morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Cheshire Mass - St. Mary's Catholic Church

To: North Adams, Mass-Redwood Motel
Miles today: 14.5

After it rained several more times last night, we had an abundance of mud. In fact, we had nothing but mud all day! What a Messychusetts! We did have a good view from Mt.Greylock, the highest mountain in Mass. of the towns below and the big mountains ahead in Vermont. Even then we had to wait for a break in the clouds below us. After we got in the motel another terrific storm came through with torrential downpours and driving winds. Today's highlight--on Mt. Greylock we had our first moose-poop sighting. No moose-just the poop.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: North Adams, Mass-Redwood Motel

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Short day today due to a late start out of town and an early thunderstorm and downpour that started as soon as we got here. Today's trail was pure mud all day. The only view today was the beautiful Sherman Brook that flows alongside the trail for the first couple of miles out of town. We had a full shelter tonight since nobody wants to tent in the mud. Also, it looks like it will rain again at any minute. The highlight of today was the Vermont stateline. Yeah!! We left Messychusetts behind!
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Near Hell Hollow Brook
Miles today: 14.9

Trail conditions today were AWFUL!! Muddy as could be. We had a climb right out of the shelter this morning. No views. Roaring Branch was flowing at full throttle. We had some great trail magic at VT 9--cokes and apples. The best sight for the day was when Bacall stepped on a board in the trail to avoid the mud, went in the mud and looked like a turtle waving arms and legs trying to get up. What a sight! Got a great picture!
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Near Hell Hollow Brook

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Decent morning with limited views of mountains and several nice brooks including 'Hell Hollow Brook", which was roaring. About lunchtime we climbed Glastenbury Mt. and went up in the fire tower for absolutely amazing 360 degree views of mountains and lakes as far as the eyes could see, all the mountains are covered with beautiful spruce trees that smell like cotton candy. just before we got to this shelter, the skies opened up and after we got inside it was a torrent with hailstones and lightning that lasted until suppertime. Fortunately, we were in out of the downpour, sleeping in our bags through most of it. Almost bedtime now and there are two section hikers along with Willow and Longwe Tru here now.
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Nothing but mud and rain all day, via the blue-blazed Stratton Pond trail. Nasty day with no views. Full shelter here with several fellow NOBOs we have been with before (Wacca-Wacca & Dingo dog, Barracus, Snacky, etc.) and some section hikers - Ben and Marifee from New Zealand and some others we don't know.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center VT-Carriage House Motel
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

Today's trail was again rainy and nasty but did have its moments, such as the tinkle of the rain on beautiful Stratton Pond and the singing of the many glistening waterfalls along the swollen creeks along the way, or the schlop, schlop,glop,glop of our feet in the sucking muddy trail. We have again resupplied, bathed, laundered and overeaten and are in a really pretty motel with frills all around and watching mindless tv until bedtime. Do we know how to do this trail, or what?
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Manchester Center VT-Carriage House Motel

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Late start after sleeping in late and a beautiful day until midafternoon. We had amazing views from Bromley Mtn. The trail goes straight up a ski run and at the top is an observation tower from which you can see mountains with ski runs on several of them. We could see clear to the N.H. Whites with huge mountains ahead. The trail was again nasty and muddy but we learned a new dance--The Vermont Mudwaltz--step, step, slide, hop left, slide, hop left, slide, cuss and repeat over and over.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Absolutely beautiful day!! After it rained again last night the trail was again underwater a lot but the views were great. Griffith Lake was really beautiful and peaceful then we climbed the rock face of Baker Peak for terrific views of the clouds in the valley below us and big mountains all around. The creeks and ponds are all full as well as the trail. We also had a good climb over White Rocks Mtn. and through the more open spruce woods then came by a couple of areas of rock cairn sculptures that everyone who goes by adds a rock or two. This was a really nice day.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Swansong Shelter (secret)
Miles today: 14.2

