morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Green Mountain House Hostel

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageMan:Vermud-o-meter rating today ranged from 1 to 5. There were some really bad sections that had no way to go around and I had to walk through it.I started the trail at 8:30 after a great breakfast at Up For Breakfast. I had the Hiker Special: 2 eggs, toast, bacon, sausage and pancakes. Bush Man pushed on to the next shelter. He needs to make up a day before meeting his brother. So I'm solo again. We saw Ranger in town before leaving. He was zeroing today and will be back on the trail tomorrow.In and around the shelter is a group of section hikers from NYC.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarenton Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageManTomorrow I go under 500 miles to Katahdin. Vermud-o-meter rating for today was 1. My shoes were cleaner when I got to the shelter than when I started this morning. Most of the trail today was great. There were long sections of dry flat trail. I didn't even have to watch the trail during those sections. The last mile was brutal. It went up a rocky gorge which included a yellow jacket nest right in the middle of the trail. I beat the rain by about an hour. It's coming down pretty good. A day hiker said 3-4 inches was expected. I don't have phone service so I can't check the weather. This is not good for the mud that was drying out. There are 9 in the shelter tonight. This is the first shelter that has a leaky roof. There is a leak over one of the bunks and one over the table. A blue tarp appeared and was strung up to divert the water. One hiker is under the table. We are all making do so everyone can sleep dry. There is a lot of laughter as every one gets situated. Wish Pound Hound were here to add to the calamity.Pound Hound:I think he meant to add harmony to the group.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Clarenton Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 19.7

GarageMan:Going up Killington Mt. was probably the worst hiking I have experienced. The rain last night swelled all the creeks and streams and built up the mud volume. There was so much water, most of the trail was a stream. It was not a fun day to say the least. The bright spot of the day was that I have less than 500 miles. 484.6 to be exact.I forgot to mention that bush man was at the shelter last night. I got a hot shower tonight which felt very good.Pound Hound:GM reminded me that when we stayed in this state park 3 years ago it was full of caterpillars. They were so thick that it squished when you walked and they crawled up our legs while we were discussing whether to stay or not. It was the end of May.
Date: 2009-07-31
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

GarageManThe rain and mud saga continues. I got up this morning to overcast skies. I had breakfast at the table, but by the time my pack was packed, it was pouring down rain. I have seen lots of moose poop but no moose sightings. Not that seeing a moose is that exciting for an Alaskan but seeing one here would be a treat. The shelter, built for 6 is over capacity. Currently there are 8 staying here. Two girls have their tent set up inside (what's that about???) and another has her dog inside but there seems to be plenty of room. Tomorrow is going to be a 20 miler.
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

I woke up to stars in the sky. All day it was clear blue skies with temps in 80's. Vermont is going out on a good note. The trail today has some of the best sections of the AT. There was some mud and my left foot sunk in up and over my ankle. Tomorrow is a short 5 mile hike out of Vermont and into Hanover NH. Laundry, shower, food gorging and a short resupply(2 days) are on the agenda.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

I made it into New Hampshire this morning. I had breakfast in Hanover, resupplied for the next couple of days, and then headed out. I did not get a shower or do laundry. The mud did not end at the border. Oh well. There was a full shelter with 8 hikers and 2 others tenting. I got here just in time to sleep inside as I was the 8th.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageMan:I'm never going to mention mud again. It will be with us until we reach Katadin so there's no reason to talk about it any more. I've come to the conclusion that my feet will be wet for 413 more miles. I got some trail magic today-free ice cream and sodas for $.50. There were lots of climbs today and then lots of downs. The big climbs start on Wednesday. I have met up with Bushman and Salty (Dog). I go to a hostel in Glencliff tomorrow but it's a 16 mile walk to get there. PH sent my winter sleeping bag and a warm fleece underlayer for climbing in the Whites.
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel- Glencliff NH
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

GarageMan:I forgot to tell you about when in Hanover, home of Dartmouth College, I was coming out of the restaurant when this guy came up and asked if I was a researcher or a thru hiker. He told me that he worked at the college and it was hard sometimes to tell the difference. I confessed that I was the latter and he was elated. He called his wife over and introduced me. We talked about the trail and thru hiking and how it is a dream of his, while his wife rolled her eyes like she had heard it all before. I wonder how he would have responded if I had been a researcher? Also what does it say about researchers at Dartmouth.I picked up a box that Pound Hound sent me which had my warmer sleeping bag, ziptee under layer and some food items.
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel- Glencliff NH

To: Chet's One Step at a Time Hostel- Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

GarageMan:I went up and over Mt. Moosilauke today, 4802 ft. We started at 1326 ft and got to the top in 4.6 miles. The trip up was steep but nothing like the steep descent on the other side. The last mile from Beaver Brook Shelter to Kinsman Notch was a tribute to trail building. I ran into some Dartmouth students working on the trail today. It was their summer jobs. They seemed to like being outdoors.
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Chet's One Step at a Time Hostel- Lincoln, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

