morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Fire Warden Cabin

To: Hikers Welcome Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

398 Miles left!!!! YEAAA!!!!!!!Today was a good day but yet again, tuff.We started a little late due to a late night last night. We slept in until 0730 and then got up and going at 0845. We were happy to not have to climb up smarts mountain as we were starting at the top today. We made our way down and headed north towards bigger and better mountains. The first mountain of the day was Cubix. It was a decent climb and reminded us that the next few days is going to be no joke. We sat for lunch near the summit, and enjoyed the amazing views. We also took an amazing shot of eachother, I will post that soon. Moving on in the day we had two smaller climbs to do before the day was over. The trail is not anywhere near 'good'. It was full of muddy patches that were long and tedious to work our way around. It is no fun to step into deep mud and get wet muddy feet. This slowed us down big time. Sadly, it started to rain as a storm came in.. this defeats all that effort we spent rock hopping. Thankfully though the storm blew by quick and we kept our feet somewhat dry. We got to the hostel around 1830. We were welcomed and did some work in the garden to pay for our nights stay. We then went out to eat at the Green House pub. There was rumor of a food challenge there. We ordered the Moosilauke Monster. This is a food challenge that you are allowed two people and given 90 minutes. The challenge involves a pizza that is nearly 8 pounds!!! It has nearly everything on it, and is about 5 inches tall! It came and was placed in front of us and off we went. AMS and I ate away quickly and efficiently. I was able to finish my half of the portions, AMS hit a brick wall when he got to the crust. I wanted to help and was on my last bite.. then I felt it... I ran to the bathroom, it was occupied. I pleaded for the person to hurry up as I needed it immediately. They did. Ahhhh there goes my crust, I am not allowed to eat anymore... It is all up to AMS. He had hit that wall though... the white flags were tossed in. O well no free dinner for us tonight, it was still a blast though and made for a great memory. On the way back to the hostel we nearly hit a moose, thankfully the guy driving avoided it... the scary part of hitch hiking! I am very full and have a big hike tomorrow. Night time.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Hikers Welcome Hiker Hostel

To: Elizah shelter
Miles today: 16.7

Well... the whites are tuff! Today we planned to hike to the lonesome lake hut. However, there was no way we were going to make it in reasonable time. With huts they take the first two thru hikers in for work for stay. But you can't get there to early or they will tell you to keep hiking. So it is a balance of timing to get there.Today we hiked up two decent mountains. The first being mt moosilauke which is very well known. It was a perfect day with only mild winds. It was a tuff climb up, the trail was of course muddy and wet in many parts. We got above tree line for the first time and loved it. The view was incredible! We celebrated with a cold mountain dew that I carried up as a treat for us. The trail down was super intense. It was very steep and dangerous. There were multiple areas where they blasted holes in the rock to provide foot holes. We went down over 2000ft in under 1.5 miles! After that fun hike we hit up wolf mountain. It was not terribly steep, but proved to be very slow moving. Lots and lots of mud and flooded areas, we became master hoppers.Due to this we got to the shelter at 1730. We knew we would not make it up and over another 4300ft climb. We decided it best to make camp and rest. The whites are very hard and very cool. It is by far the best part of the trip. We are beat though and increasing our calorie intake yet again.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Elizah shelter

To: Lonesome lake hut
Miles today: 5.9

Today was short. However we did work hard. We got up and moving just after six. We had to climb up over 2000ft to get up and over kinmans mountain. The hike up was steep and slow but not terribly muddy. The views we yet again amazing. Not even any wind. The hike down fishing jimmys trail was steep also, very steep. We finally got to the first hut just before noon. We needed to resupply at the flume visitor center still go up Lafayette. Not going to happen in a timely manner. So we hiked down a easy trail to get our stuff and New food. Back up to the hut after. They offered us work for stay so we happily agreed. We did some dishes and organized the freezer. We enjoyed a cold swim in the lake and relaxed before dinner. Soon we will eat and then sleep. Tomorrow we will hit up Lincoln and Lafayette mountain. They are big and above treeline for most of the day. Cant wait!
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Lonesome lake hut

To: Galehead hut
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day to be alive and on the trail! We enjoyed a great stay at the hut last night and ate a huge freshly made dinner. It was so good and filling for once. We got up early today and skipped breakfast due to a big day to do. Onwards we went making our way North. We hauled up to liberty campsites and quickly up to the exposed ridge leading up to our mountains for the day. We made it up the 4000ft climb by noon. The weather was great and there was virtually no wind. Kinda a let down. We made trip over little haystack, Lincoln, and then Lafayette. At the summit of Lafayette a school group of about fifty junior high kids showed up. They came up a short trail from another side of the mountain. They turned it into a joke up there so we quickly moved on. Onto Garfield mtn we went. A few hours later we arrived at the galehead hut and were very relieved. It is a challenge to make it at the right time. I also ran into a huge porcupine on the trail. He was cool to see.Now it is time to relax again and get ready for tomorrow. We have another big day planned. Hope it goes well.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Galehead hut

