morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Home

To: US4
Miles today: 0.1

Trains to trailsWoke up at 8:30 and threw my still nasty clothes in the laundry. I went food shopping and got breakfast at my fav bagel place. Back home I switched out some gear. I got my warmer underquilt, a hat, gloves, thermal pants, rain jacket, and warmer wind jacket. I'm all set to go to maine now! My brother drove me to the local train station. We said goodbye and I started my train odessey. I took the train into new york penn station then got on an amtrak train to rutland. It got delayed a few times in transit so I didn't get into rutland until around 10:30pm.When I got off the train I had no idea where rt7 and 4 were, nor how I was getting back to the trail. I saw this kid with a big backpack, obviously a hiker, and went over to talk to him. His name was grahm and I explained the situation. He said he was getting picked up by a friend to head up to a campspot on the AT. His friend, Mike, was working with the GMC on an AT relocation project. Grahm said I could hang around till mike showed up to see if there was room in the car. When Mike got there there was plenty of room and he gladly offered a ride, but first we had to hit up a bar he said. I am still awestruck by the way things just work out on this trail! We went and had a few magic hats at the local saloon then we drove up to the trail. They were camping 4 miles from where I left off so I couldn't camp with them since I would miss miles. I had them drop me off at the parking lot where I left on sunday.I finally got hiking at 12:40am and by that point I was so exhausted from traveling I stumbled a few hundred feet into the woods and just cowboy camped next to the trail. Today's StatsStarting Point:Home Ending Point:US4Mileage:0.1Elevation Gain:100ftElevation Loss:20ftHiking Time:0:10Weather:damp coolPain Factor:1
Date: 2007-08-17
From: US4

To: The Lookout
Miles today: 17.4

Old FriendI was up and walking by 9:30. A few hikers passed by me in the morning, but I don't think anyone spotted me camping so close to the road. It felt comforting to be back on the trail. I had some pain on my right heal due to picking at a callace. I am not going to do that again! I made good time to Gifford Woods state park where I took a side trail to the ranger station. They sold b&j ice cream and sodas. I caught up on my journal a bit as I enjoyed my sugary lunch. As I hiked on I ran into snack break and rebel who were slack packing. We talked for a bit and I found out Birdlegs was just behind them. Hooray, we might finally get to hike together. The three of us took a break at the lodge at Kent Pond and waited for her and bad influence to catch up. We met splendora and mojo there who were also slack packing. About 20min went by and no sign of birdlegs so I hiked on.At Stony brook shelter I met the 7th member of the slack packing crew, chach. She and I hiked to the dirt road together where their ride was waiting. Mojo, rebel, splendora, and I threw my frisbee around as we waited for bridlegs and bad infuence to show up. They eventually caught up and she was super surprised to see me. We hugged and talked for a min, then their ride was leaving. I tried to get invited to tag along, but didn't, so I said good bye to the crew. After they left I got water and hiked on at 7:30. I felt good and didn't mind doing some night hiking. I made it to The Lookout, an old cabin with an observation platform on the roof. Pearls and starvin marvin were set up in there, but didn't seem to mind my late arrival. I slept in the cabin and cooked outside as a rain storm blew in.Today's StatsStarting Point:US4Ending Point:The LookoutMileage:17.4Elevation Gain:5170ftElevation Loss:4730ftHiking Time:9:28Weather:cool sunnyPain Factor:3
Date: 2007-08-18
From: The Lookout

