morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Swansong shelter

To: Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 12.5

Awakened at 5 am by the birds--chattering and noisyClean Shave off at 6:15Then Anton leftA clear day, 52 degreesAnton's journal entry said that he got very cold last nightHiked up to Killington Peak by 11 am, 4200 feetGood views from the top due to clearing weatherMet another SOBO named Surge and hiked the rest of the day with a limping AntonWe decided to share a room at the inn, and slowed by his sore ankle, checked in at 4 pmShowered, did laundry, visited the local Irish Pub and learned that breakfast comes with the room! I shared the rest of my Ibuprophen with Anton who is from Rhode Island and has just finished a Master's in Electrical Engineering. He will be looking for a job after he ends the Long Trail [The Long Trail is a 270 mile trail in VT, from the MA to Canadian borders and runs concurrent with the AT for 100 of those miles. It is the oldest extended trail in the USA and was the genesis for the AT]Our room had a double bed in it; this time I won the toss of the coin and I got the bed!
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Inn at the Long Trail

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

Breakfast was a big yum!For tonight we are moving to a room with twin beds at a reduced rate.I've offered Anton my 40 degree F sleeping bag when I pick up my 25 degree F bag on Mon. from the post officeI don't want him to freeze his bunsHe is happy to take the bag--He even slept in it last nightWe took the bus to Rutland today to look around and shop for necessities--for me--ice cream and bananas!Came back to catch the highlights of the British Open on tv, write some post cards, eat a great Reuben sandwich in the bar, update the online journal with Celia, and off to bed by 9 pmLast eleven day recap: tent-two nights ; shelter-six nights; hotel/B&B--three nightsShelter use increased due to the rain
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Inn at the Long Trail

To: Stony Brook shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The lumps under my right knee are getting my attention now. This is day 3 and the redness has increased. Picked up my PO with a ride from Moose Burger. Said goodbye to Anton heading to Rutland to a hostel for another day of rest. Steep terrain up to Stoney Brook shelter past beautiful Kent Pond. Rockman, Dolley and her dog Ty, Jelly Belly and Crazy Toes, Pyro (SOBO) were in the shelter. Took a Benadryl and was zonked for 12 hours. Pain and sensitivity at my knee had increased the next morning. Several people I talked to think it is a spider bite. Of course lyme disease is in the back of my thoughts.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Stony Brook shelter

To: Shire Motel, Woodstock, VT
Miles today: 13.7

Awake at 6:00am. Fixed last nights supper for breakfast and off at 8:00am. Feeling much better. Lunch at The Cabin. Great view from roof platform. Some strenuous ups and downs on the trail at Vermont Route 12. The fruit stand was closed. I planned to go into Woodstock to see a doc about the suspected insect bite. A local workman next door gave me a lift into Woodstock to the Woodstock Ottanquechee Health Center. I was scheduled for an 11:40am appointment the next day. Got a room next door at the Shire Motel. Caught up on weather, TV news and read until 10:00pm.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Shire Motel, Woodstock, VT

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:00am. Got a coffee, blueberry muffin and a banana across the street. To the clinic by 8:00am and was able to see Dr. Mansfield by 10:00. Doctor unsure what caused this outbreak. Prescribed hydrocortisone and antibiotic for 10 days. Filled perscripition at local pharamacy and got a hitch back to trail by noon. Picked up ice cream at the fruit stand, on the edge. Headed out to hot trail by 12:30. The water source had a small water fall for cooling off. Whipped by 5:00pm and set up my tent at Thistle Hill Shelter. Jelly Belly, Crazy Toes, Dolly and Ty, and Moose Burger were all there. Also three SOBO were camping. To the tent by 8:00pm.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rock Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Wake at 6:ooam to little cooler weather. Dolly hurt her knee and her husband is going to pick her up today. Hiked through upland meadows and fields. Saw 5 wild turkeys. Caught a cool drink at West Hartford Cafe. A great surprise. Started hiking with Flaxseed from Houston. Picked up a PO drop in Hanover, a Quizznos sandwich, then hiked up to Velvet Rock Shelter for an early tent night. No water at the site so I used all that I had with me for supper and got to sleep early in the tent after finally cooling off.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Velvet Rock Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Good night even with noise of Hanover. Tank and Noodles came into the shelter much later last night. Up early and off at 6:40am to find a spring and some food to eat. Met Wounded Knee and Lady Green near the spring and hiked with them for several hours. Hot, hot today. Since I am now in New Hampshire, my thoughts on Vermont are that initially there were rocks, rain, roots and mud. The weather cleared and I dried out. Stratton Mtn. and Killington Mtn. had great views. There were great cafes to eat in along the trail in Vermont. Had lunch at Moose Mtn Shelter with Leader of the Pack, who started at Harper's Ferry 100 days ago. He was taking a zero day at the shelter. Arrived at Trapper John shelter at 6:00pm and met '06 AT hiker Gomo out for the weekend. We both tented and the shelter was empty.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Brackett Brook
Miles today: 15.4

