morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-02
From: Bald Pate Leanto

To: Campsite near Mahoosuc Notch
Miles today: 9.1

Today was a very long day. I got up at 5 and was on trail by 6:30. I had to go quickly down the hill as someone from Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge was meeting me at the road with my food drop. I am now a day ahead of my schedule which makes me happy although I ended up not staying at the lodge. The pack seemed heavy and it was a long way up the 3,000 ft climb to the top of Old Speck. Lots of hikers passed me including 3 college groups, Frank, Trapper, Short Order, Bean Pole, Water Bug, Beaker and Dragon Fly, Peru, Radar, Cotton and Lady Pants, Willing and Able, Snake Hips and Spud, Knitty and Gritty, Boy Scout, Gardener, Deleware Dave, Tippie Toes, John Wayne, Conversation, Strawberry, Radio, Kiwi (dog), Aces, Trump, Mark Trail, Snake Farm, Spit Walker, Smiley, Catalyst, and Next. I had lunch with a nice view back to Bald Pate. I had talked to Knitty and Gritty and then Gardener about going through the Notch with me if it worked out. But I was going so slowly it almost didn't. When I pulled into Speck Pond Shelter they were headed out. Our goal was to get to the campsite just before the Notch. As soon as I ate a little, Hydrated my dinner and watered up (thanks to some guys who had some extra), I too set out. After the climb over Mahoosuc Arm it is a long and very steep descent, some with a lot of exposure, much down very steep rock slabs. I have to go very slowly down such stuff. I felt akin to an orangutan using trees to lower myself down rock slabs. Some was very difficult. Once my foot slipped down about 2 feet scrapping my shin. Much I went down backwards. And then I ran out of daylight. I put fresh batteries in the headlamp and resigned myself to being even more careful. I was at least down the worst of it before daylight left. I got water at the stream and simply strung the water bag on my belt. Where was the campsite? And then I saw lights. Halleluia! Gardener was looking to see if I was coming. I would never have found them in the dark off the trail without her headlamp. I got tent up and ate dinner in short order. I am here and life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-03
From: Campsite near Mahoosuc Notch

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The Mahoosuc Notch is known as the most difficult mile on the trail. I surely hope it is as I barely could do that. The most difficult mile I have ever done or hope to do. I got up early and am glad I did. Gardener and Frank Denob went with me. It started to rain just as we started out. Oh good, slick rocks. Fortunately it only rained enough to slicken the rocks. It could have been worse. The Mahoosuc notch is a mile's worth of huge blocks of rock that fell off the steep cliffs towering over both sides. Into the jumble we went. Not too bad at first. Then it got worse. Without Gardener and Denob I am not at all sure I could have made it. Denob led the way and Gardener came from behind. A few times she gave me a butt boost or let me stand on her thigh so I could get up the side of cliff-like rocks. At least twice I had to take off my pack to crawl through holes or caves. One cave we had to pass packs. Knitty and Gritty caught up with us for that one. Denob got himself caught going head first down one bunch of rocks. I was sure he was going to come to a bad end and couldn't even watch. He did fall but survived with a scrapped elbow. Some people make it through in 2 hours. It took us more than 4. I should have done push ups for a year to strengthen the arms for hauling up and lowering down rocks. We had stopped for a break about 3/4 the way through. When we were all the way through Gardener and I stopped for lunch while Denob pushed on. Then Gardener left and later so did I. I was so tired from the notch it was hard to do the next mile and a half. I finally approached the shelter. Gardener saw me coming and played her penny whistle to get me up the hill. Cool! I was very glad to be there. Very short miles. Very tired. I made it through. Life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-04
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Campsite one mile before Gentian Pone
Miles today: 6.8

