morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Gorham

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Slept in today, and I didn¢t feel bad except for the back of my knees were painful. I¢m sure it had to do with the pounding my feet and knees took yesterday. ¢Thank God for those trekking poles !!!!!.¢ It¢s a O today and Navi drove over from the girls camp and she got here around lunch time so we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant and had the buffet. We talked about our adventures, especially yesterdays. We could laugh about it now, but it wasn¢t funny at the time. My time with Navi would be short because she has to go back to camp today so we planned my hike for the next week and when we could meet again. It will really be nice when Navi is done with camp and we can spend more time together. That will be less than two weeks. Two Step wasn¢t happy about planning his trip back home, but it was something he had to do. Navi headed back to the camp, and Two Step and I relaxed the rest of the day and spent time talking with other at the hostel. A hiker by the name Cats Pa was there whom I met at the Hiker Hostel in Georgia. This man has hiked all over the world. Then there was the hiker, Moat, also from the Hiker Hostel. Before I knew it, the day was over, but not before I got to go into the Jacuzzi to relax. What a wonderful ending to the day.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Gorham

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Two Step and I had breakfast together here at Paradise Hostel before he has to catch his bus to Manchester NH for his flight home. We talked about some of the great times we had ,and the wonderful people we met along the way. More to add to our trail families. I really enjoyed having him with me for the five weeks and the adventures that went with it. One of the funniest things that happened was the time when we were going threw this wet and boggy area when I was in the lead and I turned around just in time to see Two Step slip and fall flat on his fast. The funny part was that he yelled and then laughed the rest of the way down. I asked if he was okay and all we could do is about how graceful he was going down. That moment is forever planted in my mind. It was a sad moment to watch get on the bus but I know it was something he had to do. I will miss him. Now I have to concentrate on the rest of my hike, about 320miles to go.I forgot to make an entry about my brother in law whom about 10 days ago, had a heart transplant, actually it was on July 22nd. He had a massive heart attack this Christmas past and had a device implanted that pumped the blood to his heart that was operated by batteries, it¢s called a VAD, Ventricular Assistive Devise. We joke with him and call him the Eveready Bunny, because he has to carry his batteries where ever he goes. He is so lucky to be in this day and age. He was on the device for about six months, and on April 6th, his wife had a baby, a boy. So his life has been anything but dull. I am so happy for him and his family. I talked to him just the other day and told him the next 320 miles is dedicated him. It is so amazing to think how our lives can change from one day to another. So to everyone I say , ¢Treasure every moment you have on this earth, You are never promised tomorrow¢.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Gorham

To: Carter Notch hut
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: 0

I couldn¢t believe it was August when I woke up this morning. After today I only have about 300miles to go. I originally planned to take two months for this hike, so it will be pretty close. My plan from this point on is to really take my time and enjoy what time I have left on my journey. This morning I had breakfast with Cats Pa before catching my bus for Pinkham Notch. Cats Pa is a very interesting man who lives to hike everywhere he travels. He has been all over the world hiking. This hike is over for now because he has a problem with his knee and is headed back to California to rest, and then he will prepare for another hike, and maybe return to the trail next year to finish. He is in great shape for his age, which I think he may be in his early seventies, and he can still do 30mile days. Navi and I met him at the Hiker Hostel earlier this year. I saw Doc Jones and Snake Bait as they were leaving the hotel. They said they haven¢t seen the Jukebox Girls since the Lake of the Clouds. I really wonder how they made out. I will have to try and contact them once my hike is over. Today is a short day at 4.9miles and an elevation gain of about 2,300ft The views were great as I made my way up to Wildcat A . At about half way up the trail got a little confusing because the blazes were so far apart, and at one point I had to backtrack to make sure I was still on the trail. Some blazes were about a half mile apart. I¢m sure glad I didn¢t get the bad weather they were forecasting for today. I took a few breaks as I got closer to the hut, and that was okay because I was in know rush, I was having a good time. I met a few other day hikers on the way up Wildcat Mt and chatted for a little while. As I made my way down to the hut I stopped for a drink of water at a spring that had some of the coldest and tastiest water I¢ve had on the trail so far. I sat there and drank almost 2qts before I continued to the hut, which is the last hut in the Whites. This hut was different because you had to have your own food to cook, and still paid $25.00 for the stay. I got to stay in bunkhouse 1, all by myself, and in bunkhouse 2 there was a group of women hikers all 60 years old or older. I met one of them at the hut and she told me that 8 them meet once a year to go hiking somewhere. I think that is so cool. That¢s a great way for them to stay young and fit. They were having a great time. I took some time to walk down to a small pond about 100 yards from the hut to relax and soak my feet. What a perfect ending to a day. Another easy day tomorrow with only 7.2 miles to the Imp campsite.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Carter Notch hut