A couple of good climbs including a start on Killington. One good view of the farms in the valley today. Other than that, just serene, peaceful woods walk much of it along some very beautiful creeks full of raging water. Only a few minutes of rain today and it was light so maybe the trail will get a chance to dry up a little. Today wasn't quite as muddy. This place where we are is really nice. It's on private land and is a great alternative to the Gov. Clement shelter on up the mountain which has almost been taken over by good-ole-boys and their ATV's, unlawfully. For now we are grateful to the owners and just chilling til bedtime.Later--it was reunion time. Some friends we haven't seen in a long time came in. Rue, Ezdoesit and SloTrain, and Fizz. Also some new folks-Just Mike from Australia, and some more. Also Donnie from Chattanooga. We all talked until after dark catching up on all the news. Lots of fun!
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Swansong Shelter (secret)

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 12.4

We had a great 2000' climb up and over Killington Peak. The summit is at 3900'. We had no views today. We saw Rue on the trail and she reported her very first moose sighting. We are anxious for our first sighting on this trip. They are amazing animals to see. The trail conditions today were much better. It has been a couple of days since it last rained a lot. We got here around 1 o'clock via the Sherburne Pass Trail. We had a great hot shower and a great big lunch. We caught a ride down the mountain to resupply. Laundry is also done. Just finished a big dinner and got to hear some great Celtic music down in the pub. Life really is good! We have about 488 miles to go. Another big "thank you" to "Shuttle Commander" for sending us our cold weather gear.New weight loss numbers-Bacall 53 lbs. and Bogie 44 lbs.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: Stoney Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Absolutely beautiful day after sleeping in late and a big breakfast at the Inn. We had a huge climb over Quimby Mt. and the "What's Karl" guy who is trying to set the speed record ran past us. He's seeing nothing at all. We, on the other hand, spent about an hour at lunchtime enjoying Thundering Falls. It's really a beauty with long slides and several separate falls. This is more like the Vermont we remember - green and gorgeous and not as muddy. We had only a little rain after we got here, so the weather is getting much better, We are starting to see leaves changing and dropping onto the trail. Most of those changing are maple leaves, It's hard to believe that Fall is already so close.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Stoney Brook Shelter

To: Past Woodstock Rd
Miles today: 15.5

Big climbs all day long, but a glorious day to do them. Not a drop of rain today and the mud is finally drying rapidly. We had a spectacular vista from a private cabin just off the Forest Service land, where the owners have put an observation deck on top and let hikers climb up for a look. You could see clear to the White's in New Hampshire to the north and big mountains all around. We also got off at a road crossing and went to a fruit stand for peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, cherry pie, cokes and ice cream. We're camping in the woods by a little stream, stuffed and ready for bed.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Past Woodstock Rd

To: Poduck Mtn.
Miles today: 11.7

We took a couple of hours break today to let the sun dry everything out after last night's all night torrential downpour and lightening storm. Lots of ups and downs and some really great views of farms and mountains from Breakneck Hill, Thistle Hill, and Bunker Hill. We also had a nice walk on an old carriage road that was lined by stone walls and ancient maple trees. In a couple of sections of the woods there were lines of tubing from maple tree to maple tree where the sap is drained down the mountains to processing farms. We also crossed over the raging White River and under I-89 where we are camping on Poduck Mtn. (yeah really). We had lots of good blackberries and apples as we crossed several fields and stopped for a big deli supper in West Hartford. Hope it stays dry tonight. Bacall took a good dunk in Pomfret Brook when she slipped on a wet rock for fall #19.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Poduck Mtn.