Another hard, long day with some bright moments. I got up early - necessary when one is old and slow. The first part of the day was pretty fun - up North Goose Eye, I liked getting above timberline. I looked down from almost up East Goose Eye and could see Gardener and Knitty and Gritty. I sang Oh What A Beautiful Morning for them and Gardener played her tin wistle. We could hear each other well The sky was mostly clear and it was a lovely day. They caught up with me at the trail junction and passed. We came to some hairy ladders going straight down some sizeable cliffs. Gardener helped me down a bit again. Then they were off. I just cannot go very fast. Uphill is hard because it is uphill. Downhill is difficult as I am afraid of falling down steep wet rock slabs. I did a lot of tree rappelling.-hanging on to trunks or limbs and backing down rock slabs of various steepness. At one point a thunderstorm went through. It rained pretty hard with a bit of tiny hail too. The lightning got as close as a count of two to the thunder. I was glad when the storm moved on. Not far from Carlo Col Shelter trail there was a really awful jumble of rocks. I did get up them and in the middle of them met John and Allen, trail maintainers. They asked if I needed water and even climbed part way back up the jumble to give me a bottle. Nice! Onward I went on my slow way. After a while I came to another horrid jumble. Just then Gardener came up behind me. Saved again. (she had stopped at the shelter for water and a long break.) One place in that jumble she lowered her leg and I used her ankle to pull myself up. She went on and I hoped she would make the shelter before dark. I knew I wouldn't. Another headlamp night only this time with wet trail and wet rock slabs. I just am moving very slowly. I have switched to iodine as it is fast and I am glad to now have 2 half liter bottles so I can keep one purifying all the time. After Gardener went on I trudged onward. I hydrated my dinner. Then, about 8:30 I spyed a flat spot-beside the trail. That is a rarity. So I sat down and thought about it while eating dinner. I could hear more thunder coming and knew it would be another hour or more to reach the shelter. I set up the tent and took off my filthy clothes, got in jammies and crawled in. I have never gone to bed so dirty. But I am dry and safe as the rain comes down and life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-05
From: Campsite one mile before Gentian Pone

To: Gorham
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

A surprizingly short day. I got up early thinking somewhat discouragingly that I would not get to Gorham today. 13 miles would be too far. But I started down the trail. After a while a couple older hikers passed me NOBO. They told me my friends saved me a spot at the shelter. Another older hiker came by and asked if I was the pastor. Then he said I was an amazing woman, which struck me as incredibly funny since I never met him before. So onward I trudged. The trail was a little better after the shelter turn off although everything was very wet. After a couple miles here comes Gardener behind me. Wow! I thought everyone would have been ahead of me. Then Gardener told me of a short cut. I have never ever done a blue blaze before. But when Gardener said, "It cuts off 5 miles." and I realized I could get to town for my zero day AND GET CLEAN, I decided to go with them. Gardener seemed content to hike with me for a while and we had a nice time chatting. We took the Peabody Brook trail. For a while it was actually pleasant trail although with some very slippery board puncheons - like walking on ice. We went by a lovely brook with little waterfalls. Knitty and Gritty caught up and we had a snack break. Then they went on but I caught up when they reached a spot they decided to camp. They were planning to nero in Gorham, going in the last mile or so in the morning. I stopped and ate lunch and talked and I decided to join them the next night at the hostel near the trail and we would make tacos. I went on and walked down the North Road to where the AT came out and to the highway. I caught a hitch into town to the Barn where my duffle and food drop were stored. I am now clean (YEAH!) and have clean clothes. I ate a footlong at a Subway because it was close. I hear the rain outside and think of my trail friends in the rain. I am glad to be warm and clean, dry and horizontal. And life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-06
From: Gorham

To: Zero Day in Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A wonderful zero day. I woke enjoying staying in bed until after 7. Totem and Bootleg were still sleeping. I rather slowly got ready and went out for breakfast. I ran into Denob finishing his breakfast and we chatted a bit. Cool. Zero days are spent eating and getting organized. I threw extra stuff in the duffle and headed off to the post office. On the way I passed the outfitter and got more iodine tablets. It is just easier and the gravity feed filter does not work well enough to be practical. Also saved a little weight. I mailed off the filter too along with the duffel to my daughter. I talked to my son and daughter and texted a couple hiking friends. Then I met up with Gardener and the shuttle driver and we went to Walmart. I was able to get a new charger that works on my PEEK so I am back in business to do journals and have caught up the journals. It has been fun hanging out this afternoon with Gardener and Knitty and Gritty. The White Mountain Lodge and Hostel is a really nice hostel! It is slightly more-than The Barn but well worth it - more like a B&B but full of hiker trash. Like a nice home. I highly recommend it - includes breakfast and 3 shuttles to town a day plus laundry too. We will soon be making our tacos. My friends are taking another zero but I plan to head out tomorrow. And life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-07
From: Gorham

