morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-05
From: The Captain's House

To: Daleville
Miles today: 72.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I will be a third of the way to Katahdin. In 7.3 miles I will have gone 726.4 miles. I'm less than 300 miles away from 1,000. I am in shock that I have come so far. I remember thinking that 67 miles was so many and now I am over 700! I am going to use this post to write about the things I have learned about myself on the trail.I have learned that everything is easier if you are smiling. This may sound like a simple idea but when it is 95 degrees at 100% humidity and the sun is blazing walking up a mountain is a whole lot easier if you do it with a smile. I know some hikers prefer to get angry and I am not in that category. I just relish the moment that I am in and think, "I climb mountains." It is a simple idea and it helps me live fully present in the moment - which is my main goal of this trip.I am not an ego-hiker. I do not care about how many miles I go. I would say this is more of a woman thing on the trail too. The men are far more competitive about making miles. If they go 19 they think I should just go 20 and some think if I'm already at 20 why not go for a personal best. I am just happy if I make it to whatever my goal was for that day. And if I don't that is fine too. I thought I might be more competitive about it but then I realized that no one wishes they did this trip faster. At least not anyone out to enjoy themselves.Pyro Pete from Camp Tockwough did not do a good job in teaching me how to build a fire. I have yet to build a fire and I have tried. I know fire is something you have to learn to master over time but I did think that a 2 week course on learning how to play with fire when I was 12 would have helped. It has not. Thankfully there are alpha males everywhere that try and build a fire in the fastest time.I am a sissy. Not all the time, but sometimes I am a big huge sissy. The other night we camped at Dragon's Tooth - an incredible cliff - and there was a climb up to it that was narrow and pseudo-technical. I was too scared to go up! I find this amusing because I had already walked on a narrow, jagged rocky ridge to get there and the last 50 feet where too much for me to handle. So instead of being up above the trees watching a breathtaking sunrise and sunset I was on a small boulder with an 11-year-old boy. Ha ha ha. We had a nice time too. I am tougher than I thought. Although I haven't figured out if I am in serious pain or I am in serious pain because I am a redhead I have walked with it consecutively for at least 20 days. It has eased a bit because I took this week slowly but it is still there. I also feel tough when I cruise up a 1600+ foot climb without stopping. I am tough.This is the most relaxing thing I have ever done. It is physically exhausting and mentally draining but I have never been so at ease. The woods have taken out all the hurry in me and have made me far more focused on enjoying the moment, myself and my company. This experience is extraordinary and I hope I find the right words to share it with you.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Dutch Haus

To: Bear's Den
Miles today: 186.0

I have walked a thousand miles. I had a champagne toast with six other hikers. I feel very accomplished and cannot believe how far I've come. I will be taking off a few days in Washington, DC and Harpers Ferry to rest my feet and then I will be onto the great state of Pennsylvania!I have gotten some questions that I will answer now. If anyone sends me more I will answer those too.Is your mom still dehydrating your foot?Yes. My mom has been amazing about providing me with delicious homemade camp food. I have been very impressed with her skills. She dehydrates meat, shellfish, veggies and prepares yummy meals like shrimp safari surprise and Fontana Dam stew. I do not think I would have made it this far without her delectable food in my belly. When you are hiking all day everyday nutrition is important and her meals keep me moving.What do you eat for breakfast?Most days I eat granola. In the beginning I had hot cereal but it was too hard to prepare in the morning and now it is 80 degrees at 6am so I have cold cereal. I used to have pop tarts but my mother was concerned about the sugars in it so she switched me to cereal. It is very good with dehydrated whole milk.Who is the weirdest/craziest person you have met on the trail? I would say the craziest person is this guy Left Field. He never ever ever sleeps. He is always wired and hiked 240 miles in a week. This morning I had the pleasure of him waking me up at 5:30 am from a deep dream sleep to let me know he had made pancackes with homemade syrup and coffee. He is super intense and a spaz. He used to start drinking whiskey at camp and stay up to 3 or 4 until he finished it and then would light a fire for the campers still sleeping and start hiking. He is crazy. Harmless but crazy.Do you hike alone or with friends?Both. I prefer hiking by myself but it has been super hot and now I am hiking with people more often. That tends to make the miles easier because you are getting more smiles. It varies from day to day. The path is built for one so you can only hike with one or two to be able to have conversations.
Date: 2010-07-14
To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 73.0
Weather: moderate rain

