morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

High 87oLow 64oWeather¢s been pretty consistent over the past several days and today was no different: hot, humid with an occasional cool breeze and more beautiful views and panoramas which must be seen to be appreciated. Pictures may capture the image of any moment or event; living the image is entirely another dimension¢¦¢Knowing¢ is in living the image not the capturing of it. Again I have enjoyed some good conversation: NOBO hiker M &M (Englishman) and SOBO hikers Pi and Brit (Englishman). There was also an ATC employee who was doing some measuring and I regret that I cannot remember his name. Perhaps it will come back to me, but don¢t hold your breath!The trail today took me to South Jacob¢s Brook (1,450¢), past Hexacuba Shelter and the Side trail to Mt. Cube (North Summit; 2,911¢), Wentworth, NH, NH 25A (900¢), Cape Moonshine Road, finally leading me to Ore Hill Shelter.I am reminded of when I was a young boy roaming the woods around West Pond in Plymouth, MA where my grandparents had a summer house¢¦everywhere there was something to see, touch, investigate. Perhaps that¢s where it all began¢¦Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.    - William Wordsworth -
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 7.4

Brief trail time today...The Hiker Hostel, which is a short 7.4 miles from Ore Hill Shelter, is the only option for lodging in Glencliff, NH. and, before my arrival here, I stopped to resupply in downtown Warren, NH (2.4 miles into my day). I¢m all set with snacks and lunches so I bought 3 dinners and continued on my way to Glencliff passing NH 25 C (1,500¢) and Mt. Mist (2,200¢). After settling in at the hostel - showering, laundry and briefly calling Bonnie - I found out a local restaurant is celebrating its 25th anniversary and there is a picnic on the Town Common (free lunch) and at 4:00 a birthday party for the hiker hostel manager here at the hostel (free dinner) ¢ I¢ve struck the "free food" lottery!The outside of my knee is tight¢¦I'm going to take a rest.Trail News:I've seen Afterburner and his wife as well as Headin' Out and Taggin' Along and Soeur Hawk (haven't seen since GA). Soeur Hawk has climbed Katahdin and is on his way back to do the Glencliff to Hanover portion of the trail which will complete his hike. Today¢s temps: High 76o/Low 53o Tomorrow¢s destination: Beaver Brook Shelter (3,650¢)We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.    - Marie B. Ray -
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Glencliff Hiker Hostel

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

A magnificent walking day with beautiful clear skies lots of ups and downs making for a spectacular views ending with a magnificent sighting of Mt. Washington from the Franconia Ridge when I arrived Beaver Brook Shelter. I¢ve seen Mt. Washington from many angles over several summers of camping in The Whites, but this one is a first! I contemplated pushing on to Rte. 112, but wasn¢t sure I would find a tent site further on and, as it¢s federal land, I opted for the ¢sure thing¢. Don¢t want any problems with the law ¢¦Ground covered today from Glencliff: Jeffers Brook Shelter (1,350'), Mt. Moosilauke (4,802'), Beaver Brook Shelter (3,650')The next 1.5 miles from Beaver Brook to Kinsman Notch, NH at Rte. 112 is a steep drop from the (3,650¢) at Beaver Brook to (1,812') at Kinsman Notch. My knee feels good and I¢m ready for the challenge. I haven¢t taken any Motrin in 2 days¢¦Headin¢ Out and Taggin¢ Along are 2 days ahead and Afterburner is slackpacking for a few days to ¢get back on track¢ and work out any residual problems from his layoff.I anticipate Sourdough and ¢Action Jackson¢ will be here with me tonite. My plan for tomorrow is to hike to either Eliza Brook Shelter (2,500¢ ¢ 9.1 miles) or Kinsman Pond Campsite (13.1 miles). The answer is in the touraine¢¦Some information about the trail as I will know it over the next several days: Glencliff (NH 25) ¢ the White Mountains to N.H./Maine State line Section miles: 117.1 milesDifficulty rating: 8 ¢ 10 (Use of hands required, footing precarious ¢ not recommended for those with fear of heights and not in good physical condition.)Elevation range: 740 feet (near the Androscoggin River) - 6,288 feet (Mt. Washington)Overview:In the White Mountains the Trail threads through spectacular scenery and extraordinary vistas, including long sections above treeline. However, the same severe weather conditions that prevent trees from growing also require a high level of preparedness for a successful and safe trip.Snow falls on Mt. Washington during every month of the year, and sections above treeline expose hikers to high winds and driving rain. Dense fog frequently reduces visibility to a few feet. The footpath is challenging and often very steep, but usually offers fairly good footing. Plan for low mileage.Overnight options are limited. The most convenient option is a unique system of full-service huts, expensive by most hikers' standards. Most shelters and campsites charge a fee.The White Mountain National Forest contains an extensive trail system; many are less used than the A.T. Areas of heavy use:Almost all of the Whites, but especially from Franconia Notch to Gorham (Franconia Ridge and Mt. Washington) Difficulty Rating for A.T. Trail Sections 1   = Flat 5   = Strenuous ups and downs, only occasional flat sections10   = Use of hands required, footing precarious ¢ not recommended for those       with fear of heights and not in good physical condition.Some have been thought brave because they were afraid to run away.      - Thomas Fuller -
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1

