morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-29
From: Over Mt Kinsman

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 10.5

The order of business first thing was to get to an outfitter and get my trekking pole repaired. The lower section of one pole was bent. "Lucked In" also needed repairs to one of his poles. It had broken clean into two pieces. We ate breakfast and walked to the outfitter to be there when they opened at 9:30 am. We both got pole replacements. We walked back to the hotel and checked out. The hotel owner shuttled us back to the trail.We hiked Franconia Ridge today. I have been looking forward to this section of the White Mountains. We walked for miles above tree line. 360 degree views and nearly clear skies. It was beautiful up there. We first crossed over Mt Lincoln, followed by Mt Lafayette and the day ended back in tree line crossing Mt Garfield. It was a relatively short hike today, but the terrain was steep and rocky. It took an additional three hours to hike similar distances in other areas.I set up my tent on one of the wooden tent plate forms at Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite. Chief had contacted me today about using additional hardware to stake down my guy lines on these wooden platforms. I picked up the necessary equipment a a hardware store next to the outfitter this morning and it worked fine.I came across a young lady that had taken the wrong trail from Franconia Ridge today. She was a day-hiker and could not make it back to her car by nightfall. Another hiker escorted her to the shelter where the caretaker provided her a hammock and sleeping bag. Us hikers helped her with food and another helped with a jacket and long sleeve shirt and pants. She was originally wearing shorts, a sports bra and a hydration bladder. She had contacted her family to let them know her situation so they would not worry. She'll have help getting to her car tomorrow.Time to settle in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-07-30
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5

I had multiple ups and downs throughout the day with multiple points along the trail for outlooks. The last five miles were very nice because it was in a valley, very flat and fewer rocks. There was almost two miles of walking on boards over muddy sections.Just before it got dark we got word that a moose was on the opposite side of the pond. Everyone ran down to the pond to take pictures. It was so far away that it was difficult to see detail. My first moose sighting. The shelter is full because of expected rain tonight and tomorrow. I set up in the shelter to keep my gear as dry as possible, for as long as possible.Time to call it an evening. Good night all.Special Note: Happy Anniversary to Mama Smurf.
Date: 2019-07-31
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.9

It rained all night long and came down hard at times.  It was nice to have the shelter to keep things dry. It had stopped raining by the time we all began hiking.The early part of the hike was great because the terrain was still relatively flat. The climbs began at the base of Mt Webster. Very near the summit of this first mountain it was hand and foot climbs along a huge rock face. About half way up this rockface, I placed my hand in an open crack for better grip when a snake came out of the crack and slithered over my hand and went down by my feet. I am glad that I didn¢t overreact, because it was a long ways down by that point. I gathered my wits and continued on with my climb. The downhill slammed my knees as I prepared to climb Mt Jackson and later Mt Pierce. After eating lunch at one of the huts a group of us decided to push on to the next hut. Bad weather was expected, so we teamed up in pairs to hike together for safety reasons. It was approximately five miles to the next hut and the weather held back during our hike. We made it to Lakes of the Clouds Hut and checked in. They are allowing us hikers to sleep on the hut floor after the regular guests settle in for the evening at 9:30. This place is packed, with over 60 people here this evening. Clouds eventually rolled in and it began to rain hard around 5:00pm. We will wait for the crowds to go to bed and us hikers will start to settle in on the floor.Hopefully we can get a good nights sleep. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-01
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.3

All the hikers camped out on the floor of the hut had to be packed out before the hut guests began to stir for breakfast. I began hiking around 6:00 am towards the summit of Mt Washington. The clouds were blowing all around the mountain tops. It was cold enough that I wore long sleeves and gloves. I was the first to summit Mt Washington and took my picture in front of the sign. Along with other hikers, we explored the buildings at the summit. Even with all the clouds, there were beautiful views. We hiked on towards the Madison Spring Hut. When we entered the hut, there was a sign saying that you could have all the leftover breakfast you wanted as long as you told a joke and made the staff laugh. I told my joke and began chowing down on scrambled eggs and oatmeal. I capped it off with a bowl of potato soup. It was nice to feel full. Even if it is leftovers.The remainder of the day was brutal. We hiked up Mt Madison and down the other side. There were so many rocks and boulders that we could not hike faster than one mile per hour. The rocks went on for ever today. It was so intense and slow going today that we had to change our plans to head into town and stop short at the Osgood Tent Site. We were not the only ones to cut our plans short, several other hikers did the same. All saying that the hike today was intense.I set up my tent on the wooden platform and "Lucked In" cowboy-camped on the platform as well. There are approximately 15-20 hikers tenting in this site tonight.We hope hike tomorrow to the road crossing and get a ride into town.Time to settle in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-02
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.7

