morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Moose Mountain shelter

To: Hexacuba shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Up as usual after agood nights sleep. Awoke and heard it raining often. On the trail at 0615 with two tough climbs ahead of me. Had a few good views today. Got caught in a bad T-storm with high wind and heavy rain. Talked to Kelly about noon. She said Dennis had called and was walking toward me. I arrived at the shelter at 1920 and Dennis was there. Huff came in, I hadn't seen him since Duncannon PA. Ate supper and in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Hexacuba shelter

To: Hiker Hostel (Welcome) at Glencliff NH
Miles today: 14.5

Up at 0515, breakfast, dressed and on the trail at 0630 up mt. Cube. Good climb with some views. Made good time hiking with Dennis. Met a SOBO named Ryan. Trail is still very muddy and wet. I fell once and Dennis fell once. Got to Glencliff NH at 1630, showered and washed clothes and ate(leftover chicken dish and an ice cream drumstick). Then we went out for supper in Warren NH. Burger and fries. Had the cook to fix me two bacon egg and cheese on toast sandwiches to go. Back at the hostel I had four ice cream sandwiches. Then a coke and off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Hiker Hostel (Welcome) at Glencliff NH

To: NH 112/ Kinsman Notch Mt Moosilauke Lodge
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Up early with rain. Ate my bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches I had the restaraunt fix me the night before. Left at 0700 for the trail. The tall grass was wet and the trail was muddy as usual. I headed up Mt. Moosilauke hoping to be down at hwy112 by 1500. Made better time going up but no views just the inside of a cloud. As I got above tree line, the wind was blowing 70mph or more. It was brutle. Could hardly see the cairnes marking the trail. I approached the peak at 1100 and started down the north side of mt Moosilauke. The decent was wet, steep and very trecherous. I arrived at hwy112 at 1530. As Dennis and I came onto the road, there came James on Dennis' car to pick us up. We went by a convenience store where I got some supplies, then we went to the Lodge. We got a bunk room and supper. I talked to Kelly and got ready for bed.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: NH 112/ Kinsman Notch Mt Moosilauke Lodge

To: Kinsman Pond campsite/ shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0545 looking forward to a good breakfast at the lodge. Dressed, packed up and went to the lodge to wait for Kelly to call. She called at 0715 and we talked a while. Breakfast was ready at 0740 and I had three bowls of oatmeal, one piece of sausage, and one pancake. After breakfast, Dennis dropped me off at the trail head at 0900. I felt good and thought I was making good time. The mud and rocks really slowed me down. I didn't average 1.5mph today. I did better than that going over Mt Moosilauke. I had some good views, especially when I got above treeline. I took some photos. I saw a few day hikers and one SOBO thru hiker. I arrived at the shelter at 1830 and ate supper. Possum came in about 1930. Hope to make better time tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Kinsman Pond campsite/ shelter

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 0500, walking at 0600. The trail was rugged to start off and got harder. With steep ups and boulder climbs and mud up Mt Lafayette from 1000ft elevation to 5750ft elevation. It was a slow grueling walk with about 3.5 miles above treeline. I just couldn't make good time. I was exhausted from mile after mile of steep ups and downs. After Mt. Lafayette came Mt Garfield again above treeline. Then came the push for Galehead Hut. At times, I felt I couldn't make another step. With just no energy left, I finally reached Galehead Hut and was hoping for a work for stay. No such luck and I wouldn't pay $79 to stay. The crew saw I was exhausted and told me they would find me some food while I rested but then I must move on and camp somewhere. They gave me some fresh made bread with butter, cold baked ham and cookies. After I had eaten everything, they allowed me to put on day clothes in their bathroom. Then I left. I knew I couldn't find a tent site in the dark, I also couldn't walk down the trail in the dark with the steep ups and downs. I left out but as soon as they cut the lights out I returned and put my sleeping bag on the porch and crawled in.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Galehead Hut

To: Dry River Campground/ US 302 Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

