morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: N.H. 16 Pinkham Notch (stayed at M&M's condo)
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

When I went to sleep last night the sky was so clear and the stars so bright. When I woke up you couldn't even see outside the window. The weather was so bad the visibility was hardly nothing. We waited around for awhile but it didn't change so we started on up Mount Madison. When we left the Madison Hut the temperature was 28 with heavy winds and low visibility. I didn't think much of the weather but wasn't scared. I had a deadline and that was all that I was thinking. I need to go in order to get home to my family and make it in time for my class reunion on September the 15th. When we got to the summit of Mount Madison the winds was unreal they blew my rain cover in otter space. They recorded wind gusts at 81 mph and I am sure even colder then 27 degrees wind chill. We was above tree line and I couldn't stand up all the time because the wind would blow me over and you couldn't see passed about 15 feet.   The rain was freezing and stinging as it hit my face. It was the scariest day on the trail I couldn't feel my fingers and when i did they hurt allot.   I would drop my hiking poles because I couldn't hold them with hands I couldn't feel. I even had hand warmers and couldn't feel any heat coming from them.   I feared for my life. My mind kept thinking what do I do next to survive, should I turn around or go on and no way to know which way would get me down in the tree line the fastest. M&M and Pootz was way ahead of us long before we got to the top and we missed the sign at the top telling us to turn a sharp right. We followed the careens straight which was another trail. We came down in the tree line not to long after that and I believe the Lord lead me that way because when I went back up the sign was very clear and I had to have walked right beside it but yet I didn't see it neither did 3 other people near me. When we got down in the tree line we was trying to figure out if we was on the A.T. and when we discovered we wasn't no way was I going back up in that weather so we went on down and hitched in to where M&M's car was parked. We went back on Tuesday to redo the 5 miles we missed on the trail but I counted it in todays journal and not in Tuesdays. We couldn't do it tomorrow because we have reservations at a hut tonight.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: N.H. 16 Pinkham Notch (stayed at M&M's condo)

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

The wildcat was named because when you look up at it - you see a cat lying down. It was a hard climb but a short day. The hut is small and the tables are crowded. The bunkhouses are separate and smaller than the other huts we seen.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

I run out of water today. I might have run out of water 2 times this whole trip so that is not normal or pleasant. When we got back to M&M's we was tired and ordered Pizza. Tomorrow we have to go back and hike up Madison to get the miles we missed when we came back down the wrong way and I am not looking forward to that extra miles. After that I will be saying bye to my friends.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Gorham NH

To: Trident Col Tentsite
Miles today: 6.9

I climbed back up Mount Madison (not counted in todays mileage because I counted it the other day) and down the AT so not to miss a single white blaze. Evil eye run ahead of me and when I got to the end he had left to go to the Post Office. I couldn't understand why he didn't wait because I had to go to the Post Office also and it put me behind because I was hiking on today by myself. I was late getting to the trail waiting on my ride to get back from the Post Office so I had to hike in the dark. Which was bad enough but close by I could hear a pack of coyotes. After awhile I got tired and yelled at them and they stopped making noises for awhile at least. When I got to the camp Salam and Sublime was camping there. They was already camping and in bed. I set up and did my camp chores. Hardest part of today was saying bye to my friends. To way Evil Eye said bye almost felt as if he will not miss me, but I will miss all of them.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Trident Col Tentsite

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Hard day hiking. My lighter didn't work so I borrowed one from a friend at camp for my breakfast. But I wasn't around anyone for lunch do I didn't have any lunch. I passed a hiker going into town later in the day and he give me a lighter. I was crossing a bog bridge today and when I stepped on it the water rushed over it and my foot getting it wet. Learned to test them to see if they sink the hard way I guess.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Grafton Notch ME 26
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Salaam was at the tent same shelter tenting also so I asked if he minded going through the Mahoosuc notch with me because I was afraid to go through it alone. Wow did that dead moose smell. I called to see if the Cabin would come pick us up at the Notch ME 26 but they would not come that late and we could not get there any faster than 8 p.m. So I called Pine Ellis Hostel and they came and got us and I left my hiking poles at the sign accidentally. I hope they are still there when I get back in the morning. A lot of people are slack packing this section but I can't because I need to pull more miles than I can slack packing. The roads are about 10 miles apart and I need to at least do 15 mile days to meet Randy and get home for my class reunion. David who owns the Pine Ellis Hostel fixed us supper because there was no place to buy supper that late nearby. It was a nice place to stay.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Grafton Notch ME 26

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

I seen a moose and her calf right as we got back to the trail. I am very glad my hiking poles was still there when I got back to the trail this morning where I left them last night. It was a stressful day dealing with my mail drop, I had mailed a drop to the cabin but when they didn't pick me up I had to figure out how to get it because it had my medication inside. This is the first real problem I have had with a mail drop and would still recommend anyone to use the mail drop system.   It rained just as i got to the shelter so I stayed inside the shelter which is the first time since maybe PA I slept inside a shelter. I was alone in the shelter but there was one tent there. The wet rocks and roots was bad and I fell twice. I am very home sick today.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Hall Mountain Lean-to

