morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-26
From: William B. Douglas Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: moderate rain

This is probably the newest shelter we've been in so far, built in 2002. It's very nice, and looks like it will be full tonight. It rained all day today, so we are grateful to be under cover, but hopefully we won't have to listen to the rain hit the metal roof 6 inches above our heads all night like last night. We enjoyed the company of the other hikers, some of which were Long Trail hikers and some of which were AT hikers.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Lost Pont Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We saw two different animal tracks today. On Styles Peak we saw several tracks that belonged to some big cat (cougar, bob cat?). Then near the end of the day we saw one moose track. Somewhere there is a one-legged moose! We were told by a Green Mountain Club member that it is already the wettest June of record for Vermont. So glad we could be part of history. But today was beautiful. Hope it lasts. We have enjoyed the terrain and scenery of Vermont, if only the trail wasn't so muddy.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Lost Pont Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: heavy intensity rain

No pain, no rain, no Maine. Today went from horrible to wonderful. It started raining as we left camp and didn't stop. The trail just can't handle any more water, some puddles were over a foot deep. So we spent so much time trying to place our feet. And then there are the overgrown branches hanging down over the trail that smack you in the face while you are looking at your feet. Both of us were ready to quit at different points today. That's how miserable we were. But there's nothing to do but hike to the next shelter where you can get out of the rain and put on dry clothes. When we arrived we were surprised to see Red Dane and Artful Dodger there. They were ahead of us after we spent the day with friends. But they took a zero day at the shelter on account of the weather. Shortly after we arrived the rain stopped (of course) and in came a pack of boy scouts. We were trying to not be too obvious as we were eyeing up all the food they had brought. They had a group meeting and decided to end their trip that night. So quess what? They gave us all their food. Red Dane cooked up some mac and cheese (from pasta and a cheddar block) for all, and we divided the pop tarts and chewy granola bars and marshmellows. A woman who thru-hiked last year came in on a section hike and brought some Southern Comfort for the hikers she would meet. Her trail name was Frank, and is a recent grad of Radford. So once we were dry, had a full belly, had a drink (mixed with Tang, courtesy of the boy scouts) and were among friends, things were all good again. Except for Suds' toes, which were raw from being water logged.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Country Squire Motel
Miles today: 7.8

A thunderstorm went through this morning at 4:30 but it had moved out by the time we started hiking. We needed a bit of luck today since we needed a ride into and out of one town and then make it into another where we could dry out for the night. And we were very fortunate with rides today. Each hitch took less than 20 minutes before somebody offerred a ride. We climb Killington tomorrow, then on to the Inn at the Long Trail on Saturday. Reason to keep hiking.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Country Squire Motel

To: Pico Camp
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Well we climbed Killington today. It was long but very doable. We caught a ride back to the trail by a fellow from Sparks, MD who was up here visiting his brother. Then we came across two instances of trail magic. The first was cold soda's in the stream, and then a couple of miles later there were two coolers, one with Coke's and the other with crackers. That must have been what helped us with the climb. We had planned on staying at the shelter on Killington but it was a pit. So we walked three more miles (.5 off the AT) to stay at this shelter instead. Good choice. This one is enclosed, so it shouldn't get too cool tonight.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Pico Camp

To: Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 3.7

It was colder than it had been in a long time last night. We both had on our caps and were buried deep in our bags. I guess that was a taste of the temps we can expect in the higher elevations of the White Mountains coming up in NH. We had a short, almost all downhill walk to the road, then started the .9 mile walk to the Inn. We had heard great things about this place (any Inn that includes an Irish bar/restaurant can't be bad). We didn't get very far on our road walk when a car pulled over and offerred us a ride (we weren't even trying to hitch). We told him we were just going to the Inn, but he took us anyway. Sweet! It happened the walk would have been all uphill. The Inn also has laundry facilities, so we get to shower and put on clean clothes. Of course, we have to wear nothing but our rain pants and jackets until the clothes are finished. You should see the looks we get! Not the most comfortable choice. We would recommend the Inn at the Long Trail to anybody, especially hikers. The nightly rate includes a big breakfast, and the family and staff are very friendly. We caught the bus into Rutland to do our town chores (journal, resupply) and were intertained by Irish music in the evening. Very nice.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Inn at the Long Trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Yes, we finally left the Inn, but it wasn't easy. Today has been beautiful so far, but the climbing today was tough. The mountain wasn't as high nor did we have to climb as long as on Killington, but it was much steeper. Then it was 1.5 miles down to the shelter in a gap. Una Mas's knees were crying the whole way down, and Suds' left knee (that's supposed to be the good one) gave her a fit today. We passed another Inn directly on the trail today and we stopped to check it out. They gave us each a soda and we watched their pot-bellied pig grazing in the yard.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

