morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-28
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: VT 11 & 30
Miles today: 2.8

Day 145Nice town day today. Hiked to the road with London and met up with Scorch, Mr. T and Flint. Scorch, Mr. T and London took the first hitch we got, as there wasn¢t enough room for all of us. Not long after, Flint and I got a ride and we all met at the laundry place. After laundry I went with London to the Grocery store to re-supply and we got some ham, rolls and fruit for lunch. I¢m still not feeling good today, I¢ve had a case of the runs since yesterday but I¢ve discovered the cause. I have some mayonnaise I¢ve been carrying since my first stay in Dalton, Mass. And I pushed the limit too far on not refrigerating it. I should have paid more attention to the looks of it a couple days ago. After re-supplying we all went to see a movie and then to dinner before heading out of town. Camped tonight near the road, had a nice campfire, I wished I could have enjoyed a few beers but my stomach was not up for it.
Date: 2004-08-29
From: VT 11 & 30

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Day 146I am feeling a little better today, mostly just exhausted from the last two days and a bit dehydrated. London was insistent on sticking with me most of the day, making sure I was all right and reminding me to drink a lot of water. It¢s great to be around someone like that when you need it. Hopefully tomorrow my appetite will come back and I can regain some energy. I am still hanging with Scorch, Mr. T, Flint and London. They¢re a lot of fun to be around and as with most people I¢ve hiked with we all look out for each other, sharing supplies and water and first-aid type stuff.
Date: 2004-08-30
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd.
Miles today: 3.0

Day 147 I woke up feeling great today and my appetite came roaring back. Hiked three miles with London and got to USFS 10 and saw Scorch sitting there with a bad cut on her leg. She had slipped and fallen on some wet rocks and cut her leg below the knee two miles back. Flint wasn¢t far behind her and helped her bandage it up and then carried her backpack for her to the road. Then he ran down the mountain to get help. About 20 minutes after London and I got there Flint returned followed by Dave who was doing work in the forest and had a pick up and cell phone. Dave called for an ambulance to meet him by the main road at the bottom of the mountain. Scorch didn¢t seem like she wanted to be alone thru this so I volunteered to go with her. The ambulance picked her up and brought her to the hospital, about 20 miles away in Rutland, VT but they didn¢t have room for me so they told me I could catch a bus in an hour. As I was waiting for the bus, Dave came back and drove me to the hospital, he didn¢t like the way they left me there like that. And so I met another angel on the trail. Scorch seemed happy to see me when I showed up so quickly. I spent the afternoon waiting at the hospital and catching up on my journal. I hadn¢t written in it for a few days (the reason why is that there wasn¢t much to write about for the past few days). Scorch ended up with seven stitches and also got us a place to stay tonight. One of the nurses hiked 1800 miles of the trail last year and is letting us stay at her apartment. She gave us the keys to her truck with the only instructions being, make ourselves at home and pick her at 11:00pm. I¢m amazed at how giving people are and how often this kindness occurs.
Date: 2004-08-31
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd.

To: Danby-Landgrove Road
Miles today: 0.0

Day 148 Couldn¢t stay with Lorry (the nurse) past today, as it is her last day at work before she heads out to the trail with her husband to finish it. Scorch and I got a room near Killington and this means I¢ll be skipping 32 miles of the trail. It was a tough decision because I hadn¢t skipped any part of the trail until now. But I¢d rather keep hiking with the people I¢ve been hiking with after getting a room we put a note on the trail for Mr. T, Flint, and London to meet us at the motel. Not sure if they¢ll be here today or tomorrow. I am not sure if Scorch will be able to hike anytime soon. As I¢ve learned over and over again out here, take it one day at a time because I never know what tomorrow will bring.
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Danby-Landgrove Road

To: US 4 Killington VT
Miles today: 32.0

Day 149As I mentioned Yesterday, I skipped North 32.0 Miles so the mileage listed today was not hiked and from now on the total mileage will be 32.0 miles over what I¢ve actually hiked. Flint, Mr. T and London showed up this afternoon and are staying in the motel with Scorch and Me. Tomorrow we¢ll hike out with the exception of Scorch, who is still not able to hike. She is going to skip ahead to Hanover, NH where we¢ll meet her on Saturday.
Date: 2004-09-02
From: US 4 Killington VT

