morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Wintturi shelter

To: West Hartford
Miles today: 16.0

Another hot humid day of hiking but I was rewarded at the end with a 30 foot jump into the White River. I entered the very small town of West Hartford where upon a gentleman named Randy flagged me down and offered me a cold beer.I dropped to my knees and exclaimed "oh bless you kind sir, please may I have another?"I ended the day by taking his two daughters (fourteen and fifteen) up to the bridge for their first ever leap into the White River. (see photo) I was honored to play a role in this family ritual, seems both Mom and Dad did it when they were young.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: West Hartford

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Gone are the days of spigots and metal pails. I entered an area of the forest where the trees were connected by a cobweb of rubber hoses. Maple syrup is now harvested by "intravenous ejection". (I just made that term up, see photo)Today I left behind the state of great cheese, Ben and Jerry's, and maple syrup. I crossed the Connecticut river and entered the state of "live free or die".The people of New Hampshire are fierce about their independence. There is no state income or sales tax, here you had better take care of yourself because the local government won't do it for you.The AT, as you enter NH, shocks you immediately with the town of Hanover, the home of Dartmouth College. I have never met a college town I didn't like. They are all so prosperous, high-minded, contemporary, and awash in youthful flesh. I fit right in.My intent was to stop in for quick resupply and head back out as there is no reasonable "hiker lodging" in this bastion of the ivy league. Not all here are accustomed to the thru-hiker as was evidenced by the reaction I received at the CO-OP store.It was obvious by her disdainful glare that I offended her senses. "I stink I know, sorry about that", I offered as way of an apology."Don't you bathe?", she offered as way of explaining her rude behavior."Normally, yes I do but I just walked here on this sultry day", I responded.She was amazed, no one walks anywhere, "you walked all the way here from your home?""No ma'am, from Georgia", I said proudly, hoping for a little celebrity treatment.With that she threw me her best "smartass" look and pushed her cart as far from me as she could get.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Perhaps it is the amount of time away from home or the amount of rain we have had lately but every Northbound thru-hiker I have talked to seems to be suffering from a general malaise.I know a song that reflects my current mood. May i sing it to you?I stumbled in the darknessLost and alone.Though i love the wilder-nessShow me the way home.Is that a light up ahead,Can't hold on very long,Forgive me pretty baby,I need to come on home.Got a head full of nightmaresand a belly full of pain.Gotta watch for the lightning,it comes with the rain.I know what i said,i'll go on if i'm able.I'm far from city lights,here all alone,no food on my table.Forgive me pretty baby,I need to come on home.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Trapper John shelter

To: Ore hill shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Today's hike is dedicated to my brother John, thanks for your support and I can't wait to see you on stage when I get home.Pleasant hike today up Smarts mountain then way back down and back up Mt. Cube. Mt. Cube offered a view of the intimidating "White Mountains" soon to come. (see photo)I did some longer than usual mileage today so that I may get into Glencliff early tomorrow. I am losing two toenails which are barely hanging on and causing pain. I may have to perform some minor surgery prior to hiking.Glencliff in not a town but does harbor a very popular hostel which functions as a launching pad for most thru-hikers getting ready to enter the massive White Mountains.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Ore hill shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.4

Today's hike is dedicated to a wonderful employee and friend, thanks for thinking of me Lauraine.The "welcome hiker hostel" in Glencliff is an experience. If you missed the "love communes" of the 1960's then here is your chance to relive that atmosphere, less all the sex of course.The weather report seems favorable so I leave tomorrow for the White Mountains. I expect to take my time and will be out of touch for 10 days. The Whites are famous for many reasons. They are steep, strenuous climbs; many involving boulder navigation and rocky descents. They will test my heart like nothing I have encountered to date.The whites rise dramatically above tree lines and in good weather are breathtaking but the weather can change suddenly and lightning storms are common. Every year someone dies in the White Mountains.The whites are also known for their hut system of overnight stay. The huts are manned by the Appalachian Mountain Club and offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and a bunk for a fee. Many thru-hikers, short on funds by now, will "work for stay"; often sleeping under the kitchen tables.My hike out will be dedicated to my friend and neighbor, Bob. I have your shirt and will wear it up to Mt Moosilauke in your honor. No cell service here so i will use this entry to tell my wife i love you and will call when i reach Gorham. (only ten miles to Maine after that).
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Glencliff

