morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Hanover , NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

8/4/12 SaturdayTodays plan is to hike 9.9 miles into Hanover, NH which will make the 13th state we have entered along this journey.  Before hiking though we had a great breakfast at the Fill Your Belly Deli.  The waitress, a nice woman from London with a heavy accent even sang Happy Birthday to me with my trailname.  That sounded strange; Happy Birthday Dear Swamprat!!  Anyway, after breakfast, next stop, Hanover, NH.     Getting into NH required a 3 mile road walk and it was a hot day.  We walked across the Connecticut River where we entered # 13, NH.  Next stop was Molly's Restaurant and Bar for some great food and a couple of the local brews.  I had the Switchback and it was good.  I felt kinda bad going in to eat because we had come in straight off the trail. The hostess said they had hikers come in all the time, it was fine.  They even let us bring our packs inside and stashed them kinda out of the way.     For such a small town it was very busy;  the Ivy League College of Dartmouth is the main attraction.  It was a very expensive town.  We didnt stay at the Hanover Inn because their rooms were over 200 a night.  So after resupplying at the local CVS pharmacy it was off to the Sunset Inn of West Lebanon.  A 99.00 roadside motel which was equal to the 49 dollar hiker special motels we are used to.     While in town we ran into Lighthouse, Secrets and Shannanigans, and Kindle Ninja again.  Those last three we have not seen for a few weeks.     Well that's about it from the Sunset Inn.  Time for bed. Catching a taxi at 630 am back to the trail.  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-08-05
From: Hanover , NH

To: No Name Tent Site
Miles today: 14.4

SundayCaught the taxi back to the trail at 630.  After a great breakfast at Louis' place we hiked out of town.  On the way I took some photos of the football field and track.    We entered the woods around 9.  We had a nice steep climb where a rope was used to get passed the slick rocks. Not high just steep.  We continued passed a couple of gravel roads and at the second road we found some iced down cokes in a cooler. They were left by Bush McDonald ( I believe).  Thanks they were very well appreciated.  We continued, trying to get to the Moose Mountain Shelter before a line of heavy rain.  We made it and about half an hour later it rained for just a little while.  While at the shelter we met a SOBOer that has completed the trail 3 times!!  His name is Grover and his buddy's name was Tracks.  We also met Mr Noodles.  He is from Canada and instead of Ramen Noodles they have Mr Noodles.  He said at the beginning of his hike he was asked what he was eating and he responded, " Mr Noodles" .  He recieced some strange looks and from that day forward, the trailname Mr Noodles was born.  I met a Young man from Germany today heading NOBO. His name was Deep because he has a very deep voice.   Well I am tented 1.5 miles from Trapper John's Shelter which is at the top of our next mountain.  It is time for sleep. See ya tomorrow,Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-06
From: No Name Tent Site

