morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-16
From: Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Ram let's Rest
Miles today: 9.9

Ok, what an interesting day...20:20All of a sudden, at 8 am, Scrubs and Manx got up, dressed, PA med up and hiked out. The rain had stopped for the most part and they had to get to Glencliff cause Manx was out of food. I tried to give him some food yesterday; he said he had plenty.Anyway, they were up and moving out so I started making preparations to leave as well. As I said, it wasn't raining. It started raining soon after Mark Trail, who had shown up about 20:30 last night, and I left. It rained almost all day. The hiking wasn't difficult, partly cause we were talking and trading storied. We stopped at the Hexacube Shelter for lunch; y the time we left there I was shivering: wet, cold and feeling miserable. After about 15 minutes of hiking I was fine - warmed up and moving good. The Trail, for the most part. Was a stream. Water flowing everywhere. Two creeks were so heavy I had to take off my boots and put on my crocs to ford. The first one was scarier than the 2nd even though the 2nd had heavier flowing water.I feel twice: once on rocks coming done Smart Mtn., the scone time was more of a slide. Neither one hurt, thankfully.Saw lots of moose droppings today - still no moose. Did see a cute chipmunk in the shelter at lunch and lots of frogs.Low and behold it stopped raining this afternoon, the sun came out and I was beginning to get dry. We decided to take advAntage of the 'Blink' fliers, get picked-up at VT 25, dinner and a tent spot. Nehemiah we got there it was sunny and beautiful. Got everything hung out to dry; pitched my tent - life was good. We were finishing up dinner and chatting when the rain started back. Most everything is still dry which is goodness. It's drizzling though so who knows what tomorrow will bring. At any rate, I will be in Glencliff.So, I have a spot on my back. I thought it was a bug bite. Today it started really hurting and now it is swollen and very sore from where my pack rides on top of it. I put neosporin on it and took some aspirin - still really hurts. I may need to sees doctor.Blink is a section hiker who owns this property, about 40 acres, with a brother and sister who are in CA. He wants to do the Trail Angel and hostel thins so started Rambler's Rest. Very pretty wooded property. He has a kit hen tent set up, a tent he sleeps in, a visiting tent and a pricy tent. Chip fixed spaghetti with red sauce for dinner. They had beers! Chips wife and 2 sons showed up: Cheryl, Quinn and Phaedras. They live in an intentional community aka a commune - 16x16 cabin with a sleeping loft; no electricity or indoor water. Their children are 'know' schools. Very interesting individuals.Very interesting evening.Glad to be in my tent.Tonight I'm grateful for the sunshine we had today.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-17
From: Rambler's Rest

To: Glencliff - Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Finally made it to Glencliff. What a long, hard day. I had a difficult time falling asleep last night cause my back hurt so badly. Finally did sleep only to wake at 12:53 am - hungry and I had to use the privy. I ate a zone bar, went to the privy and then read for a good while. Fell back to sleep and woke at my usuL time - about 5:23. It was foggy and misty but no more rain. My back was really sore and I figures it would be difficult to carry my pack/Chip fixed us omelets with homemade green pepper/onion relish - really good; bacon and pancakes. Good breakfast. Then Blink (Jason) took us back to the Trail. I managed to walk maybe half a mile before I was almost in tears from the pain. Mark Trail took my tent and food bag and we wrapped moleskin, a fleece cap and a bandage on my back. That helped releave some pressure. It was very slow going. I was sweating then cold in turns. Whatever this is on my back is an infection. We stopped by the awarren roadside to dry our gear and hiker Dan, aka Sinster Pope, said his wife was picking him up and offered a ride. I really wanted to go and see a doc but I wanted to hike to Glencliff more so we took off.Not a bad wLk up Mist Mountain where we stopped for lunch and then hiked on. Not sure exactly what time we got to the Glencliff road but I seriously thought I was going to cry for joy.Miss Janet is here - she got us settled, looked at my back and sent me for a shower. I got clean, got my box from the PO and started laundry. We all went to Lincoln, including Old Crow, where indropped a huge food box. I'll pick up some stuff in two days and forward the rest probably to Andover. We had dinner: Ms Janet, Old Crow, Moses, Sparky and MT; then the grocery and we're finally back at the hostel.My back is seriously hurting. Looking forward to seeing the doc tomorrow. The plan is to slack pack back SoBo over Moosilauke and be at the hostel again tomorrow night.Please Lord, don't let this back thing be serious.Tonight I'm grateful for MT being a Trail Angel and helping me carry my gear; not sure how I would have made it alone.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-19
From: Glencliff - Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Eliza Brook
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: few clouds