GarageMan:My first climb of the day was 1666 feet up to Mt Wolf. The second climb was 1858 feet up to South Kinsman Mt. There was lots of boulder climbing- steep ups and downs. The White Mts. are proving to be butt busters. I averaged just over 1 mph most of the day.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageMan:On my climbs today, the lowest elevation was 1450 ft and the highest elevation 5249 ft as I went over Mt Lincoln, Mt Lafayette, Mt Garfield.I really hate to mention this but today was the third day of dry feet. There is still mud but there are ways around it. Today really kicked my butt. These vertical climbs and descents are taking their toll. I'm physically and mentally drained at the end of each day.Walking along Franconia Ridge was awesome. It was all above treeline and had great 360 degree views. It was a little windy with some gusts hitting 60 mph, but a definite place to come back to.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Stealth camping at Crawford Notch
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: fog

GarageMan: (mileage doesn't include the 2.6 mile accidental detour)The day started off really good. I was up at my usual 5:15 and on the trail by 6:30. I saw the sun rise while eating breakfast and there was not a cloud in the sky. It was going to be a great day. I walked to Galehead Hut where there were no pancakes but I got some good homemade bread. I filled my water and I was off. At the top of South Twin Mt. things went wrong. I didn't see the sign that showed the AT turning right. I seem to remember many people standing there maybe one of them had their coat hung on the sign so I couldn't see it. Anyways I just kept walking down the trail and 1.3 miles later I was at North Twin Mt. where I ran into a day hiker lady that I met yesterday on the way up to Mt. Lincoln. We chatted for a few minutes and I saw a strange look in her eyes and I said "I'm not on the AT am I"? She pointed over to the previous peak and said that the trail turned to the right there. I turned back and was back on the AT within 30 minutes. Two things should have tipped me off that I was on the wrong trail. There were no white blazes and the trail was great. I got to the next hut by 3pm where there was no food worth paying the $1 for, so I just watered up and headed for Crawford Notch 7.5 miles away where we, Bushman, Salty and I were to meet up with Bushman's brother who will be hiking with us for a few days. When I got to it he Notch, no one was there so I hitched a ride to a campground and store about 3 miles away. The first car stopped and picked me up. It so happened that I met them on the trail today. Small world. After buying some more food, I hitched back to the trail. This time I was picked up by Bushman and his brother returning from eating pizza. So we are all together again. It was an eventful day. I'll be up Mt. Webster and beyond tomorrow.Happy trails.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Stealth camping at Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:I went overMt. Webster 3910Mt. Jackson 4052Mt. Pierce (Mt. Clinton) 4310Mt. Franklin 5004Tomorrow is Mt. Washington which is only 1.4 miles away but is at 6288 feet high. We had great views most of today until about 2pm when the clouds came in and visibility was at about 100 ft. I got work for stay so I cleaned one of the refrigerators and that entitled me to floor space to sleep and dinner left overs. If I wanted to stay I could have breakfast left overs also.Okay, now to last night's events:At about 11 pm a big animal came up to the tent and started to sniff around. I shouted real loud and it backed off for a minute. Then I noticed my backpack sliding out of the vestibule. So I grabbed it back and jabbed with my trekking pole. The animal backed away and seemed to walk into the woods. About 15 minutes later it was back and playing with the mess kit that was next to a tree. I turned on my head lamp, opened the vestibule and grabbed the pole and went after that animal which turned out to be a huge, and I mean gigantic raccoon. It went running into the woods and I finally got some sleep. I had my food bag hung in a tree and the pack didn't have any food in it but must have had some food odors. Some others tenting near by found their backpack in the woods in the morning.
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.4
Weather: fog

GarageMan:I went up the .5 miles to Mt. Washington in fog with about 50 feet visibility. I got to the top at 7:45 and it was empty. Everyone was telling me how crowded with tourists it would be, but I was the only one there. The wind was blowing steady at 45 mph and visibility was about 20 feet. The guy at the museum wanted $3, train riders get in free. People who have hiked over 1845 miles to get there must pay. Well, out into the wind and fog I went. The AT is not marked very well and there are many other trails so it's easy to get on the wrong trail especially in the fog. But I was lucky and went slowly over the wet slippery rocks and arrived at Madison Hut about 1pm. It was probably the slowest 8 miles I have hiked. Only one other nobo(north bounder) passed me all day.   After a bowl of potato soup, without potatoes, I climbed the .5 mile to the top of Mt. Madison and as I approached the top, the weather started to clear and then the spectacular views appeared. Most of the hike was above tree line today. It was a slow descent into Pinkham Notch and I arrived at about 7:30pm. I hitched into Gorham and a nice young lady took pity on me and picked me up. She even called me sir. I got to the Barn Hostel where there are beds with mattresses, went to Subway for dinner, and crashed.Pound Hound's unsolicited comments: What was that driver thinking? Doesn't she know it's dangerous to pick up strange men? Also, I think making potato soup with no potatoes will be a good money-saver now that GM is used to it. I didn't think he would eat it that way, but now I know.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: moderate rain