To: Bemis Stream - Tenting Site 
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

I hope my 20 year class reunion is worth rushing home for because my push for miles today got me caught in a lighting and thunder storm. Because it started raining near the end of the day and I had to take time to put on my rain gear and the rain making every root and rock like ice it slowed me down. Making my last half hour walking in a lighting storm in the dark going down some rough rocks. I fell once sliding down a slick rock face about 10 foot. Like sliding down a rough water slide with only enough water to make it slick. When I got to the campsite it was dark and wet. The site was nice and would have been a great spot if the weather was better. I camped alone and the camp spot was not real close to the water so I had to walk in the dark and rain to get water and bring it back to camp. This was one of those days I cried from being home sick, having a scary hike at the end with the lighting storm and the fall. I really did not want to camp alone after a hard day physically and emotionally.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Bemis Stream - Tenting Site 

To: ME4 Rangeley ME
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After a few days traveling in wet shoes my feet was hurting feeling as if my skin was removed. I went into Rangeley debating on staying or just going to the laundry mat to dry my shoes before going back on the trail. As my stuff was in the washer I hitched a ride to the supermarket for resupple. I opted to stay at a hostel and head out in the morning. The girl at the laundrymat drove me out to the hostel. I was more than happy to be wearing dry shoes.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Perham Stream Tenting near Road

To: ME 27 Stratton ME
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Kewi hiked with me today. The conversation was nice as I have walked alone for days. We only passed 4 day hikers and no thru hikers. Alot of the people we know are still in town. We went accross the road to eat and met alot of hikers.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: ME 27 Stratton ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

We had breakfast in the cafe. Putting us alitte later starting than everyone else at the motel. The Bigelow's was one of the BEST Views on the trail. I enjoyed my day alot. I passed the 2000 mark today in the dark but made it to the Little Bigelow Lean-to. Randy, Dad and Mom left Kentucky today to come help me get to the end and I cant wait to see them.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Kennebec River
Miles today: 20.9

Started out a nice day. Then as we started around a pond in started thundering. After putting on my pack cover the rain came acompanied by lighting and winds. The trees was making cracking sounds and you didnt know if one was going to fall at anytime. After the rain it was very slick - Maine has alot of roots that are like ice when wet. We was traveling fast trying to get to the ferry before 4:30 and it was a 21 mile hike. I fell and cut my hand really bad. I broke my Leki pole on the fall. I think I needed stitches but I just took my pack off and poured water over the cut attempting to wash the dirt out which wasnt possiable. I wraped a bandana around it and hiked on to try to get to the ferry. I figured I could get it looked out if I got to town. Kewi went on ahead to try to catch the ferry and give me time to get there as I was sore from my fall and couldn't travel as fast. I came up over a hill and Kewi was laying at the bottom. I yelled and asked if he was ok he said he thinks so but he started his fall from the top where I was standing. we slowed down at that point. We missed the ferry by a hour. After setting up camp near the River I cleaned my hand half way and put a band aid on and cooked supper. It was nasty and rainy and I wanted so bad to be on the other side of the river because I knew my family was over there somewhere.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Kennebec River

To: Woods Road
Miles today: 12.2

I was up and packed when the ferry started this morning. I could see Randy at the other side as we paddled across. I was so HAPPY to see my FAMILY. We took Kewi to the motel and all of us had Breakfast. Then Mom and Dad dropped me and Randy off to hike for the day.   They picked us up at a Road Crossing and we went to the motel for the night. I missed them so much.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Woods Road

To: ME15 - Monson ME
Miles today: 24.9

Randy walked with me today. For you who dont know 25 miles isnt a easy day. Randy did great but it kicked his butt. It was no cake walk for me and I have walked 2000 miles. It was slick and muddy. But the views was great today and it was so nice having Randy with me today.
Date: 2007-09-02
From: ME15 - Monson ME

To: Logging Road
Miles today: 11.0

We drove out to find the logging road to pick me up that evening before I started hiking. We was driving a 4 door car and went up roads you would take a Jeep up but my Dad didnt give up until he found a place to pick me up. Who said you cant slack pack the 100 mile wilderness? lol After yesterday I needed some low miles today and Randy took the day off to recover. I walked alone and was slow today. Feeling the end was near and not sure if I was happy or sad about that change in my life. I do miss home but this is a very simple life. Not a easy one by any means just simple. Randy walked into the Railroad track and met me. We went out for Pizza when they picked me up and then back to the motel for a shower. I will say one thing its nice to get a shower every evening.
Date: 2007-09-04
From: Woods Road

