morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-10-22
From: Gorgeous Stays (Exit at NOC) Mile 137.9

To: Wayah Bald Mile 120.7
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Orchid and I tucked in our super hero capes and bid farewell to the Hero¢s Hideaway. We got dropped off at the NOC around 8. It¢s chilly this morning so we are fortunate to start the day off with a little climb of 2900 feet over seven miles to warm up. The upper elevations are getting bare but the lower mountains still have color and we got some partial views and some good view points on the way up. We could hear the train whistle again today as well as a bunch of dogs barking although it¢s not clear if they are hunting or on someone¢s property. At the top of the climb is Wesser Bald, which is now completely tree covered. However there is an observation tower which has great views of the surrounding mountains. While we were up on the top, an overnight hiker recognized us. Turns out they had been at the Maine Roadhouse Hostel with us way back in August. Backpacking is a small minority of the recreation crowd so what are the odds of crossing paths like this? It¢s similar to meeting Strider the other day. After soaking up the sun and views we headed back down so we could do another 1000 foot climb up to the Copper Ridge Overlook and some views back down into the valley. We stopped for lunch at the next shelter which was on the shady, breezy side of the mountain and immediately got chilly and had to add several layers to keep warm. After lunch we turned back on the sunny calm side of the mountain and I had to take off my convertible leggings. At lunch we decided to push on to the Wayah Bald Observation Tower for sunset and sunrise. There is no water at the top so we¢ll have to carry it from the last shelter. It¢s a popular spot with gravel road access and there¢s even a pit toilet building at the parking lot. We tried to find a stealth or established spot but couldn¢t and ended up pitching our tents at the edge of the grassy clearing around the tower. Another overnight camper who drove up is here also. I ended up eating first and then setting up camp.  The sunset was okay, but was partially obscured by the trees and clouds on the horizon. We got periods of color but we¢ve seen better. By the time it got dark everyone had left although one vehicle pulled in well after dark. We can see the lights of Franklin, NC in the valley below. It¢s a weekend and we saw lots of backpackers today although only one Thru Hiker who is doing a wrap around thru hike (a Flip Flop but started back at Springer and heading north after summiting Katahdin). We also noticed that there are more bare areas of trees today. I¢m wearing the hat all the time now to try to prevent sunburn in the bare forest areas. I¢ll tease that tomorrow we will be joined by a mystery someone for the rest of the way south.Steps 41000Weather Forecast: 64/31 sunny
Date: 2022-10-24
From: Established site Albert Fire Tower Mile 100.9

To: Muskrat Shelter Mile 82.2
Miles today: 18.7

Orchid , Coach and I got to wake up at the regular time again to catch the sunrise. The sun was rising over the valley below the fire tower so you got the full view without needing to climb the fire tower. I was able to sit and eat breakfast  at the base of the tower while watching the sunrise. Highly recommended this if you can. My left knee was sore and stiff this morning. The climb up to Albert Mt wasn¢t bad, but the descent was tricky and reminded me of some of the trail in NH. It was made worse as it took the knee a bit of time to loosen up. Shortly after we started down the Mt we passed 100 miles to go and officially have just double digit number of miles left. Just about six miles later we passed the 2100 mile mark. We made a marker and did the required photo op. This is the last time we¢ll be making hundred mile markers. We stopped at the top of Standing Indian Mt for lunch. This is the last 5000 foot Mt we¢ll climb. It was sunny with limited shade up top as the higher elevations are bare here. Bit hot in the sun but not too bad. Do need to be careful that we don¢t get a sunburn, especially in the areas with bare trees. Overall it¢s a beautiful fall day and a perfect day for hiking. It looks like we¢re going to get a stretch of gorgeous fall weather to finish out the trip. Today was one of those quirky days on the trail. In the morning we were generally heading south and came within a half mile of GA before we took a hard turn to the west before completing the U turn and heading back north. At the furthest point we were about 6 miles from the border before we turned back south. Looking at the path, it really looks like we sideswiped GA before recovering and heading back towards her. Camp tonight is about 2 miles from the border and the completion of another state. We got setup and Coach was just pulling out the band bus when two section hikers arrived. Turns out one of them, named Shook, plays and sings and we had a good concert going with both Coach and Shook playing until it was time to turn in for the night. Another great evening of music and chatting as we continue on the Thrillderness journey. Orchid and I tented while Coach is in the shelter with the section hikers. Shook got his trail name because he shakes the forest with his snoring and we can hear him from where we are camped. Tomorrow is a short day into Hiawassee, GA for the final resupply. Steps 40400Weather Forecast: 73/41 mostly sunny
Date: 2022-10-25
From: Muskrat Shelter Mile 82.2

