morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-22
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Amazing. That is the only way to describe Franconia Ridge in the Whites. I woke up this morning to slightly overcast skies and was hesitant to even hike the ridge today. Everyone has told me that you have to hike Franconia in good weather because of the views so I wanted to make sure things were right. By the time I got to the point where I needed to make a decision, the skies were clearing so I went ahead and started my ascent to the ridge.   It took about an hour and a half to get up on the ridge but when I reached the Alpine zone I was speechless. Franconia Ridge is a roughly 3 mile ridge containing 4 peaks and is entirely above the treeline. Standing at the beginning of the ridge and looking down the spine is amazing. I would highly recommend hiking this section of the trail even as a day hike. I could go on and on about it and still not do it justice.   After the ridge I hiked another 6-7 miles to get to the Galehead AMC hut. I managed to get another work -for -stay here tonight. Honestly I could get used to these huts. After all the guest have eaten dinner they let the thru hikers who are staying here have ALL the leftovers. In return for the food and floor space we have to do about an hour of work for the crew. I think it's an even trade.for a great hike with slapshot go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYml_JzlVtAeditor's note: here is a description of the hut from a website:The most remote hut in the New Hampshire chain, Galehead Hut offers spectacular views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. Originally built in 1931 from native trees, this hut survived the Hurricane of 1938. In 2000, a completely rebuilt Galehead opened.Season Dates* 2009: Self service May 8 - May 30* 2009: Full service June 3 - October 17Basics* Location: Garfield Ridge with views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area* Elevation: 3,800 feet* Hike difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous.* Adjacent huts: Greenleaf Hut, Zealand Falls Hut. View map >>* From the hut, you can climb South Twin, a 4,000-foot peak, or hike down to 13 FallsAccommodations* Sleeps 38 in four coed bunkrooms.* Spring self service includes access to kitchen facilities, mattresses and pillows. No blankets are provided (bring sleeping bag).* Summer full service includes hearty dinner at 6 p.m. and breakfast at 7 a.m., mattress, pillow and three wool blankets on each bunk (bring linens or a sleeping bag).* Resident staff available with trail information and weather reports.* Small retail store with safety items, snacks, souvenirs.* Informative displays and daily educational programs.
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Galehead Hut

To: Mizpah hut
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: fog

I am whipped tonight. Twenty one miles in the White Mountains was a task and I don't think I'll be doing it again. The reason I did the miles was to set myself up to summit Mount Washington tomorrow around lunchtime.    Well I know its short but they are about to give us food here at the hut The Whites continue to be impressive.
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Mizpah hut

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: fog

What a crazy day. I woke up at Mizpah hut to an all you can eat blueberry pancake and bacon breakfast (in exchange for sweeping the hut of course) and then headed out for Mount Washington. I managed to summit Mt.Washington by 12:30 but was disappointed that it was cloudy so there weren't any good views. At the summit there is a parking lot and a ton of tourists so I didn't hang around long. I'm kind of resentful that I had to bust my butt to get up a mountain only to find some mountain club is fleecing the public by letting them drive to the top (with a $23 dollar fee of course)So off I went. I saw the cog railroad ($42 tickets) on the way down and managed to fight the urge to moon it. (supposedly 8 hikers were arrested last year and this particular hiker doesn't have enough money just to be giving it to Uncle Sam) I continued along the Presidential range. I was literally and figuratively walking on and through the clouds as I passed Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Madison.   Just before Mt. Madison, the weather turned nasty. I'm talking 50 degrees, spitting rain, and 25 m.p.h. winds. It didn't help matters that the elevation was 5,300 feet. I'm glad I was hiking with a new friend, Grits, or else it would have been easy to get worried. Sure enough as quickly as the bad weather had started, it stopped and the sun came out. The last 3 miles were gorgeous and felt like a gift to lift my spirits back up. It worked. Great day overall.
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Osgood Campsite

To: Lost Pond
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm not really too sure about my miles for today because where I'm camping isn't in the guidebooks.   Today the weather was awesome but of course it would be since I went into town. It seems like I always get good weather in towns. Sometimes things just work against you I guess. Enough complaining, I mean I really don't have anything to complain about. I just walked through some of the most absolutely amazing scenery that my eyes have ever seen and had some of my most adventurous moments yet.   I went into Gorham, N.H. with Grits to do laundry and check email when I get to Pinkham Notch. I have been wearing the same clothes since Hanover and smelled pretty bad. It felt really good to get clean clothes. While in town I took the opportunity to charge my phone and Ipod. 2 days until Maine!
Date: 2009-08-26
From: Lost Pond