Awake at 5:00, packed and off by 7:00am. Gomo and I hiked together to Hexacuba Shelter. Hiked over 2 mountains, Smarts Mtn. a 2500 foot climb and Cube Mtn. a 1400 ft climb. Some early am sprinkles to keep it cool. Cloudy and humid. Gomo is an ICU nurse who works in Hanover, NH. Gomo suggested a campsite near Brackett Brook in a pretty shaded glade where I spent the night.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Brackett Brook

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel Glen Cliff, NH
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

At 4:30am, two headlights came bouncing down the trail and two women were night hiking and reading to each other. I was awake at 6:00am. A bit cooler, clearer and I was off by 8:00am. A local church bell rang at 8:00am 8 times; 8:30am 8 times; then again at 9:00am 9 times reminding the faithful 3 times of the local service. Several spruse grouse flushed along the trail startling me each time. Arrived at Hiker's Hostel at 2:00pm for an easy day. Noted we have had no real soaking rain since July 21st. Rockman was there and Fat Guy gave us a shuttle into Calamity Jane's in town for dinner. We went to a local community church at 6:00pm and the hikers outnumbered the other attendees by 4 to 3. A good sermon on Luke 5 with Jesus being invited by Levi for dinner. Murphy, a double amputee below the knee SOBO, plays a mean guitar. Tina Dean, a SOBO from TN, was one of the church goers. Mountain Squid, AT '06, was there and gave some advice on tenting on platforms in the White Mountains.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel Glen Cliff, NH

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in until 6:45am today. Had a leisurely breakfast and good-byes to Rock Man and Magellan who slacked Mount Moosilaukee the day before. Finally got off at 9:45am for a 3 and a half hour 3700 foor climb up Mount Moosilaukee to 4800 feet. Stayed on the top 2 and a half hours while the weather improved. White Mountains look awesome but very tough. North side descent very steep and I missed the Beaver Brook shelter turn-off. Kept on going into Kinsman Notch and found a great stealth campsite at 6:30pm. Had good mobile singal on top and at the campsite. Comment on deer flies...Deer flies buzz at lower frequency than mosquitoes and circle around my head out of my visual range when I am hiking. Even with a bandana and a hat on, they still bite the stew out of me. I have learned that when the buzzing stops and the pain starts on my noggin, if I wait one more second and then slap...I can get them! What is interesting is the bigger flies have a satisfying *snap* when I squeeze their exoskeleton.
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Wounded Knee and Lady Green walked by my stealth camp early slack packing over Kinsman Mtn. Off at 8:00am for the hike up Kinsman Mtn. Wagon Wheel and Star Gazer were SOBO's I passed. Had lunch at Eliza Brook Shelter with an AMC crew at work on shelter maintenance. The south face climb of Kinsman Mtn. is super tough but satisfying. I only slipped once and didn't really hurt anything. Into Kinsman Pond Campsite sharing the shelter with a camp group of eight 7th graders who had just finished the south face climb also. They took a little wind out of my sails when I learned that they scampered up the rocks with little trouble carrying their packs.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Franconia Notch (Woodstock Inn)
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 5:45am with the camp counselors. Packed quickly. Off to meet Wally, my son, and Mary at Franconia Notch. Steep descent the first 2 miles. Passed Lonesome Lake Hut and the trail got easier. Got to the Flume Visitor Center at 9:30 and sipped coffee while waiting for Wally and Mary coming in from Jackson, NH. Wally and I will be hiking the next 100 miles of the White Mountains together. Checked into the Woodstock Inn at North Woodstock. Did laundry and packaged meals for the next serveral days to prepare for our hike up Franconia Ridge tomorrow. Checked the PO box and set up the new tent we would share to save on weight. Oh, boy!
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Franconia Notch (Woodstock Inn)