Pennsylvania is full of rocks. Small rocks, jagged rocks, big rocks, grassy rocks, hidden rocks, and every kind of rock you can imagine. My feet hurt. A lot. It is very painful to step on rocks every single day. For a while I thought that the soles of my feet would get bruised but thankfully they made it through. Stucco, One Life and I walked the entire state of Pennsylvania together. Stucco and I being strong women did not complain one bit about the rocks and plowed through it like a thru-hiker does. One Life had lost his vigor. I find that the men are far more vocal about their pain and the women just deal with it. Typical. My last full day in PA began at 5:30am with a very slippery descent into Delaware Water Gap in record time to meet a trail angel and my family.PA ended on amazing high note with a very special trail angel and some family. Ed Wallen has been a terrific supporter of my thru-hike and generously came to the Delaware Water Gap to bring trail magic to the hikers. He and his wife, Maryann, made the most delicious sandwiches with banana peppers. The hikers were through the roof to eat homemade sandwiches. I don't know how to explain how wonderful fresh food is when you are eating dehydrated food, tuna and peanut butter exclusively. Not that I do not enjoy my mother's delightful dried food, but fresh food is far more palatable and easier on the stomach. Anyway, Ed also gave the hikers pocket knifes, fresh water (which was impossible to find in PA), soda, cookies and Doritos. It was a wonderful afternoon and everyone was so grateful for the magic he brought to the trail. Thank you so much Ed and Maryann!I was also gifted with visits from my Dad and cousins. My dad being a super-father rearranged a meeting and drove four hours to see me for an hour. Now that is love. My cousin Corri made me her delicious Texas/Fiesta corn frito dip and brought her adorable children Kyra, Paige and Wyatt. Kyra is six and must have had 50 questions about going to the bathroom in the woods, such as: what do you dig the hole with? do you wipe? do you bury the toilet paper? do you cover the hole? do you dig a hole when you pee? do you always see if you have to go when you see a real bathroom? and so on and so forth. It was hysterical. I didn't realize how much thought had gone into going potty. I will have to take her camping and let her figure it out herself. Wyatt being a three-year-old boy was thrilled to jump in the puddles and Paige showed me how fancy she was with her bejeweled arms and neck. I had so much fun with them and seeing how big their personalities were getting. I think I will start including some of my favorite trail names and how they were acquired:Chopstix - he got his name because he forgot a spoon and had to whittle chipsticks out of twigs to eat his dinner. He still uses chopsticks for every hot meal.Rorschach - he is a sweaty man and his initial shirt on the trail would hold onto the salt in a similar way to the Rorschach ink blot tests.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 55.8

I would like to preface this entry with the fact that I was supposed to walk New Jersey with my friend Maxi, an Eagle Scout and Jersey native. Alas, he thought it was more important to show off his situation in Asbury Park than hike with me. He will be missed.New Jersey has been a shock to me. It is rural! I have seen more bears than guidos and am really enjoying it. The only down side has been that some of the business owners do not want to associate with stinky hikers and they have closed their doors on us. I do not really understand why some people hate the tree-hugging hikers that want spend money at their shops. Most of us hikers are nice, smart, goal-oriented people so please do not think we are just lazy loiterers.I've walked about 55 miles in New Jersey and done a few night hikes. I have decided I do not enjoy night hiking and will probably not do it again on the trail. In darkness depth is very difficult to determine and the rocks disappear when I shine my headlamp on them. I am afraid that I will get hurt if I continue to night hike and I do not want an injury in the next 840 miles. The only reason why I would like to night hike again is to see a porcupine. I guess I can just go to the zoo.We hiked to Unionville, NY where One Life's sister, Abigail, picked us up and drove us to NYC. I had attempted to take a wipe bath to cleanse myself but that didn't seem to help my scent on the subway. A lady sat down next to me and then gave me the dirtiest list I have ever received then got up and sat down far far away from me. In fairness, I think it was my pack that smelled and not me. I then ran to Julia and Sean's gorgeous Cobble Hill apartment and took a much needed shower. Then I scarfed down the bagels Julia had left over from breakfast and then headed off to the bar. NYC has been overwhelming with the amount of people. Luckily, I got to see some of my favorite people while I was here. There were drinks, pizza parties with former colleagues, Settlers, falafel and coffee. Although it hasn't been the most relaxing visit getting to spend time with my friends and cousin has been lovely. Seeing the same small group of people over and over and over again is nice but I have missed my NYC crew. Thank you all for making the trip so enjoyable!More trail names:Sugar Ray (aka Rockface) - he was throwing a bear bag to protect his food during the first week of the trail and the rock flew back and broke his nose. He went to the ER and didn't feel like waiting until the swelling went down to get his nose set and now has a crooked nose.Fireball - is an extremely fast walking young German gentleman who did not set up his whisperlite properly and when he lit the gas a fireball engulfed his hand.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Unionville, NY