Sometimes I just have to stop and ask myself - what is the lesson I'm suppose to be leRning from this.Today was one of those days.I woke up feeling good. I slept soundly through the night; my back felt so much better. I was ready to get on with my hike.I managed to get 'a' pharmacy card # from G to use at Rite Aid and Ms. Janet was kind enough to drive me back over there. Of course the number I had was not my #. The pharmacist was super, she said she would call and figure it out but it might take a little whe. So, I took Ms. J and MT to breakfast for all their assistance. Sure enough. When we returned, she had the info and my scripts were filled. She even gave me the number so I have it just in case I need it again in the next 30 days. We stopped by the deli for sandwiches and finally made it to the Trail.My goodness. Mt. Wolf is one steep up! Whew! It didnt take long for my good feelings to start waning. Because I'm attempting to keep the pack weight off the infected area I am carrying the weight higher which is causing my shoulders and lower back to hurt. I tried several adjustments without finding anything that felt better. I reminded myself several times that I wanted to do this. I admit to shedding a few tears in frustration during the day. The mountains are so beautiful.I've hiked nearly 1800 miles to see and experience this section and I feel crappy.I should have taken more breaks. Reality is, I should have slacked today. Bottom line, I made it and I'll survive. I'm praying that as the next couple of days go by the antibiotic will clear the infection and I'll be out of pain.Got to say, the Whites are tough. Straight ups, no switchbacks. Big boulders I look at and think 'ha', how in the world? And then figure it out. I keep tellingyself I'll have buns of steel when this over. It's the first time I've really felt the climbs in my legs. Not sore, just can tell they have been used.Couple of glimpses of views but no area to just stand in awe and look at the surrounding mountains. The woods are beautiful with hardwoods and evergreen trees, moss and purple mushrooms - very unique. Still lots of rocks, boulders, roots and mucky places. There was one spot with a board wLk over what looked to be mud but when input my pole into it to get some leverage it sinkand never hit bottom. That's kind of scary one spot was songluey I hD my boot almost pulled off.Now that I'm settled in my tent at Eliza Brook I feel ok. Tired,'achy but ok. If I could slack I could do bigger miles. That isn't happening.I was suppose to call G back but I lost phone service and haven't been able to get any back even for texting. I'm sorry Sweetie!Bunch of folks at the shelter tonight; all the bottleneck in Hanover from the rain is coming through - the big bubble: Flaco, Spit Walker, 3 Beards, 4 section hikers, and one other I can't recall.So, I still don't have the answer to what is the lesson to be learned from this day.Tonight I'm grateful to have made the hike and be settled in my tent.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-20
From: Eliza Brook

To: Lincoln - Chet's Hostel
Miles today: 9.0

Gracious goodness! Seriously, I look at some of the rocks/boulders and just laugh. I have to literally stand there and think about how to climb up or down.Went over South and North Kinsman Mountains - up to Bout 4300'. Amazing views and the woods are gorgeous: evergreens, moss, streams, cascades and sunshine.Harrington Pond was a surprise about 3400' up the South Kinsman. I was hoping to spot a moose there. Not yet!Literally dozens of people day hiking: about 10 students from Harvard; 14 from a local hiking clun who gVe us Trail Magic - thanks! And several large family groups. Aces and Trump were SoBo slacking and gVe us sodas, grapes and cherries - really nice!Saw my first Hut today. Lonesome Lake. Neat. Very rustic. Lots of families. Can't believe they pay $100+ to spend the night. Some hikers were swimming in the lake, beautiful with an amazing view of Mount Washington. With this sore on my back I didn't think it was a good idea.Tonight I'm at Chet's Hostel in Lincoln. Great guy, lots of bunk, floor and tenting space. Laundry, showers and wLking distance to town for resupply and restaurants including Udderly Delicious where I had 3 scoops (black raspberry, maple walnut and coconut) after spaghetti dinner that Milo cooked at Chet's. Thanks Milo and Catalyst for dinner and Smiley for dessert!Nice evening!So, my back hurts. Smiley, who is a nurse, changed the bandage for me mid-day. He asked a lot of good questions and gave me a couple of suggestions which I will do. It feels a lot better without the pack that's for sure. I'm thinking of taking a zero tomorrow. We shall see.Talked to G today. A kayaking friend of his from Manchester, NH drowned. Very sad.Tori is off to college....go girl! Diane and John are officially empty nesters - we wil try to keep you occupied.Tonight I'm grateful for the Christian music I heard and sang on the way down he mountain. Also for Kairos, hope it went well today.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-21
From: Lincoln - Chet's Hostel