Today is what we call a "Nero"--a near zero day or very low mileage on the trail. It is usually done to get yourself into a town so that you have enough time to get all your chores done. We slept in a little later than usual and were on the trail shortly after 6:00 am. It felt like it took forever to go just under five miles.When we arrived at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center, I went inside to get a drink and snack before we began our hitchhike attempt. When I came out of the center, "Lucked In" was talking to a gentleman about IT work. When I was introduced to the gentleman named Gary, he said that he was looking for a "Papa Smurf". It turns out that I was planning to contact him when I got into town where there was better phone service. Jimmy and his wife "I Believe" had contacted Gary to get in touch with me. It was another trail miracle that we come across unexpected people here on the trail. I will be speaking with Gary while I am in the town of Gorham. I am staying at The Libby House B&B and Hostel. This was a good recommendation from Gary and his wife Cathy. He also drove us to the hostel.We plan to take an additional day and do a zero tomorrow.Time to rest. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-03
From: Zero in Gorham, NH

To: Zero in Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0

I slept in until 7:00 am. That is a first for me since starting the trail. This rest day is greatly needed.We happen to be in the town of Gorham during the time of an annual ATV Festival. The town, the streets and parking lots are packed with ATV¢s of all shapes and sizes. I am amazed at the large number of ATV¢s. It is also lawful to drive your ATV on the streets. No helmets required either. No helmet required for regular two wheel motor cycles as well. The locals say the streets will calm down after the festival ends this weekend.Other than walking to local restaurants from the hostel, we are resting today. Enjoying this Zero day.
Date: 2019-08-04
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

We were shuttled back to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center where we returned to the trailhead. It initially was a relatively flat trail and then it quickly became a steep uphill to the Wildcat peaks. These climbs were difficult, but not as aggressive as was being passed along to us northbound hikers. The wind picked up in the early morning and helped keep the temperature cooler. By midday I was at the Carter Notch Hut where I stopped and ate lunch. The remainder of the day was hiking to the Imp Shelter. The downhills to this shelter were the most demanding part of the hike for today. Multiple times I was using trees and roots to help lower myself down a rock embankment. This can wear down the knees over the day. I arrived at the shelter, saw the caretaker, set up my tent, ate supper and prepared for the evening. It is cooler than usual and it feels good to curl up in a sleeping bag.
Date: 2019-08-05
From: Imp Shelter

To: A.T. 0.1W on US 2, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0

It was a very cool night. It was difficult to crawl out of a warm sleeping bag. It was time to start moving simply to keep warm.We began our climb up to Mt Moriah summit. The wind kept the skies clear. There was minimal haze in the air this morning. We began our downhill with multiple rock steps. These tested the knees again. The further down the mountain we went, the smoother the terrain became. You can hike what I call ¢normal¢ hiking speed on this smoother terrain. We stopped to eat at Rattle River Shelter and then hiked to the parking lot at US Route 2. There we contacted Gary to let him know that we were ahead of schedule. He let us know that Cathy was on her way to pick us up. It would take her approximately an hour to arrive from their home in Maine. We walked to the nearby Rattle River Hostel to see if "Lucked In¢s" shoes had been delivered. He found out that the company never filled the order to have them shipped. He got that straight and had the shoes delivered further north. While he waited, he would later buy a cheap pair of shoes from Walmart to hold him over until he got his other shoes.Cathy picked up "Lucked In", "Rosie", "Chipper", "PYT (Pretty Young Thing)" and myself, and drove us all one hour to their home. They opened up their home for us to shower and wash clothes, then took us to Walmart for resupply and later fed us a great chili dinner. Gary and Cathy are great people, and helped us hikers out at times when we needed it the most. We had great conversations with them during our stay. I told Gary that his chili was "Better than snuff and not half as dusty". Where I come from, that is a high compliment. He had to think on that one for a while. They opened up one of their bedrooms and the living room floor to us, and also their back yard for tents. Again, they were great hosts. You don¢t meet great people like this everyday. We are all settled in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-06
From: A.T. 0.1W on US 2, Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 11.8

Cathy fixed us a super good stuffed French toast breakfast. I had never had that before and it was excellent. She packed us in their SUV and took us back to the trailhead. We were hiking again by 8:00 am. We had the usual ups and downs as well as two or three ponds along the trail. Parts of this section were relatively easy, while other parts reminded you that you were still in New Hampshire. We passed the 1,900 mile milestone today. By early afternoon we were at Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite. This shelter was one of the few along the trail that offers a view of the mountains from the shelter itself. I set up my tent on one of the tent pads. We all went through our usual evening routines.Again, time to settle in for the evening. Good night all.Special Note: I wanted to send out a special thank you to Gary and Cathy for their tremendous hospitality. Again, very special people. I am glad to have met them.
Date: 2019-08-07
From: Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