To: somewhere south of Mt. Hayes
Miles today: 22.3

Today was another long one and once again I'm really tired tonight. I've been trying to take it slow but my competitive nature will sometimes take over and I find myself pushing to see how fast I can get to the top of a mountain or to a certain point along the trail. I don't really mind because I'm working to catch up with my group anyway. Tomorrow I'll be entering Maine, my last state. It's crazy to me that I've actually walked as far as I have. Sometimes,most times actually, I just feel like I am out or a day hike or a short weekend trip. It doesn't feel as big as it really is.   I'm going to be sad to leave N.H. This state has had some incredibly hard trails with steep ascents and descents making up nearly every mile but at the same time rewarded you with absolutely breathtaking views. Without a doubt the White Mountains were the most impressive scenery I've ever experienced while hiking, ever. These mountains have really peaked (no pun intended) my interest in mountaineering. When I get to Colorado I'll have to start learning the sport and bagging 14,000 footers.
Date: 2009-08-27
From: somewhere south of Mt. Hayes

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

MAINE! I've finally made it. Today was a beautiful day weather wise, breezy with a sunny sky. I woke up early and watched the sun work it's way up into the sky over the mountains as I enjoyed a breakfast of poptarts. The more I get the chance to camp alone at various points along the trail (known as stealth camping) the more I like it. It is a very liberating feeling to wake up and be alone in the morning. Once I broke down camp and packed, I headed up the trail towards Maine.   After roughly 10 miles, I stopped for lunch at Gentian Pond Campsite and Shelter.The view from the front of that shelter is great and provided a relaxing setting for my meal. After lunch I got back on the trail and summitted Mt. Success, the last mountain for me in N.H. Once down Mt. Success I came to the Maine border. I stopped for a picture and ate some trail mix. During my break I reflected on my hike for awhile and thought about the trail I have left.   Early on in the trip I was dreading Maine because I knew it would mean the end was near. Now I must have learned what I needed to because I realize this trip will stay with me for the rest of my life and hopefully I will be able to use the lessons and realizations I've had out here for that same amount of time. I'm actually looking forward to applying the things I've learned about myself while on this trip to my everyday life back in the real world.   Oh yeah, Maine is beautiful.
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It's COLD in Maine. Last night the low temperature in the closest town was 39 degrees and I was 3000 feet higher than the town. I would say it was easily 35 degrees and that's being conservative. Well my sleeping bag I have right now is only a 45 degree bag. You do the math. I slept in every bit of the clothing I have last night and was still really cold. I made the call to get my 20 degree back. (editor's note: translation, "Mom, how soon can you get my other sleeping bag sent?)    Today Jack and I walked the "hardest" mile of the trail, Mahoosuc Notch. The Notch is a steep canyon that has over the years filled up with large boulders that have fallen off the cliffs on both sides. Through the notch the trail goes over , around, and under all those giant boulders and makes basically an obstacle course. It was hard going but at the same time I thought it was really fun. At one point we took off our packs and climbed up some rocks on the side of the canyon to get a view.    The mountains here in Maine are really beautiful. They aren't as large and dramatic as the Whites. but they have a steep ruggedness to them that is really cool. I have a great feeling about Maine and think it will be a lot of fun if the weather cooperates.   Speaking of weather, a hurricane is supposedly going to push a ton of rain over us tomorrow. Oh joy.   It looks like I'll be going to town or staying in a shelter all day. I figure I've walked through enough crap early on to put myself in a position where I wasn't rushed to finish , so now I get to reap the rewards.
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 4.5

Last night was cold but not quite as cold as the previous night. This morning Jack and I woke (and I use that word loosely considering the cold kept me up most of the night) to rainy and windy weather. We took our time getting going since we were only planning on walking the small amount of miles to get to the road that leads to Andover, Maine. It was a nasty wet walk but those are never too bad when you know a town is at the end of it.   We managed to get a hitch without too many problems and were in the diner in town by 1:00.   Tonight we are staying in a camper at the High 5 Hostel. I haven't been in a camper in awhile but being in this one really makes me want to own one. Maybe in the middle of the night I'll just crank this bad boy up and hit the road. If you live in your RV are you considered a homeowner?
Date: 2009-08-30
From: East B Hill Road

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

The weather today is beautiful. I guess the hurricane has moved on because we are supposed to have nice weather for the rest of the trip. I'll believe it when I see it.    I forgot to mention yesterday but James and Randall were zeroing in Andover yesterday at the same hostel so we are all back together again. I haven't hiked with James since Bennington, Vermont and Randall since Hanover, N. H. This is the first time the whole crew has been together in a really long time.   Miles were tough today.
Date: 2009-09-02
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spalding Mt. Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