A fellow we met at the Inn had told us we were about to hike the hardest section on the trail because the trail cuts across the waves of the mountains. We are starting to believe him. We are making good time even with all the breaks we take, but we sure do get winded on the uphills. They just seem steeper. But the trail itself is good, starting to dry out. Weather today was warm and humid (I'm sure it was hazy, hot, and humid at home) and there was a nice breeze that helped keep away the bugs. We may get some fireworks later care of Mother Nature. Our 4th of July treat - Una Mas had fruit punch and Suds had Lemon Aid flavored water. Yippee!
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

No rain last night, no rain so far today. We had beautiful hiking weather today, but it still got hot on those uphills. But we had added incentives today. Two stores, each .2 miles from the trail, with ice cream and cold drinks. We arrive 25 minutes before the first store opened, but I told Suds I was sitting on the porch until 10:00. We got hand-dipped ice cream (muddy sneakers and moose tracks, of course), an apple puff, some chocolate chips cookies for later, and two cold drinks. Then near the end of the day we visited a farm store that sold ice cream by the pint (which we didn't think we could finish) and Vermont sodas, so we each got two of those. As we drank them a chicken walked out of the barn and took a drink from the dog's water dish before taking a stroll across the street to the garden and back. That passes as entertainment to us. We had to cross a brook in our crocs again today. The water was very cold, but refreshing. The privy at this shelter is unusual. It is like a one person gazebo with screening on the top part. That's entertaining to us as well. We were almost asleep when another hiker in the shelter shouted out about a mouse. We had to turn our sleeping pads and bags around so our heads were no longer against the back wall of the shelter, the roadway for the mice. Surprisingly, Suds was still able to get to sleep.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Norwich Inn
Miles today: 13.1

It was a long day today with lots of mosquitoes, but still wonderful weather. We've walked through many fields on the mountains filled with unripe berries and wild flowers. In one of these fields Suds scared out of the brush a large turkey and several smaller turkeys. They took off flying in every direction! Una Mas waded in another brook today, just because it felt so good on her feet. Tonight we are in the only Inn in Norwich, just across the river and state line from Hanover, NH. This will allow us to take care of errands a good part of the day.Our appetites are starting to increase. One dinner doesn't quite cut it any more. We are both covered with insect bites - we almost look like we have the measles. We've finally uploaded some new pictures. Sorry it took so long. Dartmouth has great Internet access!
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Norwich Inn

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

We had been asked if we wanted to buy a square in the "meadow" at the Norwich Town Fair, and if the cow poops on your real estate, you win $2000. Even though we haven't had many gambling opportunities on this trip, we declined since we wouldn't be around to witness the action (thank goodness!). We walked across the river and entered our sixth state! Hanover, NH is a small college town and the Darmouth Outing Club is very friendly to hikers. We had great access to the Internet, picked up mail from the PO, had yummy food. In fact, Suds went to Subway while Una Mas got her ethnic fix at an Indian place. Everybody around Suds was ordering 6 inch sandwiches but she got a foot long. Except they didn't cut it in half, so she had to eat this long sandwich one bite at a time. And she ate the whole thing. I guess we hung around town a little too long. When we arrived at the co-op grocery to resupply on the way out of town we only had 15 minutes before they closed (at 8:00 on a Friday night!). We did our own version of Supermarket Sweep. Then the sun was setting as we had to climb up 500 feet of hill to get to the shelter. The bugs were so bad we put up the tent in record time.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

It was pretty much uphill all day today, so we stopped at this shelter instead of going another 5.7 miles. Seems like the hikeing is getting harder and we haven't hit the hard stuff yet. We were relaxing in the shelter when Suds exclaimed "What the hell is that!" It looked like a mouse at first, except the body kept coming up through the hole - it was a weasil. It took a little tour of the shelter and then went back down the hole to underneath. Wonder if we'll get any sleep tonight? A bit later a huge bunny came hopping right up to the shelter and went underneath. Do bunnies and weasils get along? Maybe they are planning a forest party for tonight!
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Firewarden's Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A couple of guys travelling with an Australian sheppard came into camp last night and the dog kept all the critters away. It was a long day hiking today, especially the last 3.8 miles. It took us forever. At one point we came out on a summit and saw a fire tower on the next mountain. That couldn't be the fire tower we're headed towards, can it? Sure enough! We had been told the spring was dry, so we were hauling water as well. And we couldn't drink it on the way! It was awful. Then, as it turns out, the spring wasn't flowing but there was plenty of water to filter. The cabin was full of trash but the tent sites were all taken so we roughed it in the middle of the room. Una Mas climbed the fire tower to catch the sunset, but a big cloud got in the way. Suds even came up to see the non-existant sunset. That was the first and last time for that event - she was too nervous of the height.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Firewarden's Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