To: Lincoln - Chet's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Note of thanks to my friend Slo Goen for giving me refuge from Hurricane Irene. Whoa would believe the White Mountains National Forest would be closed? And that the closure would be due to a hurricane! No electricity or cell service in the Whites either so I will attempt to get the last 7 days entered.21 August 10:52Ok, now I can relax on my zero day. I walked down to the bagel place earlier for breakfast; sat on the deck, ate my bagel, drank my coffee and read my book. Just enjoyed an hour of normalcy. Or, I should say, I tried to enjoy it. Two former thru-hikers were talking about giving hikers rides and doing Trail Magic; I couldn't help over hearing. Then a very sweet couple I met yesterday, Sue and Dick, who have one of those great teardrop campers, came by and the 5 of us were talking. It was nice.I have to admit to thinking I should be hiking. But, my back needs the rest and it won't hurt my legs to rest either.On my walk back to Chet's I stopped at Rite Aid and the grocery for resupply items as well as fruit for today. I also bought a bottle of Gatorade, mainly for the bottle, cause I lost my bottle crossing the Cascade Brook yesterday. The bridge was out and I lost my bottle attempting to save one of my poles. I did save the pole so the plastic bottle was no biggy.I've sorted food and repacked it for my pack and for sending on to Gorham. I'll do that in the morning before getting back on the Trail. I will carry just 3 days worth. I'm hoping to get Work For Stay (WFS) at the huts and then I'll figure out how to resupply if necessary.All is good. I'm going to read my book, relax, nap and maybe see a movie this afternoon.20:00It's late and I'm tired. A younger crowd in to ichthyornis with music and lots of activity. I was enjoying my quiet day. Nice day. I read my book and layer around till about 13:00 then walked up to the movie theatre to see 'The Help'. It was really good. Felt so normal to be there.It rains really hard late this afternoon and has continue to rain all evening. I'm certainly glad to be warm and dry!Miss Janet came by and she will be back tomorrow; I may get a ride with her. There is also a $5 shuttle. Either way, I'm not going till the rain stops.Today I'm thankful for being out of the rain.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-22
From: Lincoln - Chet's Hostel

To: Garfield Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Franconia Ridge - oh my gracious goodness! Never in my life have I experienced anything as awesome and exhilarating. The 2 miles on the Ridge, above treeline, was windy. Gust 35 - 50'mph. I could see for at least 100 miles: mountains, towns, lakes - everything. The wind gusts were unbelievable - twice I was blown against the rocks and several times I had to just plant my poles to keep from being blown over. I learned quickly to have one pole planted at wall times. My nose was running constantly; sometimes the wind would just blow away the wet. I had on my long-sleeve shirt over my sleeveless top, gloves and my hat. I was fine as long as I was moving. Originally I thought I'd have lunch on the Ridge, however, there were no wind breaks as there were on Moosilauke so it ended up being almost 15:00 before I ate. I was starving.The hike itself was good. Big, steep up with no switch backs but it was ok. Once on the Ridge there were several big bumps - windswept, no trees, just Alpine vegetation which amounts to very low growing ground cover and grasses. Lots of water available due to the recent rain. No rain today, Thank You, Lord! Watching that storm move across the mountains, from the Ridge, was amazing. It just danced all around the Ridge caught but the other mountain peaks.I took a wrong trail off the Ridge thinking the Greenleaf Hut was on the way I probably went half mile before realizing. Ah, not that big a deal. I could have used that energy at the end of the day though. The climb up Mt. Garfield was tough. Made it to the shelter , where they charge $8 per person and am all settled. Had one of my dinners I packed back in March - it was good.Hippy Kippy, Spit Walker, Truckin and Poncho are here. Suppose to be in the 20s tonight, so glad I have my winter gear.Tonight I'm thankful for no rain today and the awesome views from the Ridge.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-23
From: Garfield Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