Bright SunshineHi 78oLow 53oThere was no beautiful sunrise over Franconia Ridge as it rained early in the morning and the day started with clouds, which eventually floated off, allowing for a canvas of bright and blue skies ¢ the skies hikers dream about in the magnificent ¢hills¢ of northern New England. Had an 11:00 AM ¢trail magic¢ offer that I had to refuse from ¢trail angel¢ Dan Paradise, who¢s hopeful of hiking the AT, and has been doing magic in this area for the past 3 yrs. He offered to pick me up at Franconia Notch US 3/93, take me to dinner and drive me back to the trail. However, I explained that I could NOT walk that far (17.9 mi) in this geography - today or any day soon ¢ even discounting that I am still recuperating and now carrying 35-40 lbs pack wgt.A most generous offer and difficult to cast aside. I continued on my way.Today¢s prologue to The Presidentials and Mt. Washington (straight ups and downs): Kinsman Notch, NH 112 (1,812¢), Mt. Wolf (East Peak) (3,478¢) and Eliza Brook Shelter (2500¢)Weary I arrived Eliza Brook Shelter around 3:30 PM and and went swimming in a creek, a quick and refreshing natural bath, which did wonders for my body and my mind. Now I need to work some magic on the clothes I wear day in and day out. Especially my socks! They are "rank" with odor and if bears like "stink"; I'm their guy!I will sleep well tonight not without wonder of tomorrow¢¦The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.   - Lao-tse ¢
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Woodstock, NH - Carriage Motel

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0

High 79oLow 46oAfterburner and I were on trail later than expected and spent the entire day inbright sun; clear skies with cumulus clouds giving way to thin wispy evening clouds. Mountain magic all around ¢ up, down, up, down; more up, more down; turnaround hold tight; don¢t slip, concentrate¢¦appreciate¢¦life is great! In an expanded version of yesterday, we climbed straight ^^^^^^^^^ over 13 miles, much above treeline, successfully leaving behind us: Franconia Notch, US 3/93, Liberty Spring Tentsite (3,800¢), Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette , Greenleaf Hut (5,249¢), Mt. Garfield (4,488¢), Garfield Ridge Campsite 3,500¢) and arrived Galehead Hut 7:00 PM shortly followed by 6 women bringing the numbers here tonight to 20-30 people - a pretty ¢full house¢ .Had a delicious dinner of soup, salad, bread, mashed potato, gravy, veggie medley, turkey loaf. Also, Headin¢ Out and Taggin¢ Along are signed in the register here 2 days ago which means we¢re not that far behind.Called Bonnie at 9:00. Couldn¢t get a signal and moved 40¢ ¢ voila! Chatted for about 10 mins. and told her I¢d be at Dolly Copp Campground, Gorham, NH over the weekend. If anyone sees a cross between a ¢Unabomber/Werewolf¢ approaching; don¢t shoot¢¦it¢s Sandman!Thought about leaving my clothes outside tonite to dry, but changed my mind when reminded they might blow away on this starry, starry night above treeline; crisp air, clear skies, full moon, planets clear¢¦¢joy¢ is the word that comes to mind . Shooting stars; Northern Lights ¢ where are you?Star light, star bright,First star I see tonight,I wish I may, I wish I might,Have the wish I wish tonight. I am so lucky to be alive¢¦ Far from the Madding Crowd   - Nixon Waterman -It seems to me I'd like to goWhere bells don't ring, nor whistles blow,Nor clocks don't strike, nor gongs sound,And I'd have stillness all around                                            Not real stillness, but just the trees,Low whispering, or hum of bees,Or brooks faint babbling over stones,In strangely, softly tangled tones.Or maybe a cricket or katydid,Or the songs of birds in the hedges hid,Or just some such sweet sound as these,To fill a tired heart with ease.If 'tweren't for sight and sound and smell,I'd like the city pretty well,But when it comes to getting rest,I like the country lots the best.Sometimes it seems to me I mustJust quit the city's din and dust,And get out where the sky is blue,And say, now, how does it seem to you?
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch, US 302
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

Crawford Notch, US 302, Dry River Campground (1,277¢)AMC Lodge - Highland Center Shapleigh Bunk House14.7 milesHigh 73° Low 44° Today¢s wilderness walk from Galehead Hut, which is located just under 4000¢ and nearly five miles from the nearest trailhead, took me through North Twin Spur (4,902¢), South Twin Mountain, Mt. Guyot, Guyot Campsite (4,560¢), Zealcliff, Zealand Falls Hut (2,450¢), Ethan Pond Campsite (2,950¢)and finally to Crawford Notch, US 302, Dry River Campground (1,277') There¢s much beauty in these mountains and much gratitude in my heart. I travel with a deeper sense self, on this solitary journey, paying close attention to my surroundings as I continue to move through these final many miles. I am further away and closer to home. Each step, breath and view awaken and heighten my senses. Milky white clouds, warm bright sun, cool gentle breezes, gusty winds, bright blue sky, fog, rain, wind, sunrise, sunset, starry nights, firm hard ground, soft shakey ground, long lingering silences, soft conversation, quick bursts of energy, sudden choke of exhaustion, thirst, hunger, stop, go, fast, slow, up, down, family, friends. Life.Where I'm going; where I've been. How far I have come; how far I must go. Will I get there? When will I get there? What will it be like? Lots to think about. Don¢t think about it. Keep walking¢¦And, I did! 14.7 miles, including 3,625¢ of elevation change, from the remote beauty of Galehead Hut with its spectacular views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area to Highland Center at Crawford Notch, the newest ¢green design¢ (eco-conscious) AMC four-season lodge and outdoor education center.Trees and other plantings on the site are native species and are incorporated as teaching tools in the center's natural history workshops. Sixty percent of the Highland Center¢s triple-glazed windows face south to maximize solar energy. The earth-tone external features of the Highland Center at Crawford Notch helps the building complement the natural landscape. Inside, recycled steel, serves as the structure's skeleton. It boasts a central biomass wood-burning boiler, state-of-the-art ventilation system and low-flow composting toilets. In addition, a variety of recycled-content materials are used throughout, along with environmentally sensitive carpets, glues, and paints. Single rooms, shared rooms, and the newly renovated and reopened Shapleigh Bunkhouse, which was the home of noted artist Frank H. Shapleigh from 1877 to 1894, offers 16 beds in two separate hostel style bunkrooms. Very similar to the AMC high mountain huts. Breakfast at the Highland Center Lodge, common room for bunkhouse guests, pantry with sink and microwave, showers, bed linens and towels are included.It was here I got myself a bunk and discarded my pack for I was ¢at home¢ this day far away from another life and loved ones¢¦If a man happens to find himself¢¦he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.   - James Michener -
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut (5,000')

To: Pinkham Notch, NH 16 (Joe Dodge Lodge)
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: fog

I walked a short 1.4 miles from Lakes of the Clouds Hut...What a difference 1.4 miles and 1,288' can make when above treeline!32°: Heavy fog, driving winds 40-60 mph with gusts of 70 mph. NO, it's not December, it's August 12 on top of Mt. Washington!I arrived here and called Bonnie from a public phone because there was no cell service. Many people waiting in line so it was a short and sweet "check-in", not only as a courtesy to those who waited for the phone, but, more importantly, I wanted to make the descent to Pinkham Notch (another 13.4 miles) and was unsure if that would be possible because of the very inclement weather conditions. I didn't know if I'd be able to "stay on trail" with the high winds and low visibility.Whether the weather be fine,Or whether the weather be not,Whether the weather be cold,Or whether the weather be hot,We'll weather the weatherWhatever the weather,Whether we like it or not! (Author Unknown)After traversing Edmands Col (5,000'), Israel Ridge Path to the Perch Shelter, Thunderstorm Junction, Spur Trail to Crag Camp Cabin, Lowe's Path to Mt. Adams and Gray Knob Cabin, Madison Springs Hut, Valley Way Tentsite, Mt. Madison (5,363'), Osgood Tentsite, West Branch, Peabody River (2,300') Lowe's Bald Spot (2,860') and Pinkham Notch Camp (2,050') I'm happy to report I arrived Pinham Notch, NH 16 safely and "none the less for wear" - a very subjective opinion!After 14.8 miles and a 4,238' descent I arrived the Joe Dodge Lodge located on the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountain National Forest, just a short drive from North Conway, Jackson, and Gorham, NH, and Bethel, ME.Thankfully, I have no ill affects with the exception of a weary mind and body. My powers of concentration and endurance withstood the "test of time and geography". Another challenge mastered and, once again, I am grateful and humbled by the powers beyond the space I occupy.          Dream- Unknown (Native American)- I stand,Talons on land.Where wild winds whisk,Brisk clean breaths of evergreen air.Arise free in quiet white light,Redeemed once more,I take flight.Breathless, Purity, Awe.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Pinkham Notch, NH 16 (Joe Dodge Lodge)

