morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Rutland, VT

To: VT 12
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

We had an excellent turn out for the slackpack today. I think we fit 14 hikers in the van? Plus 2 who joined us while they were already hiking, 3 who caught a bus because Miss J was late, so 19 I think. It was the very best 5 month anniversary on trail that I could have imagined. Fueled by coffee and Yerba Mate for breakfast at the Yellow Deli, I killed it on the trail today. I had such a great day. There were white fluffy clouds reflected in Kent Pond and Thundering Falls was pretty. I never get sick of waterfalls. Went up the tower of The Lookout for some nice views. There weren't many views from the trail today but it seemed to go up and down continuously. I don't remember many flat parts. It was a little tough but felt great without a full pack since we left most of our gear in the van with Miss J. Ended the day in a pasture with cows and flowers everywhere. A giant thank you to Dan Quinn for letting us stay on his property and for letting us make use of his kitchen. We had burgers, fresh from the farmers market corn on the cob with butter, fried potatoes, and soda. With a full belly and a smile on my face, I looked around at these beautiful people who will forever hold a special place in my heart. Then I remembered that 6 of them still weren't here. Nobody had reception so eventually around 10pm we were about to drive around until we got cell signal to see if they'd tried to call. Just before Miss J left, Rainbow finally got a voice mail from one of them asking to all be picked up from a road crossing. They weren't going to make the 23 miles. We didn't mind and were just glad everyone was okay. We weren't really worried but we just didn't like not knowing anything without our phones. Beast and I went on a road trip to retrieve our wayward babes. No hiker left behind! As promised, no matter how late they got in, they would have hot food and friends waiting for them. There's not a single person I saw today that didn't laugh. I am exhausted now but everything that I've done has lead me to where I am now. I am surrounded by friends under a night sky so amazing you can see the Milky Way and shooting stars. Trail life is good.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: VT 14

To: VT 12
Miles today: 13.0

Today we hiked south back to Dan's. I bummed around in a hammock this morning waiting for Miss Janet to drop off the crew that needed to go back and make up what they missed last night. It was into the afternoon before we got everyone and everything together but we only planned a 13 mile day. When we got dropped off, we saw some people swimming in White River and the guys wanted to jump off the bridge. I didn't jump. It was a little higher than the James River footbridge and I've already crossed that off my bucket list so I passed. I swam though and it felt amazing. When we finally started hiking, we didn't get very far before there was a bench in front of an apple tree. Who passes up a bench in front of an apple tree? Not us! I picked apples for Waldo and Blackout and we decided to play a new game called A Day In The Life. It was Waldo's turn first so we followed him around all afternoon at his pace and stopped when he stopped, ate when he ate, pooped when he pooped. It was a lot of fun. We picked blackberries until we were full. When it was Blackout's turn, we couldn't really go as fast as him and it involved a lot of running but that turned out to be fun too. We had a little too much fun and ended up having to night hike a little but it wasn't too bad. Waldo forgot his headlamp so we let him walk between us. I couldn't give him a hard time about it because I accidentally left my food in my tent this morning! I noticed before Miss Janet left though and was able to grab enough out of the hiker box in the van to survive. Tomorrow, we're doing 10 into Hanover so everyone can get their stuff done in town and then 20 the next day. We don't really know how long we're gonna keep this up but I know I appreciate the good company right now and my body definitely appreciates hiking with a lighter pack. The hiking is finally getting harder. Vermont has been one of my favorite states but it's time to get into New Hampshire tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-21
From: VT 14

