morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Winturri Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 16.4

   Wanted to get to Happy Hill Shelter. It was 5pm and had 4 miles to go. West Hartford has the White River. Before doing anything I was in the water. Felt great. It was too hot and too humid.   The walk, besides being hot and humid, was tough. It was steep ups and steep downs. I thought I was just tired from yesterday's miles, but no, it was just HOT.   I took two pictures. One of the best rock walls I have seen. Had seen many. None have been this good. The other picture was an interstate from the mountain top.   Just glad the day is over. Ten miles to New Hampshire.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: West hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up, startled by the train whistle. The track is right behing the house. 6am and I didn't want to move. Tried to talk myself into breakfast at the corner store, but I knew it would get HOT early.   Ran into an early hiker: Gator Gump. He had had a heart attack and was in his early 50's. Here to get his life's priorities in order. Nice speaking with him again.   Ran into some Trail Magic: cold watermelon. It was the absolute best. Dartmouth College is in Hanover. No inexpensive hotels. No laundry. No good place to camp. Waiting for Dave to decide, if we will move on shortly. Need some time off.   Spent time at the library. Used their phone to talk to the girls. Wonderful to hear their voices.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   Just tough to sleep in. Even knowing I was taking the day off, awake at 5:30am. Took it easy. Made oatmeal. Went to Hanover College. They have a room with a TV we could hang out in. Dave fell asleep watching TV. I got caught up on the letters and cards I received. Just great to hear from the family. Was getting ready to go to the post office and the sky poured rain for about an hour. Glad to be inside.   Called Denise. She was at Danica and Josh's getting to take care of Daniel. Tom and Em were coming over. I was missing a good day at home, especially since they were going to eat Chinese from our favorite restaurant. Will be home before to long.   Spent a good part of the day at the library; computer, newspaper, phone, and finance magazine. Saw that the stock market took a huge hit. All is well. Stocks just went on sale. That's all.   Getting excited about the White Mountains. The guide book says several people die every year form the cold and falls. I'm a careful guy. All will be well.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It is great (just got interrupted--asked if I wanted a beer. A previous through hiker--Trail Dog--brought a new journal for the shelter and some beers to share. He has the record for the AT for fewest days to complete--46 Days.   Very interesting to hear how he did it) to be back on the trail. Just a wonderful day. Not too hot and a little breeze. Just enjoying the walk.   The climbs are getting more serious: steeper, longer, and more of them. Back to 1000 feet in a mile. Had three of them today. Did 16 miles today. Twenty tomorrow may not be doable. It is good training for the real mountains that are coming.   Completed 80% of the trail today. Sounds like a lot has been completed. Still have 425 more to do. A south bounder just came into the shelter. He's been on the trail for 5 weeks. Completion is not that far away.   Four pictures today: Cemetary; Moose Mountain Shelter sign; vista with falcons chirpping; remains of a cabin at our shelter--chimney. Tommorrow's 20 looks and sounds really tough.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Went for a big day. Did 19.3 miles. Felt real good until the last few. It's just too many, especially since the mountains have returned.    The first climb was 2,350 feet. 2000 of it was packed into two huge climbs. Could only take baby stepps. Any faster and my lungs couldn't work hard enough to keep going. Went from 850 feet to 3,200 feet. Took one picture of the White Mountains; covered in fog. That is the real climbing in two days. Climbed a fire tower to clear the trees to take the picture.   Five hours later I took a picture of the fire tower from the walk up Mount Cube (I can't read name). It is just a tiny thing now. Unreal how far I had walked since then. To get here there was another climb of 1,500 feet. The final climb was only 820 feet. I was so tired, it felt more difficult than the first two.   Dave and I made food and camping plans for the White's. I'm buying food tomorrow. "Huts" in the Whites cost $100 per night. Shelters cost $8. No camping above tree line. Most of the White's are above tree line. Most people average 10 miles per day or less. The boulders and the climbs are suppose to be huge. Nice challenge approaching.
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.4