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

Today was a wet one. After a lovely breakfast I headed out into a light rain. Not too far up the trail I stopped and stripped to bra with umbrella. That way I stayed cool and dry. The trail was lovely for the first mile and a half - felt like the PCT. At the first shelter there were 5-6 hikers preparing to head down. After a visit to the facilities I continued on. I can't remember all the hiker's names anymore. There are too many. The trail gradually got steeper. Ray passed me telling me of Swamp Dog who would be limping down the trail after a while with a bad knee.. As I got near the summit it became more windy and narrower between trees and I had to give up the umbrella. Nuts. Pixel and Gravity passed me and much later, Woodstock, maybe someone else too. I forget. The rain continued all day. I walked through many puddles and the feet were soaked. Descending became a challenge with lots of Bald Pate type rock, mostly grippy, but some slick, all very wet. Actually the trail was usually a stream. I slipped and fell once, just on the butt and hip. No damage done. It was so wet I didn't stop for lunch. I finally reached the turn off to the shelter. The hikers here are Hopeful, Sweet Tea, Guiness, Nate-Dog and Bubbles. They seem like a nice group traveling together and supporting each other. I ate lunch and dinner one after the other. My stuff is all a little damp but it is good to be in the shelter and ready for bed and it is just dark. I am damp but life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-08
From: Imp Shelter