To: Katahin Ironworks Logging Rd
Miles today: 21.7

I left early hoping to put in a short day and relaxing at the motel. Its right now 9 pm and i am at Kokadjo B Pond Road. My mom planed a slack pack from a Woods Road to B Inlet Logging Rd around 15 miles. I said pick me up at 4 pm but it was a hard climb and I didnt make it to the road until 6pm. After climbing Gulf Hagas Mtn (2680'), Hay mtn (3245') and White Cap Mtn (3654') I was tired. When I got to the road no one was there to pick me up and I didnt have much gear with me and it was getting chilly. I looked at the map and thought maybe they was on the next road which was almost 7 miles over another mountian. I had no choice but to go on so I left a note and hiked on over the mountian in the dark. I had no sleeping bag or tent with me and very little food. I had no extra clothes only my rain jacket and my jacket which I put on that morning. My mom was doing my laundry that day so I was only wearing my long johns. It is 40 degrees. I have layed out everything and had with me a lighter so I built a fire and I used my pack over to put over my legs and put on my rain jacket. Update from motel:At about 11:00 pm a truck come barreling up the road with my family in there car behind them. What happened was the logging company took the bridge out and my family couldnt get to me as planed. Randy found someone from the logging company to drive him around back roads for about 3 hours until they got in and found my note. Then they had to come out and back in another way to get me on that road. By that time it was passed 11 pm. I would have survived with my fire that wasnt legal to build but I had to have it to survive. It seamed to have taken me all night to get warm again.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Jo-Mary Rd

To: Woods Road
Miles today: 19.8

After two high mileage days in a row I was starting to feel the pain. I hiked alone today and run into 2 old friends; Tony the Tiger and koapelle (not sure how to spell her name). They were doing a flip flop. I was pumping water when they come by I was so happy to see them. Sublime found my coat and I am trying to catch him by the road to get it by sending my family to wait on it each day. They are also doing trail magic. Which I am sure is very well received being as we are in the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Woods Road

To: Golden Road aka Greenville-Millinocket Rd
Miles today: 10.1

Randy and Dad dropped me off and drove over to wait on Sublime in hopes of getting my jacket. Today¢s hike was nice and I spent most of today dreaming about my daughter's wedding which I will be planning on my return. When I got to the campground no one was there yet to pick me up. Less than 5 minutes passed before they arrived but they still didn¢t have a coat. Amazed I walked 55 miles and sublime hadn¢t came 20 to the road I was trying to catch him to get the jacket. So in one last attempt we went back up to the road which I might add is gravel and about one hour driving each way. I really wanted the jacket in my summit because I had it on the day I started. We got there at 3 pm and I asked to at least wait until 5 pm. Around 4:30 I got out and just walked up the trail hoping with everything to see my friends with my jacket. Then they appeared I was one happy hiker.
Date: 2007-09-09
From: Golden Road aka Greenville-Millinocket Rd