The first obstacle of the day was to get up and over Mt Success. It was a relatively uneventful summit. On the climb up the mountain, I came across a water filter/bladder beside the trail. I stuck it in my pocket hoping that I could find the owner. The next item for today was crossing the state line. The state of New Hampshire is complete. Only one more state to go. It will likely take a month to complete the remaining miles in Maine.There were four peaks to cross before arriving at Full Goose Shelter. "Lucked In" wanted to push on to the next shelter due to the high possibility of rain this afternoon and tomorrow. We decided to go for it.The next section of the trail is called Mahoosuc Notch. It has the reputation of being the toughest and/or the funnest mile on the entire AT. Huge boulders fill the Notch. You can feel an instant drop in temperature as you enter. There is actually snow and ice still in sections of the Notch today.Some of the climbs in this area actually have you crawling through cave-like openings in the boulder field. It took 2.25 hours to travel this single mile. It was challenging and actually fun at the same time. Where else can adults climb huge rocks and crawl through small cave-like openings? In some places, I had to remove my pack to allow clearance between rocks. I am glad to have that section behind me.Following the Notch was a big climb up Mahoosuc Arm. After tiring in the Notch, you get even more worn out climbing the steep uphill of the Arm. It threatened to rain the entire time that I was climbing. About 15 minutes after I arrived at Speck Pond Shelter, it started raining. I set up my things inside the shelter along with several other hikers. I was glad to be in a dry shelter after a very long and difficult day of hiking. It was nice to eat and then curl up in my sleeping bag. The shelter is full tonight.Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-08
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4

After packing things up, we immediately finished the summit of Old Speck. Because we were already so close to the top, the summit did not take a lot of effort. We did all of this in drizzling rain. It had rained all night long. We later arrived at Baldpate Lean-to where we stopped to eat lunch. While we were stopped at the lean-to, it started to rain very hard. We waited out the rain under the lean-to shelter, and I actually took a nap while we waited. We decided to risk hiking on to the next lean-to. It had apparently rained out for the day. Or so we thought.We hiked up the two peaks of Baldpate. While we were on top, it started to rain again. But not as hard as it had previously. The rain made walking the rounded rocks very slippery. We just slowed down and took our time. The downhill was slippery as well. We eventually arrived at Frye Notch Lean-to. We were the first to arrive, so we claimed our spots under the shelter. By nightfall, the shelter was full and a couple of hikers were tenting.Time to call it an evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-09
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 4.5

We had a Nero today. Only a short four mile hike from the lean-to over to East B Hill Road. When we arrived at the road, a shuttle was there from the Human-Nature Hostel. Because they were already there, we decided to go to that hostel. It is a Geodesic Dome Hostel on 42 acres. We are going to rest this afternoon and do a 10 mile slack pack tomorrow. Because of the recent rains, everyone emptied their packs in the backyard to allow items to dry out. A true pack explosion.Resting for the remainder of the day.
Date: 2019-08-10
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Everyone at the hostel had the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. We were then taken to the trailhead where we left off yesterday. It was nice to slack pack, especially since it was raining lightly. The rain stopped after the first hour of hiking and the terrain today was relatively flat. The ups and downs were not severe. It started to rain again during the last hour. I was picked up at the next road crossing by a man waiting to pick up another hiker. He dropped me off at the General Store in Andover. There I ate lunch and purchased my resupply for the next section. It began to rain heavily while we were at the store and the temperature dropped drastically. The Human Nature Hostel shuttle picked us up and took us back to the hostel. We are getting ready to return to the trail tomorrow, with a full pack.Time to get rest up for the next section. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-11
From: South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

After our all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, the hostel staff shuttled us back to the trailhead. The hike today had the usual climbs and descents. However, we had all our gear and a full resupply. A much heavier pack and more difficult terrain today.The trail was constantly presenting rocks or roots, or both rocks and roots. This occurred all day, and the roots are really slippery if wet or damp. It had rained last night and threatened to rain the entire morning, but it never did thank goodness. There were stretches of trail over bogs or muddy sections, which usually had wooden boards or tree planks to walk on. Most of these planks are old, and many were broken and not safe to walk on.The skies cleared in the afternoon and the views were very nice. By late afternoon, I arrived at Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to. There was not much daylight left to get all my chores done before it got dark. Time to finish this journal entry and get ready for bed. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-12
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 11.2

