morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

18.9Well today had a lot of events and was quite a bit of fun. After leaving the shelter I fell down in the first large creek I crossed. No injuries and I was already all wet from perspiration, so I just took off my pack and rinsed out all of my clothes. About 2 hours later I skied down a wet flat rock surface for about 4 feet before I decided to sit down and save myself a fall, again no scuff marks. I got to a road crossing and Tigger had said he was going in .5 to a diner so I did also, but I got a ride right away. We ate from 11 to 1 first a cheese burger and a salad, then 6 chicken fingers. 2 beers and a chocolate shake for dessert. I guess my appetite is pretty good now. Of the 8 of us hikers that were there most walked back to the trail before me but again I used my thumb and got a ride. Leak, Free Radical, and Smooth were just getting off the road when I arrived by car, they were laughing about that. There was a pretty steep uphill leaving the road and soon I was by myself again. Once on top the trail crossed a gravel road where there was a cooler with trail magic, cold waters, I refilled and left a thank you note. After a while later there was more trail magic, this time it was the Mad Hatter's tea party. Cokes and Mountain Dews. Very nice. I signed his visitor log and had one. I passed another shelter and soon was at the Governor Clement Shelter, still to early to stop so I started up the 2K foot climb to the Cooper Lodge Shelter. In the shelter I met Cimmaron, the 88 year old thru hiker. We had a good conversation about Philmont Scout Ranch, in NM, and about Wood Badge, Scout Leader training, and about his hike on the AT. I do hope he us successful in his hike. I then watched a beautiful sunset from the windows of the shelter. Finally in the hammock for the night
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

16.8I climbed to the top of the mountain this morning after breakfast with Cimmaron. The views were great, you could see a long ways from there. When I got back down to camp everyone else had left. I got some more water then headed out. I soon passed Cimmaron near the Pico camp trail. Not a real eventful morning. Some day hikers were out. I met Mrs Gorp and Stump knocker, they were going to take Cimmaron for a meal and shower in town. We talked for quite a while about hiking and different trails before I moved on. I was going to hitch to Inn at Long trail but had no luck so had lunch on the trail. When I got to Gifford SP I took a shower and washed my clothes in the sink. The Thundering falls were very neat, stopped long enough for a photo and to wonder about the buildings at the bottom of the falls, I will have to do some more research on those. The climb up Quimby Mountain was long and there is no water on the way. I took a break at the top then headed down to Stony Brook Shelter. There was one SOBO here. After I got all set up Smooth, Leak, and Free Radical arrived. They had gone to the inn and also to Walmart for supplies. We all fixed dinners and talked about the hill climb and the heat today. Another SOBO arrived and more conversation of the trails ahead for both of us.
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: West Hartford VT
Miles today: 26.5

26.5Rolling hills trail today without a whole lot of rocks, but many ups and downs. Stopped at a cabin on top of a mountain with a viewing platform on the roof. The views from the platform were all around and long. The cabin roof needs shingles and it won't be in very good shape for long. Stopped for lunch at VT 12 where there is a small store down the road. I had a small strawberry-rhubarb pie, 2 yogurts, 2 bananas and 2 cold drinks. After that there was a 700 foot climb back to the ridge top. It got a bit slow at that point. I climbed and dropped all afternoon. At one road crossing there was trail magic, a bag full of sodas, much appreciated. I finally stopped at Thistle Hill Shelter. When I got there Smooth, Leak, and Free Radical were all ready there. I had told them about a place to stay in West Hartford. They decided I should come along also, and since I was not really very tired I said OK. We left at 6:30 and as we got to the paved road to town there was more trail magic, cookies. We were at the sign shop by 8:30. 5 miles following these guys makes you appreciate youth a bit more. They move pretty quick, and as the light faded I had to slow down a bit. We set up in Steve and Kathy,s back yard. Had a bit to eat and hit the sack.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: West Hartford VT

