morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-09
From: No Woodstock, NH

To: Franconia Notch NH
Miles today: 16.3

Relaxed a bit with Chett and the boys this morning and then Chett gave us a ride to the trailhead. The day was cool and sunny with a few clouds. The first ascent was up Mt Wolf. As we were slack packing we pretty much cruised up the mountain and down to Eliza Brook Shelter. On the way we passed UffDa, Tractor and Fat Man Walking. When we got to the shelter Moose stopped by for a quick snack and then left. From the shelter it was pretty much straight up to South Kinsman. It certainly would have been more difficult had we had our full packs. We took a break on South Kinsman. While there Caveman and Lightfoot stopped by. When I introduced myself they said that my brother Dennis had given them a ride when they were in Bennington. We headed over to North Kinsman which is an easy hike that is less than a mile away. We took a break there and took in the views. It was getting late so we left and stopped at Kinsman Pond for a couple pictures and then headed to Lonesome Lake Hut. We met up with Moose, Prom Queen and Trail Wife who were doing work-for-stay at the hut. We left around 6 for the 3 mile hike down to Franconia Notch. When we got there we called for a shuttle back to the Heger condo. We ordered calzones to be delivered and watched some TV. All a bit tired. Tomorrow we do Franconia RidgeGandalf
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Franconia Notch NH

To: Mt Garfield NH
Miles today: 9.9

Slept in until 6:30 and was still tired. We ate leftover calzones for breakfast and had coffee with ice cream. We packed up and left the condo by 8:30 and as we were walking down to the highway TJ called and he was in the area. He came by and picked us up and brought us to resupply and then to the trailhead. We started hiking by 10:30. TJ drove up to the Falling Waters trailhead and meet us on top Little Haystack. Our hike took us up the Liberty Springs trail and was a fairly steep up. When we got to the top we took the side trail to the peak of Liberty and took in the views and took a break. We headed over to Little Haystack and met up with TJ and continued up Lincoln and Lafayette. We stopped for lunch Lafayette and said goodbye to TJ as he was heading down the Bridle Path back to his car. After lunch we headed over to Garfield. The ascent to Garfield wasn't as bad as it was when I did it a few years ago. We made a decision to stay on top of Garfield for the sunset and to stay the night to get the sunrise Here tonight with Tree, Happy, Moose, flex and Facts. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Mt Garfield NH

To: Guyot Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

We were up before 5 to catch the sunrise from Mt Garfield and then went back to sleep for a couple more hours. We ate our breakfast and were on the trail by 9:00. We stopped by the Garfield campsite to fill up on water and then continued on to Galehead Hut. They had leftover oatmeal with brown sugar that they gave us for free. Next was the ascent up South Twin Mtn it was 1000 ft gain in .8 miles. It was tough but was over fairly quick. We took a few minutes to take in the view as South Twin is just above tree line. We headed over to Mt Guyot (and set some SOBOs in the right direction as they were off the AT). We setup our tents and sleeping bags and then Tree and I slack packed to Mt Bond and then Bondcliffs - Happy stayed at the shelter and took a nap. The side trip to the Bonds was great - we had great views and took quite a few pictures.After about 30 minutes we headed back to the shelter and ate dinner. We were going to hit West Bond for sunset but we were all just too tired. Here in the shelter with two SOBOs - Multi and Kodiack. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Guyot Shelter

To: Crawford Notch Rt 302
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

We were up and on the trail by 7. It was a sunny and cool morning. We headed back over Mt Guyot and hit the summit of Mt Zealand and stopped at Zeacliff (which has nice views) for a quick break. We headed down to the Zealand Falls Hut and the 'croo' gave us left over green beans and cous cous to eat for our second breakfast. From there we went down to the bottom of Zealand Falls and took another break and some pictures. The trail then turns onto Ethan Pond trail which was very nice with a slight uphill. We passed Thoreau Falls (Tree & Happy checked that out) and I continued to Ethan Pond Shelter for another quick break.After the break we hiked down the three miles to Rt 302 and met up with Christoph who had brought us subs, beer and soda. Christoph drove us to Bart's store to resupply and we checked the weather. Weather called for severe thunderstorms on Sunday so we decided to zero the remainder of the day and Sunday. The rest of the day was spent going up to Pinkham Notch to confirm the weather and then we took a ride over to Sabaday Falls on the Kancamangus. We ate at Delaney's and had a great dinner. Here with Happy, Tree and Christoph for the night in a suite. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Crawford Notch Rt 302

