morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-29
From: Hostel of Maine

To: Sugarloaf mt
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a great breakfast of fresh bread with cream cheese and raspberry jam, cream cheese and peanut butter, peanut butter and Nutella, orange slices and orange juice.  Then relaxed in my room till it was time for the 930 shuttle back to the trail.  Met up with Bees Knees again as she sped by me. She hurt her knee falling so took a couple of easy days. It fun running into people again. It was a nice easy start to our walk even though it was uphill because it was in a nice piney trail. However when we got to the top of North Crocker there was no view. We were surrounded by trees still which was a bummer.Then the climb down that was a rock scramble which was difficult. The climb up to see South Crocker was tough but had awesome views. The descent down was boulder climbing too however a gorgeous view. It was so hard to pay attention to where you were stepping but necessary. Anyone who has driven with me knows it¢s not a good situation though we did make it through. I did have to carry Rusty in spots and I always watched my feet then.  I was planning on making it to the next lean to but once again overestimated my abilities and fell 3 miles short. My feet were hurting today and I realized I never stopped to soak my feet in cold water.  Which Way and Next Step, bloggers that I¢ve been following, recommend soaking your feet in cold water partway through the day to prevent problems and I have been doing that during coffee or lunch break.  It really works.Fortunately I found a beautiful spot right beside the Sugarloaf Mt view point and stopped there because the thunderstorm hit right after I set up. So we ate in the tent.  Fortunately Rusty stopped barking at the thunder once we got in the tent.Also I get service here!
Date: 2018-08-30
From: Sugarloaf mt

To: Redington Stream campsite
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Bummed to wake up to a misty fog, was hoping to get a nice sunrise since we were camping beside the view point. Had a nice easy start to the day though it was misty and chilly.  Stopped for lunch at the Orbeton Stream ford to soak my feet and eat my first Ramon bomb Ramon and tuna. Pretty tasty. I¢ve run out of most snack food since last night I was in my tent so long that I had to try my my snacks that I hadn¢t had in ages: oatmeal cream pie, payday, snickers and a different flavor Kind bar. I am going to the Hikers Hut Hostel tomorrow to pick up my mail drop but forgot that I did still needed 2 days of breakfast and snacks.  Passed Pappy on my way up Saddleback Jr mt where the terrain had just started to get hard. Pappy is thru hiking the AT again at age 87! He has a buddy with him that had thru hiked before with him but is only doing part of it now. From then on today the terrain was hard and Pappy was my motivation. Saddleback Jr was beautiful and had a great ridge walk though a very hard descent. The weather looked stormy off in the distance but above us the sun kept peeking out.  The descent was rocky and difficult and I got chilly because I was moving so slow. As soon as I got to camp I set my tent up, ate then crawled under my quilt with Rusty snuggled up beside me. I feel bone chilled now in need of a hot shower and red wine!  However my quilt and Rusty will have to do.
Date: 2018-08-31
From: Redington Stream campsite

