morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-28
From: Lake in the Clouds Hut

To: pinkham notch
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

We awoke to the bustle of the hut crew above us, the dungeon being the foundation for the dining hall. The rusty metal door on the dungeon sticking and grinding every time someone left, there was no sleeping late. We left before breakfast after searching for some lost equipment, found my precious hat stuck in a coat sleeve. The delay did allow the mt Washington summit to be engulfed in the cloud. We hiked to the cloud, reached the summit by 9:00. Stayed to eat thenmoved on over the ridges. Beautiful day below The summit, views for miles. Watched the Cog Railway trains pass us by as we hiked to the ridge.. It had been a hiker practice to moon the train, we supressed the temptation. It was a Rocky, but beautiful vistas along the ridge. Somewhat difficult boulder walking at times, hard on the knees. We reached Madison hut by 2:30, we had arranged a ride to the hutsmam cottage in Pinkham Notch at 4:30. We were late, and thunderstorms were looming in the North. We had a quick bowel of soup and snack, wrote a note in the log, then quickly moved on. Rain started as we were decending Madison, made it difficult being the Osgood trail stays on an open ridge much of the Descent We heard some distant thunder but nothing close. Started to rain hard when I reached the Great Gulf Wilderness, I had fallen behind due to my slower descent, age and old knees. Only Blues was behind. The wilderness had no blazing on the trail and it was easy to get lost in the rain. Blues and I got to Pinkham by 6:30, an hour after the rest of the group. Wet, tired and beat up. The group moved on to the Hutsmam Cottage, Peeper having worked in the hut system had permission. I have made arrangements to meet my wife in Conway, good night for recovery. Very difficult but beautiful climbing day, we have been very fortunate on the weather and views. Occasional rain expected.
Date: 2012-07-29
From: pinkham notch

To: Summit of Wildcat 
Miles today: 4.1

I had a wonderful night in Conway, I also had a play to see at 2:00, my granddaughter is Aboo in Aladin, and I promised to try and get back to Wolfeboro to see her. Paula, my wife , and I picked up the group from the Hutsmam Cottage, dropped them off at Pinkham, they plan to hike today and I will catch up with them tomorrow. SMILES wanted to come with me so I didn't have to hike alone. He has been a good friend. We dropped off the group, unfortunately in a light rain, they have a difficult climb up Wildcat and on to the Carter's. Smiles and I went to Wolfeboro, had a good day and got back to the trail by 7:00. Smiles and I hiked for 1 1/2 hrs, up the steep wildcat ridge, stealth camped behind a rock, enough space just for my tent. The remainder of the group hiked all day in the rain and got to zeta pass. We will meet back with them in Goraham tomorrow The play was great, great to see my wife and grandkids. We will pay for it tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-30
From: Summit of Wildcat 

To: Rt 2 Gorham 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

SMILES and I awoke at 5:15 and were hiking by 5:30. A breathtaking day, incredible views from Wildcat. All the views we could hope for,the presidential, peaks and ravines, incredible. Unfortunately the rest of the group did this section in the rain. Smiles and I moved quickly, made Carter Notch hut by 9:30 and Carter Dome by 10:30. Difficult hiking on wet rock, very steep ascents and descents but the views made it all worthwhile. We encountered a few Grouse and Grey Jays on the way.we caught up with blues by the end of the day. Went swimming in Rattle creek at the end of the hike. Big suprise greeted me at the end of the trail, at rt 2, the Johnson family had left me a greeting support poster, Carley had drawn it for me, and Sam had left me some Birthday cake. Happy 8th . Thank you Johnson family sorry we missed each other. The group all went into Gorham to the hiker hostel for the night. This was a long, hard day, needed food and rest.
Date: 2012-07-31
From: Rt 2 Gorham 

To: Carlo Col shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a slow start today, we had town errands and resupply. Smiles got on the trail at 10:00, the rest of us followed at 11:00. Blues stayed behind for rest, his feet were really sore. We hope he will catchup in a few days. The day again was beautiful, the terrain a little easier but more remote. There was a helicopter medivac on top of the first mtn, Hayes, for a older hiker, ? A GI bug and dehydration. Otherwise a relatively uneventful day. Due to the late start had to do 3 miles of night hiking. Beautiful sunset on mtn Success WE ARE IN MAINE!!
Date: 2012-08-01
From: Carlo Col shelter 