   Short walk. Re-supply day. Had to go 4 miles off trail for food. Was at the road after a 2.5 mile walk at 7:30. The road had little traffic. Couldn't thumb a ride for an hour. Walked a mile and "thumbed a pickup". He drove by. Walked another 50 yards and I see this pickup backing up the hill a mile away. He backs all the way up and gives me a lift. Drops me off right at the post office.   As I was just completing my groceries I got a litle sneaky. As someone was checking out, I asked the cashier about a taxi service. He, the customer, offerred to take me back out. He told me about a bear he killed right where he dropped me off.   Just finished my short walk: total of 7.4 miles. Laundered. Camped. Ate. Relaxed. Walked doewn the street to make my phone calls. Spoke with Josh. Try to contact Denise later as she is out shopping with Danica.   Taking tomorrow to rest. Getting ready for the White Mountains.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: scattered clouds

   The plan was to rest for the entire day. I just got bored. Lots of hikers in and out. Too much turmoil. So, I made some phone calls. Spoke with Em. Talked to Denise at work. It's not that much longer. Just miss my family. Sent my journal and film home.    Weighed my fully loaded pack: 43 pounds. Heavy for the mountains. Need it all though. Walked to the first shelter: 1.1 miles. Tough, tough day. No people in and out. No vehicles. The sound of a running brook in the distance. Much, much better.   3,500 foot climb in 4.5 miles tomorrow. The south bounders and previous through hikers say it is the toughest part of the AT by far. A little worried. A little excited. Ready to see what it is really like.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

   4.6 mile climb of 2450 feet up Mount Moosilauke and felt great. Theought the Whites would be easiser than advertised. Boy was I wrong. The "down" was 3000 feet and very difficult; very steep, very rocky, very dangerous.   Then, there was an immediate 1000 foot climb in less than a mile. I wanted to hit a shelter right then, but had another 6 miles of rocks and ups and downs. So tired it is hard to concentrate and remember.   When we were on top of Mount Moosilauke, Dave and I met a photojournalist. He was doing a book on Mount Moosilauke. If his pictures work, Dave and I may be in the book.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Liberty Springs Tent Site
Miles today: 11.4

   Was wondering how tired I would be after the long day yesterday. Had a big climb right away: 1800 feet over 2.5. miles. Tough climb. Averaged just under 1.5 MPH. There was a several hundred yard section where I put my poles away so I could use my hands. Tough, tough climb. Took a picture of the final ascent. Looks like a sheer cliff.   Stopped by one of the huts: Lonesome Lake Hut. For $100 per person, you get breakfast, supper and a bunk bed. They were sold out. You can get all you can eat soup during the day; only $2.00. I ate one bowl of pea soup. As hungrry as I was and it still tasted nasty.   Had a couple miles of flat, then the final up the day: 2.6. miles and 1500 feet of rocks--up, up, up. Legs are beat. So tired that I can't remember when I started this climb. Met lots of day hikers enjoying their walk down. I am soaked with sweat and puffing hard. Had to stop to catch my breath. Took a picture to try and show big rocks--steep climb.   Staying at Liberty Springs Campsite. $8.00 to tent. Got some timely info from the caretaker. Gave us guidance about where to camp, good picture spots, and distance to walk per day. 13.2 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Liberty Springs Tent Site

To: Guyot Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

   I had an awesome day. With just two miles to go I met another pair of walkers. The first one said, "You look happy." The second one said, "Yes, you do." They were right. After a day with three big "ups", I was feeling great. Did 13.2 miles. Most people say that 10 in the Whites is a huge day.   The first climb was looking good going up Mount Lafayette: 5249 feet. Took two pictures on the way up. It appeared that it was going to be clear. Then, the clouds came in. Just covered the mountain. Stayed on top for 40 minutes hoping that it would clear. Got one, but afraid it is really too cloudy.   The next big climb was Mount Garfield. The weather had cleared. The views were awesome. Just sat and stared. Pictues of Lafayette, Washington, and vistas. Dave said he was told the best views were from Garfield and it was awesome. Didn't want to leave, but had to get moving.   Stopped at another hut. They were serving soup. I ate some crumbled brownies and lemonade. Relaxing before the tough climb.    The climb is the roughest. It was 1102 feet in .8 of a mile. There have been shorter sections, that were steeper; but nothing like this. When I got to the top of South Twin Mountain, the views again were fabulous. I was told this was one of the best days in years. Pictues of Dave and I with Mount Washington in the background. Stayed as long as I should. Needed to get to a campground by six.   Dave was really tired. The campground was .7 of a mile off the trail. I gave Dave my water so that he could "stealth" camp along the trail. I'm in a shelter with ten scouts. Hope to sleep well. One of the best days of the walk.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Guyot Camp Site