To: The Hikers Hut
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning to a chilly morning. Rusty got the remainder of his dog food so will get beef jerky for snacks. Fortunately we are picking up a drop box today though. Put on my usual hiker tee shirt knowing I was headed up hill but had to stop partway up to put my long sleeve back on - nice and cool hiking day.   Hard climb up Saddleback Mt though with fresh legs felt great.  Once we got to the top you could see the path for at least a mile and it was stunning. I love ridge walking and it was a perfect day for it! There were some hard ascents and descents and in one place they put a steel ladder to help. It really was fun climbing though because it felt like wonderland. I did have to carry Rusty some and he¢s really funny about it. He does not like help and is proud of himself for figuring things out. If I stop to help and he doesn¢t want it he backs up and gives me a look.  Once I continue on he walks around trying to figure out the best way and then does it. Then he trots in front of me proudly. So cute! Times where he knows he needs help he waits for me. I¢m really impressed by his abilities but was told he does have 4 legs.  The last couple miles of the day were nice an easy. We got to ME 4 Rangeley and there was a sign directing you to The Hiker Hut just .3 miles down the road. Pretty funny but it was nice walking on the road.  The Hiker Hut is awesome! There are veggie plants and flower plants everywhere and pet chipmunks. Once again we were greeted with a Pbr and this time a plate of chips and salsa.  I also got my dropbox and gave Rusty his food and a treat.  My cabin is right beside a stream. It is 3 sided with the opening stream side. There¢s a bug net surrounding the bed though not necessary today. The propane run outside hot shower is beside the stream too and is perfect. This is really set up to enjoy nature and the owners are awesome.  We went to town to recharge our electronics, eat dinner and stop at the grocery store. I wore my beautiful loaner clothes that are so comfy though make me look strange: xl green t, red basketball shorts and my orange crocs. Sorry all but that will be what I¢m wearing when I get done with my hike - I really miss cotton and baggy clothes. I definitely over stocked at the grocery store but it was a fun.We came back to the Hikers Hut to a great fire, real popcorn, and another PBR.  Met a sobo, Moneypenny, but she is staying at the Hikers Hut waiting on a delivery. Hopefully I will see her later on the trail. The other 3 were nobo and told great stories.  Still I had to go to bed around 9.
Date: 2018-09-01
From: The Hikers Hut

To: Ford Bemis stream campsite
Miles today: 14.2

Slept great in my cozy cabin. Went out to the front section and they had the fire going again. Moneypenny made us great egg sandwiches which we ate around the fire with coffee, grapes and shortbread cookies.They were really nice and drove me the .3 miles back to the start. They did not want Rusty to have to walk on the road - really considerate people!I was suppose to have a nice easy day. Elevation wise it was however trying to avoid the mud was extremely annoying. When you stepped in it it would suck your shoes partway off and the mud would ooze in your shoes. Poor Rusty ended up getting sucked in chest deep. He did not like it at all. When we got to Moxie Pond I washed him off the best I could. He happily rolled around in the leaves after that.About a mile after that I was still annoyed with the mud when I saw a moose. It was about 20 yards in front of me. I quickly put Rusty on a leash and grabbed a cheese stick to distract him. We watched her for a good 10 mins eating leaves and slowly moving across the trail. She did see us but she didn¢t seem to care. She knew it was her territory. We waited until she moved off the path before continuing our walk. And the evil mud was forgotten!Met a nobo who had hiked in crocs since GA.  This is only his 3rd pair.  Most hikers go through at least 4 pairs of hiking shoes.  Also written on his crocs ¢no sleep til Katahdin.¢Had a beautiful view coming toward ME 17. Crossed the road and started talking to 3 nobo who were happily munching on brownies. They pointed out the bag of brownies that was left for hikers.  I looked kind of hesitant and they said don¢t worry the note says no nuts no pot. Then they said if someone one stops and offers you a cupcake take it. Different sort of reality when you¢re hiking. I laughed and took one - yum! My first trail magic!  We exchanged trail names and Oops was the girls name.  She had earned that nickname in GA. It was freezing out and her guy was setting their tent up. She tries to help but ends of kicking her sleeping bag down the hill into a pond. She goes in the freezing water to retrieve it before it sinks. Now all her clothes are wet and she starts crying. She tells her guy she¢s afraid she¢ll ruin his hike. Somehow he comforts her and they make it through that freezing night. Now they have around 200 miles left. Unbelievable and now my favorite couple story!At the end of the day I was deciding if I needed to change into my crocs to ford Bemis stream when a northbound hiker tried to rock hop across. She, Karen, did change her mind though when I told her the campsite was on the south side of the stream.  We ended up camping together and had an enjoyable night. She is a section hiker and has done almost everything between Conn and ME. She is now doing the little parts she missed. She is from Conn so hopefully when I get down there we can hike some together. She didn¢t bring her dog this time but usually does.  She does drink out of her dog¢s bowl though so Rusty decided he could too.  His reaction was pretty funny when she said no.
Date: 2018-09-02
From: Ford Bemis stream campsite

