morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-25
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed shelter last night, good thing it held 12. There is a strange animosity between NOBO's and SOBO's. NOBO's will ignore SOBO's if there are more than 4 of them together. Generalization I know, but something I have experienced. Glad I had Tumbleweed to talk to. Said goodbye to him early and headed off.Fall has hit the area and it was cold last night. I started with everything I had on to stay warm. Climbed to the summit of Goose Eye Mtn where the wind was really kicking making it even colder. I hurried across the open summit as fast as I could and my hands were frozen. Dropped back into the trees and warmed up on the next climb to Mt. Success. On my way down, ran into Finnish (from Finland), last saw him in Erwin, TN. Hit the ME/NH border and have completed another state, on to the White Mtns of NH!Was hiking along and I see a guy jogging toward me, he stops, looks at my shirt and says "Sounders fan?" I looked at him and thought to myself, "do I know this guy?" I asked his name after we talked about Seattle for a bit and he said "String Bean". Did not recognize him, so I asked if he went by any other name, he said "Joe". I said "Marathon Joe?" "Some know me by that name" he responded. I got excited as I met him when I was hiking on the PCT with my cousin Sylvia in 2014 as he was going for the supported hike speed record (he got it but it was beaten shortly thereafter). We talked for some time after that, he is running the AT unsupported just to see what his time will be, he is doing an average of 50 miles per day. Great to see him. Very cold this evening so I went to bed early after talking with my wife.
Date: 2017-08-26
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: White Mtn Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: few clouds

Short day today and looking forward to it as I need a rest. As I was packing up camp, Neon came walking up at 6:45 am. He started at 4 that morning to get into town before the post office closed. Good to see him. Pretty easy day as the steep climbs are becoming shorter and less frequent. Am enjoying that while I can before the White Mtns. Got my first clear view of them today and the look big compared to surround mountains. Got to the hostel which is right off the trail by 11am so a good start to a break.Staying at the hostel with Macaroni, Renne, a German SOBO and a bunch of NOBO's including Little Bad Ass and his mom, have not seen them since Damascus? Had to send a pic of all of us to Daddy Longlegs. Really tired and looking forward to resting my body and mind the next day as I am taking a zero tomorrow. Maine was tough and I am glad to be out of it but happy I hiked it.
Date: 2017-08-27
From: White Mtn Lodge and Hostel

To: White Mtn Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took a day off and hung out at the hostel to rest after Maine and get ready for the White Mtns. Was really exhausted after the hike this far. Hung out with Bam-Bam, Little Bad Ass and Macaroni. Hawk came by and dropped off Raptor who decided to stay here and start with Macaroon and I in the morning. We resupplied at Walmart and I got a huge salad for dinner. Really miss veggies while hiking and my body is craving them.Macaroni made a fire in the fire ring and we enjoyed sitting by it and talking till bed time. Feel rested and am excited about NH, hope the weather holds out!
Date: 2017-08-28
From: White Mtn Lodge and Hostel

To: Primitive Site
Miles today: 12.6

Trouble with photos, will add them when I can.Ok breakfast at the lodge and headed out alone as Raptor and Macaronni had more chores to do in town. Passed the Rattle River Shelter on my way over Mt Moriah. Trail was forgiving compared to what we had been doing which was a big relief both mentally and physically, I was expecting a hard hike after listening to all the NOBO's. Next ascent was over North and Middle Carter mountain and spent some time locating a tent site big enough for all our tents. Found a good one just before Zeta Pass and set up camp. Another hiker, Fryer Tuck, came by and asked if there was space for him, I welcomed him and he found a spot. Macaroni kept going but stayed close by cowboy camping (staying out in your sleeping bag) on a ridge. Raptor came by and threw her tent up. We talked until dark and went to bed.
Date: 2017-08-29
From: Primitive Site