To: Imp Campsite Shelter (3,250')
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: fog

High 68°FLow 37°FClear .Afterburner's gone home. Wildcat was arduous - halacious up to Carter Notch hut! The elastic is gone in my shorts. The temps have been cold. I've put in 2 12 hour days. But, I'm not complaining 'cause life is good!Had a great breakfast before stepping off from Joe Dodge Lodge to tackle more challenging terrain of steep ascents and descents with very rough footing.Walked 13.1 miles from Pinkham Notch to Imp Campsite over Wildcat Mtn., Peak D, Wildcat Mtn., Peak A (4,380), Carter Notch, Carter Notch Hut (3,350¢), Spring, Carter Dome (4,832¢), Zeta Pass (3,990¢), Middle Carter Mtn., (4,600¢) and into Imp Campsite (3,250¢) which is located on a spur off the Carter Moriah trail. It has a shelter and five campsites. I stayed in the shelter.My family and several friends have spent many a-day, afternoon and early evening gazing up at ¢The Imp¢ from Hayes Field in Dolly Copp Campground. Many a-time my boys, other family members, friends and I have hiked to the top of The Imp face and signaled back to the campground using a mirror. And, once, Bonnie climbed The Imp only to announce she would NEVER climb it again and has remained ¢true to her word¢!Now, only I have set foot on Imp Campsite between Moriah and North Carter.   For those who may be curious, The Imp is a smaller version of the now shattered ¢Old Man in the Mountain¢¢¦Maybe the state of NH should consider making The Imp its replacement.Tomorrow I will hike to US 2 in Gorham, NH. All is well. My knee feels good and I¢m in a ¢happy place¢ looking forward to visiting with old friends at Dolly Copp. A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of Nature.    ¢ Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Imp Campsite Shelter (3,250')

To: US 2; Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

8-14High 78°Low 37°Spent the night at the Royalty Inn on Main St., Gorham.On the 8 miles from Imp Campsite to Gorham, NH US 2 I passed .1 mi to the east of Mt. Moriah (4,049¢) which is one of the designated 48 ¢Four Thousand Footers¢ in New Hampshire. The rocky summit, located north of the Carter Range and across NH 16 from the Presidentials, offers a perch from which Mt. Washington and the northern Presidential peaks may be observed. Next, and last stop before Gorham, was Rattle River Shelter.The Town of Gorham was incorporated in 1836 with 150 inhabitants. Tourism is perhaps the biggest industry of the little town of Gorham which is nestled in the heart of the White Mountains and has a population of just under 3,000. Holding a special spot in my heart, for better than 37 years, many memories, have been made camping, sitting around the campfire and investigating the Dolly Copp area with my young children, now adults, with families of their own.The echo of my mind: Gorham¢s scenery is beautiful.Gorham¢s recreation opportunities are bountiful. Gorham was introductory host to my hiking.Gorham, without doubt, is the foundation upon which my Appalachian Trail dream was built.Gorham is the beginning¢¦ The past is but the beginning of a beginning.   - H.G. Wells -
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

