morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-16
From: High Street (mile 1787.8)

To: NH 112
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

After a very restful and relaxing zero yesterday, it was back to the hills this morning. After much indecision, I slacked southbound over Mt Moosilauke. Sorry Jason. Steep from either direction, southbound the trail closely follows the falls up a series of rock and wood steps. Considering the trail would be slippery from last night's rain and I was hiking by myself, it seemed to make the most sense to slack southbound. The trail wasn't difficult up or down, just steep and long, requiring deliberate stepping. From the summitt, I had a brief 360 degree panoramic view of the mountains before the fog rolled back in. First Gear, while Houdini was waiting for me at the parking lot at the base of Moosilauke, he met McGuyver and Dr Seuss, thru-hikers from last year that said they knew you, Greenlite, Limey, and Tennessee. I have hiked now for ten days by myself. I like the solitude, and the freedom to make my own schedule and go at my own pace. It has given me new confidence. The flip side is I am now in the midst of the most difficult portion of the AT, and having a trail companion(s) is just smart hiking. Just Paul and Tortellini (formally The Tortoise) have been a few days behind me since VA. We hiked together from Erwin, TN to Bueno Vista, VA where Just Paul developed shin splints and had to take a couple of days off the trail. That same day, I started hiking with I Believe. I have been in touch with Just Paul and Tortellini. I have hiked some shorter days and will zero again tomorrow so they can catch up. They will climb Moosilauke tomorrow and Monday we'll start hiking together again. I Believe and Owlbear are likewise together, two days ahead. These shorter days and zeros and Houdini's visit are rejuvenating. I feel rested and ready to push on.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: NH 112

To: stealth campsite at mile 1808.3
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Just Paul, Torta-lean-y and I were reunited on the trail. We were all at the Econo Lodge last night and went out to The Rustic Restaurant for dinner with Annette, Just Paul's wife/Torta-lean-y's mom, and Houdini. This morning Houdini dropped me off at the trail and we said goodbye. I got an hour head start on Just Paul and Torta-lean-y and hiked by myself until they caught up to me early afternoon. We hiked together the rest of the day. There were steep ups and downs over stone steps, rock slabs, mud, and roots as I climbed Mt Wolf and South and North Kinsman. I felt strong after my 2 days off and 2 days of slacking packing. That didn't keep me on my feet though. I fell twice, but was none the worse for wear. We had a beautiful view at the top of South Kinsman. By the time we reached North Kinsman, the fog had rolled in. It was a good day, but the miles are hard. We were running out of daylight so we stopped at the first stealth tent site we came to. It is chilly tonight and I am glad to be in my poly pro and winter sleeping bag.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: stealth campsite at mile 1808.3

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Well, I didn't see a bear today, but today was a bear. I am exhausted. Just Paul, Torta-lean-y and I were packed up and on the trail at 7:00. We stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut to get potable water from their sink faucet. It was bustling with activity as a full house was finishing breakfast. We had a four mile downhill into Franconia Notch, then the rest of the day seemed like endless up. It was mile after mile of unrelenting steep up, except when it was steep down. I climbed over boulder steps and boulder fields, slowly up because I was winded, slowly down to make sure I had my footing. I have a new love-hate relationship with roots. In The Whites, I love them. I use them to pull myself up and to ease myself down, to wedge my foot against to avoid slipping, and to step on to avoid mud. As hard a day as it was, it was also a day of magnificent views, the most spectacular mountain views I have seen in my 62 years. We climbed over Liberty, Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette. I walked for 2 miles above treeline, and the weather couldn't have been better. It was sunny and warm and I could see forever. When I decided to rejoin Just Paul and Tort-lean-y, I knew I might not be able to keep up with them, and after a day and a half, it is obvious I can't. We agreed that we would try hiking together, but that they shouldn't slow down for me. We are all hiking our own hikes. They have a end date in mind, and just have stronger and younger legs than I. I knew I could only go as far as Garfield Ridge Shelter today, and they hoped to push further. I caught up to them when they stopped for lunch. I planned on a lunch of turkey pepperoni and cheddar cheese on a sandwich thin, but I knew it would make me thirsty, so I settled for peanut butter crackers and almonds. I had stopped earlier at a water source, and cameled water, but did not fully fill up my liter bottle because I didn't want extra weight on the uphill. Water has been plentiful, and I was lax about checking Awol for upcoming sources thinking water would be there when I needed it. That was a mistake. I rationed my water and did okay, but it was a reminder to me to always know where the next water source is, and plan accordingly. You'd think after 1,800 miles, I'd have learned. After lunch, we pushed on. Just Paul and Torta-lean-y were quickly ahead, and I did not see them again. You two, it was great to see you and hike with you even if it was for only two days. Just Paul, thank you for your hiking tips and giving me confidence in The Whites. Have fun and a safe journey the rest of the way to Katahdin. My leg muscles are shot. Horizontal feels extra wonderful tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