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

When we came through Hanover we were met by some hiker friends we hadn't seen in quite some time - Bone Lady, Wild Oats, Slayer (recently engaged to Uluru), and Chainsaw. We had a great lunch at Murphy's on the green and walked over to Dartmouth Outing Club to update journals. As we finished, a trail angel (former '06 through hiker named Pinky) walked up out of the blue and took us to do our laundry and shower and resupply. Best part of the day was leaving Vermont and entering New Hampshire. 12 states down - only 2 left!
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Another awesome day! Beautiful weather and great views of mountain after mountain from the South peak of Moose (really mooseless) mountain and from Holt's Ledges. Dots of color are showing up on all the mountains as individual trees are beginning to turn red and yellow for the oncoming fall. We had some good hard climbs over both mountains as a precursor to the White's up ahead. No rain again, so the muddy spots are getting smaller and farther apart, but still a problem. This shelter has the remains of the original owners (Trapper John) chimney and fireplace which shows some really great handiwork in the stone placement.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: .5 mi south of NH 25A
Miles today: 15.4

Truly a wonderful day, great temps, clear skies, two huge climbs. Up Smarts Mt to the firetower for spectacular 360 degree views of mountains and lakes at 3,240' and again a technical climb up boulder faced Mt.Cube summit at over 3,000' for more great mountain views. Bacall combined two of her talents on the trail today. One of our favorite trail songs is James Brown's "I Feel Good". Well, she was able to do the instrumental part with her talent for passing gas. Therefore, it sounded something like this....   "I feel good"Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,    "I knew that I would, now" Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,    "I feel nice" Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,    "Like sugar and spice" Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,Fart,etc. Such amazing talent!We saw a couple of grouse today, and just now a screech owl started up just behind the tent. It's an eerie sound, but not as wierd as Bacall's instrumental.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: .5 mi south of NH 25A

To: Glencliff, NH - Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Nice, easy woods walk over Mt Mist with no views at all today. Got here around 3 p.m. and had a good hot shower and did laundry. Fat Chap gave us a ride to town to resuppy. Nice to be here again and looking forward to the Whites.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Glencliff, NH - Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Mt Wolf
Miles today: 11.0

Difficult 3800 ft climb up cotton candy-smelling spruce-covered, steep slopes to the 4800 ft open summit of Mt. Moosilauke for tremendous views of mountains, valleys, lakes, and towns. This mountain has it all, including great views of Franconia Ridge with Mts. Lincoln and Lafayette and also good views of Mt. Washington. Then, the north face comes down alongside a huge creek for a couple of miles that has lots and lots of waterfalls and looooong slides. This just could be the most beautiful mountain on the trail.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Mt Wolf

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Very tiring and slow climb down from Mt. Wolf this morning. We had a great view from the Kinsman Mtns. of the huge mountains all around. The weather turned very cold and windy and all the cold weather gear came out. We are glad to be at the shelter. There is a very nice couple from Tampa, Fla here with us. Mt. Wolf was all up and down, up and down through mud and slick boulders and very tight vegetation with no views and really nothing but extremely hard work with no rewards. Kinsman on the other hand was very technical straight up boulder climbs with fantastic views the whole 3000 ft plus climb. When we reached the southern summit above treeline, we could see for miles and miles. That mountain rewards you for your hardwork.
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Lafayette Campground
Miles today: 4.8

It was in the low 40's last night but we stayed toasty warm. We stopped in at Lonesome Lake Hut and had a good cup of hot coffee and some homemade cinnamon rolls. Yummy good! We got here at the campground around ll a.m., found a great spot and got the tent setup. Bogie cooked some hotdogs over a campfire for lunch. They sure did hit the spot! We did a bit of inventive resupply to take care of the next few days and enjoyed a great hot shower--at least for as many quarters as you can feed the shower. $l.75 for 8 3/4 minutes of hot water bliss! We have just been relaxing since lunchtime. A nice man from the campsite across from us came over to visit and brought us a delicious nectarine. The wind is really getting cold and we are already outfitted in our longjohns, long pants, and jackets.
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Lafayette Campground

