morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 9.5

A beautiful night's sleep followed by a beautiful day. We slacked from north to south up and over Mt. Moosilauke. It was fantastic; the climb up was steep, but fun, and the views were indescribable. It was a cold start. Autumn is definitely right around the corner, so by the time we got to the top I had my hat, long sleeve shirt, fleece and wind jacket on and was still a little cold. I had nothing for my legs because I hadn't picked up my box at the post office, buuurrrrr. We broke out of the trees and the wind was howling 50 to 60 mph. I was swerving on the trail. My jacket was flapping, all the while. The day was crystal clear views. We got to the top and I could see 360 degrees from where I had come and where I was going. Let me just say it is going to be amazing this next 100 miles through the Whites. Many of the mountains are above treeline and exposed. On a pretty day, fantastic, but on a bad weather day, deadly. Soooo I will be careful and taking it slow and easy!I am all anxious, excited and nervous. The trail always brings me exactly what I need, so it will be perfect. Happy trails!
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, it took all day to do a measly 7.5 miles. The terrain has definitely changed and this is a new ball game, folks. The trail has become much more rugged and some bouldering (climbing and jumping from big rock to big rock) has been required. My clothing bag has increased in size so significantly that I have had to start packing my pack differently. I now have fleece pants and jacket, long john tops and bottoms, a complete rain suit, a long sleeve shirt that can get wet during hiking and the same ole stinky clothes I have been wearing since June. I have also elected to spend a little extra money and go freeze dried meals, lighter and hearty, for this portion of the journey. Gray Jay and I are back in synch and will be hiking together to Gorham, NH, where she will be done with the whole trail. So it is really nice to have her back and to have a partner through this section.There are several college groups hiking through so I hope we get some sleep tonight.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: 0

Holy cow, what a day! It was hand over hand climbing most of the way up Kinsman Mountain. This is mountain climbing! We had beautiful weather, but chilly by my standards. I have started hiking in my lightweight long sleeve shirt; the wind just has a bite to it. I also keep my fleece handy for breaks. It took us 9 hours to do the 8.8 miles, when on other sections I could have done almost double that. Just have to have a different mind set. I saw my first hut today, Lonesome Lake. There are a chain of huts up here were travelers can get dinner and breakfast and a bunk for about 60 dollars a night. I might try one, but tenting out is the way we will be going. At this hut I got a good view of Mt. Lafayette, Lincoln and Little Haystack, which will be coming soon. Wow, I have my work cut out for me.We hitched into the town of North Woodstock for a resupply, hot meal and shower. Ahhhhhh! At the local store, where they have some hot food to go, I was waiting for my hamburger. While I was waiting I ate two hotdogs. They were just calling my name. Then I proceeded across the street were some other hikers were and ate my burger and had a root beer. I can't believe I can eat that much and I am still dropping some weight, what an amazing diet!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Franconia Notch

To: Liberty Springs Campsite
Miles today: 2.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it was glorious night in a soft bed. I had 2 pancakes, 2 eggs and 2 pieces of bacon for breakfast.We sorted out all of our food and I will be carrying 8 days worth. I'm sure that is way too much along with all my winter clothes and some of the dog food. My pack looks like I am going to Everest, but where is my sherpa? We didn't get on the trail until 11:30 am, so we choose the tentsite and got here about 3:30 pm. The next section is above treeline and the next site is about 7.5 miles away. It is clear, but cold. The caretaker says it is supposed to get down below 40 degrees tonight. We will see if I have enough stuff and just how warm this tarp is. It took me awhile to get it set up on the tent platform, but it is up. They build 8x10 wooden type decks in high use or fragile environments to set tents up on so the impact is minimized. This is not only high use but the vegetation is considered high alpine, which is easily damaged. They even encourage you to urinate on the trail so you don't damage the vegetation.So I have on fleece pants and coat, long john top over my normal sleepwear and I am stuffed in my sleeping bag. We will see how warm I stay and hope I don't have to get up in the middle of the night.Oh yeah, today I found out that my friend, Carrie, is going to meet me in Gorham on the 4th of September for several days of hiking. Coooool!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Liberty Springs Campsite

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A beautiful brisk day woke us and we were off. It was a nice walk and we came up on a spruce grouse that let us within 5 feet and we took tons of pictures of her. We popped out of the trees at about 4800 feet on Little Haystack Mountain and were to be out of the trees for about 5 miles. This section is called Franconia Ridge and is considered to be one of the most beautiful sections. We were exceptionally fortunate that it was crystal clear until halfway up Mount Lincoln. Then the clouds rolled in. I have to say the views were outstanding. When the clouds came and the wind got up, wow it got chilly and the whole mindset changed to getting over Mt. Lafayette at 5300 feet. It would be down, then up over Garfield, which is not exposed and to our current location at this shelter. The weather can change up here very quickly and now it is raining, so I am thankful to be in this shelter, even if some of the occupants are obnoxious. The physical and mental part of the hike today were very draining. I am giving it my all and the miles are coming in slow motion. I am worn out, but I will just have to keep plugging away.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: just beyond Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 10.0