To: Old Speck Summit
Miles today: 11.1

Peeper and I awoke somewhat late due to our night hiking last pm. We had the Trail's most difficult day today, the Mahoosuc Notch and Arm. We Have heard of the area as fun, different and very difficult. The Notch is a narrow notch between cliffs, filled with boulders, the arm is a very steep ascent over ledge going up to Old Speck. Our group has been somewhat separated from the last few days events.Peeper and I started hiking at about 7:30, we cresssed the NH/ME border after about 5 minutes, took the necessary photo and high five. We met up with Hawk coming out the camp site. I went to get water, Peeper and Hawk moved on. We got to the Mahoosec Notch by 1:00, Peeper and Hawk had gone ahead. The notch, beautiful, exciting, and difficult. Up over, under and around large boulders, about 1/2 mile that takes most people a about 1 1/2 hrs. Climbing through this with a full pack is even more of a challenge. One point I though I was stuck under a boulder tunnel, but sucking in and a few extra pushes I was able to get through. Peeper just bounded through with no issues, youngsters.Having survived the Mahoosec Notch with only a skunned R shin and a sore tail bone, on to the Mahoosec Arm. It started to rain to make the ascent worse, climbing slick steep rock 1800 feet of ascent, this took all I had, and maybe more. Reached the top of the ridge, worked my way to Old Speck pond, here I met up with the rest of the group, about 1 1/2 hrs later than expected. People were worried, and probably for good reason, tough day. The shelter was on Old Speck Pond, was fuller than we wanted, Peeper Hawk and I decided to move on a few miles, up Old Speck to a known stealth campsite. Rested awhile at the shelter and then made the climb. Very pretty camp site under the fire tower on Old Speck, had very pretty rain clearing views on the ascent.Hawk decided to keep moving down Old Speck to go to the Hostel in Andover Maine, this had been the original plan of the group.Peeper and I made a double dinner, ate to replenish all lost in the days exertional day, off to our tent by 8:00, very pretty sunset.
Date: 2012-08-02
From: Old Speck Summit

To: East B Hill Road, Andover
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Peeper and I got up early, I left at about 6:00, Peeper soon after. We intended to meet Hawk at Grafton Notch, Rt26 to do a day of slack packing and to stay at the Pine Ellis Hostel. We met Hawk at the trail head at 9:30, for Smiles and Wiffle, who were much later. I started my Hike before Hawk and Peeper, I being slower and wanted to finish at the same time. Smiles and Wiffle had decided to take a Nero day and go right to the Hostel for some recovery and resupply. This will put the 3 of us 10 miles ahead. The group though tight in spirit is starting to break up in hiking style. We knew all along that Peeper and my schedule to be done by atleast the 20th would put pressures on the others at the end. We all hope to finish together but we may be at different places at times. The pressures to stay together sometimes puts more strain on the group than is necessary.eeper Hawk and I hiked up Bald pate Mtn, a 3800 foot solid rock, beautiful views and very interesting geological formations. The hike was not difficult and the payoff in views of the western Maine, Eastern Nh mountains and lakes was immense. The end of the day we followed cascades and some large flume like streams, truely breathtaking.We met up with Wiffle and Smiles at the Hostel, had dinner and a group meeting, Blue still behind a day. We decided as above, to not plan so much as a group but enjoy the hiking and hope to finish together. A good plan. Peeper and I will be leaving the Hostel in the am, Hawk is going to do a 23 mile slack and be back here tomorrow. Smiles and Wiffle will be doing a 26 mile slack and be back here tomorrow. We will see each other on the trail.There is some relief in the group, we will see how it goes. I do have 100's of picture to download but need a computer and time to do so, hopefully soon.
Date: 2012-08-03
From: East B Hill Road, Andover

To: South Arm Road, Andover
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

