morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Hanover, NH

To: Ledyard Spring Trail Tentsite
Miles today: 2.0

Of course it rained some more last night, which means I'll be heading out with a wet tent. Hopefully it will be nice tonight so it can dry fully. I called UPS first thing this morning, and scheduled a pick up for my box of clothes that has been at the Inn of the Long Trail for the past week. They will pick it up, and deliver it to the hiker hostel in Glencliff, NH. If UPS was open on the weekends, I wouldn't have had to take the past 2 days off.I went into town one last time before leaving to go eat and have a coffee. Baltimore Jack was at the coffee shop, and we went over some camping options that aren't in the guidebook. He knows the trail so well, he can just look at the maps and remember where campsites exist. We went down to the pub for lunch, where I bought him a couple beers for his hospitality and help with camping in the White Mountains.Finally headed out for the trail around 5pm, only planning to go to Velvet Rocks Shelter a mile and a half up the trail. Once I got there I realized there is no water there, so I walked back to the trail and headed another mile north to a spring. Set up my tent there for the night, near water, and it's nice and cool and dry outside. My tent is dry, my warmer clothes will be waiting for me in Glencliff, and life is good.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Ledyard Spring Trail Tentsite

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Finally no rain overnight, seems like the first night in a while. Made a good push, 6.6 miles, to a nice stream for an extended break. It was nice to be in the woods again, after being in town for the better part of 4 days.While taking a break along Mink Brook, I saw Old School and B-rad. I hadn't seen Old School since Duncannon, PA. Good to know he is still out here since so many have dropped out. They headed up to the south peak of Moose Mountain to camp. Ontop of the summit I took another break, finally enjoying a nice view for the first time in a while. It was a small vista, but at least it was a vista. There seemed to be some dark clouds around, which might put a damper on my plans for the day.While getting water at the stream near Moose Mountain Shelter, the rumbles of thunder started. It didn't take long for the rain to start, so I back tracked to the shelter. After watching the rain fall for almost an hour, I decided to call it a day. The shelter quickly filled up, and I decided to put up my tent and ride out any bad weather inside it. I slept early, and woke up around dark for a snack. The rains started again after dark, but I was dry and comfortable inside my tent.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: South Jacobs Brook Tentsite
Miles today: 16.3

Woke up and the rain was over, and I got out of camp at the usual 915ish. Had a short uphill to begin the day, followed by a 1400ft descent. The weather was dry, and a comfortable temperature to hike in. The climb up to Holts Ledges offered up nice views. This area is a falcon rookery, but I didn't see any.The next ascent was up Smarts Mountain. The hardest part of the climb is 2100ft in elevation gain in 3.8 miles. The weather changed heading up, with increased winds and a drop in temperature. While going up I saw Bear Bag, a guy I met just before Hot Springs, NC and who I haven't seen since. He had a bacterial infection, and was off the trail for 3 weeks. Also while going up I saw Minnesota Smith struggling up the hill, asking how far to the top. His pack is huge, and is always lopsided. Check out his picture for sure.After a break on top at the firewarden's cabin, my plan was to head down to South Jacobs Brook and hope to find a spot. Not only did I find a place, but it was awesome. It had a nice flat tentsite, a seperate area with a fire ring and places to sit, and most importantly the sound of the brook flowing all night. I definitely love to camp near flowing water.Tomorrow I'll go into Glencliff, 16 miles, to the hiker hostel. Looking forward to getting all my cold weather gear, along with finally getting to the White Mountains. This 100 mile stretch is the most rugged and scenic area that we will have experienced this whole time. Big climbs to nice views, and lots of above treeline hiking.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: South Jacobs Brook Tentsite