I finally made some miles!! We started a little sketchy when we encountered a ominous jumble of rocks that went straight down and were just ever so slightly wet and slick. Gelert ran back up the trail and I had to go get her. I think she is tired of all the rock scrambling too. I finally got her back down to the real hairy stuff, took her pack off and she just laid down. Now this is a first, hummmm!I did a lot of talking and consoling and then I finally helped her down. It took us an hour to do the first .7 miles, wondering if we were in for a long day. We got to our first hut, Galehead Hut, about 11:00 am and had a bottomless bowl of tomato soup and hot cocoa. Yummmy! Did I mention the temp outside was probably anywhere from 45 to 55 degrees, chilly. After that we bolted over South Twin Peak and I was chanting to myself, "This mountain will not defeat me!" When I got to the top I was greeted by a beautiful view where upon I let out a holler. It is so cold and windy on these mountain tops that you can't spend too much time up there, just gotta keep movin'. Up and down and out of the trees and back into the trees, then several breaks later we were at the Zealand Falls Hut. What a beautiful place, but we have been in a large lump of hikers lately. It was packed and it is also Saturday of a three day weekend, so they offered us the porch which wasn't much cover and very breezy. We declined and moved down the trail about a half mile where we found a wonderful campsite. Aaaahhhh, here we are, home sweet home for the night and we made some progress today!!!Happy trails !
Date: 2003-08-31
From: just beyond Zealand Falls Hut

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a beautiful day; bright blue sky, crisp air and nice trail. Ahhhh! I was so happy to be alive and in the woods today.We stopped by the Wiley House, a tourist trap with food in Crawford Notch. I had 3 hotdogs, a Dr. Pepper and a huge scoop of chocolate ice cream. Then we decided to blue blaze around the Webster Cliffs and that was a good choice. Blue blaze means to follow another trail other than the AT. We are hoping for the weather to hold out so we can get up and over Mt. Washington where today it was 40 degrees on top with gusts up to 80 mph. It should be an interesting walk! I must get in the sleeping bag; it is cold.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zeros in GorhamI am relaxing in Gorham and getting chores done. I washed all my gear. It still stinks, but at least it looks somewhat clean. I picked up some new socks as I have lost 2 pair to holes. My various other activities included eating at McDonalds, having coffee, lying in bed, etc. . .Gelert is enjoying the rest too. We will be ready to knock Maine out. Carrie, a dear longtime friend, arrived late Thursday night and it is so good to have a piece of home here. Even Gelert was super excited. So we are catching up with each other and will sort ourselves out and head out Friday morning. The rest has been good and I am soooo glad I took the time to rest.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I said my final goodbye to Gray Jay this morning. It was sad and happy all at once; sad to see her go, but so happy for her and her completing the journey. Just amazing! Well done, Gray Jay.Carrie and I lounged around in the room until about 9:00 am and then sorted ourselves out. There was a lot of sorting going on. I finally got myself together and we walked down for some lunch, dropped stuff in the mail and then searched for stuff to supplement our lunches. Having done all that we waited at the edge of town for a hitch. Finally a guy in an AMC van stopped. Sweet! He took us all the way up to the Adams Brook Trail which was a nice blue blaze back to the AT and we were off at about 1:30 pm. We had a nice break at the first shelter and decided to go onto Maine for the evening. The trail goes in and out of rocks and roots. It was a nice trail. We had some buena vistas from the top of Mt. Success. Then finally we hit the Maine line. I was so joyful that I cried. We only had half a mile to the shelter, but it was full of some nasty rocks, big huge boulders. Gelert did not want to go down and we had to work real hard together to get her down. Thank goodness I had a buddy with me. Poor Brown Dog, she was terrified, as was I, and then when we finished up she was so excited. I love that Brown Dog. Carrie brought some lovely bean burritos. Yummy, nice treat.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, tough day. We did the Mahoosuc Notch today - the toughest mile on the whole AT. It took 3 hours to do one mile and was full of house size, car size boulders. Up, over, under, you name it, I have contorted my body in so many different ways. I am bruised, battered and worn out. Carrie did awesome. She basically took on the task of getting Brown Dog and her pack through the notch. It would have taken me twice as long without her help. Gelert is worn out and beat up too. She did awesome. What a trooper! We are tented between the notch and Mahoosuc Arm, a steep uphill with boulders. Having said that we are off to dream land.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Campsite