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 6.4

Awake at 615AM for breakfast at the Woodstock Inn at 700AM, packed and ready. Mary dropped us off at the I-93 turnoff to the Flume at about 835AM for the hike up Franconia Ridge. The first 2350' rise in elevation to Liberty Springs got the kinks out. Then we were on to Haystacks Mt, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette. Saw Greenleaf Hut in the distance along with the Old Man of the Mountain site. Once a venerable tourist stop, the "Old Man" broke off several years ago to become part of the talus ruble at the bottom of the cliff. The Cannon Mt ski area also was now visible. We hiked the 1.1 miles down to the hut (questionable decision) with standby reservations. Surely two the 50 tourist-hikers would not show up! After getting there and hearing that yes all reservations are filled, we submitted to the work-for-stay interrogation and were allowed to stay. We hung out on the porch until all the paying guests ate supper, then ate with the staff, were allowed to sleep on the dining tables, got breakfast after the guests, and then swept the dining area and bunk area as our work assignment. Saved the $170.00 to stay in the place.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

The family group that made up 48 guests at the hut were great. We talked to and got to know several of them. One even offered to smuggle us some food from the table before we ate. Now trail mileage does not include the overhead miles to and from shelters, towns, water sources, lost ways, etc. The down and up again from Greenleaf Hut was 2.2 miles not added to the trip miles list. Just wanted to make that clear (if you are thinking that the mileage is a bit slim). The weather is clear and cool, warming up to the 70's in the PM. Steep hike to Mt Garfield with rewards of tremendous views from the top. Got water funneled from a hollowed log at Garfield campsite. Much sweat amid growing heat up to Galehead Hut when we arrived at 3PM. Some chance of thunderstorms today but nothing developed near us. Wally Gator and I have a reservation at this hut as paying customers and the food is good and served family style. We quickly learn to sit at the head of the long table across from each other to "help" with the food flow. A guy named John waxed forever about his former military experiences and we met a NOBO named Osama bin Walkin'. To sleep by 930PM.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch, US 302
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Awake at 600AM and breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, and cinnamon rolls at 700AM. Off a 745AM for the .8mi climb of 1000' to South Twin Mt to help digest our meal. We meet Stretch and Jerry, an Aussie, both northbound thru hikers. Osama bin Walker also passed us. Stopped at Zealand Falls Hut for a $2 bowl of bottomless soup always on the stove. Passed Ethan Pond and took a quick swim which also freshens the shorts and shirt laundry. Decided to press on to Crawford Notch to see about finding a stealth campsite for the night. Not to be however, and caught a ride to Crawford Campground three miles down the road for the night. Negotiated a senior rate for the bunkhouse along with Wally's military rate. Met Stretch and Jerry there, cooked dinner out on a little porch and got to sleep early.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Crawford Notch, US 302