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Very looong miles to the campsite. WOW! Both of us agree this was the most perfect day on the trail yet. 3800 ft climb over Little Haystack Mtn., Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette. Perfect weather and blue skies with no clouds, warm day, and great trail. Next, down and over Mt. Garfield, another 700 ft. climb and down the other side to the campsite. It's getting colder now so time to crawl into the warm tent and sleeping bags. These mountains are above treeline so we hiked a couple miles in the open with mountains all around including Mt. Washington with the puffs of smoke from the cog railroad. Unless someone has been there, they just couldn't imagine the sheer numbers of mountains all around. It is truly an amazing sight and impossible to properly describe.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

We are in the tent resting some weary bones. Another gorgeous day with views from Galehead Hut (along with some homemade gingerbread) and great views from South Twin Mtn. at 4902'. Also some boulder fields and rock walls that stretch about 300' or more up Zeacliff from Zealand Falls Hut (potato soup, cornbread, and lemonade) The morning trail was mostly climbing over scrambles of rocks but the afternoon was much nicer, flat and nearly rock free walking through dense spruce forest. Exhausting, but a good day!
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Crawford Notch Campground
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: fog

Wow! Easy strolling miles to Crawford Notch and an easy yogi to the campground. There were no tent sites because of Labor Day weekend, but we snagged two spots in the hiker bunkhouse. Great nero day where we had a shower, washed clothes, resupplied and ate everything in sight. Bacall is absolutely terrific at yogiing. Once again, as soon as we got to the road she started chatting to a man parked there and before you know it he's taking up up the road three miles to the campground. She pretty much always gets them to do what she wants. This place is wonderful. It's a nice big campground and they have a bunkhouse just for AT hikers who come through. The people who run it are very nice and helpful. It's a great place to relax and let the feet recover just a little. Bacall even took the time to trim her toenails and offered me the clippers but I told her all of mine are all rotting, black, and falling off so I didn't really need them, but thanks anyway.
Date: 2008-08-30
From: Crawford Notch Campground

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: fog

Nearly every step today was climbing straight up over big rocks and boulders. We started at 1277' and climbed to Webster Cliffs at 3350', then to the summit of Mt. Webster at 3910', then on to Mt. Jackson in 40-50 mph winds and thick fog at 4052' then a small descent for lunch at Mizpah Hut at 3800' then another climb up Mt. Pierce at 4312' and on up Mt. Franklin at 5004' and on to here at 5015'. What a tiring but successful day. The views at Mt. Webster before the fog came in were really beautiful but it didn't last long. Most of the day we hiked in a fog--no a real fog this time, unlike out usual hikes. We had a great meal of turkey & cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and chocolate chip squares. We have a warm bunk with three thick wool blankets awaiting. Terrific climbs, and a terrific day.
Date: 2008-08-31
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

One of the hardest days on the trail due to solid rock jumbles and extremely high winds. The climb up Mt.Washington at 6288' (the highest peak in the Northeast) was in 66 mph winds with hurricane force gusts. When we were at the summit a gust literally picked Bacall up and threw her 2' sideways into rocks. She has the bruises to show for it! The summit was totally enveloped in clouds while we were there but a few miles later it cleard for some great views of the other presidentials and also the Great Gulf Wilderness. The views also included Mt. Adams and Mt. Madison. The winds remained hard and constant all day and continued to push us off the trail the whole way. The cog railway was busy with all four trains on the tracks at the same time as we hiked around the mountain. When we got here at the hut, we were again lucky that they had a couple of cancellations and so we have had another great meal and a bunk is waiting with those great thick warm wool blankets. Three of our hiker friends are doing work for stay here tonight. We are really glad they are in out of the cold and wind for the night too. For more info on the wild weather check out the Mt. Washington website.
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 7.8

The Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch is home for the evening. Another one of our favorite days! This was across Mt. Madison at 5363' which is one of the longest ridgeline traverses above treeline on the AT. There are gorgeous views for hours on end. It was 40 degrees when we started out this morning with a wind chill factor of 25 degrees per the Mt. Washington weather observatory. The sustained winds were supposed to be 70 mph with gusts of 100 mph. I believe we had every bit of it! It was great fun but really slow going. The wind blew us all over the mountaintop and we would scurry from rock cairn to rock cairn in between gusts. We have had a good hot shower and a big dinner and are just about ready for bed. Incredible views in all directions of mountains as far as you can see.
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Zeta Pass
Miles today: 8.5

This morning we had good climbs up and over all five peaks of Wildcat Mtn. The gondola runs up Peak E to bring people to the top. There are lots of ski runs from this peak that can be seen from as far away as Mt. Washington. We had our snack break there and enjoyed the beautiful views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Madison and others. Today was a gorgeous, clear day with brilliant blue skies. We enjoyed lunch on top of the last Wildcat Mtn. peak overlooking Carter Notch and the hut. The trail goes right beside the two lakes at the hut. A good climb up Carter Dome. Most of the day we hiked with our friend RaveOn. She is staying at the hut. We moved on to camp in the woods and to get Carter Dome out of the way.
Date: 2008-09-03
From: Zeta Pass

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

We had a long day to Gorham and the Northern Peaks Motel. Lots of up and over climbs today that included South Carter Mtn. at 4458', Middle Carter Mtn. at 4600', North Carter Mtn. at 4539', all separate peaks as well as Mt. Moriah at 4049'. Totally fantastic open views all along the summits and rock cliffs. We also had a nice long conversation over lunch with a delightful older couple in their 70's, Mr.& Mrs. Goin Home, who through hiked the AT in 1997 and are section hiking again now. Great temps, great views, great day. Thank heavens we are finished with the Whites!
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH-Northern Peaks Motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

No trail miles today but stuff to do in town. Had a wonderful night of watching mindless television. We had a great phone call with Shuttle Commander and also got to talk to the grandchildren. Those two sweet voices just make your heart melt! Slept great. Today we had lots to do-the usual-laundry, resupply, eat, eat, and eat. Lots of our hiker friends are here in town. It was like a big reunion down in front of the outfitters. We saw folks we hadn't seen in a while, including Slo'Goin', Bulldog, Brahma Bull and Sweet Potato, Fizz, Pixie and Hauler and a few more. Everyone is having a great hike and are excited to get into Maine. We are having dinner with some of them tonight. Life is good!
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Gorham, NH-Northern Peaks Motel

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Much better trail today out of Gorham, although we still had some steep climbs and rocks. Tortoise and Just a Few Steps brought us back to the trail about 8:15 and we crossed the Androscogin River then began climbing up Mt. Hayes for some good views of the town and river from rock outcroppings. After that we climbed Cascade Mt. at 2631' for terrific views of Carter Mtn. behind us and mountains all around. The trail went beside Dream Lake, Moss Pond and here to Gentian Pond all around all lovely small lakes. Good weather today also. I hope it holds.
Date: 2008-09-06
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

This morning we had a climb up and over Mt. Success at 3565' for some great views of the big mtns. behind us. The best part of the day was seeing the sign that said "Welcome to Maine-Life as it should be" Yippee!! Entering the last stat of this adventure. The rest of the day was more ups and downs over Mt.Carlo @ 3565', Goose Eye Mtn.(East Peak) @ 3790', and Goose Eye Mtn. (North Peak) @ 3675". We had some ladders and some rebar to help out with the ups and downs. It is raining a lot now. It's good to be here in Maine. Only 276.5 miles more to go!
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Really hard miles to Speck Pond Shelter. We had a great time through the Mahoosuc Notch. We went through the notch with RaveOn, Brushstrokes, and Sereene. We had a great time! It was lots of fun climbing up, over, under and through the huge rock scramble. A big point of interest was the remains of a moose that fell into the notch. We are in the shelter here trying to get warm. It is really crowded. No tent tonight because it is still wet from last night.