Up early 0430 and out before 0500 so I wouldn't get caught sleeping on the hut's front porch. The trail was again steep and rocky. I hadn't recovered from yesterday and was tired early. After a couple of hours walking, I was above treeline and took some pictures. After 7 miles, I came to Zealand Falls Hut where I stopped for water. When I got inside, on the table was several different types of food (mostly cakes) and a sign AYCE $1.00. I must have eaten 5-6 pieces of choc. cake alone with other desserts. Then on for the next 7 plus miles. The trail got much better for 3-4 miles with less rocks and rock climbs. I arrived at Crawford Notch at 1530 and hitched a ride to the campground. The ranger gave me a ride to a store where I got a coke and a pint of Ben& Jerrys' ice cream. I got back and called Kelly. Now to bed and get some rest. Hard 11 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Dry River Campground/ US 302 Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 0500. This has been my normal wakeup time since VA. Got dressed and cooked my last pack of oatmeal. I also had a pop-tart. Got packed up and went out to the road to start hitchhiking back to the trail. It took about 45 minutes before I got a ride. I got back to the trail at 0715 which was later than I planned to start. The trail started off with a good gradual grade. It had some steep rock climbs but was surprisingly easy ( God answers prayer). I made better time than expected. It was a 3700ft climb up to Lake of the Clouds Hut. It wasn't near as hard as climbing Mt Lafayette. The views today were just great. Pictures will not do them justice. As I got where I could see Mt Washington with all its' weather observation equipment and antennas it inspired me to push on. I stopped at the Mizpah Hut to refill my water bottles. I asked if they had anything left from breakfast to eat but they didn't. But they did fix me a bowl of vegetable soup. After eating my soup, I left for the last half of todays' hike. Mt Washington became more and more visable now and it drew me like a magnet. Mt Washington, the last big mountain and another milestone. When I cross over Mt Washington tomorrow and get back below treeline I will feel as though the last great challenge is over. Only the Wildcats and the Carter Range (little did I know what was waiting on the north side of Mt Washington: MT MADISON- it almost killed me and my feet) will be left-so I thought. But Kelly will be with me there.The hike with Kelly through that section will be great because we will be hiking together. I arrived at Lake of the Clouds Hut at 1545. I will be able to work for stay. That means I will wash dishes for an hour and stay and eat for free. It would normally be $79 to stay here. It is really cool here with high winds. Hoping and expecting continued good weather tomorrow for my last days walking before I meet Kelly at Pinkham Notch tomorrow evening. Sleeping on the table in the dining room tonight.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Pinkham Notch then to Gorham NH
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: fog

Up at 0505 and on the trail at 0530 wanting to get to Pinkham Notch as early as possible. Cloudy and windy and cold. Took 1.5 hours to go 1.5 miles. Just hard to walk fast over those kinds of rocks. Clouds blew away just as I crossed Mt Washington. The terrain remained very rugged with high winds. Clouds drifted in and out. Met several day hikers. Arrived at Mt Madison Hut at 1230 and stopped for water and any leftover food I could get. With Mt Madison my next climb , I started up. The climb was grueling. With endless boulders to scramble over, I thought I would never reach the top. The wind was approaching 70mph on top. With my pack making me top heavy the wind would almost blow me over. The scramble going down was even slower than going up. I knew I wouldn't be at Pinkham Notch before 2000 with continued terrain like this. I finally reached treeline where the wind wasn't as strong. The going was still slow and at 1630 I still had four miles to go. I was averaging less than 1mph. With four miles to go at 1mph that figured to be 2030 at Pinkham for me. Messenger passed me and I told him if he saw Kelly to tell her that it may be 2000 or 2030 before I got down. About two miles out the terrain got a little better and I was able to move faster. I fell once again and again God protected me. I don't know the times I have fallen the past three months but it's a miracle to fall as many times as I have at 63yrs old and have nothing more serious as a hurt foot and a few scratches. As my pace picked up and the thoughts of seeing Kelly filled my mind I seemed to walk even faster. I had not taken my pack off for over six hours as the straps cut deep into my boney shoulders and hips. I didn't notice the pain, all I could think of was getting down and being with Kelly. With my shirt at the shoulders soaked with blood and sweat mixed and the crimson color of my pants at the waist, I arrived at Pinkham Notch. At a picnic table as I came out of the forest sat four men I had met and camped with. They cheered as I struggled to reach the table. They said Kelly had just left and would return at 2000, the time I had told Messenger I would be there. It was only then that I realized the loss of blood from the weight of my pack cutting into my flesh. At 2000, Kelly returned and we had our long awaited reunion. It was so good to see and hold her after so many weeks and miles.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Pinkham Notch then to Gorham NH