We woke up to the sounds of loons calling from the pond. It was a very peaceful sound, and not one that I have heard often in my lifetime. Everything was packed up and we were off and on our way. The terrain today was not bad at all. Again, mostly roots and rocks. The wooden planks were just as bad as those experienced yesterday. We arrived at Piazza Rock Lean-to by early afternoon and we sat back and rested. By late afternoon, it began to rain. We all ate supper and I then hung my bear bag. Back inside my tent for the evening. Resting up for the climbs that are expected tomorrow. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-13
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

It rained all night long, but it stopped just as we began our hike. I packed up my wet tent. Because all the trees and plants were wet, we all got soaked as we brushed up against the plants and/or grabbed a tree and the water came down off the leaves. The clouds stayed around as we went above tree line. It obstructed some views from Saddleback Mountain, The Horn, Saddleback Junior and Poplar Ridge. I was able to take a few pictures after clouds passed, but the clouds were a constant all morning. It did clear up by the afternoon.We ate lunch at Poplar Ridge Lean-to. Because it was only 12:00, we decided to push on to the next shelter. By 5:30 I was at Spaulding Mountain Lean-to. The water source at this shelter was better than the pond water at previous shelters. I pitched my tent, ate supper, did camp chores, and got ready for bed. Time to call it an evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-14
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: ME Route 27
Miles today: 13.5

I got off to my usual early start this morning. We were hiking over 13 miles to the next road crossing where a hostel shuttle had scheduled pick ups at 1:00 and 4:30 pm.The terrain today was a mixture of easy, moderate and difficult hiking sections. We hiked up Spaulding Mountain first. The next were South and North Crocker Mountains. Some of the downhills were straight down over boulder fields. And let¢s not forget the roots of Maine. The big milestone today was passing the 2000-mile mark. Very satisfying at this point!I made it to the ME Route 27 road crossing around 2:00 pm. I sat back and waited for others to arrive before the shuttle showed up at 4:30 pm. While we were waiting, a couple from Canada stopped by on their way to do some kayaking. They offered a drink and roasted peanuts to all of us waiting for the shuttle. We arrived at the hostel and went through the routine of getting cleaned up and getting real food to eat. Right now "Lucked In" and I plan to zero tomorrow so that we can rest our bodies and minds. Our knees really feel fatigued.Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-15
From:  Zero in Stratton ME

To:  Zero in Stratton ME
Miles today: 0.0

We all woke up and ate breakfast. I do believe that it was the best continental breakfast that I have ever had. Everything was fresh, the place was very clean and the company was great. Everyone enjoyed the meal.I ran into "Timber" again. He is also staying here at the Hostel of Maine. Reminder, he and I started our AT hike on the same day back in February. We registered as hikers 282 and 283. He spoke with "Jukebox" this morning. She is back home recovering/resting after summiting Katahdin a few days ago. He told her that I was here with him at the hostel. She said that she remembered me from the early days in Georgia. "Timber" is headed back to the trail this morning. "Lucked In" and I will be taking a zero today. The remainder of the day was spent resting, but we did take the time to walk to a BBQ restaurant about a mile away. When we got there, it was closed for repairs. We were disappointed as we turned around and walked back. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-16
From: ME Route 27

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3

We had our continental breakfast before the 7:30 shuttle left for the trailhead. It had started raining during the night and was raining when we started our hike. After a couple of hours passed, the rain stopped and things gradually started to dry throughout the day. We were crossing the last of the 4000-foot mountains until we reach Mt Katahdin at the end. The clouds were too thick to allow views when we summited Bigelow Mountain and Avery Mountain. The last mountain we crossed for the day was Little Bigelow Mountain. Because things were wet, everyone took their time on the rocks and roots. Late in the afternoon I arrived at Little Bigelow Lean-to. Because we are so close to the Canadian border, there are at least six Canadian weekend hikers here at the shelter. The shelter is full and there are at least a dozen tents set up in the area.I have completed my camp chores, ate supper and hung my bear bag. Time again to settle in for the evening. Good night all.
Date: 2019-08-17
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7

To sum up the day in a couple of words...¢It was wet¢. It started raining during the night, and there was thunder and lightning at times. We started our hike in a drizzle and within an hour, it began to rain hard and lasted a couple of hours. By midday, the rain would start and stop periodically. The one nice thing about the day is that the terrain was relatively flat, which was a welcome change.We passed by four different ponds throughout the day. Fog socked in views of the first two ponds, but the third was visible. The skies were overcast and clouds constantly present. There were sections along this Pond where wooden planks were elevated 3-5 feet above boulders below. If you were to lose your balance, the boulders below would not be comfortable. By the time we got to the fourth Pond, we were at Pierce Pond Lean-to. We set up camp and prepared for the evening. I am in my tent tonight. It is likely going to rain. The shelter is full and there are approximately a dozen tents in the area.Good night all.