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Day 150Got back to hiking today, it feels good to be back in the woods. Hiked all day with ¢the mean posse¢ as we are getting known as. Met up with Row Boat and Freebird for lunch. Scorch is skipping up to Hanover, NH where we¢ll meet her Saturday. The weather was gorgeous today and although it was a long day it felt good to be back northbound.
Date: 2004-09-03
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 16.4

Day 151Hiked 16.4 miles mostly with London and Mr. T, got down to West Hartford, VT at around 7:15 pm. We had planned on having dinner at the Deli there, thinking it closed at 8:00 pm. Then found out it closed at 7:00 pm, a few minutes before we got there. As we were getting ready to hike four miles to the next shelter, a local, Ruth pulled up and asked if we were looking for a place to stay. Mr. T and I both had to get to Hanover, NH, 10 miles away, tomorrow by noon to pick up our mail drops at the post office. We explained our situation to Ruth, saying we wanted to get closer to Hanover today so we could make it there by noon tomorrow. Upon hearing this she offered to drive us into Hanover in the morning and then bring us back to West Hartford. We took her offer and we are now camped in her yard with London, Flint and Mr. T. We had a great spaghetti dinner with Ruth and her husband, Dave, who own a nice house on beautiful property. Again, I¢m amazed at how open and generous people are along the trail. We went from standing around by a closed store debating hiking four miles, two of which would have been in the dark, to a spaghetti dinner, great company and no worries about getting to the post office in time tomorrow.
Date: 2004-09-04
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 152 I got a ride from David into Hanover this morning and then he dropped us off at the trail in West Hartford. Before that, Ruth made us scrambled eggs for breakfast. They have been wonderful. Hiked into Hanover and met up with Gabby and Pokey. Tonight, we are all staying at Fancy Free¢s house; she hiked with Mr. T and Flint down south and told them to call her when they got to Hanover. Also met up with Scorch here, her leg is still sore and she¢s not sure when she¢ll be able to hike so Fancy Free is letting her stay here. Camped out in the yard tonight. We are planning on slack-packing tomorrow.
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Hanover, NH

To: Dartmouth Skiway
Miles today: 17.6

Day 153Slack-packed southbound today. An easy hike, especially since I didn¢t have a full pack on my back. Ended the hike in Hanover and got some lunch and then met up with Dig Dug, Backdraft, Traildawg, and Flint. Dig Dug, Backdraft and Trail Dawg headed north and Flint and I sat around town for a couple hours until London, Mr. T and Pokey came down the trail to town. When back to Fancy Free¢s for dinner. More slack packing tomorrow.
Date: 2004-09-06
From: Dartmouth Skiway

To: NH 25 A
Miles today: 16.0

Day 154It was another southbound slack today. It¢s odd hiking south and seeing so many familiar faces going north. Had some good views on Mt. Cube and Smarts Mountain. Went back to Fancy Free¢s where Garby and some pizza waiting for everyone. They¢re all planning another slack for tomorrow, going 20 miles southbound but I¢m thinking of taking my pack and heading northbound. It¢s a tough decision because I enjoy hiking with everyone but I don¢t like having to wake up and drive 45 minutes to the trail everyday. I¢ll decide tomorrow.
Date: 2004-09-07
From: NH 25 A