The hiking over the Saddleback Range today was amazing. If you want to do some great Alpine zone hiking without the crowds in the Whites, I would recommend the Saddleback.    Last night was my first in my 20 degree bag and it was everything I thought it would be and more. I slept very well and stayed toasty all night.   Tomorrow we are going into Stratton to watch the USC vs. N.C. State football game. I'm excited about college football.
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Spalding Mt. Lean-to

To: Stratton , Maine
Miles today: 12.7

I woke up early and high tailed it to town so I could enjoy a burger for lunch. When I pulled into Stratton it was 12:45 and I absolutely killed a burger and curly fries. After lunch I had a big carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The rest of the guys showed up and we are all splitting a motel room tonight for the game. The t.v. has cable so we won't have to worry about finding a place that is showing the game. This town isn't very big at all so it could have been a problem.
Date: 2009-09-04
From: Stratton , Maine

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

I am a 2,000 miler!!! While I am going over the Bigelow range today I crossed the 2.000 mile mark. It's hard to believe I've covered that much ground with my feet. It's amazing what you can do when you really put your mind to something.    My summit day is now Sat. I booked a flight home from Bangor, Maine on the 15th so I need to summit on Katahdin on the 13th or 14th in order to get to my flight. It's pretty cool to actually know when I'll be finishing. This whole trip everything has just been up in the air and it's been great but I'm also glad to have a deadline now. I could have just extended this trip but I'm really ready to get home and see everyone (especially my nephew Samuel).   On a side note, congratulations to USC and NC State for playing the most boring college football game ever. Ever.
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Easy terrain today. Supposedly the second half of Maine is really easy waling and I think we may be there. I'm hoping it is smooth sailing from here on in. The 17 miles went by sooo quick and easy. Not much to report other today.
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mt. Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

I got to travel by a new mode of transportation today. While in Maine you have to ford a few small rivers and in the earlier years of the AT one big river. The Kennebec river is a large and deep river that used to be forded until a hiker drown crossing it. Now they (the ATC and the MATC) have a canoe ferry that operates free for hikers and is the official route across the river. So as is obvious now, I got to ride in a canoe today. One of our hiking friends, Strings tried to ford the river a few days ago and actually was washed downstream almost 400 yards only to end up on the same bank he started on. Once he made his way back up to the canoe pick up area he waited and rode the canoe like everyone else.I was able to check the internet today at Northern Outdoor Center and find out that Clemson had won their game yesterday. GO TIGERS.
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Bald Mt. Brook Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

The highlight of today was my nap on the bank of a river. After almost 15 miles Randall and I stopped alongside a nice trout stream to have lunch and kick back. I laid on a warm rock with my feet in the river and napped in the sunshine for almost an hour after eating. Relaxation knows no bounds out here. Neither Randall nor I wanted to leave but town (and the food that comes with it) were calling. Monson is the OFFICIAL last town on the AT for Northbounders. Once you leave there you enter the 100 mile wilderness only to end up on the other side at Baxter state park and Katahdin. I have a box here and am going to pick it up tomorrow. Well I only have a week left on the trail and am planning on summiting next monday.Oh yeah. I completely forgot to mention that we saw Pheonix (raccoon victim) in Andover, ME at the high 5 hostel. He's doing good and is finished with his rabies treatments. It was good to see an old friend.
Date: 2009-09-08
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night we stayed at Shaw's Boarding house which is an AT institution and is famous for their all you can eat breakfast. For 7$ you get unlimited Eggs(made to order), Bacon, Sausage, home fries, and either french toast or pancakes depending on the day. The ordering is a simple numeric system that goes as follows: 1,2,3, or 4. Whatever number you say is how many you get of each item. You can't order things individually (or at least it is frowned on) and you have to eat everything you order. OH boy. This morning their carb option was french toast and I'll be the first to tell you it is awesome. I started my gastric adventure with a 3 (pretty standard) and then had a 2 to follow up. So just to put it on paper, I had 5 eggs over medium, 5 strips of bacon, 5 sausage links, 5 big slices of french toast, and 5 servings worth of home fries. I only thought I had eaten a filling breakfast before. I rolled into the 100 mile wilderness today and have only 6 days left on this incredible journey.
Date: 2009-09-09
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

The hiking today was along one of the last mountain ranges we cover and was very up and down for the first 12 miles. It wasn't bad though and sets us up to cross Whitecap Mt. tomorrow. Whitecap is our last real Mt. before Katahdin at the end. I can't believe I am so close to finishing this trip. I can remember giving a speech in public speaking class at Pendleton High School about the AT like it was yesterday. It seems surreal that now I'm so close to finishing something that at one time seemed like an unattainable dream that I was destined to read about with a wishful heart. One thing I've learned through this is that people are capable of doing nearly anything but the main thing that holds them back is themselves. You have to chase a dream to catch it. I really can't wait to cook in a real kitchen!!!!! I daydreamed about different ways to make french toast for over an hour today. Fresh Salsa, salads, sauteed veggies..........
Date: 2009-09-14
From: The Birches