To: Glencliff, NH / Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

I enojyed another great night sleep by the brook. This one was flowing hard, with a nice loud sound to it. After breakfast, I faced a tough climb going up Eastman Ledges. After the ledges was Mt. Cube, offering nice vistas to the south, and fun baldface rock walking. Smarts Mountain, what I climbed over yesterday, looked every bit as big as it felt in my legs. I stopped for water at Brackett Brook, the last time for the day. One short break at NH25C, and it was in to Glencliff, at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. The hostel owner was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, but he had a few friends overseeing it while he is gone. Fat Chap, Bag of Tricks, and Fedge do a great job of running the place, I'm a big fan.The hostel was busy, with both northbounders and southbounders staying there. A group of us went into town for dinner, and open mic night at a bar/resturant. It was the only place to eat in town. The food was okay. Luckily we didn't stay long since I was tired. Tomorrow I'll go to the post office and see how the weather looks for hiking out. It's onto the White Mountains!The White Mountain National Forrest is about 100 miles long. There are stretches that go above treeline, meaning nothing really grows up there. Generally, treeline is above 4000ft. The highest peak in the park is Mt. Washington at 6288ft above sea level. Camping is prohibited above treeline, and is hard to come by even below treeline. The famous stretch is the Presidentals, 13 miles of above treeline hiking. It's best to know what the weather is going to be like before you head up. It can snow any month of the year, and many people have died from exposure to the elements.The forrest is dense with firs and birch trees along with lots of moss and lichen, which makes it hard to find campsites. If you do camp, youre supposed to be 200ft off the trail, and 1/4 mile from any stream, pond, or hut. The local trail club in these parts, the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club), operates a series of huts inplace of shelters. People pay close to $100 a night to stay in these huts, big bucks. The huts have a crew (croo) that cook, clean, and manage the day to day operations. This means that for us thruhikers we are told to get to them early, and request a work for stay. I have heard stories of hikers arriving too late to get work for stay, others having beaten them to it, and been told to hike on. If you do get work for stay, which is usually the case, you get to eat the left over dinner and breakfast. Luckily, I was given a detailed list of places to camp so as to avoid the hut system. I will have to spend one night at a hut, just before going into !the Presidential Range.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Glencliff, NH / Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Glencliff, NH / Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent the morning organizing my pack with the arrival of my cold weather gear. I had to decide what to mail home, package it, and figure how to pack all my new stuff. It's different than how I started since I'm using a different backpack. The one I'm using now is definitely more comfortable when carrying 30+ pounds like I will be once again.I went to the post office next to retrieve my maildrop. It has enough dinners and snacks to get me the 25 miles to my next drop in North Woodstock. I did need to catch a ride into town to get some odds and ends. A nice guy from Michigan who was out to visit his son who is thruhiking gave me the ride. Once I got back I decided to zero since the weather didnt look all that nice on Mt. Moosilauke, the big mountain just out of Glencliff. It also didn't help that my Philadelphia Eagles were on ESPN at 8pm. What better timing! Plus, Minnesota Smith is due to arrive tonight, and he is always fun to laugh at.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Glencliff, NH / Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

My morning started bad right away. A thruhiker named Bumblebee along with his friend Zulu decided to get up at 5am to get ready. Normally this isn't a problem, but these guys were loud. All the rustling of their bags, along with bright headlamps and talking made sleeping impossible. I simply just sat up and stared at them in the dark to let them know how rude it was. Later I found out they gave one of the hostel caretakers lip about the price for the ride into town to get food, $2.50. They signed the hiker journal, saying "Nice place, NOT!". I hope I don't come across them again none the less.Then after a few cups of coffee and sportscenter, I packed up my pack. While doing so I noticed my ATM card was missing. I freaked out, tearing apart my pack multiple times. I used it yesterday to get food in town, and hadn't touched it since. Luckily the store had it. I was in a rush there yesterday, and the place was a zoo. They must have never given it back to me.After mailing my summer stuff home, calling home, and repacking my pack I got shuttled into town to get my card. I only planned to do 8 miles since the climb out of Glencliff is the first big climb in a long long time. This in fact was the biggest ascent yet, over 3600ft in 5.7 miles. At first, my pack was feeling real heavy with the additional clothing for higher altitudes, and heavier sleeping bag. But as I climbed, the more excited I got to be climbing above treeline for the first time. The balds of the south are comparible, but not as majestic for some reason. Maybe its because these views come after months of smaller mountains through the mid-atlantic states and southern new england.Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Moosilauke, the first summit in the Whites, I celebrated with a beer that I hiked up. To be honest I was too cold to drink it, but I downed it anyway. It was 51 degrees up there, and I had on a sweat-soaked short sleeve shirt and shorts.It was just a couple miles from there to the shelter where Im tenting. A quick dinner and in my bag I go to get warm. It feels great to sleep in cold weather again.
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Kinsman Notch / North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was nice to have my 15 degree sleeping bag to sleep in again. It wasn't a cold night, but it was definitely near 40 degrees. Headed out around 915am, which is my usual nowadays, thinking Id do either 9 miles to the next free shelter, or 17 perhaps to Franconia Notch/North Woodstock, NH. The walk down into Kinsman Notch was steep, yet beautiful. When I got to the notch, it started to rain as forcasted. I was hoping the rain would hold off till later in the day but it didn't. I decided to hitch into North Woodstock from here, and take the rainy day off.In town I went to a nice coffee shop for lunch and a hot coffee. Spent the rest of the day watching golf and eating. Watching the rain fall from a motel room is a lot nicer than getting wet on the trail, especially when its chilly like it is. Temperatures down here are near 60, so I imagine its 10 degrees colder up on the trail.Tomorrow I'll head out around noon and do 8 miles to Eliza Brook Shelter in drier weather hopefully. Then come back to North Woodstock for my maildrop on Tuesday. My goal for the White Mountains is to not carry more than 3 days of food at a time, and to not have to use any of the camping locations that require you to pay a fee.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Kinsman Notch / North Woodstock, NH