To: Hanover NH Tiggers Tree House
Miles today: 10.3

10.3We all ate breakfast at the general store this morning. There were the normal up and down sections of the trail but the ups are without many switchbacks so they do go "UP". There was more trail magic at The Brain's place where I found fresh watermelon. I am seeing and stopping to talk to quite a few SOBO hikers now. As I crossed over into another state before noon today I realized I have seen a lot of very beautiful country in the last 39 days, and there will be a lot more yet to come. When I got into town I headed for a pizza place that offers hikers a free piece. I had an additional one and a Long Trail draft beer. I mailed back home a couple of more things I have not needed. Then went to the Bagel Basement for a soda, free Bagel with cream cheese and half a dozen free bagels, again for hikers. From there I went to the food co-op for a re supply. I finally called Karen at Tiggers Tree House. They offer a place for hikers to stay away from the busy city area. With her was Sam, a 7 month old long haired Daschound. He was well behaved and liked to be petted. Karen took me to the EMS store where I got a couple of dry bags, then to KFC where I picked up dinner. We arrived at their place where they have an RV for one room and an A frame pop up camper for another room. I am in the RV named "the tank". It has a comfortable bed and is really nice as compared to many places I have stayed in. I got a shower and did laundry, ate dinner and a bit of ice cream and soda that they provided. Now am ready for a restful night.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Hanover NH Tiggers Tree House

To: Lyme-Dorchester rd
Miles today: 18.8

18.8IT was really nice sleeping indoors last night with the rain and all. Got another pretty early start today. Said goodbye to Karen at 7 Am and headed out of town. I saw 2 deer before I had gone a mile, they stood and watched me pass. The trail was pretty good today. I met a SOBO named Columbus, we talked fir a bit and water might be tough to find all the way to the Whites. I re filled mine at a creek before Moose Mountain. I stopped at the Moose Mt shelter for a moment and used the privy, it has no walls, just 4 posts with a roof and a box seat. It is downhill from the shelter so there is no view. There was no water near the shelter either. As I went down the mountain it started to rain, so I set up my tarp just in time and got under for a half hour during the downpour before leaving again. I stopped to enjoy the view from Holt's Ledge and it started to thunder and lightning, so I headed downhill quickly. I ducked into Trapper John Shelter to wait out the rain. I sat and ate a bit and then headed off again. Soon I was at the road and later found a small sign that said water and ice cream. I stopped and Leak, Smooth, Free Radical, Sage, and his girlfriend were there. Slowfoot, a trail maintainer, was there also fixing a hikers pack. I bought a soda and was greeted by Bill, the ice cream man, who directed me to the water and gave me an ice cream. It was a steady rain now ant Bill offered to drive us about a mile to where we could camp with hammocks. Slowfoot new of this site on the trail just south of the road. We loaded all of our 6 packs and 5 of us into a Subaru, one had to ride in a truck. In a few minutes we were at the site, setting up in the rain. I ate dinner from my hammock. Slowfoot returned with 6 sodas and a log book for us to sign. We all talked for quite a while then each went back to our camp areas for the night.
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Lyme-Dorchester rd

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.3

16.3It rained on and off through the night. So I stayed in the hammock until 6 AM. Breakfast was more of the free bagels from town, with cream cheese. I stopped at the Fire Wardens Cabin and climbed the tower and tried to make a phone call, with little success. There has not been a good signal for 2 days. The views from the tower were great. I met 3 SOBO hikers today, Sweet pea, Beardo, and Q Ball. We had quite a conversation about the White Mountains and about shoes. I finally pushed on to Ore Hill Shelter. Here I met Grace, who is out doing a section from Hanover to Kataydin. At the shelter was a whole pile of food, and 6 canisters of gas. We ate a block of cheese, oat meal, and cocoa, on top of my dinner, so tonight there is no excuse for anyone to be hungry. Soon Sage and Sweet Pea arrived, we had all been together last night. I decided to hang inside the shelter tonight as did Grace. I need to get one more load of water before it gets dark.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: kinsmam notch 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