My goal today was to hike 14.5 miles to a campsite. The terrain seemed easier today, but it is just slow going. There isn't anything in The Whites that I haven't seen before over the last 1,800 miles, but there is just more of it. It is on a much bigger scale and unrelenting. Mid morning, I stopped at Galehead Hut for a bowl of chili and cup of coffee. It was like getting trail magic. By early afternoon, I'd only managed to do 6 or so miles. I began to think I wouldn't make the 14.5 miles. I realized that my timing for reaching the next hut just might work out. The huts will take a couple of through hikers for "work for stay," but you have to arrive after 4 to request it. If you arrive too late, the spots fill up. I got to Zealand Falls Hut at 3:55, went in and asked for work for stay, and got it! There are some rules. Paying guests eat dinner at 6:00. I (and the other 3 work for stay hikers) had to sit on the porch until 7:30, then we were invited inside to eat the leftovers. I had tomato soup, bow tie pasta, pork roast, salad, green beans, and a brownie. There was plenty of food and it was worth the wait. My "work" was straightening out the bookcase full of reference books and games. It took me 10 minutes. Work for stay hikers sleep on the dining room floor while the guests sleep on bunks. Lights out at 9:30 meant being up late for me. I wanted and totally enjoyed this thru-hiker experience. "Da Croo" (the crew) as they like to be called were welcoming and friendly. I chatted with a number of the guests and I hiked earlier in the day with a group of middle schoolers on a leadership trip who are spending the night here too. It is just a feel good place. I am under so much pressure to do the miles because I want to be done that part of me felt I should do more miles today. I made the right decision. This trek is about the journey, not the destination.Houdini is meeting me tomorrow at Crawford Notch for a resupply, a quick overnight in a motel for a shower and laundry, so whether I did 4 more miles today, or do 8 tomorrow, it doesn't matter.
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was 6:00 when Da Croo told us it was time to vacate the dining room. I was already awake and had started packing up. I had the option of staying for breakfast leftovers, but that would have made for a late start, so I washed down the tables (my morning chore), paid $1 for a cup of coffee, and was on the trial at 7:15. Interestingly, after an initial short steep down, there was very little elevation change to Crawford Notch. I walked for over a mile on a flat crushed stone and dirt trail, then for a long time on foot bridges over small streams, standing water and mud. Sound familiar? Who would have thought that would be my description of the trail in The White Mountains? Oh, and there were roots too. Some things on the trail never change. I guess after this many miles, there are only so many permutations of rocks, dirt, and roots. At 10:30 I saw Houdini heading towards me. We hiked out together. After a lunch stop, we drove to Pinkham Notch to scope out our next rendezvous point. Since I am close to home, Houdini is meeting me often for resupply, so I can carry fewer days of food to lighten the load on these big mountains. Tomorrow I push on and up once again.
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Crawford Notch