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained heavily last night but I managed to stay dry.  Today has been an interesting day.  The climbs a little steeper and a little rockier.  It is preparing us for the Whites.  The first view was from Holts Ledges .  The ledges should be described as sheer drop offs or cliffs!!  After that we came to a road where the famous ice cream man lived. There is a sign on the trail that says free water and ice cream.  It was only 8 am so we quietely walked up to the house to get water from his hose.  He saw us from inside and came out to greet us.  Very friendly. All he requires is for you to answer the question.  The answer is yes.  The question is "Do you believe everything you read?".  We were told this by SOBOers.  So we get there and he asked us what the answer is.  There was no question! !!  We said yes and we got our ice cream!!  We sat and talked a while.  He will ask everyone if they would like to play croquet.  We chose not to but understand others have.  After a short visit we hiked on.  We hiked with Kindle Ninja most of the day and ate lunch at a firetower at Smarts Mountain.  Great views from the tower.  I will post them on facebook.  After lunch we hiked another 5.3 miles to Hexacuba Shelter.  This is where I am tenting for the night. The plan tomorrow is get to Glencliff early, stay at The Hikers Welcome Hostel and slackpack Mt. Moosilauke on Wednesday.  So, thats it fot the day.  The temperature is forecast to drop into the high 40s tonight.  Gonna be chilly!!  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Woke up this morning after a good nights sleep.  It was fairly chilly last night, probably down to 50ish.      Started down the hill from the shelter at 7 am.  Everybody was hiking with a goal in mind; 5 miles to the road,  half mile down the road to a farm that sold fresh fruit, veggies and snacks.      But first, Mt Cube with an elevation of 2900 ft.  There were some incredible views with the fog blanketing the valleys below.  After the mountain it was onward to Ore Hill campsite for lunch.  There was a shelter there at one time but it was destroyed by fire last year.  You would not have guessed it would be the place for lunch, however, shortly after arriving, along came Secrets and Shannanigans, Kindle Ninja, and a SOBOer called Wired.  Very appropriate name, he seemed to be bouncing off the walls, well in this case, the trees.    After lunch  I got to the road, pulled out the book to see which way on the road and was disheartened to read that the half mile to the snacks was actually 1.9 miles!!!!  Man did I hate to be the bearer of that news!!  Once everybody got to the road, it was a no brainer, we continued north!  Now the goal was to get to the Hikers Welcome Hostel.  I was almost there when a dang honey bee decided he didnt like me.  Rascal stung me on the back of my leg, above my shoe, through my sock.  Little B>¥¢¬%tard!      Made it to the hostel, put up the tent and we got someone to shuttle us to a great little deli/grocery store in Glencliff.  After getting a sandwhich to go and something for breakfast it was back to the hostel.  Now it's time for sleep. Big day tomorrow, Mt Moosilauke with an elevation over 4800 ft.  So thats about it.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-08
From: Hikers Hostel

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Got up this morning and hit the trail by 7. Climbing Mt Moosilauke today. The summit is 4,802. There are no switchbacks heading up but it wasnt a bad climb. We came to the South Peak Summit first which had some great views. The North peak was incredible. We had lunch on the summit before starting downhill. The downhill wasnt bad until after Beaver Brook Shelter. After that it's super steep.   During wet or icy weather they recommend taking an alternate trail. The A.T. Parrallels a waterfall most of the way down. There were many photo opportunities on the way down.   After reaching the bottom, I exited the woods at the trailhead parking lot. F100's parents were eagerly waiting to see everybody and it was great to see them again. They were there to pick us up and spend a day off the trail with us. We were looking forward to a zero day to rest before enteing the White Mountain National Forest. A short while after I exited the woods, F100 and Steady popped out.   We loaded into the van and headed to Lincoln, NH. Our plan is to take a zero tomorrow and hit the trail on Friday.   The forecast for Friday and Daturday does not look good at all. We shall see. Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-13
From: Chet's

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 10.5

Woke up this morning at 520 but nobody budged.  Finally caught the shuttle and got on the trail at 845.  Late start for us.  Also starting late were Nokey and Sprinkles.  Nokey got his trailname because before starting his thruhike he sold his house and car so he has no keys.  Sprinkles said she likes lots of candy sprinkles on her icecream.      The trail up Franconia ridge was a fun climb and we were rewarded with some of the best views of the hike.  Incredible doesnt do justice.     We summited Little Haystack Mtn,  Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette before heading toward Garfield Pond to tent for the night.  Reached the pond around 630.  We met 2 section hikers and a NOBO from New Orleans.  His trailname is NOLA.  It is now time fore sleep.  Great day along the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-15
From: Zealand Hut

To: Webster Cliffs
Miles today: 10.5

August 15, 2012Woke up to rain this morning. For two weeks I have been meeting SOBOs talking about the great weather they had in the White Mountains.  Now we get here and the weather has been poor.  We had views on Moosilauke and limited on Kinsman.  Great on Garfield and Southtwin.    This morning's hike was without views so I wasted little time getting to Crawford Notch.  The plan was to get to the AMC Center and eat lunch, take showers and relax.  We hitched a ride to the center from the trailhead.  It didnt take long and we were eating lunch and drinking a soda.  The relax part of the day ended quickly.  The decision was to take showers and hike 2.5 miles up 2300 ' to the Webster Cliffs and Stealth Camp.  Bad part of that decision was deciding to wash my cloths with no time to dry.  My pack weighed 50 lbs hiking up to the Cliffs!!!  It turned out to be the right decision.  It was a great site to tent.  The view was fantastic.  There was a small red squirrell that decided to share the cliff with us.  Cute little guy, guess he doesnt know he taste like chicken!!  Anyway, time for sleep.  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-08-16
From: Webster Cliffs