To: Primitive Site
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

Cold night into the low 40's and was glad when the sun came up. Packed up, which is slow when it gets colder, and hiking by 6:50am. First section was an ascent up Mt Hight then on to Carter Dome with a steep drop down to the Carter Notch Hut where I ran into the Tweeds again. First hut for me and enjoyed some free cornbread and loaded up on water before heading back up a steep grade into the Wildcats. They consist of 5 peaks with the last on top of a ski resort with a gondola right off the trail. Tempting to take it down but stayed on the trail, and paid for it. The descent was long, steep, rocky and brutal on the knees. Really wore me out but not as bad as some in Maine.Fortunately, the bottom is Pinkham Notch which has a lodge and restaurant where I ran into familiar faces and got a sandwich that was huge.Had limited service and was able to wish my wife a happy anniversary!Left the comfort on the notch and headed back into the hills looking for a spot to throw my tent up. Found one a couple of miles in and went to bed early.
Date: 2017-08-30
From: Primitive Site

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Slept well last night and not too cold so up early, especially with the expected views of the Presidential Range to come! First couple miles were really easy and wet by fast, then the trail kicked up over rocks to Mt Madison. Last couple of miles were a scree (small rocks) field making it slow going but felt I made good time. Stepped on one rocked, tested it with some weight and it appeared to hold so I put all my weight on it. That is when it gave way and tilted down making my foot slide slamming into another pointed rock smashing the two outer toes on my right foot. They were mangled. but nothing to do but keep going. Summited Madison and dropped down to the Madison Hut where I checked on my toes, they are a mess, folded some blankets and got free AYCE breakfast which included an awesome pumpkin bread, perfect food beginning!Next, off to Mt Washington. This is the longest stretch of above timberline on the AT and the weather was great. Mid 60's, sunny and no wind. Enjoyed the views as I hiked, realized I was getting close to Mt Washington and wanted to partake in the hiker tradition of mooning the cog railroad. Saw two trains coming down in the distance and knew this was my chance but I would have to move fast to make it. I started flying up the trail and missed the first train so focused on the second one. Kept moving fast and got within range right when the train went behind an embankment. Bummed I missed the chance to drop my pants, I continued to the summit. Not too crowded on the summit so I took a pic, had a coke and continued on to Lake of the Clouds Hut where I hoped to get a "work for stay". The huts will allow a couple of thru-hikers to sleep on the floor and eat any leftovers in exchange for some work. I was lucky and got the evening shift where I scrubbed some pots. Here with Macaroni, Raptor and the Tweeds. The weather is changing tonight so they were sending all NOBO's on not letting them stay. Glad to be in the comfort of the hut so high up for the night!
Date: 2017-08-31
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: AMC Center at Crawford Notch
Miles today: 12.2

Up and out of the hut early skipping their breakfast to try and get below treeline to before the impending storm hits. It came in fast and hard hitting before I could make it. Wind hit blowing me around then the rain with temperatures dramatically dropping making the hike miserable and the rocks slick. Had to be real careful to avoid going down and made it without incident. Stopped at the Mizpah Hut and got a late pancake breakfast which was great. Next, I headed to Crawford Notch down Webster Mtn. Got a bunk at the AMC Center to stay out of the nasty weather. Macaroni came in later and we hung out at the lodge by the fireplace. Good evening to not be on the trail, nice and warm here!
Date: 2017-09-01
From: AMC Center at Crawford Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Forecast was for continued high winds, rain and cold temps. Tried to get a bunk for another night due to the weather but they were full as it is Labor Day weekend. So, off to the trail I went. Got a ride from a section hiker, Mark, who stayed with us in the bunkhouse to the trail. The wind was kicking and it was cold so I kept moving fast to stay warm. Fortunately, much of the trail was very forgiving as it was an old railroad grade. Stopped at the Zealand Hut to get water, a cookie and warm up for a moment. While I was filling my water, I hear "Hodge Podge!" and see Maple Syurp coming down the trail! We hugged as I have not seen him since VA and we really liked hanging out together. We talked for some time before parting ways, hope he makes it safely. Decided to push on to the Galehead Hut and try and get work for stay again. Arrived at 5:10 and got the last avaliable spot. Glad to be out of the wind as it was crazy today. Talked with a number of guests and enjoyed answering their trail questions. Two women showed up at 9:30 after an unexpected night hike, seems they did not plan for the hard terrain. The staff made them a great late dinner and helped the warm up. Glad I am here tonight!
Date: 2017-09-02
From: Galehead Hut

