morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hotel in Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Day 100-It was COLD last night. The temps got down into the 40s. "PJ," "Running Moon," "Jukebox," "Bassmaster" and I were soaked and fed up with being wet so we decided to have a short day and stop in Hanover to stay in a hotel to shower and get dry clothes. Only 2 more States to go!!It is hard to believe today is my 100th day. "Mountain Dewd," "Diesel," and "Mississippi Alan" finally caught up to me today. I hadn't seen the first two guys since Virginia. I was glad to see they still have the same enthusiasm for the trail.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Hotel in Hanover, NH

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 101-It was great to do laundry last night and have dry clothes today. Unfortunately, it rained all night and it was raining when I awoke. The hotel had a great continental breakfast at 8:00am which caused "PJ" and I to get a late start. I forgot to mention that the Dartmouth Outdoor Club (DOC) let us hang out at their offices when we entered town yesterday. I met "JR" at the DOC. It was strange to meet someone on day 101 that started a day before me in Georgia. He had an extra food drop and sold me a couple of days food. I hiked most of the day in the rain. The worst weather, thunderstorm with hail, let loose as I climbed Smarts mountain. The steep climb was very challenging in the wet conditions. I arrived at the shelter totally soaked. Ten hikers crammed into the shelter and slept through another rainy night as our clothes hung to dry throughout the shelter.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Hiker's Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 20.0

Day 102-My clothes were not dry in the morning. It really didn't matter since the trail was completely saturated to the point I didn't even attempt to walk around puddles. Instead, I walked through all the mud, goo, and water. Guess what?It rained intermittently throughout the day. I hiked with "JR" for part of the day. We came across a stream which was so high and moving so quickly we had to go upstream about 10 feet to find a place to cross. "Scrubs," "PJ," "JR," "Jay," and I stayed at Hiker's Welcome Hostel run by "Phat Chap." "Scrubs"' college friend drove us to North Woodstock to eat. While we were eating, "Jay"'s parents, David and Myrna, showed up unexpectedly. A big thank you to them for buying dinner. This week is biker week in the state and the place was loaded with bikers.Before we left for the hostel, Myrna sent us off with a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Hiker's Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH

To: campground
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 103-The pie was delicious! What a great breakfast. "Jay"'s dad hiked with us today on Fathers Day. On this Fathers Day I thank my son Will for being so supportive of my hike. I thought of my Dad today and remembered some great times we shared. I really miss my Dad, but I know he is with me in spirit.The 3,000 foot climb up Mount Moosilauke wasn't too bad, but the descent down to Kinsman Notch was very dangerous and hard on the knees. There were sections where rebar was inserted into the rock to aid in the descent. Myrna was waiting for us in the parking lot with a huge feast. We stayed the night at Chuck's camper. Chuck is a friend of "Scrubs" Mom and is from Boston. He picked us up near the trailhead and took us to resupply in town. Chuck is great! We cooked up food on the gas grill and he started a fire where we all sat and talked. A big thanks to Chuck for his hospitality.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: campground

To: AMC-Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 13.4

Day 104-Chuck fed us a huge breakfast and drove "PJ," "JR," and I back to the trail. "Scrubs" and "Jay" stayed at Chuck's place for a zero day and planned on kayaking. What a great day to hike. The weather conditions finally cooperated and the huge climb up South Kinsman was very fun, and left me with a great sense of accomplishment. Much of the climb was a rock scramble which required hand climbing and the use of trees and their roots to get up the mountains. The three of us showed up at Lonesome Lake Hut hoping to work for stay. The "Croo" was great and let us stay in one of the bunk houses for minimal time cleaning up after dinner. Normally it cost $77 to stay the night. Dinner was awesome. They requested we eat the remainder of chicken nuggets. "JR" boasted he could eat more than me. The final count was "Chino" 38, "JR" 27. Amazingly, "PJ" ate a staggering 42 chicken nuggets.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: AMC-Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 105-Breakfast was impressive as we were treated to oatmeal, coffee, and juice.For the White Mountains and it's difficult terrain, we hiked a monster day which included two strenuous climbs. The views from the top of Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette were some of the best I have ever viewed. In the distance I could see the rock cliff where the Old Man in the Mountain used to be before erosion caused its demise. By the time I arrived at Galehead Hut I was very tired. Although the hut was completely full, the "Croo" fed us leftovers and let us sleep on the dining room floor.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Galehead Hut