You can never predict the future, and how an unfortunate circumstance can lead to a fortunate end. Peeper started to have sx of the Gastroeneritis last pm, she got some sleep but was very tired at 5:00 am, requested some time to see how she felt. We had anticipated leaving the Hostel and go 23 miles today. This would have put us ahead of Smiles and Wiffle. Peeper initially requested to wait until noon and decide then if she would hike 10 miles or not and stay here at the Hostel. Eight Oclock came, she was feeling somewhat better, had kept ginger ale down and wanted to try and do 10 miles , this has been reported to be an easy section. The doctor in me tried to disuade her, but the daughter in her resisted. Off we went with Hawk.Smiles and Wiffle were doung 20 miles today, this would put them again equal with us. They left at 6:00 this am, hiking North to south from South Arm Rd down to Grafton Notch. We should pass them at some point today.Blues remains unknown, he has been a day behind since Gorham, NH. Hope he can catch up.Peeper, Hawk and I took it very slow and easy, I watched Peeper very carefully with possible abort of the hike if she appeared to have difficulty. The first 7 miles were very easy, we went slow and she did well. We passed All Smiles and Wiffle at about our 5 mile mark. We passed a pond, beaver very active and climbed slowly up Wyman Mtn. Peeper started to feel somewhat lightheaded, at about this point. She had some glucose water and something to eat and she started to feel better. At the end of the hike, we all felt well, climbed Moody Mtn had some good views and completed 10 miles. All glad we cut our day short but got out for the 10 miles. This pm we all met back at the Hostel, Smiles and Wiffle had a good day and we are all at the same trail head. Blues showed up this evening to the Hostel as well, he is at Grafton Notch on the trail, about 20 miles behind. Good to be all back together tonight.Tomorrow we all move on, Blues to slack and probably return to the Hostel, the rest of us to go on up the trail and leave Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel. Elein, David and Gloria have been excellent here at the Hostel, we are very appreciative. Hopefully we will leave the Gastroenteritis behind.
Date: 2012-08-04
From: South Arm Road, Andover

To: Sabbath Day Pond
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

We all slept at the Pine Ellis Hostle, Blues arrived last pm. Smiles and Wiffle wanted to see the Old Home day events in Andover so they were going to stay until 11:00, Hawk, Peeper and I left at 8:00. Blues planned to slack from the hostel for a few days, he is still 20 miles back. The 3 of US dropped off at South Arm rd, said our goodbyes to the hostel staff, they were very good to us. We hiked North, another pretty day. Climbed Old Blue mtn and Bemis mtn, and excellent views, overlooked Mooselookmeguntic lake,. We crossed rt 17 and climbed into a beautiful lake/ pond region, passed by Moxie pond, around Long pond, went swimming and tented at Sabbath Day pond. Smiles and Wiffle got as far as rt 17. We heard Dr Blues, he got the stomach flu and was zeroing at the hostel. Again, the group is separated. We hope blues gets better quickly, we hope to see Wiffle and Smiles tomorrow.
Date: 2012-08-05
From: Sabbath Day Pond

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

We awoke to another pretty day, I left by 7:00, Peeper and Hawk soon after. Er passed many campers, a few ponds and had a relatively easy morning. We got to rt 4 by noon, We came to some trail magic from an 1991 thru hiker, cookies,soda and fruit, yum. Smiles and Wiffle joined us as we were indulging. Wiffle has come down with the Gastroenteritis, they plan to go to Rangely to recover. Hawk Peeper and I need to move on, unfortunately we have a schedule to keep. We climbed into the Sattleback Mtn region back to 4000 feet. The skies were somewhat threatened. We climbed on the high ridge, had hazy views of the Rangely lakes and Northern mountains, Sugarloaf,the Bigelows , Crocker and Abraham. Future climbs. The wind was blowing hard, the clouds starting to come in, started to rain by about 5:00, got to our campsite by 7:00. We were in the clouds. We noted a lot of Moose scat, but no moose, we wonder if maybe the ship it in to keep the tourists coming. We have been told we should see more moose in the future, we'll see.All of US have noticed that our time on the trail is getting short, the real life issues are starting to encroach, plans of beyond the trail having to be made. We continue to resist this encroachment. Life on the trail for the past 4 1/2 months has changed us all in many ways, how to integrate this into a better life and a better being will be a challenge, though welcome. In future journalling I hope to be retrospective on our trip and lessons learned. I do understand that many people follow my journaling to follow their love ones, so I will try and keep my thoughts towards the end of my journaling. Also be patient with the typos and sometimes inappropriate words, my phone typing with my thumb is limited, and often the phone changes the word it thinks I want, can be funny at times.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to 