To: Mizpah hut
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: fog

Ah finally to the long awaited presidential range. We woke up to the croo doing morning wakeup by playing a violin, it was cool. We helped with breakfast dishes as we were bored and wanted to help out some more. We had a blast. The croo invited me to help them in their morning skit which goes over some rules like pack out your own trash. I dressed up in some crazy outfit and played the yoga student. It was hilarious and loads of fun. After we had to get going though as it was a big day.We set the goal to get to mizpah it meant we would go up twin mtn and then along a ridge to Zealand hut. Then down to Crawford notch and up a steep 2800ft climb up Webster cliffs to Webster mtn.We got to the summit of twin mtn after a steep hard climb on full stomach s. AMS had some pumpkin pie on him , it became a mess to eat. Fun idea though. He wore more than he ate. When we got to Zealand around noon they gave us lunch and snacks. We filled up and rested. The hike to Crawford notch was long and boring. However, a 2800 ft climb at the end of the day is never easy. And as usual it started to rain. Finally we reached the two summits and made our way to the hut. Another great meal and a dry place to stay. Tomorrow we will go over the dangerous traverse if the weather holds up. If not we will be forced to stay below the ridge at lake of the clouds hut. Mt washington is a exciting place to reach. Wish us good weather!
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Mizpah hut

To: Lake of the clouds
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: fog

We woke up to bad weather as expected. It was raining and foggy with expected thunder storms. We decided it best to only go to lake of the clouds which is only five miles away. It would make the rest of the range easy tomorrow and would not put us at risk today. Hiking the ridge in a storm could be very dangerous and is not smart.We stuck around mizpah until noon. We slept and ate food enjoying being lazy. We left around noon and headed for the next hut. It was a easy hike. There was no view on the ridge as it was cloudy. However, no rain! We got to the hit around four and got work for stay. The croo here is cool. We helped set tables for dinner and are now relaxing.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Lake of the clouds

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.0

What an incredible day today! We could not ask for better. This morning was like the other mornings. We woke up and ate breakfast and did a few quick chores at the hut. The weather today appeared to be looking up. When we stepped outside I knew we had hit the jackpot. No clouds, no wind, the sun was shining. Unbelievable! This kind of weather only occurs about ten days out of the year up here. After all it is home to the worst weather in the world. We hiked up to mt Washington which stands at just over 6,200ft. The view was forever! We got snacks and some pizza at the fancy summit. Within the hour it was packed with people, we promptly left. On we went in our day. We would be above treeline all day. The A.T. shockingly skirts the summits on the ridge which made our day easier but not as exciting. We took our time and enjoyed a few nice breaks to take in the view. And when else do you get weather this nice on the presidential range??? We made it to Madison hut around 1600. I gave them the note from a former croo that I have had for 200 miles. They happily welcomed us and gave us work for stay. I took a nap on the bench and relaxed AMS did the same. We heard some hikers were having a ruff time getting here and would be late for dinner. Since so many have helped me, I saw this as a chance to give back. AMS and I put our shoes back on and went racing up the mountain side. About a mile up we found the couple who were really tired. We took their packs and carried them for the couple. It was nice to help others, they really appreciated it. Back to camp we went about a mile back down. The croo here was great and made us a great dinner. I felt very welcomed and happy. The sunset was also breath taking as we are still at 5000 ft and have a clear view of the mountains. It is days like this that explain why I am here.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Madison Hut

To: Carter hut
Miles today: 14.0

Hmmmm today was a fun day. I woke up to an amazing view outside. Yet another amazing day to hike. We packed up and waited for breakfast. After eating we hiked up Madison and enjoyed a great view. We hiked down the ridge and got back into treeline.After getting to the treeline the blazes disappeared. The trail had many turns and it was hard to know where to go. Finally I made it to pinkham notch and got some food. AMS did not get down for a few more hours due to a wrong turn. We had to still get up and over the five Wildcats to get to Carter hut. The trail was impressively steep and was very hard. After a few hours we made it. The hut was at the base of Carter dome. In two days we will be in Maine!!!! I also saw my first SOBO hikers today. Now we are hanging with the croo and eating. I will miss this section of the trail.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Carter hut