To: Crawford Notch Rt 302
Miles today: 0.0

Today marks my fourth month hiking the Appalachian Trail and I'm currently in No Conway NH waiting out a storm and will start the Presidentals tomorrow. It has been an amazing journey seeing some incredible views and meeting some really great people. I have hiked 1,840 miles with 345 remaining and within a week I should enter Maine - the last of the 14 states that we travel through. As you most likely know - i have dedicated my hike to Paula Guerin who lost her fight with Multiple Myeloma three years ago and am raising money for research of that disease through MMRF. At this time I have raised over $7,300 towards my goal of $10,000. For those that have donated - my sincere thanks. For those who are interested in this charity or would like to donate - follow this link (http://www.tinyurl.com/mmrfsaint)Thank you for your support throughout this journey. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Crawford Notch Rt 302

To: Mt Washington
Miles today: 12.6

Up early as Brian who works at Eastern Inn offered to drive us back to the trail. Had breakfast at the hotel and I was in the first ride with the backpacks to the trailhead. While waiting for Brian to return with Tree & Happy I ran into Cornelius and H2O. I need to thank Brian as he was a true Trail Angel going out of his way to make two trips to get us to the trailhead. The weather had called for rain and possible thunderstorms so the plan was to make it to Lake of the Clouds Hut - but when we got up the skies were blue with little chance of rain. We got on the trail just past 8 and started the huge ascent up Webster Cliff Trail. I was thankful that it was cool and the trail was fairly dry. We had good views of Crawford Notch and Mt Willey from the top of the cliffs. Headed over Mt Webster and Mt Jackson up to Mizpah Hut. We ate lunch there and then continued up to Lake of the Clouds Hut. On the way we could see a storm heading our way. We were able to make it to the hut before the storm and dropped our packs. We were able to get work-for-stay at the hut - so we headed up to Mt Washington to hopefully get some pictures before the rain. We took a few pictures and went inside for a couple minutes and then headed back to the hut to try to beat the rain. We were not successful at that - the rain came and we got pretty wet. At the hut we had to wait until everyone ate and then we got the leftovers. Some unknown meat, bread, tofu soup and half a brownie. Essentially a snack. After dinner Happy & I did dishes and our work-for-stay was completed. At 9:30 they turned off the lights and we were allowed to set up our sleeping bags on the floor in the eating area. Here tonight with two SOBOs - Signal & Strider - and Happy & Tree.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Mt Washington

