morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Lyme-Dorchester Rd.

To: NH 25A
Miles today: 14.0

A day of slack packing over Smarts Mtn and Mt. Cube. These were steep climbs and I was happy to not carry my full pack over these mountains. In between, there were several PUDs so the hike would have been a grind if I needed to carry all of my gear.MaFinch (Judy) made trail magic at the trailhead and presented strawberry shortcake to two section hikers (Tom & his dad), Grizzly, Packman, Nick the Brit and Amble. They will talk about this gift for a week.The summit of Smarts Mtn was completely engulfed by clouds so I did not bother to climb the old fire tower, however, I did take the time to explore the ranger's cabin and to chat with Chief who was going to try to dry his tent in the cabin. Jan LiteShoe arrived just before I continued my hike to Mt. Cube. The sky began to clear as I climbed Cube. I began to get good views of Smarts Mtn. With the sun shining now and more blue in the sky, the air began to get uncomfortably warm.When I reached the summit of Cube, I found a group of kids from a near-by camp lounging on the rocks and low and behold, MaFinch was having a snack enjoying the view. She had climbed up the north side of Cube while I had climbed up from the south. Good for you, MaFinch. We took summit pictures of each other. On the way down Cube, I took pictures of the numerous mushrooms that have started to appear with this damp, warm weather. They seem to be all over the forest floor and appear in a variety of shapes and colors.Now ... for the great pleasure of a hot shower!!
Date: 2003-08-08
From: NH 25A/Wentworth, NH

To: Glencliffe, NH
Miles today: 11.2

Today I walked with Packman and Grizzly. We met during the climb up Mount Mist (a modest 2220 feet) and moved along at about the same pace. They had full, heavy packs and I had only my day pack but I still had to work hard to keep up with them.At Glencliffe, Grizzly and Packman decided to stay at the nearby hostel. I kept going to try to cover as much distance as possible before attacking Moosilauke.The short section that I walked through next was a lovely old white pine forest that had a thick carpet of pine needles. Jeffers Brook flowed near the trail and the forest was filled with the background music of rushing water. I did not stop at the Jeffers Brook Shelter but noticed many nice tenting sites, all of which were illegal. No camping signs made it clear that this area had been heavily used and abused. Too bad...its a nice place.When I came to a forest service road, I came upon a group of 10 to 12 year old boys throwing rocks at a forest service sign and apparently killing time waiting for a van to take them back to their base camp. One of the boys asked me if I was walking the trail and I said "yes, all the way from Georgia". Unable to see any blazes on the forest service road, I asked if he knew which way led to the trail and he pointed up the road saying the trail was up there. Thanking him, I went up the road for about a half mile, saw no blazes and was convinced I had gone in the wrong direction. I turned around and headed back down the road, passed the boys still having target practice with the No Trespassing sign. While their counselor stood by, one of the boys apologized for sending me in the wrong direction. One of the older boys (their counselor?) directed me to a nearby paved road where two blazes were visible. (Why do I get lost so often when I come to a road crossing?)MaFinch was waiting for me at a nearby parking lot where we had agreed to meet. Now for two days at home in Hartford, Maine to fatten up. I hope that by Monday the weather will improve and I will be able to cross the White Mtns with clear skys. I have not quite figured out how I am going to use the AMC hut system to travel through the Whites but it certainly is not designed to help thru hikers. It seems to be a system of Bed and Breakfast hostels for people with plenty of money. Traversing the Whites may be very expensive - $8 for a tentsite, $68 to stay in a hut? Somehow, this does not seem to be in the spirit of the AT. Does this part of the AT exist for tourists with serious money and are thru hikers simply a money-loosing nusance? I have not met a thru hiker yet who has had many nice things to say about the AMCs B & B's. What is the purpose of the Appalachian Mountain Club?Oh well, another phase of this long journey is about to begin. I am so happy and thankful to have come this far. Springer Mtn and the Smokies seem very far away and long ago!397 miles to go!!
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Sanitarium Rd., Glencliff
Miles today: 8.1