To: Campsite near Grafton Notch
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Since I have an esteemed friend and guest on the trail, she will be our composer for the evening. Take it away, Carrie. . .Greetings from MAINE folks. Right On, Gelert and I have traveled seis(6) miles today up the Mahoosuc Arm, over to Speck Pond (which is the highest glacial pond in the neighborhood) and then on down to a small but beautiful brook near Grafton Notch. The 3 of us are quite tired after our adventures in a bolder ladden playground yesterday, so we decided to pitch the tarp early, do some reading, napping and fancy cooking. I peeled wax paper off of my red sauce, rehydrated some yummy beef, boiled 1 inch long noodles and too my amazement, I felt like I was dinning in Italy. Our travel plans will take us to Andover, Maine for some R and R on Tuesday evening. I must say, it is an honor to hike with these two. I have mad respect for them both. P.S. There are some buena vistas out here. Carrie Donovan------------------------------
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Campsite near Grafton Notch

To: Frye Notch Lean To
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful day!! Clear, sunny and crisp. We hopped on the trail about 8:45 am and got to Grafton Notch and the highway in no time. Gazelle and Sketch were there trying to hitch a ride to Bethel, 17 miles away. There were hardly any cars coming by so it makes me think catching a ride in Maine may be a little different.Autumn is definitely on us, leaves are showing a hint of color and the air is super cool when the sun goes down.We went over the Baldpates today and the east peak was fantastic with views forever. I could even pick out Mt. Washington. Baldpate was a mountain like no other, tough climb up(no surprise), but the top was slabs of rock. It is one of my favorite mountains.We met 2 older gentlemen on top who has done loads of hiking all over the northeast. They entertained us during lunch and gave us an apple. So far we have the shelter to ourselves and we are craving sodas and fruit on our town stop tomorrow.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-12
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean To
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

I left the warmth of my bunk this morning for a beautiful but hard day. Up and over three big ones, Saddleback, The Horn and Saddleback Junior. I couldn't believe I made it this far. The mountains today were spectacular. Three miles above tree line where I could see ponds and mountains galore. The temperature was just right and I saw few other hikers. It is a tremendous feeling to look at a mountain and think, I just don't think I have the energy, then one foot after the other and there you are on top of the world. I love that feeling.The only thing that could have been better was water. I ran out 3 miles from the shelter and we were thirsty. We drank up when we got here and all is well. It is just amazing how thirsty you get when you know you don't have a drop of water.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-13
From: Poplar Ridge Lean To

To: Spalding Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 8.0

It was a nice slow start today and another gorgeous day. It was a really pleasant walk today and went by fast. I was in camp by 3:00 pm.I bought some heavier boots and have been trying to break them in. I wear them for a couple of hours in the morning then I carry them and put on my other shoes. I have to say they fit well but I am very partial to my trail shoes, sooooo we shall see. Those are the kinds of things one thinks about on the trail, amongst many other things.I will be camping near section hikers tonight with marshmallows and a fire, love it!Must go roast mallows.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-14
From: Spalding Mountain Lean To

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up on this morning at 8:00 am after a toss and turn kind of night. It was warmer than I expected last night so I had on too many clothes in the sleeping bag and got hot.I had an instant cappuccino for breakfast with a Poptart, ahhhhhh. The trail has been more hiker friendly lately and I am actually able to keep up a pace every now and then.One of the most amazing things out here is the quiet. It is so quiet that after you climb a mountain and get that heart going and then stop, at the top, all you can hear is the beating of your heart loud and strong in your chest. That is amazing.I am in a small Maine town tonight. I had to do laundry in the bathtub, because the quarter machine was broken at the laundry mat and everyone was closed, so no correct coins, no laundry. It is hanging drying all over my room right now. At least I knocked some of the stench off of it.Must rest my eyes now.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-15
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: West Carrypond Lean To
Miles today: 7.0

Whew, last night was a tossy turny night. The weather has been unseasonable warm up here, 70 highs, and my room was like a sauna. No AC up here and the windows didn't open. The heat was a little reminiscent of Houston.I made my last fast forward today to insure that I would meet my pick up date at Katahdin. My parents are flying up on the 4th of October where they will pick us up and whisk us around in a car for 10 days. I will get to be a tourist and wear cotton clothes and different clean clothes instead of the same ole stinky outfit!! The forwards are bittersweet. I see people I have not seen for a long time that have passed me, but those are parts of the trail passed for now.The trail has flattened out somewhat and the ponds and lakes are much more abundant. Hopefully that will bring more wildlife. The woods have been so quite, except for the occasional bark of a red squirrel or the scurry of a chipmunk.The shelter is full tonight with a nice fire going out front, good company and good laughs.By the way, I'm living my dream right now!!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-16
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.1