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 13.4

We slept on the dining room floor of the hut but it was like sleeping at Grand Central Station. All night long people walking by to use the bathroom. Around 5 the early risers came into the dining room - so that was essentially when I started moving. Like dinner the night before, we waited until everyone finished their breakfast and then we could eat. After breakfast we waited for Tree to complete his work-for-stay. We left around 9 and headed back up Washington under clouds and fog and the threat for heavy rain late in the day. We stopped briefly at the summit of Washington and then headed over to the Gulfside Trail. The AT goes past Mt Clay, Jefferson and Adams but not over them.I stopped at the Madison Hut to refill my water and eat some snacks. It hadn't started to rain yet and I wanted to get below treeline before it did. After my brief break, I summitted Madison and started down to Pinkham Notch. I was able to get below treeline and near the Osgood Tentsite when it started to rain. It pretty much rained the last 2 hours to Pinkham Notch - some really heavy at times. When I got to Pinkham Notch, I switched into dry clothes and waited for Tree & Happy as I had hiked by myself since just past Washington - and had a great day by myself. Tree & Happy showed up about an hour later. They had taken the wrong trail coming down on the Osgood Trail. We called for a shuttle and they took us to The Barn in Gorham. Went to Mr Pizza for dinner - calzone, salad, spaghetti and Tuckermans. Here tonight with Tree, Happy, Cornelius, H20, Timber (a BASH - big a$$ section hiker) and two SOBOs. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to rain and decided to take a zero day today. Went out to breakfast with Cornelius, H20, Napolean and Tree. After breakfast Napolean & I headed to the post office to get the cookies that Karen sent and my replacement poles from Black Diamond. I gave Napolean the old poles and we headed back to the Barn. Early in the afternoon I headed down to the outfitter to see if they had any Superfeet or Gaitors (they did but none that I liked). Just before going into the store I met a woman who I had met in Pine Grove Furnace PA. When I had met her earlier we discussed her section hike of the AT and how she only had a section of Maine left to do. She is here now to do that action. Good luck on your section and finishing the AT. Went to lunch at Mr Pizza and it was good. Had fun chatting with the locals about my hike. The rain eventually stopped and the sun came out. The afternoon consisted of checking in with various friends and family and left enough time to go back to Mr Pizza with Cornelius and H2O for dinner. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Rt 2 Gorham NH
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Was up early and H2O, Cornelius and I started hitching a ride by 6:30 to Pinkham Notch. We got a ride and when we got to the Notch I saw Cupcake & Raven who I haven't seen in over a month. We hit the trail by 7:15 and it was straight up to the Wildcats. There are five Wildcat peaks - two of which are considered 4000 footers. Once you climb the last one it's straight down about 1000 feet to Carter Notch Hut. I stopped there for a break and then started the 1800 foot climb up to Carter Dome. Of course this was made easier as I was slack packing today and the weather was cool and mostly sunny. Once I got to the top of Carter Dome it was an easy hike over to Mt Hight which has a 360 view of the surrounding area. Met up with Happy & Tree as they were hiking southbound. From Mt Hight it was series of ups and downs over South, Middle and North Carter's. The down after North Carter was really steep and somewhat surprised me as I had never hiked that section. After the Carter's was one more up to Carter Moriah and then a fairly easy down all the way to Rt 2. It took about 3 minutes to hitch a ride back into Gorham. A total of 21.1 miles in 9:45 going over six 4000 footers (actually five as I didn't take the .1 side trail to Carter Moriah - but since I did most of the work I'm counting it). With the miles that I hiked today - I find myself less than 300 miles to Kathadin - hard to believe. Hope to cross the NH/ME border tomorrow. Here at The Barn - all by myself. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Rt 2 Gorham NH

To: Carlos Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Got a hitch back to the trailhead from Raven who had hiked in 2000. Was on the trail around 9 on a sunny cool day. The day consisted of mostly ups - and they were pretty steep ups. Ran into Green Kitty, Angry Phil, Handsome Dan and Wiz all before the first shelter. I stopped at the Gentian Shelter around 2:30 for lunch. Ran into Cornelius and H2O leaving the shelter and they told me about a moose in the pond. She was still there when I got to the shelter and was able to get a picture. After lunch there were more hills to climb including Mt Success. Just before Mt Success we crossed the 1900 mile mark. After summiting Mt Success we crossed the NH/ME border. The last border that we will cross. The shelter was another mile past the border. There are a ton of people here including Wiz, Handsome Dan, Two Forks, Cornelius, H2O, Tree and HappyGandalf
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Carlos Col Shelter

To: Baldplate Leanto
Miles today: 16.4

Was out by 7:30 this morning as I knew it would be a challenging day. On tap today was the Mahoosic Notch and the Mahoosic Arm. The day started off with an uphill and then down to the Shelter where I took a break and ate some snacks. From there it was downhill to the notch considered the most difficult (fun) mile on the AT. It consisted of boulders that you had to climb over and under. In some places you had to take your pack off to get under the boulder and in some places there was snow and ice on the ground. Once I finished the notch it was straight up the Mahoosic arm ~2000ft climb on rock. After reaching the top it was down to Speck Pond shelter for lunch. It was 3:45 so I figured I had enough time to make it to the next shelter which was seven miles away. There was a fairly steep uphill and then a nice descent to Rt 26 in Grafton Notch. Marilyn was doing trail magic and I had a couple waters and chatted   From there it was 2 miles uphill to the shelter. Here tonight with H2O, Cornelius, Gonzo, Facts, Boston Chris and a few other hikers. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Baldplate Leanto