To: Imp shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: 0

. The views from the bunkhouse yesterday were wonderful and I got some great pictures of Carter Dome at 4,832ft. We had a tremendous storm last night but I slept fine because I wore my earplugs. ¢ I never leave home without them.¢ Ha!!!! The rain stopped long enough for me to get packed up and head to the hut at around 6 am. Just as I was finishing breakfast, another round of heavy rain rolled in so I hung out till I could hear the weather report at 7am from the ranger station. If I had awakened earlier as I normally do, I would have been out in this storm. At I slept in till 5.15am, good thing. The report came in and it said that the wind on top of Mt. Washington was gusting at 97mph, and they got about 5 inches of rain with no improvement in sight for today. The forecast for 4,000ft and above was heavy rain, and winds gusting at 60mph and above all day. I decided to leave when it stopped raining, and it turned out to be the right decision. I hiked alone all day and didn¢t see anyone till the end of the day. Then I came upon three north bounders heading south for the day, and then I ran into a boy scout troop. I stopped at Zeta Pass for a break and then again at North Carter Mtn at 4,539ft. I arrived at the shelter at 1:30 and felt pretty good. My feet still hurt but I¢m thinking it¢s my boots that are the problem. I settled in for the day and called Navi at camp and she said the temp there is at 100 degrees. I told her it was cool here because of the weather. After I talked to her for a little while, it started raining in buckets again, so I was lucky to get here when I did. I guess I¢ll get some journaling done, eat, and just relax for the rest of the day. Hope the weather clears. Only 8 miles to Gorham tomorrow. Got the shelter to myself.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Imp shelter

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 8.0

Had a good night and had company before the end of the night. Two young men were out with a group of 12 year olds form a boys camp in Vermont. They got caught in the thunderstorms that came threw yesterday afternoon and I can¢t imagine that they didn¢t get soaked to the bone. It is their first day of a four day outing. I was on the trail by 6:10am and have only one climb to Mt. Moriah at 4,049ft. There might have been some views but once again, it was fogged in. The terrain was pretty good and there were many boardwalks. In a 1mile section, three fourths of it was boardwalk. Another nice thing about this part of the trail is that there was plenty of water. You didn¢t have to carry water if you were doing the weight thing. The temperatures have been mild here, not like the rest of the country with 100+ temps. I talked to Navi last night and she said it was 100 degrees at camp. Hopefully I don¢t have to deal with that any time soon. The last two miles of the trail into Gorham was as wide as a street and not so rocky. I made it to the trailhead by 11am when it had already started to rain. I made my call for the shuttle back to the Paradise Hostel and it took some time for Bruno to show up. By that time I was getting the shivers from getting wet while I waited. Can¢t wait to get in a nice warm shower at the hostel. After relaxing a little, I decided to take a walk to the Duncan Donuts and when I got about 50yards from the hostel I heard someone say, ¢ Hey Ole Man, just walk by without saying Hello!!¢ I turned , and there stood Stumpknocker. It was great to see him again. Earlier this year he fell and broke his arm going down into the NOC. It didn¢t keep him down to long before he was back out doing what he loves to do. It is so amazing to he him here. It seems that everywhere Navi and I travel, Stumpknocker is somewhere near by. He told me he is out here hiking with Mrs. Gorp to keep in shape and it just so happens they were staying right across the street from me. I think they were headed up to Mt. Washington today. Well the rest of the day was relaxing, but it did feel a little strange not to have Two Step out hiking with me. I do miss him. The bright side is that in a couple of days I will be in Maine, the last state, the last border, and the last 281.4 miles to go. As Jackie Gleason would say, ¢ How Sweet It Is!!!!!! .¢
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Gorham NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8

