morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Enfield, NH

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

I finally slept well last night. I pulled a fan into the bedroom and it made the temperature much more comfortable. We were going to sleep until 7:00, but at 6:15 I felt refreshed enough to get moving.   When we were ready I woke up Chris for a ride. I rode in the cab with him and enjoyed the last half hour of his company. He dropped us off at the road crossing and we said our goodbyes.    Today we got our first taste of real New Hampshire hiking. We started with a 2,000 foot climb. From the fire tower we could see where we had come from the last few days. After descending 1,000 feet we went right back up 1,500. At lunch I retried a digital camera belonging to one of the stoners in front of us. I guess you forget important things when you smoke marijuana. Let that be a lesson kids!   The rest of the climb up Mt. Cube gave us some of the best views we had in a long while. We could trace along the ridgeline where we came from and many other mountains in the distance. We then dropped 2,000 feet before finishing on an eight hundred foot climb to the shelter. I hiked quickly so I could get to the shelter and cool off. Then I could enter my bug free zone of pants and a rain jacket.   Mad Dog and Pilgrim are at the shelter tonight. They heard from Lou's Bakery that customers asked to move away from some hikers inside the diner in Hanover. When they heard how many hikers were in the group, they knew it was us. It's good to see them again.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Welcome to the White Mountains! Today we climbed up Mt. Moosilauke. It was 3,500 feet over four miles. We made it half way before stopping for our lunch break and pushed up the rest afterward. I can only compare it to the steepest climb we've had thus far, for the entire four miles. Near the top the trees became smaller and smaller. The last mile was virtually flat and the trees were only as tall as I was. The final push to the top was incredible. The entire range of 4,000-5,000 foot mountains shows us we aren't in Kansas anymore.    I waited for the rest of the group at the top, but the black flies were horrible. I was completely swarmed and needed to leave to escape the bloody hell. I slowly descended back into the trees and made it to the shelter. At the shelter I pumped water into the stream. Eventually the gang arrived and announced that they wanted to continue to town. The idea sounded great to me, except for the fact that I needed to repack my bag.    The climb down to the road was extremely steep. The trail is treacherous when dry and is deadly when wet. We found out why. It was 1.6 miles straight down. A waterfall cascaded directly next to the trail and it made for some stunning views. Steps were built into the rock faces for safe movement. It was the slowest 1.6 miles of the entire trail.    At the road there weren't any cars passing by so we caught a shuttle. We expected it to cost $10 for all of us, so we were shocked that it was $5 a piece. We ate at a pizza joint and set up at Lincoln Elementary School. I was completely exhausted when we set up camp. I didn't write in my journal; I just crashed into the tent.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Stealth Campsite Near Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 15.0