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: fog

It rained again this morning, so it was a late start.  Absolutely zero visibility all day!!  Not one view from the peaks of the Presidentials.  We wasted little time, the first stop was Mizpah Hut for some hot soup for lunch.  We saw Kindle Ninja and met another NOBOer, his name was B-1. He recieved his name just by a luggage tag he left on his pack.  After lunch, we hiked to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut.  It is above tree line and is the busiest hut in the Whites.  Most hikers end up here and ask for work for stay.  It was a great decision.  It was the fall crews first day, everybody was happy and in a great mood.   We ate like pigs after everone was finished eating.  Cleaning up was easy enough, now we get to crash on the dining room floor.     The last couple days has been wet and more wet.  Didnt get to dry out today because there was no sun.  Hopefully things will dry somewhat tonight.  Tomorrow we summit MT Washington rain or shine.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-17
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Mt Madison Tent sites
Miles today: 8.7

Slept fairly well last night considering all the noise and people moving around.  Got up at 530 and helped the crew get ready for breakfast.  After cleaning up we were able to eat the leftovers.  They were great.  We hiked up to Mt Washington by 1030.  The weather was great.  After leaving Washington, we crossed The Presidentials and finally made it to Madison Hut around 5pm.  I spoke with the hut master about work for stay but he said they were full.  He gave us directions to a tent area .6 down a steep hill.  It was raining heavily and forecast to be in the low 40s with thunderstorms all night.  Strange that he would turn us away.  Oh but wait!!!  I realized after speaking with him,  he is the one from Zealand Hut.  The hut master that I gave the 4 pages of inventory back to.  Well I did tell him I would fire the person responsible for the condition of the inventory.  I graciously thanked him for the opportunity to work but thought it best I hiked on.  I didnt even fill my water bottles up.  So, here he is at Madison Hut!!  What are the odds?  Guess he showed me who the boss was, sent my butt packing!!  I did get to speak with him though.  I stated if this was a get back at me for not doing an inventory that he should let the others stay and I would tent.  I reminded him that the forecast called for Thunderstorms and low 40s.  He said he was aware but he had six guest hikers already.  So, we all moved on.  A few others came into the tent sites later because they were turned down also.  And that's the way it is,  i am tenting and it is raining.  Guess I wont say I would fire anymore hut peeps!!  Sure would be dry on the hut floor.    Oh well,  time for sleep but all said and done, what a great day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-18
From: Mt Madison Tent sites

To: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 7.8

Aug 18, 2012. Saturday Woke up this morning and packed quickly.  I knew we had to hike back up the steep hill to Madison Hut before starting up Madison.  I got water at Madison and enjoyed speaking with some of the guest before leaving.  The climb up was all rocks but wasnt bad.  The views at the top, I thought were more spectacular than Washington.  For me there were far to many people, roads and cars for getting good pictures.   I took a quick break at the top then started down.  Down Madison was a different story.  Rocks and steep.  By the time I made it to the tree line I felt beat up.  My knees and ankles were aching.  Below the tree line it was still steep, fewer rocks but slippery roots, rocks and many sream crossings.  I fell backward over a rotten stump, landind on my pack.  Two SOBOs seen me. Not a proud moment, one of them helped the poor old man up.  Good thing, i'd probably still be there!!  Anyway, hiked on until I finally reached Pinkham Notch.  There,  I was able to get a sandwich and a coke while waiting on F100 and Steady.  We later called the White Mountain lodge and Hostel.  They had room so we were picked up and shuttled back to there place.  We decided to stay and take a zero tomorrow.  We met several familiar faces during our stay.  Nokey and Sprinkles, Secrets and Shannanigans, Lighthouse, Nola, and a few SOBOs as well.  All the NOBOs were talking about similar aches and pains and looking forward to Maine.      See ya MondaySwampat
Date: 2012-08-19
From: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