At about 2:00 in the morning we were both awakened by a loud noise. We turned on our headlamps and looked around, but didn't see anything. We discovered in the morning one of the windows had fallen. Good thing the glass didn't break - that would have scared us even more! This will probably be our last double-digit mileage day in NH. We are about (or have already) entered the most difficult section on the entire trail, with a lot of it above tree line. At least we finished today. The hiking has been so difficult it has felt more like trudgery than fun. We've discussed many possible changes to our original plan, but for now we are sticking with it. There are a group of 14 year old boys here on a section hike so we are tented to the side. It will be a long night with them around the fire. The last couple of days we've been treating our feet to the cool mountain brooks. Others have gotten all the way in these not very deep brooks, but we'll settle for our feet and bandanas.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 7.5

The kids actually settled down early, thank goodness. As we were getting packed up we heard the thunder rumbling. It wasn't until we were hiking that the storm hit. Luckily we went up and over the summit so we stayed out of harm's way with the lightning. But the bad weather was the final straw for Una Mas. She was completely worn down by the hiking. So instead of going to the next shelter we went to the hostel just off the trail and got a shuttle to North Woodstock.A hostel is a place where hikers can stay the night fairly cheaply. It usually includes bunk space and sometimes other hiker services, like showers, laundry, sodas and snacks, and shuttles.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Una Mas decided to get off the trail, but Suds still wants to go on, so Una Mas will camp and meet her at road crossings to help keep her pack lighter by not carrying so much food. Our friend Susan will drive Una Mas back to her truck in PA and provide some camping equipment. It is hard giving up on something that has been planned for so long, but it just hasn't been enjoyable recently. Suds is planning to go over Moosilauke tomorrow southbound with just a day pack, then start off again north on Friday.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 9.5

OK, after planning out the next two weeks with Suds, Una Mas has decided to keep going. She hadn't been able to sleep since deciding to quit, so that must mean it was the wrong decision. So both of us slack-packed (carried just a day pack) Mt. Moosilauke today. It was raining as we climbed the dangerous side, so good thing we were going up and not down. The trail consisted of steps attached to the rocks, and rebar hand rails. There was a waterfall beside the trail for several miles. The rain stopped as we got close to the summit but the clouds were still in the area. This was the first time we were above tree line. The top was mostly covered with rocks and small fragile alpine flowers. Too bad we didn't have a great view. We were both happy with the hike today, even without a great view. We walked back to the same hostel and got another ride back to N. Woodstock.
Date: 2006-07-14
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a late start out of town since we needed to mail a package home today. We've decided to get rid of the bounce box. It wasn't as helpful as we thought it would be. The only thing we took out and are now carrying is the phone and charger (are you happy Anthony?). We also sent home some of our cold gear, like our fleece. Hiking was tough today as we expected it to be and a bit warm, but a nice breeze on the summits. Bugs aren't too bad near the tops of the mountains but here at the shelter it's pretty bad so we are in the tent. There are two southbounders here and have told us all we can expect over the next several days. Hiking was still much better for Una Mas today. Guess day off helped.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 8.8

Yes, we are back at our favorite hotel again, but this time it was planned. To help us through the Whites, we have broken them down into small sections, and with the hiker shuttle in this area, we are using the hotel a couple of more times. We crossed Kinsman Mountain today, with very steep rocky terrain on the way up and down. But the views were outstanding. We visited our first hut today. Because this area is so populated with tourist day hikers, the Appalachian Mountain Club has created several huts (think lodges) that provide a bunk space, dinner, and breakfast for a price. Thru hikers can either make reservations and pay the full price, or show up and hope for work-for-stay options, or move on and tent (but not above tree line or within .25 miles of the huts). The work-for-stay option has the hiker doing 1-2 hours of work (like washing dishes or windows) and they get to eat dinner left-overs, sleep on the dining room tables, and eat breakfast left-overs. We have reservations at many of the huts, but we hope for work-for-stay at a couple that were full. During the day you can stop by and get a bottomless cup of soup for $2, baked goods for $1 (Suds had two pieces of spice cake), or coffee, lemonaid, or potable cold water. One step at a time we are making it through the Whites.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: North Woodstock

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 6.4

We had lots of "doesn't count" hiking today - .7 back to the trail (the cost of staying in town) and another 1.1 off the trail to the hut. But the views today were outstanding. Even the 3 mile uphill start, while extremely hot and long, wasn't difficult. We crossed Haystack Mountain and we entered into a wide open ridge. We could see the next two mountains to cross - Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Layfayette, in addition to the hut down to the side. This was Franconia Ridge, which was awesome - above treeline and a great reward for all our hard work. This is our first stay at one of the huts. Although they are a bit pricey, it includes a bunk with matress, pillow, blankets. Dinner was great - soup, salad, bread, main course, vegetable, and of course, dessert. Most huts have Naturalists that give talks in the evening, plus a talk about how the huts create and use power. Lights out and quiet at 9:30.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

