morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Stony Brook Shelter 

To: Tent Site after Woodstock Stage Road
Miles today: 15.1

We had planned to wake up at 5:30 AM but we couldn't make ourselves get out of bed until 6:30. Also, two weekend hikers had come in during the night, and we didn't want to wake them too early (good rationalization!) It felt sooo good just to lay there especially when you're facing a long hike. After our fabulous breakfast of oatmeal and Tang we were able to get packed up and be on the Trail by 7:30. It started off cool, around 68 degrees, but then got to 86 degrees with high humidity. In the morning we had a light breeze but it died down by 11:00.   We weren't happy about that, but it didn't rain-a Big plus. The Trail wasn't too difficult but it did have its share of ups and downs.   One down included using a log ladder which was greatly appreciated. We climbed 3,540 feet and crossed several streams at the bottom of some descents. We had a couple sections of stinging nettles again but were able to avoid getting stung for the most part (see pic).   We did come out of the woods and on to a field of beautiful wild flowers, early in the afternoon (see pic). There were so many of different varieties. We reached Woodstock Stage Road at 2:30 PM. The Teago's General Store was a mile east and had a deli. The first car to come by picked us up and brought us to Teago's.   We had some delicious Grinders along with chips, fruit and a 2 liter of Coke. After finishing our meal, we were walking over to Teago's to fill up our water containers and at the same time the lady who brought us there drove in and offered to take us back to the trail. So nice!   The next shelter was 7 miles away so we decided to look for a place to tent as soon as we could in that we were feeling tired after our big meal.   We were able to find a fairly nice tent sight a short distance from a small creek, about a half mile after getting back on the Trail, (see pic). We set up the tent and then we got clean. Everything was done very quickly due to the menacing mosquitoes. We we in the tent by 5:00 enjoying the absence of the mosquitoes. Cathy read while Craig worked on our journal and pictures. We didn't pass any hikers today, either SOBO or NOBO. It feels like we are all alone again on this very long Trail. Hopefully, we'll see some of our friends in Hanover NH on Friday.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Tent Site after Woodstock Stage Road

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: haze

We had a peaceful night and no rain, but it appeared to be threatening at any moment. We didn't make breakfast so we could get going and because we planned to stop at the Cloudland Farm Country Market for fruit and muffins. We were off by 6:00 AM and started the day crossing several fields and soaking our clothes and shoes because of the heavy dew. We reached the Market at 8:00 but were disappointed in their limited choices, ending up with ice cream and beef jerky for our breakfast. We were back on the Trail by 9:00 and already the temperature was rising. It was one of our most uncomfortable days reaching 92 degrees with little wind. The humidity was also high resulting in a hot, sticky day. The good news was that it also dried the fields, which we continued to cross. The Trail had many different landscapes. In addition to the farm's fields, the pines were quite tall, and it was nice to see many beautiful wild flowers.   We climbed 4,450 feet with a lot of MUDS. Between the climbs and the heat we were exhausted with five miles still to hike. At 3:40 PM we reached a road and happily found that we would take roads all the way into Hanover NH. It was a very easy walk so we reached downtown by 4:30. We're ow in New Hampshire and look forward to hiking the White Mountains. We passed three SOBO today and one told us that the Brick House gave a free piece of pizza to Thru-Hikers. While we were there, Sanford showed up. He also just got into town and now plans to take a week off. We then found an all-you-can- eat restaurant that was difficult to leave. Later we checked into the Sunset Motel where the management offered free laundry. It was good to relax in our room after long showers. A tough day with a comfortable ending.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Hanover NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: haze