To: Katahin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today was my last day. Randy and I got dropped off at 7:30 am to start the 5 mile journey to finish what I started 5 months and 4 day earlier. This was like the mountains in the whites with allot of physical climbing. I think Randy had no idea what the trail can give you because one time after climbing up a hard to climb rock he said -- I think you are the toughest girl I have ever known and I had no idea how hard this was to climb. When I got to the top I really didn¢t feel any over whelming achievement I just felt tired and a little relieved to have completed the journey. I know as it sinks in I will go though allot more emotions. I just wanted to get down past the rock climbing part before the rain moved in. I know how hard it is without rain and it¢s twice as bad in the rain especially above the tree line. The best part of the day was when Randy told me on my way down he was proud of me. I brought me small pine tree to plant at home to remember this day forever. We are driving part of the way back to Kentucky tonight. Someone said I would be a different person when I return, I didn¢t really think so then. Today I know I am different. I have less fear; I know more the importance of the people in my life. I know I have the power to achieve about anything I want if I am willing to work hard and put my fears aside. I am very close to the Lord. Some days the whole day was spent with me talking to him with little to distract me. Speaking of distractions one of the best things on the trail that I am going to bring into my life is the lack of drama. It will be the one thing the people around me will see the most. I am going to set that as my first order of business in my life. With my family, friends and church I am going to avoid all drama so if you want to be avoided then start adding drama in my life.
Date: 2007-09-10
From: Katahin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My dream had never faded and my desire to fill this dream had never left my soul. A lot has changed since I first started this idea, but one thing stayed the same, I was sure I was not going to SET OUT THIS DANCE. To prepare for this dream in August 2005 I had gastric bypass surgery and lost over 100 pounds.   Then this year in a two hour decision I gave a two week notice at work and left my family and friends to pursue a dream, and DANCE MY DANCE. I left Springer Georgia on April 5th and many life changing miles later I returned home a different lady. On my journey I met some wonderful people and seen some of the most beautiful country God has ever made. My walk was at times hard making me stronger everyday. It was spirit felt as the Lord carried me when I couldn¢t make it and he saved me when I was in danger. When I left Georgia I was scared to be alone, but when I arrived in Maine I was walking in the dark alone without one concern. At home I depended on everyone around me to do things. Picture a southern lady having the men in her life doing all the things a man normally do like changing light bulbs and taking the trash out for her; then going out in the world of nature alone and doing everything herself. That was what this was like for me, my coming out party per say.   My family was very supportive and visited me many times. The most interesting part about the people I met along the trail was that there is no social class on the trail. This was the only time in my life I seen that in a group of people. The most beautiful state was New Hampshire in the White Mountains. Over the first part of my trail the way everyone talked about this part of the trail I actually feared hiking them. It turned out to be harder than other parts of the trail but it paid off in views. This had made me a different person. I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me the opportunity to fulfill my dream.
Date: 2007-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am starting my Thru-Hike on March 31,which has been a dream of mine for several years. Although it has taken me 54 years to get here, I have had a wonderful journey to get to this point. Blessed with a wonderful supportive family, I hope you will enjoy reading about my preparation for the AT.In 2006, after teaching elementary school children Physical Education for 25 years in Wolfeboro, NH, I have retired. Besides coaching the "Hot Peppers" Jump Rope Club and the One Wheel Wonders Unicycle Club, I coordinated the intergenerational Boston Marathon Walking program. As my Master's thesis, I trained 29 non-runners(named the Wolfeboro Loonatics) to complete their first Marathon, which included my husband, son and myself. Two different times, I requested the opportunity to leave school for the spring quarter, to start a Thru-Hike in the spring. Although these opportunities did not occur, it did not squelch my desire to Thru-Hike the AT. 2007 appears to be the "right time" as my 4 sons are out of the nest and having exciting lives teaching and in the military. My first long hike was is 1996 at Philmont Scout Reservation with Troop 165 including my four Eagle Scout sons.
Date: 2007-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My inspiration:In 2003, my son, Kevin (AKA Tucker)started his Thru Hike the day after his last final exam of his junior year(May 15) at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. He completed the Trail(August 29)the day before he had to return to Hamilton for his senior year. It took him 3 1/2 months! My husband, Richard and I mailed him drops, slack packed for him during the Tri-State challenge, and enjoyed being Trail Angels for 2 weeks. I am fortunate to have inherited Kevin's light weight equipment, while he is teaching English in Seoul, Korea. I learned a lot from his wonderful experience.
Date: 2007-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I hiked the Long Trail in July 2004 in 24 days, from MA to Quebec. I got my trail name here, as I was trying to catch up to my friend,Asta.This photo was taken on my last day on the summit of Jay's Peak. Who would have known that 15 minutes later I would take a bad fall down a steep rocky section fearing my arm had been broken. A challenge ensued with no hiking partner, no cell connection and a husband waiting to pick me up in Quebec. Later, getting connection on a ski trail, Richard picked me up and we went to the hospital. I had not broken my arm but it needed a month to recover. I returned to the trail to complete the last 10 miles. That fall, I took SOLO Wilderness First Aid course. I look forward to you signing my guestbook.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Kokopelli and I signed the hiker registry at Amicalola State Park as # 404 and #405. My pack weighed 34 and hers weighed 26 lbs. After hiking .9 to the summit of Springer Mt, the statistician recorded us as #488 and #489, as not everyone signs in at the State Park. We then hiked to Hawk Mt Shelter, 7.6 miles to spend the night at the shelter with about 12 others arriving about 4. We have met Thru Hikers form ME,TN,SC,GA and have some interesting Trailnames like Just Jack, AT 70,Smart and Smarter, Midget Momma, MiLiCri (Mid Life Crisis) et al. Today the weather was perfect ranging from 69-72.The trees are budding and small flowers are in bloom trailside. We crossed a couple of bridges and saw waterfalls. The Trail was easy to moderate today, it was a perfect start with Kokopelli to hike with.One wild turkey was seen.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Kokopelli and I started out in the fog and mist at 8:15 am. We would have started earlier, but it was too dark. At mile 3 Kokopelli realizes she had forgotten her tent. I told her not to worry, that one of the boys would bring it along. She was about in tears. As predicted, I AM NOT came along with her tent, and all was good. The weather got rainier and rainier, though eventually the visability improved. We arrived at Gooch Shelter at 1:30. We wanted to hike further,but it was raining so hard and Kokopelli's pack was making her back sore and she has had a few foot issues. So, naturally the rain stopped just after we got everything unpacked and settled, knowing we have over 15 miles tomorrow.My body is going strong and I am just "LOVING IT". All the hikers are just great and the community bond is better than I could ever imagine. PS. Allready ran out of toilet paper