GarageMan:Zero day in Gorham. I'm doing laundry, sleeping in, getting a little food and heading out in the morning. 319 miles to go and will be in Maine on Friday.Pound Hound: GM says that his energy is coming and going- he's going to try to carry (and eat) more calories.
Date: 2009-08-13
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Garage ManAt homeI've been home for about a week and a half but my mind and heart are still on the trail. My broken rib has curtailed my usual home activities and the pain meds make me drowsy so I have been sleeping a lot. My mind is telling me that I should go back and finish but my body is telling me the opposite. I have dreamed that I'm still on the trail and when I awake, in that drowsy zone between sleep and awake, I think that I'm in a hostel and start to look around for my pack and equipment but can't find them. It's only when I notice something in the room that says, "This is your house" that I realize where I'm at.   I usually spend about half the night sleeping in the recliner chair in the living room. The other morning to test my body's trail condition I slept on the floor somewhat simulating sleeping in a shelter or in a tent. It took me a good 5 minutes to get up to a standing position so I could go to the bathroom. I deemed myself not trail ready.   Pound Hound and I walk every day and even took my sister and her husband out to our land outside of Fairbanks where we are building a cabin. To get to it you have to walk a mile on a trail that we cut several years ago. It is rough and similar to the AT. I was really dragging coming back out to the truck and I was only carrying a small light day pack. Another indication that I'm not ready to finish the AT. I will finish someday. I might wait for Pound Hound to get to Gorham, NH and then finish with her. We started together and it would be great to finish together. I still believe that there is a difference between a thru hike and a section hike but I also believe in HYOH and applaud all who get outside and explore the outdoors. While hiking I enjoyed the company and assistance of through hikers, section hikers, day hikers, trail maintainers, trail angels and people who have never set foot on a trail. Each contributed to the great experience I had.I have received many encouraging emails from friends and people who have followed me and Pound Hound. I really appreciate them.As for my treatment at the medical clinic in Gorham, I attribute it to one person and not the town. I met many kind people there who were interested in my hike and not put out by my "hiker" appearance. It's a great trail town.Thanks again and stay in touch.
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Amicalola Falls State Park, Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light snow

This journal is very much like me...a work in progress. Sometimes there is discernable progress...other times not so much. I'll try and post all of the legs of the hike...the startpoints and destinations...and fill in more details as I go along. Some of the entries will be straight from my notepad I carry on the trail...and there'll be some editing and filling in the gaps as I go along. I believe this hike is a ministry opportunity for me, so where He leads me I will follow, or at least try. After an AYCE breakfast buffet at the lodge (the lodge is awesome and I encourage everyone to give it a try...hiking or not)...Bill and Bev dropped me off at the approach trail from the lodge...7.5 to AT Southern terminus at Springer. I started in short sleeves and shorts...looking back and knowing the weather was coming...not too bright! Rain and wind came soon...then sleet...then snow. The temperature was dropping all along and the wind was gusting at times...Stopped along the way and sang "I Love You, Lord!" and then "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" while walking...was singing my new favorite "Oh How He Loves Us" lost my balance in the snow and ice...and FACE-PLANTED in the snow...the 30# pack might as well have been 130#...looked like a giant turtle face down trying to roll back over...Walked by the Springer Mtn shelter in the blowing snow...and ended up at Stover Creek Shelter...I started meeting folks...some with trail names...others not yet. The first day I met the Wizard, Left Toe, Bluegrass, August, Sarge...there were a few others in the shelter and close by that night...Topo, Giggles...It was cold when I arrived and I was wet...changed and got in the sack as quickly as possible...p>Pressing on!
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