High: 78oLow: 58oI've seen M&M, Hobbitt, Waterwings, Coach K, Lifesaver and Wild Bill (new face)Couldn¢t get 2 nights at the Royalty Inn so I had to transfer to the ¢Top Notch¢ Motel where I¢ve stayed before¢¦it¢s not like I haven¢t packed it up to move over night before!Had my pack strap sewn at Labonville Inc. on Main St., Gorham, a seller of forestry equipment and supplies. Not the same strap that haunted me early on causing a replacement. This was a smaller strap on the replacement pack. When the job was done, they wouldn¢t take any money, so I walked to Wal-Mart and bought a few bags of Lindt Truffles and some candy bars and brought them back to the store as a gesture of appreciation. More good people who were extremely accommodating and helpful.While at Wal-Mart I struck up a conversation with one of the employees who was curious about my hike. I mentioned that I was on my way to Dolly Copp to meet with old camping friends. She inquired who, and when I mentioned names, she told me she knew George and Bernice Brackett very well. That¢s the   stamp of ¢small-town¢ America ¢ everybody knows everybody and everything!Had a great visit with Jay and Ginny (Ginny made me a delicious lunch), George and Bernice, John and Jean, Michele, Norma.   Sure was nice to see everybody and get some emotional support and well-wishes from friends. They made me a big congratulatory card which they signed and Jay gave me a very ¢XTRA Special¢ hand-carved figure of ¢Sandman on the Long Trail 2006¢. You should know that he¢s a master carving craftsman. He carved the outstanding totem pole which now adorns Hayes Field at Dolly Copp.   I have pictures, but they aren¢t digital so I can¢t download them to my journal. You¢ll have to take my word¢¦At the end of my visit, Jay drove me back to the motel and I made ready to ¢push off¢ tomorrow enroute to Gentian Pond Campsite (2,166¢) 11.8 miles further north.I don¢t know what time I¢ll get on the road tomorrow.   I want to have a good breakfast, and because several of the local spots have closed, I¢m not sure where I¢ll eat or when anything opens. McDonald¢s is an option, but I¢d prefer something else.Gorham holds a special place in my heart. Many trips; many friends; many memories¢¦ You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.      - Dale Carnegie -
Date: 2006-08-16
From: U.S 2; Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite (2,166')
Miles today: 19.8

When I came back on trail after being home sick, my plan was 9-11 miles per day. How quick we forget! You gotta do what you gotta do¢¦Today I trekked 19.8 miles from Gorham to Gentian Pond Campsite (2,166¢) past the Androscoggin River (750¢) where my son Jim did much fishing as a young boy with another ¢Friend of Dolly Copp¢, ¢Mr. Massey¢ (Ed), who is no longer with us. He had the patience of a saint and would spend an entire day teaching Jim the finer points of fishing. I think Jim would tell you ¢Mr. Massey¢ helped develop Jim¢s love of fishing. And, I can tell you for certain, Ed taught me much about knot tieing in order to keep my tarp and tent secure. I think he felt bad for me when those damn ¢blowdowns¢ occurred (more than once)!Moving on to Gentian Pond, I traveled past, Brook, Cascade Mountain (2,631¢), Trident Col Tentsite (2,000¢), Dream Lake and Moss Pond.Today my "Happy Feet" carried me ALMOST through the state of NH. Tomorrow the ME border and I will be into the LAST of the 14 states comprising the Appalachian Trail.Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.          - Alexander Solzhenitsyn -
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Gentian Pond Campsite (2,166')

To: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

Greetings from Maine...¢the way life ought to be¢!¢To those who would see the Maine wilderness, tramp day by day through a succession of ever delightful forest, past lake and stream, and over mountains, we would say: Follow the Appalachian Trail across Maine. It cannot be followed on horse or awheel. Remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation, it beckons not merely north and south, but upward to the body mind and soul of man.¢In the Maine Woods- Myron H. Avery,1934 -Serious logging country and lumber roads bridge the woodland forests of the Maine-New Hampshire line along the Androscoggin River. The Maine side of the Mahoosuc Range is more remote and isolated. Wildlife is plentiful, but I haven¢t seen any - YET! And, I am certain my presence is being silently observed as I trek past Mt. Success (3,565¢) crossing the NH/ME state line at 2,972¢; 4.7 miles from Gentian Pond Campsite on to Carlo Col Trail, Carlo Col Shelter and Campsite, Mt. Carlo (3,565¢), Goose Eye Mtn. (East Peak; 3,790¢) and Goose Eye Mtn. (North Peak) before arriving today¢s destination. Goose Eye Mountain is one of the 100 highest in New England .Maine is my ¢rainbow state¢. It holds the ¢pot of gold¢¢¦Mt. Katahdin. I must keep mind and body in the same place remembering that I¢m still on ¢this side¢ of the finish line! ¢Do not enumerate your juvenile poultry at a period anterior to their incubation¢         - Wise Old Saying -