My back finally felt good enough this morning to roll up my own sleeping gear. We went to the supermarket for breakfast and to resupply. We decided to ditch our food drop because it was in North Woodstock and we thought it would be too much food for three days. In addition we usually need to go to the supermarket afterward. Shane needed to go to Rite Aid for antibiotics. His calf muscle is bright red due to a flesh eating bacteria, which developed from an infection from a small cut. It should clear up quickly with the medicine.    We hit the trail at 10:00 after a former thru-hiker drove us to the trail. It was slow moving due to the steep terrain. On top of the ridge we found ourselves in a thunderstorm. The thunder boomed every few seconds. I felt completely vulnerable on the top of a ridge with two trekking poles as lightning rods. It quickly passed and we arrived at the shelter around 3:00. Just as we were getting ready to leave the sky grew pitch black and another thunderstorm approached. This time it brought huge chunks of hail, so we decided to wait it out.    At 4:20 we finally left. The 1,800 feet up Kinsman Mountain was extremely difficult. I kept boosting Nicole up to higher rocks because it was difficult to make moves with her shorter legs. The view was great at the top. Clouds wrapped around the mountains below. It was getting late so we moved on.   At the campsite we listened to advice from the caretaker about places to stealth camp. The terrain is very rocky so we weren't sure what we would find. As 9:00 approached we foudn a gem of a site. There were no bugs and it felt perfect after an exhausting day.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Stealth Campsite Near Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Stealth Campsite Near Galehead Hut
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night was nice and cool. I could comfortably use my sleeping bag as a blanket. When we awoke we packed and went to the hut. These huts are incredible. It had two dormitory style lodgings and a separate bath house. There was a central building for dining and cooking. The caretakers were preparing breakfast when we arrived. We got water fraom the faucet and cooked breakfast on Lonesome Lake. The view of the lake gave us a taste of the views to come later in the day. The water on the lake was perfectly smooth and giant mountains rose from behind it.   From the road at Franconia Notch we climbed 2,400 feet before snack. The temperature was noticeably cooler, but it didn't scare away the black flies. Two miles after the campsite we climbed to Franconia Ridge. It is by far the most awe-inspiring place I've seen in my life. Words can hardly justify its beauty. The view from both sides of the trail extended at least eighty miles. The trail went over Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette. You could see the trail three miles ahead of us. It is a place that every American should visit in their lifetime.   After leaving Mt. Lafayette for lunch, we eventually said goodbye to the ridgewalk. Mt. Garfield was exhausting after all the climbing earlier in the day. Nicole led the push and it kept me moving. Miles in teh white mountains are completely earned. At the end of the day you feel each step.   The happy and joyful attitude on the ridge disappeared when Shane and Christina made an announcement. After two days of medication Shaen's leg is not improving and is swelling even more. They said they might have to leave tomorrow night when we meet his parents. He'll need to go to the hospital to get antibiotics via IV. They will need to go to Maine for a week if it didn't improve by then. The potential of them leaving really made me emotional. We've made it to New Hampshire together, but not Katahdin? We need to be back by the 15th, so waiting for them isn't a possibility. For a while now, the group dynamics has been the force pushing me forward. I don't want to think about them leaving us.    We found a stealth site 1/2 mile before the hut. We're waiting until dark to set up the tents. I hope this isn't our last night together...
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Stealth Campsite Near Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

I slept great last night considering the tiny campsite that we found. We were only twnety minutes from the hut. We ate outside and I bought half a loaf of break for $1. It was the most wholesome bread I've ever tasted.    The climb out of the hut, strangely enough, was the only climb of the day. Once on the ridge we entered flat terrain with only minor ups and downs. It was a much needed break from all of the mountains.    At Zealand Hut we ate a bottomless bowl of soup for lunch. It was supposed to be corn chowder, but we couldn't complain about the corn water since it only cost $2. We cleaned out their entire pot of soup between the five of us. Before leaving we visited the waterfalls and took a quick dip in one of the small pools.    From the hut we started on the White Mountain Highway. It was still in the woods, but the trail became perfectly flat without rocks. It was almost awkward traveling so quickly. It felt like Virginia again. Across a bridge two people jumped out from behind a tree pretending to mug us. It turned out to be Shane's parents!   Visiting with family is so great. It doesn't even have to be my family; I can enjoy it vicariously just the same. We hiked along with his parents and drove to the campground. During the drive down the road we stopped to take a picture of three moose. It was the first moose I've seen in my entire life. I felt like a giddy child. Shane's leg isn't getting any better, but he thinks he'll hike a couple of more days before deciding to go to the hospital. I pray for him every time I'm reminded of the pain he's in.    At the campground I got stuck in the shower with a head and face covered with shampoo. The water stopped and I had no more quarters to rinse off. That was a lesson in quarter operated showering. I laughed and had to go to the sink to put my face under the faucet.   For dinner we ate lobster!!! That's right lobster! I thought they were kidding when they told us. It feels like we're in a world of luxury and convenience at this campground.    After dinner we went to town for lunches and snacks. We drove pass Attitash Mountain and saw a sign reading, "Portland, ME 70 Miles." We listened to Maine radio stations on the drive. It seems to far fetched to be true.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Crawford Notch 