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

A little bit of a drizzle to start the morning off but it wasn't too bad. The terrain wasn't bad either. Soft pine needle trail cushioned us most of the day. A short day to Hanover so people can get their chores done and we can celebrate being in New Hampshire. We had a little scare in the middle of the day with some angry hornets. Rainbow is allergic but luckily didn't get stung. Young Gun was unfortunately not so lucky. I felt super bad for him. We made two signs and left them on the trail for SOBOS and NOBOS warning them to go around. Things got a lot better after that. Lots of trail magic and a dance party at the border. Pizza! Then Baltimore Jack invited us to an awesome swimming hole at a friend's house. It was a great way to end the day. I've been feeling that way a lot lately. It's hard to plan a day for this big of a group so it's hard to make everyone happy but it seems to be mostly working. I don't think I want to slack in the Whites though. In the words of Rainbow, "I want to put on my big girl panties and do the Whites with my pack."
Date: 2015-08-22
From: Hanover, NH

To: Bill Ackerly Home
Miles today: 17.5

The slacking continues! Slept in. Hung out at the library. Got burritos with Pathfinder and Waldo. Hit the trail and ran almost the entire way. I know it's probably not good for me but the terrain was easy and it was a lot of fun. I love days where I don't really see anyone else while I'm hiking. Finally caught up with some folks at Holts Ledge just after the sun set and then booked it in the dark to Bill Ackerly's. He wasn't home but there was a house sitter so we stayed. Miss Janet left with my stuff in her van and since I slacked I didn't have any dry clothes or my tent or stove. She came back, but while I was waiting, my beautiful hiker family took care of me. I was fed, entertained, and literally given the clothes off Blackout's back.
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Bill Ackerly Home

To: NH 25A
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

When I was a kid, I packed a bag and ran away. I got to the stop sign and realized that I had nowhere else to go. I'm not sure I even told anyone. I just went home and unpacked. Today felt a little like that except it took me 16 miles this time. I packed my full pack in the morning, not intending to slack with everyone. I didn't even say goodbye. It was a gorgeous day with misty morning ponds, Lamberts Ridge, Smarts Mnt, Eastman Ledges, Mt Cube, and a poop in the Pentaprivy at Hexacube Shelter. I planned to camp 2 miles further than the group but by the time I got there I couldn't bring myself to do it. We went swimming at a lake with a beach just off the road and then played iPod karaoke (blindfolded with earbuds in) with Miss Janet before we all went to bed. As much as I enjoy hiking alone, these people are my family right now and I've got nowhere else to go. I'm pretty okay with this.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: VT 25A

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Late start today. Easy hiking. Not too much to see but the easy part is still awesome. Hitched into town to try to annihilate a 10 lb pizza challenge but the restaurant wasn't open. Got dropped off at the gas station instead and grabbed some food since we were there anyway. It was a good day despite Low Branch's false pizza promises. The Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff is one of the most hiker friendly places I've stayed. The name should've given it away but you just never know out here. I got an awesome maildrop with my winter clothes and am ready to crush the Whites.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, there was definitely no crushing of the Whites today. We woke up to a gray sky and a red weather radar. Tornado and hail warnings kept us all off the mountain. This was one time it was a good idea to play it safe so I did. I got more chores done and spent the rest of the day laughing with everyone and intermittently checking in on the Lord of the Rings marathon going on inside. Another awesome place to take a zero. I know I need to limit my days off at this point but it was definitely the right call.
Date: 2015-08-26
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather cleared up and we headed out. Some went to slack southbound to end up back at the Hikers Welcome Hostel and some took their full packs north to Chet's place in Lincoln. I chose to take my pack north but just because I miss my pack and wanted it with me while I tackled Mt Moosilauke. It's sort of my security blanket now. I loved slacking but I missed the comfort of knowing that everything I need is on my back. The climb up wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. It's a 3,700-ish foot climb but it felt gradual. I was happy to do it alone and sat for quite a bit on the south peak. It got pretty chilly and I made my way to the summit at 4,802 ft. I took my pictures and then took shelter next to some rocks. I was laying there enjoying the moment and was happy to people watch as Flame, Picasso, and Low Branch joined me at the top. Seeing their faces as they saw the sign was pretty cool. Everyone looked so happy! I took a ton of pictures and then started the descent. It doesn't get bad until north of Beaver Brook Shelter but then it is really steep and rocky. I'm glad we decided not to try it in the rain yesterday. There was more than once when I had to just sit on the end of a rock and lower myself down below. It was a lot of fun. Got a ride at the bottom from a father and son that I saw earlier at the top. Stayed at Chet's place in town and am contemplating a 16-mile slack for tomorrow. I know the terrain is harder but I think if I wake up early enough I can do it. New Hampshire is by far my new favorite state.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