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Grill MasterThere wasn't much of a sunrise due to a thick cloud cover. It was super windy and pretty chilly. I called my dad in the morning and had him mail my 20 degree sleeping bag to glencliff. I got hiking by 9:30 and actually left camp with my hat, jacket, and gloves on it was so chilly. After I got moving I took all that off though. I got water at winturi shelter since there wasn't any for a few miles. When I got to woodstock stage road I saw a sign for a farmers market .2 down the road. I went to check it out and was very happy I did. I got some buffalo summer sausage, ice cream, ginger cookies, and 3 frozen chorizo sausages to cook up at the shelter. I figured by the time I got to the shelter they would be thawed enough to cook.After my delicious lunch and ice cream I cruised on. I passed cloudland farms and walked through yellow fields filled with goldenrod. I also walked through some cow pastures and kept my eyes on them. I didn't want another vernon episode! When I made it to thistle hill shelter, there were 2 sobos and 2 weekend hikers. I set up my hammock then made a fire to cook my sausage. I manned the grill perfectly and slow cooked the 3 sausages over the fire without burning them. Mike and Seth, the weekender's brought a bottle of irish whiskey up that the three of us finished. Hawk and Red beard told us whats up with the white mountains. I also cooked a lipton rice and had a feast.Today's StatsStarting Point:The LookoutEnding Point:Thistle Hill ShelterMileage:14.0Elevation Gain:4440ftElevation Loss:5280ftHiking Time:10:07Weather:Overcast, Windy coolPain Factor:3
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

2nd to last BorderIn the morning I said goodbye to mike and seth and went on my merry way. I hauled ass the first 5 miles since I knew a deli waited in west hartford. I made it there by 11:30 and had my favorite sloppy joe sandwich, though they called it something different. Iceman and buffalo bobby were there too. The deli owners had a puppy tied up outside that I played with for a bit. After lunch I climbed another gradual hill through some overgrown farm fields. Pretty much the entire trail has been like that since Rutland. I cruised onto norwich, vt and started the long roadwalk into Hanover, NH. I called Ken as I walked the road. He was happy to hear from me and excited that I was about to enter new hampshire.I paused for a picture on the bridge over the Connecticut river at the vt/nh sign, then walked into Hanover, New Hampshire. I crossed that bridge with a huge smile on my face! Dartmouth college pretty much makes up the whole town and there were college students everywhere. I asked a few where the phi tau fraternity was since they supposedly let hikers stay with them for free. I got directed up the street to check it out. I found the house with the huge greek phi tau symbols on the front and knocked on the blue front door. To my surprise a girl answered and said I could stay no problem. She had me sign in and write my drivers license number down then showed me around the house. I could sleep in the basement tap room, which was clean, but god only knows what went on down there. I was allowed one shower, but couldn't use the laundry. Turned out this was a coed frat, which I was thoroughly confused about. I asked about bringing beer back and she hesitantly said yes "as long as I ! didn't get drunk". Wtf? I was expecting a crazy animal house scene, but got the nerderlinger frat instead. No worries, at least I could shower and sleep for free. They were all super nice and enjoyed having the hikers around, though I was the only one there.I showered and claimed a spot behind the bar in the basement then walked back into town for dinner. I met some sobos that I talked with for a while as well as micha, who had ridden his bike there from Olympia Washington. I went down to molly's to see if the rumored $2 margaritas were real and they sure were. I sat myself down at the bar and ordered me up one with a gourmet pizza for dinner. I made friends with everyone in the bar and had a few too many margaritas bought for me then stumbled back to the frat for free ice cream at 10. I composed myself well and no one was the wiser back at the house. Not one of the 20+ kids had a beer in their hands, but we all ate ice cream together. After that I made a few phone calls then went to bed.Today's StatsStarting Point:Thistle Hill ShelterEnding Point:Hanover, NHMileage:14.6Elevation Gain:2960ftElevation Loss:4100ftHiking Time:7:05Weather:overcast coolPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Hanover, NH