A day of slack packing and a mini flip flop. Today, Judy (MaFinch) and I met our good friend, Lydia, at her home in Randolph, NH. We spent most of the day hiking Moosilauke from the north to the south. We went in this direction because the north side of the mountain is much steeper than the south side and we thought this would put less stress on our knees. At the trailhead this morning we met Jan LiteShoe and Chief preparing to start hiking to Eliza Brook Shelter on Mt. Wolf. It was fun seeing them and I regretted that we would not be able to hike with them today since we were going in opposite directions. I hope I will catch up with them in a few days.Lydia and I started up the north slope of Moosilauke while MaFinch drove around the mountain to start hiking up the south slope.On the north side, we found the trail led up relentlessly over many steps that had been built into the trail. Huge rocks had been moved, some had been shaped and others had been imbedded with rebars to provide hand holds. We moved up this very steep grade at a steady rate, stopped briefly at the Beaver Brook Shelter and reached the tree line after about two hours. The trail paralleled Beaver Brook which had many waterfalls and beautiful pools. Because of the haze and low-lying clouds the view was limited but we could see some of the closer mountains over which I would be hiking.After about 45 minutes, MaFinch arrived at the summit from the south side of the mountain. What a nice surprise and it was great that she able to hike with us. The descent to Glencliff was fairly uneventful. The grade was less steep and it allowed us to carry on a conversation while we walked. Lydia also found some edible mushrooms.
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

After a wonderful blueberry pancake breakfast cooked by Lydia, Judy and I left for Kinsman Notch. There was light rain on the road but the weather appeared to be clearing when we reached the trailhead. After saying our goodbyes, I started up the trail to Wolf Mtn. and by 9:30 I was greeted by a beautiful waterfall cascading over a long series of stone steps. Unfortunately, the steps were the trail and I soon found myself walking through a long, steep waterfall. This was to be the nature of today's hike. For all of the day, my feet were soaked and often I had to walk through long stretches of muddy water. The trail was either muddy or rocky and I was quite surprised that it was so difficult. At 2:30, I reached Eliza Brook Shelter and since the sun started to shine and there was still plenty of day light left, I decided to push on to Kinsman Pond. I knew the ascent of Kinsman would be very steep and a major rock scramble so I hoped I could do it in dry weather. After I left the shelter, I was soon in a light rain but I pushed on over a very rough trail, arriving at the shelter at 5 p.m. I was glad to sit down and finally get my wet shoes off!!Kinsman Pond was quite pretty with the mist blowing over it. I was, however, surprised that the water was so very brown. No matter, I filtered it and used it for my hot chocolate and dinner.Not a lot of miles today and no rewarding views but I feel like I did a lot of work just to get here.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Kinsman Pond 

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

A dark misty day. Everything is damp and the mist swirls into the shelter. Because of the darkness and slight chill, I was late getting up and leaving the shelter. But...no matter, I expected to meet MaFinch at the trailhead in Franconia Notch to resupply for a three-day trek along Franconia and Garfield ridges. On the way down, I stopped briefly at the Lonesome Lake Hut to get clean water. About one mile from the hut, I passed a crew of six boys building bog bridges. This part of the trail is well maintained with many bog bridges over muddy sections.When I met MaFinch at the junction of the AT and the Franconia Bike Path, I decided to spend the rest of the day at home in Hartford, Maine to dry out. Now that I can see the end of this long journey, I feel less pressure to keep moving towards Katahdin. Perhaps it is time to slow down, enjoy the mountains and stop fighting the bad weather. I feel confident I can reach Katahdin before the end of September, but I must not become complacent...372 miles to go.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Liberty Springs