To: Moody Mt
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: fog

Started a tough climb up Bemis Mt. Had another mile walk on top of the mt but this time you could not see the whole walk but could see cairns which we zigzagged through which was really pretty. In Maine when you get above tree line you have to stay on the rock path to avoid hurting the slow growing plants.   Had some fun climbs and descents with some rebar put in to help. For some reason I felt sluggish today. I did stop for a long coffee break which helped for awhile. I ate a big dinner too so hopefully tomorrow I¢ll have more energy.
Date: 2018-09-03
From: Moody Mt

To: Frye notch lean to
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today started with a steep climb but then a nice stretch of easy terrain on the side of the mountain with nice views. Also there was a pretty waterfall. The end of the day got harder and once again I struggled. I know I need a zero day but want to wait til the weekend so I can watch Clemson Sat night and skins on Sun.  I got to the campsite around 4 and was greeted with hey Rusty.  2 of the boys I met on orange moon night were here.  I quickly set up because it was thundering. Fortunately it didn¢t start til 530 and I had already eaten dinner and was ready for it. Another early night in my tent which really is good for Rusty. Though I¢m bummed there is no service. It¢s hard to stay in your tent that long though it is fun to hear the storm right on top of you. It¢s amazing how our tents can withstand such a downpour.  I really wanted the rain to hold off til I got through ME. Blue Butterfly, a section hiker who is finishing this year, misstepped around this section and ended up in the black mud to her waist. Also there are warnings not to try to climb the next mountain Baldpate when it¢s raining or wet since it¢s bare rock face.  Hopefully the rain stops soon and the winds dry it quickly.
Date: 2018-09-04
From: Frye notch lean to

To: Mahoosuc notch north. bull branch campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a wet misty day.  The climb up Baldpate mt wasn¢t as slippery as I expected.  Though when we got to the top there were no views.  It was even hard to follow the cairns with the mist.  However the south side of of Baldpate Mt was extremely slippery so very slow going.  The sun came out and we got a beautiful view off Old Speck.  The climb down was open and awesome.  We stopped at Speck Pond to enjoy a snack before the Mahoosuc Arm which is known as a tough steep decline for sobos and it was very tough for me.  I misstepped and somehow I flipped and landed on my back with my head snapping back into my backpack.  It was such a weird feeling but as a moved everything I realized I was fine except for tweaking my knee.  Once again my backpack saved me.  I know I¢m not the only one who falls a lot.  I feel such a warmth in nature.  The last 1.5 miles starting with the arm took 2 hours and I was so ready to be done.  I finally got to the campsite around 7 and was exhausted.  Not a good way to end especially knowing that the hardest mile on the AT was coming up next.
Date: 2018-09-05
From: Mahoosuc notch north. bull branch campsite

To: Carlo col shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

The day started perfect. No one was around so Rusty could wander while I packed up. Then we got to the Mahoosuc Notch known as the hardest mile on the AT. It¢s a boulder field where you have to crawl over or through. Rusty hated it and it made for 3 hours of misery. I was frustrated and he was pouting.  I felt like a bully the whole way but there was no way out.  We stopped after it was over at the next mt summit Fulling Mill and laid in the sun and had lunch. Fortunately it¢s easy to change Rusty¢s mood and mine too. It was very peaceful which we needed.We then had a beautiful mt walk on Goose Eye Mt. You could see the trail for miles. However once again we slipped in the black stinky mud pits. It really is hard not to in places though others somehow manage. By the end of the day I was so ready to be done. We got to the shelter turnoff about 6 and it ends up being about a third a mile walk down a rock path.  Urg. Then bath time, water filter, setup and dinner. By the time I was done it was 8 and time for bed. It was actually nice though because there was a fun group of nobos beside me that were playing music and talking.
Date: 2018-09-06
From: Carlo col shelter