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

   Got on the trail at 6:30. Was nice sleeping in a cabin and .7 of mile to get back on the trail worked out fine. The wind was very strong and the temperature was in the 40's. I walked over the top of a ridge--a bald--and stopped for just a short while for the view. It was just too cold for my walking shorts. No real opportunity for pictures. It just seemed that the trail today was to get from the mountains yesterday to the mountains tomorrow. And, it was all down hll: from 4560 feet to 1277 feet. Guess what is happening tomorrow.   The book says a 2100 foot climb in 1.8 miles. What a way to start the day. Hoping for another clear day. The views could be awesome.   Staying at a campground, where I re-supplied. $20.00 for a shower and a bunk bed. Money well spent.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Crawford Notch

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 6.4

   What a day! Started out clear and bright. Had a 2000 foot climb in 1.8 miles. The climb went well. Well rested from yesterday. Slept at crawford Notch. Got a ride at 6:30. Just as we got to the top it starts to rain. Immediately got my rain gear on. Gentle rain until I get to Mizpah Spring Hut. Then it pours. Talked ourselves into saying. The rain stayed. The wind came up. Bored to tears. I paid for the stay by organizing the hut library. We hope to leave early tomorrow.   They recommended that no hikers continue. So there are twenty through hikers hanging around. The hut has sixty guests paying $65 each to stay. The crew has really got to work extra hard. Have to hustle up 20 more suppers and breakfasts.   This is really messing up our walking schedule--distance wise. Will just have to see how far we get tomorrow and go from there.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: fog

   Woke early. Wanted to get on the trail after the short rain day. The fog was dense. Couldn't see 50 feet and this was the above treeline walk day. The fog started to break. Actually, I think they were low clouds with some space between them.   Was able to get some Presidentials: Franklin, Jafferson, Madison, and Washington. Clouds broke late afternoon and I got a picture of Dave and I with Mount Washington.   Had a nice up: Mount Washington was 1300 feet in 1.4 miles. The tough one was the last president, Mount Nadison. It felt like straight up for one half mile. Then 2800 down in 2.5 miles. My feet hurt. My back hurts. My calves hurt. Steep, steep "down".   Was to worried about how hard the Presidentials would be. Did cut mileage by 20% and much more tired. Just have two difficult 1 and 3 mile sections tomorrow. Wildcat Mountain, Peak D, is suppose to be the most difficult 3 miles on the AT. I'm sure it will go well.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: fog

   It started to rain early morning. The tent was on a wooden platform. It is not water proof. It's never 100%, but when it can't be pegged down; it's quite porous. There was no good reason to get wet and walk.   Wildcat Mountain is the hardest climb on the AT. Doing it in rain just makes no sense. Was just 4.8 Miles from the climb, so I just waited for it to stop raining. Bad weather during difficult climbs has forced two short days. The rest sure doesn't hurt.   The sun peeked out at noon. Packed up in between rain showers. Hate being wet. The trail runs along the base of Mount Washington. Walked over at least 20 streams heavy with the rain. The trail was of course very muddy and quite wet. The trail acts as a temporary water way. Shoes get soaked, if you are not really careful.   Got lucky with a rate at Joe Dodge Lodge. They normally are $100. Clerk helped me out with a rate of $48. Will dry out, eat well, and climb Wildcat Mountain in the morning.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Pinkham Notch