To: Carter Hut
Miles today: 7.0

Today was not quite so wet until the end, not from rain but from flooded trail. I started out in a light mist but that is all the rain there was. The sun even came out in the afternoon. But it is so humid here that it is difficult to get anything to dry and going up hill I get very hot and sweaty working up a good hiker stink.. The climb up North Carter was a lot longer for me than I anticipated. I am pathetically slow. At the hostel, Geriatric, an older NOBO was suggesting that when I got to the Wildcats I should use the gondola down the hill and climb up twice. Considering how slow I am going up that might not work. There were views today toward Mt Washington sticking its head out above the clouds. Nice. And the Bunch Berries were a cheery bright red along the trail giving the feeling of Christmas Holly. Blue Bead Lilly added some blue ornaments . The rest of the trail was not that bad until the last half mile down to the hut. I back-climbed down almost the whole way, rather slowly. Then the trail to the hut was flooded over from the lake and I waded through up to my knees. My feet had been wet all day wading through flooded trail other places so it didn't make any difference, especially as it is not cold. I got a work-for-stay at the hut. Paying customers make reservations. Thru hikers, and even me, show up and a few are accepted as work-for-stay. After the paying customers eat and have a program, thru hikers eat the leftovers and wash dishes or clean something or some other chore and get to sleep on the tables or the floor. I don't know if this is a good idea for me as I need the hours on the trail. But it is a trail tradition. And no thru hikers came tonight as they are bypasing the flooded trail to the hut so I had no trouble getting a work for stay. Might as well experience it at least once. So, I am waiting outside the hut for the festivities for the paying customers to be over so I can do my chores and eat and sleep. It gave me time to journal. And life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-09
From: Carter Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was supposed to go farther according to plan but these crazy trails are beating me up. So I got a gondola ride and a hot shower and climbed Wildcat twice. Before today's stuff a few words about the hut. I did not have an entirely positive experience. Partly because I am old and the cru are young. Partly because I don't like waiting like a second class citizen (my problem). I think they almost forgot I was there. I did get my dinner and then I washed dishes and also scrubbed a filthy drain rack with a toothbrush (all they had to clean it with.) Finally they said I could quit - actually I said I was done; I had done enough. I set up my stuff but the partying went on well after 10. The, to top it off, the only other hiker, who seemed to know a female-cru, and that girl made love for about an hour and a half outside the open window. Evidently he made her happy as her moans were quite audible through ear plugs as was their bouncing. Finally the cru chief went out about 11 and told them to be quiet. I did not get a lot of sleep. I did have a nice time talking with a 60 yo woman whose name I failed to get. She is climbing the peaks of the Whites. I got up early and ate my breakfast. I didn't need theirs and didn't want to carry uneaten food. And I was off to wade through the lake again. I am getting tired of constantly wet feet. But the morning went well. There was a nice view down to the hut from Wildcat A. and views toward the presidentials too. There are a number of peaks named creatively Wildcat A, B, C, D. I did well until a descent between C and D. And the descent from D is a really bad one. So, I followed Geriatric's advice and took the Gondola down, walked the half mile to the Visitor's Center left most my gear and slack packed back up the mountain. It was very steep - in one part a 1000 ft elevation gain in 1/3 of a mile. Yep, that is straight up rocks, some really nasty pieces. I was very glad I went up instead of down. Thanks for the idea, Geriatric. I ran into the woman hiker at Pinkham Notch on the first trip down the gondola. She was very impressed thinking I had made the descent. I told her I was on my way back up and she may have thought I was nuts. Well, I stopped at the visitor's center as it was about 5. Tomorrow I will try for Madison Spring Hut. At least the weather forecast is for sun. Now I am very tired and hope for a good night's sleep. And I had a shower. Nice. And life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-10
From: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was an awesome day! I enjoyed it all! Climbed Madison. I am a semi-paying customer at the hut in a three tiered bunk and the sunset was beautiful too. Last night I did get 2 room mates a bit late but they were considerate folks and I got reasonable sleep. I was up before 6 to get the 6:30 breakfast. Dinner and breakfast came with the room at the Joe Dodge Lodge. Billy Goat suggested I stay there although it had not originally been on my schedule. I headed out by 7:00. Perfect. The trail to Osgood tent site was not exactly level and there were plenty of rocks and roots but a few parts were pretty nice and I got to the tent site about noon. A number of hikers passed me NOBO and SOBO. Rafaldo was one I met yesterday on my second climb up Wildcat. The big hiker news was running into Wheew! I met her in 2008 on the PCT. Her trail name has lengthened: One Of The Chosen Wheew. She is thru hiking NOBO. She was very sick and hospitalized somewhere south on the trail and looks much thinner than I remember. But it was cool to have met her. Every trip I meet someone I have met some year before on one or the other of the trails. The climb up Mt Madison, the first of the Presidentials, was not all that bad. I kept steadily climbing except for lunch. I actually felt like a hiker instead of an old lady. I even passed a group of 4 young people. And the world has not even come to an end. The last mile and a half up or so was all above treeline and absolutely beautiful. It was all on large talus but not bad hiking abd pretty fun. I summitted Madison and someone was there so I could even get my picture taken. Mt Washington and the rest of the Presidentials were beautiful and mountains and valleys and towns around could be seen. The hard part was going that last half mile down hill. I am still pathetically slow going downhill. I am a semi-paying customer at Madison Spring Hut. I am eating my own food and getting a bunk for $35. Perfect. I don't want to carry excess food. It is a nice new hut and the rules and feeling are entirely differnt from Carter. One major thing was that they did not make the thru hiker work for-stay folks wait outside. They could wait in the dinning room or move freely around. The bunks are three tiered. I got here right at 6 and all low bunks were filled so I am three tiers up - actually not bad at all and all very nice and new. I had a good time talking to thru hikers: Meatball, Stearman, Turtle Feet, Cog, Rafaldo, Little Drummer Boy and 2 others whose names I have already forgotten.. The word is that Gardener and, I think, Knitty and Gritty are now ahead of me - maybe they passed me while I was gondola ridng or at the lodge or maybe they just did their own thing. It is lights out now and I am in bed. It was a great day and life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-11
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: fog