To: East B Hill Rd, Andover Me
Miles today: 8.0

Woke up at 6:30 but was still tired. Took forever to get packed up and out of the shelter. I finally hit the trail at 8:30 and it was fairly steep up to Baldplate - west peak. From there it was down and back up (including ladders) up to Baldplate East Peak. The peak was mostly exposed rock (hence the name bald plate?) but had great views. From there I called Pine Ellis Hostel and made reservations and arranged for a pickup at the trailhead. I hiked down to Frye Shelter and took a break with Cornelius and H2O and then headed out. Again, it was a fairly steep up to the summit of Frye and then a nice few miles down to the trailhead. I waited about 15 minutes with Boston Chris and Tingzing for the shuttle. We got checked in and went to Millers for lunch. The day was overcast with light showers and cool. Here tonight are Deep Blue, Handsome Dan, Tree, Happy and Tingzing. There are also a couple of SOBOs staying here as wellGandalf
Date: 2014-07-21
From: East B Hill Rd, Andover Me

To: Rt 17 Oquossoc, Me
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

Was up early to catch the first shuttle out at 7. I was the only one on the shuttle and I decided to slack pack. There are two options for miles to hike. One was to hike 10 miles to the other Andover exit or to hike 23 to Rt 17. It was a fairly gentle uphill all morning up to Wyman Mtn and then a steep down to Sawyer Notch. On the way I ran into Little Fox and Big Fox who had flipped and were heading southbound. I had met them at High Point Shelter in NJ. After the notch it was a pretty steep up to Moody Mtn and then another fairly steep down to South Arm road where I stopped to eat lunch. After lunch it was steep up to Old Blue Mtn. At the summit I met up with Facts, Deep Blue and Timber. From there it was rolling terrain up to Bemis Mtn and then over to the second peak of Bemis. I called the hostel and let them know that I would be at the road at 6:30 for pickup and then continued down to Bemis Stream. At that point it was .8 miles to the road and an 800 ft elevation gain - what a way to end the day! I waited til 7:30 to get picked up and then was dropped off at the restaurant in town for dinner. Weather was warm but with a cool breeze - nice hiking weather. Here tonight are Figgy, Big Fox, Little Fox, Lady Moose, Dinosaur, DaVinci, Thin Mint, Two forks, Bean Drop, Happy, Tree, Handsome Dan and a few more. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Rt 17 Oquossoc, Me

To: Piazza Rock Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Took my time getting packed up today as the shuttle was booked bringing all the hikers back to the Andover trailheads. I did run into Stretch this morning - first time that I've seen him since Upper Goose Pond in Ma. I went to the Red Hen for breakfast. I had the "hiker breakfast" which was scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, blueberry muffin and French toast. While I was eating a woman came by and asked if I was a thru-hiker. I responded yes and she patted me on the back and sat down. When I went to pay my bill I was informed that my bill had been paid and the cashier wouldn't tell me who paid it. As I turned to leave I saw the woman who patted me on the back and I realized that it was she who had paid for my breakfast. She and her husband are from Somerville Ma and enjoy doing this type of trail magic. Thanks - it was greatly appreciated. After breakfast I resupplied and left around 11 for the trailhead. It was about a 45 minute ride and when I got there Deep Blue was there and his parents showed up shortly. They informed me that they were doing trail magic at Rt 4 in Rangely - so I had something to look forward to. The hike today was really nice. Nothing too steep (up or down) and I hiked by at least four ponds. Not too many people out today and although it was warm there was a nice breeze with mostly sunny skies. I made it to Rt 4 and Deep Blue and his folks were still doing trail magic. I had a hot dog, egg sandwich, clam chowder, brownie and about four Gatorades. Needless to say I didn't need to eat dinner. After trail magic it was a 2 mile hike to the shelter. Here tonight with Kamikaze, Trademark, Cornelius and H2O plus to SOBOs - Church and Shark BaitGandalf
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Piazza Rock Shelter

To: Spaulding Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

We were on the trail by 7:15 as they were predicting bad weather coming in for the afternoon. It was the first time that I've hiked with Kamikaze since Glasglow Va. We headed up Saddleback Mtn which is a 4k footer and above treeline. It was overcast and warm but cool and windy on the top of the mountain. From Saddleback we headed over to The Horn (again over 4K) most of it above treeline. Next mountain on the AT was Saddleback Junior which was 3600' but seemed steeper - both up and down. We headed down to the shelter and had lunch with Winging It & Madison Eyes - two section hikers. After lunch it was down to a river and then up to Lone Mtn. We took a break on top of Lone and as we started to leave the skies opened up. We had 2 miles to go and the trail got quite wet. The thunder and lightning increased our pace. We were at the shelter by 5 with it still raining. Here tonight are Cornelius, H2O, Kamikaze and TDK. Also here are two SOBOs - Frieghtliner and Mac Solo. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Spaulding Mountain Shelter

