morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Stelth Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

People were still coming into the shelter at 10:30. Up at 6:30 packed up, cereal and on the trail at 7:30. Initially the trail went around the pond but then we had a steep rocky morning climb and a major creek crossing. The trail was very difficult and physically hard. Arrived at Lonesome Pond shelter at 10. Very impressive structure with large kitchen and dining area. Outdoor restrooms and porch. They had snacks and tea. Too early for soup. Refilled our water bottles and were off by 10:50.Trail was less rocky so we did well for a while passing lots of day hikers probably headed to the hut. Trail turned muddy at times. Arrived at I93 and parking lot at 12:30. The trail then became flatter and less rocky. Met 2 flip floppers who Rowdy had hiked with in Virginia. They told us about the upcoming trail and about possible camp sites past Mt. Lafayette. Arrived at Liberty Springs Campsite at 2:25. Filled our water since this is the last spot before Mt. Lafayette. We then had a slow gradual climb up the mountain. Again passing many day hikers and a Tufts orientation group. Got to Haystack Mt. at 3:50 then we were above tree line. Magnificent views of Cannon Ski Area. We continued to climb. There was a couple having lunch on the top. Asked if they had any cokes. He said no but offered a beer which I took for later.The climb up Mt. Lincoln was slow but gradual. No real steep sections but still an uphill climb. We stayed level in elevation for a while until we had our final climb up Mt. Lafayette at 5200'. There were times we had rock scramble but we went slow. Still passing lots of day hikers. Started the descent which was rocky and scrambling. We stayed above treeline for about a mile until we were at 4200'. We ended up stopping at a stelth site in the woods.A magnificent day with one hard climb then a more favorable trail. Saw what the AMC Huts were like and had great views of the mountains. Still it was a hard hiking day due to the climbing. Will try to reach to huts at lunch so we can get soup and also trying to get at the huts for work for stay.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Stelth Campsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 12.0