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 9.8

Got dropped off at NH 25A with my backpack and headed north while everyone else I was with decided to do a 20 mile slack-pack south. As I was hiking today I had thoughts of calling it quits. I got to Glencliff at around noon and had to wait until 2:oopm to get my mail drop. The P.O. was closed between 10:00 am and 2:00pm. A note at the P.O. said I could wait at the hikers welcome hostel across the street. I went to the hostel and met up with some hikers I hadn¢t seen in a while. Also met Lion King, he hiked the trail last year with a video camera and has spent some time here editing and is putting together a documentary about thru hiking. I watched part of the video and it got me motivated to keep going. I spent a nice evening around the campfire and thought to myself how could I quit now with 400 miles to go and from what I¢ve been hearing the best parts of the trail are the White Mountains and the state of Maine. So, Tomorrow I¢ll be heading into the Whites¢¦more northbound.
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the hostel at 1:00pm and began the long ascent to Mt. Moosilauke. The first time the trail goes above the tree line. It drizzled rain all day and the top was fogged in so no views. Got to the shelter at 5:00pm to find 9 kids from Dartmouth College here. This was a good group, who made room for me in the shelter. Had a fun time with them. Later on, two thru-hikers showed up with a friend of theirs out for a couple of weeks. By now it was raining hard and we squeezed everyone in the shelter. As the saying goes, ¢There¢s always room for one more¢. Thirteen people in a shelter that sleeps 10, making for a cozy evening.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a treacherous down coming off Mt. Moosilauke today. It took two hours to go 1.6 miles. I woke up to rain and waited out the heavy stuff until 11:00am when we decided to get to hiking after debating taking a zero day at the shelter. We had been warned about the terrain being very dangerous when it¢s wet out. Hiked off the mountain with thru-hikers: Canada Goose, Spirit Al and their friend Ron. I got to the bottom and Ron went to get his car to drive north and meet up with Canada Goose and Spirit Al this weekend. I pushed on in the rain and mud and I got to the shelter at 5:30pm wet and cold. Yoda, His dog Lucy and Mad Scientist are here. They took a zero day at the shelter today not wanting to hike thru more rough terrain in the bad weather. The Whites can be dangerous when it rains with steep rock scrambles. I got on some dry clothes, had a hot dinner and feeling better now. Canada Goose and Spirit Al showed up at around 9:00 pm. It¢s supposed to clear up tomorrow afternoon. I hope so because we¢ve got another tough section coming up.
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Three days in the Whites and still no views. After a tough rock scramble up to the top of Kinsman Mountain I reached the summit in cold, wind, rain, and fog. All I wanted was to be off the mountain. I hiked down to Lonsome Lake Hut and was greeted by Spirit Al¢s friend Ron who had his car parked at Franconia Notch. We sat around the hut drinking Hot Chocolate and waited for Canada Goose and Spirit Al for a couple hours. They showed up and we all made our way 3 miles to Ron¢s car having to wade thru a couple of river crossings on the way. Ron drove us into town for dinner. We went to a small caf©, a place 3 smelly hikers probable didn¢t belong. I camped out tonight near the road crossing. Tonight the stars are out and we are hoping for better weather tomorrow. The miles are tough in the Whites and the wet weather is making the going slow.
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.3

I went back into town this morning for breakfast and laundry with Ron, Spirit Al, and Canada Goose. Once again, I pondered going home. I¢m thankful I decided to go on as today turned out to be one of my best days on the trail. A perfect day insofar as the weather goes. I made the climb up to Liberty Mountain to start the day. I had been hearing for the last couple of days that on September 11, for the last three years, there¢s an American flag placed at the top of each of the 48 4,000 feet mountains in NH. Mt. Liberty is one of those mountains. As I approached the summit I stopped to take a picture and heard someone amongst the large crowd yell out my name. I looked and was glad to see Scorch, London, Mr. T and Flint along with Fancy Free and Burnie sitting up there.   I had thought they were further ahead but they waited out the bad weather at Fancy Free¢s place for the last two days. Scorch still is not able to get back on the trail but plans to keep bouncing up north and staying around the trail. I hiked with the Mean Posse across Franconia Ridge. It was an incredibly beautiful trail today, the best yet and I was very happy to be hiking it with friends. We were having a wonderful hike on a perfect day. It's the kind of day when I forget about the backpack and the miles. I am awestruck by everything around me.
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Garfield Pond

To: Near Zealand Trail
Miles today: 10.9

I had a great day today, good weather and good friends to hike with. The Whites are incredibly beautiful and we¢ve been having great views with a clear sky. I hiked with Mr. T, Flint and London Len all day and tonight we¢re camped with Freebird, Burnie and Flava.Hiking is tough, rocky terrain and steep up¢s and down¢s but the views are fantastic.
Date: 2004-09-13
From: Near Zealand Trail

