morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-28
From: Liberty Spring campsite

To: Galehead cs
Miles today: 10.4

I started out early on a cloudy day. When I got above tree line the wind and fog picked up. I was leaning against the wind so it would hold me up. Later it began to rain. The rain was light and steady and the trail was a stream in many places. Often the trail went up steep wet rocks. This made the going slow and offered no nap places. At Galehead Hut, the work for stay places were taken, so I went down the trail to camp. I had a weak potato soup and cocoa at the hut. There were many people in the hut, which had some 4 high bunk beds. Cola and Chuck are working at the hut. Some of my things are wet and some damp. It's not cold, so I should do ok.
Date: 2005-08-29
From: Galehead cs

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 7.0

Last night I went down a side trail near the hut to camp. There were 4 or 5 campsites, but only me. Some of my clothes were wet, but the night went well with lots of sleep and a little rain. The morning rain was light so I just packed like normal. I went over the Garfield range and saw white fog. I thought I saw the sun, but it hid. The light rain came again and I made it to the hut after noon. I had soup with other hikers and decided to do work for stay. I washed a lot of dishes from the lunch crowd and talked with Nina, the hut manager. It's nice to lay around this afternoon.
Date: 2005-08-30
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Webster Cliffs cs
Miles today: 8.5

I went to bed at 930 in the dining room. It was comfortable ,but much too late for me. I was up at 0530 to be out of the way and watched the clouds roll by. The guests ate at 0700 and I ate with the croo about 0800. I sat around and later swept out the rooms. I was off by 0900, which is late for me. I was staying to see what a hut was like and to kill some time as the weather changed. I did not realize how trained I am to move. My mind wanted to move, since I decided to stay. I met many nice people at the hut, although I was out of place. Many families were there with young kids. The croo was very busy and not too helpful for thru hiking advice. The food was really good...ginger chicken. I met Zigzag and Purple Rose who are section hiking on their way to Zealand hut. Part of the trail was flat and well groomed...such a change. The cliffs have great views with some clouds and rain. I have all my stuff in the tent, which makes it crowded. I set up in a low spot and later moved.
Date: 2005-08-31
From: Webster Cliffs cs

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: fog

Last night it rained lightly. This morning, the rain kept getting heavier until I got to the hut. I had views of white fog and some tuff wet rock climbs. Bearcanless, Epic Clearwater, and Brick are here. Hurricane Katrina has brought a lot of rain. The talk is that the weather will clear in a day or two. I want to get the super views of the Whites before I hike thru. I'd like to see Mt Washington and the tourist views. Justin, the hut man, is very friendly and helpful. Justin is expecting 17 tonight and I wonder when they'll get here. The rain makes me wonder.
Date: 2005-09-01
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

The short morning hike was windy in the clouds. There were no good views on the trail, although the fog and wind were interesting. At times I had to lean greatly just to stand. My walking was staggered. The weather cleared some this afternoon and I saw Mt Washington for 2 seconds. The helicopter brought supplies in for the hut. The thru hikers helped carry the supplies...mostly food. I'm watching the sunset with clouds and mts. The hikers are staying in a bunk room. We had to close the door because it smelled so bad. What bothers me is that I didn't notice it. I'm itching to climb Mt Washington..only 1.2 miles away and 1000 feet up.
Date: 2005-09-02
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.0

I was out early and on my way to Mt Washington, where I had a sandwich, chocolate milk, and other foods. I used the pay phone, and found out several people were asking about my late journal entries. There's not much Tmobile cell service and I've been in and out of towns quickly, some with no pay phones. I had a tour of the weather observatory, which uses a true barometric reading instead of the sea level corrected version. The reading was 23+ inches as opposed to 29+ inches. The observatory is computer based on many of their new data collectors. They have a sonic aerometer which needs little maintenance. Pussgut and I walked to Madison hut, where we did work for stay. We sieved the compost, which is labor intensive. Pussgut is from Watertown, NY. Magic touch and Cola are also here.
Date: 2005-09-03
From: Madison Hut

