morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

In Greenwall Shelter, 14.6 milesWoke to a rain. Got all our gear packed including a wet tent. As we left camp, it started to rain hard. It rained hard until we stopped for breakfast, then seemed to let up a bit. We moved on and it wasn't too bad until after we finished lunch in a shelter we shared with FidoDido and Dirty Bird. As we set out to do the last 5.1 miles, it started up again. This is a pretty nice shelter and we are sharing it with Caddis from last night and 2 SoBos, Right On and Riddler.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

In Governor Clement Shelter, 14.6 milesWow, this was a great day. We left the shelter early by 7 as we had to get to town to get a food drop and we had 8 miles to do. We made it to the road by 11 and got a drive right away. The fellow didn't know where North Clarendon was much less the post office but drove us till he found it. When we got to the P.O., it was already closed but the staff were just leaving so they went back in and got our parcel. Thanks.We then went back to the main road and had a soda from Mike's Country Store and after talking for a while he offered a chance for a shower in his basement next door. It didn't take long for these two smelly hikers to take him up on that offer. Did it ever feel good!We hitched back almost to the trail and had a cheeseburger and ice cream at the Whistle Stop Restaurant before hitting the trail again. It is amazing just how hard it is to hike up a big hill with a very full stomach.Later on, as we crossed a stream just before Keiffer Rd., there was more trail magic with sodas left in the stream by The Hiking Gnome. It was nice to have cold sodas after hiking on a hot day.This shelter is supposed to be the local party spot for teens but we have seen no sign of them yet.Staying with us tonight is an Australian, Matt and from Alabama, B-Bone and Squirrel who are all SoBos.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-03
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Tucker-Johnson Shelter
Miles today: 11.6

In Tucker-Johnson Shelter, 11.6 milesFirst things first. Last night we were in Governor Clement Shelter. We only noticed yesterday morning the warning that it is not recommended for overnight stay. We checked with a couple of SoBos and they said it was party spot for local teens. I thought that with 5 guys set up inside and 2 more tenting outside, the teens would go to a less busy spot. I was probably right as 3 wondered through early in the evening and we saw no more.After dark came the nightmare. ATVs. They buzzed us all night or really only until about 2:30am when they grew tired of the "sport". It wasn't quite over as a truck passed through at about 4:30am.I understand this has been going on for quite some time.If the roads can't be gated to keep out the vehicles and the police will do nothing, then move the trail onto AMC land and build a new shelter. That one should certainly not be in the book. Easily our worst night on the trail.Now we wake up and are still very tired, not the best way to face a 2000' climb in the next 4 miles up Killington. Man, it was brutal.We had a great lunch in Thee Inn on the Long Trail.We have less than 500 miles to go and while we can't see Katahdin, we can certainly feel the pull.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Tucker-Johnson Shelter

To: Stoney Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

In Stoney Brook Shelter, 9.0 milesA nice day. 2 town meals and less than 10 miles. We had the fire going all night and there were no bugs. We had a nice easy down to Gifford State Park. On the way, we met a young lady from Toronto and I asked her if she had change for a dollar [25 cent shower in the state park] and she said she had some back at her camp site. As we came out into the park, we walked right by her site as we were talking, and she ran back to get the change. She then showed us where the showers were. After the shower as we were coming out, she and her husband drove by. I showed them how to get to Mt. Lafayette in New Hampshire for what is considered by some the nicest one-day hike in New England.We hitched into Killington for a breakfast burrito and and a sandwich to go and a huge black raspberry ice cream and some groceries for the next couple of days.We then slowly hiked to this site to find Al and Sugar Dog, who we haven't seen since early May. Also catching up to us today and staying here is Gazor.The Garyhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Stoney Brook Shelter