I said goodbye to Miss Janet this morning and headed into the Whites solo. My merry band of misfit slackers had plans I couldn't follow. It's time for me to hike. The slackpack extravaganza was meant to lift both a physical and emotional weight off our shoulders and it did just that. Time for me to move on. I got dropped off at Kinsman Notch and headed for the east peak of Wolf Mnt. Then came Kinsman Mnt. I've never used my hands so much to hike! It was a lot of fun. I had to hold onto roots, rocks, and tree trunks to lift myself up or lower myself down. The views were amazing. I was a little bummed not to share the day with a single person I knew but at the same time, wonderfully selfish that I had them all to myself. My husband is having his wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow on my birthday and I wish that I was there for him. It was a good day for thinking. At Kinsman Pond Shelter now. This is the first time I've had to zip up my sleeping bag in a very long time. So happy to be in the Whites!
Date: 2015-08-29
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

After a week of sleeping in hostels, trail angel yards, hotels, and at road crossings, I woke up in the middle of the woods this morning. I awoke to the sound of the wind in the trees. I could smell the pines and the breakfast being cooked on the tent platform below mine. Something with cinnamon. I watched my breath from the warmth of my sleeping bag and remembered it was my birthday. Nobody will be bringing me cheesecake or Dr. Peppers in bed. There will be no cakes or candles or singing. So I laid there and read the Catcher in the Rye for two hours. A guy was having a yard sale in Lincoln before I left and he said I could take it for free as long as I didn't shoot anyone when I was done and left it in a shelter for someone else to read. Today was incredible. I found Rainbow and a birthday cookie from Mooch at Liberty Spring Campsite. I traversed Little Haystack Mnt, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette with Rainbow. It was more than I could have asked for on my trail birthday. Franconia Ridge was the coolest thing I've seen on the entire trail. Up above 5,000 ft in perfect weather with 360 views. I'd love to take my husband and son there for my bday next year. When we finally moved on we found Pathfinder on top of Mt Garfield and we continued on to the shelter together. I spent the rest of the night giggling with the ladies. I'm glad I got to spend yesterday alone but happy I spent my birthday with the people I love out here.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Saco River
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Galehead Hut for coffee, buttermilk frosted gingerbread cake, and catching up with Tumbles and Scout. Then I went on to South Twin Mnt. I ended up on top in a cloud and had a stubborn moment. I sat there and waited the clouds out and got my views. I continued on and found so many blueberries that I picked half my Gatorade bottle full of them. I went on to tons of falls and ponds and brooks! There was a big flat section in the afternoon and I made such great time that I decided to push for a 17 mile day. I saw Bionic Woman, who I haven't seen in forever, and she said I was only 20 minutes behind Flame, Picasso, and Low Branch. I ran down to the road but nobody was there. Figuring they hitched to town, I leaned back against a log and read my book for an hour. They never showed and it was getting dark so I found a decent spot to camp with Magician and Joker. I haven't even looked at the guidebook for tomorrow. I can only assume it holds more awesomeness.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Saco River