To: Eliza Brook tentsite
Miles today: 7.5

After checking out of the motel and eating a good breakfast, it was time to hitch back up to the trail. The weather was a lot better than yesterday, although not any warmer. The guy who gave me a ride yesterday into town happend to drive by, so he pulled over again for me today. The weather up at Kinsman Notch was a lot cooler than in town, making me want to get started right away so I could generate some body heat. As usual it was a steep climb out of the notch, but not as long as other climbs.I stopped for water before climbing Mt. Wolf, but stopping meant you get chilly right away. I still sweat a lot while I hike, which adds to the problem of stopping and getting cold. The climb over Mt. Wolf was tougher than the guidebook would leave you to believe, and I was looking forward to getting to the shelter. I passed Minnesota Smith before getting to the powerlines just shy of the shelter. My guidebook was a little off on the mileage, so it was a little further than I thought to the shelter from the powerlines. I heard voices before reaching the shelter, so I presumed their was a group staying there. What a group it was, freshman from Yale doing a trip in the White as some type of orientation. Their were 10 of them, and they had the shelter full of their gear. I dont know why the AMC allows such big groups out here, especially with limited camping spots.I found a nice stealth spot upstream from the shelter. Another night enjoying the sounds of the brook a few yards from my tent. Tomorrow it's up and over both Kinsman peaks and back into North Woodstock. Hopefully I'll get to see my friend Nokia while I'm in town.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Eliza Brook tentsite

To: Franconia Notch / North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a damp morning, a real light drizzle. The climb up to South Kinsman was nearly 2000ft of elevation, in a mile and a half. The last part of the ascent involved quite a few rock scrambles, reaching hand over hand. Not fun to do with wet rocks. On top of the summit I saw the gang of kids from the shelter last night. They were hootin and hollarin when they saw their friends come over the peak of North Kinsman, a half mile up the trail. Not the best etiquette in the woods.The weather on top was more misty than rainy, crossing North Kinsman. As I made the descent to Lonesome Lake Hut, it started getting nicer. The view from besides the hut, along side of the lake, was beautiful.Made it down to the road, and had to call a shuttle taxi to come pick me up to take me into North Woodstock. It was an impossible hitch from The Flume Visitor Center. Stayed at the same motel as I did 2 nights ago when I came in from Kinsman Notch. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be nice, for a change.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Franconia Notch / North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Today I had to hang around town and get some money situations in order. It was a beautiful day, and I wish I was hiking, but I'll spend the night up at the trailhead out of town for free, and head out tomorrow after seeing my friend Nokia who lives in town. I'll also be able to call home and wish my mother happy birthday, even though I spoke to her today.Walked back up to the trail from The Flume Visitor Centor and found a spot away from the trail. I can hear Interstate 93, but I can also hear the brook. You win some, you lose some. I'm looking forward to breakfast!
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Franconia Notch Tentsite

To: Garfield Pond Tentsite
Miles today: 9.1

This morning I went back to The Flume Visitor Center to meet Nokia. We went out for breakfast at the Woodstock Station, a very nice place. It was good to see him and his dog Trouble again. He paid for breakfast which was super, considering I had 3 blueberry pancakes and an omelette with hashbrowns. Hopefully I'll have a chance to repay him with some magic when he goes hiking later this fall through my neck of the woods.I got back to the trailhead around 1pm, and it was time to climb. The weather today was clear, but windy. I felt a rush going uphill towards Liberty Mountain, knowing I'll be above treeline for a few miles. I blew right by Liberty campsite, and breaked just before I rose above treeline. I drank most of the water I was carrying (1 liter), before reading in the handbook that no water was available for the rest of the day, not smart. Luckily it wasnt hot, only 55 degrees where I was and only to get colder above treeline. Above treeline hiking is generally around 4000ft in the Whites, and you get 360 degree views. Today would be a good day for those views being that it's mostly clear.The climbs over Lincoln and Lafayette were incredible. This is what I've been looking forward to for so long. I wish Bud and Carnivore were here to see it all. There were lots of tourists, probably coming from Greenleaft Hut, right below Mt. Lafayette. It was windy and chilly, yet I was still soaked in sweat from the climb up to Franconia Ridge. The climbs up and over Lincoln and Lafayette were steep, but so beautiful you dont even notice how hard you work to get up them.It was 430pm when I started down from the north peak of Mt. Lafayette. From here it was 2.5 miles down to Garfield Pond. This is where I planned to camp tonight, knowing there is a nice site to the right of the trail. It's below treeline, and 200ft off the trail so it's legal. Running out of water didn't end up being a big problem, I even found some before I got to the pond.The campsite is great, a fire ring and plenty of tent spots. This site isn't listed in the handbook, so I'm thankful to the person who told me about it. Nice chilly night, clear skies with a halfmoon. Today was my favorite day hiking, inspiring for sure. Knowing that the best above treeline hiking is only a couple days away is also inspiring. I'll take all the inspiration I can get!
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Garfield Pond Tentsites