To: Guyot Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

The climb out of Liberty Springs Campsite led to the Franconia Ridge Trail and by 7 a.m. I was well above the treeline enjoying the wonderful views of Mt Lincoln, Mt Lafayette and Mt. Garfield. In the far distance I could see the Presidential Range but Mt Washington was engulfed in clouds. There were a few rock scrambles up Garfield but the trail was well maintained and easy to follow. Coming down off Garfield was a challenge because it was often very steep and a fall would have been a disaster. Most of today's hike was above treeline and when the trail descended below the treeline the boreal forest took on a primeval look. The sky was clear, the sun bright, the breezes gentle and cooling. In short a wonderful day for a hike in extraordinary country.There were many day hikers today probably because this was the first trully fine day in about ten days. I also passed many people who were hut-hopping. I envied them their light packs, clean clothes and full bellies.I tried to stay at the Galehead Hut but all spaces were reserved well in advance. Just as well because the cost would have been about $69. Instead, I pushed on to the shelter at Mt Guyot which is .8 miles off the trail. I hate finding a tenting area so far from the trail...wasted miles!!There seems to be much anger from thru hikers about the AMC, the hut system and the distances between tenting areas. If tent platforms were provided at the huts, traversing the White Mtns would be much simpler for backpackers. However, it seems the huts are convenient for hut-hoppers and thru hikers must make significant detours off the trail to camp within the National Forest regulations.Although today's mileage was low compared with a month ago, today's hike was a real stretch. Started today at 6:30 and finished at 5 p.m. and I took about 1/2 hour of break time. This grueling pace was forced on me by the placement of the tenting areas. If I had stopped at Gaelhead Hut, the distance and time would have been just right.Oh well, a hard day, a good day and everything has worked out fine. My knees hurt and I'm quite tired. Hope the campsite quiets down early.My thought for the day: If you're searching for something there is an assumption that it can be found. What about searching for the unknowable. Tom, you have been in the woods too long!Saw a spruce grouse today.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Guyot Campsite

To: Ethan Pond
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: fog

Mt. Guyot Shelter and tentsite is .8 miles off the trail and about 400' down. I hate to go so far from the trail to camp! However, the trail to Guyot was beautiful and often above treeline.This morning, I was up at 5:30 and saw a bright red sunrise over Mt. Washington. Once I rejoined the trail I had several good vistas from Zealand Clifts. As the morning moved on I began to see more day hikers climbing up from the hut at Zealand Falls. Also met two SOBOs but I forget their names.Zealand Falls and Thoreau Falls parallel some of the trail and I stopped several times to admire them. My pace today was somewhat leisurely because I planned to stop early at Ethan Pond. It did not seem wise to push past Ethan Pond because the climb out of Crawford Notch to Mitzpah required a 3,000' increase in elevation in less than one mile.I will resupply at Crawford Notch from a cache Judy and I left there three days ago. Hope the food is undisturbed. The next three days will be in the Presidentials!!
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

A day of great views of the Presidential Mountains.The climb up Wildcat Mountain was a real butt kicker. Steep with some especially difficult rock scrambles. The weather was warm and muggy so I took my time and stopped often. Wildcat seemed to have several false summits but I knew when I was close to the true summit because I could hear the operation of the gondola cars. From the gondolas it was a short walk to an observation platform which gave a 360 degree view of the Presidentials and the Carters. I stayed there a while and ate a lunch of roast beef and cheese sandwich."Are you all alone?" asked the 10-year old boy who had just ridden a gondola to the top of the mountain. "Well not exactly. Look around you. What do you see and hear? You can never be alone." After a wondering look, he soon turned to consider the view from another direction while I shouldered my pack and started down the north side of Wildcat.The hike over the Carters was somewhat nostalgic because I had been over these mountains about 25 years ago with my daughters. Nothing seemed to have changed. The hills were just as steep and the views just as wonderful.I reached Imp Tentsite around 6 p.m. and soon heard a flute playing nearby. Gazer was here! I set up my tent on a platform as far away from the shelter as possible and wandered over to the shelter to cook. There was Gazer talking with Kay, a section hiker. After dinner, we walked a short distance to an observation platform to watch the sunset behind the Presidentials...blood red this evening as lights began to appear in Gorham.
Date: 2003-08-22
From: Imp Shelter