A windy, somewhat foggy but still viewful day, all above treeline. I summitted mountains, ate soup and hot chocolate and am tired. I survived my three tier bunk with no problem but for some reason woke in the wee hours and did not sleep much after that. Bummer. Not the hut's problem, mine. I just find it difficult to sleep with lights and people moving, even quiet people.. I got up as quietly as I could, using the red setting on the headlamp so as not to disturb other sleepers. I gathered up my breakfast, ate and as everyone else was awakened I packed up, folded my blankets as instructed by hut personel and got under way. But not before viewing the moose. There is a very confused young lady moose that has hung around this hut the last several weeks. She just comes out and stands there while everyone watches and takes pictures. Perhaps she will be claimed by a studly male moose as rutting season begins. The trail was all above treeline today and marked by cairns along the rocks. Some of the trail was fairly nice with effort made to have flat rocks for trail. Some was less nice. Nevertheless, I was slow. It was often vary windy! Rafaldo passed me soon enogh and others who were guests at the hut. I passed by Mt Adams ( a half mile side trip) but yeilded to impulse and went up Jefferson. Couldn't see a thing from the top but the inside of a cloud. But I did see the team carrying up the flag of remembrance for 9/11. Every peak over 5,000 ft in New Hampshire had a flag flying this afternoon. I probably should not have gone up Jefferson as it tired me out. I bypassed Clay but the trail takes you over Washington so I climbed 3 of the Presidentials, 2 today and 1 yesterday. In spite of blowing clouds obscuring peaks some of the day, it was not a dangerous day and there were some magnificent views when the clouds lifted. This slow old lady finally reached the top of Washington, passing the cog-railway on the way up. I was very tired. I had a bowl of clam chowder and hot chocolate from the snack bar which gave me enough energy to get to Lakes Of The Clouds hut. This hut is closed for the season athough the crew is cleaning. I begged for the emergency shelter nicknamed "The Dungeon" One is only supposed to use it in an emergency. I figured a 70 year old lady with a knee replacment at the close of a long day was an emergency - or would be in one if I had to walk after dark. I am actually rather happy to be in the dungeon alone. Although I can hear the young people having a good time upstairs it is muffled by the floor and maybe I can get a good night's sleep. I need one. This basement room is nicknamed the dungeon because it looks like one: about 9x9 feet, stone walls, one high window, heavy steel door and 2 triple tier bunk shelves crammed on two walls. But it suits me for tonight. I am in a beautiful place above treeline on Mt Washingtom. I am in a nearly sound proof room.. I am ready for sleep and life is good. Sent on the go from my Peek
Date: 2011-09-13
From: Crawford Notch

To: Near Zee Pond
Miles today: 9.4

It was a much easier day and I needed it. I got up early to get food drop organized and hit breakfast early to try to get a ride back to the trail. I met John and Mark who were staying at the bunk house and we had breakfast with Don and Paul. John was about to do a 3 day trip and Mark just completed the section from Hanover. They were fun to talk to. Paul gave me a ride so I did not have to add a road walk to the day. Thank you, Paul. The trail started steeply but pretty well graded. There were some rocky, rooty and boggy places but then, miraculously, there were actually miles of level trail. I did not know New Hampshire had any level trail! I saw my first real displays of fall color with some nice red maples. I even saw some purple asters (Fleabane?) and what I think is the silky seed of Mountain Avens. BTW, the last few days in the high country I saw some charming little white flowers growing in rock crevices - Eidelwies? There were many fewer thru hikers and day hikers today. I only saw about 7 thru hikers: Baby Ruth, Stretch, Buddha, ?? And John from this morning doing a loop passed me having come up a different trail. I stopped at Zealand hut for use of facilities and water and then went on up another 1,000 ft os so. I found a somewhat soggy piece of real estate near the trail to Zee Pond just big enough to put up my tent. I am on soggy moss. But I am nice and dry and reasonably comfortable and glad to be alone and horizontal. It will probably rain tonight but I am well in my small, dry shelter and life is good. Sleep. Sent on the go from my Peek