To: Osgood tentsite
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: fog

Work for stay had me doing dishes and sweeping. I had oatmeal, toast, and cornbread for breakfast. The wind was blowing hard when I left. On Madison, the wind was fierce and the cloud was white. There was enough visibility to see the trail and white blazes. I saw some cairnes and followed them. After the trail went down enough for better weather, I realized I was on the wrong trail. After another 2 hours I got back to the trail. The 3 hours of up and down tuff trail wore me out. In the afternoon, the sun was out and the wind was still strong. My feet are sore and my body is glad I stopped early. I have all my stuff drying on trees after days of rain. Most of the time I was in huts. I'm low in elevation, so the temp is up and the wind is slow. This is so nice!
Date: 2005-09-04
From: Osgood tentsite

To: Carter Notch campsite
Miles today: 10.7

Last night was dry, so much of my stuff is in good shape. I listened to the Lake Wobegone show on NPR; good entertainment. As I hiked to Pinkham Notch it rained lightly and the trail was good. Stephanie at the visitor center mailed a toy stuffed grouse to Rita for me..thanks. This visitor center is a mass of weekend hikers. It's well equipped and I had some breakfast. More hard climbs for the rest of the day, although I had 2 good naps. The sun and dry rocks make good nap spots with some outstanding views. Some of the afternoon my energy was low. Candy bars worked for a short time. This was my first longer day in some time. I could see clouds over the big mts. Many people are out for this holiday weekend, which is strange for me and the other thru hikers.
Date: 2005-09-05
From: Carter Notch campsite

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a pleasant night on the mt side. I talked to Painfully Slow a SOBO with bad knees making her way and telling me about Maine. The day was sunny with great views of the Presidentials and naps. I saw Rocky and Doublehealer going south. She's doing NH and the weather is looking great. Bearcan, Clearwater, and Freeradical are at the shelter with me. Ten Harvard freshmen are camping nearby.
Date: 2005-09-06
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: few clouds

It was such an easy walk to the road that I couldn't believe it was NH. I Planned to eat at the Moon Beam, but it's closed on Tuesday. My ride took me to the Hiker's Paradise for breakfast, so I decided to stay at the hostel at the hotel. There's room for 14, but I'm the only one here at 1730. I went to town and got some long johns and rain pants. I mailed home some broken gear...water bladder, rain pants, and an extra fleece jacket. I got a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and ate it by the river in the sunlight. Then I went to McDonalds for lunch. I had a pleasant talk with Rita and found out more about Katrina and New Orleans. Although I was inconvienced, prayers go to the people in the real storm. I did my laundry, but one pair of socks still stinks. The rest of the other clothes are ok for now. I spent more than I planned for groceries and got some protein drink mix. I hope the mix will help my muscles rebuild. It was nice to have a kitchen to package my camp foods and get my butter into a peanut butter jar, which is too small for a pound. I'd like to buy a half pound. That's part of resupplying at grocery stores. A big store has so much to tempt me and sometimes I get too many extras.
Date: 2005-09-07
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I left early and walked down to the Moon Beam for breakfast. The food was good with Russian peasant bread and sweet potato hashbrowns. I was hitching when an AMC bus gave me a ride to the trail. The day was warm and sunny with a good trail over a few mts that had great views. Between the mts the trail went by ponds. Although I saw no hikers during the day, 11 workers and Domino and Stilts are at the shelter. Domino says NotGuilty is back in a few days and still going with foot pain. There's a big crowd in Gorham taking it easy. I'm still looking for a NH moose.
Date: 2005-09-08
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