To: Mink Brook
Miles today: 8.6

Hungover in HanoverI couldn't see the sun in the basement, so I had a hard time getting out of bed. I left the fraternity around 10 and walked down to lou's for breakfast, which was delicious. After breakfast I grabbed my bounce box from the PO then went to the dartmout outing club building to charge my batteries and figure out what I needed from the box. As my batteries were charging I went to the outfitter and bought a new pair of socks, then I went to the music store and bought a jaw harp. I had been wanting one for a while and finally found it there. I went back to the DOC and packed up my stuff. I mailed my box to Andover, ME and walked on out of town.Before the trail went back into the woods, it passed a grocery co-op, where I stopped for a resupply. I got an avocado, feta cheese, tortellinis, dried bananas, dougnuts, and a 1L carton of wine. I got back into the woods around 3 and started the uphill slog with a heavy pack. I got to the top of the first hill and had to take a break. I think all those margaritas finally hit me. Torpedo caught up and we shared some wine and gathered some energy to push on. She and I hiked together for a while before I got ahead a bit. At mink brook we looked at each other and decided to call it a day. We found a nice camp spot with a fire ring and set up. I made an awesome fire and the two of us sat up eating and sharing my wine watching the flames light up the trees around us. We saw some really cool salamanders near the fire pit, species I had never seen before.Today's StatsStarting Point:Hanover, NHEnding Point:Mink BrookMileage:8.6Elevation Gain:2080ftElevation Loss:1270ftHiking Time:4:27Weather:Cool sunnyPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Mink Brook

To: Smarts Mountain Firetower
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

StungTorpedo had me up at 730 and I ate my doughnuts in my hammock. It got down to 40 last night, which made it hard to get out of bed. I eventually climbed out of my sleeping bag as I made lots of shivering sounds, shaking my beard. Torpedo was ready before me so she set out first. I was walking by 9 and made the climb up to moose mountain shelter. On the way up I got stung by a wasp for no reason at all. I yelled "what was that for" as the bastard flew away. He didn't answer... The trail then went down 1000ft and right back up again to holts ledge. I stopped for my feta and avocado lunch then took a nap on the ledge.After my food coma nap I hiked back down 1000ft and saw a sign for the ice cream mans house. I walked over and met Bill, a super nice older guy who had lots of bird feeders and bluebird boxes. We talked about bluebirds as he gave me an ice cream sandwich. I saw chickadees, goldfinch, wrens, and hummingbirds use his feeders. I filled up my water bottles and continued up the trail. Not half a mile along I ran into singe and misplaced taking a break in the sun. I joined them in their break then the three of us hiked on and started the climb up smarts mountain. The trail seemed to go up forever then leveled off a bit. We got to a viewpoint of smarts mountain and realized we had another 1000ft up to go. The trail went straight up exposed rock faces all the way to the top. About halfway up we saw a sign warning of a bees nest. We walked on and thought we missed it when misplaced, who was in back, yelled "RUN"! The nest was in a tree about head level on our left and poor misplaced ! got stung 4 times. One landed on my beard, but couldn't penetrate its thickness so I was able to brush it off.We finally made it to the firetower on top and met old yeller and eulah for a spectacular sunset. We got our first view of the whites and Mt Moosilauke and could see Killington and the Adirondaks. The sunset went from gold to purple to red, it was amazing. After the color show was over we went down to the cabin and ate dinner around a fire. Misplaced, Singe, and I decided to sleep in the firetower. It was a tight squeeze, but we made it work. There were minimal lights in the valleys and I truly felt like I was in the wilderness. I played my jaw harp and we sat up talking and watching the stars, before going to sleep. All three of us are nervous about the ruggedness of the whites. Those mountains sure look challenging!Today's StatsStarting Point:Mink BrookEnding Point:Smarts Mountain FiretowerMileage:14.8Elevation Gain:5680ftElevation Loss:3760ftHiking Time:10:23Weather:Cool Sunny BeautifulPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Smarts Mountain Firetower