To: Vt 12, Woodstock, Vermont
Miles today: 13.7

At Vt 12, Woodstock, Vermont, in a hostel, 13.7 milesAnother great day. It rained all night but by the time we got up it had stopped.We made it to this hostel, the Red Barn Hostel, by 3 and had time for a nice hot shower before we hitched into town.Did our laundry, picked up our postal drop, grocery shopped, and had supper. When we arrived back at the hostel Gazor had arrived after doing the town thing first.We opened the food package and distributed it and then opened up the surprise one from my sister in Winnipeg. Oooooh - caramel corn, 3 bags of it. We each took one and gave the extra one to Gazor.Tomorrow, tough choice 10 miles or 18. We'll just have to see how it goes.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Vt 12, Woodstock, Vermont

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

In Happy Hill Shelter, 16.6 milesI don't know if it was the 700' climb in the first 2/3 of a mile or what but it sure was tough to get going. The first 1 1/2 miles took an hour and we were beat up. One thing about Vermont, it is either up or down, no level stretches at all.We made the first shelter that we had planned on staying at by 12:30 so lunched there and went the next 8.8 miles to this one. We figured we would rather spend a half day in Hanover tomorrow than a half day sitting in a shelter today. Of course at the half way of that last 8.8 miles was a small country store that just happened to serve cheeseburgers and have ice cream so we did drop in and partake.The first raim hit us hard as we left after lunch and continued for about an hour. The next one hit as we were about to leave the store so we waited on the porch till it abated, only took about a half an hour.We passed a crew of two who were mowing the tops of some of the mtns and clearing brush. Some of these trails would be almost impassible if they weren't kept up on a monthly basis.Staying with us tonight are two SoBos, Fly Fisherman and Dax, as well Gazer.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, N.H., 
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: haze

In Hanover, N.H., at a frat,5.8 milesWe sure did the right thing yesterday, going a little farther to be able to get to Hanover early. We actually came out of the woods at Norwich, Vt. and just couldn't pass by the bakery/coffee shop. Fresh coffee and a blueberry bun later, Gazer went back to get a loaf of warm bread with apple and currant in it.Slowly we walked the road into Hanover,and headed for the Dartmouth Outing Club to find out what was going on. They had computers and a phone so we caught up on all the news. Lunch was a reuben followed by a pint of Ben and Jerries ice cream.We shopped, picked up our postal food drop and rested before pizza supper. Eucher, Tadpole, Big Red, Hover and Strappy have showed up in town. We apppear to have caught up to In and Mem who by-passed both New York and New Jersey.We are now in New Hampshire, so only this one and Maine remain.Staying in this frat with us is Gazer who is a member of it so managed to get us a free bit of floor in the common room.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Hanover, N.H., 

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

In Trapper John Shelter, 16.7 milesWe left the Sigma Nu frat early and stopped at Lou's for breakfast. A three egg omelet and wheat toast and bottomless coffee filled the bill. We were still on the trail by 7:30 am. A couple of 1500' climbs added some spice to a long day.We decided to do the big one today so that we could spread 27 miles over the next two days.Staying at this site tonight are In and Mem, Gazer, and Caddis.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In Hexacuba Shelter, 12.0 milesA 2300' climb highlited [?] the day, and all before lunch. We were just starting up at about 8:30 when we met a SoBo and so just joking I asked, "How far to the summit?" He answered with a straight face, "You're almost there." We made it to the top at 12:20.We did get our rain today but only for about an hour.Scrounger fell on some of the very slippery rocks and he is trying to leave red blazes but we think he will live in spite of the loss of blood.We are sitting in this beautiful 6 sided shelter that must be almost 20' across listening to Gazer play the flute. It is just so relaxing. It is pretty full tonight as we have outside in his hammock - Stocker, and inside - Caddis, Gazer, In and Mem, and Nathan, who is flip-flopping and will finish his hike in 2 days in Hanover.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

