mom. Before signing off as I told her I was ready to go into the woods she said to go ahead and play with my "animal friends". Petes Draggin and I caught up with Thor, Hornswoggle, HoBo Joe, Wavepool and Freestyle. We hiked the last half mile in the dark and showed up to a roaring camp fire. Wow was I tired! Great day of climbing though as we conquered the last of the tough climbs.
Date: 2008-09-27
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Northern Outdoors - Karatunk ME
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ahhhh! Hot tub, pool, restaurant, brewery. Oh boy-life on the trail is so tough! Only 150 miles to go. Given the recent mileage I've put in, and the imminent rain, I may take another day of rest here.Roomed with Pete's Draggin, Mt. Spice and Nenox.
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Bingham Motor Inn - Bingham ME

To: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got going again and had a big day in miles. Met Warren as he was headed south. He was in the middle of crossing Holly Brook which was the first significant stream fording we had to do. Seven of us were passing Warren going across the stream at once. I had a bit of a conversation with him as we hadn't seen each other since Bear's Den in Northern Virginia. He plans to finish in Stratton and then ride his bike back home to Alabama.Creeper was at the shelter at the end of the day but I lost track of Pete.
Date: 2008-09-30
From: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to

To: Lake Shore Hostel - Monson ME
Miles today: 17.9

Moving along now. Only 114 miles to go. Entering the 'hundred mile wilderness' tomorrow. Crossed over the Piscataquis River twice today. Had to remove the boots and sock and zip-off pant legs as the river was thigh deep. It was a lot of fun doing something different like this. It slows down the hike but makes it interesting.
Date: 2008-10-02
From: Lake Shore Hostel - Monson ME

To: Lake Shore Hostel - Monson ME
Miles today: 0.0

The weather was rainy and very cold today. I stayed another day as the weather looks to clear for the next five days. That should give me sufficient time to get close to Katahdin. The end of the journey is near and the mixed feelings are kicking in full strength now. Anxieties that I haven't felt for a while are creaping into my thoughts and feelings. Although I feel that I have grown and found peace on this trail, I still don't feel settled enough in my life to re-enter 'normal' society. What I had hoped for still hasn't happened and I don't really know if I can realistically expect it to. That is...a fair and equitable settlement in my divorce and most notably...shared custody of my children. Until then, I may continue to find ways to protest the court's decision and continue living 'off the grid'. It is so difficult for my family and friends that I am doing this but most understand and are very supportive beyond what I could have hoped for.
Date: 2008-10-09
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Baxter State Park - to AT Hostel Millinocket ME
Miles today: 20.7

Finally made it! 5 miles to go - just the summit climb left! The hike today was great but I fell into a stream I was fording with only five miles left to get to the mountain. Everything got wet including my boots, clothes, pack and most things in it. Worst, my cell phone is not working. I got up laughing though with a 'nothing's going to stop me attitude'. I yelled "bring it on!" and then told Toze to stand back 'cause the lightning was about to strike! Finished the day at the ranger station and was shuttled to Millinocket to dry out. But before arriving, we enjoyed some trail magic at Abol Bridge prvided by Paddy-O and McGruff. I had heard of them well back on the trail from fellow hikers who enjoyed meeting them. Enjoyed a burger, two hotdogs, a barbecue rib, several beers and a "trail bomb" (Guiness with a shot of Bailey's and whiskey dropped in). Warmed me right up even though I was still wet.
Date: 2008-10-10
From: Baxter State Park - to AT Hostel Millinocket ME

To: AT Hostel Millinocket ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I couldn't sleep last night. I think it was adrenaline kicking in and the aticipation of the end of the journey. I chose to hold off summitting until Saturday in favor of good weather. Can't wait now!
Date: 2008-10-11
From: Baxter State Park - to AT Hostel Millinocket ME

