morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Inn at the Long Trail

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

The trail will provide...In the beginning I was alone and needed reassurance. There was Bama. She and I hiked together for the first couple of weeks helping each other along.The trail will provide...Then before Damascus I met a real neat couple at Moreland Shelter, Mapman and Robin. They made an impression on me.The trail will provide...I then met Indiana. A real nice young lad of 18. We seemed to hit it off. We hiked for a few weeks together. We seemed to be a good fit together.The Trail will provide...I then met Rusch Hour, Wild Bill, and Cash. We hiked to Harpers Ferry together. The secret seven.The trail will provide...I also caught up with Indiana in Harpers Ferry and started hiking together again.The trail will provide...br>I met She Bear and we hiked together for a couple weeks. I credit her with helping me through some possible heat stroke.The trail will provide...Hiking out of Salisbury with my Son, Bill, We were at the first look out taking a break when up the hill comes Mapman and Robin.The trail will provide...I was able to get a ride home from Dalton with my Brother-In-Law, Bob so I could look into my beautiful wife's eyes again. I love her so.The trail will provide...Now I am alone again to hike with new and old friends. And I was camping at the Inn at the Long Trail. I walked into the dining room for breakfast and there was Indiana coming back from a few days off at home. The trail will provide...I am now hiking again with my good friend Indiana. It seems like things are coming around full circle. The trail will provide...I met Indiana's Mother and his Brother Noah. Noah gave me a package of my now new favorite candy. It is Sour Gummy Worms. They are just the best. Thank you Noah for giving up your gummy worms to me.The hike out today was a long one. I didn't get to the shelter until 8:45, a half hour after dark. I had to hike the last couple of miles with my head lamp on, tripping on everything imaginable cause I couldn't see that well. I hope I don't have to do that again. I felt beat up after that experience. Tonight at the shelter is Indiana, The Wanderers, and a Southbounder, Fishing Fred. It has been a long tiring day and I an glad to be back with Indiana and glad to be at the shelter.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Campsite before West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 13.4

Both Indiana and I selpt in a little this morning. Our muscles both ached and our feet hurt. We didn't have a real big day planned, only 13 or so miles. The piece of the puzzle that we didn't have was all of the steep ups and downs, one right after the other. It was grueling and tiring and it really dicouraged us and zapped our energy. The two good things that happened today was the two times that we got to stop and have Ice Cream. The first time also included Peach Pie. With all of that extra sugar it didn't seem to help getting up those hills. We weret tryong to get into position to get into town for a mail drop. On Saturdays the Post Office has abreviated hours. We are camped high on a hill a mile or so from town. The stars tonight will be out of this world. I am sleeping without my rain fly on my tent so I can star gaze every time I wake up. Today has been a long day but I feel good with the mileage done. I am tired so I will slip into my sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Campsite before West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