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I didn't hike. The night before last I was flinching. I didn't have a well planned strategy for hiking the rest of The Whites by myself, now that I wasn't with Just Paul and Torta-lean-y. I texted my niece, First Gear for her advice and reread Awol. I had the stealth campsite info from the Welcome Hostel, but tenting when you're hiking above treeline means taking side trails to sites below treeline. I didn't want to add more miles onto my day. I went to bed before First Gear answered my text, still without a plan. I couldn't shut off my flinching brain and had a lousy night's sleep.When I got up yesterday morning, NOAA was forecasting a 50% chance of rain. First Gear had returned my text and said she hiked hut to hut in the Presidentials. I was feeling stressed and my coping skills weren't good because I was tired. I told Houdini I wanted to take a zero and regroup. He said, "Let's go home. It's only 1 hr and 10 minutes." I had resisted a trip home because I'd decided I didn't want to go home until I was done. It made sense though. Why spend another night in a motel so close to home? So home we went and what a difference it made in my mental attitude.I saw my sons Moose and Toretto, Toretto's girlfriend Steph who is like a daughter to me, my cat, and my hairdresser for a badly needed haircut. I made a huge salad, along with fresh wax beans and corn on the cob for dinner. I've been craving home cooking and vegetables, getting tired of even town food, never mind trail food. I sought advice from my wise trainer, David, and I slept in my own bed. The day off also gave me time to make a plan for the rest of The Whites.I am going to hike hut to hut. My miles will be dictated by the spacing of the huts. I am taking 4 days to hike the 26 miles. It is slow going for me in The Whites and my mileage will be low, but that is okay. The weather forecast, though it can change and change quickly at these elevations, is good for the next 4 days.I was ready to hike this morning after making breakfast in my own kitchen and sitting and having coffee with Houdini. He drove me back from Portland to Crawford Notch and I was hiking at 9:00. I averaged just over 1 MPH up and over Webster Cliffs, Mt Webster, and Mt Jackson. I'm tenting at Nauman Campsite adjoining Mitzpah Hut. Today was a good day. Tomorrow I hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut where I hope to stay in the dungeon, cheap basement hut accommodations for thru-hikers, which will set me up for summiting Mt Washington Monday morning.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8