There were some great views, but it was a tuff day. There are many rocks without enough footholds. I was thankful the day was warm and clear. Tomorrow is Mahoosac notch, a mile of going thru a jungle jim of boulders. It takes from 1 to 3 hours on a good day. Today I did 9.6 miles in about 8 hours, so it might not be too different. I've got to see for myself tomorrow. I finally made it to Maine..yeah!! This was a big step that I celebrated by myself for a few minutes before moving on. Domino and Stilts have made a fire to entertain us at the shelter. There's talk of rain tonight that could make things difficult in the notch.
Date: 2005-09-09
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I was up early and headed for Mahoosac notch. Fish and Game and umbledog caught up to me as I entered the notch. It wasn't long before I was hanging on a rock ledge with weak arms to pull me up. Reality set in quick. I needed back up plans. I crawled thru 2 passages and had to take off my pack. I got several cuts and scrapes and did the mile in 1.5 hours...not bad. Then the arm going up was the next problem with many steeply inclined rocks. Things looked bad much of the day. This is often called the worst 5 miles of the trail. The last two miles to the lean-to were nice. Although it's only 5, I'm worn out. Peter Pan, Blaze, Bubbleboy and Edge are in the shelter. Domino and Stilts are camping nearby. We're a worn out team.
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: N of Wyman Mt campsite
Miles today: 13.6

The morning was cold and windy, especially on Baldpate mt. This was a granite dome with great views, but too much wind to stay long. Later the trail was nice. I got to the road about 1100 and got a quick ride to Andover, ME. I had a steak and cheese sub, dorito chips, and chocolate milk. The resupply was limited but adequate. The outside phone had a metal chair for talker's use. Rita said if it was at home someone would take the chair. The sun was shining and warm as I talked. Pussgut and I tried to hitch out of town, when Phoenix Rising, a trail angel from GA, stopped. She came back later and took us to the trail. At the trail Domino and Stilts were trying to hitch to town. Domino was shocked to see Phoenix. I walked for about three hours and camped. I'm listening to Prairie Home Companion on NPR. This is getting to be a Saturday habit for my entertainment.
Date: 2005-09-11
From: N of Wyman Mt campsite

To: Bemis Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A moment of silence for the 9-11 victims.In most ways this was a hiking day with good weather and some good views. The trail was mostly good and well marked. On Bemis Mt, I could see Mt Washington and the train blowing smoke. It's hard to believe I walked from there to here. I listened to the radio much of the day...60's, 70's, country, light rock, NPR. The wind is blowing and is expected to continue, but the temp is getting warmer. Jax and Pussgut are at the lean-to with me.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Bemis Mt Lean-to

To: Swift River Pond cs
Miles today: 12.9

Another beautiful day in paradise. I've walked by several ponds in the sunshine and have seen the glitter and the wakes. This is the way I picture ME...woods and ponds. I got here early and had dinner. Then Mr. Cricket, Jax and Pussgut came in. Cricket and I took a canoe out on the pond, which wasn't big, but nice. The canoes were left for people to use and so the canoes did not need to be hauled in and out. We had a small fire and talked. This is what ME is all about.
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Swift River Pond cs

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and out early with a good trail and good weather. Mr. Cricket found my croc and carried it to me. I would hate to lose my camp shoe. I saw three moose, mom and two young ones. We stared at each other for a while and I got a photo. Mr. Cricket came by 5 minutes later but did not see them. We got a ride with a guy whose land was dated back to 1772. He loves Maine and was only gone when drafted. Cricket and I had breakfast then I ordered two eggs and toast for dessert. I did laundry and got some loaner clothes..green shorts and blue t-shirt, what fashion! Weeks back a caretaker mentioned the book North Woods, that tells the natural history of the area. I went grocery shopping and found out that the only pay phone was downtown. I went to town and spent time at the library before calling home. Rangeley is an interesting small town with a big lake and a growing tourist base. I had some Thai food with some other hikers and hit the trail for a short day. At 1800, I'm the only one at the shelter in this beautiful setting. This has been a very social day for me and I talked with many different people in stores and hitching. The lady at the kayak store kindly let me use her phone..thanks. She had a super selection of AT hiker books.
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Old Woods Road campsite
Miles today: 11.7

Puss and I chatted with Sarah, the caretaker about ME and the shelter. This lean-to has the two seater privy with a cribbage board..ME humor. There were several rock climbs over Saddleback and its multi peaks. It was warm and the hurricane rain is predicted to come tonight. Jax and I are camping and are prepared.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Old Woods Road campsite