To: gordon pond
Miles today: 12.8

Today's hike is dedicated to my friend Bob who has supported me through this entire adventure.There are those times when you breathe in deeply all the joy life can give. It is a moment, a snapse of time and space when you would hold that feeling for eternity if possible.I fell in with two hikers, Hangman and Castaway, who have been together on the trail since Virginia. We seem to mesh well but in terms of trail miles I am an old dog and it will be tough to teach me new tricks.We hiked up to the top of Mt. Moosilauke, toting beers in our packs for the summit celebration. It was a trek that took over four hours of continuous climbing but the sunlit, windswept, treeless apex made it all worthwhile. (see photos) Then as the day came to a close we took a side trail to Gordon pond and have found the perfect campsite. (see photo)Here we sit waiting for moose to appear. Their sign is everywhere about us and this moment has that special feel to it.It is an unspoiled area away from the trail. We had to slog through mud and streams to get here but our solitude is evidence that our decision was correct.Here we sit, on a rock, the three of us, in the moment, and only the appearance of a moose could make this moment more.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: gordon pond

To: Liberty spring
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike is dedicated to my sister Jane who I know wanted to hike with me, wish you were here.Today was a workout. The trail up South Kinsman and then down again should come with a warning sign that reads "heart attack is imminent". It was, in my opinion, the most challenging 10 mile stretch on the trail thus far. Billed as a "rock scramble" the trail climbs straight up then straight down.If that wasn't exhausting enough we pushed on past the Lonesome Lake Hut for yet another climb to the summit of Liberty Mt.The great philosopher Yogi Berra once said "if you come to a fork in the road...take it". I have come, once again, to that fork. I greatly enjoy the company of Hangman and Castaway but they seem intent on moving through the White Mountains quickly. They have invited me to finish the AT with them but I must bid them farewell as I feel certain I will never see these beautiful mountains again.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Liberty spring

To: near Galehead hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

I ascended upward through the hushed forest of beech, birch, and spruce. Up in the high boreal forest but then further still into that area where even the tenacious evergreens are stunted by eons of brutal wind, sleet, and snow. Further still along the Franconian Ridge over craggy peaks and steep sided clefts.Considered to be the most beautiful section of the trail, this ridge snakes like the great wall of China from one famous peak to another. You must go back and see my photos once my wife has a chance to upload them. I was the first to summit today, just ahead of Castaway and Hangman, in the early dawn. It is here, above the world, I say goodbye to my new friends. They push on but here I will stay, once again alone with my journal. It seems to me a wasted endeavor to climb so high, work so hard, then leave so soon.After spending hours on the ridge, I hiked to the Galehead hut where I was put to work sifting compost as payment for free supper and the dining room floor to sleep on. The good news is Hangman and Castaway took an unexpected short day and they are here also. We ended up "cowboy camping" near the hut.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: near Galehead hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

On the way up to the top of Mt Guyot, I encountered the spirit of Grandma Gatewood. Emma Gatewood was one tough broad, the oldest female thru-hiker. She first hiked the AT in 1955 at the age of 67. Her shoes are enshrined somewhere in Damascus.She approached me as I was gasping for breath and feeling faint. I recognized her immediately from old photograghs; her crinkled, toothless, smile and corncob pipe in hand. (barefoot of course since her shoes are in Damascus)I was startled at first but gathered myself and said "grandma what's doin"? She took me totally by surprise when she bitch slapped me. "What the hell", I blurted out, but before I could comment further she said "where's your dignity gator, did you hike up these white mountains for the food?""Don't you go beggin those AMC college pukes at those huts, don't you be shovelin' their shit just so you can sleep on the floor."I knew immediately what she meant. The marriage between the thru-hiker and the huts is a contentious one. They are pleasant but don't really want to cook for you after they have taken care of the paying customers. They do it because they have been told to."But grandma", I said, "their food is so good."She bitch slapped me again. "Listen here boy, the AMC don't own these White Mountains, they just think they do. The thru-hiker eats when he wants, craps where he wants, and sleeps where he wants."I was humbled by her words of wisdom.Baltimore Jack wouldn't do it, Grandma wouldn't do it, Benton wouldn't do it and never again will gatorgump work for stay at the huts.LESSON 21, Future thru-hikers, when hiking in the White Mountains do not make the huts part of your meal plans. Have some self respect, by now you have walked 1800 miles through wind, rain, sleet, and snow. Do not beg for food like some homeless tramp only to be told by a ninteen year old, pimply faced, condescending, college student you can sleep on the floor, like a dog, after all of the other "guests" are done socializing. Stand tall, show em' the captain in you.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Crawford Notch

