morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-05
From: Kinsman Notch

To: RT 25C
Miles today: 14.4

We decided today that since the weather is supposed to be good we will try to get the Mount Moosilauke leg done. This will just leave a small gap that we will finish up soon, hopefully. We decided to leave a vehicle at 25 C and jump up to Kinsman Notch, this way we could do Mount Moosilauke southbound which would give us the steep, slippery climb up rather than coming down late in the day. Due to the recent rain the brook was running quite well and it was very scenic to hike along beside it. Of course the climb is very steep with lots of rock steps and some wooden blocks that are screwed into the side of the rock. Again not some of Mary's favorite trail, but like a trooper she got up over it.As the trail started to level off we met another hiker who goes by the trail name Half Slow.  He has taken a poem by Rudyard Kipling, I believe it might be called If, and changed the first and last lines slightly. He recited the whole thing to us from memory. We had met Half Slow briefly on our first day slackpacking. I think he might be being assisted by Miss Janet. We'd hoped it would clear up by the time we reached the top, but it was still socked in with fog with just brief glimpses of the valley below. It was kind of nice going southbound because when we did reach the peak we saw Waterboy, Carly (her trail name is Bean), and a few other hikers that we knew up there. We chatted with them for a while and got filled in on where others are along the trail.Finally we left the summit and made the descent down to where our car was parked. The trail down the back side isn't as steep, but it's still quite tough on the knees.By the time we got down to the bottom Mary¢s knees were very sore. We found a great pool down near the shelter and we both decided to go in for a quick soak. We were both pretty tired, and on the way back to our car again we wished we had parked at the parking lot for the Moosilauke trailhead rather than the parking lot at 25 C.When we reached Oliverian Brook we had to take off our shoes to ford the brook. We didn't have our crocs with us, so we proceeded carefully across in our bare feet. We met a couple (Bill & Joanne) who are currently working on red-lining the trails listed in the White Mountain Guide. They were coming across the brook from the opposite direction. We stopped to chat with them for a bit before continuing on.We still needed to go up over Mount Mist and at the end the day we really weren't looking forward to it. By the time we got back to our car was getting late and we still had to go back around to collect the truck. When we got back over there we decided we would go down into Lincoln and go get a burger and a beer before we headed home. It's been some pretty big days, and shuttling the car around has been a little tougher than we thought. It has been taking more time to move the cars around, so we're not sure what we'll do tomorrow. But again, a shower at the end of a long day and sleeping in one's own bed has its benefits.
Date: 2018-08-06
From: RT 25C

To: RT 25A
Miles today: 4.8

Since it was going to be really hot today and we got home late last night we decided it might be better to just to clean up that little gap that we have. So today we just had to hike between 25C and 25A which was just under 5 miles.It's kind of a pain positioning two cars for just a 5 mile hike, but we decided we didn't want to leave this gap for later on in the hike and have to worry about it.Again we went southbound today, so we got to meet a few hikers that we hadn't seen before.  Just before we finished we did meet an older guy. "Bag of Tricks", parked with his pickup truck beside the road doing trail magic. He was offering beer, but we declined as it was still pretty early in the day and we really didn't think we needed any. We also met Prick today. He is a thru hiker and got his name when he sat on a cactus at Uncle Johnny¢s in Erwin. Originally it was Prickly Butt, but it¢s been shortened to Prick.Even though it was early in the day when we finished it didn't stop us from getting ice cream in Warren. Hopefully doing a short day today will help us, because tomorrow we have a pretty big day planned going up and over the Kinsman's. It's supposed to be nice early with a chance of showers in the afternoon, so maybe we'll get some good views.
Date: 2018-08-08
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day today, we're trying to rest and get our gear all set  because we're going to have to go back to full packs for the next leg. It's been great slackpacking and coming home to have a shower and sleep in our own bed, but it's been tougher than we imagined.  A lot of time is spent shuttling the cars around and we end up getting home quite late. It's been nice but we are actually looking forward to getting back out camping and just hiking during the day and deciding where we are going to camp at night, not the rest of the logistics.
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Route 302