In Hikers Welcome Hostel, 14.7 milesIt rained all night and was raining when we woke. It probably didn't stop till about 10:00. We hiked in a stream for the whole day. The trail was wet. When you start out each day you make a concious effort to try and keep your feet dry. It only took about 15 milutes before we gave up trying to jump from side to side and sty dry and we just walked down the centre of the trail.It shoukd be noted that yesterday Scrounger got knocked down by a big tree on the trail as he was looking down and the tree was about 5' above the trail he didn't see it. I don't know if he was unconcious but it certainly knocked him down.We had a nice leisurely lunch of about an hour before heading to the hostel. This is a typical hostel. Matresses on the floor. It has a shower with hot water and laundry facilities and they go to the local restaurant and store for resupply and pizza.This one also has a stereo with about 2 or 300 cds and a tv with a vcr and tapes. Staying with us tonight are Gazer, Chuckles, Caddis, Stoker, Blue Sky, Freemont and a few others.One small note - Less than 400 miles to "K"The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger.
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Kinsman Notch,In Lafayette Campground in a tent, 9.5 miles Up and over Mt. Moosilauke., a 3400' climb in about 5 miles. Actually not that bad without a pack as we had left our packs at the hostel.Of our 3 or 4 trips to Moosilaule, this is the first one where we could see anything. It really does make the climbs worthwhile when you get nice views at the top.The trip down the road is very steep and it is no wonder that we have never done it before. It is a very steep ravine with nice water falls beside you the whole way. You drop 2000' in a little over a mile and the trail is slippery when wet and it was a bit wet...When we hit the highway, it was two hitches and we were back at the hostel getting our stuff and we hitched to this campground.As we left the hostel the new arrivals included Big Red, Tadpole, Hover, Strappy, Aloha, Shaka, Lost, In and Mem.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

At Franconia Notch, In a B&B in Woodstock, 16.4 milesAgain we did this without packs leaving our packs at the admon Centre. I think with the rain and the tough terrain, this might have been one of our toughest days yet eeven without the packs.We passed Chief and Jan Lightfoot early as they stayed at Eliza Brook Shelter and then met up with them again in North Woodstock.We started hiking at about 8:30 and didn't get back to the road until 6:30.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Grafton Notch

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: mist

At Crawford Notch,Stayed in Joe Dodge Hostel, 12.8 milesIt took a while to get from Lafayette Campground. First we had to hitch from N. Woodstock to Lafayette. We then took the AMC shuttle to Pinkham Notch and reserved a room at the Hostel. We then had to hitch a ride to the bottom of the Mt. Washington Auto Rd where we were told we couldn't hitch to the top of Washington so we had to buy a ride [$24 ea] to the top.It was after 1pm before we started to hike. Down to Lakes of the Clouds Hut then south along the Presidential Range. We didn't reach Mitzpah untill after 5, and still had to go up to be able to go back down the Webster cliffs.We didn't get out to the road to the road until 8:35 and still had to hitch back to Pinkham. We finally made it back by 10:45 and fell quickly asleep.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Grafton Notch

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

At Pinkham Notch, In a lodge, 13.3 milesAnother great day. Took the hiker shuttle again to the top of Mt. Washington at 9am and were hiking by 10:15. Temp at the top was 45 deg and winds gusting to 90 mph. It really wasn't that bad because you move north on the trail you descend a bit so tend to get below the "bad" weather. Another unique thing about this part of the trail is you go around the peaks not up and over them.We made it to Madison Springs Hut in time for soup and cake. We started down across a ridge and felt some of the winds. We made it out to Pinkham by a little after 6 and there was my wife and son (Jeff) and a couple of good friends waiting for us. What a great way to end a nice long hike. We stopped at a grocery store on our way to Pinestead Farm Lodge and bought supper. I picked up a bar b qued chicken while most of the rest had steak. They had actually split a chicken 4 ways on the way down so could not believe that I could eat one all by myself. I must have hungry as it was no problem.Also waiting for us when we got back to the lodge was Motorhome Barbie and Fireball, two friends from Halifax.The Grayhounds - Gimp nad Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Grafton Notch