Breakfast is also included with the stay at the hut. Guess what the first thing served was? Oatmeal! Never again! We both passed and waited for the pancakes and bacon. We had been unable to reserve spots at the next hut because it was full. So first we checked in the morning for any cancellations - there was one so we took it. Next option was work-for-stay which they offer to thru-hikers on a first come basis and can usually accommodate about two hikers. So we had to push to get to the next hut as soon as we could. And we had difficult terrain. We began by climbing back up to Mt. Layfayette (which we accomplished within the hour time limit we had set for ourselves). We stayed above treeline for about a mile and we seemed to be all alone up there even though there was a group of 25 a bit behind us with the same itinerary. We were the first to arrive and so Una Mas was able to get work-for-stay. This means the hiker eats with the croo (aka crew) after all the customers, does 1-2 hours of work, and gets to sleep on the floor in the dining room for free. Another hiker came in later and our work was to discuss thru hiking with the guests. Only problem was there wasn't much food left after dinner or breakfast. For dinner there was some rice and plenty of chicken (which was delicous) and peas (yuck), and for breakfast there was a spoonful of very cold eggs, coffee cake, and oatmeal (supper yuck). But even Suds didn't get any eggs and she paid for this meal, so can't complain.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Galehead Hut

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 7.0

This was an easy hike by the Whites standard. We had a steep climb first thing and a steep descent at the end. It was cloudy most of the day which kept it quite comfortable. We arrived at the hut just before a thunderstorm hit, but it rolled out in time to play in the waterfalls next to the hut. The water felt fabulous, plus the view was awesome. We still had plenty of time for games before dinner. Our schedule has coincided with another group, two of which have come down with a stomach bug over the past two nights. Bad news is we ate next to them both two nights ago at family-style dinner. We're both keeping our fingers crossed we haven't caught it. After dinner the Naturalist gave a talk about beavers which was extremely interesting (they enter their lodges from below into a mud room to clean themselves, then climb to the second level where their bedding is located). She also included information in her session about local birds and plants in bloom in the area. As we hike we have enjoyed looking out for the plants and animals that we have learned about at the huts.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 7.7

During breakfast we look forward to two things - the current weather forcast from Mount Washington, and the skit put on by the croo explaining the hut rules (and encouraging tips). We had another "it's a small world" encounter last night. When we ran into Red Dane and Artful Dodger way back in North Adams, MA, they were meeting a friend Ed from Saratoga NY. Ed was on vacation this week and just happened to hike up to the same hut yesterday lucking out on a reservation. It was wild to run into him up here. We also met this fellow Peter who is training to climb in Tibet next month. He was breaking in some high altitude boots that looked like they belonged on the moon. But very nice guy - hope he has a great trip. We had a very easy hike today. We took our snack break at Ethan Pond, which looked just like a post card. We took pictures, we just need to get them developed. Suds was looking for moose, even though it wasn't dusk or dawn. When we arrived at the road, while hitching in the wrong direction, who drives by but Ed! He gave us a ride back into N. Woodstock (I swear this is our last time at this hotel!). What a trail angel. We feel confident about completing the Whites. Hope the weather continues to cooperate. We are truely enjoying these mountains (except for the pain Suds has in her "good" knee). Although we are at a hotel tonight, it is back to the trail tomorrow - just in for more food and to wash our clothes that still stink after the wash.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: North Woodstock

To: Mizpah Springs Hut
Miles today: 5.7

We got up early and went to the barber shop for a trim. We had a little trouble getting back to the trailhead. The shuttle we had been using quoted us twice as much what we thought, so we tried to see if there was another way. With no luck we had to call the shuttle back and they made us wait an hour before picking us up. So we didn't start hiking until noon. We were a little concerned we wouldn't arrive in time for dinner at 6:00. Lots of climbing today from 1200 feet to over 4000. But beautiful views from Webster Cliffs and Mt. Jackson. We spotted another spruce grouse this time with babies. The babies flew into nearby trees but momma stayed nearby on the ground. We arrived at the hut at 5:10, plenty of time to settle in before dinner. Mizpah means "pillar in the wilderness" and also "watch tower" in Hebrew. The Naturalist tonight spoke about Pine Martins and other weasels. We learned the weasel at that shelter would have killed the rabbit, so I guess it wasn't still under the shelter. He also explained the adult birds have left the area and the babies in the nests are practicing their songs which are not yet perfected. We are close enough to see the weather towers on Mt. Washington.