I got a late start this morning because when Mary Ann, Bruno¢s wife gave me a ride to the trailhead, I realized I left my poles sitting on the stairway outside the restaurant. So back we went. ¢ Bummer!.¢ Mary Ann and I had a nice conversation during our ride back and forth from the trailhead. Bruno on the other hand is short on conversation. I had to laugh when I asked him one time what the weather would be like for today, and his reply was, Channel 23. I Thought he didn¢t understand the question, so I asked again, and the reply was the same. ¢Channel 23!!!!.¢ This time he was a little sturn with the reply. So I just had to say, ¢ What the H--- is that?¢ He said, ¢THE WEATHER CHANNEL!!!!.¢ He is kind of a no nonsense, and very quick to the point. Other than that, Bruno is very nice also. I didn¢t get started till 8:30 but it is a beautiful day andmy hike was fun, but trying at times. As I hiked on I noticed the trail was getting very over grown and the blazes were few and far between. There were times the blazes were at least a 14 mile apart and the trail just about disappeared. The AMC needs to take some of that money they make and spend it on trail mantainance at the northern end of the trail,and there are parts that could stand some boardwalks. At one of the many boardwalks I crossed, I took a step and I went up to my knees in mud, then almost lost one of my poles in over three feet of mud. Today I took a few breaks because I do like to meet other hikers passing threw. I made it to Gentain Pond Shelter at 4:30 and with plenty of time to dry out some things. The views here are incredible, and I think the skys are so clear that stars should be awesome to gaze on. One thing I really do enjoy while walking threw the pine forest is to pick off some pine needles, crush them in my fingers, and then smell the fragrance of the pine. There¢s nothing like it. It¢s just fantastic. Can¢t wait for tomorrow, Maine, the last state, the last border, and the last mountain.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite ME
Miles today: 9.6

Woke up to a chilly morning but that is okay because the views from the shelter were fantastic. It doesn¢t get much better than this. The climb up to Mt. Success at 3,565ft, and an elevation gain of about 1,400ft just zapped what little energy I had this morning. I was so happy when I reached the NH - Maine state line at 10:30am. I stopped for a break at Carlo Col Shelter for some water then continued on to Goose Eye Mtn. (east peak ) at 3,790ft. The views from the summit of Goose Eye were just breathtaking. A full 360 and there was a clear view of Mtn. Washington. I stayed on the summit for a little while because I knew I had an early day to Full Goose Shelter. As I descended Goose Eye (north) which was very steep, I have to say I was happily surprised to see the wonderful ladders and wood steps that the MATC crews installed to help the many hikers who use the trail. Thank You So Much. Every time I meet someone who maintains the trail, I thank them for their time and hard work. I think they need to hear hikers say that to them so they know their work is appreciated.When I got to Full Goose Shelter, I went down to the water source to get cleaned up from yesterdays mudfest. Tomorrow is the Mahoosuc Notch, and today I got a pretty good taste of whats to come. At one point I had to slide down a rock on my butt and managed to scrape my knee pretty bad on a boulder, and even drew some blood. This section should be fun and hopefully the weather will be as nice as it was today. A hiker I met yesterday up on Goose Eye by the name Flashback, will also be going threw the Notch tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