To: Private residence in North Conway, NH
Miles today: 14.7

Day 106-Yesterday afternoon, "JR" and I had to clean out the compost pile at Galehead Hut for our work for stay. Unfortunately, I was very displeased with the amount of food we received at dinner and breakfast. On top of that another "Croo" raided the hut late at night which meant minimal sleep. The hiking was fairly easy and we arrived at Crawford Notch about 4pm. Sam, a friend of "PJs," picked us up and drove us to his parents house in North Conway, New Hampshire. Ted and Becky were marvelous hosts and I felt at home. The food was absolutely delicious and a full nights sleep was greatly appreciated. Sam and his wife Crystal are soon on their way to Okinawa, so we discussed my experiences in southern Japan. I know they will have a wonderful assignment.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Private residence in North Conway, NH

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 107-I can tell my legs are adjusting to the mountains since the climb out of Crawford Notch wasn't that tiring. About seven miles into the hike we stopped at Mizpah Spring Hut where we were treated to a bowl of potato dill soup.Hiking above treeline is a little strange. The veiws near Mt. Franklin and the surrounding area are spectacular. We arrived at the Lake of the Clouds Hut around 5:30pm and arranged to do work for stay. The hut is only 1.5 miles south of Mt. Washington, the last summit above 6,000 feet on the AT. Mt. Washington holds the record for the highest recorded wind speed, that being 231 miles per hour. Our assigned duty was to police the area and pick up trash and use a huge magnet to pick up nails which were strewn about by recent construction. The winds were in the 40 mile per hour range and I had to put on my rain top to block the wind and heat up. The hut is also called the Lake of the Crowds due to the large number of guests. Tonight was a full house of over 90 guests. After the guests had eaten, the "Croo" treated us to some great leftovers. A big thanks to them for their generosity.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Private residence in North Conway, NH
Miles today: 14.8

Day 108-I slept in my sleeping bag on a bench in the dining room. A group of hikers came in at about midnight and woke us all up with their headlamps and loud talking. I set my watch alarm for 4am because "JR" wanted a wake up call to climb Mt. Washington and catch the sunrise. Needless to say, another night of little or no sleep. Although the "Croo" offered "PJ" and I pancakes before we left, we declined and got an early start. The climb up Mt. Washington was no big deal. Since it was early, nothing was open at the summit. I got my picture taken about ten feet in front of a red fox who was hanging out near the information center. Since it was so docile, I assume the tourists must feed it regularly. The majority of the day was above treeline hiking through large boulder fields. The views were spectacular. The descent down Mt. Madison was slow going and tedious. Once below treeline the trail was poorly marked and I Chinoblazed (got lost) for about two miles. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal but we were scheduled to meet a ride between 5:00 and 5:30 pm. The last two and a half miles I was running through the woods to get to Pinkham Notch. To my amazement, Becky, "JR," and "PJ" were still waiting at 5:50pm. Another big thanks to Ted and Becky for opening their home to me and making me feel welcome.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Private residence in North Conway, NH

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 109-Zero Day (No hiking)."PJ," "JR," and I needed some rest and recuperation time. That coupled with temps in the mid 90s convinced us to take a day off. The three of us attempted to do work for stay but Ted and Becky only allowed us to work a short time moving wood and cutting/edging grass. It was a memorable and much needed day off. I did some rough planning and determined I'm less than three weeks from finishing the AT. The most probable finish date is July 15th.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Private residence in North Conway, NH

To: Imp Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: haze

Day 110-"JRs" friend Marty drove up from Virginia yesterday to hike the remainder of the trail. His small Saturn was filled with tools and "JR's" resupply boxes.Except Marty, who drove, the rest of us were packed like sardines. By the time we arrived at the trailhead, both of my feet were asleep. The climb up to Wildcat Peak was tough and I was completely soaked. The temps soared into the high 90s which made hiking slow going. "PJ" and I were the only ones at Imp Shelter. It cost 8 dollars each to stay since it has a caretaker from the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Imp Campsite Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 111-Since we planned to resupply in Gorham, NH, we got up early and hiked the eight miles to the highway where we hitched into town. The only restaurants open in the morning were fast food ones. While eating at Burger King, I spotted "Mississippi Alan" and "Diesel" across the street, They had stayed the night and were heading back to the trail. The four of us, including "PJ" hiked to and stayed at Gentian Pond.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 112-The climb up Mt. Success in the heat and humidity was tough. I entered Maine, my 14th and last State. Additionally, I passed the 1,900 mile mark today. The four of us went through Mahoosuc Notch, the longest mile on the trail together. The area is a jumble of rocks which require you to stow your hiking poles and use many techniques to traverse the area. One area is through a rock tunnel which requires back packs to be removed. The area is refreshingly cool since year-round ice is at the bottom of crevices. Although it took a long time to complete, it was extrememly fun.
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Andover Guest House
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 113-With the exception of Baldpate Mountain, the day wasn't too bad. Baldpate was above treeline and I got caught in the rain which made the granite slick as ice. Since I was going into town, I hiked more quickly than normal. The flies and mosquitos were relentless!! I bought a headnet in Gorham and was forced to use it at times. The only downside is it raises your body temp a couple of degrees which can be a problem in the heat. I exited the trail on a gravel road and was lucky enough to be picked up by two college students from Pennsylvania who were in Maine trout fishing. I really appreciated the 8 mile ride into town.
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Andover Guest House