To: Garfield Ridge/Galehead Trail Junction
Miles today: 15.3

Did this section southbound so we would have a better day on Franconia Ridge.We got up early and were on the road for what was going to be only a two-day section, but our packs were still pretty heavy. We weren't really sure how we were going to get back to the trailhead, so we figured we would just run our car up there and leave it and hopefully call a family member to come pick us up when we get out in a couple days. We decided to do this section from Route 302 to 93 southbound because we want the day we go over Franconia Ridge to be the better day, and that would be the second day. Our day started out with pretty good trail then a quick uphill and then a nice flat trail up until Zealand hut. We ate lunch at Zealand, and it looked like it was going to start to rain so we gathered our gear and got moving. The trail got a lot more steep and tougher after the hut, so the going was a little slower. By the time we made it up over Zealand Mountain and Mount Guyot we were getting quite tired, but we still had North and South Twin to go. The clouds cleared a little while we were on Mount Guyot, and we got some great photos. We were moving pretty slow, but by the time we got to South Twin the skies had cleared again and the views were stunning. We didn't have long to enjoy them because it was starting to get dark and we still had to get down South Twin and hopefully make it somewhere to camp around the hut. Coming down South Twin was very steep and rocky, which Mary really does not like, especially when the rocks are kind of wet like they were tonight. Made it down just as it was getting towards sunset. I knew it was too late to do a work for stay, but I was hoping they could direct us to a stealth site near the shelter. When I inquired they said they were full up with their work for stays and we would have to move a quarter mile on out past the no camping zone and find a spot. They said there should be plenty of spots once we got going south. Reluctantly we moved on. We were trying to beat the dark on really rough trail south of the shelter and we didn't find a spot. We did finally come across one spot, but it was occupied and well past the quarter mile zone. We had to don our headlamp to see the trail. We came through another area where we saw tents set up and a guy sitting down with this headlight having a snack. There was a spot there half in the trail half out and we inquired if he was going to take that spot or not. He informed us to go ahead and he was going to look around for another spot. We quickly set up in the spot, cooked our dinner by headlamp, and crawled into bed. He ended up looking around for a while and then moving on by headlamp. I'm sure he wishes he took the spot. It was a tougher day then we had hoped, but it looks like the weather should be good for  Franconia Ridge tomorrow.
Date: 2018-08-10
From: Garfield Ridge/Galehead Trail Junction

To: Liberty Springs Trailhead
Miles today: 12.4

Even though the spot was very tight and rooty, we slept surprisingly well. We tried to get going fairly early because we knew we had a big day up over Franconia Ridge. Before we got to the ridge we had to go over Garfield which is very steep and very rugged. Basically the southside of Garfield is a rocky stream that you hike through. We picked our way carefully over the rocks up to the Garfield Ridge tent sites where we got some water. A short down then we started the long climb up the Northside of Lafayette. About halfway up Lafayette we decide to stop for lunch. While we are eating Crazy Britt, D2 and another hiker came by. We didn't recognize them until they got by, so we didn't get a chance to say hello. The day had started out fairly foggy when we started over Garfield, but it began to clear into a Bluebird Sky day. We made our way up above tree line and the views really became spectacular. Mary wasn't real thrilled with the open ledges, but I think the view probably made up for it. The Trek across the ridge was somewhat strenuous, but we couldn't ask for a nicer day. One of the benefits of going southbound was that we ran into some other hikers that we haven¢t seen for quite some time. We met Taylor and Murph, and also Baygull and Tiny Bytes all coming north. Later in the day we started to wonder how we were going to get back to our car and eventually home. I'd hoped to contact a family member for a ride, but we hadn't had service in a while. Once up on the ridge we had service, and as always family came through. My sister agreed to come up and meet us at the trailhead and shuttle us back to our car, the question now is what time. After doing some quick figuring, knowing we had such a steep downhill to go, we figured we probably weren't going to be back to the parking lot till nearly 9. We hustled, but once again by the time we came down to the trailhead and took the bike path down to the parking area it was almost 9:30. We ended our day by headlamp, but like a trooper my sister was sitting there waiting and gave us a ride back to our car. Just as we pulled out on to the road Mary yelled ¢moose!¢ A large moose crossed the road and ran into the woods. My sister caught a glimpse of the back of the moose as she was following behind us.By the time we made our way back to 302 to pick up our vehicle and head back home most restaurants we're closed. We did find one in Lincoln where we could grab a quick bite to eat. By the time we made it back to our house it was nearly midnight, but my sister had a little further to go so I'm sure she got to bed late also. We can't thank her enough for coming up to get us on such short notice. We're exhausted after such a long day hiking and will probably end up zeroing tomorrow before we tackle the presidentials.
Date: 2018-08-11
From: Route 302 (Ripley Falls Parking Area)