Nice campsite with soft pine surface. Up at 6:30. Took our time packing up. On the trail at 7:45. Trail was the usual rocky with boulders and steep. Summited Mt Garfield at 9:30. There were a couple of guys at the summit that were surprised I was a thru hiker because of my age.From Mt Garfield we could see the next hut which was at least 1 mile away. Arrived at Galehead hut at 1. Got some cookies and 3 bowls of soup. Soup was $2 a bowl and $1 for refills. Filled our water and back on at 1:30.Trail continued the same with rocks and steep climbs. Got to the top of South Twin Mt at 2. It took an hour to go 8/10 mile. Finally the trail flatten some so we could go a little quicker. Trail ran along the ridge line. After Mt Guyot trail head the trail became rocky.Passed 2 NOBOs who we thought were headed to the Hut so we picked up the pace. They eventually caught us but they were not going to the hut. About 1 mile from the hut we were passed by a young girl who was going to the hut.. We arrived at Zealand Falls Hut at 5:45 and got work for stay. This is where you do some work and get to sleep in the dining room and get leftovers for dinner. We were not going to eat until about 8 so we just hung out and chatted with the other hikers. Weather was great again with 60 degree temps, sunny and clear. Great hiking weather.We got dinner about 8 - salad, green beans, stuffed shells and cake for desert. I had lots of the shells. There were 4 of us working for stay. Our work was doing dishes.We hung out until 9:30 when it was lights out and we could set up our beds.A second hard of hiking. The Whites are everything people said they are. Hard hiking with magnificent views. Actually the rest of the trail got us ready for the Whites. Steep climbs of NC and TN, rocks of PA, flat rocks of NJ and NY, and steep climbs of NY. We were lucky to get work for stay with good place to sleep and good food.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Slept well in the hut. Up at 5:40 packed up and was on the trail at 6:45. Trail leaving the hut was rocky and downhill but then flatten out. We got to Ethan Pond campsite at 8:45. Trail continued to be flat and fast. Got to Crawford Notch at 10:10. Took our morning break and got water. Left at 10:25. Trail became steep with boulders requiring using our hands to climb. Got to Webster Cliffs at 12:05 where we had lunch. Great views of the valley below and surrounding mountains. Met 4 SOBOs from NC. Gazelle stopped by.Trail ran on the ridge line with more views of the valley but still had rock scrambles. We got to Mt Webster at 2 and had 3 miles from here to the hut. Got to what we thought was Mt. Jackson at 2:30 so we slowed down since we thought we were only 1.7 miles from the shelter. Passed some day hikers headed to the hut. We actually arrived at Mt. Jackson at 4 so we had to pick up the pace to get to the hut. Trail was good with a few boulders and some hand climbing. I'm doing better by not using my poles and pulling myself up. I also realized today that by shortening my poles on the uphill I was able to climb better. Got to the hut at 4:45. Gazelle was there and a hiker who had worked for the AMC that we met at the last Hut. We got work for stay again possibly since the AMC hiker mentioned we were coming.Discussed the next couple of days with Rowdy. Rod n Reel came in but ended up having to tent.Looks like we will getting off at Pinkham Notch for rest and resupply. Dinner again at 8. We had chicken breast, I had 4, rice, pasta, and stuffed shells. Dinner was good but it was cold. Again we did dishes for our work then waited to set up our beds. Rod n Reel got dinner after he gave a talk to the AMC hikers.A good day of many highs and lows. Initially travel was great - fast and smooth. Had some really challenging uphills over scrambles. Great views and again lucked out with work for stay. Good food and dry indoors although there has been no rain. Tomorrow will be a long day with highlight of summiting Mt. Washington.
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Up at 5:45 packed up had cereal and on trail at 6:45. A typical morning with a steep climb but without any warmup. 400' in a very short distance. Boulders and some hand climbs. Summited Mt. Pierce at 7:50. We were now again above treeline. Trail was moderately rocky. Could see Mt. Washington and Bretton Woods resort. Went around Mt Eisenhower and Mt. Franklin. Arrived at Lake of the Clouds Shelter at 9:45. Got 3 bowls of leftover oatmeal. Caretaker said there were 25 thru hikers here last nite.Left at 10:10 for final climb to Mt. Washington. In and out of the Clouds and took lots of pictures. Steep rocky slow steps. Summited at 11:15. Cog RR had arrived so we went to the Summit sign for pictures. Clouds coming and going did not give clear views. Had lunch of 2 hot dogs, clam chowder and pizza.Headed out at 12:30 with the trail very rocky and slow going. Very tiring and took longer than we thought. Passed lots of day hikers coming and going. Finally arrived at Madison Springs hut at 5:25. 5 hours to do 6 miles. Asked for WFS. He already had 3. We asked about just sleeping on the floor. He said OK. Sat outside and talked with Blossom and Botany who did get work for stay. The Pope was also here. Rod n Reel was also hear.At 8:20 we all got dinner of veggie lasansa. Again doing dishes for work. Blossom and Botany gave a talk about their experiences.A very exhausting day but exciting day with the summit of Mt. Washington. Now in a small group of about 6
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: White Mountains Lodge & hostel
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Very windy night with lots of people coming thru the dining room to the bathroom. Up at the usual 5:45. Packed up did not hurry to leave. Very foggy morning but not cold. Left at 7:05 with an immediate uphill on rocks. Not a scramble but steep. We are going up 600' in 1/2 mile. Wore my long pants, fleece and long sleeve shirt. Slow up hill. When we got passed the tree line the wind picked up. Got to the top of Madison at 8:10 where there was an initial slow down of the wind.As we crossed the ridgeline the winds got stronger. We found out that Mt. Washington had 46 MPH winds which was like our. The trail was extremely rocky and with the wind it was hard and exhausting. Hard staying upright at times. Had to hang onto my poles otherwise they would blow away. Had to put on my wool hat. Used my hand and crawled up some of the small uphills. Skies started to clear so we got some views.Passed a Bowdoin orientation group at the 4500' elevation where the wind was calm. Trail was rocky and still going down. Had some scrambles but just tiring. Finally arrived at the Osgood Campsite at 11:30. 5 hours to do 3 miles and still 5 miles to go. Passed lots of day hikers.Saw a female moose in the woods but too far for a picture. Trail flatten and got smoother with a long descent to Pinkham Notch. Arrived at Pinkham Notch at 2:05 called the hostel and got lunch. Had mac and cheese, soup, and Cuban sandwich.Hostel owner showed up and we ended up with a full car of 5 people. Arrived at the hostel at 3:30. Changed clothes and checked in. Rowdy and I had a 2 bed room. Showered and went on the computer. 5:15 left for Walmart to get dinner and resupply. Figured we would need 7 days of food but will leave 5 days here and pick up on the way by. Got back at 6:30Made dinner of steak, potato salad, and veggies. Feeling really tired. Had our ice cream and bed by 9:30An extremely hard day even though we only did 7.8 miles. The wind and rocks were very tiring. The hostel is great with multiple bedrooms, tv room, 2 shower areas and dining room.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: White Mountains Lodge & hostel