Awesome day! Amazing views, great weather and I was able to do 14.5 miles (don't tell anyone the the last 4 were basically flat!). Less than 350 miles to go. Whooo...slow them horsesIt was chilly last night; the caretaker said it would be in the 20s with the wind chill factor. Luckily I was in the part of the shelter that had a front wall. I was comfortable. Tonight maybe different - this is a basic 3 sided shelter with a hole in the floor. It's not as high up as Garfield and not suppose to be as cold.The climb out of Garfiemup South Twin Mountain was very interesting. The first part was a real challenge as the Trail and a waterfall shared the same space. Hippy Kippy and I were walking together and he asked me if I was sure we were on the AT. I said, 'yep, the Blaze is right here!'.Stopped by the Galehead Hur to get leftovers from breakfast. Today it was pumpkin pancakes. Kind of crude how its done but it's free to thru-hikers...just a plater of pancakes on the counter. You take them in your hand and eat, like a cookie; no plates, napkins, nothing. They were good.The actual climb up South Twin was steep but not as bad as some folds has lead me to believe. The views at the top were breath taking: almost 360 of mountain ranges. I could have sat for hours in awe and watching the clouds move. Mt. Guyot was similar views.The weather was nice, too, sunny with a nice breeze. There were clouds that moved through but no rain. Thanks again, Lord!Met SoBos Carnegie and Toast; also met some 207 thru-hikers: Sunshine with her husband and dog. I've forgotten their names, so sorry! HK really wanted to stay at Zealand Hut. He isn't feeling well - has a stomach thing that's been going on for several days. We got there before 3pm and I decided to hike on - it was only 5 more flat miles to Erhan Pond shelter which is where I am. Those were probably the flatest lies since the Shenandoahs. I made it in 2 hours; the last 1.5 was rocky and mucky and just plain wet.Very few people here. I was going to tent but only wooden affirms are available and I don't have ropes to tie off the ends so I'm in the shelter. Spit Walker and Poncho showed up.Today I'm thankful for the beautiful weather and awesome views.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-24
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Emotional day! Awesome views and heart-stopping climbs. Some of them were hard for me physically and mentally. I made it.I got out at a decent time, shortly before 7am. I made such a stupid mistake -Started solving 'world problems' before I was settled in the Trail. Every evening when I turn into a shelter area I make note of which way I turned so I am certain to turn the correct way in the morning to hike: left in/ left out or right in/ right out. I knew it was left out this morning but I turned right. I walked 2.5 miles SoBo before I realized my mistake. So, 5 miles that I needed at the end of the day to make it to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. I'm sad not to stay there. The good news is I'm doing WFS at Mizpah. I bought a slice of quiche and one of pumpkin pie to hold me till dinner. Very good! I was hungry.My knees and feet hurt. A few days of big rock scrambles certainly take their toll.Everything everyone said to me about the Whites is true: awesome views, steep climbs and decents, rock scrambles. The views from Webster Cliffs were breath-taking, so were the climbs; had an absolutely clear view of Mt. Washington with no cloud covet! I could see layers and layers of mountains in every direction. I had lunch on he first section of big flat rock. Another one of those days that make me wonder what everyone else is doing for lunch.My water bottle dropped out during of the huge boulder climbs. Luckily two of some section hikers from GA were behind me and carried it up to me - thanks guys! Some of these climbs I have to do on all 4s; some were hand over feet and some of the decents I did backwards - easing myself down - it's just easier and I don't need to look at the long down. Falling down those rocks scares me silly.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-25
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: fog