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

Went to the AMC Highland Center for an AYCE breakfast with Pathfinder. Fueled by coffee and the power of bacon I crushed the rest of the day. It was absolutely amazing. The wind was blowing hard enough to knock me off balance. Tons of rock scrambles. Such a great day. I fell once hard enough to knock the wind out of me. I managed to hit my knee, thigh, hip, butt, and tailbone in a single fall. Even though everything hurts I had such a great time. I howled at the wind and showed up to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut soaking wet and freezing cold but happy to find friends there. We did work for stay and are all excited for Mt Washington in the morning.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early and couldn't contain myself so I skipped breakfast and headed towards Mt Washington. We had unbelievably good weather. Pretty cold and a little windy but clear skies and views all around. It doesn't get better than that. I spent the entire morning laughing and drinking hot chocolate. We waited for some friends but they hopped on the cog when they got there. There were plans to meet at Osgood but then the rest of the guys took a shortcut and went into town. So I'm here by myself but I had an amazing day in the Whites above treeline with views the entire day. I must have sat around for hours. Just because you can do a 17 mile day here doesn't mean that you should.
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I don't really know what to say about today except that cryingon the phone while hiking is a terrible idea. I fell hard and twisted myankle. The most infuriating part of it isn't that I was crying in themiddle of the woods like an idiot, but that I hurt myself on the easiestpiece of trail I've had in days. The good news is that I did it three milesfrom a road and was able to walk myself out. Nothing is broken but theswelling isn't good and I'm not putting a pack on again until I feelcomfortable. I don't have the days to take off this late in the game but itis what it is and I'll fill in the miles somewhere along the way. Thebiggest thank you goes out to Luigi for hearing me scream out in pain andfor turning around for me. Anyone who knows me knows that I am no damsel indistress but, man, what a world of difference a chocolate bar makes whenyour day has taken a turn for the worse. We literally sat in the middle ofthe trail and ate chocolate for 20 minutes and talked until I got up thecourage to try and stand. Thank you, Luigi. I got to Gorham, met up withPathfinder and Picasso, rented a car, and through a series of unfortunateevents found ourselves in a beachside hotel next to a carnival in OldOrchard Beach, ME. This isn't how I planned to get to Maine but 1,800 mileshas taught me to just do what the trail tells me to do. Right now it'stelling me that this is the first year in my entire life that I haven'tbeen to the beach and it's as good a place as any to rest my weary bones.
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Old Orchard, ME

To: Old Orchard, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Bought an ankle brace, picked up Flame and Low Branch from Portland, and spent the day at the beach. The swelling hasn't gone down but I've been icing it and taking Ibuprofen so we'll see. The cool ocean water felt amazing. Ended the day watching fireworks from the pier. They were the last of the season and it reminded me that summer has come to a close and I've got places to be. The carnival lights shut off and I felt a sense of closure for the summer that I wouldn't have felt if I was on the trail. The beach reminds me of home and I'm glad to be here even if it's because of my ankle.
Date: 2015-09-04
From: Old Orchard, ME

To: Portland, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Got up early for a beautiful beach sunrise and then went straightback to bed. That's how you zero, ladies and gentlemen. Spent the rest ofthe day running errands and watching the guys play frisbee in the park. Weended up in Portland, ME and ate some delicious sushi. I haven't had sushisince I was home in May! It was amazing. Then Pathfinder used her dazzlingcharm to get free tickets to see Damian and Stephen Marley. I want to takeher home with me after the trail. I love her so much! I don't know how weended up at a raggae concert on a pier in Maine but sometimes the trailtakes you places you didn't expect to go. Tomorrow, we test out this anklewith a pack on. I've had fun recovering but it's time to sleep in the woodsagain and get to where I'm going.
Date: 2015-09-05
From: Portland, ME

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The sleeping location says I stayed in a hotel but I'm just gonna behonest and say I slept in a rental car. How many hours does it take forfive hikers to drive two hours, if Hiker A needs to resupply, Hiker B wantsice cream, Hiker C decides to avoid tolls AND highways because it'll beprettier, Hiker D wants Indian food, Hiker E wants to go to a lake, andthen everyone is hungry again and wants pizza? The answer is seven hours!I'm really going to hike tomorrow. Promise.
Date: 2015-09-06
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Dome
Miles today: 7.1