To: Mizpah Hut/ Nauman tent sites
Miles today: 6.4

We didn't end up zeroing after all, but we didn't get a very early start either, so we did a short day today. One more time we drove up to the trailhead in our car and we'll have a family member pick it up and bring it back to our house. This will be the last time we're driving ourselves around until we get back from Katahdin. It was almost noon when we got to the Ripley Falls parking area, and it was quite crowded, so we had to find a spot to park on the side of the road. As always, with heavy packs we started up a real steep Hill. Webster Cliffs are famously steep and it was quite warm, so we struggled our way up the trail. When we finally made it up to the cliffs we were rewarded with a nice view. The trail flattens out for a bit, but this doesn't last long. Soon you actually start to climb Webster which is very steep and rocky and hand over hand climbing in many places. Mary was not having fun, but with a little help we got her up over the tough spots and made our way up to Mizpah Hut/ Nauman tent sites. It was getting late and it was also the weekend, so when we got to the campsites they were basically full. We didn't even bother checking for a work for stay at Mizpah because one, we have to get going early tomorrow, and two we could see a lot of thru-hikers milling around that we're already doing work for stay. When we checked with the caretaker at Nauman tent sites she informed us they were full but she could put us in the overflow. The overflow turned out to be a tiny place in the woods which was neither very level or very big. Nonetheless, we were able to set up our tent, cook dinner, and be ready for an early start tomorrow morning when we head up over Washington. Lots of other hikers here tonight as this is kind of the staging point to get up and over the presidentials. Calves is here, Chaco, and several others. Will be going early tomorrow because it'll be a big day for us to get up over the presidentials and down towards Madison somewhere.
Date: 2018-08-13
From: Madison Hut

To: Pinkham Notch 
Miles today: 7.4

All in all it wasn't the best night sleep as the hut was very crowded. I think there were 12 thru hikers, and there was a lot of snoring going on and it was awful noisy compared to what we are used to. We got packed up and waited for the paying guests to eat, then once everything was cleaned up the thru-hikers were allowed to eat. The hikers who had done the evening chores were free to go, but the ones that were assigned morning chores had to do theirs. Mary and I were assigned sweeping out the bunk rooms and folding all the blankets the proper way and putting them back on the beds.The hut crew does a little skit showing the guests how to fold their blankets, though I would estimate only about 50% actually do it. It takes longer than you think because I think there are 48 bunks with three blankets a piece. Once we did our chores we were free to go at around about 9:30 or quarter of 10. We began the climb up Mount Madison which is basically a boulder scramble more than a hike. Mary has done this climb before and really didn't like it, but this time she had to do it with a full pack, which she liked even less. We made it to the top with a little hand-holding and prodding and then it was time for the descent. The Appalachian Trail descends Mount Madison over a long exposed ridge back down towards Pinkham Notch. Going down was agonizingly slow as we picked our way through the boulders and headed down towards Pinkham. We had to be at Pinkham by 5 and figured we had plenty of time. Surprisingly the descent took a lot out of us and we just barely made it. We stopped for a quick lunch down by the Osgood tent site and then hustled the best we could over the somewhat easier terrain towards Pinkham Notch. When we finally arrived at Pinkham we saw Crush waiting at the lodge, he informed us that the shuttle had already been called and would be there shortly. We were happy to have made it, and we were glad to be on our way to the Rattle River hostel. The Rattle River hostel is a well-run hostel. As you arrive you leave your shoes outside, your pack stays in the entry room, and you shower and put on clean clothes before even being allowed inside to see the accommodations. Inside everything is clean and nice and you have the entire house at your disposal. A couple of section hikers were finishing their section and had cooked up burgers and hotdogs, and had potato salad and some beer for everyone at the hostel tonight. After a tough couple of days it was just what we needed, a shower and some down time talking with the other hikers and some much-needed rest. The weather is supposed to be iffy tomorrow and we have to do the Wildcat Mariah Ridge, so we're thinking we may zero.
Date: 2018-08-16
From: Mount Hight (Stealth Campsite)

To: Route 2
Miles today: 13.2

The storm never really materialized last night, but it was quite windy all night. When we woke this morning it was really cold.Everything was fogged in this morning, so we didn't get many views, and of course the trail was quite rough again with lots of ups and downs and slick, wet rock. We talked with snow angel and she too was a little nervous about the storm last night, fortunately there was no real danger. We finally made our way over to North Carter and soon realized that North Carter has some steep drops where most of the trail has eroded away so bad that there are long stretches of slick rock where the only way down is to hang onto roots and tree branches. Mary shook her head and struggled with many of these sections, but eventually we made it down and started up towards Moriah. As we started up the southside of Moriah we found a nice open ledge to have lunch on. We also got out the tent and fly to dry it out from last night's rain. We made it up Moriah and then began the steep descent, once again it was slow going. Once you finally get down, the trail follows the Rattle River for quite some time. The trail was quite nice and with just a gradual descent. When Mary gets on  trail like this she can really fly, and soon we were back at the hostel enjoying a cold beer and some hot food. It's funny how we were so looking forward to get back to New Hampshire, but once we got here it seems to have really kicked our butts. We have done all the 4,000 footers in New Hampshire, but many times you're able to take an easier trail than the AT. Also, you only have a daypack, not a heavy multi-day pack. It's also funny that after all these miles suddenly Mary is questioning whether she can actually do this trail, it's been that tough on us. We have one more day to go in New Hampshire then will be in Maine, I keep telling Mary that we've done the toughest, but we still have some more tough stuff to go. We just keep trying to string one day after another and soon we will be at the end.Mary here - A couple times recently when the trail was very difficult for me I stated ¢I have no business being on this trail!¢ Alan is always patient and manages to calm me down and get me through the tough spots. I guess the older I get the less I like hiking on rocks, and heights also bother me more.
Date: 2018-08-17
From: Route 2

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

DAY 164It kind of seems like we are in Maine already although I know we still have a full day in New Hampshire. We left today with pretty full packs on for the next leg we have to get over. We eased into it today with a road walk and a fairly gentle climb, but soon we were right back into it with bare ledge scrambles that Mary so enjoys. We played leapfrog today with many of the hikers we've been hiking around: Snow Angel, Crush, Prick,Chaco, and Calves. Kind of an uneventful day as everyone is looking forward to Mahoosuc Notch in a couple days. Per usual we were the last ones to arrive at camp tonight, but I was pleased to see that when we got there we were offered some trail magic that was left in the bear box. Some cookies and candy bars were left in the bear box and the other hikers were thoughtful enough to save us a chocolate bar for when we arrived at camp. Prick also gave me a Ginger/Turmeric  tea bag to try.Even though it's supposed to rain tonight we grabbed one of the tent platforms, set up, and then went over to the shelter to cook our dinner. Tomorrow we'll put New Hampshire behind us and enter our last state, Maine. It feels pretty good.
Date: 2018-08-22
From: Pine Ellis Hostel