We left our room to have Breakfast at 8:30 AM. We couldn't believe how hot and muggy it already had become. While eating in the motel's dining area, Chill showed up. He's been at the motel a couple days and was with Rightside until Rightside returned to the Trail yesterday. We also met a young couple who were leaving the Trail today. Her feet continue to cause here problems, and she just can't make the miles to finish in time. They hope to come back next year to finish their Thru-hike. When we got back to our comfortable, air conditioned room we were not eager to return to the Trail given the severe thunder shower forecast. Amazingly, though, we were back hiking at 11:30. We only hiked 11 miles and climbed 2,740 feet. Most climbs weren't too difficult, and the terrain was a mix of pines, hardwoods and a couple of fields. It was extremely hot and muggy until it started to rain, with about 2 hours to go. But it didn't just rain, it was a torrential downpour. The Trail became little rivers quite quickly as did the muck. Lightening was all around us-which was not good at all! We finally made it to the shelter at 4:30 PM.   We quickly changed out of our wet clothes, hung them up, hoping they might dry some by morning. Kansas and Boots, SOBO's, were already at the shelter. Postcard and Slim, NOBO's, came in a little later. We had a good discussion about the Whites, Trail Towns and, of course, food. Two section hikers came in after dark. The rain stopped at around 7:00 but it remained quite foggy. We're hoping for a dry night so that the Trail-and our clothes-may dry some.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Moose Mountain Shelter 

To: Hexacuba Shelter 
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

We got up at 5:30 PM and after breakfast we were on the Trail at 6:30. The Trail was very wet and Mucky due to all the rain that we had yesterday. The Trail also is not maintained as well as it was in the southern States forcing you to push yourself through tall grass, low branches, etc. It made our hike quite slow and laborious. It was not a pleasant hike and was one of our more difficult days. We climbed 5,090 feet and had a 2,500 foot difficult ascent to Smart Mountain. However we had several great views on our way up. When we got to it's summit we had a beautiful view from it's fire tower. We passed seven SOBO's today as well as a forest ranger who said there was no chance of rain today. But then it started to rain at 4:00 PM and then started to thunder. It continued to rain until we reached the shelter at 4:45. Postcard and Slim were already there and Black Fly, a SOBO, showed up a little later. After setting up our bags and getting water we tried to wash of the mud and get into dry clothes. Dinner was good but after such a tough day we could have eaten twice as much. We spent the rest of the time talking about what we'll eat when we reach Glencliff NH tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Hexacuba Shelter 

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 15.0

After our favorite breakfast, oatmeal and Tang, we were on the Trail at 6:30 AM again. When we set out the temperature was 54 degrees and we wore our fleece jackets for the first time since spring. It finally warmed up to around 73 with clear skies and a light wind. Today the Trail gave us 3 different faces, each about 5 miles long. We really enjoyed the first section. It had beautiful pines and rock formations and several fantastic views. It was one of the most satisfying sections. When we reached the summit of Cube Mountain we took a break, and while doing so found that we could get on the Internet. We have not been able to connect for the past two days, and SOBO's told us that there was no service until Gorham. As a result, Craig uploaded the last two days of our journal on top of Cube Mountain. When we started hiking again we came to a section of muck, tree dodging and bush trudging. It took all the fun out of the hike we were having! The last section had forest views we've seen over and over again, but the Trail was more open to walking and had fewer mucky spots. We climbed 3,040 feet with the most difficult climbing over the rocks and ridges of the first 5 miles today. We passed the Dartmouth College Ski Team who were running the Trail. We also passed several day hikers and two section hikers who were hiking New Hampshire. We reached NH-25 at 2:30 PM and then walked the 2/10's miles to the Hikers Welcome Hostel. We took their last two beds but no one showed up after us. We took showers, washed our clothes and then watched a movie and used the computer until we went out for dinner at the only bar/restaurant in town. We had four deluxe cheese burgers, four large orders of fries and four large orders of onion rings. Very good! After dinner we watched another movie and used the computer. It was a beautiful hiking day and a very relaxing time off the Trail.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Glencliff