To: Gorham
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

At US2, Gorham,In a lodge, 21.1 miles.We went up Wildcat with our family and friends. At Carter Notch Hut, we separated, and only Dipper went with us. It was a long day, 13 hrs before we got out to the car.When we got back to the lodge, Scrounger's wife and daughter and daughter's best friend had joined us as well as Sue and Robert from Montreal and Jerome and Wayne from Halifax.We had a great get together and even better food. Lots to talk about and experiences to share.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Grafton Notch

To: Gale River Trail
Miles today: 12.2

Gale River Trail, at the lodge, 12.2 milesA great day. We went up liberty and across the ridge with Scrounger's daughter, Kirsten and her friend Shelly. The others all came up Falling Waters trail and met us at Little Haystack. We crossed to Lafayette and ate in the old foundation. After lunch, everybody went back down towards Greenleaf and Scrounger and I continued onto past Garfield and out the Gale River Tarail.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Grafton Notch

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Crawford Notch, In the loodge, 15.4 milesWhat a great day. We decided to hike this section backwards so that we could meet some of our thru-hiking friends and say "hello". It was a nice steep uphill off of US302 The first of our old friends that we met was Neil fron Aberdeen, Scotland. Then it was Finch, then Gaser, followed quickly by Big Red, Tadpole, Hover and Strappy. It was nice to see them all again.We stopped at Zealand to socialize and met a fellow who ws praising his wife and in answer to the question "What country was she from?" answered Nova Scotia. Then another man across the room said his mother was from Avonport, Nova Scotia also. Small world.We moved on up to Galehead Hut and had some lemonade before heading back out on the Gale River Trail.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Grafton Notch

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

South end of Mahoosuc Notch,in Gentian Pond Shelter, 11.1 milesWe had some checking and Sun God drove us up the Success Pond Rd. and we took a short 2 mile tripp onto the trail at the south end of Mahoosuc Notch and we then hiked south. We pssed Big Ben and Billy the Kid who were on a tight schedule and trying to do 280 miles in the 14 days to finish and catch their flights home. I am sure if anyone can do it, it is them.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Grafton Notch

To: US2
Miles today: 11.8

US2, in a hostel The Cabin in Andover, 11.8 milesAnother great day meeting other thru-hikers as again we are hiking backwards. We met Boat and who should come up behind us but Eja-vu and Songbird. What a pleasant surprise. We hadn't seen them since May After hugs and kisses, we couldn't stop talking for about half an hour. We have now finished New Hampshire and are in Maine. I don't know if it was the week slacking or just the downer from having our families leave but the last 2 days have been tough. We didn't go far but it was tiring.When we arrived in this hostel, they were just sitting down for supper and it was AYCE spagetti and meat balls. Just what we needed after a couple of tough days.Staying here with us are Recycle, Aloha, Coffee, Gutsy and Sundance.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-20
From: US2

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

Grafton Notch Me26, At The Canin Hostel, 8.2 milesWe had a shuttle back to the top of the dreaded "Notch" and we were on on the trail by 8:45 We did the notch [without backpacks] in 65 minutes and were eating lunch at Speck Pond at 11:15 It really is fun to do that part without a pack. The other times I have done the Notch it was with a pack and very tough.The breakasts and supper here are great and to get away fromWe still have the same people with us tonight along with Sarah.The Grayhounds - Gimp and scrounger
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Grafton Notch

To: The Cabin Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

South Arm Rd, The Cabin Hostel, 20.4 milesWe were dropped off at Grafton Notch at 7:40am and started with a 2250' climb up Baldpate Mtn. Baldpate was above treeline and the views were great. The next Mountain was Wyman and it wasn't too bad, but the last one was Moody Mtn.Actually the last 4 miles were down Wyman about 1200' up Moody about 1000' and back down to the road about 10000' It was a tough end to a long day but we still got in 20 miles in about 11 hrs.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-22
From: The Cabin Hostel