To: IMP Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

   Forgot to mention yesterday Elwin and Francis sent a letter to Dave and I. Thank you. What a Day. It was a baby bear porridge day-- not to hot, not to cold--just right. No chance of rain. The views were awesome. Ended the day with eleven new pictures.   I'm camping at IMP Campsite. The second to last campsite where you must pay $8 to stay. The caretaker informed me that I climbed eleven mountain peaks today. The hardest section of the AT is now complete.   Breakfast--all you can eat--was served at 6:30. I loaded my plate and went back for more. Didn't get started till 7:15 but well worth it: dry equipment, clean body, and full tummy.   Started the day with what I was told were the two hardest clims on the AT. The first was Wildcat Mountain, Peak D: a 2000 foot climb condensed into 1.5 miles. Made the "up" with out stopping. Then I had to do peaks C, B, and A. That 6 miles took over 4 hours.   After a break the 2nd tough climb waited: 1340 foot climb in .7 of a mile. I made the climb without stopping, however, my steps got alot slower and shorter. Carter Dome is done. Next was Mount Height. It is a bald and the views were awesome. Must have sat there 45 minutes. Had to be able to see 40-50 miles in every direction. Had to get going. 2:15pm and had three more mountains to climb. They were South, Middle and North Carter. That is nine of the eleven mountains. Can't remember the last two and they are not in my guide.   Hope the pictures turn out. Tried to capture the difficulty of the climbs and the beauty of the Presidential Mountain Range. Got an eight mile walk and a 4 mile hitch tomorrow. Need groceries, mail, and clean clothes.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: IMP Campsite

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Was really tired from yesterday's climbs. Still got on the trail by 7pm. Just had one mountain to climb today. For the eight miles today, I got them done in four hours. Nice to see two mph again.    Barely got my thumb out and the first car I saw gave me a ride to Gorham. Laundered. Showered. Shopped. Ate. Ate. Telephoned. Libraried. Wrote letters; and now writing my journal. Got a lot done today. Planning on getting in about twelve miles tomorrow. Not really a rest day, but I'm anxious to get the job done. Just went under 300 miles to go. Still quite a long ways to go. Still just two days from Maine.   Scheduled my airline ticket. So close to going home. So may miles to do.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

   Got on the road at 9:15. Was picked up (hitch hiking) by His Majesty King Kukee Ben-Hvar. He is traveling the country with a plastic tree planted in the soil of all 50 states and 5 protectorates. He sleeps in a phone booth. You can't make this stuff up. He also has only one lung.   Walked 11.8 miles. No White Mountains. Just a trail to get from here to there. The "there" will be the Mahooseec Notch. It is suppose to be the toughest 1.1 mile on the trail. We also have 2 or 3 steep climbs. Going for 14.7 miles tomorrow. Took two pictures of ponds.<   Tonight's shelter looks out on Mt. Washington. It has dominated the landscape for the last two weeks. Tonight there is a meteor shower at sunset. I'm normally trying to sleep at 8, but I think I'll try to stay up and watch the shooting stars.   Will be in Maine tomorrow morning. When I spoke with Denise this morning, we were scheduling the flight home. If we could sustain 18 mile days, we would be done in 17 days.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Gential Pond Campsite

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

   What a day. It's back to real hiking. I'm tired and sore. Started walking at 6:30. The book said it would be tough. Only did 14.7 miles and got in at 6:15pm. It is awesome to be in Maine and over 1900 miles completed.   When on the last mountain in New Hampshire I took a picture of the mountains to the north (Mount Success). I do feel successful. Saw a mice sign when entering Maine. Showed distance north and south--took a picture.         Completed the most difficult 1.1 miles on the trail--Magoosuc Notch. Huge boulders. Deep crevices. Hop over. Crawl under. The 1.1 mile took one hour and ten minutes. Saw a dead moose. Appears to have broken legs going through the notch. Gruesome sight. It's so cold in the notch--you can feel and see ice--the moose is slow to decompose.   This was one of the most difficult days. Huge ups and downs. After the very difficult Magoosuc Notch, there was a huge up--1600 feet in about 1.2 miles. Was so tired. It was just real-real-real difficult. Stayed up last night to watch the meteor shower. Saw a few. Did see the shuttle orbiting the earth.   Hope tomorrow's 16.7 miles is easier than today's 14.7. Great to be working on the last state.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Dunn Notch and Falls
Miles today: 14.1