To: Hostel Around The Bend (Exit at Dicks Creek Gap) Mile 70.4
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

It was a normal morning packing up and heading out of camp. Orchid , Coach and I had a relatively easy downhill as we headed towards Georgia. We came to the final state line took a bunch of pictures with the sign before Orchid started playing ¢The Devil Went Down to Georgia¢ and we started dancing and singing along and otherwise just being silly. As we continued towards the hostel in Hiawassee we noticed that the fall foliage was getting better and better. It¢s almost like fall turned back on at the state line. We started walking through colorful trees and got partial views of the mountains which are mostly in color here. We¢re goin to town for probably the last time today. It¢s hard to believe that we have just four days and 70 miles remaining until this journey comes to an end. We got a ride from the trail to the hostel from a nice couple from Colorado we¢d passed and chatted with for a while. We were all crammed into the back of their conversion van. At the hostel we ate, showered, did laundry and then waited for the 5PM shuttle to town for resupply. Crossword and Firelight are at the hostel as well. After getting back we went to meet Bloom and her family who are staying in a place nearby for dinner. This all started from a chance encounter outside the outfitter store in Daleville which lead to hiking together and then this get together. Bloom finished her SOBO hike yesterday at Springer Mt. Besides Bloom, her brother Ricky, who is a Ridgerunner in the Smokies, his fianc© and her dad were there. They made a delicious baked pasta along with a massive salad and garlic bread. We talked and Coach played his guitar until almost 10PM, well after hiker midnight. It was a fun way to celebrate Bloom¢s finish and our last night in town on trail. We¢ll be a bit tired tomorrow but well worth it. Steps 28700Weather Forecast: 67/46 overnight rain
Date: 2022-07-25
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Three years after thru-hiking the AT, Sharkchow (left) is back for more ¢ "just" a section hike, the NH and ME portions of the AT, 442 miles. He's joined by two South Carolinians, Snowman (center) and Wizard (right), who've been on the trail already for several weeks. It rained this morning, so they left Hanover around noon, and walked about 10 miles. "Need trail legs," Sharkchow texted from his hammock, set up near Moose Mountain Shelter. "Where are my trail legs?""Time for sleep," he continued. "Hoping trail legs arrive tomorrow."
Date: 2022-07-26
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter on Mt. Cube
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The Three Musketeers ¢ Sharkchow, Snowman, and Wizard ¢ made it to Hexacuba Shelter on Mt. Cube today. For Sharkchow, at least, this was no picnic. The last one and a half miles were "torture," he says. "I was running on an empty tank." Wasn't sure if he could keep going. Still waiting for trail legs to show up... He didn't send any pix, so I'm sharing another fun one from Hanover. Lou's Bakery gives out free donuts to hikers, and Snowman was happy to partake. Sharkchow scarfed his down, then took this pic. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-07-27
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Warren, NH
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Sharkchow (aka Warren), Snowman, and Wizard are in a bunk room at Hikers Welcome hostel in Glencliff, NH, near Warren. Sharkchow can never resist a good Warren sign. "Pretty good day. Kept moving," Sharkchow says by text. He admits he's still waiting for his trail legs to show up. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-07-28
From: Warren, NH