It was a little cool this morning when I got started on the Mahoosuc Notch at 7:20.It was a little difficult to negociate some of the slick boulders but I managed to not fall and bust my butt. Flashback and I got started about the same time. I have to say I had a blast navigating the Notch with it¢s up and downs on rocks, the taking the pack off to slither threw an opening to come out the other end to do it all over again. Where else can you go on this trail to have so much fun in one day? The hardest part was the Mahoosuc Arm with climbing to an elevation of 3,770ft. Even with that, I made it threw the Mahoosucs in 1hr. 45 minutes. The weather was perfect for the hike today. I did a long break at Speck Pond Shelter before I continued on to Baldpate Shelter and arrived at 5:30. It was a tuff hike today because the Notch took a lot of energy. I can¢t wait for a 0 at Honey & Bears cabin, and to see Navi again. I think my feet need a break because of my boots which have taken a beating as bad as my feet, all do to rough terrain of these New England states. At the shelter I met a hiker by the name of Roaming Goat from Salt Springs, Florida, which is about 25 - 30miles from where Navi and I use live in Ocala. ¢What a small world we live in!!¢ ¢Man could he talk!¢ Then two girls walked in,one named Nifty and the other named Skunk. Skunk I recognized from the Hiker Hostel where we met. She had a partner then. I started a shakedown with her gear, but Josh finished it because I had another shuttle to do. It was a pleasant surprize to see her doing so well, but she told me she was so ready for this hike to be over. She wanted to go home. I saw many weekend hikers who were heading out of the woods. It is really strange because I¢ve seen more Sobos than Nobos. The last few days I¢ve also been running into the hiker named Flashback who seems to be doing the same pace as me. We keep ending up in the same places at the end of the day. He came from Ohio and started his section hike in Gorham NH and plans to summit Katahdin this year. It¢s been a long day and I¢m looking foreward to Honey and Bear¢s tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Andover ME - The Cabin - Honey & Bear's 
Miles today: 8.0

Woke up this morning to the wind blowing real steady and it was very cloudy . Hope it¢s not blowing in a storm as I do Baldpate this morning.My feet are in more pain than I thought they would be so I cut the boots again to accomadate my hammer toes. ¢If Winton could see these boots now!¢ The Whites really tore them up, but I have to make them last for another 260 miles. I got on the trail at 6am and met Flashback at Baldpate (west) which wasn¢t a bad climb but it was the beginning of many false summits. We continued on to Baldpate (east) that brought us to an elevation of 3,810ft, from an elevation at Grafton Notch of 1,495ft. The wind at this point waas so strong that it nearly knocked me over, and it got downrite cold.Once I got to the other side of the summit I was able to call Honey & Bear,s for a shuttle. At about a 1/2mile from the trailhead I came upon two hikers I never would have expected to see out here. It was Rocky and Swamp Fox who Navi and I met at the Dutch Haus in Montibello last year when we were hiking with our friend Patches from Michigan. We talked until I got to the tailhead and saw Bear standing there yelling down to me, ¢Come on Ole Man!¢ I told Swamp Fox and Rocky that Bear might have room for them, but he didn¢t, he said they were full but would give them a ride to Pine Ellis Lodging - Bunkhouse in Hanover. They were happy with that,and I said I¢ll see them on the trail again. Bear also drove us threw downtown Hanover and if you blinked your eyes for 5 seconds, you passed the town. Once we arrived at the cabin, Bear showed me and the other hikers where we were staying and then he fed us lunch from last nights leftovers. ¢We all got stuffed, what a meal!¢ Then it was time for showers and relaxing. Honey had to go to town for supplies and came back with a ton of food to feed us hikers, and she also made time to pick up some Epsom salt so that I could soak my aching feet. All I can say is, ¢Unbeleavable!!!!¢ They have a Beautiful log home and an awesome dog named Molly, she¢s a big ole thing. They also have two hikers that help them out that I met on my 04¢ hike, Ram Bunny & Aqua. They all make our stay here a great experience. We have a full house with Tinkerbell, Hinds Feet, a couple I met in Harpers Ferry at the ATC, Old Goat, I put on the trail in Georgia, two sobos, Combat & Whisper, a girl Nifty, Moat, another hiker I put on the trail, and last, was Big B. We all had a good time talking about our journeys and eating a hugh and delicious dinner and dessert. Before we knew it, it was 10:30 and time for me to soak my feet and hit the sack. A memorable day. 0 tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Andover ME - The Cabin - Honey & Bear's 