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a hard day to explain. We enjoyed a great breakfast at our last hut this morning. Soon we were on our way up Carter dome. It was a hard climb but quick. We went up and over Carter dome, height mtn, middle Carter, south Carter, and North Carter. After finishing that we climbed to just under the summit of Mariah mtn. It is annoying to climb all the way up and skip the summit. We hauled down the steep hill and dropped nearly 3000 ft. After a long day we got down to the white mtn lodge and hostel. I got my trail magic food drop and was very pleased. The lodge was full so the owner drove up to a hotel in town. We got a room and finally got cleaned up. What a great feeling. I dove into my food box. Wow. What a great box! Everything I can hope for. We needed to get a ride to Wal-Mart and the laundry mat... that is when things got real funny. We asked a guy for a ride. He immediately offered for us to take his brand New truck, and in return he would hold onto my drivers licence. Wow. We were shocked but very happy. We did our chores and returned the truck. What a cool guy. For dinner we ate 60 chicken nuggets from McDonald's, tasty. We ate all 120 between us. Only this kind of stuff happens on the trail! What a fun afternoon.This evening we got some bad news. Unable to talk much about it now.... but not good. Life is to short at times. Live, laugh, love.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Gorham NH

To: Carlo col shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a major day for us! We started late because we were up late from the night before. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and made the trail around 1030. The trail was very difficult and slow going. Tribhu caught up to us and started hiking with us. He is a cool guy and would be fun to hike . We moved on through the crazy trail. We crossed a flooded area where I tripped knee deep into water. The gaiters did not help. We laughed and moved on. It started to get dark as we strapped our torches on. Time for artificial light. Around 2100 we hit a major sign... MAINE!!!! Finally!!!! What a great feeling. We took pictures and hiked on. We got to camp around 2200. Late day. Sleep is needed now.As many know by now there was a terrible tragedy yesterday. A young thru hiker lost his life in a pond not far ahead of us. AMS knew him well, and there were four thru hikers who were present at the scene. Unfortunately he drowned, we do not know how. This is a sad loss and a major wake up call. Tragedy can hit at any time. Watch every step, stay aware, and make smart choices. Watch out for your fellow thru hikers. I love the trail but I cant wait to get home to my family. I am ready to be done. We are having a great time but i am ready.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Carlo col shelter 

To: Speck pond shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

What a fun day today. We started around 0830 since we ended late last night. The trail was brutally slow today. It was steep, slow going, and tedious. We could barely get miles to pass no matter how hard we tried. Then we hit the mahoosuc notch. Talk about coming to a screeching halt! 1.3 mile long boulder field. As awol says in his guide it is the most difficult or fun mile of the AT. We went over,under,around boulders. Sometimes we felt as if we were caving. We even saw snow and ice. Naturally we made a small snowman and threw snowballs at eachother. What a fun place. And after we hit a steep climb yet again. We stopped at camp early because the next shelter was still eight difficult miles away. Time to relax and catch up on things.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Speck pond shelter

To: Hall mountain shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: broken clouds

Ahhh today we made up for yesterday. We got up on time for once which is 0600. We were on the trail by 0700. We had a few big uphills to hike but not nearly as bad as yesterday. The three of us held great pace and get along very well. The miles came quicker and we enjoyed great weather. We leap frogged Boulder and Butter a few times. Lunch was spent above the clouds on top of a open ridgetop. Beautiful. We made it to the road ay four which meant only six miles to go. We decided at that moment we should go to town tonight and get more food instead of tomorrow AMS put his thumb out quickly as a truck came by. It stopped! We jumped in the bed and got a ride down into Andover. After a great dinner and a resupply at the general store a nice guy gave us a ride back up. Our lucky day with rides! It was eight miles away, not easy usually. We headed up to camp and got there just before dark. We did not need dinner so we just socialised . The shelter was full of south bounders... they would not make room. We were going to sleep under the stars but then it started to rain. Down bags + rain = bad. We borrowed a tent and climbed in. Stinks in here. Blah. Night time.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Hall mountain shelter