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 12.0

I love breakfast! Especially when it's french toast, fruit, and bacon! We woke up super early to be on the trail by 8:00. It was a perfectly timed day for slackpacking since we were heading up Mt. Washington.    Even without our packs the climbing was brutal. We started with a 2,400 foot climb up Mt. Webster and kept moving up from there. We started the Presidential range. Shane, Jake, and Nicole did push ups at each presidential mountain to celebrate each dead president they crossed.    We could see clouds rolling in and rain soon behind us. We tried to move quickly over the ridge, but we knew we couldn't beat it. By the time we reached the Lake of the Clouds Hut it started to rain. It wasn't possible to see Mt. Washington, even as we climbed it. I hurried up the 1.4 mile ascent as fast as possible. It got very cold, but I was moving fast enough to stay warm. The thick clouds made it difficult to see the rock cairns marking the trail. At the top I couldn't see more than twenty feet in front of me. I walked until I saw a building, found out it was locked, and kept searching. I knew there was a snack bar at the top somewhere, I just couldn't find it in the clouds. I finally stumbled upon it and went inside to get warm.   Carl found me inside the lodge and we went out to find the rest of the group. We took a picture at the summit sign and loaded into the truck. The drive down the mountain was treacherous because vision was obscured due to the clouds. Eventually we came down low enough to escape the clouds. Our campground was located on route 2 in Gorham. I immediately recognized the town from traveling down route 2 from Farmington.    Shane and Christina decided they need to go home so Shane can get medical attention. We're going to start in Pinkham Notch tomorrow because the road to Mt. Washington is closed due to a car race. We'll have to skip 12 miles, but it'll mean they can get home much sooner. Trail life will be tough without them.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: fog

I awoke heavy hearted knowing we were losing two close friends. We've been together for over four months. Leaving them is like losing family. After breakfast Shane and Christina dropped us off at the trail. It was a sad goodbye.   On the trail it was difficult to muster motivation. We were quiet and didn't want to hike out of the notch. The group has been my motivating force for over a month now, I don't know what to do without them. I slipped and fell five times this morning. After an ass-over-tea-kettle tumble over two bolders I layed motionless and cried. How can I keep myself going for another three weeks? I'm ready to be done. It would take more guts for me to quit than to continue though. I'd always regret quiting after making it to the whites.   My mood improved with time. It was exhausting and slow moving on the slippery rocks. Then it started to rain. It took ten hours to hike 13.7 miles today. The cold rain had us begging for the shelter. We arrived and gladly paid the $8 fee to escape the weather. The shelter was half full, but clothing was hung from everywhere. No one offered us any hooks so we had to get creative in suspending our belongings. Oh well, we're dry, warm and tomorrow we're back to Gorham.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Imp Shelter

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept great last night in the warm shelter. It was difficult to put on our wet clothes in the morning. We enjoyed warmth over night and our hiking clothes sucked that right out of us. We quickly did the deed and left soon after.   The rocks were still slick and it was misting out. Eventually the descent became smoother and with less rocks. The trail flattened out and we made better time. We met some SOBOs at the last shelter before route 2. They were taking a zero day and seemed to be enjoying the relaxation.    At the road hitch hiking was very difficult. The traffic was steady, but no one would stop. Jake and I went across the street to see if Nicole would have better luck on her own. She got us a ride within minutes. It was funny to be standing on route 2, the road that leads to UMF. I have driven on it on numerous occasions. We're so close.   After shopping we ate lunch outside of Shaw's. I called Nicole's mother to tell her we'd be in Rangeley on Friday. We are carrying five days of food, which is heavy, but we've heard the hitch into Andover can be very difficult.   On the way back to the trail our difficulties hitching continued. We eventually caught three different rides that took us to places closer to the trail. It was only five miles from Shaw's!   The section from route 2 to the shelter was the most poorly maintained section of the trail I've seen. At times we had no clue if we were even still on the trail. We pushed our way through branches and through shrubs. No white blazes were visible. We kept moving because it seemed as though a trail used to exist there. After twenty minutes we started to see faded blazes, finally making us feel like we weren't lost afterall. After all the money the AMC makes through the white mountains, you think they'd also take care of the less popular areas of the trail.   When we were close to the shelter we saw a moose! It was grunting and walked right in front of us! Before this trip I ahd never seen one, but now they're everywhere. They're an interesting sight.    Tomorrow, I think I'll go to Maine.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