It was a beautiful night last night. The stars were bright and I slept without the rain fly on my tent so I could just open my eyes and see all the stars. Morning came early. Indiana and I needed to beat feet into West Hartford, VT to pick up my mail drop. Off we went at about 7am. It was mostly a 2 mile down hill walk. Not too challenging. We crossed the bridge over the White River and headed up the street/trail. There were many Fire Fighters and Fire Trucks up the street a little ways just finishing putting out a house fire. A total loss. As I passed one of the Fire Fighters I asked where the Post Office was? He said up on the left the way we were headed. As Indiana and I walked up the street a man washing his car asked if we needed any water. We were ok with water but started up a conversation with him. He asked us if we would like to have some cantalope? We said sure and he brought out a half a cantalope for each of us. As I was enjoying the snack I asked him how much farther up the street the PO was? He said it was back the other way about a 1/2 mile. Yikes. He offered us a ride there which we gladly accepted. Thank you v! ery much James and Sarah Woods for all of your kindness. You are real Trail Angels. Indiana and I then headed off for the hike to Hanover, NH. The terrain was easy rolling ups and downs, nothing like the past two days of PUDS, pointless ups and downs. We crossed over the Connecticut River at about 2pm. One more state down and two more to go. Yippee. We ate some lunch at Lou's Diner, delicious. I then called our next Trail Angel, Keith and Mishuana Shulsky. Keith picked us up and brought us to their home. Mishuana and the kids were out of town in Maine visiting. Keith let us shower and do laundry while he cooked us a gourmet meal of Chicken, Pork, Mashed Potatoes, and Streamed Vegetables. We then went to the market to get a few resupply items and then out to listen to some live music. It was great. A fun evening was had by us all. Thank you Keith and Mishuana for openning up your home to Indiana and Me. This town stop goes down as the best yet. Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Keith, Indiana, and I went out to breakfast this morning. He dropped us off in Hanover at 10am. Indiana and I did a last few things in town and then we headed out. The trail out of Hanover was an easy up and down trail. The rain had stopped but the drizzle kept things pretty wet. The coolness of the day made for comfortable hiking. While hiking North we ran into Minnesota Smith who had just jumped up from Kent, CT. He is slack packing for a couple of days while he completely recovers from Lyme Disease. Indiana and I arrived at the shelter at about 5:30. We started doing our chores and one by one the shelter began to fill up. Here tonight are Knock Knock, Bluey, Vegemite on Toast, Indiana, F-Bomb and two Southbounders. There was music tonight. The first time in about 5 days. It felt good to be entertaining again. Everyone always likes to hear the Sushi song and now I have been doing "The Pizza Song" and "Alice's Restaurant". The Aussie Girls wanted to know where I will be tomorrow night so they can have an encore. More Groupies. Today was a nice day hiking with Indiana. We are hiking at the same speed and can stay together and chat as we walk.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Moose Mtn Shelter

To: Hexacube Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained off and on all night. By morning the trees were still dripping heavy from the rain. The clouds seemed to be blowing across the mountains and my beard was collecting moisture and dripping off my face as if I was sweating. The day was filled up with many ups and downs but going up Smart Mtn really got my attention. it seemed to go relentlessly straight up and over many rock faces. At first I was real careful as the rocks were moist but after a while I just went up using baby steps. I was able by keeping my feet flat get a lot of traction from my size 15 treads. See my big feet are usefull for something other than putting in my mouth. Indiana and I took many breaks today. The last was on top of Smart Mtn at the fire tower. On the way down it was like someone lite a fire under us and we did 4 miles to the bottom in an hour and a half. That only left 1.3 more miles to go up and over Eastman Ledges and to the Hexacube Shelter. This shelter is a hexagon and is really cool! . Here tonight are Indiana, Compas Rose, Dirt Diva, Bluey, Vegemte on Toast, Knock Knock,and three Southbounders. Today was long but it was cool and the miles seemed to slip by.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Hexacube Shelter

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 14.7

There was a nice concert last night at the shelter. It was a concert in our sleeping bags. It was a cool night and every one was in their bags. I did provide some aerobic music music for Compass Rose to do her exercises to. This morning was cool as well. After breakfast and packing up Indiana and I headed out for the days hike. The first challenge was he climb up Mt Cube. The last 1/2 mile was rock face climbing with a lot ov views and vistas. The rest of the day waas mostly on downward graded trails. It was nice. We got to the Hiker's Welome Hostel. This a nice placer that has all of the hikers needs like shower, laundry, snacks and a ride to resupply. It was a great night. Bluey, Vegemite, Knock Knock, Indiana and I went to the Twig Restaurant. The food was great but the service was very pour. Here tonight are Reil, Indiana, Repunsal, Willow, The Wanderers, Bluey, Vegemite, Knock Knock, Compass Rose, Dirt Diva, The Sexy Monk, Puffy Nipples, Cheeto, Driftwood, Lone Wolf and some others that I didn't know. I got goodies at the Post Office. Mrs Banjoman sent lots of goodies in my regular resupply box. They were great. I received letters from the third grade class of Monmouth Elementary School. Thank you for those and the trail mix and the lucky stone. The trail mix will t! aste good and I will place the lucky stone on top of Mt Katahdin. I I also got some cookies from Vickie Foster. She has been promising them and it was really worth the wait. I didn't want to share any of them but I did. Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