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Had an easy hike for the first 6 miles today as the trail followed an old railroad bed. Got down to a road crossing and got a hitch to a general store for some food supplies with Freebird, Mr. T and flint. After that we had some tough climbs up to Webster Mt. And Mt. Jackson but were rewarded with great views on another fantastic day. Made it to Mizpah Spring Hut, as it got dark. We had hoped to do a work for stay at the hut but there was already a few thru-hikers there so I was amongst those who paid $8.00 to spend the night. The whites have huts along the way and charge around $75.00 to stay. This includes Dinner and Breakfast. They let thru-hikers stay for free in exchange for 2 hours or work. Sometimes there are too many thru-hikers and they don¢t have enough work to go around. This being the case here at Mizpah Hut they still let us spend the night for only $8.00, not bad.
Date: 2004-09-14
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 11.8

I made the climb over Mt. Washington today, at 6288 feet. It¢s the highest mountain in the northeast. It was kind of strange to get to the top and see tourist who arrive by car or the Cog Rail Train. There¢s a snack bar and observation deck at the top also. We had another perfect day today with views reported to be 110 miles and only a light breeze blowing. Couldn¢t have asked for a better day to hike the Presidential Range. I am doing a work for stay at Madison Hut were the crew or ¢Croo¢ as it¢s spelled, has been very welcoming. There are a bunch of thru-hikers here tonight: Mr. T, Flint, London Ishmael, Skirt, Dingle, who I haven¢t seen since southern Virginia, and Gorbo, all making for a nice atmosphere. I saw a beautiful sunset followed by the northern lights as Mr. T, Flint, London and I made our way to the hut under headlamps.
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Madison Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 0.0

The ¢Croo¢ at Madison Hut offered us an opportunity to zero today at the hut in exchange for 2 hours of work. They fed us all day and gave us a bunk. London, Ishmael, Task and I took the zero day while the rest hiked out. We had to do some scrubbing of walls and bunks and spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing. As evening came more thru-hikers began to arrive. In total there are 15 of us here: The G5 (a family of 5 thru-hikers), London, Mama¢s boy, Swix, Squatter, Rev. Yukon Jack, Yoda, Mad Scientist, A-Dog, Task (a Southbound section hiker) and me. The Croo has been treating us great and appreciate our help as they are preparing to close the hut for the season this Saturday.   Glad I took the zero as it turned out to be an enjoyable day filled with great conversation. Freebird came thru earlier and he always has great stories. I saw Canada Goose, Spirit Al, and Ron come thru and sat around with them. Also passing thru were Flava and Burnie. Along with all the thru-hikers there are about 25 guests staying here tonight. I also saw a beautiful sunset tonight, the valley below was covered in clouds and the sky above was a brilliant orange, like nothing I¢ve ever seen.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Madison Hut

To: Near Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: haze

Woke up this morning and had breakfast at Madison Hut. Then I hiked out with London. Another great day in the Whites with views all around as we went over Mt. Madison. The trail was it¢s usually rocky terrain and the going was slow for the first few miles. Got to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and net up with Mr. T and Flint along with the three Canadians, Spirit Al, Canada Goose and Scout, and also Saw Freebird there. Had lunch and then made our way up Wildcat Mountain, a tough climb that had our legs burning and hearts pumping. Camping tonight with London, Mr. T and Flint in a small area off the trail. I¢m ¢Cowboy camping¢ tonight, under the stars, in a spot surrounded by huge rock boulders. There¢s a fox hanging around our campsite looking for food, it won¢t be getting nothing from us.
Date: 2004-09-17
From: Near Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got into Gorham tonight at around 8:00pm. About two miles before the road to town we came to a shelter and were surprised to see Scorch there, sitting waiting for us. Her leg is O.K. to hike on and she¢s decided to do Maine with us. Staying at Hikers Paradise Hostel, which has an apartment like atmosphere. I am here with Mr. T, Flint, Gorbo, London and Scorch. We are now 16.5 miles from the Maine border and all of us are excited about crossing into the last state on the trail.
Date: 2004-09-18
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