To: Eliza Brook Tent Site
Miles today: 16.8

After breakfast at the Hostel we left for the post office. We had been mailed some warmer clothes and needed to mail home the summer clothes we wouldn't be using. We were finally on the Trail by 8:00 AM and had walked about twenty minutes when we realized we had left the smart phone charger and battery at the hostel. We weren't too happy with ourselves but at least we remembered then rather than later. It was a beautiful day, sun shining and quite cool, 55 degrees. It was a tough 4,000 foot climb up to Mt. Moosilauke's summit, lots of rocks and steep. But how exciting-our first above treeline experience on the Trail! The views were spectacular and the winds were quite strong. We sat in a stone wind break and just took in the views for awhile. The trail down was steeper than anything we've hiked before. The best part was that the Trail followed the Beaver Creek which had awesome waterfalls. When we reached NH-112 we had to decide whether to keep going or stop. The forecast called for storms tomorrow so we decided to keep going, besides which we were feeling strong and "up" about today's hike. Bad decision! We had already climbed 4,200 feet and added another 3,000 giving us a total 7,220 feet, our largest elevation gain day and hopefully our largest for the Trail. We've never hiked on such difficult terrain that it forced us to go so slow. We didn't get to the shelter until 8:00 PM, and when we arrived it was full as were all the tent sites. As a result we had to get back on the Trail and look for a place to tent. We found a site fairly quickly, put the tent up, filtered water, cleaned up, made dinner and were asleep by 9:30. A fun day but VERY TIRING! We plan for a shorter and hopefully easier day tomorrow.PS: We may not be able to upload pictures until we get to a larger city.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Eliza Brook Tent Site

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 5.9

It wasn't the most restful night due to the ROOTS we were sleeping on. We were hoping to get off early but we were still tired, and it was raining at 6:00 AM. We finally decided to get up, but given the weather and the difficulty of using the stove in our tent vestibule, we chose to have bars rather than our oatmeal and Tang. The rain stopped by the time we were on the Trail at 8:15. Our plan was to hike six miles to the Lonesome Lake Hut, get something to eat, and then hike on to a tent site five miles further. However, the Trail turned out to be more difficult than yesterday and we didn't get to the Hut until 1:30. We only climbed 2,830 feet but the terrain was so rugged and steep that we were barely moving. Plus we were really tired from our big day yesterday. We knew the Whites were hard but until you hike them, you don't know how hard they really are. The views were beautiful, so much so that we wanted to take a picture at every turn. When we got to the Hut we ate four bowls of soup and two rolls each. We were so tired that we decided to hike no more today. Instead we took a swim in Lonesome Lake and then just relaxed until dinner. Dinner was salad, lasagna and chocolate cake, all you can eat! We enjoyed talkimg to many of the guests about our journey. Lights out was 9:30 and we were definitely ready for bed then.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Liberty Springs Tent Site
Miles today: 5.7

We had two strong thunderstorms during the night, but when we got up at 5:30 AM things were calm. However, when we started to get ready to leave it started to downpour with thunder and lighting. Instead of leaving early we stayed for breakfast. It finally stopped raining and we decided to leave at around 10:00. The forecast was for scattered thunderstorms for the next two days and we needed to try to get through Lafayette Ridge, 5,249 feet. We didn't make it! After climbing 2,250 and hiking only 5.6 miles we started hearing thunder in the distance and the skies were darkening. With no other safe place to camp within four miles, we decided to stay put. The mountains here are steep and there are no level places to pitch a tent; besides, it's illegal to tent at an undesignated campsite (stealth tenting). We set up our tent and within the hour a strong thunderstorm came through. So, basically we read and slept the rest of the day while mother nature did her thing. Hopefully, we'll have better weather and be able to cross the ridge tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Liberty Springs Tent Site