To: Kinsman Notch, NH
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

Sharkchow and Wizard got a ride to the north side of Mr. Moosilauke (4,800 feet), then hiked south with lighter packs - "slack-packing." The idea was to reach the top of Moosilauke before an expected storm. Then, if I understood correctly, they made their way to Kinsman Notch. I may have this all completely wrong, but whatever they did, I know they've hiked every inch of that part of the trail, whichever way they were going.  Somewhere in there they also got a ride to Lincoln, NH, and Sharkchow picked up the resupply package he had mailed himself from DC before he left. Wizard didn't join them in their hike, sadly, as he developed knee problems and had to drop out. He got a ride to Lincoln, NH, and from there headed to South Carolina. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-07-29
From: Kinsman Notch, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman hiked to the top of Kinsman Mountain (4,358 feet) - spectacular views. They camped that night at Kingsman Pond Shelter, with a beautiful view of the pond from their hammocks. Sharkchow's legs are getting better. "I'm training up and moving forward," he said in a text Friday night from his hammock. The challenge is to eat enough food, even without much of an appetite. Weather got nice and cool in the evening. Might have dropped into the 40s that night, he said. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-07-30
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman hiked into Lincoln, NH, dropped their packs at their destination - Chet's Place - then headed straight to McDonald's, Sharkchow's favorite restaurant. And what about Snowman? Apparently he's OK with Golden Arches. They're doing laundry and shopping, basically enjoying civilization, including another restaurant for dinner."This town is full of hikers, everybody's walking funny," says Sharkchow. Well, maybe it's just the older hikers who are walking funny, he admitted when I questioned the "everybody" part. "The young people, they just prance around." "We're in the mountains now. We're in the Whites." Next up: Franconia Ridge. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-07-31
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Sharkchow and Snowman left Lincoln, NH, just after 7:00 am and walked Franconia Ridge Trail. They also summited Mt. Lafayette - 5,260 feet. Now they're set up in their hammocks at Garfield Ridge Campsite, Mile 1831. See more pix under Photos. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-01
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman made it to Ethan Pond Shelter today. 14.5 miles. But the big accomplishment was by yours truly: reserving two bunks at Madison Spring Hut for Wednesday night, Aug. 3, per their request. I had to wait all day for 2 cancellations, and then I pounced. Not cheap, but Sharkchow says it's worth it - big dinner, 2 beds in the bunkhouse, and big breakfast. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-02
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman arrived at Nauman Tentsite, near Mizpah Spring Hut, right before it rained. Though it didn't rain long. By early evening, things had dried out, and the weather was cooler. It's been really hot and humid. "Tons of hikers here," says Sharkchow. "You wouldn't believe how many hikers are here." Have his trail legs arrived? Not yet. "The first 100 miles were OK. Maybe they'll come in the second 100 or third 100!" He laughs. "It's pretty... yeah." Two or three more days in the Whites, then they'll spend some quality time in Gorham, NH. But first: a night of luxury at Madison Spring Hut... after climbing Mount Washington. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-03
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman left Mizpah early Wednesday morning and reached the top of Mt. Washington (6,288') by midday. Mt. W is famous for its crazy, fickle, suddenly dangerous weather, but today was gorgeous - breezy, cool, blue sky, no clouds. "You could see Canada, you could see forever," says Sharkchow. "If there are five perfect days in a year on top of Mt. Washington, this was one of them." They reached the top just as the cog railway was disgorging large quantities of people. But no problem - it meant someone was around to take their picture. Our hikers also availed themselves of the cafeteria, where they had clam chowder and Coke. Snowman also had a chili dog. Then it was on to Madison Spring Hut for all-you-can-eat dinner and beds in the bunkhouse. One more thing: Sharkchow got a kick out of seeing kids in Camp Owatonna T-shirts, running up the rocks toward the top of Mt. Washington. Our kids and my brothers went to Camp Owatonna (in Harrison, Me.), many years ago.-- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-04
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Thursday morning at Madison Spring Hut, Sharkchow and Snowman tanked up at the all-you-can-eat breakfast, then hit the trail.Upon arrival at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, "I literally walked into the shower in my clothes," says Sharkchow. Then he peeled everything off and laid it all out to dry on the hot rocks outside. I'm going to assume he wore alternative clothing for the public portion of this exercise. Dinner at Joe Dodge Lodge was a feast: barbecued beef, chicken tenders, Brussels sprouts, salad, two glasses of milk, and Key lime pie. The plan for Friday is to hike over the Wildcat mountains and wind up at the Imp Campsite. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-05
From: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman arrived at Imp Campsite at 8 pm after a miserable day of hiking. It rained only a half hour, but that made everything wet and slippery. "The trail was very steep up and very steep down," says Sharkchow. "There were wipeouts."On top of that, it's hot and really humid. "My shirt and pants were so wet from sweat, when it rained I could only get dryer."In 2019, when he thru-hiked the whole AT, the weather was much nicer on this part of the trail - not too hot, not especially humid. Even then, he recalls, "I had said, I'm never doing this again. And here I am, doing it again." -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-06
From: Imp Campsite