I have crossed the century mark. That is right, 100 days on this adventure and what a day it was!!I woke up to a light rain and soon it turned heavier. Oh well, the forest is completely different when it is raining so I was kind of excited. After all, the memories of two weeks of rain in August had softened.It was a chilly rain so I only stopped twice in 10 miles to gobble some food. After about 5 hours of walking, around 1:00 pm, I arrived at my destination, Pierce Pond. It was beautiful, but I had had such a fine walk that I decided to continue on to cross the Kennebec River and on to Caratunk. The Kennebec River is the most formidable river crossing on the whole trail. It is a wide fast moving river that is dam released and there is no schedule on when the dam releases. For these reasons they have a ferry to escort hikers across. Myself, Brown Dog and Kokopelli were off in the canoe with the ferry lady.It was a nice rainy ride and Brown Dog did great because we had practiced in Rangeley. So wow, something I had read about so many times I had just done. Kokopelli and I ended up walking down the wrong road to get to town and had to take advantage of a nice guy that stopped for our poor selves on the side of the highway. We made it to the Caratunk House, but it was full, so Paul, the owner, took us out to the Northern Outdoor Center, which was okay. Paul is a really nice guy and totally made sure we were taken care of.We ate dinner, cleaned up and sat in their hot tub.   Aaahhhhhh!There was a nice group of folks around, OFF, Flash, Shifty, Kodiak and many others. The trail is winding down for most everybody and it seems like instead of hurrying to do miles everyone is slowing down and enjoying the ride.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-17
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

I came into town a day early so I decided to take a day off. I came in and got a bed at the Caratunk House and it is awesome. Paul cooked us hamburgers and made milkshakes. Can you believe even after eating all this stuff I am still slowly dropping weight. Cool!We watched the movie "Superstar" tonight. I laughed my head off. I loved the character Mary Katherine.Right now I am in a bed with flannel sheets and soft blankets. I truly appreciate a bed now. Sweet dreams!Days off go so fast.
Date: 2003-09-18
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Pleasant Pond Lean To
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wowowoowo, I had a wonderful breakfast at the Caratunk House. Paul rocks. Everyone should stay there. We messed around for a while and actually watched another movie, "Royal Tennenbaums." It was great! We had a Klondike bar for lunch and moved on to the first shelter. It was a nice walk and walks always go faster when you have someone to talk to. I am just having a really good time on my hike right now. Everyone is in good spirits and the trail has flattened out a bit. Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-19
From: Pleasant Pond Lean To

To: Bald Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 10.0

This was a lethargic day all around - slow walking, slow thoughts, slow snack breaks. Some days are just like that. I have fallen into good company with Off and Kokopelli and into a simple routine. I am not sure how much longer I will enjoy their company. I am planning on Monson tomorrow or the next day. It will be my last maildrop in this state, the one that has seemed so far off for so long.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Bald Mountain Lean To

To: Horse Show Canyon Lean To
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

It poured rain all night. I listened from the soft comfort of my Therma Rest and sleeping bag, wondering occasionally how long will this episode last? I have been going to sleep about 8:00 pm because it gets dark about 7:00 pm now. This routine lends me some hours during the night to lie awake.I was on the trail by 8:00 am and going up moxie Bald Mountain in a light drizzle, which was a shame because the mountain would have had great views. It was gigantic slabs of rock that tend to be slippery when wet. The weather makes me very lethargic and the miles just groaned out today. By noon we had a steady heavy rain going on and I was just trudging along. The trail was becoming a mess, but then again I am not the poster girl for a Tide ad.I got to ford a river today that came up to mid calf and was thankful for that because it cleaned my shoes and socks up. Then the most amazing thing happened. The sun came out for a blazing 2 hours, so we took the time to sit on the edge of a riverbank, play and dry out some. Now that it is 7:00 pm and I am fed and watered, it is pouring outside again. Thank goodness for these shelters all along the way. Myself, Sheepstuff, Off and Kokopelli are all reading and enjoying the evening in a nice dry shelter.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-21
From: Horse Show Canyon Lean To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The last trail town up north. Yahhhooowwweee, I think. Tomorrow I plunge myself into the 100 mile wilderness, 100 miles of no sodas, phones or real beds. It is going to be awesome! The big K, K is for Katahadin, some place that has always seemed far off, almost magical, and I'll be there. Holy moly, and I walked here. Anyways, I am at Shaw's Boarding House for the night. They are really nice and I ate too much of their home cooking tonight. The sun shined on me all day and I had a pleasant walk into town. Love the sun.Can't believe it.Happy trails!