My drinking hose had frozen on the way to the shelter (Stover Creek) so I had to wait till I got here to drink from my bladder (sounds nasty so I'll say Dromedary from now on). This was the first morning since my Army days that I put on FROZEN boots. I did the best I could with FROZEN boots and laces and hit the trail. SARGE was out first...and he and I were both passed pretty early by Left Toe and Bluegrass.Short day in miles (5)...long day to be on the trail. Yesterday's rain, sleet and snow made the trail sloppy today. First one at the shelter (Hawk Mountain). Several others rolled in and it was full by evening. August, Wizard and others yet trail-named showed up. I had been the first one to set up in the shelter and when it filled up and SARGE was still out I moved myself and my things to my tarp. SARGE showed up late...everybody was getting worried. We learned that he had taken a nasty fall so August helped him to Hightower Gap where he caught a ride in to the hostel.I slept under the tarp...someone said it was 6 degrees in the AM...I believe it...was cold all night. I was lying there shivering and began to think about my new friends at Church Street UMC Community worship...the homeless folks. I'd had the tremendous honor of sharing with them a few days earlier...preached a Lenten sermon entitled "Re-Turn to Sender."I was lying there thinking about all of those "brothers and sisters" of ours, out on the streets for whatever reason, and began to cry. When we sing a line from a hymn such as this one from "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," how is that we (the church) don't get it: "When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the prince of glory died, all my rich gains I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride..."How long will the church pray the same prayer of confession of pardon...and the world not change?For not being an obedient church.For not hearing the cry of the needy.For not loving God with our whole heart.When I woke up the next morning someone later told me how cold it had been. I knew it had been cold...my feet told me all night...and when I woke up the tears had frozen on my face...Press on fellow sojourners!preacherman
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept just above Siler Bald shelter...pitched my tarp along the trail. Got up...ate a little breakfast...and started walking. I was considering walking to NOC (23.6 miles) all day, and never did really commit. Got to Trail Angel APPLE's dome tent around 4 in the afternoon. Sat and visited with several thru-hikers...ate and drank lots of good stuff (thanks APPLE!)...and set out for NOC just before dark. Rain was expected and I didn't really want to walk in it all day Friday.Not too smart, but those who know me know thats par for the course for me. I walked until I was exhausted and pitched my tarp. Heard rain falling on the tarp and got up and got moving. I'm sure there are lots of great views in the daytime...but night is pretty cool too. Its almost like being on a slowly (very slowly) descending plane and watching the lights get closer and closer.I got to NOC just before daylight and stuck my thumb out when I decided which way I needed to go. I thought it would be tragic to hitch-hike in the wrong direction...something Chevy Chase might do in a Vacation movie...or me in real life.It probably took me about 6 hours but I made it to Maryville around noon.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Maryville TN

To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero in Maryville TN...ate all I could for breakfast (thanks for cooking TP and for taking me there BH)...then again at supper (Emmaus/Chrysalis gathering). Great praise and worship (thanks to D. Leach and others)...celebrated Holy Communion...and more praise and worship!
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 19.6

As you can see I had a pretty long day today...thought about pressing on to the next shelter but I listened to my body for a change and stopped short. There was a 70% chance of rain today so I when I woke up and felt rested...I packed up and started hiking...in the dark...with my headlamp of course.I spooked a hog...rather we spooked each other...in the rain and dark...and I think it may have "scat" itself. Thankfully I did not.I reached Max Patch summit at first light and in the wind and rain. For any hikers who may read this...go there some day! I'm going back when I have a camera and a view. It is a must see.Stopped at Roaring Fork Shelter for coffee and oatmeal...met Mogley and a femle hiker whose name I did not get.Pressed on to Walnut Mountain Shelter...oldest shelter I've ever seen...Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett must've built it.Hung a line and dried all my clothes and had some potatoes for lunch. Nathan (no TN) came by then Meteorologist then another. All the while my clothes were drying.Stopped at the "Brook with Cascades" at mile 263.9 and got water...2l...then moved on to a campsite in a pine forest.Pitched the tarp then ate supper...you guessed it...potatoes...Got situated then bear-bagged my pack...after I spilled olive oil on the outside...bummer. I hope bears aren't into olive oil.Slept fairly well...pressing on to Hot Springs!
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.2

When I finally had the nerve to stick my head out of my bag this morning there was snow...4-5 inches...and it was probably in the teens. I met the young man that came in yesterday afternoon...TN Serial.We had a nice chat...he's from Detroit of all places! Said he got the hiking bug and just went for it...thru-hiked in 2007...back doing a section this year before he goes to work in Damascas.We talked gear...our plan for the day etc.He set out before me...and was ahead of me most of the day. Thankfully. There was one set of prints in the snow...his...The snow was inches deep and nearly two feet in drifts. We got to the shelter and decided to press on to Sam's Gap.
Date: 2009-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking the Appalchian Trail has always been of interest to me. After reading a few good books by people who have made the thru-hike successfully I am ready to tackle at least part of it! I plan to leave around May 1 and hike the 200+ miles form Springer Mtn. GA. to Newfound Gap. If I can hang in there and make that hike a success I will continue from that point next chance I get.
Date: 2009-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well Im looking forward to this "Walk in the Woods". Not looking forward to getting soaked down to the core. If I can stay somewhat dry and warm I think Ill be alright. I am trying to prepare myself mentally so that I dont throw in the towel if the above dry and warm thing dosen't work out. Oh I just bought a small golite umbrella. I read some hikers were glad they brought the golite brella along. Will see!