We finally awoke to the prospect of good weather. Jake's hammock was strung up on the path leading out of our site. The small tree he used was so small that it bowed over and his butt was almost on the ground. I ate most of a bag of granola and was worried I wouldn't have enough for the two days of snacks I was going to use it for. We were a little slow leaving, but the sun was very welcome.    We only had ten miles until the border of Maine. We were forced to busshwack through sections of that trail that haven't been cut back. The section from 2 to the state line was horrible.    The trail continues to be extremely slow going. We get up at dawn and hike until sunset, and can't seem to get in any earlier. I'd like to take it slower, but I don't want to carry more than five days of food. Five days is bad enough.    The Maine sign was on of the most beautiful sights on the trail. It's hard to believe we've made it home. Two hundred and eighty-one miles to go until we reach Katahdin. I'm glad I've stuck it out this long.   We had a great ridgewalk to the shelter. The sun was beginning to set and we hoped to catch the sunset at the shelter. Unfortunately the trail went on the wrong side of the mountain. Nicole continues to surprise me every day with the way she can move over huge boulders. It's easy for me, with long legs, but she still managages to reach places that don't seem possible. She's really tough.   We were toally exhausted when we reached the shelter. The long days take a toll on the body. Tomorrow we cross Mahoosuc Notch, the toughest miles on the entire AT.   It's good to be home.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldplate Lean To
Miles today: 12.0

When I woke up this morning I found that I couldn't blow air into my camelbak. My lips couldn't make a seal around the valve so the air shot out to the side. It was pretty strange. Last night I found that I couldn't spit my toothpaste out either. I don't know what's wrong.   We rocked and rolled this morning and were hiking by 7:30. We knew Mahoosuc Notch was just ahead. It's really hard to describe it. It's a giant boulder field. It took us two hours to pass through. We lowered ourselves down, hoisted ourselves up, and crawled through tunnels. In some places we needed to take our packs off in order to fit through tiny spaces. Blazes marked the path, but we deemed it a "choose your own adventure." In lower sections there were huge ice sheets. By the time we finished our bodies were beat.   The rest of the day was up and down for me. I had times where I felt great and times where I cried. I feel like a walking zombie. The long days exhaust me and we never get to rest. I don't laugh anymore and I rarely smile.   I feel like my life's energy is on empty. I can't quit even though I'd like to. I'm too close. I'd regret it for the rest of my life. Nicole is the only thing that is keeping me moving.   We reached the shelter at 7:00 tonight. It's the earliest in a long while. I hope a good night's sleep wiill rejuvenate my body and my spirits. Some SOBOs provided good conversation and it reminded me of what it used to be like with a group.    I just need to survive a little longer.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Baldplate Lean To

To: The Cabin, Andover, Maine
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

I felt better after a good night's sleep. My ration of five oatmeal packets left a giant hole in my stomache. While hiking up the first climb I knew I needed more food, but I couldn't dip into the next day's rations. Nicole offered me a Clif bar, but it only filled me for an hour. By snack time I felt sick. Skimping on food to save weight is a horrible idea. We figured out that we had 2,600 calories per day of food; we burn about 5,000. The math just doesn't work for our needs.   We decided that we needed to get to Andover for more food. We came to a small stream with a waterfall and soaked in the water. It's the first time we've stopped at a stream in a long time. We're always on the move and need to complete miles. It was a refreshing break from the norm.    The road was supposed to be a difficult hitch. Luckily for us, an Outward Bound group was just leaving for a trip, so an empty van awaited us. It was perfect.   In town we ate at the general store's diner and called to stay at a hostel. We needed some rest. When we arrived I showered and tried to take a two hour nap. I never fell asleep, but it felt great to lay down. Afterward we cooked dinner and watched "Men of Honor". It was difficult to fall asleep at night. It was probably due to my attempted nap earlier in the day. I was still exhausted though and my eyes were very bloodshot. Eventually, sleep did come.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: The Cabin, Andover, Maine