To: Beyond North Crocker
Miles today: 16.6

I hiked out at about 6:30, it rained hard last pm and left everything wet. The wind also blew hard through the night, leaving some debris on the trail. Made hiking alittle more difficult. We had some down to do before we climbed again, many slick rock decents. Peeper and Hawk followed later. First climbed Lone Mountain, then Spaulding, due to the conditions chose not to climb Sugar Loaf, this was a 2 mile blue blaze diversion trail. The peaks were clear this am but cloudy, grey haze high. Starting to get cool. By the afternoon it was getting relatively cold. We climbed up and down most of the day and at the end of the day the hardest climb up Sout Crocker. By the time we summitted it was about 6:00, 50 deg and a cold wind. We planned for a stealth camp site a few miles north of North Crocker. We donned our cold weather gear , moved on and found our site at about 7:30. This was a hard day, we all were tired from a wet rainy night. Sleep was welcome, we all ate double portion meals, and still felt we could eat more. We have yet to see a Moose! Alot of prints and scat.We know our friends remain behind us. Hopefully Wiffle is feeling better and they were able to hike today. Blues remains atleast a day behind, but is back on the trail. We are unable to wait for them for Peeper and Hawk need to finish by the 17th. We hope maybe they can catch up, if not we will be in contact. Miss the comradery. Miss the mornings with Smiles, he always walked in front and cleared the cobwebs. Thoughts on the trail. I have been able to read much more than when at work. I read a good bit on Geology and terrain. Theories and now I expect fact that were not known nor taught in my years of schooling. My favorite book was the Autobiography of the world, a synopsis of geological history. My realization that the world has gone through rebirth from the ice ages atleast 5 times over it's 5 billion yr history. The cycle of death and recovery with our living, breathing planet. To know we are but a millisecond of this geological time clock and that what mankind does to mother earth, she will survive, but certainly we may not. Looking at the raping of the Tennessee valley , North Carolina, Virgina and West Virgina with the countless number of coal trains we saw go by, and the loss of whole mountains to mining. We only are putting the last nails in our own coffin.
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Beyond North Crocker

To: Safford Notch Campsite 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Peeper and I would like to dedicate this most perfect day to our dearest friend Allen, who died a few weeks ago. His services are tomorrow we are unable to attend due to our present commitment. Allen was very excited about are trip and we know he would want it this way. Allen, you would have loved this day!We awoke early to get into Straton for breakfast and resupply. I broke all the cobwebs on the trail in , so I was first one on the trail. Peeper and Hawk were about an hour later. I hitched into town with no difficulty. The town was very hiker friendly the hostel helpful and after laundry and resupply the hostel owner drove us back to the trail. When we got there who walked out of the trail, All Smiles and Wiffleball. They had really pushed to try and catch up. They went into town and plan to get back on the trail this afternoon   After a joyful reunion. We resumed our hike and hope Smiles and Wiffleball will be caught up in the next day or two.We have one of those perfect hiking days, can see over 100 miles, crisp, clear and cool. We are also at one of the prettiest places, arguably the best views of the AT. The Horn and Bigalow mountains. We also go over2000 miles today, incredible. The climbs were easy due to our excitement. Wow! The views were breathtaking. We saw all that we have climbed in Maine, could see into Canada, and even saw Katahdin. The Sunset on East Hotmail, or Myron Avery's peak was spectacular. Wow,wow!!! When I can I will download the pictures but this won't be nearly as spectacular as it was. We climbed to our tentsite through a boulderfield in the dark. Settled in and ate. What an incredible day.Allen would have loved it. God bless Allen may you always Iceboat on black ice and fair wind, canoe on still waters, and enjoy. We miss you.
Date: 2012-08-09
From: Pierce Pond Leantoo