I went as fast as my ankle would let me today. It wasn't very fast.I had to be very aware of where I placed every step and each wrong one sentpain shooting up to my knee. It was a long steep uphill to Wildcat Ridge. Igot turned away at Carter Notch Hut for work for stay. I could've used myankle to my advantage but I just wasn't in the mood to have anyone feelsorry for me. So I moved on and got a nice sunset from halfway up and thensettled in to cowboy camp on top of Carter Dome. The stars were amazing.I'm going to try to get up early tomorrow to make up for being so slowtoday.
Date: 2015-09-07
From: Carter Dome

To: US 2
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

My ankle isn't cooperating like I hoped it would. I woke up at 5 a.m. to get in as many miles as I could while still taking my time and lots of breaks. Going up and down the Carters wasn't kind. I saw a few folks and heard there are lots of people around I know. That was encouraging because I thought I'd never see my group again and having old friends around would help. Then Pathfinder texted that she was southbounding back to Gorham with Low Branch because she had no way to filter her water. The rest of the day was downhill and turned into actual trail for a few miles before the road! I stopped and soaked my ankle in Rattlesnake River before asking a day hiker for a ride back to town. I love getting a ride before I even reach the road. He dropped me off at McDonald's where I caught up with Scout and Tumbles. After dinner, it was getting late and I was sitting outside a gas station when a truck pulled up with a sleigh in the back. Naturally Pathfinder asked if we could ride in it and the woman surprisingly said yes. Mary is the coolest! She drove us down the road and we sang Christmas songs to a group of bikers before she took us back. Thanks for the pic, Yahoo!
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Gorham, NH

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I decided to skip to Rangeley. It isn't a decision I made lightly. Until this point, I haven't missed a single mile. I don't know many hikers that can say that. It's something I'm proud of. I just don't know how I'm suppose to do some of the hardest parts on the whole trail with this ankle. So I'm skipping ahead with every intention of coming back and completing this section before I go home. Thank you, Steve, for the ride. I don't know if this is the right choice but it makes the most sense right now so I'm going with it.
Date: 2015-09-09
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today, I swam in the pool. I soaked my ankle in epsom salt. I ate bbq. I did everything except hike. Picasso and Flame are here now. Our little group of five can't seem to stay away from each other. Everyone is together. My ankle has had a week off. It's time to hike. If I don't fall asleep in a tent tomorrow I may lose my mind.
Date: 2015-09-10
From: ME 4

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

I'm in Maine! Okay, I've already been in Maine but at least now I'm hiking in it. I played in caves with Flame and Pathfinder and strolled over alpine ridges all afternoon. My ankle hurts but is slowing me down less which is good. I didn't smoke a cigarette all day and nobody got punched in the face. Everyone made it to the shelter tonight and it's awesome. I don't even care that it's raining.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

A cloudy day today and some grumpy guses in the morning. Nobody likes packing up a wet tent. A fire at lunch time and a fire to end the day. I took a pretty bad fall and decided to just sit in the middle of the trail instead of get up. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that's happened. Luckily, Flame came along, helped me up, and snapped me out of it. I thought about Geraldine Largay off and on today. If my memory is correct she was last seen at Poplar. Every cliff and stream and gravel road made me wonder what happened to her. Every time I felt a heavy sadness for her and her family, one of my friends would come along the trail and do or say something silly. I am grateful for my trail family. We slept under the stars and laughed into the night. Sorry to anyone else around!
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.3

We woke up early to try and sneak up on a moose at the pond by the campsite. The boys wandered over still in their sleeping bags and our giggles no doubt didn't help our stake-out odds. No moose for us. We planned to get in and out of town but Pathfinder's mom offered to pay for a room for the night. We heard of some trail magic at the road and threatened Hollywood unspeakable evils if her rumour was untrue. We picked up the pace and I ended up with my leg stuck in a hole between some tree roots. As is our nature, Pathfinder took a picture of me before helping me out of the hole. We got to the road to find burgers, hotdogs, and all sorts of goodies. Riot averted. We got a ride to town in a cop car and spent the rest of the evening making questionable choices. What happens in Stratton stays in Stratton.