To: Campsite before route 17
Miles today: 12.0

This morning we ate a gigantic breakfast with Honey and Bear. the blueberry pancakes were to die for. After we filled our stomaches they told us to pack and come back for dessert! they even tried to get us to pack in more food!   We reached teh trail by 9:30. The climb killed me. After only 50 feet I was completely winded and my legs burned. It was a problem I faced with every climb. It felt like my heart was pounding through my chest. I used to feel so strong, even a week ago, but now I feel like I've never hiked a day in my life. I'm not sure what's wrong.   My back and shoulder feel much better. However, I have some really strange ailments. For three or four days the right side of my mouth has been numb. I can't fully smile, blow up my air pad, and sometimes I drool water when I'm trying to drink. My mouth has felt funny for over a week and my tongue feels like it has novacaine in it. Now my right eye has joined the fun. It doesn't fully close when I blink and it's more difficult to close than usual. I decided to go to the doctor's office tomorrow since it's all on the right side of my face and I don't want it to get worse. Perhaps it has something to do with why I'm so fatigued.   Tonight we have a great campsite before a stream. It's an extra mile we'll have to walk tomorrow, but we can't pass up the spot.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Campsite before route 17

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The hiking today was a lot easier. After the climb in the morning it flattened out. It still tired me quite a bit though. At lunch time I strung up Jake's hammock and layed out in it. Jake and Nicole started calling me Quasimodo because my face doesn't move properly. I laughed along with them, so my spirits weren't too low.    A couple of miles before the road we ran into Nicole's dad. We hiked together with their dog Ben and reached the road. Her parents rented a great cabin in Rangeley. Her grandparents were there, and two of their friends from Massachusetts.   After we got settled in, Nicole's mom took me to the hospital in Farmington. They told me that I had bell's palsy, a form of facial paralasis caused by a virus. They took my blood and also sent for a lyme disease test. I was told to tape my eye closed at night so it doesn't dry out so quickly. I felt like a mess.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I enjoyed the day hanging out in the cabin. I was able to soak in the hot tub and fully enjoy relaxation. I spent the day trying to decide whether to keep going or take a short break and meet up with Nicole further along down the trail. The last thing I want to do is leave the trail, but I'm worried that my physical ailments will become too much of a burden.   Eventually, I decided to take some time off and recover. It was a difficult decision to make. After hiking 1950 miles, leaving with 200 miles left feels horrible. At the same time, I need to listen to my body and do what's best in the long run.   Luckily, the trail isn't far from home, and I can easily make up the miles I miss.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Miles today: 0.0

During my trip I pictured what it would be like to finally arrive home. It would be a cause for a glorious celebration, in the wake of my great trip. Now however, I feel like I haven't earned the right to be here.    For the last couple of days I've been laying around the house and resting. I feel like I could sleep all day. I went for a doctor's appointment and they told me I had lyme disease. I guess that explains the fatigue and the facial paralysis. Now, Thursday, I have more energy, but I've been suffering from chest pain. When I move around I get the sensation that someone is sitting on my chest. Tomorrow we're going to Caratunk to meet Nicole and Jake. They'll slack pack into Monson. I'm going to bring my gear in case I think I can continue. If my chest pain doesn't go away though, I'm going to have to skip out on the rest of the trail. I'm not about to deal with my chest problems when I'm far away from a phone.