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today, we climbed 4900' from Crawford Notch to the tallest mountain in the east, Mt. Washington. Up at the bunkhouse at 6AM and shuttled to the trail by the campground owner at 745AM. The first climb was 2000' in 2 mi. We lunched on soup at Mizpah Spring Hut and reached Lake of the Clouds (Crowds because of its popularity)by 300PM. Weather was clear, cloudless and cooler. Slack packed up the 2.8 mile roundtrip to the top of Mt. Washington. Duh! you think. Well, "Slack pack" is carrying a reduced weight pack, a day pack with some snacks, water, extra clothing or whatever. This practice occurs never for some, occasionally to frequently for others on the AT. Sometimes bad weather, difficulty of the trail, or opportunity make slack packing a good idea. So Wally and I embarked on a slack pack from the hut up the steep and rocky trail to the summit in absolutely primo weather in order to get back in time for 6PM supper. Our efforts were generously rewarded. The visibility this day was 122 miles, the best so far this year we heard from one of the naturalists there. Interestingly there was no cell phone signal so we couldn't call our wives from this lofty elevation and share our exuberance. Our photos do record our efforts however to call.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Our room at the hut was full, the hut at capacity with over 100 people last night. After a hearty breakfast at 7AM we departed to a forecast of afternoon thunderstorms, wind and rain at 745AM. Hard to believe but by 930AM it was raining on us as we descended down the bad weather route through Tuckerman Ravine to Pinkham Notch. Our decision was a good because later in the afternoon reports came in of high winds, much lightning, and sleet along the ridgeline we might have hiked but will delay for another day. We descended from 5000' to 2000' in several miles and arrived at Joe Dodge Lodge just as a thunderstorm hit. It was a good time to check in, get a shower, pick up a mail drop, take a nap and get ready for supper. I love such a busy afternoon..
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Up at 6AM, hearty buffet breakfast, and off by 7:15AM for more northward tramping. have three 1000' climbs today. Wally is turning into the alpha mule now that he is getting used to the trail this being his 6th day. This is the game he plays. He forges ahead and then waits for me to catch up. As soon as I do he starts out again. Where is my rest time? He was waiting for me to call him on this break technique. I had to chuckle. Down a steep trail lands us in Carter Notch for a bowl of thin potato soup, the worst of all we ate. Then back up 1000' feet to the ridgeline. My knees were crying even with the vitamin ibuprofen I administered. We pulled into Imp campsite at 615PM for our first tent experience. Been carrying that thing for 6 days and want to use it. The caretaker said it would rain toward early morning, but I inwardly said pooh!
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham US 2
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Sure enough, long about 4AM it started raining. We packed up a wet tent and other gear and noted Magellan, Stretch, and Jerry had the good sense to overnight in the shelter there. The rain and wind continued through noon with the forecast of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Hiked the 8 miles to US2 leading to Gorham, NH and called for a shuttle to White Birches Campground.A guy named Bruce in a van showed up and wound up taking us to get Wally's car 30 miles away. Here was the reasoning. The final 31 miles on our plan was through wilderness with no road access, we had two days to do it with no good midway campground. The weather was iffy bad, but the kicker was I was pooped and at 38 days was tired of hiking. So, we got the car, went to the hostel, did laundry and showered, met Matt and his dog, Udog, Lily again after a month, and Spartan all northbounders. Once I changed into clothes my wife bought me and were in the car, Spartan said I looked like a golfer and not a hiker. The decompression had begun. We piled all of them including the dog in Wally's Mercedes sedan and went to supper in Gorham where we again ran into Sir Wounded Knee and wife Lady Green.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Gorham US 2

To: Bretton Woods, NH
Miles today: 0.0

So, next year to finish the northbound AT journey I start a Gorham, NH with the Mahoosics on the horizon and about 290 miles through to Mt Katahdin, Maine. A daunting thought. This will take some creative planning and physical preparation. When I asked the asst hut master at a hut how was the best way for a section hiker to prepare for Maine, she looked down her nose at me and huffed "2000 miles". Spoken by the top of the food hiking chain northbounder single season "thru-hiker. I didn't think to ask her how do southbounders prepare until many miles later. Drat! Well, this year I am through hiking after 425 or so miles, but will be back next year. Wally and I decided to go have lunch at the Mt Washington Hotel and check out Bretton Woods for a zero day and if the weather is good to slack pack from the top of Mt Washington around the 13.4 mile Great Gulf Wilderness to Pinkham Notch to finish the 2007 AT tramp.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Mt. Washington