I slept the night on a hammock out under the stars. At about 4am one of the cars out front of the hostel alarm went off. It was someone who was gone out hiking. It went on for about a half hour off and on. It woke everyone up. I did go back asleep and got up about 6:30. I did my chores and mailed my bounce box and a box home. I called and did my radio spot on 104.3 WABK radio. Indiana and I left for the trail at 9:30. Todays trail would go up and over Mt Moosilauke, 4802 feet high. The trail up started out fine but it got increasingly steep and rocky. As we got near the summit the trail eased and was quite pleasent for the last .8 miles. On top the wind was howling. It was hard to walk straight and keep the feet going right. We took a break and had some lunch. The hike to the shelter was not too bad. As I turned the corner to hike in on the shelter trail I found myself floundering and flailing. It wasn't pretty but I landed without too much of an incident. Only a little blood oozed to the surface of my knee and the way I contorted my left foot will be sore in the morning but feels ok now. Indiana hurried back to make sure I was alright. By the time he got there I was up and surveying the damage. At least I didn't rearrange any of the rocks on the trail. So no trail maintenance will need to be done. Here at the shelter tonight is Lone Wolf, Repunsa! l, Willow, The Sexy Monk, and The Wanderers. Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 15.0

First I need to comment on last nights concert. The shelter was full and there were two people tenting. The shelter mates were all in their sleeping bags because there was quite a chill in the air. I started to play from my A and B lists combined. As we chatted and someone talked about an artist I would play something by that artist if I knew it. After a while I played "Alice's Restaurant" with different people filling in the gaps where I was missing lyrics. It was a blast. I was playing rock and roll and Lone Wolf grabbed Willow and started to dance with her. At the end he tried to dip her and he lost her. You need to be strong to do the dipping thing, right? Then Lone Wolf asked if I knew "Cats in the Cradle". I did but wasn't sure of the words. Lone Wolf sang the whole song by himself and I helped him on the chorus. It was way cool. I finished of course with "The Sushi Song" the normal show closer. I then did one more song, "Good Night Irene" On the verse part I made up a! verse for each of the hikers there. Then they all kept singing the chorus. With so many hikers there it was a long song. Everyone enjoyed being singled out whether the verse rhymed or not. Again way cool. During the show White Cloud asked me to play "Scotch and Soda". He was snug in his bag right next to me and he said it gave him goose bumps. Thank you for the compliment White Cloud.   The hike today was an intense one. Right out of the shelter was a 1800 foot descent from 3650 feet to 1830 feet. It was mostly rock to rock along the beautiful Beaver Brook with all of its water falls. It emptied out on Rte 112. Then immediately started to climb up the south peak of Mt Wolf at 3360 feet. and then the east peak of Mt Wolf at 3480 feet. Next we had to desend to Eliza Brook shelter at 2495 feet and then back up Mt Kinsman at 4358 feet and then desend to the Lonesome Lake Hut at 2760 feet. Now I don't want to do the math but that is a lot of up and downs in 15 miles and alot of it was rock to rock scrambling. It is hard to make any time like that when you are trying not to do the "Mud Slip Slide". The hut was nice and Indiana and I was able to get some work for stay. We did have to camp down by the lake on a wooden platform. We cowboy camped which means sleeping out under the stars. It was the most clear night that I could imagine. Laying there in my sleeping bag I could see layer upon layer of stars. They were so beautiful. I drifted off to sleep listening to the lake water lap the shore. Tonight at the hut are Puffy Nipples, Cheeto, The Wanderer's, Driftwood, Indiana and myself.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Stealth camp on Liberty MT
Miles today: 5.5