To: zero day in Gorham NH-Top Notch Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day of rest and relaxation together with Kelly at the Top Notch Inn in Gorham NH. Kelly drove straight thru to Gorham from North Carolina (16hours) and she was tired too. We washed my nasty clothes, went out for breakfast at the Hikers Paradise/Colonial Comfort Inn, where Bruno Janiki cooks up a mighty fine breakfast. We then went to the outfitters for some trekking pole repair (thanks Brooks!) Went to the grocery store, and then went back to the room for a nap. We then went out for a big supper, packed up our packs for the final 22 miles of my journey. The weather forecast is good and I have heard alot of things about the Wildcats and the Carters and I don't know what to expect. I am looking forward to getting it behind me and taking my pack off for the last time on my journey. Going to bed so we can get an early start. Hoping for only one more night on the trail.   I am looking forward to completing my journey, I have dreamed of this moment for so long.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: zero day in Gorham NH-Top Notch Inn

To: Imp Camp Site
Miles today: 13.0

Dunkin Doughnuts at 0515, two bacon egg and cheese bagel sandwiches plus one doughnut for breakfast. We arrived at Pinkham Notch, parked the car and started our hike at 0630 (crossing NH16), and into the Wildcats we went. We had not gone over NH16 five minutes when out of the woods came a huge bull moose . He was trodding thru a bog and I took his picture. He seemed unconcerned with our presence. We didn't go far before the trail started steeply up Wildcat peak E, and when we reached the top we took a break and watched the gondalas drop off folks that took the easy way to the top. We saw Micheal and Matthew, whom I had sheltered off and on with since Connecticut. We then proceeded on to tackle the other four Wildcat peaks, D, C, B, and A. From there we had to manuever a steep down into Carter Notch where Carter Notch Hut was located. We stopped to filter water and discovered that the water filter was on its' last leg. There was a section hiker there named Steve that we passed on and off all day. He was a very nice young man. We decided to try to make it to Imp Campsite since we had only traveled six miles at that point. We started up Carter Dome towards Mt Hight. The climb was VERY steep. Then a steep down before climbing South Carter mountain. We proceeded on to Middle Carter Mt and then on to North Carter Mountain covering only five and a half miles. With the sun setting and a VERY steep downhill slide, I realized that we were making .25 mph with 1.5 miles to go and only about two hours of daylight left. Kelly was having a tough time. She had done almost 12 miles in very tough terrain that she had not been used to and was very tired at this point. I knew we had to pick up the pace or we would be in trouble soon. There was no where to pitch a tent, and I mean no-where. Anyone who has ever hiked up here knows what I am talking about. Rocks, rocks and more rocks. NO flat places anywhere. The designated campsites even have platforms built for people to pitch their tents on because there is just nowhere to do it. Thankfully the trail became more forgiving as we pressed on and finally we arrived at the campsite at 2000. We settled up with the caretaker, Kelly set the tent up while I filtered water and then we cooked supper of garlic mashed potatoes and had cold tuna. It was good. We then crawled in to our sleeping bags. Cool tonight and a nice breeze. Our goal tomorrow is to finish. Hopefully we will make it to Hogan Road shortly after lunch. This is where I will finish the AT, Lord willing. All is well, good night.
Date: 2006-01-21
To: First entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everybody! Thanks for following along at home.There are many things you can do here:1. Read my JOURNAL entries2. Check out the GEAR I am using on the trail3.View my PHOTOS of before, during, and after the trail4. Send letters and/or care packages to my MAIL DROPS5. SIGN or VIEW my GUESTBOOKJust click on the links to the left.Keep reading for help on care package ideas.After weeks of waiting for my trail journal to appear on the list with the other hikers, I have read the instructions and now know that I must have at least three journal entries before the account will be validated!
Date: 2006-02-22
To: Care package ideas
Miles today: 0.0