To: Page Pond
Miles today: 9.1

Woke up normal time around 5 but had a hard time getting moving. Knowing that I had 2 days to do 17 miles (I left my drivers license in Kel¢s car and it is arriving by 3 on Fri.) made it easy to enjoy a lazy morning. I finally got moving and climbed the .3 mile rock mess to the start of the trail. I turned right and walk for a couple minutes then hit more boulders. Fortunately they only covered 25 yards so Rusty was fine.   We hit the ME/NH border - 281.8 miles!  We headed up Mt Success but it started raining so we had no view. We also had a hard time following the path. Fortunately a nobo came up so I headed towards her.  After about an hour of rain I started to get chilled. I planned to stop at the next shelter for a coffee break but then came upon a stream so stopped right there. It was only drizzling so I filtered water, towel dried Rusty and put my raincoat on. I fed Rusty and made a hot cup of coffee and enjoyed it with spoonfuls of Nutella.  It really made me feel better.The rest of the walk was very enjoyable - a nice easy path with some steep but not long inclines and declines. Part of the path was extremely bouncy and wonderful then I came to the NH trail team and they were chopping roots out of the trail - so nice!  I stopped again at Wocket Ledge for a snack and to enjoy the sun and my first view of the Whites and to try and dry my socks out.  It looked like another thunderstorm was coming in so I stopped at the first camp spot with water Page Pond. I set my tent up first then cleaned Rusty and myself as best I could in the pond. Then the sun came back out and we enjoyed the early night. It really is a beautiful spot.  Once again I was running low of food so I had a tuna packet, a granola bar and spoonfuls of Nutella.  I do need to remember to add more food next time I restock.  Hiker hunger is real but I do hear it does level out as your body gets use to all day walking.By 6 I went in my tent so Rusty could sleep. About 30 mins later a couple and another hiker decide to set up near me. Urg though I know I don¢t own the pond.
Date: 2018-09-07
From: Page Pond

To: Birch View Motor Lodge
Miles today: 7.8

Woke up to a chilly sunny morning.  Actually started hiking with a long sleeve though did take it off during the first climb up Cascade mt.  Had beautiful views all day and a nice easy trail.  Saw many nobos and everyone was happy and talkative.  Chilly sunny days make hikers happy!  One nobo had heard of the happy little Pom mix that was doing the trail -my star.  I appreciate everyone that enjoys him out here.  Bloggers tend to be negative about dogs though I don¢t feel it often.  I was so happy to get to River Rattle Hostel.  I was disappointed I could not stay there but they don¢t allow dogs.  I sat on their picnic table and munched on Funions and had a Dr Pepper - so good!  I had a hard time finding a place that had vacancies and took dogs but did find one the next town over which happens to be only 2 miles away.  The Hostel gave me a shuttle there Birch View Motor Lodge.  Its a really nice place with lots of homemade woodcarvings.  It also has a fridge and microwave.  I took a great shower.  Then hitched to Walmart and got tons of food, beer and wine.  I don¢t plan to leave here again until Sun morning.  And no worries i have way too much food!
Date: 2018-09-08
From: Birch View Motor Lodge

To: Birch View Motor Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a wonderful lazy day.  Ate all day really trying to eat all I bought at Walmart but I will fail.  But at least I did not have to eat out and will definitely not run out of food this week.  I love the hotel where I¢m staying.  The owner let me use their washer and dryer so I did not have to go in town and spend 2 hrs at the landrymat.  Also he has 3 beautiful golden retrievers.  The rooms are very comfortable with a nice size fridge and microwave.  Also he does wood carvings and made a lot of the furniture.  Very pretty!I did have to go in town today though.  There is a freeze warning tomorrow night so I needed to buy gloves.  At the start of my hike a nobo convinced me I was carrying way too much and should give Kel some of my cold weather gear and pick it up at Harper¢s Ferry.  Now I realized I should have kept it through the Whites in NH.  Now my pack is too full of food.  I enjoyed catching up with family and friends and social media and sports.  Now I¢m watching Clemson with my Clemson gang via text.  Perfect lazy day!
Date: 2018-09-09
From: Birch View Motor Lodge