To: Sabbath day pond lean to
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Bugs. Heat. And exhaustion.Today was a long day that required the three of us to dig deep. The terrain is ruff and rugged. The three of us are being pushed to our limits which makes us dig deep. However, today is a holiday for us thru hikers. It is the summer solstice. This means two things. First it is the official first day of summer... it is 91 degrees out I did not need a calender to tell me that. The second is it is hike Naked Day!!!! That is right! A long time thru hiker tradition. Tribhu and I decided that since we were on the trail minus well live it up! So the clothes came off and the three of us hiked on. It took some time to find a sobo hiker, but we did. He was laughing hard at our guts to hike Naked. The best part was when we crossed the road and took a picture. A truck came along and the driver was laughing so hard. They drove by slowly snapping a picture of tribhu. We celebrated until noon or so and then put on some cover, the sun was tor hotThe day went on and we dug deep to keep going. We stumbled upon a grouse and had a hungry thought. We are hungry all the time thesedays. Off the three of us went, chasing the grouse in the woods with trek poles. It flew off. No dinner for us... sad. We ended our day at nearly eight pm. The bugs were horrible and we were eaten alive. Our miles were done though for the day and we were pleased.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Sabbath day pond lean to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hot. HOT DAY!Today was nearly 100 degrees F. It was also very humid which made it worse.We are not far from the end, but we are still a ways. We need to keep our minds clear and our energy up. We have hiked nearly 2,000 miles. Our bodies are weak and exhausted and do not have much more to give. Our moral is still up though, we laugh constantly and have a great time.We came upon a pond a few miles into our hike. There was a canoe beached at the pond and we were instantly given a great idea. We dropped our packs and jumped in. We pushed off and had a nice tour around the pond. What a nice break. We got back on the trail after and hiked on. We made it to the road and were beat. I was suffering from heat exhaustion. We made the smart choice and got a ride into town. We needed a break and rest. Tonight I had some great dinner at the Red Onion and now we are staying at the Rangeley Inn.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Spaulding mountain lean to
Miles today: 18.1

Back to the comforts of the trail after a nice night in a bed. The weather finally cooled off late last night and allowed for a comfortable nights sleep. We slept in until seven as we were beat from the hike yesterday. Slowly, we packed up and got ready. However, are breakfast is needed when in towns. Off we went to find food. We found the DNC diner. Great food, we feasted. We grabbed our packs and made our way to the IGA to get AMS some hair gel. Oh that was another fun event yesterday, AMS and tribhu got Mohawks just because. A nice couple gave us a ride back to the trail. The trail was not bad today. We did have climbing to do. In all around 9600ft of elevation gain/loss today according to the sign we read. I feel so much better today. I nearly doubled my food intake and increased my water intake a lot. My energy is up, my moral is up, and my body feels better. I am ready to tackle these miles. We had great weather and some beautiful views today. A few miles were spent on the ridge, no better place. The shelter had two other hikers here. And a porcupine..... it is slowly eating the shelter bit by bit. Another big day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Spaulding mountain lean to

To: stratton , me
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Well I have officially been on the trail for over 100 days now. Today is day 101. Feeling amazing still. Today we hit a major point early on in the hike. There is only 200 miles left until the end. We hiked up a few decent peaks and the weather held up great. However as we headed down the trail towards the road a nasty storm started to blow in.We had done 13 miles and started to get the nice thought of a warm bed again. As we came to the road it started to rain. We decided to hit the town. A truck was coming down the road and to our surprise they picked us up! To Stratton we went. We got some snacks and enjoyed our room at the white wolf in. Dinner was great and included a two pound burger. Yummy. Tomorrow we will try to hit over twenty miles.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: stratton , me

To: West Carry Pond Lean To
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had this all written out but it went into cyber nowhere... erm. *evil glare at technology*Hmmmm let's see... what should I talk about today... O YEA!!!2,000 MILES!!!!!!!! YYYYYYEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! We have hiked 2,000 FREAKING MILES!!! 14 STATES!! 102 DAYS!! Yea I am a bit excited about today, it was a big day for us. We started off waking up in our nice hotel room. We decided not to go out to breakfast as we wanted to get going. Honey Bun breakfast it is! YUM!! Somehow within five minutes I found a ride for us back to the trail, good thing because I do not think there was any other awake people nearby.We got dropped off at the trail and got going. Today was very big for us. It was the last of the high mountains that would take everything out of us. It also marked 2,000 miles. The trail was not the easiest but we were all feeling great and having fun as always. The three of us get along very well and keep the mood fun. I would hate to be hiking alone at this point as I would just want to be done. And besides I have ran out of conversations to have with Henry who is still happily hanging on my shoulder strap. Coming up to Horn Mountain Lean To we hit the official 2,000 mile mark.. however, no sign marking it (they tend to be a little off... 15.5 miles off in this case). We hiked onwards to the Bigelow mtn's and Avery mtn. The top was fantastic and clear. I sat for a minute out on a great rock outcropping, spectacular view and feeling. I thought back on how far I have come and everything I have been through.. simply unreal. I have been on the trail now for 102 days... crazy to imagine. The reality is starting to hit me that I am actually almost done with the trail.. WOW.After we got up and over that would be the last of the big peaks until Katahdin.. finally! Until the end there are only a few small climbs and messy trail (bogs, roots, water). We are psyched to push on and finish the trail!