To: Andover Guest House
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 114-The heat made the climb up Wyman Mountain very difficult. The original plan was to hike an 18 mile day but "PJ," "Diesel," "Mississippi Alan" and I were so tired at the ten mile point we decided to hitchhike back to Andover Guest House. We decided finishing on July 15th was too ambitious and decided to shoot for July 18th instead.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Andover Guest House

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 115-It was a good decision to go back to town yesterday, especially since I left my laminated information card behind the night before. We watched a couple of movies and pigged out on city food. The weather finally broke last night and the temps dropped about 15 to 20 degrees. The hike up Old Blue and Bemus Mountain wasn't too bad since it was overcast and cooler. I had another grouse chasing me down the trail. They are very strange birds.The Lean-to (shelter) was next to a pond and I could hear the loons calling throughout the night.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 116-It rained heavily most of the night. The rain coupled with a section hiker's snoring throughout the night, made for a restless night. Since "PJ" and I planned a short day, we hitchhiked into Rangeley, Maine and got a great meal and read the paper before going back to the trail. The day was easy and it was nice being in camp early.The Lean-to is less than one mile from the 90% point-- one of our last big milestones.
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Sugarloaf Summit House
Miles today: 19.8

Day 117-"Olive," "Yum" (aka Tim and Erica) and a friend of theirs showed up at the shelter. I hadn't seen them since northern Virginia. "PJ," "Icebound" and I hiked over three 4,000 foot peaks today. The weather was perfect and the cooler weather limited the presence of bugs. Since we're going into town tomorrow, we pressed on a couple of additional miles and stayed on top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf is the second highest peak in Maine. We stayed in the Summit House, an enclosed building next to the ski lift. The building is available to hikers as a courtesy and provides splendid views of the New Hampshire and Maine Mountains. As of today we are within 200 miles of our goal.
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Sugarloaf Summit House

To: Stratton Motel
Miles today: 10.6

Day 118-I started hiking early so I could arrive in town around noon. The hike down Sugarloaf Mountain seemed long. Tree roots and rocks really slowed me down. I've been running into some Southbounders--hikers starting in Maine going to Georgia.The Stratton Motel was great! Although the hostel area was full (mostly Southbounders), four of us shared a regular room. The diner across the street has good food and the grocery store has plenty to choose from for resupply. I finally met "Early Bird." She had been in front of me the entire way until she recently took off a week. She is very nice and plans on hiking with us for a while.
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Stratton Motel

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 119-Don, one of the owners of the motel, gave a bunch of us a ride back to the trailhead in an old bus with lawn chairs for seats. Climbing four mountains in one day really tired me out. About five miles from the shelter, the thunder grew louder and the storm got closer. Luckily we all made it to the shelter before the storm hit. Between the storm, which lasted all night, and the bugs, I hardly slept at all. The good news is I passed the 2,000 mile point.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Cabin at Harrison Camp
Miles today: 17.7

Day 120-Today was one of the easiest days on the trail. The terrain was mostly flat and I hiked 17 miles in 6 1/2 hours. It rained all morning which made the trail full of puddles and thick with mud. As soon as it stopped raining, the mosquitos came out in swarms. The shelter was crawling with mosquitos. We decided to hike a third of a mile off the trail to stay in a cabin for the night. For 25 dollars I shared a cabin which is located next to Pierce Pond Stream, took a shower, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast consisting of 12 pancakes, eggs, juice and milk.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Cabin at Harrison Camp

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 121-Great hike today! Pleasant Pond and Moxie Bald Mountains were the last significant climbs before the 100 mile wilderness and probably until Katahdin. The climbs were fairly easy and the miles went by quickly. I took the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. Since the canoe is considered the official method to cross the river, it had a whiteblaze painted on it. Part of the trail was submerged and I had to walk across a beaver pond to get to the trail. I walked a bigger day today so I would have an easier day in town tomorrow.
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Shaw's Hostel, Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: moderate rain