I woke up to rain today and as it kept raining we all decide to zero today. Went to re-supply and took care of all the town chores. Good to have a day off as we prepare for what we¢ve been told is the toughest section of the trail. This afternoon we were surprised to see Rob Bird from the Bird Cage show up in town. He had some time and decided to come up to Gorham to see who was in town. I went with London to his hotel and had a great time with a few other hikers drinking a few beers and talking about the trail. Good times.
Date: 2004-09-19
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Left town at 11:00am, a couple hours later than everyone else. Had a good breakfast and got a ride back to the trail from a guy who has section hiked and, as he put it, has received trail magic and wanted to give some back. It was a cool day today, a sign of things to come. Tomorrow I¢ll be in Maine. That¢s all I kept thinking about, tomorrow I¢ll be in Maine, and I can¢t believe I¢ve made it this far.
Date: 2004-09-20
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

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

Woke up to cold temp¢s, it reminded me of the early days in Georgia. I got to the Maine border and had lunch there with Gorbechov, Mr. T, Flint, and London. What a wonderful feeling to be in Maine, to have hiked from Georgia to Maine. As excited as I am, I know there is 275 miles to go and we¢ve got some tough days coming up but it is great to be hiking in Maine. Had some great views today on a clear day. The wind was blowing strong on the mountaintops making it a bit cold but good hiking weather.
Date: 2004-09-21
From: Full Goose Shelter

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

Damn tough day today! 5.1 miles and it took all day to hike it. Hiked thru Mahoosuc Notch, the toughest mile on the trail, with London and it took us three hours. Three hours to do one mile. It was hiking over, under, and around huge boulders. After the notch we then had to hike up Mahoosuc Arm, one of the steepest climbs on the trail. Got to Speck Pond at 5:00pm completely spent from my toughest physical day on the trail. Spending the night with London, Scorch, Mr. T, Flint, Gorbo, Guy and Rooster. Had a nice campfire after a fun but tough day.
Date: 2004-09-22
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Had beautiful views today as I went over Bald Plate Mt. With London and Scorch. The kind of views that can¢t be described they must be seen. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was filled with incredible colors.We got an early start today and climbed Speck Mt. Just after sunrise with great colors in the sky there as well. Went into Bethel Maine to re-supply and do laundry and got a hitch out of town from a local who drove us to Screw Auger Falls before dropping us off at the trail. It was a nice area we wouldn¢t have seen otherwise. It has been a spectacular day. I felt so alive coming over Bald Plate, a feeling of great joy to be where I¢m at. I was thinking how, with only three weeks left, these days are numbered. I will miss days like this. The beautiful scenery, hiking with people who have been thru the same things I have and we all live for a day like this.
Date: 2004-09-23
From: Frye Notch Lean-To

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 14.6

Woke up to shat is becoming the usual cool morning but it warmed up as the day progressed. The hike was nice as I spent the day with Scorch and London. The only downed today is that I stubbed my toe while I had my pack off and was running back to a shelter from the privy. Sometimes when I take my pack off to get water or use the privy it feels good to run, without the weight on my back I feel like I could go forever. This was one of those moments and I nailed a root and fell flat on my face. I had to limp the last few miles today up Moody Mt. And down to where we¢re camped. It was slow going and painful. Hopefully it will feel better tomorrow. I am camped out tonight with Scorch, London, and Nick who is section hiking northbound
Date: 2004-09-24
From: Black Brook

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Scorch, London and Nick all day. Started with a hike up to Old Blue Mt., with great views. Maine has been fantastic and the weather has been great for hiking, a little cold in the morning but 60¢s ¢ 70¢s during the day. I saw a moose this morning, a dead moose. Heard a loud gun shot early this morning and an hour later saw some hunters down the road a bit and they had a moose tied down on their trailer. So the first moose I saw in Maine was a dead one.The hiking today was rather easy, once we got to the top of Old Blue Mt. Compared to how the terrain has been lately and it feels good to have done 17 miles, It¢s been about three weeks since I¢ve hiked as many miles. Met up with Flint and Gorbochev at a road crossing a few miles before the shelter. Nick and I headed off before the others and found some trail magic in the form of two cans of beer left in a cold stream. We sat and drank them (they were very tasty) as we waited for Scorch and London to catch up. It was a nice finish to another beautiful day in Maine. Tonight at the shelter are: Scorch, London, Gorbo, and Nick. I should also note that the stubbed toe felt much better today and didn¢t slow me down at all.