To: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Finally a clear but cold morning. Someone came in the hut at 3:00am waking everyone up so not much sleep last night. Started the days hike by going up Mt Garfield then on to the Franconia Ridge with Mt Lafayette, Mt Lincoln and Little Haystack. Met Lost and Found, another SOBO and talked with her as we hiked, nice to have some good conversation to keep my mind off the trail pains (my knees and ankles are sore, not to mention my smashed toes). Being a nice day as it has warmed up, there were day hikers everywhere. Pretty much a steady stream on the ridge and I was heading against the grain really slowing us down, but nice to see all the people enjoying the day.We met another SOBO, Turtle, and hiked with him down to Franconia Notch where we hitched a ride into Lincoln for the night. Staying at Chet's Hostel for the next two nights to stay out of the weather. Had a great pizza and salad at GH Pizza with Chimney, Lost and Found, Turtle and Gator.
Date: 2017-09-03
From: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH

To: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a zero so I slept in till 7:00am which is late for me. Went to breakfast at a great bagel spot then to Dunkin Donuts where we ran into the Tweeds (Nomad, John and Keenan, collectively know as the Tweeds). Stopped and got an Ankle brace at RiteAid, I hope it will help with my pain as my left ankle got tweaked and is sore. It appears I have broken several bones in the toes I smashed on Mt Madison, the only thing I can do now is tape them up and hope they heal properly and walk through the pain. Went back to the hostel and played several games of Monopoly to the end which I won (rare for me), then the rest would not let me play anymore. Went for resupply at the Price Chopper which involved walking in the cold rain. Just cannot seem to escape it.
Date: 2017-09-04
From: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH

To: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 16.1

Was planning on heading out today as the weather was forecast to be clear after the recent rain. But Lost & Found talked me into doing a 16 mile slack pack (when you only take water, lunch and jacket) northbound, this would allow us to stay one more night at Chets as well, good thing it is cheap!We hitched a ride to Kinsmans Notch pretty easily and hiked over the Kinsman Mtns to Franconia Notch SP, the same place we got off the trail heading into Lincoln the other day. Nothing exciting on the trail except for the amount of water. At one point we had to hike through a flooded area totally soaking our feet. When we arrived at Franconia Notch SP, who was on the trail but Flying Fish! Good to see him again, we invited him to come to Lincoln with us. Another quick hitch from a really nice Detroit couple in town for a wedding. The dropped us at McDonalds for dinner which I do not do very often, then the dairy bar for ice cream. Ran into Raptor and Chimney on the street, then back to Chets.Tomorrows forecast is for T-storms, wind and hail so I am concerned about hiking over Moosilauke ridge tomorrow. Will have to wait and see.
Date: 2017-09-05
From: Chet's Hostel, Lincoln, NH

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.3

Had a top bunk at Chets and my phone fell to the bottom bunk during the night. I did not want to disturb Gator who was sleeping below, so I could not check the weather till 7:30 am. The forecast pushed the incoming storm back a couple of hours giving me the window I was looking for. I packed my stuff quickly, said goodbye to everyone in the crowded hostel (most were staying there for the day to avoid the storm) and headed for the door. Called for a $10 shuttle and was hiking in 20 min heading up Mt Moosilauke. It was a hard climb next to a waterfall that overflows the trail when it rains heavy so speed was a must. Made it past that stretch and hit the summit which is an exposed bald. No rain yet but the wind was crazy! I was getting blown all over the place like a kite and fogged in so no visibility. Never experienced wind like that before but I made it through. Ran into Raptor and Chimney on the way down and they talked me into staying at the Hikers Welcome Hostel as a treat for getting out of the White Mtns and ride out the storm. Lots of hikers here too, all worried about the weather. Met some new NOBOs and we played the Star Wars edition of Monopoly to pass the time. I did not win this game, can't win them all!
Date: 2017-09-06
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Hexacube Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