I had to ford three streams today. All of them were easy and the deepest crossing was only knee deep. I did slip on a wet rock and fell on my backpack just before the first ford. "Big Daddy D," "Icebound," and I all fell at the same location. "Icebound" and I got started at 5:30 A.M. and finished the 17.9 miles by 12:15. We really moved quickly so we could get into town early. Monson, Maine is a great little town.
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Shaw's Hostel, Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: moderate rain

Shaw's Hostel was packed with 23 hikers. Last night "P.J.s" dad showed up and will hike the last 114 miles of the trail. A big thanks to him for treating me to an all you can eat fish fry. Breakfast was served at 6:00 A.M. and cosisted of 4 pancakes, 4 eggs, 4 pieces of bacon and hash browns. The shuttle left for the trail at 7:30 and it was already raining, a sign of things to come. Although I didn't catch the weather report, rumors circulated that the remnants of a tropical storm would affect today's hiking. My left shin was very sore most of the day. I think I may have strained a muscle which makes going downhill difficult. I need my body to hold out for only 7 more days! Early in the day I spotted my first moose, a juvenile male feeding in a pond. I watched him for about a minute until he jogged away. The rain continued all day and turned normally small tributaries, that could be crossed by rock hopping, into raging waters that needed to be forded. The last of the 3 fords required "Icebound" and I to work in tandem to get across. Since I am an avid non-swimmer, I thank "Icebound" for his assistance. I now have less than 100 miles to go.
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night we had a full shelter. A huge thunderstorm was directly overhead most of the night. The lightning was so close there was no delay between the strike and the thunder. It was the most intense storm I've ever experienced. I'm on my second day of maximum doses of Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) to help alleviate my shin pain. The pain is intense and the shin is swelling up. What a time to get my first major injury. The weather really heated up today and the hiking was slow going.
Date: 2005-07-11
To: Marie
Miles today: 0.0

I recieved my last journal entries in the mail today. The rest of the journal pages should be hand deliverd when Chino arrives back in Ohio sometime next week. Maybe he will even type them himself since I have typed the first 121 days of the journal (and I have enjoyed every minute of it).Chino expects to reach Katahdin on July 18th if all goes as planned. Please keep him in your prayers as he comes to the end of his journey. I'm sure he appreciates all your support and is looking forward to reading all the encouraging entries in his guest book when he returns.Thanks again for all your support.
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

What a difference a day makes. Although I had some strenuous climbs, overall the day was easy. I finally got a view of Mt. Katahdin from White Cap Mountain, 72 miles from the finish. I passed 2,100 miles today, the last milestone before the end. I watched a large female moose in the middle of a pond from about 80 yards away. She watched me for about a minute before moving on. Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to is a great location. The falls are visible from the shelter and the brook is about 15 feet away. My shin has me worried. It has swollen considerably and I fear my finish may be delayed or in jeapordy.
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Whitehouse Landing Hostel
Miles today: 13.8

"Icebound" and I had a very strong hike motivated by swarms of mosquitoes and deer flys. We hiked over 15 miles to the hostel in about 5 hours. The 1.2 mile trek from the trail to the hostel was terrible. My nice dry feet became soaked as my shoes were submerged in ankle-deep mud and water. At the boat landing you blow an air horn and Bill meets you with his boat in about 10 minutes. The hostel is about one mile away and is a very nice spot with excellent scenery. Since I arrived early, I ate a one-pound burger for lunch, resupplied, and put some ice on my shin to keep the swelling down. At about 3 P.M. "Jukebox" showed up. He was waiting to hear the status of "Running Moon" who was previously off the trail. "Odyssa" and "Running Moon" showed up at dinner time. The three of them are planning to summit on the 15th. They told us that "P.J.s" dad is off the trail with a knee problem and "Early Bird" and "P.J." are planning to catch us for a summit on the 16th.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Whitehouse Landing Hostel

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Whitehouse Landing is a good place to stay, especially for Northbounders. The burger and pizza are good and the place is very scenic. Breakfast was great! I pigged out on scrambled eggs, english muffin, bacon and all you can eat pancakes. Bill and Linda are great hosts and made me feel welcome. Since today was a short hiking day, I really took my time. I continue to cross paths with many Southbounders and, as I do, I remember the first few days of my hike in Georgia. "Jukebox" took a fall today which bloodied his arm and both knees. After getting bandaged up, he is good to go. I ran into "Pilot" today. I hadn't seen him since the halfway point. He is looking good and is plannig to summit on the 15th.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

The last two shelters had floors made of wood shaped like baseball bats. This terrible design makes for uncomfortable sleep. We slept in late today and arrived at the next shelter around noon. "Icebound" and I stopped for awhile and picked some wild blueberries. They were delicious. The last two short days have helped my left shin and I am confident it will hold up for the remaining two days. It is hard to believe I only have 18.6 miles to go.