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Quilled encounterClearwater came up the firetower at 5:45 to catch the sunrise. We moved all our stuff around so he could get up there with us. There was a dense fog lining the valleys and lakes below. The sunrise wasn't super colorful, but very clear. We saw the first rays of sun come over the whites and start to light up the valleys. After the sun was up enough, I went back to sleep. Singe and misplaced slept too, but left around 8. I didn't get up until 830 then I made some mate and ate the rest of my dougnuts. I climbed down the tower and packed up my stuff and was walking through the dense spruce forest by 10. The trail went down 2000ft then right back up again. I took a break at eastman ledges and called joeystains for his bday, which was yesterday. Him and my family were moving my sister out to college in ohio. I kept hiking and caught up to singe and misplaced. Old yeller and eulah caught up then popeye, jb, lightweight, and game on all showed up as well. There was a ton on nobos bunched up today. We climbed mt cube together and stopped for lunch at the top. The wind was blowing some clouds in and I had to put my jacket on. I realized that I had no food left so I had to get into town for supplies. I had planned on being in gencliff today, but knew I wouldn't make it. Game on, singe, misplaced, old yeller, eulah, and I hiked 3m down hill to NH25A. Along the way we ran into chach, rebel, mojo, snack break, and splendora, who were STILL slackpacking. Birdlegs had to take a zero due to back problems, so she is a day or two behind now. The six of us got a hitch at the road in 2 cars to shawnee general store. We had visions of cooking steaks on a fire tonight, but the pickins were slim there. We ended up with hot dogs, buns, a can of chili, and beers. A guy getting gas in a truck drove all 6 of us back at once.Back on the trail the 6 of us hiked up toward the shelter. Singe and I heard something moving in the leaves off to out left. I ignored it, thinking it was another chipmunk, but she spotted what was making the noise. It was a huge porcupine with yellow quills on its face and rear end! I knew they don't run away, so the two of us walked up close to it and got some pics then watched it for a bit. It just stood there with its quills raised looking at us like "what are you gonna do, I'm covered in razor sharp quills". It eventually waddled off deeper into the woods and we left it alone. The 6 of us rolled into the shelter and stoked a fire to cook our dinner on. I set up the hammock and hung the tarp since it might rain overnight. We grilled 3 chili dogs each and wished we had brought out another pack. We sat around the fire until we ran out of our firewood stash then went to bed dreaming of the whites.Today's StatsStarting Point:Smarts Mountain FiretowerEnding Point:Ore Hill ShelterMileage:12.6Elevation Gain:3020ftElevation Loss:4370ftHiking Time:8:11Weather:Cool SunnyPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.4

Hostel SceneI woke up late and putzed around camp for a while. I knew I was going into glencliff for the night so there was no need to bust out of camp. The crew of 6 left the shelter around 11 and started the walk to town. We hiked in pairs for the first 2.5m then stopped for a break. After our break we hiked another 2.5m as a group and stopped for a pic on mist mountain. The 6 of us then did the last 2.5 together into glencliff.We walked .3 down the road to the hikers welcome hostel and found quite a crew there. Baltimore Jack, Bag o tricks, and fat chap were among the more ledgendary people there. They were just hanging out, not thru hiking. Bobcat let the 6 of us take her car into warren for lunch and resupply. I bought a steak and a piece of corn to cook later for dinner as well as my 2 day resupply and a six pack. Back at the hostel we did laundry and showered and then watched super troopers. I forgot how much I loved that movie! I spent entirley too much time on the computer uploading pics from NJ to NH on my trail journal. I hope you all enjoy! After I had my TJ updated I went outside and fired up the grill to cook my dinner. Jack hooked me up with a dry rub for my steak. I ate dinner and finished my beers then game on, old yeller, misplaced, and I threw around the light up frisbee before calling it a night.Today's StatsStarting Point:Ore Hill ShelterEnding Point:Glencliff, NHMileage:7.4Elevation Gain:1450ftElevation Loss:2220ftHiking Time:3:17Weather:Overcast, Windy, coolPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Campsite