16.9I left the shelter first this morning. The trail was good and only one uphill before I got to the. Base of Mt Moosilauke. Then the fun really started. The trail goes uphill for about 5 miles and gains about 3500 feet. It is usually a step up with no hands required. At the top there is a large tree less area which had a fabulous view. I stayed there a bout am hour. Sage and Sweet Pea arrived soon and enjoyed the view also. I headed down at 3 Pm. The trail down is pretty steep with warnings not to do it in the rain. There are steps in the rocks and hand rails in places. There is a very pretty cascade going all the way down the trail side. Very picturesque. I did not get to the bottom until 5:30, and it was only 4 miles. We finally got a ride to town and ate at the chinese restaurant, and then went for ice cream. I am staying at Chet West's back yard with at least 20 others. I did get a shower but washing clothes may be tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: 16.9

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

16.6I had a good breakfast at the pancake house this morning with the other hikers. Today I will slack pack from Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch. We went back to the hostel hoping for the shuttle to be there to take us back to Kinsman Notch. There was no shuttle today but I was able to talk a fellow that was dropping his daughter at day care into giving us a lift. All 4 of us, me, Smooth, Free Radical, and Leak, piled in and rode back to the notch. The fellow that drove us is head of marketing for one of the zip line companies in town. We left the road at about 9 Am. It was a steep climb for about 1000 feet then level or so for a bit. We eventually got to Kinsman Mt and scrambled our way up and over the 2 peaks. Then there were 5 miles of downhill. On the way down I stopped and looked around at the Lonesome Lake Hut. These are pretty neat places. The trail today was pretty intense, I am sure the miles will fall off tomorrow. I finally got to the highway around 5:30. I was able to hitch a ride with a lady that was doing trail work. She dropped me off right at the hostel. The others were ready for dinner so we went back for Chinese and after more ice cream for dessert. I re washed today's clothes and now need some sleep.
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

10.1I had breakfast at the flap jack House this morning. Then went for a small re supply and to the post office to send some more stuff home. On my way out of town I stopped at a store and found a light weight pair of shorts in a smaller size. I hitched a ride up 93 back to Franconia Notch and started walking at 11 Am. The trail was good due to being so close to town and used so much. The hike up to Franconia ridge was uneventful and had no views due to low clouds. There were a lot of day hikers all over up on top and I hiked pretty fast to stay warm. I met Pilgrim and Dead man at the Mt Lafayette trail junction at over 5000 foot   elevation. We hiked together for a bit then I passed. The sun finally came out as I topped Mt Garfield. I took a few photos and headed down to the camp site near there. The shelter would hold 12 but I still hung the hammock. It is a bit windy and should be in the 40 deg range tonight. Dinner was completed and in the hammock before 8.
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.5

9.5I had a late start this morning due to the short mileage for the day. I stopped at the caretaker and listened to the weather. The wind gusts yesterday on Franconia ridge were over 70 mph. The views for today are suppose to be 100 miles. I stopped at Galehead Hut and was given coffee and muffins. I sat on the porch in the sun for about an hour. After another climb I sat on top of South Twin Mountain and enjoyed the long views for another hour. After that the trail was good from a lot of use and care. I arrived at Zealand Falls Hut at around 3 Pm. I sat on the front porch and visited with Alma, her husband Sal was off hiking the Zeacliff trail. She has had 3 hip replacements and has hiked most of the trails in the White Mts. I was accepted for work for stay at about 5 Pm and will do a short presentation on my AT hike. Sky Pilot, Pilgrim, and Dead Man were also accepted for stay. We are now waiting for dinner and instructions. Dinner was stuffed shells, pumpkin bisque soup, home made bread, and broccoli. All was very good. I missed the chocolate cake for dessert though. I had about 10 people for the presentation which lasted almost an hour. They asked many questions and listened well. It was a pretty good deal for all involved. We will be sleeping indoors on the floor I guess. The lights are supposed to go off at 9:30, and I hope it quiets down then.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mizpah Falls Hut
Miles today: 13.9