To: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6. Didn't sleep well due to road noisy and the windows being open. Quite warm. Breakfast at 7 - French Toast, sausage, hash browns, and muffins. Excellent breakfast. Update my journal. Tried to rest but couldn'tGrandma Pepper came in with Miss Janet. Redid my food bag and setup my mail drop we will pick up on the way out of town. 2 days in the bag and 5 days in the pick up box. Called home. Visited with Blossom and talked about trail journals. Finished my journal updates.Framkie the Sleeper and Too Long came by to pick up their mail drops. He will be staying at a different location tonight. He did stay at 2 huts in the Whites - Carter and Lake in the clouds. He said they gave him a military discount. Made dinner of steak, veggies, and penne. Sent Nick Breedlove, reporter for Sylva Herald, my update. Had our ice cream and finished packing. Checked my weight. I was 134 when I came but now 140. Good zero day to relax and rest. The owner, Marni, is from Minnesota. Her son thru hiked and they stayed at Woods Hole Hostel. After that visit she checked on the Internet and found this Hostel for sale. She's only open 4 months of the year.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel

To: Camping at Zeta pass
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6:30. Finished packing then breakfast. Today we had muffins, sausage, hash browns, and a breakfast burrito. Very filling. I also finished my ice cream and coke.We were to leave at 8 but Botany and Blossom weren't quite ready. Left at 8:15 for Pinkham Notch. On the trail at 8:45. We had a 1 mile warm up before the morning climb. 2000' in 1 mile. It was rocky and at time it required use of your hands to climb. The weather was good in the 60s, sunny and clear. We were very slow going arriving at top of Wildcat Mountain at 11:30. The trail remained very rocky with large boulder fields. The descent to Carter Hut was also hard due to the large rocks and steps. Got to the Carter Notch Hut at 2:30. Had 2 bowls of soup and oatmeal. Talked with the caretaker about the trail. The trail circled the pond then climbed up to Carter Dome. There were 4 other hikers going NOBO. Again the trail was hard and slow. Got to top of Carter Dome at 4. Spectacular views as usual. The trail then turned favorable. No big rocks and it was moderately flat. We were not going to make it to Imp Campsite at our pace so we planned to go to Zeta pass. We got there at 5. Since we had a good trail we decided to continue a while to find a good campsite.The trail went up but not steeply. Finally found 2 small sites at 5:40. Mostly in the woods and on the rocks. Rowdy had difficulty finding a good site but we not to hike further. Bear bagged and had dinner at 7.Another slow hard day. We're not sure why we are slower but it could be the big rocks and the scrambles both up and down the hills. Did about 8 miles. This put us about 4 mile behind where we wanted to be. We are getting to the hostel tomorrow to pick up our food. We may ended up staying at the hostel but I would like to go further. Just not sure where. New Hampshire has been very hard due to the rock scrambles and steep boulder descents.
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Mt Hayes campsite