CARE PACKAGE SUGGESTIONS:My dear friend Justin will be sending regular mail drops (packages via U.S. Postal Service) that will include my daily calories. The kind of foods I will be eating on a daily basis are quinoa, kasha, red lentils, nuts, cheese, hot chocolate, miso soup, Clif Bars, Lara Bars, and Organic Food Bars.I am not yet sure what I will be dying to find in a care package because I haven't started yet and it's hard to imagine what I've taken for granted.So, check this journal entry again for an update FOR NOW, I will be very glad to receive ANYTHING as long as it is either:1. small, edible, and easily shared with my fellow thru-hikers2. very small, very yummy, and vegetarian3. letters, drawings, or artifacts that can be cherished and disposed of immediatelyThanks in advance for the love
Date: 2006-02-23
To: Change in plans
Miles today: 0.0

I was scheduled to leave for Atlanta with my dad today, but am going to hang around until my knee feels better. I have experienced irregular and seemingly idiopathic knee pain. For the record, I don't know exactly how it happens and I have not had x-rays nor medical attention. This may change. Tony (my hiking buddy from previous adventures such as Big Bend 2002 and 2003, Georgia AT 2004, and Penn-Mar AT 2005) is changing my mind. I will be heading to Austin to get it checked out on Thursday. Updates to come.
Date: 2006-02-28
To: Thanks to Tony
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to Tony, I discovered the Appalachian Trail and the desire to hike it. In the summer of 2000 I began at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. Tony was one of my assistant instructors and we became fast friends. He told me of his bicycle trek from Seattle to Boston, and went on to share his aspirations of hiking the 2000-mile trail from Georgia to Maine. I was increasing interested, and we took short hiking trips to Big Bend National Park for fun and in long preparation for the AT some day. We also went to Georgia in March 2004 to scout out the AT, and again in May 2005 in Pennsylvania and Maryland. At some point we decided that March 2006 was the time to go. I had repaid my credit card debt and was saving up for the big trip.
Date: 2006-02-28
To: Thanks to NORX
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to NORX who taught me that I did not have to wait for old age to be a dirty old man. And I will hike, flying spaghetti monster willing, using a back pack with design features similar to the one that inspired NORX's trailname. On our prepatory mini-hikes on the AT, Tony and I learned the truth of the Appalachian Trail's continuous ups and downs, weather variability, and fellowship. During the 2004 Georgia trip, we made friends with a vegan, trailname BEAST and an Englishman currently living and teaching english in Tokyo, trailname NORX. We had a great time on the trail and when the weather and my knees got really bad we got off the trail at Hiawasee, G.A. and hitched a ride, from a very nice man with a longstanding as a transporter of AT thru-hikers, all the way to Asheville, N.C. There we were the bewildered guests of soon-to-be-roomates of a former roomate of BEAST. Asheville was great! Between the walkability, local color, history, and yummy vegetarian restaurants we entertained ourselves quite well. In the end Tony, NORX, and I caught a bus back to Atlanta where my car was parked. We then subjected NORX to the longest car ride he had ever endured. Back in Austin, Tony and I took turns entertaining and housing NORX. It was St. Patrick's Day, so we did not lack things to do. In the end, I gave NORX a ride to the airport in Houston where we thought he could catch his flight that had begun in Atlanta. Well, that didn't work and he had to buy a next day one-way ticket to Tokyo. He made it and we hope to see him again some day.
Date: 2006-03-07
To: Medical update
Miles today: 0.0

I had an MRI done on my knee and the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons look good.The problem is the bipartite patella on my right knee: my right knee cap is one of the rare knee caps that is not one but two pieces. Most bipartite patellas are asymptomatic. Mine is a problem when I overexert because the two pieces rub together and have fluid in between them. So i am off. I'll nurse my knee when it flares up, then get back on the trail.Thanks to everybody who has been checking in on me.
Date: 2006-03-11
To: Waco to Atlanta via Greyhound
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Atlanta after 27 hours of bus travel and layover!! Made some friends and ate plenty of candy and french fries.My host here in Atlanta, Charlie, hosted a poker game last night giving me the opportunity to lose untold amounts of money. Made out much better than if we had gone to a strip club i am sure, so i can't complain.Probably my last entry for about a week, so see you later, here I go.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Hiawasee Inn, Hiawasee, GA