13.9We all ate well this morning, oat meal, pancakes, and coffee, after the guests were finished. We then swept the bunk rooms and dining area and folded blankets. We were done and on our way by 8:30. The trail was very flat and not many rocks for a long way. The downhill into crawford notch was not to bad either. When I got to the parking lot a lady in a truck was doing trail magic. Dutch was her trail name, and she was doing it for 2 weeks. I had 2 sodas, 2 oranges, and a big sandwich. I needed to re supply in town but she gave me a big bag of gorp and 4 hard boiled eggs. I decided to not go to town and instead headed up hill to Mizpah hut. I arrived at 5:45 and was accepted for work for stay again. There are also 5 other SOBO hikers here. It started to rain pretty hard and I am glad to be inside again tonight. We are now waiting for the guests to finish dinner so we can get the leftovers. There were chicken breast, Broccoli, rice, and chocolate mint cake, which we cleaned all up. After dinner I cleaned 2 refrigerators for my stay.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Mizpah Falls Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

12.3Another good breakfast from the hut this morning. I left at 8:30, headed for Lake of the clouds hut. On the way the clouds lew in and it started to rain, then hail. I got my rain gear on and stood on the lee side of the mountain for a bit until it let up a bit. I got to the hut and went inside to warm up. I asked for breakfast leftovers and got a big bowl of oatmeal, pears and chocolate cake. After I finished that I had 2 bowls of soup. I left around 1 Pm, heading for Mt Washington. It was still raining lightly. As I arrived there it really started raining so I stayed until 3 Pm. The rain had let up so I headed for Madison Spring Hut. On the way I fell 3 times and once landed on my hiking pole, breaking the lower section. I arrived to find 6 hikers already doing work for stay so I had a bowl of soup and headed off to find a stealth camp site. I found a nice spot about half a mile from the hut on a steep side hill, perfect for a hammock. Set up and changed clothes to get warm.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

7.8Climbed back up to the hut and had a big free breakfast. Headed off up Mt Madison and then a long downhill all the way to NH 16, Pinkham Notch. I met Gypsy Girl on the way down. We chatted about lots of things. She is the gal that Too Late and Too Soon told us about, from Australia, that re started the trail again this year after an injury on Mt Washington last season. I told her about White Mountain House Hostel and that I planned to stay there and hoped to slack pack over Wildcat Mountain. It sounded like a good idea so when I called from the road I asked for 2 bunk spaces. Jerry picked us up in front of Joe Dodge Lodge and took us to re supply. She then stopped at an outfitter and I got a pair of poles and will send the broken ones home. There are about 15 or so other hikers here tonight. Most I have seen before but don't have names for. A group of younger hikers did all of the 21 miles of Wildcat Mt today, they started around 8 and returned 11 hrs later. Another run to town was made for dinner. We all sat and talked for a bit before heading to bed.
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 1.8

1.8Today started with a great breakfast at White Mountain House Hostel. Gipce Girl Jonahs and myself were shuttled back to Pinkam Notch to start over Wildcat Mt. We all headed off uphill. The views were great. Jonahs was far ahead in minutes. I was feeling well and enjoying my hike. But then things changed. I was going up a rock slab and slipped off. I landed on my left hip and broke it. Gipce Girl arrived in about a minute. I had sat up and knew the hip was at least dislocated, but as I tried to move a bit it was pretty obvious it was worse than just dislocated. I called back to the hostel and they called for assistance. I was contacted by Mat from NH fish and game. Eric, an EMT, connected with AMC soon arrived. After another assessment it was determined that I should be carried out. About a dozen folks arrived from AMC and fish and game. Eric prepped me for transport in the litter as others fixed lined to lower me through the narrow chutes. I wish I could of had my camera on the way down. These folks really know how to do this very well. I took over 3 hours to get down. I was then transported to the hospital. X-rays confirmed the femur was broken and within 2 hours of arrival I was in surgery. Everything went well and this morning we are planning on how to get home.
Date: 2011-08-08
From: Wildcat Mountain