To: Past mount washington
Miles today: 15.2

Today we hiked up into the Presidential Range, up toward Mount Washington. We came upon the Lake of the Clouds hut resting dramatically above tree line yet still miles below the grand mountain. (see photos) In it's bowels there is a dungeon where the AMC graciously locks away smelly thru-hikers in need of shelter. (see photo)We took our leave and headed up the big momma. In the minds of many hikers there is something terribly wrong with humping up to the top of the highest mountain on the northern AT only to be greeted by a trainload of rotund buns and their passel of children. The Cog Railway (see photo) chugs and belches thick, black, coal-fired, smoke in it's quest for the grand peak. Mount Washington is the most crowded summit on the entire AT.I had no choice in the matter, it was providence, it was tradition, it was at the urging of Hangman that made me do it.As I mooned the lot of them, both coming up the mountain and going down again, the conductor threw lumps of coal at my ass. The cars were full of passengers and as I glanced over my naked derriere I saw them crowding the windows in a scrambled effort to take my picture. You must see the photo Hangman took, my ass plainly visible and everyone in the cab windows with cameras in hand...it is a classic.And just to be certain that I made the family vacation album I spread my cheeks wide, exposing the one eyed monster, the sphincter ringter, the brown round, the...well you get the picture.We had passed on the not so wonderful opportunities available to us at the Lake of the Clouds hut and the three of us decided instead to do what "they" said shouldn't be done, couldn't be done. We "cowboy camped" up along the exposed ridge. Giddy with delight, we found a grassy area hidden behind large rock outcroppings. We were once again sleeping when and where we wanted. (see photos) Cocooned in our sleeping bags against the 39 degree winds we watched the sun set over the mountains. Grandma Gatewood would have been proud. What a day!
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Past mount washington

To: Wildcat mountain
Miles today: 14.1

Today we said goodbye to Mount Washington...over and over again. The grand mountain is visible for many miles as you hike toward and beyond Madison Hut.This hut sits in the saddle between two peaks and in the early dawn we observed a beautiful sunrise. (see photos) I have renamed this "the hut of the rising sun". Here is a song that should bring back memories for some of you.There is a hut in New HampshireThey call the rising sunIt's been the ruin of many a hikerAnd lord I know I'm oneMy mother was a tailorShe sewed my old tent seamsMy father was a bankerA man with big dreamsNow the only thing a hiker needsIs a food bag and an open trailAnd the only time he's satisfiedIs when you send him mailOh mothers tell your childrenNot to do what I have doneSpend your nights in sheer miseryAt the hut they call the rising sun.Again we by-passed AMC, both the hut and their lodge in Pinkham Notch. Tonight it is cold and clear and three men, three thru-hikers, have sweated their way to the top of Wildcat Mountain. Here we lie, out in the open, with just our bedrolls, close to a transparent night full of stars and meteor showers. Once again the white mountains are ours for the taking. As we drift off to sleep I had but one question;"Little Joe", I said to Castaway, "where did you tie up the horses tonight?"
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Wildcat mountain

To: Imp shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: fog

Today is our last day in the Whites and they showed us who is really in charge.Meteorologists will tell you that the New England area funnels out two constantly converging weather systems; one from the south and one from the north.This creates high winds and severe weather patterns. We were caught in a wicked storm. Wind gusts over 40 miles per hour and bone chilling rain reminded me of the plaque atop Mount Washington listing by name and cause of death the hundreds of people who have died in these mountains.There is a sign warning hikers that "the area has the worst weather in America. Many have died here from exposure". (see photo of sign)The whites have such extreme winds that they are used as a training ground for climbers who intend hiking the Himalayas.I am not a fan of the AMC policies toward paying to camp in the woods or use of their shelters but today I was glad they built the Imp shelter where they did.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Imp shelter

To: Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Easy hike into Gorham this morning. I need a day off but Hangman and Castaway are determined to push on so we said our goodbyes (again) over dinner.I also saw Walking Cowboy and we had lunch together but he is also leaving tomorrow. I will leave for Maine on Thursday.I admit that I am torn between my desire to heal and recharge and my desire to finish this journey with good company. Hopefully I can do both but I have heard from several southbound hikers that Maine is tougher than the White Mountains. It may be impossible to catch up to Castaway and Hangman.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Gorham

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

What does it say about me when after 15 days away from current events the only thing I want to watch on TV is Spongebob Squarepants, I love that little guy.I had a slight run in with the law today. Behaviorists say that it takes between 60 and 75 days of continuous behavior to form a habit.It wasn't my intention to be disrespectful or vulgar, it was just a habit. I had my back turned and my mind disengaged when the officer tapped me on the shoulder as I was urinating on a public bush. (I had consumed large quantities of beer last night.)He said that I matched the description of some smelly, rancid looking vagrant. Actually what he said was I look like EVERY smelly, rancid vagrant. Seems like thru-hikers like me give rancid vagrants a bad name.Oh well, tomorrow night I will be sleeping somewhere deep in the Maine woods. Originally the AT was to end atop Mount Washington then some idiot got the idea that the northern terminus should be Mount Katahdin. If it were not for him I would be home now.Maine is the second longest trail on the AT and, according to many, the hardest. It is certainly the most remote and the most unspoiled. I expect to finish on or about September 1. I know coming home after so long in the woods will be an adjustment. I will probably poop in the back yard for a while and then burn my toilet paper. Hope the neighbors understand.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Gorham