To: Carlo Co Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 5:50, Packed up and skipped breakfast. On the trail at 6:50. Foggy, overcast with a slight drizzle. Had a decent downhill warm up which wasn't rocky. Got to Trident Col Campsite at 9:30 and went to the stream passed it for water and breakfast. Trail had been steep with some scrambles. The trail then went along Page Pond then another rocky up hill. Stopped for lunch and water at 1 for 25 minutes along the trail. Trail was along the ridge so it was flatter and less rocky until the downhill to the shelter.Once past the shelter still more rock scrambles. Crossed the 1900 mile mark then started the climb up Mt. Success. Steep and rocky with one area where I had to take off my pack to climb up or I had to sit down to go down. The trail to the Maine border was slow and difficulty with a major rock scramble both up and down. Right before the border we encounter a major boulder field which proved very challenging. Crossed the border into Maine at 5:30 with the usual pictures.Immediately we had an uphill scramble then the trail flattened and went thru the swamps. About 1/10 mile from the shelter we came to a massive boulder downhill. Difficult to determine the route. Then it was abandon the poles, sit down and use your arms. Welcome to Maine.We then had 3/10 mile downhill to the shelter. Flatlander, Firewalker, Teabag were there. We picked our spot in the shelter since it was suppose to rain that night. Got water and dinner of Ramen, tuna, and Peanut butter. Called home and my friend Harry Brown. Harry said they found the Whites hard and the Mahoosuc Arm very hard - straight up. Bed by 8 to journal.A hard 14 mile day. Lots of rocks and scrambles but a couple of major milestones - 1900 miles, finished New Hampshire, and entered Maine before Medicare officially started.   Past week has been really hard and at times discouraging due to hard climbs up and down.
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Carlo Co Shelter

To: Mohoosuc Notch Campsite
Miles today: 7.1

A new month and a new state - last one to go but we heard not an easy one.Up at 5:50 - slept pretty well in the shelter. Not really noisy. Packed up and had my cereal and on the trail by 7:05. Started with a 3/10 mile climb from the shelter then the climb up Mt Carlo. We had an initial up of 300' then down then up another 300' to the top. The trail was moderately rocky and steep. Slow going plus I was feeling really tired and half asleep. We were in the fog/clouds so no views from the mountain. Got to east peak of Goose Mountain at 8:55 to take a 20 minute nap. The trail then rain all the ridge line above tree line. 10:30 the skies were clearing so we were getting some views. Some of the younger, faster NOBOs passed us. Got to Full Goose shelter at 11:45. Had lunch and got water. Took a long lunch break to rest before the Mahoosuc Notch. Saw in the log that White Spot and No Legs were here on 8/14 and Shellback on 8/25. Left the shelter at 1:05 for the 1 1/2 mile hike to the Notch. We had a good climb then a down. The trail had some rock scrambles but not bad. We actually were making good time and arrived at the Notch at 2:35. I did slip on one of the downhills and bruised my right thigh on the rocks.The Notch is everything people said it was. Huge boulder fields with slippery rocks. We put away our poles since we had to use our hands on the rocks to lift us up or lower ourselves down. We also had some butt slides to get off the boulders. There wasn't alot of climbs up but moving thru the boulders. We had to take off our packs 6-7 times to get thru the narrow tunnels. It was a total body workout. Rowdy slipped once and hit his forearm. I also slipped.It was extremely slow and just seemed like it didn't end. Fortunately for us the rocks had dried so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. The weather turned sunny. Our packs took a beating since we had drag them thru the rocks. We finally got out of the Notch 3 1/2 hours later.The trail was then up and down. We were looking for the campsite by the water. At 6:45 we found a nice site but the water was down a steep trail. There was another campsite next to the water. Got water then set up my tent, Started dinner at 7 and ate after sunset at 7:30. Attempted to hang my food bag but the branch broke. I had to find a rock and tree in the dark which was a real challenge. In my tent by 8:30Another very hard day considering we only did 7.1 miles but very difficult miles. The start of the Notch was fun but then it became frustrating especially with no blazes to follow. We hope the trail improves after we have the hard climb up Mahoosuc Arm tomorrow. We are both feeling the bumps and bruises and the hard rocky section. Hopefully after the Arm we can get to the Baldpate shelter but not if we have rocky ups and downs.
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Mohoosuc Notch Campsite