I shared a tent platform last night with 2 fit guys in their early 30's out for a long backpacking weekend. We met a woman who thru-hiked in '05 at age 60 tenting with her granddaughter now 9 years later. The guys were impressed that women our age are out here thru-hiking. I took my time packing up this morning since I only had a 4.8 mile day to the next hut. It felt good not to feel pressured. The weather was gorgeous, sunny in the 60's. I walked at a leisurely pace because I had the time, stopping frequently to take in the spectacular views above treeline. I climbed Mt Pierce, skirted the summits of Eisenhower, Monroe and Jefferson, and went up and over Mt Franklin. I arrived at Lakes of the Clouds Hut at noon, secured a bunk in the dungeon for $10, and for an additional $10 a place at the dinner table. For lunch, I bought hot potato dill soup and had it with my peanut butter and bacon sandwich. I spent the afternoon sitting in the warm sun on one of the benches outside the hut, talking to fellow hikers, and playing solitaire. Dinner was delicious. Da Croo served turkey soup, stuffed shells, salad, green beans, fresh bread, and gingerbread. Coconut, one of the new fall Croo members just finished a thru-hike last Friday! We talked trail for a while after dinner. Muffin Man, whom I haven't seen in many weeks is doing work-for-stay along with Potatoes, Miss America, and several other hikers whose names I don't know. I am in the infamous Dungeon tonight with 2 very nice French Canadian couples. The Dungeon is true to its name. It is dark and dank, but another memorable AT experience I'm glad to be having. I am very happy with my decision to hike hut to hut. I am living in the moment and appreciating how fortunate I am to be out here. I watched a beautiful sunset tonight 1.4 miles from the summit of Mt Washington. David Bidler, I am moving forward, present and open to all experiences, and enjoying the trail. Thank you for your infinite wisdom.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night there was a magnificent sky. The Big Dipper seemed so close, I could have reached out and touched it. We left the door to the dungeon open all night and this morning I looked out my "bedroom" door and saw a clear sky over Mt Washington.I packed up, had a quick cup of coffee with the work-for-stay hikers, said goodbye to my fellow dungeon bunk mates and was on the trail at 7:00. I wanted to beat the crowd to the summit of Mt Washinton. Amazingly, I hiked the entire 1.4 miles not seeing a soul on the trail. Yesterday, I sat outside the hut and watched multitudes of day hikers go up and down the trail. At 8:15, when I arrived at the summit, I saw only 4 hikers. I talked for a few minutes with a ranger, and he kindly took my photo at the summit. Later in the day, a day hiker told me she gave up waiting for a summit sign photo because the line was so long. The sky was clear the entire time I hiked up and over. I walked along the ridge all day and saw the summit go in and out of the clouds. My timing on Mt Washington couldn't have been better all around. Today the trail was rocky. Once over Mt Washington, I stepped, hopped, and scrambled across the ridge as the trail skirted Mt Clay, Mt Jefferson and Mt Monroe. It was reminiscent of days in PA, but without the breath taking views I had today. I think about returning to these mountains and summiting them as a day hiker, but for now adding the extra miles to take the side trails to the summits isn't in the cards. I arrived at Madison Hut at 3:00 and dutifully waited until 4:00 to request work-for-stay. Little did I know ultimate trail magic was about to be bestowed upon me. Gregory Neilley's party of 2 had to cancel it's reservation and requested that the bunks be given to the first two thru-hikers who requested work-for-stay. I am here as a guest tonight! I can't believe my good fortune as I lie here in my comfy bunk, looking out the window at Mt Madison, my belly full after a delicious hot meal. Thank you trail angel for you thoughtfulness and generosity. Wing It came in behind me and we are both relishing our taste of the good life. Muffin Man and Potatoes are here doing work-for-stay and Trudge and Ray Charles, whom I haven't seen since Hot Springs are getting floor space to sleep. I remember Trudge hung my food bag my 3rd night on the trail when I couldn't hurl the rock high enough to get it over the tree branch. That seems like a lifetime ago. Tomorrow Houdini is meeting me in Pinkham Notch. Still within 2 hours of Portland, I am going home for a zero to see my niece Lexie, and her fianc© Thomas, visiting from the West Coast.
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8

I got a late start this morning because breakfast wasn't until 7:00. For the chance to have a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs, oatmeal and coffee in the mountains, it was well worth the wait. Packing up was quick since my bunk came with a pillow and blankets. I started my climb of Mt Madison at 8:00. The entire mountain is a huge boulder field. It was an immediate steep hand over foot ascent and it was windy, the first significant wind I've encountered in The Whites. At the summit I had a magnificent view of Mt Washinton and the entire ridge line I'd crossed the day before. I was in awe of the ground I'd covered in 24 hours. The equally steep descent was painstakingly slow as I inched my way down the boulders. The trail eventually dropped below tree line, but remained steep. It took me 4 hours to navigate the climb up and the almost 3,000 ft descent. The soles of my feet are sore after 2 days of a steady dose of rocks. The trail leveled off the last 4 miles and Houdini met up with me hiking southbound and we walked out together to the car. I'll spend tomorrow with family and then it's back on Thursday to finish up The Whites.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Pinkham Notch