To: Human-Nature Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Day 169The owner of the Human-Nature Hostel agreed to pick us up this morning at the restaurant, so we headed there for breakfast and to wait for our ride. Another hiker was waiting for Human-Nature Hostel to pick her up as well. When the shuttle arrived, it was already raining, they only had room for two but said another shuttle would arrive soon. The other hiker was kind enough to let us take the first shuttle.We arrived at Human-Nature Hostel to find most of the group we had fallen behind already there, Chaco, Calves, Prick, Crush, M & M Franklinstein, Flyballs, as well as some other hikers. Human-Nature Hostel is a brand new geodesic dome that the owner (Yukon who thru-hiked the AT in 2012) built specifically to be a hostel. Eventually he plans to build separate bunk houses and the dome will be the common area. But for now he has a bunk room downstairs, a private room, and a loft area for couples upstairs. They have indoor bathrooms, but also have outdoor showers along with some outdoor porta-potties to help reduce stress on the septic system. Very comfortable and clean hostel. Again another hostel where your stinky gear stays outside and you shower immediately when you arrive.Enjoyed a relaxing day and took a trip on the shuttle bus to Walmart. On the bus ride we got to watch old music videos on a tv mounted at the front of the bus. That evening we enjoyed an amazing taco dinner put on by the owner and his helpers. We also had some snickers pie for dessert.Off to bed, back to the trail tomorrow. Looking forward to AYCE Blueberry pancakes in the morning!
Date: 2018-08-23
From: South Arm Road

To: Stealth Campsite on Bemis Mountain Second Peak
Miles today: 10.2

DAY 170We were up early so we could get our packs ready before the AYCE Blueberry Pancake breakfast. Yukon was making the pancakes, and he took the time to put the Appalachian Trail symbol on them. As we were waiting for the pancakes, Mary mentioned that one of the thru-hikers at the hostel looked like ¢Jedmorgensen¢, a hiker we hadn¢t seen since Georgia. He was getting a cup of coffee so we walked over to ask him his trail name. He said ¢Jed¢, and Mary replied ¢Jedmorgensen¢? He said yes, most people don¢t remember the complete name! We introduced ourselves and it didn¢t take him long to remember who we were even though we had not seen him since Whitley Gap. He is now hiking southbound after flipping up to Katahdin. We got our pancakes, they were amazing by the way, and sat on a couch to enjoy them. The pancakes were quite large, and you could top them with hot blueberries in a ¢sauce¢, as well as maple syrup. In fact, the pancakes were so large we each only ate 1 1/2 of them. We chatted for quite some time with ¢Jed¢ as we ate, and got a picture with him as well.At 8:30 we loaded onto the bus with Chaco, Calves, Prick, Franklinstein & Flyballs. Once back at the trailhead we said our goodbyes to our shuttle driver and headed up the trail. Prick had already headed up the trail and we were soon passed by the others.Today we hiked up Old Blue Mountain (elevation 3,599), which has some rock slab, as well as rock with metal rungs to help you climb up some steep rock. The weather was great, and we had some nice views even though the summit is mostly wooded.A few miles after Old Blue Mountain is Bemis Mountain (elevation 3,563) followed in another few miles by Bemis Mountain Second Peak (elevation 2,881). By the time we reached Bemis Mountain Second Peak it was around 7:00, and it was starting to get dark. Knowing the descent was going to be steep, we decided to set up camp on the summit. We found a somewhat level spot on the rock slab, and with the wind blowing attempted to set up the tent. After grabbing several nearby rocks to hold things in place we had our tent up and could now concentrate on getting dinner cooked, the bearbag hung, and getting into our sleeping bags for the night. We did enjoy a little bit of a sunset here as well.Note from Mary: I added a little note after the fact on our August 20th journal entry, incase you are interested.