With all the people staying at the hostel, others said it was loud late into the evening. I slept through all the noise with my ear plugs protecting me. On the trail at 7:40am and excited about today even though it was cold and raining. First, out of the White Mtns so easier terrain and second Omelette Man! Hiked over Mt Mist and my body is loving the more forgiving trail. No big roots, rocks, steep climbs or boulders to climb up and down to hurt me today! Arrived at the Omelette Man just before lunch. Carl, the Omelette Man, cooks omelettes for thru hikers providing trail magic. I had 4 eggs, ham, onions, peppers and cheese on mine. Yum! Thank you Carl!Headed back to the trail to tackle Mt Cube. No troubles there today. Stayed at the Hexacube Shelter with Walkie, Talkie, Raptor, Chimney and a section hiker.
Date: 2017-09-07
From: Hexacube Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Lots of rain last night making for a very wet morning. Because I am usually the first one hiking I either get all the spiderwebs that were built during the night crossing the trail or get all the water on trees and plants knocked on me. Today was a wet day so even though it was not raining, I was drenched from the vegetation. Went over Smarts Mtn first thing but there were no views so I kept going. Really enjoying the trail, without all the big rocks makes all the difference.Stopped at the Trapper John Shelter early due to more rain forecasted for later in the afternoon and enjoyed the solitude and quiet as I was the only one there. Surprisingly it is rare on the trail to be alone at a shelter as there are so many hikers.Raptor and Chimney came in just when the rain hit coming down hard and fast. Glad to be covered tonight and we had the shelter to ourselves. Discussion turned to how long we have left on the trail. For me, about 5 weeks. That took me by surprise and made me both excited and sad. I look forward to being home again but I will really miss the trail life, there really is nothing like it.
Date: 2017-09-08
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Very cold this morning, not as cold as Georgia earlier in my hike but all the wetness and humidity made it seem really cold. Once I started hiking I was heading for a ridge line and my spirits soared when I looked up and saw sun rays shooting from over the top. Came up to the ridge with an overlook and stood there soaking in the morning sun rays for some time. A moment I will remember the rest of my life...Trail remained easy making fast work of the miles. Biggest change is the leaves are starting to turn so the green tunnel is starting to get reds and yellows mixed in. Checked a review of the shelter I was heading to to see if the water was running, it was not, but there was a note about a crazy drunk homeless man holed up at the shelter. I have no interest in exposing myself to that so I checked hotel rates in Hanover (Dartmouth University) which were outrageous, so I figured I would check out the shelter and simply move on if needed. When I arrived there was a lot of banging noises but it was from 5 older section hikers breaking wood for a fire. They were all affiliated with the Salvation Army in some capacity and take an annual week long trek. Had a good time talking with them around the fire that night following the daily afternoon rain.
Date: 2017-09-09
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Laura's
Miles today: 0.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up early with the daylight shining through the cracks in the shelter walls. Made quick work of the short downhill trip into Hanover. What a difference walking through a college town ( the trail goes right through downtown) than being out on the trail in the woods. I immediately ran across free coffee and donuts so I had to enjoy that while talking with some locals. I walked around and eventually stationed myself at Starbucks where a friend is coming to get me for the weekend. Surprised how friendly all the locals are to a dirty, stinky and wet hiker. Had some great conversations while sitting there. The staff was really welcoming as well, just a pleasant experience. As I was sitting there, Chimney came in, and we talked until my friend Laura, who is my wife's best friend, came in to get me. Great to see her and her family when we got to her place. Looking forward to playing with the kids and resting my bones.
Date: 2017-09-11
From: Laura's

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up in a bed knowing I would not be in another for some time. After dragging my feet packing my gear, Laura dropped me off at the trail back in Hanover and her son Robert hiked with me to the NH/VT border which was fun. Said goodbye to them and headed into the hills. Had a great weekend with them, I will miss them all. Not much interesting on the trail today except for nice weather, a new state and received two trail magics! Love and really appreciate the surprise help!On a personal note, saw my first Grateful Dead show 30 years ago today which changed my life. That pales in comparison to the events of 16 years ago. I will never forget.all gave some,some, gave all
Date: 2017-09-12
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Primitive Site
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: mist