To: none
Miles today: 0.0

It was nice to wake up today and knowing I wasn¢t hiking today. My feet are thanking me for that. Navi came in at 11:30 this morning and I was so happy to see her again, but not happy that she would have to leave to go back to the camp today. She came to bring me supplies and also brought my Gregory pack because I have lost enough weight to go to a smaller waist belt. Before I started my hike this year, I purposely gained 10 pounds because I knew I would loose at least 35 before the hike was over. I have already lost 30. Anyway, It will be nice when we could spend a night together again. ¢ What a novelty idea for a husband and wife, Ya think!!¢ HA!! We were hungry and getting ready to go out to eat when a car pulled up and out came a thru hiker named Luna who we met on my 04¢ hike. It always amazes me when hikers from recent years just pop up out of nowhere. After returning from the town of Rumford for lunch and repacking my pack, we sat around and talked to Luna about where she is in her life and what brought her out here at this time. Navi stayed for dinner but had to leave soon after so she wouldn¢t have to travel in the dark. When she left, I took a shower and watched some TV which I don¢t miss because it¢s always bad news. I did start thinking about how nice it will be to see Navi again, Sunday in Rangeley because she¢ll be done with camp but, she will take Josh & Leigh for their hike on the Long Trail. Tomorrow I have decided to slackpack for 10miles for the first time. Hopefully I will feel better by then because my stomach has been very upset from eating to much. I just can¢t help myself. What a wonderful day.
Date: 2006-08-09
From: none

To: Back to Cabin
Miles today: 9.9

I had a great night sleep but the stomach is still on the blink. A few more hikers came in last night, so that made another full house. It felt awesome to get back on the trail again and after about 20 minutes, the bad feeling in my stomach just disappeared like magic. It must be the energy of the woods. It¢s a beautiful day and the terrain is real easy. I have 6 miles to Mt. Moody but Flashback said it isn¢t bad at all and it really wasn¢t. I was at the road at just after 1:30 and I got on the trail at 8am. It was an enjoyable 10miles. Bear showed up right on time and we went into town to get some ice cream for dessert after our dinner, so I took the oppotunity to buy myself my favorate Ben & Jerry¢s ( Phish Food). ¢Um, Um,Um!!¢ ¢ Life Really Is Good!!¢ Dinner was grat as usual and the treat was cake and ice cream. I didn¢t do anything for the rest of the day, accept to soak my feet and gave some serious thought to doing another slack pack tomorrow. Nice day.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Cabin

To: Little Swift Pond River
Miles today: 8.3

¢ What a night!¢ The Searra Club people decided to party till midnight and they weren¢t very quite about it. I could hear the noise even threw my earplugs. I think it took me till about 1am to finally get to sleep once they settled down. I was up by 5am and felt good considering the sleep I had. The Professor also got up at the same time. We went upstairs to the kitchen where Bear is getting breakfast prepared for everyone. He is up by 3am every morning and making sure he has a fresh pot of coffee ready for us hikers. After breakfast, the Professor and I said our goodbyes before Aqua zipped us off to the trail. On our way to ME 17 we saw a deer run across the road in front of us. That was the first deer I¢ve seen in awhile. When we got to 17, The Professor went south, and I continued my hike north. I¢m sure I will see the Professor on our travels again. I was going to do a short day and stay at Sabbath Day Pond lean-to at 4.7 miles but I got there at 10am and decided to move onto Little Swift River Pond campsite for the night, that made 8.3miles for the day. The hike was really nice today with it¢s gentle slopes that made it easy to make good time. There wasn¢t much traffic on the trail today, I saw ony one sobo who was in a big hurry but we did manage a hello as we passed each other. I made it to the campsite by 3pm and was by myself for a short time till a nobo came in by the name Grits. I believe he said he is on his forth thru-hike. This campsite is just great with a pond, a couple of canoes to take out on the pond, and our water sourse is a spring that runs off into the pond. At one point it started to sprinkle a light rain and as I looked out across the pond over the tree line, a beautiful bright rainbow appeared. You know I just had to get some pictures of that awesome sight. It looks like Grits and I would be the only ones here tonight. We talked a little bit before he went to sleep. Before I made dinner I called Navi, she was at a friends house indulging in her third drink. Needless to say, she was a little happy. They deserve to have some fun after taking care of 330 young females. I would be really, really happy. Tomorrow she will go to the airport to pick up Josh & Leigh and then meet me in Rangeley. ¢Can¢t wait.¢ I also made my arrangements for my pick up in Rangeley. It¢s been a wonderful day, and I enjoyed my talk with Grits, and I just love his homemade walking sticks.