To: Rt 27 Stratton Me
Miles today: 13.5

It had rained hard last night and was overcast and damp in the morning. Ate breakfast and we were on the trail by 8:30.The skies cleared and we hiked up the Spaulding Mtn and around Sugarloaf Mtn and then we had a steep down to the Carrabasset River where we had a snack and break. From there it was an up to South Crocker and a quick down and up to North Crocker where we had lunch. After lunch it was a five mile fairly easy down to Rt 27. I called the hostel and they came to pick me up. I showered and met up with TDK and Kamikaze for snacks and then went for dinner at the White Wolf. The hike is winding down as we now have less than 200 miles to go. Here tonight with Kamikaze, Mission and a couple of SOBOs. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Rt 27 Stratton Me

To: Rt 27 Stratton Me
Miles today: 0.0

A much needed zero day. Slept in until 7:00 and relaxed until the market opened across the street. Got a Monster drink and 4 muffins for breakfast. Headed to do laundry and got a pint of ice cream and another Monster drink waiting for the laundry to finish. A trail angel picked us up and we went for lunch and drinks at Sugarloaf ski area. It was a partly sunny and relatively cool day. After lunch we resupplied and came back to Stratton. We headed over to the White Wolf and I had steamers and apple crisp for desert. We saw Happy, Tree and Deep Blue when they came into town - they are staying at the White Wolf. Here with Kamikaze and Timber. Great and relaxing zero. Many thanks to our trail angel who shuffled us around today. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Rt 27 Stratton Me

To: West Carry Pond Leanto
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

What a day! Not sure if it was great because:- I crossed the 2000 mile hiked mark- hiked over the last 4000 ft peak until Kathadin- hiked over the next to last 3000 ft peak until Katahdin- was rested from a great zero day - or Maine is becoming my favorite state. Whatever the reason - it was great. It is beginning to settle in as to what this journey has been about - the people, the views, the family and the adventure. We were up around 6 and Sue drove us to the trailhead and we were hiking by 7:15. Our original plan was to do 15 miles. It started out pretty flat for the first couple miles and then it was up to the Bigelow range. The first peak was South Horn and then from there to the west peak at 4K feet. In the col we stopped for lunch and chatted with Ian the caretaker. He gave us the history of the Bigellow Preserve - where at one point it was to be developed as the "Aspen of the East" but the people of Maine voted it down. After lunch we headed over to Avery Peak - another 4K foot peak with great views of Sugarloaf and Flagstaff Lake. From there it was down and then back up to Little Bigelow - a 3K foot peak. From there we headed to Bigelow Leanto and had dinner. It was 5ish and we decided to go another seven miles to set us up for the Caratunk ferry tomorrow. The ferry (a canoe) brings hikers across the Kennebec River and only runs from 9-11 and 2-4. Had we stayed at the other shelter/Leanto we might not make the ferry. Form here it is 14 miles to the ferry so we should be all set. Here tonight with Kamikaze, Wiz a section hiker and a ton of SOBOs. Gandalf
Date: 2014-07-27
From: West Carry Pond Leanto

To: Rte 201 Caratunk Me
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Was out of the shelter by 7;15 with a day that looked flat in the guide book. We traveled to East Carry Pond and then over to Pierce Pond Leanto. We stopped for lunch there and then continued on to the Kennebec River. Most of that hike was along the Pierce Pond River which was nice with some waterfalls. The weather was mostly cloudy and in the afternoon it looked like rain. Plenty of roots and rocks today. We got to the river just before 2 and the ferry service came and picked us up and shuttled us to the other shore. As we were heading to the road it started raining. We hitched for about 30 minutes before we got a ride to Northern Outdoors. We had lunch and a few beers and then got a shuttle to the Sterling Inn to resupply. At the Sterling Inn we met Reroute and Squatch (who interviewed me for a third time). We all went back to Northern Outdoors for dinner and cornhole. Here with Kamikaze and a bunch of people that either rafted today or are rafting tomorrow. Gandalf