To: near carlo col shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Today's hike is dedicated to a very special friend. Margie your cards and comments are heartfelt and have inspired me, thank you.The weather was perfect but the trail coming out of Gorham is extremely unfriendly. It is full of roots and rocks but here I am regardless, sleeping in Maine for the first time in my life. Maine's state moto is "the way life should be". A bit ambiguous, don't you think? I am going to have to get to the bottom of that before I leave.Tomorrow I face the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. It is billed as "the toughest mile on the entire trail". A boulder scramble that requires removing your pack in order to crawl under, over and through narrow crevices.I don't know how hard it will be but one thing is for certain...I know it will smell bad. The word on the trail is that a moose fell into one of the tight squeezes and starved to death. It's rotting carcass will be there when I arrive.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: near carlo col shelter

To: Spec pond
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Mahoosuc Notch is not the killer. I mean it is a challenge, one I would not want to do in the rain. The real oxygen depleter is Mahoosuc Arm mountain which occurs immediately after the notch. I was wasted. (see photos)I hiked through the Notch with a 40 year old section hiker I met back at the Glencliff hostel, his name is "freakboy". We could smell the moose long before the bloated, fly infested, carcass came into view. The story is that the animal fell from the cliff above, broke two legs and starved to death. I met several southbound hikers, some time ago, who claim to have passed the poor beast while it was yet alive, pleading for help.The trail actually goes directly over the rotting flesh and breathing the stench was only possible filtered through shirts or bandanas. (see photos)Maine has been different thus far. The forest is dense, damp, and rocky and finding a secluded, dry tentsite up high has been impossible.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Spec pond

To: Near frye notch lean to
Miles today: 10.4

Today's trail took me by a park sign in Grafton Notch outlining the history of the AT. (see photo) The sign reads that only 3 out of 20 thru-hikers who begin this long journey, finish it.I am beginning to believe I may be one of the three.I do seem to be in a bit of a holding pattern though. I feel I am circling the runway, ready to land, but the tower has told me to delay. In talking with my wife, it may make more sense for me to finish after Labor day. Considerations such as cost savings on airfare and hotel and my daughter's school might dictate a slower pace. As of now they are scheduled to fly up on Wednesday the 5th of September. This would leave me a two day window (Friday and Saturday) in which to summit with my son.He is not as tough as his old man, I hope he has been getting into shape. (LOL)
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Near frye notch lean to

To: Andover
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the die has been cast. I came into Andover today in order to talk with Weebles. The decision is that the family will fly into Bangor after labor day therefore if all goes well I should finish on or about Sept. 7th.I am staying at an interesting hostel here in this one street town. It is interesting in that there are twelve hikers here and ten of them are over 40 years old. The two young ones are southbounders. One has said he is going to skip the rest of Maine and the other has been here a week. His name is Chris and he has that deer in the headlights look about him. I've seen it before, afraid to get back into the woods.The older hikers i know and all are complaining of Maine. This state will challenge you, it is steep and it is hard on the knees and ankles. But I will not skip any of it nor will I slack pack. I am a backpacker not a slackpacker.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Andover

To: South arm campsite
Miles today: 10.2

I am sitting by the campfire, having just cooked myself a hot, delicious dinner. Freakboy and I have enjoyed excellent weather since entering Maine. I should be happy but I am floating in a sea of despair. I have lost my camera. All of my pictures from Mahoosuc Notch, etc..all gone. I am not happy, don't feel like talking, sorry.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: South arm campsite

To: Sabbath day pond
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today would have been perfect but for the loss of my camera. I just woke from a nap I took in the middle of the Bemis River. On a dry rocky bed, with water flowing briskly by on either side, I laid down in the warm sun and promptly fell asleep.Freakboy startled me awake as he approached. We then made our way to an area called "the long pond" for an early evening swim. Afterwards we hiked up to Sabbath Day pond only to come face to face with a massive bull moose, chest deep, feeding in the clear mountain water.Freakboy has been with me for a week now and has taken many pictures which he has promised to e-mail. Tomorrow I will go into the town of Rangeley to buy a camera, he will have to continue on.Today's hike i dedicated to my father and his wife Jo. You have shown me that a son can care for another and still love his mother. Happy birthday Jo.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Sabbath day pond

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Alone again...naturally. I was hiking with Flick for weeks, then with Hangman and Castaway through the whites, then with Freakboy for the last week. I feel like a total slut, being passed around.Actually they were all good companions and it has been a while since I've hiked solo, I feel lonely already. The loons outside my bedroom window don't make me feel any better; they have such a haunting, woeful sound.I was able to pick up a couple of "one use" cameras so hopefully I will get some photos of this beautiful state. The thing that sets Maine apart from the other states I have hiked in is the water.There are lakes and ponds at every turn. Most of Maine's ponds are so large they would qualify as lakes in other states. I believe a body of water has to be at least 15 miles across in Maine to get "lake status".