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We stayed in our bags until 7:30 AM hoping the weather would improve. The forecast was for rain, fog and winds up to 50 mph. We debated staying at the tent site another night but decided to take our chance at getting over Lafayette Mountain, elevation 5,249 feet. Unfortunately, this stretch referred to as "Franconia Ridge" is one of the most beautiful views on the AT, and we had a dismal day for crossing it. The ascent wasn't too bad until we reached Little Haystack Mountain, elevation 4,800 feet. We were walking in the fog and the rain and wind were steadily increasing. By the time we reached Lafayette's Summit it was tough going, so much so that Dub had set his tent up behind a wind block hoping to wait for better conditions. We were very happy when, at last, we reached the timberline. The steep descent proved almost as difficult due to the rain and slippery rocks. We reached Galehead Hut at 4:15 PM, a beautiful sight. We had climbed 5,140 feet over very difficult terrain and conditions. We saw some beautiful foliage as we hiked the Trail and the rain made it glistened. It wasn't a beautiful day, especially for any views, but it provided us with the experience of hiking above the timberline in challenging conditions--an experience we won't soon forget!
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

It rained all night and was still raining when we woke at 6:00 AM. Not good. We weren't excited about getting all wet again so instead we decided to sleep longer and to have breakfast at the Hut. It finally stopped raining at 8:30 and we were on the wet, foggy Trail by 9:00. However, by 10:00 the fog was gone and the sky was blue. We had a cool breeze and the temperature never got above 80 degrees all day.   It proved to be one of our most enjoyable and inspirational days yet. From the summit of South Twin Peak we had spectacular views of the Franconia Ridge that we hiked yesterday. We stopped to have lunch at the Zealand Falls Hut and then had an easy hike to Crawford Notch at U.S. 302. We only climbed 2,050 feet, and we only had one difficult climb. The Trail was wet at times, and we did a lot of rock hoping to keep our feet dry. We also used roots to step on and Craig was beginning to feel more positive towards them. That is until he slipped on one and fell into a mud puddle. After that he decided that roots just can't be trusted. Occasionally as we're hiking, we pass through a stretch of pine and cedar fragrance. It always catches our attention and reminds us of our fresh everything seems after rain. We reached U.S. 302 at 6:00 PM and fairly quickly got a ride to the Crawford Notch Campground where there is a bunkhouse, showers, laundry and general store. When we got to the bunkhouse Chill was there but no one else. We bought dinner at the campstore and then just relaxed the rest of night feeling clean and dry with full tummies. Another great day.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lakes of the Clouds 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up at 6:00 AM, had breakfast, and packed up quickly in hopes of being on the Trail by 7:30. It was a good plan except our shuttle didn't arrive until 7:45. But we did get going and the weather was just perfect. We knew our first six miles was a 3000' climb over the notorious Webster Cliffs, and they were challenging! Some of the boulders were nearly as tall as Cathy, and Craig had to help her take "giant" steps to climb up. It was our longest section yet of hand over hand rock climbing. All along the cliffs, the views were spectacular and the varios colors and kinds of foliage along with the rock formations were just breathtaking. In addition to Webster Mountain, the trail also crossed Mt. Jackson before we stopped for the infamous "bottomless bowl of soup" at Mizpah Hut. After lunch we set out for Mt. Pierce, Mt. Eisenhour, Mt. Monroe, and Franklin Mountain. Fortunately, we didn't have to go to the bottom of every mountain before going over it. We did accumulate 8,315 feet in elevation gain--a new record for steps UP in a single day in our five months on the trail. Most of this afternoon hiking was above the timberline where it was very windy and cool, 60 degrees. Since entering the Whites we have seen more day hikers daily but today was a record-over 50. We reached the Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 4:30 PM and Chil was the only other Thru-Hiker here. We relaxed in the dining room talking to the other guests until dinner, mmm... our favorite time. What a fantastic, beautiful day. It reminded us again as to how fortunate we are to able to be thru-hiking the AT.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Lakes of the Clouds 