To: The Barn Hostel, Gorham NH
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was another "brutal" day of hiking for Sharkchow and Snowman. Lots of tricky spots to figure out - such as, how to get down from a ledge that's maybe 7 or 8 feet high. But the real challenge was the heat. "If it were cooler, I'd be a lot better," says Sharkchow. They arrived in Gorham, NH, midday and checked in at The Barn Hostel. Then it was off to McDonald's for "the obligatory feast." The McDonald's was a mile away, and Snowman suggested they hitch. After five minutes, a woman pulled over and took them to their destination. "She was very friendly," says Sharkchow - and even offered to wait while they got their takeout, which she did. Note to Mrs. Snowman: Just to be clear, she had no designs on these guys, Sharkchow says. He laughed when I asked. She's a hiker herself, he said, and just wanted to be helpful to two people who were clearly legit hikers and not some homeless guys. Another observation: There were ATVs all over Gorham. "There must have been an ATV convention here," says Sharkchow. "All the hotel parking lots were full of ATVs." On their way to Walmart (for resupply), courtesy of the hostel shuttle, the guys witnessed a road rage incident between an ATV and a car, which involved one of them swerving into oncoming traffic, but no collision. Tomorrow Sharkchow and Snowman will take a "zero" in Gorham. The weather is still bad: Hot and humid, no breeze, just heat.-- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-07
From: The Barn Hostel, Gorham NH