To: Carrabassett River cs
Miles today: 10.3

Last night, Bearcan, Clearwater, and Free Rad showed up and camped with Jax and me. We had a fire and marshmallows. About 0330 it started to rain light and steady. I was the last to leave camp at 0900 in a light rain. There were no views for me until the afternoon when visibility got up to 5 miles. I believe I saw some sunshine for a brief time. At 1530 I set up camp in a light rain and it later stopped. Maybe my tent, etc will dry. This is 6 months on the trail, which is hard to believe in many ways. Jax and Pussgut arrived later and will stay the night.
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Carrabassett River cs

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was out early on a good trail. I stirred up several grouse and heard a moose in the woods. The views were white fog, so I had no side trips. I resupplied in Stratton and called home. While on the phone, some Harleys were leaving the restaurant next to the phone. We gave each other a look and laugh, because we could not hear anything. It was a hard climb out of Stratton to the lean-to. I don't know if the lunch in town helps or hurts, but in the long run I need the calories. I met Red Blaze and FL going south. Both are doing flip-flops. I got to the shelter before the rain came.
Date: 2005-09-17
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

It was raining lightly this morning, so I was out after 0800. I talked with some weekenders and the caretaker before I left and got the weather report...two more days of rain. The talk was that there are many great views from the Bigelows. All I saw were white clouds. At times I could image some great views and thought of some sunny naps in the warm sun..another day. Phoenix, Spicy, Jax, and I are at the shelter. We hope it rains hard tonight and clears tomorrow.
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Woods Road campsite
Miles today: 18.0

It was an overcast day with a mostly level trail near ponds. There were large areas of mud and many roots. I saw my first loons today. After I heard their loud call, I saw them in the distance. Later I got a closer look and watched them swim and dive. I passed the 2000 mile sign on the road. The current 2000 miles I did days ago, which shows how the trail changes. A hiker warned me about bog crossing that had some floating boards and said to cross it slowly and carefully. That's what I did and got my feet wet. I'm glad I didn't slide in. The hiker also gave me a bagel, turkey, and a snickers...thanks.
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Woods Road campsite

To: Pleasant Pond
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

I WAS OFF EARLY for the ferry and got there before 0800 and the ferry started at 0900. The sun was burning off the morning cloud from the Kennebec River and showing its many moods before clearing. Big E brought the canoe over and took me across. He pulled the canoe up so I wouldn't get wet. I tried to hitch to the store, but ended up walking the mile. Steve, the store owner, and I talked for a while and I watched the store while he did some errands. I had biscuits, Ben and Jerry, and a V8. I did my shopping and then Steve took me to the Northern Outdoors to do my laundry and shower. I had lunch with other hikers and then hit the trail for another 6 miles. I'm camping near Muleskinner, Wood Rose, and their dog Bella, a blond lab. At a hut some restaurant workers were having a super feed and also fed the thru hikers. The chef had a lab and was planning to let the two dogs share the roast pork leftovers. Belle stared down the other dog and ate all the leftovers. A real thru hiking dog. I met them earlier in the Shenandoahs at Big Meadows in a rain storm. Tonight is looking like it might be clear.
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Pleasant Pond

To: Bald Mt Stream campsite
Miles today: 18.9

Last night,I talked with Muleskinner about treasure hunting around FL. He told of Fisher's famous treasure. I was up and out before 0700. There was a light rain in the morning. I saw the white cloud over several Mts...Pleasant and Moxie. On Moxie I was lost for a short time and had to retrace in the cloud and wind. The day was pleasant except for the wind and fog. Yesterday I saw a Blue Heron with those long legs. Today I saw a black woodpecker. I had to ford a river about 10 yards. I put on my crocs and carefully stepped on rocks under a mild current. I was glad to stay dry.
Date: 2005-09-21
From: Bald Mt Stream campsite