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

We had a great nights sleep in the Hut hearing the wind do its best at trying to get in; 55 mph. After a delicious breakfast, at the Hut, we were on the Trail by 8:30 AM. It was only 45 degrees but there was almost no wind. A strange occurrence given that the fastest on land wind speed on earth of 231 mph was recorded here in 1934. The sky was clear with 100+ mile visibly. It warmed up to 65 degrees later in the day and the humidity was in the low 60's. We couldn't think how you could improve on such a perfect day. We only hiked 10 miles but it was mostly rock/boulder ascents and descents all day. We were going sideways as much as we were going forward due to the jagged irregular boulders. And there wasn't any path to follow just the cairns which at times were hard to follow. We only climbed 3,670 feet but it did more damage to our bodies than yesterdays 8,000 feet.   However it was a fantastic day with beautiful views at every step. We enjoyed our time at the Washington Mountain Visitor Center and Observatory. When we reached the Madison Spring Hut at 1:30 PM we again stopped for dinner having soup & chicken pot pie with various breads. It wasn't easy climbing up Madison Mountain after that. However the 2,820 foot descent was even harder. We hoping to hike another four miles but when we reached the Osgood Tent Sites at 5:30 we decided to we had had enough! After setting up the tent, filtering water and having a cold dinner we were in our bags by 7:00. Another memorable hiking day that was almost to good to be true.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: fog

We woke up at 6:00 AM just as it started to rain. We quickly packed our bags and tent and then ate our breakfast in rain our rain gear. Not the same beautiful beginning as we had yesterday. We were on the Trail by 7:00 and the rain stopped by 8:00. The forecast was for thunderstorms and yet they held off all day. We didn't have the clear skies that we had yesterday but it was much better than we had expected. Our hike to Pinkham Notch was fairly easy when compared to yesterday. We had dinner at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and ordered extra sub sandwiches to have for dinner tonight. The climb up Carter Mountains were not easy but instead quite difficult. We climbed a total of 4,260 feet and much was hand over hand rock climbing. We had a couple nice views of the Presidential Mountains feeling in awe of how much we had climbed in two days. When we were within a half mile of Carter Notch we came upon the Carter Lakes. They were both surrounded by the mountains and were so majestic and peaceful. We reached the Carter Notch at 4:00 PM and were again surprised at how tired our bodies felt. We quickly got settled in our cabin and then went to the lake and cleaned up.   We made dinner in the community kitchen which was so easy compared to doing it fixing it on the Trail. After dinner we talked with the other guests about our hike and any information they might have about our hike tomorrow. Later we read while drinking cup after cup of hot cocoa. A physically tiring day on the Trail but another good day as well!
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Rattle River Shelter 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: fog

It stormed during the night and we both woke up thinking how thankful we were to be in our bunks in the Crawford Notch Hut and not in our tent! Cathy was equally happy to be in the hut when the morning temperature was 40 degrees (wind-chill 20 degrees, due to 30 mph winds gusting to 55). We made our breakfast in the hut kitchen and talked with other hikers before heading to the trail at 7:15. Immediately we had a 1700' climb up to Carter Dome. We completed the 1 1/2 miles in one hour--a record for us in these difficult White Mountains. As we walked across Zeta Pass the wind was so strong it nearly knocked us off our feet. Next we had more climbing over South, Middle, and North Carter Mountains. The wind continued to be strong, but the fog cleared so we had beautiful views.   The mountain ranges are so vast! We could see some of the mountains we had hiked feeling thankful that we don't have to cross them again.   The descent down North Carter Mountain was tough, especially on our knees because the descent was so steep and the rocks/boulders were so high or far apart. Our final climb was up and over Mt. Moriah with its 4049 foot summit. We were told that this would be an even more difficult descent so Cathy wanted to find a ladder. However it proved to be one of our easier descents so far in the Whites. We climbed 5830 feet today in perfect hiking weather--mid-50s with the wind blocked by trees and the sun shining occasionally. We arrived at Rattle River Shelter at 3:30 and decided to call it a day. Chill was there talking to a couple day hikers. He decided to go into town but we hope to meet for breakfast tomorrow.   After a delicious Ramen Noodle dinner we enjoyed a relaxing evening of reading. However we were so exhausted that Cathy was asleep by 6:30 and Craig was soon to follow. The White Mountains have been brutal to our feet and ankles but especially our knees. We'll get to Gorham NH in the morning and plan to spend two days there, giving our bodies some time to heal.PS: We'll be uploading past days photos.