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

What an amazing trip! The journey is over but a new journey now begins. My summit day started out feeling very surreal as I was shuttled from Millinocket to Baxter State Park by Ole Man. I slept okay last night but got very little the night before likely due to adrenaline.As I was beginning the climb I had a feeling as though I were Moses having ascended Mount Ararat and being touched by the finger of God. I know it sounds melodramatic but after two thousand miles the emotions were overwhelming. When I started the trail back in April I had planned to get lost-to extract myself from society. Many of my struggles along the way came back to me as I approached the summit. The burden that I carried from the start was more than most both literally and figuratively. And as I listened to my iPod and chose my gospel track I felt it was appropriate that I was listening to ¢Amazing Grace¢; ¢¢¦was lost but now I¢m found. Was blind but now I see¢¦¢. I had often whistled the hymn early on the trail before I got my iPod. I had been so angry at my ex-wife, her lawyer and the family court system for taking my children away from me and in the deception that was used to do so. What happened to the words at our wedding; ¢¢¦and the greatest of these is love¢. I thought I had loved so deeply that no harm would come to our marriage and family. It has taken the entire journey along the trail to find some measure of peace and hope for happiness in recovery.I was so pumped up for the last day's hike that I practically flew up one of the toughest mountains on the trail. It took me only two and one half hours for the five mile climb. I arrived ahead of most and waited on the rest. When Thor arrived I announced him as "God of Thunder!" as he liked to say all the way up the trail. I'm sure he appreciated that. When I finally left the summit after socializing for over two hours, as I left, Thor proclaimed in a booming voice; "DAH WAH HE!". It was so validating to feel accepted like that by my fellow hikers.I was asked by a hiker friend to strike the same pose for my summit picture as I did in my profile picture. That is, take the picture with my back to the camera. When I began this hike I was angry at the world and wanted to disappear. I no longer wanted to be part of a society that had let me down so badly. My intent was to get lost in the woods and to be anonymous. Thus the faceless picture. However, I learned a lot during my days on the trail. By the time I reached Mt Katahdin I feel I had grown so much that I no longer needed or wanted to be anonymous. I am ready to face the world whatever consequences that may bring.I will always remember the friends I have met along the way and the experiences we have shared. This ¢walk in the woods¢ is without a doubt the experience of a lifetime..HANTA YO!!Peace and happiness to all,Dah Wah He
Date: 2008-10-13
From: Franconia Notch NH

To: Chet's Place
Miles today: 0.0

I can't get enough of this! After finishing the northbound journey, I took a bus and train the next day and spent the evening with my sister and dad. They then shuttled me the next day to Lincoln NH and Chet's place where I met up with Stickman who just arrived the day before. The plan is to hike south until near the MA border.Chet is once again a gracious host and I feel very much at home and in familiar surroundings. Although the main hike and journey are over, i get to continue. It does feel very odd but at the same time very right.
Date: 2008-10-16
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Kinsman Notch - back to Chet's
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: moderate rain

Nice hiking today and decent terrain but the rain came down hard as I approached Kinsman Notch and I decided to head back into town. When Stickman arrived, we caught a hitch and walked the rest of the way back to Chet's where we dried out.
Date: 2008-10-17
From: Kinsman Notch - back to Chet's

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 7.4

Well we skipped Mt Mousilauke as we figured the weather would have made this a little too treacherous a climb. Unfortunate since this was the main reason I wanted Stickman to start in NH. I had hoped he could have experienced the incredible views on a nice day as I had back in early September.
Date: 2008-10-18
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

Today my friend Sandy came to meet me at the same spot my friend Jeff had on my way North(rt 25A). She took me into town and we had a nice lunch and conversation. I later hiked on and met up with Stickman again at Hexacuba Shelter. I missed this shelter the first time around since I was on a schedule to meet Jeff. It's a nice shelter but the weather is beginning to get a little colder. I setup in the shelter while Stickman prefers to tent it.
Date: 2008-10-21
From: Moose Mt Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

We got to Hanover in time to get out of the rain. Resupplied at the Hanvoer Coop and had a beer and a slice at the local pizza shop. Ended up staying at a hotel just out of town as the rain and cold discouraged us from hiking out.
Date: 2008-10-24
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: South Pomfret VT meadow
Miles today: 6.3

Stickman had a package to pickup in town so we spent the night in a meadow a mile out of town. During the evening, a hunter turned around when he saw our tents. I then saw him on the mountain acorss the street the next day. He was obviously where he should not have been with all the warning signs around and he gave us the creeps.
Date: 2008-10-29
From: Stratton-Arlington Rd

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light snow

Stickamn and I were Joined by Peachy and Moss as we were shuttled south of Manchester Center to hike through a snowstorm. What a day! We didn't go far but it was well worth the trip to hike through a foot of snow. We end up zeroing at the shelter (first time I have done this). It was very cold and we managed to drape a tarp across the front of the shelter to diminish the winds effects.