If your hiking the A.T.  Make sure you plan to stay at the White Mtn Lodge & Hostel.  Glenn and Geri are super and run a very nice place.  We had a nice breakfast this morning and Glenn returned us to Pinkham Notch so we could complete the last section of the Whites.  We have had great views for most of the Whites. We were very lucky.  Others mist most of the views and that was some tough climbs to reach the summits and have nothing to see.  Today we climb several peaks along Wildcat Mtn and Carter Dome.  As we reached Wildcat Peak D, we saw the Gondola.  Just as we walked up to it, two hikers got out of one of the Gondola cars.  It was Boots and Melody.  I have heard much about them and how they both have gifted voices.  They are a couple and are from Switzerland.  We visited for a while before they moved on.  After having lunch we moved on ourselves.  I hiked ahead for a while until reaching Carter Notch Hut.  I purchased a bowl of chicken and rice soup and was eating when F100 and Steady arived and joined me.  After a quick bite we continued. This time F100 took the lead.  I hiked for about two more hours before coming to Mt Hight.  For me, this was the best 360* view of the entire White Mountains.  I also met Boots and Melody who were waiting for the sun to set.  There was no F100, turns out he took the old A.T. at the junction just before Mt Hight.  I had a fantastic visit with Boots and Melody.  We spoke about how awesome it was to be there.  Boots even made me some flavored tea that  tasted great.  The sun was beginning to cast shadows over many of the mountains.  They explained how this was the perfect setting for them to sing the song that was so talked about along the trail.  He explained how an old mountaineer use to describe the sun setting along the glaciers and mountains.  The song told this story.  It was sang in Swiss by the the both of them as I looked across nothing but a sea of blue mountains.  Each peeck was like waves and the clouds cast shadows across different peeks and valleys.  Truly one of the most beautiful evenings I have witnessed and two people from Switzerland Boots and Melody with such wonderful voices singing just for me!!  Incredible moment it was.  I have hiked almost 2000 miles to this mountain top so far from home with only 300 miles left, my body is extremely tired and I want to finish but for this moment all is well.   These two strangers from another country have given me one of my most memorable moments along the trail.  I will forever remember Mt Hight along with my new friends from Switzerland, Boots and Melody.       Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-21
From: No Name Tent Site

To: White Mountain Lodge
Miles today: 13.5

I tented last night at a stealth site just above Zeta Pass.  It rained a little last night so I had to wipe off the tent before taking it down.    I left camp this morning at 730.  F100 and Steady were leaving later because F100 wanted to do the portion of the trail he missed last night.  So I hiked on summitting Mt Moriah around 1130.  I hiked part of the day with Boots and Melody  I also met other NOBOs today, Lobster, Thumper and Goat.  After that it was all downhill back to The White Mountain Lodge and Hostel.   I arrived at the hostel at 230, showered and ordered a 12" meatball sub from Mr Pizza.  The crew, including Boots and Steady arrived by 4.  The plan is to go sit down in a restaurant for dinner and celebrate the completion of the Whites.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-22
From: White Mountain Lodge

To: gentian pond campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning at 530. I was itching to start heading north.  Maine is only a few hours away.      It is as though Katahdin is pulling me like a magnet.  I am so close now to my dream becoming a reality and forever a memory.   I am finally accepting the fact that I will summit Katahdin.  Five months ago my plan was to hike north toward Maine.  I really wasnt sure I would make it.  I mean really,  over 2000 miles of wilderness trail and mountain after mountain, carrying 40 plus pounds on my back, I gave myself a good chance at best.  It was the support of my family and friends that put me over the top.  My wife has been amazing while I hiked toward my goal.  Without that support there is no way I could have done this.  I have had my bad days and many of you have noticed.  You sent encouraging words through my guestbook.  It has not gone without notice.  Your words of encouragement added fuel to my fire.     I know I am not finished but tomorrow I will enter Maine.  The last of the forteen states.  Only 280 miles to go!!  With a little luck, there will be no injuries, no hurricanes striking the Gulf and no family emergencies.  I have suffered two of the three so Mother Nature, be kind please.     Since I will be in Maine tomorrow, I will take this opportunity to remind those who have pledged to "Grant A Wish" you may mail your pledge to the following:   Troop L Grant A Wish    4300 North Causeway Blvd     Mandeville, LA.  70471Please make the check payable to the same, Troop L Grant A Wish,  and just note on the check at the bottom. Hike for Grant A wish.      For ease of calculation just use 2000 miles as the miles completed. As a note to anyone considering a donation, any amount is greatly appreciated by those children suffering from such horrible and quite often fatal illnesses.   It has been a joy to know that by living my dream I will also be able to fullfill some of theirs.     For this evening, I am tenting at the Gention Pond Campsite.  It overlooks a huge valley with mountains as a backdrop.  There is a pond just below the site that Beavers are swimming in and Just a few minutes ago there were two moose in the pond.  Today has been another great day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-23
From: gentian pond campsite