To: stealth campsite at mile 1871.8
Miles today: 5.9

I could get used to being at home. I have been home twice now and am looking forward to staying there when my work on the AT is done. Houdini drove me back to Pinkham Notch this morning and I was on the trail at 8:45. The Wildcats were just another steep up over predominantly boulder steps and slab rock. I put my poles away for some of it when two free hands were more useful for pulling myself up or easing myself down the rocks. Several times I sat down on my duff in order to reach the next foot hold. It felt like old home week. I started out by myself and by the end of the day I'd seen Tea Bag, Fire Walker, Long Horn, Styles, Hot Sauce, Mad Jack, Trudge and Ray Charles. I have met and/or hiked with all of them at some point on the trail. It's like seeing old friends. I arrived at the last hut in The Whites, Carter Notch Hut, at 3:00 hoping to get work-for-stay. There were only 6 guests for the night so Da Croo said they had no work for thru-hikers. It was windy and getting colder by late afternoon, so I stayed at the hut until about 5:30, ate my dinner out of my food bag there, and then Hot Sauce and I headed out to find a stealth campsite. We ran into Ray Charles and Trudge, told them there was no work-for-stay, so 6 of us all squeezed our tents and Hot Sauce's hammock into a marginal stealth site. It's a cold wind. It's not even 7:00 and I am in my sleeping bag for the night to stay warm.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: stealth campsite at mile 1871.8

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

The wind kept up overnight and was still blowing when I got up this morning. I was packed up and on the trail at 7:30 wearing 3 layers: a short and long sleeve shirt, my rain jacket as a windbreaker, my buff, and gloves. It was a steep climb up Carter Dome and I was expecting a stronger wind at the top, but instead the wind died down. By the time I'd reached the 2nd summit, I'd shed most of my layers. Carter Dome was fogged in when I summited, but then the sky cleared and I had beautiful views over Middle, and North Carter Mountain. I took a break with hot Sauce, then stopped and had lunch in the warm sun at one of the views. I leapfrogged Hot Sauce, Trudge, and Ray Charles and hiked a bit with one of the couples that stayed at the hut last night. I'm tenting tonight at Imp Campsite. It seemed like a long .2 mile off the trail, but it is a lovely campsite with a caretaker, tent platforms, a composting privy (as good as it gets), and a good water source. This campsite charges $8 per person. I've found the campsites in The Whites that charge a fee are better maintained, and to me it is worth it for the upgrade. Tomorrow, I hike to US 2 near Gorham where Houdini is picking me up. I am going home for a quick overnight and resupply and then I'm jumping ahead to Grafton Notch, ME for 3 days of slack packing while I wait for Geo to hike to US 2. I will then come back to Gorham so we can hike the Mahoosucs together. Mahoosuc Notch is purportedly the most difficult (or fun) mile on the AT, and I don't want to do it alone.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Imp Campsite

To: US Route 2, Gorham NH
Miles today: 8.0

Houdini was meeting me at US 2 at noon, so I wanted to get an early start. I was packed up and on the trail at 6:45. I was surprised this morning when the hikers that arrived at 1:30 am and set up camp on the tent platform next to mine, were up. I'd expected they would have slept in. I have yet to night hike, and can't imagine doing so in this terrain. Then again, I'm not 20 and fearless. I'm Flinch. I climbed Mt Moriah, finally a smaller, gentler mountain with rock steps, slab rocks, roots, and a fair number of wooden foot bridges through the bogs. I ascended by myself, but passed many day hikers climbing up as I descended. As hard as steep descents can be, I always feel better going down, knowing the tough up is over. I reached US 2 ahead of Houdini, and Y knot, who thru-hiked in '09, was there with trail magic. He'd set up a grill and had plenty of hiker food. I sat and ate a cheeseburger, chips, Gatorade, and cookies with Forget Me Not, Magic, 3D, and Tom Cat. Houdini arrived, and shortly there after my nieces First Gear from VT and Lexie with Thomas from CA (visiting my brother Rich and sister-in-law Doreen in ME) all pulled into the parking lot. First Gear and Lexie were meeting up to go back to VT for a wedding and had decided the trail head was a central place to connect, and see me at the same time. In the meantime Houdini went and picked up Geo and made a Walmart run with a car full of hikers. Geo is in town because he has hiked to Pinkham Notch, the 1st time the trail is close to Gorham. It was good to see Geo, whom I haven't seen since CT when he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. We hiked together with I Believe, No Name, and Salty Hat from PA to CT. We made plans to meet in Gorham on Wednesday to start hiking together. We all went into Gorham for pizza, then said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It's back to the trail tomorrow for some slack packing north of The Mahoosucs while I wait for Geo to catch up.