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Aug 7: I was discharged after completing all of the PT tests to assure I could travel safely. The hospital staff at Memorial Hospital in North Conway was great, caring, and helped me get back to moving about. They even shipped my backpack home for me so I did not have to check a bag during flight.The Hostel came and picked me up and took me back for a night and then their son was heading to Mass. he took me all the way to the airport. Great folks there and I highly recommend staying if you are in the area. Four hours of flight time with wheelchair support at all times made the trip manageable.The big point: Trips don¢t always end the way you hope or plan. I was very fortunate to have a large group of trail family ahead and behind me on this trip offering help.I was again fortunate to not have been injured worse. The help from all of the caring people I met on the detour was very refreshing, in a world where it seems everyone is out for themselves.I will complete the last section when I am able.Thanks so much for all of those that helped and sent get well messages
Date: 2011-02-18
To: Back in the saddle again...
Miles today: 0.0

It is amazing to me how much joy has been pumped into my life by the realization that I am going hiking again. It sounds crazy, but I had slipped into a sort of damn good case of the Mexicali Blues since finishing my hike last year. Now that I have firmed up my hiking plans and started getting ready, everything is coming up roses again.I've got a lot of work to do getting in shape and getting my gear together. Fortunately, my mother is repairing some of last year's gear that needs a little needle work. In addition to stitching up my gaiters and my hiking shorts, she also stitched my thru-hiker patch on my pack. I think it looks pretty cool!
Date: 2011-02-19
To: Love preparing for a hike
Miles today: 0.0

Preparing for the hike might be more exciting than doing it. ("Better than the deed. Better than the memory. The moment of anticipation." Jacques, The Simpsons.) But this time, preparation is a completely different animal. Last year was all about research. I was trying very hard to figure out what I ought to be bringing and making sure I didn't get out there and find out I had missed something very important. I was terribly paranoid that I would fail right off the bat because I had not prepared properly. This time I am just assembling the pack I loaded every morning for 185 days in a row last year. And if I forget something (no matter what it is) I know I can get by out there just fine. The wilderness is as much a home to me as the bedroom in the house where I grew up... if not more. Today I went to the hardware store and got a variable diameter nylon hose splicer so I could hook my Katadyn water filter to my new bladder (which has a much larger hose). Seems to work pretty well and looks like it will hold up on the trail. (Sorry. I know you don't care. But I have to put three journal entries in before they will post my journal on the website.)
Date: 2011-02-20
To: The plan
Miles today: 0.0

My first section this year is Amicalola Falls to Hot Springs, NC. On March 11, I am driving to Hot Springs where I am catching a ride with the great folks at Bluff Mountain Outfitters down to Amicalola Falls. I am spending the night at the lodge and meeting GipC Girl on the access trail the morning of the 12th. Gonna take it easy the first week or so. Hoping to make Low Gap for St. Patrick's day. The next three weeks couldn't go by fast enough.Hoping to do a section of Virginia with Mad Mike before Trail Days and a group of us are trying to put together a John Muir Trail expedition later in the summer. Also hoping to spend significant time in New England. I am thinking about doing the Long Trail, but I would absolutely love to do the AT through VT, NH and ME again.
Date: 2011-02-21
To: getting in shape
Miles today: 0.0

Getting in shape for hiking seems easier this year than last. I have started doing 5-mile hikes every other day on a relatively level loop trail near my house. On the days in between, I go to the gym and do some resistance training and then a half hour on the treadmill with a 15-degree incline (which is as steep as it will go). I remember last year that in spite of all the work I did to get ready for the trail, I was totally unprepared for the climbs. The morning after the first day, I felt great except on the outside of my thighs, just below my hips. They were on fire. Maybe I should punt the treadmill and start using a stair master instead.
Date: 2011-03-10
To: Off to a great start
Miles today: 0.0

The master hiker left home without his Crocs. Spent hours walking around NYC with my pack looking for a store that sells crappy plastic shoes. Wonder what else I forgot...Wings and beer with my brother last night. Got to see my adorable nieces. Now I am on the Crescent for a 19 hour trip to Gainesville where Survivor Dave is picking me up again. Somehow I managed to pick a seat that is two rows behind a very loud gentleman who could be a character from a Woody Allen movie. Wonder how far he's going.