To: Moxie Bald Leantoo
Miles today: 22.8

Awoke to a Moose! A young Bull moose was feeding in the marsh of Pierce pond. He stayed for about 15-20 minutes, then some hikers tried to get closer and he moved on. So Maine really does have Moose, not just moose scat. We went to breakfast at Richardson's,a great breakfast. This is an old hunting fishing resort in the back woods, generator, indoor plumbing, rustic log cabins with central large lodge. He fed us "big", and it was delicious. Strange to be in the wilderness and go into a lodge like this for a great meal.We got back on the trail after breakfast, followed Pierce Pond Stream for 3-4 miles, many waterfalls, pools and some flume like areas. This stream feeds into the Kennebec River, our first river ferry. MATC a few years ago felt it too dangerous to ford this river and has made a canoe ferry for the hikers. Two at a time ferried across. After the ferry we climbed out of the river basin, came into more lake regions of Maine, had 2 pretty climbs, great views fro Pleasant Mountain and Moxie Bald. Many swamps, wet mud and tremendous increase in insects. Thunderstorms moved in in the afternoon, caught us twice, once when coming off Moxie Bald. Came into the leantoo at dark, situated on beautiful Bald Mountain pond, again the Loons calling through the night. The rain continued all night, Peeper and I set up our tents in the leantoo to keep the bugs away, Hawk setup in the rain. We have not seen All Smiles or Wiffleball for a few days, we have had long miles and expect they are only 1/2 a day behind, hopefully they will catchup soon. Hawk did hear that they plan to summit with us at Katahdin.AT Insight:I have noted the importance of nutrition, sleep and comfortable shelter to be at peak performance. We noted the days of poor sleep it was very hard to get the hikes done. Issues of the good diet, to equal the calorie output crucial. My issues of a protein deficient diet in the middle portions of my hike left me in a somewhat muscle wasting state, I took protein supplements in the later portion of the hike. Weight maintenance in the hike was difficult, 23 lb wt loss in the begining was somewhat welcome, but difficulty in stopping this free fall was a challenge. I learned many nutritional options from my fellow hikers, I was able to hold my own and have peak performace by the later portions of the hike. Now in the near end, I need to learn how to keep a healthy weight and not overeat to gain unwanted weight back. This is always a challnge for a long distance hiker, post hike wt gain.If we have poor shelter, stress at the end of the day and poor sleep, then the following day suffered. Sometimes leading to need a town visit to recover. Need good planning for good comfortable night, dry and warm was important to keep going. Proper equipment and organization. Be Prepared.
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Moxie Bald Leantoo

To: Monson
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: thunderstorm

We awoke to rain, plans to get into Monson today for our last resupply. We go into the 100 mile wilderness after that, then finish on Katahdin in 1 wk.We have put in many miles in the past week, looking for a bed and good food tonight.The days hikewas very wet and slippery, mud ofen ankle deep, forded two rivers which really let us rinse off the mud. Gentle elevation changes, pretty water falls and pools. Generally an easy day on the trail. Arrived in Monson in the mid afternoon to Shaws Hostel, a very welcome place. Resupply, reenergize and then on to the 100 mile wilderness. Wet Wet today but thankfully the Maine woods have been relatively dry, it could be much worse. Good day overall.This evening All Smiles walked in to the hostel, having walked 27 miles today. He and Wiffleball have caught up, great to see them, had a good time catching up on their trail adventures at dinner. They too got very wet and muddy today. We look forward to hiking together again, on to the 100 mile woods.
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Monson

To: long pond leantoo
Miles today: 15.8

We all had breakfast at Shaw's inn, still somewhat of a rainy morning. Smiles and Wiffle decided to take a zero today. I needed to makeup 3 miles more than Peeper and Hawk, so I left earlier, 9:00. Peeper and Hawk stayed into 1:00. We entered the 100 mile woods. There were many ponds, marshes, incredible waterfalls. Had to ford 3 streams, walked in a lot of mud. Rain for past 2 days.SMILES and Wiffleball will meet US again on Katahdin, they plan to summit on the 18th, will meet US after we summit on the 17th, before they go up. I am in the 100 mile woods, will send this out when/if I get service.Getting tired, I am looking forward to getting done, though I know the transition back will be hard.Early start in am, plan a 26 mile day so i can go into the the gulf of Hagas blue blaze, I hear it is spectacular. Let u know.uWE HAVE PASSED THE 100 miles to go!!!!