To: Rt. 2, Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: haze

On the trail this morning by 6:30. During the evening an orientation group from Harvard arrived and simply flopped down on a large platform without bothering to set up tents. Sleeping under the stars was probably fun because it was a clear, cool, starlit night. As I left the campsite, the Harvard group was just starting to stir but all the other campers, except Gazer, were still sound asleep. I like being first on the trail because it increases the probability of seeing wildlife and discovering interesting animal tracks in the mud.Today was a long descent to Gorham and after a few hours my knees were complaining to me about the abuse they were getting despite my new longer trekking poles.After eating lunch at the Rattle River shelter, I continued down the trail towards Gorham. About 15 minutes later I met MaFinch, granddaughter Leela (Butterfly) and grandson Griffin (Fwrog) walking towards me...a pleasant surprise since I did not expect to see them before noon. After a few pictures at what I believed to be the 300 mile mark from Katahdin, we walked a ways but soon stopped at an area near the stream where we could soak our feet in the cold water. Somehow the kids managed to play in the water, eat lunch and keep reasonably dry. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour. Now for the trip home and two days of family, food, and fun!
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Rt. 2, Gorham

To: Trident Col Tentsite
Miles today: 6.9

After a day and a half at home to visit with my wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, I was well fed and eager to return to the Trail. The hectic house with three young children was a stark contrast to the simple, quiet life on the Trail. I greatly enjoyed this small family reunion and it served to remind me of how fortunate I am to have such a loving, happy and successful family.Michael drove me to the trailhead in Gorham and I was on the trail by 2:15. Early on, I missed a turn and continued walking on an old woods road but discovered my mistake after about 15 minutes. This hike was generally non-descript except for a quarter-mile section through a beautiful forest of white birch trees.Reached Trident Col campsite at 5:30. The wind is blowing hard and the temp is dropping as fast as the sun sets. I'm glad I have my cold weather sleeping bag tonight. I love it when there is a chill in the air.Thank you, Lord, for my family, friends and this glorious day!
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Trident Col Tentsite

To: Full Goose Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

What a great day!The trip to Carlo Mtn was through a fine old hemlock forest. The trees were well spread out and the ground was thick and soft with needles. In the distance, I could see Goose Eye Mtn looming ahead and the climb up the south side was quite precarious. However, once at the summit the vista was 360 degrees from the mountains of the Presidential Range to the mountains of Maine. At the summit there was about one mile of bog bridges through a wonderful alpine bog. I had never seen such an extensive bog field. The spagnum moss was at least a foot thick and the blueberry bushes extremely dense. What a special place this is!When I reached Full Goose Campsite, I discovered Dreamwalker and Kiwi sitting in the shelter. It is quite remarkable that we were able to link up again. I hope we will be able to go through Mahoosuc Notch together for safety sake and to take a few pictures. Hope the weather improves tomorrow...the Geezers are reunited!
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Full Goose Campsite