To: Skiff mountain
Miles today: 119.4

Sorry for the delay in writing. Thank you Allison for taking us back to the trail. We were all grateful to have a ride.Getting back on the trail after NYC had revitalized me but it was not the same for One Life. He was feeling sluggish and had found a tick on him the day we left. Clearly that is not encouraging as a hiker. Lyme disease is all over the trail especially from New Jersey to Maine. He was also suffering from a bad case of pack rash. It is strange to experience someone going through a very low low when you are feeling great. I was ready to do big miles but I didn't want to break up the band. Stucco, One Life and I had been having such a ball together. We did little mileage coming into New York from New Jersey. We even saw a bear. There was great bouldering. It was a blast to get up on big rocks, go through the lemon squeezer and conquer Bear mountain. There was one climb where you could chose between the easy route and the AT. Of course I had to do the AT but because of my 22inch inseam this would prove to be difficult. I had to throw my pack over the ledge and then wrap my arms around a tree as I climbed up the rocky side. It was one of my least graceful moments on the trail but I did. I felt strong! Once Stucco and I got to the top of Bear Mountain we got a text from One Life informing us he was going to be staying in Fort Montgomery for the night and would be taking a zero the next day. We decided to go with him and hopefully cheer him up about the trail. His sister Abigail came out to and we had a restful day that made me excited to get back into the wilderness. I'm not sure it had the same effect on One Life. When we said goodbye it felt like I wouldn't see him for a good while. I know this happens all the time on the trail but it is really challenging to leave someone you have had such an amazing experience with. There was a weight in our farewell hug and that made me sad, but I had to continue to hike. Stucco and I felt really good and went 25.3 miles our first day back out. This also made me feel like an ice princess because of the physical distance we had put between ourselves and One Life but I was only hiking my own hike. I have to remember that is ok. The next day I set out to do 20 miles and ended up going 26.7 my first marathon. So in two days I went 52 miles and ended up in Connecticut. The day after I was physically feeling well but I was tired. I went a whopping 12 miles and slept like a baby.I have less than a third of the way to go. I'm feeling strong and am ready to climb mountains. I'm hoping I do not get the trail blues which are happening far more frequently now. People are getting frustrated and depressed and tired. Some are staying on, others are taking an extended break and some are leaving the trail altogether. The numbers of men and women are basically even now and the number of people I see in a day are dwindling. This trail is tough and I am hoping to finish that final third.
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Skiff mountain

To: Greenwater Brook
Miles today: 80.8

Today is my third day after having the best zero ever. For two nights, two mornings and one full day I - along with Stucco and Tattoo - was treated to delicious food, fantastic company, gorgeous surroundings, indoor plumbing and a fluffy bed. My former big boss and her husband welcomed us into their home and gave us everything we needed and wanted. We ate steak, bacon, waffles, eggs, cantalope, strawberries, burgers, asparagus, corn on the con, scones, muffins, ice cream, artichokes, bread, butter and anything else we could find. Naps, rested feet, movies and comforters were also part of the equation. It was truly amazing and I am so thankful for my former big boss' generosity. She is a great lady, an incredible host and a wonderful person to work for. She and her husband are two of the best trail angels ever!Before the zero, I was beginning to see more and more sobos (at thru-hikers going from Maine to Georgia). They are very helpful because they've done everything we're about to get to. They know all of the water sources, hostels, terrains, etc and are like fresh meat on the trail. I think we've almost gotten to the saturation point of knowing everyone on the trail. The sobos provide new entertainment.When I got back on the trail with a full belly, rested feet and a clean body I was ready to hike. I'm in Massachusetts and have begun to go over 2000 feet in elevation again. It had been quite the adjustment after walking plateaus and valleys. My quads, hamstrings and glutes are feeling it - but boy is it fun to climb again. I'm getting really excited about the promise of the Whites in New Hampshire. I've only got another 200 miles or so to get to them. Hopefully Vermont will get me in shape for them!I stayed at upper goose pond last night. If you have small children that you would like to take backpacking that is your spot. The pond is warm, you don't have to get water and the caretaker makes blueberry pancakes every morning. Oh my goodness was it lovely. The weather was perfect for an evening pond cleanup and I slept beautifully. Two things I had not had so recently on the trail.In other news, Hand Me Down and Avatar are taking a break from the trail. Both were having foot/ankle problems and got giardia 100 miles apart from each other. I'm sure both will finish the trail - I hope it is this year - when their bodies are well. I found out by reading their blogs and I was very upset. They were the people that got me through the Smokies and to Damascus. I think because I hiked with them so early on, they've left a strong mark on my trail experience. I hope I see them again. One Life is back on the trail after some r&r and will be in Massachusetts tomorrow. I plan on meeting him in Vermont.Onward and upward!
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Greenwater Brook