To: Day 7: 10.8 miles to Addis Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.8

Got my Trail Name today! Three guys from Atlanta (Rod, David, and Yoda)were tent camping with us (Sumo, Snapper, Glo-worm, Chou Chou, Hind's Feet, Heald, and Annie) at Addis Gap, GA. They were determined to figure out trail names for us so after telling them that i was a vegetarian, Rod thought i should be Lush because there is a wonderfully delicious and expensive restaurant in Atlanta called Lush. I liked the sound of it and Hind's Feet really pushed for it as well. So I am Lush, short for Luscious. I do not drink a lot nor am i very abundant, lavish, rich, or exuberant in conversation or interaction, making Lush an ironic and fun trail name.
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Day 9: Zero Day at Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Rained like mad, was cold, and Snapper had very bad blisters so we tokk a zero here at Plum Orchard Shelter which is a beautifully large shelter. Met Shenanigans, Teddy, Rambo, Patches, and Novacaine.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Day 41: Zero day at Greasy Creek Friendly

To: Day 42: 23.5 miles to Highway 19 E
Miles today: 23.5

Southbound slack pack from 19E to Greasy Creek Friendly over Little Hump Mtn, Hump Mtn., Roan Mtn. in the rain, saw no longhorns on Little Hump Mtn.
Date: 2005-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings to family, friends, and strangers. For those of you who don't know me but might care, I represent a typical type of thru-hiker: the recently retired guy who has always wanted to do the whole Trail but never had time. Today is my 59th birthday, and I plan to start in early- to mid-March from Springer.I've spent the last few months doing increasingly serious preparations, which I'll describe in a later entry. My wife is also committed to this hike, although she won't be walking with me. She has agreed to take over all the chores that I do, in addition to her normal ones, so I can indulge my youthful fantasy. From reading other journals of people like me, I know these spouses are beyond wonderful and unselfish. Without them, we couldn't even attempt such an extended adventure. The first digital entry is now complete. More to come.
Date: 2005-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Audrey,The second entry of my on-line journal will be devoted to "Why am I doing this?" Like many other males who backpack, I got my start as a Boy Scout. After I graduated from my home troop (116 in Athens), I was asked to be a junior leader with T. 118. The Scoutmaster at that time liked to backpack, so off we went.Gear in those days (c. 1962) was heavy and sturdy and simple. And mankind's greatest invention, the hip belt, hadn't been invented yet. So we carried canvas Scout packs on our shoulders. My first actual backpacking trip was in the Smokies, from Twenty Mile Ranger Station to Gregory's Bald, which back then was on the AT. The climb was most unpleasant, but the next morning we stood on top of Gregory's Bald and looked down on a sea of clouds. Our Bald, Shuckstack, and a few other peaks were above the clouds. It was breathtaking. The second day we went down to Cade's Cove, which was easier than going up.After that trip, I climbed Mt. LeConte a few times on day trips, but didn't go backpacking until we lived in Tidewater. A Troop in NN was willing to let me be an Assistant SM, and we did several 3 to 6 day trips on the AT south of Rockfish Gap and on the C&O Canal. Hip straps had been invented by then, thank goodness.Fast forward to the early '80's. We're back in East Tennessee, your uncle James is a Scout, I'm an Assistant SM again, and here we go. A couple of 5- to 7-day trips on the AT above Damascus and a week in the Boundary Waters - ask your mother about the BWCA.So, here I am, with finally the time to do the full AT, which has been on my Life List for 20 years.While I'm gone, I'll miss your grandmother very much, but we've been apart before (e.g., jobs and Army) and we'll survive being apart again. What I'll miss most, I think, will be you. Every day you grow and learn and surprise us with your expanded vocabulary and your love for the family. Missing out on your growth from 24 to 29 months may be too much for me to miss. I will try to visit with you every chance I get. I'll also carry along a picture of you.Love,Gramps.