To: Doughty Pond cs
Miles today: 11.7

Off early for more walking, I had to ford 4 times. The water was cool and swift, but not deep. The walk by Piscataquis River was a travelog picture of Maine. Striker left trail magic..root beer and orange.. after a ford..thanks. I'm getting ready for the trip to Monson for resupply and a mail drop. The 100 mile wilderness is coming tomorrow. I could of got to town late in the day, but I decided to camp near a pond and go in tomorrow. I'm getting use to sleeping in my tent with the quiet and solitude.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Doughty Pond cs

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Last night a moose was snorting near my tent. I made some noise and talked to him and when he was ready he left. The morning was cloudy, warm, and sunny. GQ and I met at the road and went into Monson. My package was at the PO and I got some biscuits and chocolate milk before I did laundry. I had lasagna at the general store and heard the Kino Kid was looking for me. The Kino Kid and I hiked in GA and the Smokies before he went back to Maine. I thought he might find me hitching to the trail. Back on the trail, I was glad to be in the wilderness, but my pack is way too heavy. I was on a rock and slid about 10 feet, went over a log, and down the hill 15 feet. I was stunned with scraps and bruises, but nothing broken. It could have been bad! Later I washed up and met up with GQ again. He said Kino would meet us at the shelter. We hiked hard and darkness came. We forded Big Wilson stream in the dark. The water got up to my waist and was strong. It was good to be on the other side.This was my first night hike and lasted an hour and a half. That's enough for me! Kino left before dark..thanks for trying. PB sandwich for supper and to bed.
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: N of Barren Mt campsite
Miles today: 11.6

It rained last night, so I slept late. The day cleared and I had some super views from Barren ledges, where I had a hot lunch and nap. It's good to get back to some old habits. The views have no roads or cities just trees, rocks and water. My mind is the only thing in this new age. Some of the trail work brings in the modern world. After the hard day yesterday, I'm tenting around 1600.. the old quitting time. My cocoa with butter is getting me ready for dinner..Lipton noodles and chicken. The Maine mud got me today. It sucked up one shoe, then the other, and I slid into the mud. It took most of the day to wash and wear off the mud. One mind says I should be walking and the other says to enjoy the Maine beauty. The big advantage of going north is the beauty of Maine. Those SOBOs see Maine and its beauty first.
Date: 2005-09-24
From: N of Barren Mt campsite

To: N of Gulf Hagas cs
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold night, so I was off at 0745. I'm not used to the cold and was reminded of GA and the Smokies. I'm glad it's not that cold. The fourth, third, Columbus, and Chairback Mts took much of my energy, but had good views in the sun for some naps. I forded Pleasant River which was shallow. On the other side I saw 10 or 12 pairs of shoes, and sandals. The tourists must be out for a hike to see the spectacular Gulf Hagas. I took a detour and saw Auger Screw Falls. Some day hikers said they saw some metal men crossing the river. It was the Sequence Sisters in their prom dresses. They bought the dresses in TN at the used store for a dollar as a lark, but were so popular they'll wear them at Katahdin. I'm listening to Pairie Home Companion for my Saturday entertainment.
Date: 2005-09-25
From: N of Gulf Hagas cs

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 12.3

Another cold night and radio encouraged me to sleep late..0630. I found GQ at the shelter nearby and talked awhile. There were two good climbs and White Cap had a view of Katahdin...my first. I didn't stay long, because of a strong wind. I listened to the radio show, the emerging Bob Dylan on NPR. This was a reflection on the 60s. The shelter had some logs so I built a fire. It's strange to have regular logs. This shelter is a little bigger and newer than most. There are many log benches in the areas.
Date: 2005-09-26
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Antlers cs
Miles today: 16.0

The day started with a big half hour rain. I napped for a while and got off at 0750. The trail had some bigger puddles and a little more mud. This was a hiking day and at Cooper Brook lean-to, there was magic..chocolate, pudding, candy, brandy, and peanuts. Thanks to Bob Wirth from WI. The mosquitoes are out tonight and I have many bites from looking at Jo Mary pond. The privy is like a little log house with windows and curtains. GQ went on to the shelter, because the forecast calls for rain. I'm so tired that I'm staying here in my tent.