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday we said all our good byes to our fellow hikers, set up a van ride to the top of Mt Washington for this morning, and stayed at the Jordan Hotel in Sunday River, ME. We were up a 6AM for the drive back to Pinkham Notch for the van ride up the Auto Drive Road to the Mt Washington summit. The weather looks good with high clouds and only about 200' of the summit obscured. Dexter the driver, showed us how to find the trail at the top and we were off at 9:35AM for our final hike (slack pack) down from 6200' to 2000' over 13+ miles and up and over several of the presidential mtns on the way. The cog train belching coal fire smoke got us just a small bit near the top. Reached Madison Hut for chicken noodle soup and then hiked the .5 mi to the Mt Madison summit. Lots of big rock hopping today. Back down to the car by 515PM and on to Elvio's Pizza (The best Pizza north of the Bronx they say) in North Conway, NH. Into a motel in Portsmouth, NH and drove all the next day to North Carolina, about 800 miles to Wally's home and our beloved wives.....
Date: 2007-08-13
To: Sixteen Years and One to GO
Miles today: 0.0

Wally and I are at his home (safe and sound) after a 40 day AT hike for me and nine days for him. Other than my scare with the insect? bite and a few black toes, we are unscathed. For this I thank God for His protection and you who have been praying for us.. Socks, your help has been noteworthy which I have shared with others numerous times and sandman, your hospitality and contact I have appreciated very much. Mary, Wally's wife and my daughter in law helped plan and carry out Wally's rendezvous with me even to renting a car to get her back to Boston for a plane ride home. My wife, Celia has been so generous with encouraging me on the trail and patiently waiting for my arrival home. Thanks to all of you who have sent me notes of encouragement and emails. Next year maybe I'll finish this adventure off.
Date: 2008-02-21
To: Trail Mx(see also Ol' Graceful 2007 journal)
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I'm out on the AT doing maintenance on a one mile section north of Hogpen Gap assigned to me by my energetic colleagues at the Georgia AT Club. Along comes Proudfoot hiking with a guy from Forsyth, GA heading NOBO. Another couple, he from England and she from Scotland passed by going north. It starts to rain. drizzle at first and then steady when still another couple, Amanda and Josh come by. I wished them all well and hope to see them in July when I get to Maine for the final section of the hike that has taken me sixteen years to get to Gorham NH. Seeing all these explorers is wetting (even in the rain) my appetite..
Date: 2008-06-26
To: Training Hike for 2008
Miles today: 0.0

Finished the nine day training hike from Dick's Creek Gap in N. Georgia to Fontana Dam two weeks ago. All is well with gear and body. I can say that Albert Mt and Cheoah Bald are not worn down any from all the foot traffic and weather. They are just as rigorous as 15 years ago when I first trekked over their ancient faces. Wish Nomad and Little Dutch Boy all the best on their NOBO hike and hope to see them again when they flip to Maine and start SOBO in July. I drive to NH today and tomorrow, stay at Top Notch Inn in Gorham owned by some friends I met skiing in Utah in Dec. and expect to start hiking from the trail crossing near Gorham on Saturday morning. The Mahoosucs are beckoning and I approach with some trembling.But, I am bound to enjoy what I can.. Last night, Celia and I had a house full of friends, relatives, kids and grandkids to celebrate Wally's birthday. Thanks to my wife for her homeside cheers and help with logistics.
Date: 2008-06-26
To: Off to New Hampshire
Miles today: 0.0

Said goodbye to my loving and faithful wife,Celia, and hit the road for some driving. Nearing my destination after two 650 mile days, a huge thunderstorm developed over the northern White Mts as I passed by Mt Washington just outside of Gorham, NH. My thoughts turned to those hikers out there on the AT and side trails as they undoubtedly were scrambling for shelter. There will I be tomorrow. Reached the Top Notch Motel where friends and owners Sally and Rich would lodge me for the night and provide a space for my parked car until Celia retrieves it at the end of July.