   Today was not as difficult as yesterday by far. I did fewer miles than yesterday. Need to do 19.6 tomorrow to get back on schedule. I was so tired any little up was very strenuous. I thought it was better to stop early, rest and hit it hard tomorrow.   This morning you could see the fog at 20 feet. Do not remember too much of the trail today. Did take one vista picture from the top of Baldpate Mountain. It was a very difficult climb and tired me for the rest of the day. Fell twice today. No injuries. I have only fallen twice previously. It was because I was so tired.    Camping at Dunn Falls. Water on rocks makes such a relaxing sound. I'm sure I will sleep well tonight. Must. I should get an early start. Need to walk 19.6.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Dunn Notch and Falls

To: Bemis Mtn
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

   I was just in a hurry today. Whenever I saw a vista I took a picture--5 total: Surplus Pond, where Dave slept; vista from Wyman Mountain, north; Vista from Moody Mountain; vista from Old Blue Mounatin; vista from Bemis Range, water. It was so clear today. Walked with my head down.   Ran into a group of young hikers. They always want to know how far is it and how steep is it. I had the answer: 34 minutes and twice as steep as the trail, that we're standing on.   Just had two significant climbs today. Glad to be getting into town for a day off.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Bemis Mtn

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

   Excited about getting to Rangely. After a long, difficult day yesterday (19.6 miles), I was wondering how the body would respond. There was only one "up" and it surprised me. Early in the morning I heard traffic one mile away. Highways are always low. Not in Maine. It was a nice steep climb and my legs were a little weak. However, they responded well. Made the 17.7 miles at 2 mph. Been along time since I averaged that much.   The views are trees with occasional ponds or lakes. Took one picture of a lake on the walk. Took another picture of the sunset on the pond, where I'm staying: Gull Pond. Was one of the most beautiful I have seen. Ranks right up there with Nebraska sunsets.   Maine has been inconsistant. Easy days that just seem to be level trails to get from here to there. Then two days of terribly difficult trails. Really getting excited about finishing. 6 1/2 days to the final major re-supply. That should be 6 days to get through the 100 mile wilderness. Then two more days to finsih.   Maybe
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Rangely, ME

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Just a lazy day. The hostel is 5 miles from town. The owner is good about giving rides. Relaxing day. Groceries for seven days. The pack is HEAVY. Ate at the local restaurant. Spent some time at the library. Rained hard through the afternoon. Lucky to be off the trail. Read the newspaper. Completed the Suduko. Got about half the crossword. Life is good. Hoping for good weather. Ready to be home.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Rangely, ME

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90%   Looks great getting past NINETY PERCENT. As of day end I still have 206.6 miles to go. Denise gave me my return flight info: September 3rd at 2:30 landing in Indy. AWESOME   The hostel stay was excellent. Bob O'Brien opens his house to hikers. Only charges $20 per night, which includes breakfast. Shuttles guests to and from twon at no charge. Laundry is $3. I don't think he can clear any money. Just a nice old gentleman. Great getting cleaned up and catch up with letters and family.   Got started walking at 8:00am. The first part of Maine is stell quite difficult. Started the day with a 2600 foot climb. Quite gradual--spread over 5 miles--so it went quite well. Saddleback Mountain had an awesome view. Three pictures: me with sign, vista, and the heaviest pack ever (45 pounds); Mount Washington; mountains to the north. Spent 45 minutes at the top just looking. The rest of the walk was below tree line; rocks, roots, mud and slush. Had a few steep ups and downs. did well.   Made 13.4 miles.   Camped. Ran into husband and wife southbounders from New Zealand. Their names are Weka and Kea. Two native birds. Will have to read their trail journals. They are retired. Want to see the fall colors. They don't get them at home.    Started to rain. Pulled everything into my one man tent, yes, it is crowded and dry. Lights out early. Want to get an early start.