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 39.6

I am feeling fantastic. I was literally dancing north today on the trail. I think a large part of that has to do with the incredible amount of trail magic I've received in the last few days. The original Tattoo came out to Mass 20 with delicious deli meats and cheeses. I made a triple decker sandwich and couldn't stop munching the Cape Cod potato chips. We also made the recent discovery that he hiked with my trail preparation helper and friend, Bonnie, last year. The AT is a small world. Thank you Tattoo it was  delightful to catch up with and be fed by you!Then I headed to Dalton, MA where I was planning on going to the laundromat. I instead ended up in the home of trail angel extraordinaire, Tom Levardi. He opens his home to hikers every year. He takes them to run errands, see movies, slack pack, resupply, etc and does it all out of the goodness of his heart. Everyone in Dalton knows (and loves) him. He was so kind to me. He let me shower, did my laundry, took me to Walmart, took me to the movies to see Inception and gave me a place to stay. There were 8 of us that he shuttled around between towns and he did it all with a smile. The trip to Dalton was full of firsts for me. First home stay with a trail angel, first movie, first mall, first blueberry beer, first dance and first coffee milkshake. It was a perfect stay save a mentally ill (I hope) racist sobo hiker. He was the first person I've met on the trail that I had to physically get away from because he ired me so much. I hope he is the only one I meet.Today on the trail I thought of Dolly Parton's words that got me to make plans for this hike - "If you don't like the road you're walking pave a new one." I've done that out here and decided the best "roads" on the trail are the ones with berry bushes on either side. Continuous berry good snacks make the hike so pleasant. I've got scratches all over my arms and legs to prove how much I enjoy a berry picking hike. Mmmm mmmm mmmm.I will be in Vermont tomorrow with just 599 miles left. This dream seems almost achievable!
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 61.5
Weather: broken clouds

I have made it to Vermont. I think Vermont is the state that is trying to break my spirits but it isn't working. I have fallen four times in four days. My favorite fall was the one that ended with a faceplant. It would best be described as a slow motion cartoon fall. A tree root grabbed my foot and I slowly fell forward in a plank like way. Luckily Stucco was behind me so she could inform me if my nose was bleeding or okay. Thankfully I landed on soft mud and was golden. Once I realized I was in good health I started laughing. Falling is funny on the trail if you don't get hurt. I hope I never find out what happens with a painful fall. My shoes have also broken in Vermont. I have decided that this is their last hurrah so I am not going to give them up until New Hampshire. That is only about 90 miles away. I only have three states left. It is amazing that I have come that far.I don't know what else to say. I am still having a ball and I think my laughter on the trail grows with each step I take. I don't think I have had so much fun in my life. The woods are a wonderful place to enjoy life. I recommend you get out there and have some fun. Oh and I love comments so if you read this please leave one!
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Mount Killington

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 94.2
Weather: clear sky

I survived the vendetta Vermont had out for me and have arrived in New Hampshire. I am staying at the base of Mount Moosilauke and will be climbing in the White Mountains for a week or so. I am very fearful of these big mountains as I haven't had a climb over 2500 feet since Virginia or maybe even Tennessee. Looking at the profiles of the straight up and downs is intimidating to say the least. This is the one part of the trail you are supposed to have a map because the weather changes so quickly. I, unfortunately, do not have a map and probably won't be able to get one for three days. The weather now is calling for thunderstorms over the weekend which makes this even more scary as the weather in the Whites is unpredictable. But I figure I've gone 1781.7 miles so far and these next 120 should not be too bad. I have been reunited with Rock 'N Roll, Rorschach and Tattoo since Stucco's been speeding ahead to get to a wedding. Weddings seem to be the most common reason people get off the trail. Hopefully we will reunite on Franconia Notch Tuesday. It's been almost three weeks since my last zero so I am ready to rest my legs and feet. And Buttons has reappeared too. She skipped up to Vermont and informed me that she is neither married or pregnant like the trail rumors had implied. I guess she and Lumpy said it as a joke and it spread up the trail like wildfire. Don't worry, she still has some mountain men in her sights. It will just be a question of which one she catches up to first. I don't know if I will see her again to find out. The last time I saw her she was sitting by a roadside completely out of it and severely dehydrated. The water sources in New Hampshire should be flowing and they aren't. I gave her half a liter of water and encouraged her to take the rest of the day off. The last I heard of her was that she ended up doing the 1200 foot climb to Moose Mountain - a shelter without water. Hopefully she is doing much better now.Other than that I am just plowing one step ahead. I wish I had more anecdotes to share right now but nothing too exciting has happened. Oh! I forgot about Bill and his fudgesicles. Bill lives off the trail and must be in his 80s. He gives hikers water and fudgesicles when you pass by his house. He is the sweetest old man. I am still shocked at the kindness people show to hikers. Today I had more trail magic when I saw Bag O Tricks and he slacked me to Glencliff. That was a very pleasant 10 mile hike this morning. Alright, I am off to the woods.