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Serious Sh*tI woke up around 800 and had pop tarts and mate for breakfast. I packed up and got walking by 9:30. The trail crossed Kinsman Notch at NH112 and started a rugged uphill climb. All morning the trail went up and down over huge slabs of granite. Walking was tedious and it felt like I was back in PA. Some of the granite rock faces that the trail went over demanded great attention. I had to pick where I would put my feet before I started climbing. By the time I got to Eliza brook shelter I was worn down, thirsty, and hungry. I took a nice long break there with old yeller. I drank a lot of water and had 2 pb and honey sandwiches. I decided to push on over Kinsman mtn despite the fact thunderstorms were in the forecast. Game on, Eulah, buffalo bobby, and iceman showed up before I left. Game on decided to leave with me. The trail followed the cascading Eliza brook uphill for a while before crossing over it. The climb up Kinsman was serious, involving numerous rock walls that I had to use my hands to pull me up. I clawed my way up that mountain and started hearing thunder in the distance when I got to the top of the south peak. I knew the trail dropped down then back up to the north peak and I didn't want to get caught up there in the thunderstorm. I took some pics and kept hiking.Thunder has a way of energzing me and I ran in the flat spots and picked up the pace over the rocks. I got to the north peak and the thunder was getting closer. The pay shelter at kinsman pond was only .6 away and downhill. I decided to stay there for the night of thunderstorms, even though I had to pay $8. I flew downhill from that peak. I don't know how I didn't fall or twist an ankle, but I made it to the shelter seconds before the skies opened up with a loud crack of lightning. Game on didn't show up, I hope he is OK!The rain was over quickly so I was able to go check out the pond and grab some water. I met a father and son down there and we talked about my hike for a bit. Back at the shelter I cooked dinner and they came by and said they had a donation to make. He hooked me up with a mountain house and a $20 dollar bill! Awesome, I guess I looked pretty homeless to them... After dinner I sat up and listened to more thunderstomrs roll in. The power of the thunderstorms in the mountains is amazing. One crack of lightning shook the shelter floor for a good 30 seconds. These mountains are pretty freakin serious and I haven't even hit the Franconia or Presidential Ranges yet!!Today's StatsStarting Point:Campsite Ending Point:Kinsman Pond ShelterMileage:11.7Elevation Gain:5300ftElevation Loss:3560ftHiking Time:9:18Weather:80's humid, evening thunderstormPain Factor:3
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

No Thumbs NeededWhen I woke up and looked out the front of the shelter, all I saw was thick white fog. I was in the clouds, so I rolled over and went back to sleep. I got up around 8:30 and had pop tarts for breakfast, then packed up my gear and got ready for walking. I left the shelter around 9:30 and started the downhill trek. I passed a sobo, runway, who hadn't seen game on. I gave her a message to give him and continued on to Lonesome lake hut, my first in the whites. The huts cost $80 dollars a night, but often offer a work for stay program for thru hikers. I went in and checked it out and talked to the girl who was cooking up a storm for the nights guests. People can come to the mountains without the heavy backpacks and sleep in these huts. I just filled up my water bottle and went and spent some time down by lonesome lake. Cannonball mt rose up to the left and the clouded in Franconia range was across the lake in the distance. I met a past thru hiker, whack, who offered me a ride into !lincoln. The two of us hiked down the mountain and Game On caught up. He set up his tent between the two summits last night to be safe in the storm.Whack drove us into town and dropped us off at the pigs ear bbq joint. Game on and I had a pulled pork feast then went to the outfitter. I bought a more detailed map of the Whites to keep me better oriented. After the outfitter we got a 4 day resupply at the grocery store. On our way out, coincidentally, whacks parents offered us a ride back to the trail. We asked if they could take us to the local brewery instead. We had to celebrate crossing 1800 miles today before we went back into the woods. They gladly dropped us off at Woodstock Station and we sat our smelly selves down at the bar. I got an IPA or three then we went to the deli to pack out subs and beer for the night.I got a roast beef and provolone sammich at the deli and a fosters oil can. I called ken and my parents and spoke with them for a while. As we were getting ready to hitch back to the trail a young couple pulled up in a car and asked if I'm from around there. They were looking for some nugget and thought I looked like the type who would have some. I said I couldn't help them, but in turn asked for a ride back to the trail. They said sure and away we went. We got 3 rides in town and didn't even have to stick out our thumbs!Back at the parking lot we walked .5 back to the AT then just walked off the trail to set up camp. We were too buzzed to make the 2000+ft climb up to liberty springs. I found a good hammock spot and game on cowboyed next to me. We drank our beers, ate dinner, and heard some owls before we passed out.Today's StatsStarting Point:Kinsman Pond ShelterEnding Point:Franconia NotchMileage:4.9Elevation Gain:300ftElevation Loss:2580ftHiking Time:3:28Weather:Foggy morning, hazy afternoonPain Factor:2