I woke early enough to see an amazing sunrise. Franconia Ridge was on the far side on the lake and the reflection of the sky, ridge and sunrise looked so clear. I took many pictures. A little latter a Cow Moose and her Calf came out of the woods and were feeding at the edge of the lake a ways off. It was fun watching them. Next we got to eat breakfast and do the last of the work for stay chores. We were off hiking by 9:15. We were headed to No Woodstock, NH for some resupply. We headed out of town around 3:30 and headed to this steath camp site on top of Liberty Mt. It is cold up here tonight. With me here are the Wanderer's and Indiana. Tonights show was in the dark and was songs that none of the campers have heard me play before. It was fun delving back into the archives of songdom to pull nuggets out like "Running Bear" and "Crazy". Now I am in my tent and warm in my bag. I am missing the sound of my wifes voice tonight because of no cell signal. I will just close my eyes and see her smiling at me in my mind. I will be home soon sweetheart. I Love You.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Stealth camp on Liberty MT

To: Galehead Hut stealth camping.
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was a beautiful night on top of the Mountain. The stars were out in full force and were beautiful.Today is my 5 month anniversary on the trail. It doesn't seem possible that much time has passed but I am sure Mrs Banjoman does. I am coming home as fast as I can.Todays hike was exciting. Indiana and I hiked across the Franconia Ridge and Mt Lafayette. The sun was out and there was virtually no wind at all. The views were breath taking. It is so hard to discribe what all the rocks and dwarfed trees and vegetation look like. Even the pictures I took leave out the pure depth of it all. The trail over Franconia Ridge is well marked and not that difficult. as I was coming down Mt Lafayette the clouds roled in from the west and covered what I had just walked. It was like it just disappeared. Then the next moment when I looked back again there it was. It seemed very erie. The hike then went over Mt Garfield. The hiking was drastic ups and then drastic downs from rock to rock and down or up some sheer rock faces with only little places to put the toe or heel of your boot. I fell twice today. The first time was right out of camp. I stepped on a wet log water diverter {I knew better} that was just like ice and I went down hard straining my ri! ght knee, ouch. The second time I lost my footing on a descent over a rock face and strained my right knee again, double ouch. I also half sprained my right ankle on a missed step off a rock. Now that one really hurt. Why is it always my right side of my body that gets hurt. It is just my luck today.Todays miles were low but they were well earned. Here at the camp site tonight are Indiana, Vegemite, Bluey, Knock Knock, and Rael. The Wanderers scored work for stay at the Galehead Hut. We all took a break at the hut and enjoyed a bottomless bowl of potato dill soup, yum yum. The hut had been rented by a family for a 40 th birthday party. I was playing some songs in the hut while waiting for soup and a few of the guests were listening. I was trying to get a private party gig but with no luck. When I packed up to leave one fellow said how much he enjoyed the music and asked if I played professionally. I said yes and he would have to come to the tent site to hear some more. He said my little playing had made his trip to the hut very memorable. Wow.   Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Galehead Hut stealth camping.

To: Stealth Site Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: mist

It was a nice night last night. Cool but quiet. I was all packed up and ready to go this morning at 7:15. Indiana and I headed out to Zeeland Falls Hut. We were interested in their bottomless bowl of soup. We hiked up and over Mt Guyot and South Twin Mtn. We skirted Zeeland Mtn. We arrived about 12:30. It had started to rain aroun 9am and was coming down pretty good by noon. We Stayed at the Hut for about an hour. I had 3 bowls of soup and Indiana had about 6 or 7. Boy can that boy eat. We loaded up and headed towards Crawford Notch arriving here at about 5:30. We set up our stealth camp site and cooked supper. The rain had tappered down during the after noon and I was able to cook without getting wet. It is now 8pm and it is raining steady. I am warm and dry in my tent. The concert tonight is cancelled. Instead we are all humming "Raindrops keep falling on my head". Here tonight are Indiana, The Wanderer's, and Myself.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Stealth Site Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