To: Imp campsite
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It was hard to leave my hotel especially since It was NFL opening weekend but the weather was perfect for hiking. Also Rusty was so excited to go. As soon as I started packing my backpack he started dancing around and barking.  The owner of the motel drove me to the start of the trail and gave me hand warmers since there was a frost warning for the night - so considerate!   We had a great day hiking. The trail was an easy though long climb up to the shelter. We climbed Mt Moriah, the northern most Mt in the Whites, and it was beautiful!  We got to the shelter around 4 and checked in with the caretaker. In the Whites you have to pay to camp though only $10. If you are a thruhiker you get a savings card so every other time you camp is only $5 and you get 1 free soup and 2 free baked goods at their huts which are on some of the popular mountains.  The huts have bunks but no electricity and cost over $100 a night and sell out.There are also rules at these campsites/shelters to try to minimized bear problems: cook and eat in a designated spot and store all food in their bear boxes. The designated dinner spot was nice because I saw 2 people I hadn¢t seen in awhile, BeesKnees and Tyler, and I met a bunch a other hikers. One hiker had hiked with her pup since GA but he just cut his paw on MT Washington. He is now out for a couple of days so it can heal. Mt Washington has coral like rocks that are extremely sharp. They had been using mushers wax too. Very scary for me but hoping Rusty will be fine since he is much lighter.The sunset was beautiful there but right after I headed to my tent because it was freezing.  It took awhile to warm up but I ended up being very cozy with my quilt over my head. Rusty started out on top of the covers in between my legs but then ended up beside me under the covers too. He added nice additional warmth.
Date: 2018-09-10
From: Imp campsite

To: Wildcat ledge
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: fog

It was freezing out so really hard to move out from under my warm quilt.  I did have to move though because was planning a long day of hiking for this area. We are suppose to get rains from a tropical storm starting 5 pm and lasting through tues night. I am trying to get to Pinkham Notch visitors center so I can stealth camp next to it. That way if it rains the whole next day at least I could sit under their deck for awhile.  Unlike most areas, you are not suppose to hike the Whites in bad weather. I started hiking in long pants, long sleeve shirt, raincoat and gloves. After going up Carter mt for awhile I did take my raincoat off. I kept the rest on the whole day though. I love hiking in cold weather. Carter mt is beautiful and the clouds were great too. The day started out with little clouds below but then storm clouds rolled in and eventually we were in the fog. We stopped at Carter Hut for late lunch and had soup, carrot cake and a brownie. I love having the huts around and would love to do a work for stay but dogs are not allowed inside.We left about 2:30 with 6 miles to go.  It started raining about 5 so I started looking for any spot that would work for a tent. We found one fairly quickly so I was able to set the tent up without getting things too wet. I threw everything in the tent and we made dinner. It actually worked out well though I do hope it really doesn¢t rain all day tomorrow. I¢ve gone 2 days without falling, with both of us not getting muddy and with dry feet!I am getting service here which is nice.
Date: 2018-09-11
To: Osgood tent site
Miles today: 6.5

I had a great night sleep with the all night rain lullaby.  It warmed up so I took my thermals off and went back to sleeping in a t-shirt. Very happy about that - definitely do not need a cold rain.It slowed down to a sprinkle about 10 so I packed everything up and started moving. Originally I had service but by morning I was unable to get weather. I decided to hike to the visitor center, check weather and then decide what to do. It was less then a 2 miles to get there but the first mile was straight down hill and tough. The second mile was around a lake and was a very pleasant trail. There were a bunch of high school freshman groups out. In this area freshman do a 2 day hiking trip to get excited about high school. They were definitely getting a lot out of it.  I enjoyed hearing them talk.  We stopped in the visitors center to dry off and make coffee and eat lunch. The basement is set up for hikers and there are showers and places to charge electronics. It was really nice to get out of the rain too. There was no service there either but they had weather posted. There is a possibility of rain tonight but only a slight chance tomorrow so I decide to hike to the Osgood campsite which is 4.5 miles away. We got there around 4 pm and I hang stuff hoping it might dry. I give up quickly though since everything is so wet.  About 7 I crawl into my tent to write and then sleep.  Funny that even though my tent is still dripping, it¢s still cozy with everything inside. I end up falling asleep and writing at 9 when I wake back up.