Hiking by 7 as I plan on a 21 mile day to the Stony Brook Shelter. Have not been able to do big days for some time due to the terrain but it has gotten much more forgiving lately.For some reason I struggled right from the begining, had no energy so I kept stopping making really poor time. At 1, I made it to a shelter just past half way and refueled. Lunch, water and a good dose of electrolytes made me feel much better. Read numerous recent reports in the shelter register and on Guthook's that there is a problem bear at the upcoming shelter I am headed to that is getting everyone's food. With that in mind, I stopped several miles before the shelter to set up camp and hopefully avoid the problem bear. Great weather today, am really enjoying not having to deal with rain. Ran into 12 NOBO's yesterday and only 1 today. Looks like I have hit the end of them as anyone I see may not make it to Katahdin before it is closed for the season.
Date: 2017-09-13
From: Primitive Site

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:20am but was slow packing up for some reason and did not start till 7:40am. Day turned out to be beautiful, clear skies, warm and leaves changing colors. Some have fallen and I enjoyed the crunch under my feet as I walked along. This is one of the days that make all the tough ones worth while.Many day hikers out and I always stop and talk to them. Only 1 NOBO but the AT connects with the Long Trail so I have been crossing paths with LT hikers. Fun to talk to a different group. They are just beginning and have that excitement I had until Virginia. It is contagious!Passed Through Gifford Woods SP early then up and over Killington Peak. A lot of up but nothing like ME or the Whites. Cold tonight in my tent and potential for rain tomorrow so I will do my best to stay dry!
Date: 2017-09-14
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Miverva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

I had planned on leaving my rain fly off my tent last night but had a strange feeling even though there was only a 10% chance of rain and put it on right before bed time. Glad I did as it rained softly all night. This thourghly soaked all my gear and I moved into the shelter to pack my wet bag. Still wet in the morning but feeling good as the terrain is pretty easy for today. Still plenty of ups and downs but no real big rocks, roots or mud holes to speak of.Ran into Walkie and Talkie who I thought were way ahead of me, good to see some familiar faces! Walked onto a short road section and the only car that passed me blared its horn and I heard someone yell "Hodge Podge!" It was Dis who I had not seen since ME so we talked for some time with her friend Carol. They loaded me up on Gatorade and Smartfood popcorn, thank you!Moved on to the shelter and stopped early as my feet hurt and I wanted to dry my gear. Sharing space with a lot of Long Trail hikers tonight who are fun to talk to.
Date: 2017-09-15
From: Miverva Hinchey Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Up early at 5:45 and suprisingly everyone else got up to. Hiking at 6:30 which felt really good rather than sleeping in. Not too bad of a day with the only steep section coming early on when I was fresh helping a lot. Then simply a steady gradual incline which is actually easier than going down. Saw Greybeard again, and stopped to talk with him for some time at the Little Rock Pond Shelter (the pic is from there), what a neat man and has great energy. Model for us all.Short rainfall in the afternoon, did not really get wetter than the humidity but made the trail muddy. At the shelter with Squatch (aka loin cloth, yes, that is all he wears sometimes), Amazing Grace, and two Germans who are fun to talk with.
Date: 2017-09-16
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Green Mountain House
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Up and hiking early to get to the post office by their noon closing time. Went over Bromley Mtn and the trail went down one of the ski slopes for a while, thought that was interesting as I am usually flying down terrain like this on skis. Made good time and was at the trailhead by 10:50. Got picked up in 5 min, really good for an older guy. Dropped off at the post office and made a bump box with my warm weather stuff (too warm for it out of the Whites), and my stove. Going to try and go with cold meals to save weight. First stop for me was Starbucks, had to get some coffee! Sat in front of the store for some time just enjoying relaxing. Then on to pizza with a large salad before resupplying then to the hostel.The Green Mountain House was great, super clean and only 4 of us there making it really chill. Plus a free pint of Ben and Jerrys!