To: Zeacliff Overlook Tentsite
Miles today: 9.5

It was a nice night sleep down below any peaks and wind. Got started up Mt. Garfield around 9am, and took a short break to enjoy the views from the summit. It was a clear crisp day offering up views of yesterdays ridge walk, along with views of whats in store for today. Galehead hut was visable, which would be my next water fill-up. I stopped a mile before it to make myself a coffee/protein drink. The weather was perfect at this elevation, near 70 degrees.Galehead Hut was very nice. I got to eat free leftover pancakes, and fill up on water for the afternoon leg of the hike. From here its straight up to South Twin Mountain, but the climb wasnt too bad. The 360 degree views from ontop were amazing, offering up the best view of Mt. Washington that I've had thus far. From here it was a rather mellow hike to Zeacliff Overlook where I'm stealth camping for the night. The water I got from Zeacliff pond is kind of nasty, looks like iced tea! I'm hoping for no stomach problems.Tomorrow it's down to Zealand Falls Hut, and then a mellow hike to Crawford Notch with no big climbs. I hope I beat the forcasted rains of Ernesto.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Zeacliff Overlook Tentsite

To: Crawford Notch / Bartlett, NH
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather turned windy overnight, with the approach of Ernesto. No rain yet, but it can't be too far behind. With only 9 miles to do, and half of it flat, I wasnt worried about the weather.A short stop at Zealand Falls Hut, and I was off for the flat section. It was a nice walk over easy terrain, and a well manicured trail. For once in a long time, I didn't have to stare down at every foot placement. I regained my normal hiking pace of 3.5mph, up from 2mph ever since I've been in the Whites.Once I made it down to Crawford Notch, the temperatures starting dropping. This was odd since it usually is warmer in the valleys. I was glad to be done hiking, and I was eager to get the weather forcast. After a hitch and a short stop at a general store/campground, I hitched into Barlett, NH to get a room. The campground was sold out of cabins, and I wanted a TV for weather and sports of course. If I stayed in the bunkroom at the campground, I'd pay $25 plus more for the shower and the laundry. I can get a room for a little more than that, and have all my comforts.The weather is calling for cool rain and wind for tomorrow as Ernesto passes us to the west. I'll play it by ear before heading out.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Crawford Notch / Bartlett, NH

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: fog

I hitched back to the trail after awaking to dry weather. There were still some clouds around, so who knows whats it's doing up on the mountain tops. I decided to head out anyway, since there was supposed to be slight improvement to the weather over the next couple days. The Presidentials are just 8 miles north, so it would be nice to get over them without cold rain or even sleet.Of course up at the trailhead, the rain started again. It was a little colder than it was back at the motel, but I hitched back up there so I headed out. The weather only got worse as I gained elevation. Temperature were near 50, with some wind and rain. There were no views for me off Webster Cliffs.The hiking was difficult or slick wet rocks. I fell once, luckily not bad. And later I almost slid down part of Mt. Jackson, but I made it out alive. I stopped at Mizpah Hut, and decided to call it a day. I asked the croo for work for stay, and stated that I didn't need any leftoves for dinner or breakfast since I have plenty of food.There were 3 seperate groups of people at the Hut, mostly families with their children. Everybody was rather well behaved, not too loud. The difference I notice between thruhikers and day hikers/weekenders is the level of volume we speak at. Being in the woods for so long has really made me sensitive to loud talking. I'm just used to peace and quiet most of the time, except for some cars and trains mixed in.Some other thruhikers arrived, people I've never met. There was Canyonman, 3dollar, and Low Gear. There is another Low Gear up ahead of me who is quite the character with his shelter journal entries. Then word came in that Minnesota Smith was also due to arrive. Instead of sleeping on the floor, I got a bunk space since the place was not busy at all. Tomorrow its the Presidential Range, above treeline for 13 miles. I'll be passing over Mt. Washington (6288ft), and doing my longest day yet in the Whites (12 miles).