To: Baldpate Lean To
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:30, packed up had breakfast. Had trouble finding the AT. 2 NOBOs were passing by and pointed out the trail. On the trail at 7:50. Had the usual morning climb but this was up the Mahoosuc Arm. It was straight up boulders and a difficult ascent. Got to the top at 10:10. Called home then left at 10:40,Stopped to call home again while Rowdy went ahead. We got water at Speck Pond. Trail was flatter but still very rocky. Passed the Speck Pond Shelter at 12:15. We then had a long climb up Mt. Speck with the usual scrambles. Got to the top at 1 to have lunch. My usual tuna on tortilla. Headed down the rocky trail at 1:40. The trail wasn't boulders just lots of rocks. Met some day hikers from NH who also taught at a christian school so Rowdy was talking with them on the way down. Arrived at Grafton Notch at 2:50. The day hikers gave us some cucumbers and cookies.We then had the final climb of the day to the Baldpate Lean To. It was 2.3 mile up 1200' but the trail was gradual and smooth. We arrived at the Lean to at 4:45. There were 3 people in the shelter - 1 SOBO and 2 germans. We decided to stay in the shelter that night since it was suppose to rain again even though the sky was clear. The SOBO graduated from Rowdy's school and Rowdy knew his sister. Got water and had my usual dinner. Visited with the others and gave the SOBO info on where to stay. The weather was warm all day and dry.Another short day of 9.3 miles in 8 hours with a 1 1/2 hour break but a major climb before getting to a favorable trail. Maine has been harder than we expected due to the rocks and scrambles. Hopefully it improves after the next major climb. But I'm feeling good
Date: 2014-09-03
From: Baldpate Lean To

To: Hall Mt. Lean to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We were glad to be in the shelter since the rain started about 11:30 and came down hard from midnight to 2 AM. Up at 6:15. Foggy and cool. Packed up and had breakfast and on the trail at 7:30.We had our hard morning climb over Baldpate Mountain in the fog. With rock scrambles until we got above treeline then it was the smooth bald rocks. The rocks were slippery so it was hands and knees climbing and in a couple of cases crawling up the wet rocks. Very slow then the wind became a factor at the top. Arrived at the top at 8:15. Called home then headed down. This was a difficult descent due to the wet rocks. Didn't see anyone on the trail. Got to Frye Notch Lean To at 11 for a 15 minute break. The trail was somewhat less difficult with less rocks. Stopped at 12:30 for lunch for 40 minutes. We then continue down on a favorable trail. Got to Dunn Falls at 2. Creek was flowing quickly and lots of water. A major falls just downstream of the crossing. Changed shoes and forded the stream which was easier than it looked. Ankle deep water. Got to East B Hill Road at 2:45 and started the climb up Wyman Mountain. Trail was smooth and mostly roots. We were able to go at a 2 MPH pace to Surplus Pond arriving at 3:55. Big Pond with a cabin. No wildlife spotted. Continued our climb up the gradual slope. Got to top of Wyman at 5. Could not find any campsites so we continued to the lean to. The trail was very narrow and overgrown. I was getting tired and moved slowly. Got to the water source for the lean to but it wasn't very good. Arrived at the Hall Mt. Lean To at 6:30. Teabag and Firewalker were there. They had gone into Andover fro resupply. They said the Dunn Creek/falls was passable yesterday with just rock hops but after last night's rain the creek came up.I went down the trail for a better water source then set up camp. Made dinner and visited with Teabag and Firewalker.A descent day with some increased mileage. 14 miles with a major climb and descent. Trail was a little better but could use some maintenance. From some of the tags along the trail it looks like they will be putting in some major steps. Weather started foggy but got clear and sunny and warm. Felt tired toward the end of the day. Planning to go to Andover for resupply and stay at the Cabin. Maine has been hard.