This morning the rain had stopped but it was still overcast. Indiana and I packed up and decided to brave Webster Cliffs. We headed out at 7:15, crossed Rte 302 and headed back into the woods. The climb started slow but increased in steepness as it went higher and higher. We climbed out of the over cast, now concidered undercast because we were above the clouds and the sun was out. The rock scrambles were intense and continuous. The elevation kept going up and up. we were climbing all day. We started at 1280 feet and the hut is at 5040 feet. I stopped at Mizpah Hut for an endless bowl of soup and some cookies and hot chocolate. It was a nice rest stop. There was only 4 more miles to hike. The trail was mostly above tree line for those four miles. It continued up and down thou. The last two miles were getting increasingly foggy and overcast. Finally the Hut was in view, wait a minute where did it go, oh there it is, wait I don't see it, ah now I can touch it and see it both. ! The Lake of the clouds Hut holds 90 guests and it was packed. I was able to do a work for stay by doing a concert after supper, sweet. I did songs mostly from the "A" list. I also told a few thru hiker stories to tie some of the songs together. The croud was very appreciative with their applause. Everyone had a great time. Here tonight is Pillbox, Jutebox, #2, Indiana, Vegemite, Bluey, Knock Knock, Driftwood, Compass Rose, Dirt Diva, Superman, The Wanderers, and about 7 other Thru Hikers that I didn't know. It has been a great day of hiking with many exciting views anc challenging climbs all culminating in a nice meal at a Hut with a friendly Croo. Definately an A+ day.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.0

Well I am on my way to the hospital tomorrow. More about that later.Mrs Banjoman, I am ok. I will call you as soon as I can. I am OK!!!!!The morning started at 6 am. The Croo was working on breakfast and all us Thru Hikers were packing up and getting our stuff off of the tables. Indiana and I were entitled to breakfast with our work for stay work. At about 8:30 we headed up to Mt Washington, 1.4 miles. Of course it is all up hill. We summited the mountain and took the requisite summit pictures. We visited the snack bar and I got on the Mtn Washington Web Cam. That was way cool. We headed down the trail towards the North. Then the unthinkable happened. I took a tumble over a rock or something. I am not really sure. When I came to rest, I was lying face down on some jagged rocks with red stuff dripping down my face. Indiana came quickly to my aid with help getting my pack off and administering first aid. I am glad I am hiking with an Eagle Scout. I sat there for a few minutes and checking myself over. Nothing was broken but I have bruised ribs, a bruised right thigh, a skinned left knee and of course a cut on m! y face. The Wanderers came along and we started to hike together. After about an hour I felt blood dripping from my face and we all stopped and White Cloud cleaned up my face again and put some liquid bandage on the cut. We then all hiked together for the rest of the afternoon. Thank you Wanderers for all your help and concern for my health. When we got to the Hut, the Hut Master came out and helped me and looked to see if He could administer some first aid. The cut looked as good as it could under the circumstances. The Croo is hiking out to pick up some resupply and Indiana and I will hike out with them and they will take us to the hospital. Indiana has a bad cas of trench foot and he is going to get that looked at as well. The Croo is great at Madison Hut. Here at the Hut tonight are The Wanderers, Indiana and Me. Today has really challenged me and I will see what is next for me.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Madison Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

I had some bad leg cramps last night, I think it was from overworking my injured legs. I was able to rub the pain out and get back into my sleeping bag. I slept on one of the tables in the dinning room. The night was quiet with only one snorer. The croo was up at 5 and started to cook breakfast. The Thru Hikers started to stir also. We needed to get packed up and out of the dinning room so they can set up the tables. Indiana and I were to hike out of Madison Hut down the Valley Trail to Rte 16 so the Hut Master John can take us to the hospital. Indiana needed to have all the sores on his feet looked at, He can barely walk. And I need to get my head, chest, knee and thigh injuries. The emergency room was busy like most. I had a catscan of my head looking for brains, I mean looking for broken bones. I had a chest x-ray to see if I had a cracked rib. Well No broken or cracked bones anywhere. I was releived. My face looks awful with my eye starting to go black. My thigh muscle is very sore and is hard to walk on. Indiana has a bacteria infection on his feet from being too wet. I am going home for a few days to recouperate. Indiana will stick around town for a couple of days. It was a reassuring day but it leaves a lot up in the air.