To: full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

MOOSE!  Woke up at 530 to walk down to the Bear Box to get food bags.  I decided to take a peak at the pond.  It was barely daylight.  I saw a cow moose in the middle of the pond, water up to the top of her chest.  She saw me and decided to vacate the pond. I tried to snap a couple of pictures but they are poor quality.  Not enough light.  She ran along the edge toward the woodline and the calf then ran in that direction.  Great, I saw a moose!!  Good start, now I want pictures.     After breakfast we packed up and headed north.  Today there are two milestones.  1- we go past 1900 miles.  2- we enter Main, the last state of this 14 state hike in the woods.  WOW!  What a journey it has been.     They say the first few days of Maine are tough.  It proved to be a good challenge.  Many ups and downs today.  The funniest part of the day was when I was attempting to cross a mud bog.  Note the word "attempt".  I was walking along the side and leaned to the right hoping that the trekking pole would stop an all out fall.  The pole sank to the handle sending me in the only direction possible.  I managed to step instead of fall but my right leg was knee deep in black muck!!  There was a suction on my foot when I tried to pull my leg out.  Luckily I managed to keep my shoe on otherwise I would be hiking tomorrow with a crock on my right foot!!      We made it to the shelter at 430 and by the time we got water it was just to late to do the famous toughest or funnest mile on the A.T.  The imfamous boulder field called Mahoosuc Notch.  Boots and Melody decided to press on and get through it before dark.    So, in the tent and ready for a good night's sleep.  There is a large group of first year Harvard students camping here also.  I hope it doesnt rain because they have packs everywhere.    See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-08-24
From: full Goose Shelter

To: Bethel Maine- Resupply
Miles today: 10.0

They say the Mahoosac Notch is either the hardest or funnest mile on the A.T.  We were soon to find out.  The notch is a mile of giant boulders and rock scrambles.  It requires you to either stay high on the boulders or scramble under or between them.  If you stay on top of them you dont have to remove your pack.  BUT, if you fall, well at best maybe broken bones!!  Stay low and the pack would have to come off.  The mile was completed in 1.5 hours.  The packs never come off!      After a tiring but fun Mahoosuc Notch there were still a few major climbs ahead.  The Mahoosuc Arm, Goose and Speck Mountains.  By the end of the day we all felt beat up.  We still had to hitch into town and resupply.  I met a retired hiker coming down Goose and after talking a few minutes he offered to give us a ride into town.  Great!!  After getting to town we realized it was too late to get back to the trail after resupply.  We ended up staying in Bethel overnight.  There was a great little Pub where we ate giant Bison Burgers and some cold refreshments before calling it a day.  For winging it with no plan, it turned out to be one of the many fantastic surprises in another small unknown town along the trail.  Tomorrow it will be resupply and back to the woods.  For today, the curtain falls on another great chapter of Swamprat's 2012 Appalachian Trail Thruhike.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-25
From: Bethel Maine- Resupply

To: Frye Notch Tent Site
Miles today: 5.8

Today was a short hiking day.  What we would call a nero. (near zero day).  Six miles.  We left the Victoria Inn around 1130.  Patti, the owner of the Inn was kind enough to give us a ride back to the trail.  First she stopped at the outfitter so we could get fuel then stopped and let us get a sandwich to go.  Thanks Patti!!  If you find yourself in Bethel, ME,  stop in and stay at her Inn.  She will do everything she can to make your stay an enjoyable one.     We hiked to the Frye Notch Shelter and set up camp.  I am trying to get a cold, wish me luck!!  I have not had as much as a sniffle this entire hike; I don't want one now!!!  We shall see.  Swamprat