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

Today the Geezers take on the infamous Mahoosuc Notch!We left Full Goose campsite at 8 a.m. under an overcast sky. The light rain last night left everything dripping wet but the trail was not soggy. We had an early climb in the mist over Fulling Mtn and a very sharp descent to Mahoosuc Notch.The Notch lived up to its reputation. Huge, house-sized boulders, sharp angles and dangerous scrambles under and over. At times we crawled under rocks; at times, we slid down flat-sided rocks; and at times, we held on with our fingertips well aware that a fall in this place could be a disaster. At one point, we crossed an ice cold stream apparently formed by melting ice with the sound of rushing water under the boulders over which we were climbing helped to drown out our grunts and groans as we slowly clawed our way thorugh "The Notch". On two occasions, I had to remove my pack and drag it behind me as I wiggled through a tight passage. Uncomfortable with tight places, I had to focus on simply moving the next few feet without thinking about the enormous boulders hanging over me. I managed to hold my clostrophobia in check but this is not a pass through which I want to travel again.All of us emerged with scratches and bruises and we gave a cheer when the Trail led up out of the notch to the summit of Mahoosuc Arm. We had survived "The Notch"! Now for "The Arm" to Speck Pond. Speck Pond is a lovely place...a glacial pond, isolated from the rest of the world. Isolated and peaceful. I was surprised to learn that the pond is stocked with trout by the State of Maine and that fishermen have an easy time catching the fish. The campsite has several tent platforms and a large lean to. After chatting with the caretaker for about 15 minutes, we continued our climb up the south side of Old Speck Mtn. Speck Pond would be a nice place to spend some time.Often the trail was over exposed smooth rocky outcrops and we were happy that the sun was shining for most of the afternoon. If the rocks had been wet, the trail would have been quite treacherous. Near the summit, Dreamwalker and I took the blue blazed trail to the summit but we both declined to climb the tower that rises above the trees. The ladder looked long and steep and the view was good enough where we stood on solid ground.On the way down Speck, we caught up with MaFinch who had climbed the mountain earlier in the day and had decided to head down when she did not find us.When we reached Grafton Notch, all four of us returned to the "Finches" nest in Hartford, Maine for dinner and a night in soft beds. We had a great time catching up on trail gossip and renewing our friendship. I was happy to have their company today especially as I climbed through the Notch and up the Arm. In the morning we will take on Baldpate Mtn...one of my favorite climbs in Maine.
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.9

Today the Geezers climbed Baldpate Mtn. Although the drive to Grafton was marred by heavy rain showers, when we started to climb, the rain stopped and we had great weather the rest of the day.I had climbed Baldpate several times before but every time I break through the trees, I am awed by the panaramic vistas, the rounded bald and steep climb to the East Summit. To the north, mountains; to the west Washington and the Presidentials; and to the east, Old Blue and Sugarloaf stand looming in the distance. Above us clouds shoot by in the gusting wind. The whole experience was invigorating.When I look back from a vista like this and think about how far away the mountains appear, I am always struck by how much can be accomplished one step at a time. A truism to remember.
Date: 2003-08-28
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Today was an easy hike with some steep climbs and descents. The weather was cool, windy and dry...ideal hiking weather.Early in the day, I walked past Surplus Pond, a glacial pond of about two acres. It had one cottage on its shore. It seemed like a nice place to have a camp. Wyman Mtn was a long steady climb that gave some nice views of Andover and the Telstar Station. The descent down Wyman was very steep and I greatly appreciated the stone steps that had been built into the trail. Reaching Sawyer Notch meant a climb up Moody Mtn with many cedar ladders and steel hand-holds placed at precarious locations. The trail builders did a wonderful job here because the trail is very steep and would have been very difficult without their hard work.Thank you Maine Appalachian Trail Club!!
Date: 2003-08-29
From: South Arm Road

To: ME 17, Oquossoc
Miles today: 13.3

The temperature this morning was 38 degrees and the air had a breezy chill under partly cloudy skys. Great hiking weather!I was on the trail by 8 a.m. with a slack pack and some extra clothes. After climbing up the side of Old Blue Mtn in 20 minutes, I removed my extra clothing and drank about a quarter of my water. I had forgotten how thirsty I was when I left home early this morning.When I reached the summit of Old Blue, I found Chief and Jan LiteShoe having a snack and waiting for me. What a great surprise! While we were talking and taking in the great view, Crash arrived. All four of us hiked together for a while but Crash soon moved ahead while we continued at our age-appropriate rate.The hike today gave us nice views of the Rangeley Lakes and the area around Andover. We passed through an old growth forest of Red Spruce and I was dismayed to see that so many of the old trees were apparently dying. Could this be the result of the added stress caused by acid rain? I imagine that since this is near the northern limit of their range that any added stress could be limiting.At the Bemis ridgeline, we found many blueberry bushes laidened with fruit so we dined on this nectar from the gods.When we reached Rt 17, I was happy to find MaFinch waiting to take me home for another great calorie-rich meal, a relaxing whirlpool bath and a soft bed. Ahhh, the simple pleasures of life on The Trail.