To: ME17
Miles today: 13.3

At ME17, still in The Cabin Hostel, 13.3 milesWe started from the north end as we took a shuttle that dropped off Recycle heading north. It actually started down got that down, but there was enough ups to come later. It was really warm with a temp of low 80's and high humidity. We passed a couple of work crews moving stones heck not stones but big rocks probably a ton or more. It really does amaze me that so many people put such an effort into making this trail or improving it. We also met a trail maintainer who up on the top of Bemis Mtn looking after his mile and a half of trail with his wife. He had a small saw to clear out small trees that fallen across the trail and garden shears for some of the brush.Staying withus tonight are Deja Vu and Songbird, Father Time, Old Corpus, Zapman and Sparky ,Sundance willy CeeThe Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-23
From: ME17

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

In Piazza Rock Lean-to, 14.9 miles.A pretty good day. We had to say our sad farewells to all in the Cabin, but by 8 we were at the trailhead. Old Corpus was with us as he completed the previous part of the trail. It was actually an easy day - not many big climbs and some nice lakes for views. There was a nice breeze all day although as we settle into the shelter it it is starting to get cool.We passed an orientation group from Tufts out for a week of getting to know those in your group a bit better. It seems like a good way for frosh to start school with about a dozen friends that you have just spent a week in the Maine woods with.We also met Bluebeery, who hiked the AT last year and immediately recognized us as the Grayhounds. It seems that in checking Trailjournals.com to see who she might meet our names popped out. We Are in the shelter getting ready for supper when I realize that I have left my book behind in The Cabin. When we get to Stratton, I may call and get them to forward it to Monson.At about 5:45 Walking Home AT 2000 dropped in with a bit of trail magic. He brought 6 soda, a big bag of chips, sliced turkey and cheese, bread, cucumber, tomatoes, and a huge bag of cookies. Take what you want and I'll take out the empties and all your trash. Well we certainly had 4 sandwiches made up pretty quick.Then Fig, also class of 2000, showed up and talked to us for about an hour an a half. Just after he left Walkabout, a young Australian showed up and she had eaten down in Rangley.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mtn.
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

WSpaulding Mtn., Lean to, 16.9 milesWow, what a day! After a 2000' climb, we summitted Saddleback and it was out of this world. It was 35 degrees cold with winds of 50 mph and gusts of at least 70 mph. The clouds were racing across the sky.Oh did I say it was cold? But the views.... Looking north-east we could finally see Mt Katahdin and looking back we could Mt Washington bathed in cloud. It was crystal clear so in spite of the cold and wind, it was beautiful. Needless to say, we didn't dally at the top, but had lots of time to look around, as we wewre in the open for about half an hour or more.. We ended up at this shelter at about 6;00pm for a pretty full day. There were already 2 SoBo section hikers in the shelter and before we settled down forthe night, Walkabout showed up.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Note: Gordons Pocketmail has a very low battery, and he does not want to replace it for fear of losing all of his settings until he can get on the phone with the pocketmail people to figure out the proper way to proceed.Thus this will be his final entry (transcribed via phone call):Today we climbed Saddleback, it was 35 F at the top but clear. So clear that we could see Mt Washington in the south and Kathadin to the north.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Stratton, at the White Wolf Inn
Miles today: 13.5

In Stratton, at the White Wolf Inn, 13.5 milesToday, we passed the by the back door to Sugarloaf Ski Hill on one of our climbs. At 1:00 we realized that the post office at Stratton closed for the day at 4:00 and we still had 6 miles and lunch to go. We ate and flew down the hill getting to the road and a 5 mile hitch into town by 3:40. We made it to the PO with 5 minutes to spare.We even got a package from Sue and Robert of Montreal of some Pistachios. A pleasant surprise.Tonight we are in a room with Walkabout and Schwag. Staying in town at the same motel are Recycle, Winginit, Coffee, and Aloha.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger