morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a big day: I was finally going to climb Mt. Washington. Fortunately, I had a mostly sunny day predicted, with 100-mile visibility. The Trail went over Mt. Pierce and Mt. Franklin before arriving at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, the last stopping point before Mt. Washington. Most of the day is spent above tree-line, and the whole day is spent walking on boulders and rocks. After fueling up on chocolate cake at Lakes of the Clouds, I finally started my ascent of Mt. Washington. I was very fortunate -- there was almost no wind and it was 65-degrees. Mt. Washington has a reputation for having snow every month of the year and has the highest recorded wind speed in the world: 231 MPH. Over 200 people have died (usually from exposure) on the mountain. I basically boulder-hopped to the top of the mountain, and it was almost surreal at the top. I saw people getting out of their cars, people you wouldn't expect to see at the top of a mountain, and we stared at one another like aliens. It was weird being on top of a mountain after a tough hike and smelling freshly-washed humans and clothes -- no Trail funk. Went into the Visitors Center and had a couple of chili-dogs, some Cokes, and a Whoopie Pie. Talked to the ranger and she pointed to the other mountains that I would be climbing that day. Got to see the cog railway & found out it costs $60 round-trip to ride up and back down the mountain. Hikers used to "moon" the railway passengers, until they started giving away tickets. Headed down the mountain and ran into my buddy Loveboat. He stayed with me all the way to Madison Spring Hut. About 1 1/2 miles from the hut, I did my first face-plant into the rocks. The first thing you do after a fall is a quick damage-assessment of your limbs, brain-power, etc. I was lying on the rocks, basically turtled, and couldn't move, but otherwise seemed okay (except for a sore wrist). Loveboat helped me up. I think my legs were tired and needed a break. At this moment, I decided to take my first zero mileage day the following day in Gorham, NH -- first "zero" since I got back on the Trail at Bear Mtn., NY, five weeks ago. We went to the hut and did the work-for-stay; only this time they had to accommodate a lot more hikers and it got really cold. I had to put on every layer of clothing that I had, including my new down-sweater, in order to stay warm while we were waiting outside for left-overs. -Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch, Gorham NH
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

Our work-for-stay at Madison hut required Loveboat & me to shake out and fold all the blankets in one of the sleeping rooms used by paying customers. I did a lot of shaking, while Loveboat swept under the mattresses and bunk beds. We didn't get out until 10 a.m. But being fueled up on pancakes helped. Only had 8 miles today into Gorham, but had to go over the intimidating Mt. Madison to get there. The hardest part was boulder-hopping down the mountain. I was so looking forward to my zero day, because my legs were whupped. Finally made it down to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center, owned by the AMC. Puffturtle, a long-distance section-hiker, took Free Spirit, her boyfriend Hike On, and me into Gorham, 11 miles from the trailhead. I decided to stay in a hotel for 2 nights. I had forgotten it was Labor Day weekend, and prices would increase, but I did not care. I needed the break. My legs needed the break. My feet needed the break. My knees needed the break. My brain needed the break. I vegged in front of the TV and ate lots of fast-food. There was a 66-year-old woman named Stardust (a/k/a Stardust-bunny), who along with Puffturtle, Free Spirit, Hike On, and I, had Chinese buffet for dinner. -Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-30
From: Pinkham Notch, Gorham NH

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

Walked to McDonald's and past the P.O., where I saw Puffturtle, who drove me to Walmart, several miles away, for re-supply. For some reason, I had 8 days' worth of food for a 2 days' walk. I believe that is the true definition of insanity. Basically stayed in my room and vegged. Really needed the break. - Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-31
From: Pinkham Notch, Gorham NH

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Had breakfast at McDonald's, went to the bathroom, and when I came out, a customer asked me if I was thru-hiking. I said, "Yes." He said, "Do you need a ride?" I said, "Yes, thank you, god bless you." I didn't have to hitchhike at all; he drove me the 11 miles to the trailhead, even tho it was out of his way. Good thing too, because I got started late (8 a.m.) and had a pretty tough 13-mile day ahead. Stopped by Carter Notch Hut, had some chocolate cake, and moved on. Kept expecting my friends Duck and Buttercup to catch up to me, because I knew they were getting close. They finally caught me just as I got to Imp Campsite. It was good to see them again and catch up with each other since we last hiked together. I look forward to attending their wedding reception on Oct. 11 in Tennessee. We each paid $8 to sleep on a tent platform owned by the AMC, and spent a windy night on the platform. -Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham NH, US Rte 2
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

At this point, I need to mention that my dad had been in the hospital for a week. He went in after suffering a minor heart attack, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure & spent a night or two in the ICU. No one was too concerned, because he seemed to be doing okay. I left Imp Campsite and did the 8 miles to Gorham -- the last few miles being pretty easy. At the trailhead, I got a ride from a day-hiker into Gorham. He took me to a grocery store and I checked the messages on my cell phone; I had an urgent message from my brother-in-law, Pat. I called him back immediately & he informed me that my dad had taken a turn for the worse and was not expected to make it through the day. Pat asked if I'd like to speak to my dad, and I said, of course. Pat let me know that I would not be able to understand my Dad, but he would know it was me and be glad to hear my voice, and should be able to understand what I was saying. Dad's words were unintelligible, but his gratitude and sincerity at getting to talk with me were palpable. I got the feeling that he had been waiting to speak with me before letting go, and I found it hard to saying anything because I was crying so hard. When Pat came back on the line, he told me he would call back if anything changed; and Rock Dancer gave me a ride to Duck & Buttercup's lodgings in town, so I could be with friends. I told them the situation; and we waited for the next call, which came within about 1/2 hour. Pat said that Dad was given palliative meds to reduce his pain and was resting peacefully. Within another 1/2 hour, Pat called to tell me that my dad was gone. Duck & Buttercup kindly offered to let me share their hotel room for the night, and I began to make arrangements to get home. I made reservations to fly out of Manchester NH the next day, and planned to catch a bus from Gorham to Manchester in the morning.-Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Gorham NH, US Rte 2

To: Mansfield, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

Misread the bus schedule and missed the bus from Gorham by 5 minutes. One of the kind people at the bus station drove me to the next stop, but we missed the bus, and had to keep going. After a couple close-misses, we concluded that we would not catch up to the bus, and she dropped me off in Jackson, NH. I called Dutch, Chet's shuttle drive, and she came and picked me up, and drove me to Manchester. It cost an arm and a leg, but it didn't matter. I made the plane and got to Columbus, OH, where my buddy Pat picked me up and drove me to Mansfield. Spent the night with my mom and my sister Betsy, who had also flown in from out of town. - Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-03
From: Mansfield, Ohio

To: Mansfield, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

With the funeral arrangements already made, there wasn't a lot for me to do, so I drove to Columbus. I needed some time to myself and decided to replace some gear under warranty. Went to my storage unit & picked up some things. Then I visited some friends in Columbus, including my resupply person, Jo. Picked up some more things at Jo's place and then went back to Mansfield to be with my family. - Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Mansfield, Ohio

To: Mansfield, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everybody. Thanks for all your support. It means a lot. For those of you wondering about funeral arrangements for my father, here goes. Caling hours are today (Thursday, August 4) from 6-8 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors at 100 S Lexington Rd, Mansfield, OH. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 5, at the Southside Christian Church, 2055 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society -- there is an online guest registry at www.wappner.com I will miss my father very much. He was one of my best friends. I know he is no longer in pain and in a better place. He was very proud of my hike and I know he would want me to finish, so I will be going back to the trail this weekend. I will also be posting updates on Trail Journals.com as time allows before I leave.Again, thanks for all your condolences. I hope to be able to respond to them when I can. TroutbumMy cousin Ken passed away two days before my dad died, so relatives from all over the country were already in mid-Ohio, and joined my mother, sisters Betsy and Nancy, brother-in-law Pat, nephews Tim, Eric, and Mike, Dad's best friend Bob and wife Chris, my girlfriend Holly and me for Visiting Hours at the funeral parlor. Got to meet a lot of people I didn't know before and see a lot of people I hadn't seen in years. I made it through with Holly's support and a box of Kleenex. We'll stay at the local Motel 6 to make room for other relatives at Mom's house.
Date: 2008-09-05
To: Troutbum's dad passed 9/1/08
Miles today: 0.0

Tom (Troutbum) returned to Ohio this week to attend the memorial services for his father, who passed away on Monday, Labor Day, 9/1/08. Vern Lange was a very good man, who lived with courage, compassion, and grace, and will be missed by all who knew him. T will be back on the Trail next week. In the meantime, please keep him & your family in your kind thoughts & prayers -- and, as always, hike safe. Mahalo & Aloha, Holly (Troutbum's girlfriend)
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Mansfield, Ohio

To: Mansfield, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

The day of Dad's funeral. A tough day. But also a celebration of his life. When it came time for us to talk, I shared a few childhood and adult memories of my dad. My dad had struggled with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 51 years; and he told me about 8 years ago that he was ready to go. He shared with me that he felt he'd lived a long and full life. He had an amazing wife, great kids, and a wonderful family. He had traveled the world. He had, he said, no regrets, nothing he had left undone. Dad concluded that he had done more -- been more -- because of the MS than he could have without it. I knew at that moment his words would become my eulogy for him someday. Dad's honesty also prompted me to do some thinking about my own life, and whether I could say the same things. I could not. I had a Life List (or "bucket list") of important goals that I was not pursuing. So I started to work on the list; I went to Europe two years ago, and this year, I started hiking the Appalachian Trail. Call it a mid-life crisis if you must; but I didn't want to buy the obligatory red Corvette, and I'd always wanted to hike the Trail. In honor of my dad's courage and supportiveness, I will be flying back to NH to finish the last 300 miles of the Trail, from Gorham to Katahdin. I know Dad was proud of me and would want me to finish this hike. He will be with me as I finish this journey, and he will be with me always. - Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-09
From: Genitian Pond Campsite

To: Carlo Col Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: moderate rain

Short day. Think I needed the rest after yesterday. Made it to Maine. Wasn't sure I would ever get here. I had a number of other hikers tell me that early on I was voted least likely to make it. Many thought I would pull off because of the feet and stomach. I am still here and most of them are not. I am glad to still be here, but I am looking forward to the end. The real world scares me, but the creature comforts are looking good.
Date: 2008-09-10
From: Carlo Col Shelter and Campsite

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Hey. Wow. One of the hardest days on the trail. I have been hearing about the Mahoosuc Notch for over a year. It is supposed to be the hardest mile on the trail. No one told me the Mahoosuc Arm was also hard. That was a long 9.5 miles. Took all day. Many hikers consider the notch a rock jungle-gym. Gotta use your hands to get through it. It took one and one half hours to get through. Not a great time, but better than the 4-5 hours that I have heard of it taking. The scary part was taking that leap of faith when you hopped from one boulder to another. Sometimes there was a 3-foot gap between boulders with a ten-foot drop in between. Much of the extra time it took to get through occured when I was trying to decide if I could make it. Sometimes I took the leap, other times I slid down on my butt and whimped out - took extra time. As a whole, it was fun, but scary.The Arm was hard at times. The book even called it Mahoosuc Notch two. That is just wrong. Finally made it to the shelter as it was getting dark. Had to pay for only the 2nd time for a campsite/shelter. I thought the caretakers had gone back to college, but this caretaker stayed to clean out the privvy. Nice guy, but I miss my eight dollars.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-11
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Maine 26, Grafton Notch
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Hey. Short day. My feet and legs were really shot after yesterday. When I got to Grafton Notch, Jogles and Becca were there. We met Rawhide and Maverick, who were doing trail magic for some friends. We got some of the magic (MT Dew and Little Debbies). They took us into Andover, and I stayed at the Pine Ellis Hostel. There was a large group of us, and David took us into Mexico ME and we hit the Walmart and a Chinese restaurant. What more could you ask for. The hostel was full, so K-1 and I spent the night in a trailer out back. Turned out to be a good thing. I heard that there was lots of snoring going on inside.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Maine 26, Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Road, Andover ME
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey. Had breakfast at the general store. Tanked up on Mt Dew and slack-packed over the Baldpate Mtns. Met some Outward Bound hikers at near the summit. I told them my story, and they gave me a power bar. Now, how cool is that? At the end of the trail for the day, I ran into Rawhide and Maverick again, and they took me back to Andover. I ate at the General Store again, but this time I asked for macaroni and cheese. I received rancid mac and cheese; the milk had soured. I took it to the waitress (because it smelled so bad) who took it to the manager. I wish I could have had a picture of her face. She wrinkled her nose in horror and pushed the plate away from her. I got a free brownie sundae out of the deal.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-13
From: East B Hill Road, Andover ME

To: South Arm Road, Black Brook
Miles today: 10.1

Hey. Slacked again. Rainy day. Got to finally experience Hurricane Ike. What a thrill. Only fell twice. Was glad to get back to Andover and the trailer. The hostel is fun, because there are so many hikers that I know or have seen in the past. Good people. Good shower. Life is good.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-14
From: South Arm Road, Black Brook

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

Hey. Rough day. Left the comfort of the hostel for the trail with a full pack. Some rain. The trail was tedious. I had broken one of my poles 4-5 days earlier (fell on it), and I felt like I only had 3-wheel drive instead of 4-wheel drive. I was the only one at the shelter. Kinda lonely but it was nice. Put my earplugs in so I would not hear a bear come in and try to eat me. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-15
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey. I made it to the shelter arouund one o'clock, thinking I was going to go on. As I was about to leave, it started to rain again. It was also cold and windy. I got into my sleeping bag, and that was all she wrote. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Maine 4, Rangeley ME
Miles today: 9.4

Hey. No big mountains today. I made it to South Pond, where I met back up with Wheel Dog and we hiked to the road together. It was very interesting. He was a guide for a sled-dog outfitter in Canada. Wheel dogs are the two dogs directly in front of the sled. They are bigger and stronger than most of the dogs. Learned a lot. I am now staying in a hostel in Rangeley, Maine. Took two hitches to get in. Bob, the owner, took me to the IGA and I got re-supplied. He then took me back to the library so I could enter this stuff into the computer. Looking forward to getting back. He lives on a lake, and has a kayak and a canoe. Hope to paddle around some.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-17
From: Maine 4, Rangeley ME

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

Hey. Gonna keep this short - the computer keeps losing data. Got to kayak last night on Gull Pond at sunset - too cool. Today I went over Saddleback Mtn. Beautiful views. Went over the Horn and finally the Saddleback Junior Mtn. At the summit, I ran into Left Field, T-Bone, and Rock Locks. They were flying a kite. A large helicopter was transporting concrete to a new ski lift. We tried to thumb a ride, to no avail. We were told by a local that a tiny bump in the distance was Katahdin. It is a long way off, but I can see my goal. My hope is to summit October 5th. The 4 of us played euchre near a waterfall. Slept under the stars until it started sprinkling and had to set up the tents. It did not rain any more. Go figure. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-18
From: Orbeton Stream

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hey. Rough day. Not a lot of miles - just a rough day. Feet were really sore. Went over Spaulding Mtn. and close to the top of Sugarloaf Mtn. Coming off the mountain was hard for me - pretty steep. Made it to the campsite and crashed. Slept 10 hours. I guess I need it. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-19
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Maine 27, Stratton ME
Miles today: 7.3

Hey. Made it to Stratton to resupply. Am staying in Stratton Hostel. My sentences are short because I am so tired. I will have more info next time. Hope to be in Monson in about a week. I will talk to you then.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey. Beautiful mountains - the Bigelows. Could see for miles and miles. I saw three loons in the pond. Heard them sing during the night. Incredible. Crossed the 2,000-mile mark today. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-22
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

Hey. Easy hiking. Finally crossed the famed Kennebec River in a canoe. Pretty cool. Could not imagine fording that monster. Stayed at Northern Outdoors, a hostel/hotel that caters to whitewater paddlers. Had seven stinky hikers in one room. Thank God I had earplugs. Felt like I was back in college - sorta. I just happened to be the oldest by far - felt almost like a father. Had a great time.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: few clouds

Hey. I made it to Monson. I am so happy. One more week and I will be close to being done. I understand that I will have rain for the next three days - that should make the fords interesting. I will be in an information blackout for the next week, while we go through the "hundred mile wilderness." Gotta go - the library is closing. Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-26
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rough day for Troutbum coming out of Monson into the Hundred-Mile Wilderness, made slightly better by a shipment of homemade cookies in his final Mail Drop. Both T's feet and his left knee are now aching, and the remnants of Tropical Storm Kyle threaten to deluge the region; but T continues his trek toward Katahdin, with plans to summit on Sunday, October 5th. ~ Aloha, T's g.f.
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

Not sure I've got the location or mileage right for Troutbum tonight. He was able to get mobile-phone service earlier today & called from somewhere in the Hundred-Mile Wilderness. Said it was wet & slick, but had rained mostly only when he was in the shelter the last few nights. Still, everyone is sliding & falling a lot at this point & probably eager to reach Katahdin. Troutbum enjoyed a pancake breakfast at Cloud Pond Lean-to with Jen & Luke and their dog, Copper, before getting another late start this morning (10-ish). He's forded one river, crossed another by canoe, and spent some time paddling in kayaks, enjoying the Maine scenery, facilities, and people. He has only 88.5 miles to go, and will be met next weekend by a good friend to hike together to the summit and the trail's end on Katahdin. Someone told Troutbum that they did not expect him to finish, which is funny to me, b/c except when I thought he'd have to stay off trail for surgery, I always expected him to finish this hike. He's a good man; and he has amazing stamina & discipline to have made it this far with foot problems, stomach problems, his dad's death, and more weighing down on him. I'm very proud of Troutbum, in case that's not blatantly obvious. My best wishes to all the hikers & their loved ones, this and every night!!!! ~ Aloha, Holly (Troutbum's partner)
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Sidney Tappan lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Hey> I want to come back here and spend more time. Apparently Gulf Hagas is some incredible gorge or something. It is a long loop that I do not have the time to take now, but would like to do in the future. I also hope to take my flyrod and fish many of the lakes in the vicinity.Troutbum
Date: 2008-09-30
From: Sidney Tappan lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey. Long day, but fortunately it was much flatter. Still lots of roots, rocks and mud, but not so hilly. Climbed to the top of White Cap Mountain and got to see Mt Katahdin above the clouds. Still in the distance, but getting closer. I also got to see a fog rainbow (see photos).Troutbum
Date: 2008-10-01
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Maher Trail, Maher Tote Road
Miles today: 13.7

Hey. Made it to White House Landing Wilderness Camp. Hard to believe there could be a hostel in the hundred mile wilderness, but there it was. I am so thankful that it was there. I was almost out of food. I started out of Monson with probably 50 pounds, but I was so slow, that I ate most of my food. I was able to re-supply and get enough to get to Abol Bridge. I ate the famous one pound hamburger (delightful) and ordered a pizza. The pizza was bagged up and became my breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day. I was the only thru hiker staying that night.Troutbum