To: The Barn Hostel, Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman enjoyed their "zero" in Gorham on Sunday with a $10 day pass at the local hotel indoor pool (and jacuzzi and sauna). Sharkchow skipped the sauna but Snowman did all three. It's still really hot and humid out. More rain expected this week, which is a good thing. Water sources are running low in some places; that could be an issue in Maine.Breakfast at Dunkin's: two Boston cream donuts and a glass of lemonade. Also an encounter with a local guy - an opportunity to find out what was up with all the ATVs. "Yeah, the bastards, they're all coming up from Massachusetts," the guy said, using a colorful term for Mass. residents. There was, in fact, an ATV convention in nearby Berlin, NH.Snowman noticed the local had a pistol tucked into his pants, no holster, and asked if NH was an open-carry state. Which it is - NH famously does not regulate firearms. "The laws are given to us by God and God alone," the man said. The pistol was an automatic. -- Mrs. Sharkchow p.s. My NH brother-in-law, who owns various firearms, read this post and says there's no such thing as an "automatic pistol." Must be a semi-automatic. I'm sure I heard wrong!
Date: 2022-08-08
From: The Barn Hostel, Gorham NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Sharkchow and Snowman landed at Gentian Pond Campsite after a 10-mile hike. It was crowded - "a ton of thru-hikers," says Sharkchow. Funny story from Sunday at the hotel pool: There was a large guy from Berlin (NH) in the hot tub, and then Snowman gets in. Sharkchow is in the pool. Large Guy points to Sharkchow and asks Snowman, "Is that your son?" Hardly! Sharkchow and Snowman are about the same age. -- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-09
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Monday's hike was a lot of up and down, and it seemed to take a while, compared with Sharkchow's memory of this section 3 years ago. "I don't know what I was doing last time, but it went a lot faster," he said. The highlight was crossing the NH-Maine state line just before noon. Progress! Weird weather today. It poured rain, but Sharkchow was so hot he didn't even bother to put on his raincoat. Then it got cooler up high. Now they're in their hammocks, and it's actually cold out. He's using his down puffy jacket for the first time this trip. Tomorrow morning is the big show: Mahoosuc Notch. According to the AWOL guidebook, this is the "most difficult or fun mile of the AT. Make way through jumbled pit of boulders."-- Mrs. Sharkchow
Date: 2022-08-10
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Sharkchow and Snowman hiked Masoohuc Notch today - the most difficult section of the Trail. Or "fun" as the AWOL guidebook says. It's basically a bunch of boulders in a V-shaped valley, with deep crevasses. Three years ago, when Sharkchow thru-hiked the AT, he made it thru Mahoosuc Notch and Mahoosuc Arm just fine, and was glad he'd never have to do it again. "Last time it was sunny and dry," Sharkchow says. "You could stand on the rocks and not careen out of control." Going up Mahoosuc Arm was "crazy, steep, slippery." And of course it rained, "because it wasn't slippery enough." "It was like walking on ice," he says. "It was terrible." Now the guys are tucked in at Speck Pond Campsite, and the weather is blessedly cool. Sharkchow says it's a beautiful setting - a high lake on a mountain. The campsite itself isn't great, he says, but the surroundings are fantastic.
Date: 2022-08-12
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Washington, DC
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday morning, Sharkchow and Snowman hiked from Speck Pond Campsite to the highway at Grafton Notch. With that, they completed a section of the AT widely considered the most challenging - crossing the presidentials in NH and through the Mahoosucs in southern Maine. Snowman then headed to Bethel, Maine, for resupply. Sharkchow, unfortunately, had to leave the trail to deal with a dental issue. Mrs. Sharkchow¢s brother-in-law drove up from Concord, NH, to get him and on Friday, Mrs. Sharkchow¢s sister took him to the dentist. Sharkchow cracked a tooth on something in a backpacker meal, and it will take a while to fix. Now he¢s back in DC, and hopes to return to the trail, if possible. In the meantime, Snowman continues his trek north. Godspeed, Snowman.
Date: 2022-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The last day has been a rush of checklists, bubble wrap, and duffel bags.  Made it to the airport and checked the bag.  Hopefully my pack arrives in Wash DC in one piece.  No bent trekking poles or a broken umbrella.  Or even worse¢¦pulverized biscottis. From DC, I catch a trail to Harpers Ferry. The photo is the dome ceiling of the DC Union Station.
Date: 2022-04-21
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed at Towns Inn in Harpers Ferry last night. Picked up a thru-hikers tag at the ATC headquarters this morning.  Funny that they are there to serve hikers but don¢t open until 10 am. Got on the trail at 11 am. It rained lightly off and on all afternoon. No wind so good weather for a trekking umbrella.
Date: 2022-04-22
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

If I had been a history major you would now be looking at a photo of the original Washington Monument near Boonesboro, MD. But instead, you get a photo of the moldering privy at the Rocky Run Shelter. Because the ground is rock, they can¢t dig a pit toilet. So human waste is ¢deposited¢ into an above-ground bin where red worms aerobically transform your poop into their poop, which is essentially dirt. And it doesn¢t even smell bad. Much cooler than a monument.
Date: 2022-04-23
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Arrived at Raven Rock Shelter late afternoon. A group of Boy Scouts were there learning survival strategies. Fallout showed up later. Fallout got his name by falling from the upper loft of a shelter a few nights ago. He¢s fortunate he wasn¢t injured.  We¢ll be the only ones staying in the shelter at Raven Rock. On the lower level.I was explaining to Fallout about how Scouting just wasn¢t the same because they weren¢t fixing s¢mores, when three weekend hikers from DC showed up with their leftover s¢mores. Trail magic!