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I summitted Katahdin this morning at 6:45AM and am currently in Bangor, Me waiting on my flight home tomorrow. A short summary of the day: We (Randall, Jack, James, and I) set out for Katahdin at 3:45am this morning hoping to watch the sun rise from the summit of the mountain. We ran into heavy cloud cover around 4,000ft and were in pretty harsh weather from there to the summit (5,200ft). At the time we summitted it was 35 degrees at a weather station nearly 2,500ft below us. The ranger estimated the temps on the summit to be around 25-30 degrees. On top of that there were sustained winds of roughly 20 mph with gusts that had to be near 45mph and visibility was around 100 ft. Even with those conditions I couldn't stop smiling as I neared the summit of the mountain and would be lying if I said I wasn't overcome by emotions at the first sight of the sign. I watched through the cloud cover as James, who was ahead just ahead of me ran the last 50 yards to the summit. It was very foggy and all I could make out was the crest of the Mt. top, the sign, and James embracing the sign. This was my first view of the top and I had to stop walking to keep my legs. For the first time during the entire journey I was weak in the knees. I knew how hard everyone in our group has worked over these past 5 months and it was just so amazing to be a witness to someone accomplishing a real dream right there in front of me. I slowed my walk and just let everything sink in as I neared the summit. By the time I reached the top of the mountain I had myself back together. I touched the sign that I have dreamed about so many times over the past 5 years and was filled with a sense of pride that I've never had before. It was an incredible feeling. Roughly 5 minutes later Jack and Randall showed up on the summit to fanfare from James and I. We all celebrated for a little while, took pictures, and then all agreed that we could no longer feel our fingers so we had better get off the mountain. We started down and before I knew it I was back at the Ranger station in Baxter state park. The entire morning was like a dream. I would like to say right now Thank You to everyone who has followed my journey here on trail journals and also thank you to everyone who made comments on my message board. Your support meant more to me than any of you will know and it played a big part in helping me keep a positive attitude while on the trail. You never realize how large your support network is until you really need it, and even though this trip was great, there were times out there that I needed it. Thank you. I'll write up a full summary within a few weeks that will cover more of the emotional aspects of the trip, what I learned (about the world and mainly myself), and where I'm going in my life. Stay tuned.
Date: 2008-07-24
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Soooo I am leaving in 2 weeks. Nutso! Am I ready? Sure, why not? Do I have all the gear I need? In theory... Some last minute tweeking is in order.In true Kristin form I have gone ahead and gotten a deer tick bite and severely bruised and/or broke my big toe today. You know, just to make starting this trek off as interesting as possible. PJ and Mark will be accompanying me for the first part...holla! We'll go from Katahdin to Monson before they head back to Jersey and leave me all by my lonesome. Their company in and of itself should make the first part memorable, aside from the fact that that section of the trail is supposed to be DOPE. Aight, just wanted to give this schpeel a try. Perhaps I will actually maintain this trail journal jimmy-jam... maybe not.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Katahdin

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0

I made it to Monson! It took us 7 days to go from Katahdin, thru the Wilderness, into Monson (8/11-8/17). Having to take a second zero here at Shaw's though because of a potentially infected blister on my Achilles tendon. Ugly stuff, but I'll be alright.
Date: 2008-09-14
From: Hanover

To: Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

The last few days have been amazing. I stayed in Lincoln at Chet's. I <3 CHET! Once I left I did Moosilauke and stayed at Ore Hill, then on Friday I was going to head for Trapper John but it started raining. I decided to hole up at the Firewarden's cabin, only to be descended upon by a huge group of Dartmouth pre-frosh. NO WAY I was staying there. And apparently they had taken over Trapper John as well. SO I called a couple I'd met at Madison Spring Hut who own and live on a farm in Vermont. They picked me up and put me up for Friday night, and even allowed me to slackpack the day Saturday then stay with them again last night. Such kindness...and amazingly delicious fresh veggies to boot!
Date: 2008-10-23
To: home
Miles today: 994.6

I'm a nut. Woke up this morning in the 501 Shelter in PA and decided that today was my day to go home. SO here I am. Home. And I am good with it Super anticlimatic. 994.6 miles. Who does that? Not 1000. Not half way. Not Harper's Ferry. Nope, 994.6 and done. For now... I will be back for the rest