As the saying goes, 'be careful what you ask for, for surely you will get it'. I really wanted to stay at the Lakes Hut and was disappointed, and frustrated, yesterday when I stopped at Mizpah. Well, I'm at Lakes today. Another forced nero. After walking from Mizpah, where we were told thunderstorms were in the forecast, I checked in at Lakes and was told the same thing - chance of storms due to hit right around 14:30 which would be about when I would hit the summit. I talked to the Hutmaster about options - WFS or $10 for dungeon. He said hs would WFS and because it was early not to tell anyone. I said 'mums the word' and hung out for the day. Truckin and Sherpa showed up about an hour later, they got WFS. Interesting cause Lumiere and Ruffles asked and didn't get it; they were here before me and didn't Sk. They headed out to Mt. W and were back, soaked, within the hour. The hutmaster gave them WFS. Spit Walker came in too, he paid to stay another night in the dungeon. Apparently there were 14 or so hikers here last nigt, the hutmaster was concerned the numbers would be high again. I told him there were 2 behind me and that's all that showed. I washed a lot of dishes but mainly sat around talking; read my book.Finally got cell service and sent G a quick text. I've got very little battery life left and want to take pics tomorrow.I really want pretty weather for Mt. W. Supposedly there is a hurricane headed this wY for Sunday. Lots of rain. Ugh!So, sleeping on the floor of the hut was ok. Not my best night sleep. I was awake off and on all night and up at 5:15 when the cook came down to start breakfast. Good breakfast. I was fueled for the 5 miles and wasn't hngry for my ham sandwich that I prepared from last night's dinner. Looking forward to Mt. W tomorrow.Tonight I'm thankful for being at the Lakes!Heard and saw birds today. Saw grouse and frogs. Oh! Yesterday I saw baby squirrels - so cute.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-26
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.5

Thank You, Lord! I asked and I received. Totally awesome!!It was foggy and rainy when I woke this morning and I was thinking, oh well. It just wasn't meant to be for me to have views from Mt. Washington. Well, it was windy and chilly when I hiked out. I put on my rain jacket and pack cover. Within 30 minutes the fog was blowing odd and then it was totally clear.I has the best hiking dayz the views were breath taking and everything everyone said about taking time to enjoy the Whites was made clear today. I would bet there were times I could see at least a hundred miles. I kept turning around to see the views all around me. So much to see.Washington was amazing. I bought a new bandana that says, 'hiked it, likes it'. Had a chocolate milk and whoopie pie. I even enjoyed the rock scrambles. I'm getting good at them and, I know people say it's like PA, but it feels different to me. The rocks are different.I know the acoustics are different. Several times today I could hear people talking, understand every word said, and not be able to see them. Then way across the valley I would spot people and realize it was them I could hear.I had Trail Magic of a different kind today: Jeff, the Hutmaster at Lakes, wrote a note to the croo at Madison telling them I was 'quality' so they gave me WFS. I knew he had written a note and attached it to a box of juice and asked if I'd deliver it. I didn't know it was about me so I delivered it to Sarah here at Madison and I went to use the restroom and wash up. When I came back I asked her if I needed to talk to her about work for stay and she told me about the note. Way cool. Thanks Jeff!And...I saw a MOOSE! Yea!!She is sort of a resident up here. The summer croo named her Lola. Apparently she us young. They say she is small - she looks huge to me. Very very long knobby legs, long elongated face and big ears. A small hump which reminds me of a camel. She let us get quite close to take pics. I was thrilled. The croo also told me the forest service wildlife expert said she is too high up and probably confused which happens to some young female moose. They ate concerned about the bull moose coming up to find her.Very interesting how families travel from hut-to-hut on their vacations. Some have been doing it for generations. Their kids are certainly much better behaved.And, the White Mountains National Forest is being closed and a mandatory evacuation has been called starting tomorrow at 6pm through Monday due to hurricane Irene. Perfect timing since Slo' Goen is picking me up tomorrow from Pinkham Notch.Tonight I'm thankful for God's blessing of blue skies and perfect weather for me to enjoy all He has created. Even when unasked I couldn't have pictured a day this perfect. Only God can crest this - Praise Him!Hike on!Scribbles