morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Hot Weather/No WaterWe brought water with us from town last night, and planned to get some for the next day at the spring that was supposed to be near the shelter.  But when we got to the spring this morning, it was dry--and we were out of water. The next water source listed was a pond about two and a half miles down the trail. Although a pond is low on the water source food chain, it still works. But when we got there, we found the pond was dry. We had been hiking three miles without water and it was getting hotter. We soon came to a road crossing and there was a house within site. Clutch went to see if we could get water there, and Britt became our favorite trail angel when he filled our water bottles with clear, cold water. Suddenly our moods changed completely. We had water and we were happy. We kept hiking, with some good climbs, and it kept getting hotter. We stopped at a shelter for lunch--and found the water source was dry. The next brook was dry, too. By now we had almost no water left and we were about to tackle a significant climb--and it was really hot. We came to another road crossing, but this time there were no houses in sight. We left our packs by the trail and started walking up the road--hot, sweaty and carrying our water bottles. Our second trail angel drove by, picked us up and drove us to a house where we could knock on the door to beg for water. No one was home, but there was an outside spigot and we filled up. Now we are at another shelter, and there is water here. We have been told we can get more water at a house at the next road crossing, and that some of the Brooks are still running. Pennsylvania and New York are states that are known for having few water sources, but we had no problems there. We had thought, having made it this far,  we would avoid the desperate-for-water experience.  But no--that is now part of our thruhike adventure. And I did learn that water is even more important than ice cream.
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

The More the Merrier; the Fewer the Better FareThat was the refrain from a song my high school chorus performed. It has stayed with as I think there is some wisdom there--more people can mean more fun, but if resources are scarce, then there is less for everyone. I've been thinking about this a lot the last few days as we approach the White Mountains. The scarce resource in the Whites are places to stay. Because the terrain is so steep and so much of the trail is above tree line, there are limited shelters with only a few tent platforms.  These can fill up. Then there are the AMC huts, which have only a couple of work for stay slots at each hut. A few days ago, it looked like there was a pretty good group of thruhikers ahead of us--and we knew there were people behind us--but that we might enter the Whites as our own bubble, thus increasing our chances of getting spots to stay at. Then we found out that four hikers we know who were ahead of us were taking a short day and would be starting the Whites the same day as us. And then we caught up with a group of five guys we really like (because they took a couple of zeros in Hanover) and so they will be starting the same day as us.  And tonight in the shelter we met two thruhikers for the first time who are also now on our schedule, as well as two others we hadn't seen for weeks. When we got to the shelter around 4:30 today, there were just three southbounders here. Now there are nine other northbounders in addition to me and Clutch.  Thruhiker chat is always fun and I had a great evening. More is merrier. As for camping in the Whites--well, I am remembering one of my thruhiker lessons. Don't try to control--it will all work out.
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glen cliff/Hikers Welcome Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Our day started with a steep climb up to the top of Mt. Cube. But from there, although there were several more ups and downs, none were that steep and we made good time. We were especially motivated as we were going to Glencliff and the Hiker Welcome Hostel. We didn't know anything about the hostel except what was in our guide book--it was cheap and you could do laundry and take a shower.  That's all we needed to know. When we arrived around 3 pm, the place looked a little marginal--half the house is wrapped in tyvek, there is construction material scattered around, and the bunkhouse is a large Quonset hut tent filled with beds with old, rather dirty mattresses.  Still, the shower and laundry--and a shuttle to town to resupply--made up for any other deficits. The hostel has been full of unexpected pleasures. An excellent wifi network is certainly one. Even better, though, is the presence of Miss Janet-legendary in the thruhiker community for her warmth and care of thruhikers. She is here visiting and offered to cook dinner for everyone staying here if we all shared the cost of the food. At 7:30, 14 thruhikers sat down to an incredible dinner of garlic bread, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, macaroni salad and meat loaf. A few were southbound but most are northbound, including at least five we had not met before. As dinner was ending, one of the hostel guys got out his guitar and started playing, as someone else started a big fire in the fire pit. I'm writing this from my bed in the bunk house, listening to the guitar and the singing, knowing I am a part of this large thruhiker community.  For us Nobo's, it is a particularly special night. Tomorrow we start our hike through the White Mountains--the most spectacular mountains on the trail. These are my home mountains and I have been hiking in them my entire adult life. Bu tomorrow will be different--tomorrow I enter them as I have so often dreamed of--as an Appalachian Trail thruhiker.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Glen cliff/Hikers Welcome Shelter

To: Kinsman Notch/North Woodstock
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Moosilake MagicOur journey through the White Mountains started today with Mt. Moosilake. Going north, we climbed almost 3800 feet in five and a half miles--miles that included steep and not so steep sections.  Although I have done so much hiking in the Whites over the years, I didn't know what it would be like carrying a full pack. So far (and I know it's only been one day and one mountain), it seems like hiking almost 1800 miles is good preparation for the Whites.  The climb up felt great. Of course, in addition to the last months of hiking, there was also my excitement that was carrying me forward.  I really am living my dream--and I know I am so, so lucky to be here. When we got to the top, the view was spectacular.  We could tell we were back in the mountains. It was also windy and we could see dark clouds gathering. We had heard rain was predicted. We had planned to stay at a shelter part way down Moosilake, but we got there earlier than we expected. The trail down is much steeper than the ascent and we did not want to do it when the rocks would be wet. We decided to keep going all the way down the mountain, getting down before the rain. Once down, we hitched into North Woodstock and found a cheap motel--an unexpected and unplanned night in town. With no laundry and no resupply to do, we have had a totally relaxing afternoon and evening. Right now I'm listening to the rain fall, hoping for clearing skies as we continue through the Whites tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Kinsman Notch/North Woodstock

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Even in the MistAlthough the rain had stopped, it was still cloudy and misty when we woke up. We ate at the local breakfast place and were able to get a hitch back to the trail (from a woman who looked to be in her mid-60's and who teaches snow boarding at Loon Mountain).We started up the Kinsman Ridge trail--and up is definitely the operative word here. We were immediately climbing a steep 800 feet up in seven tenths of a mile. Then there was some less steep climbing, followed by another steep climb up to Mt. Wolf. Finally it was time to descend--steeply, of course--until we got to the first shelter about 1:30. It had taken us almost four and a half hours to go 7.6 miles.  And this was the easier part of the day!After lunch, we were back on the trail. It was four miles to the next shelter, where we were planning to spend the night--four miles that included going over South and North Kinsman Mountains. The trail up to South Kinsman is one of the most challenging White Mountain trails I have hiked. Most of the time, it feels like going straight up, as we climbed up big boulders and rock slabs. Sometimes, using our poles to push up, we could step up to the next boulder. Sometimes we had to drop our poles and pull ourselves up, using tree branches or the edge of a rock slab as handholds. It was long, slow going--and it was fantastic. I felt so fully engaged. My mind was looking ahead to determine the best route up the various boulders and slabs, and my body was working to get up that route. We would pass view points where all we could see was white, but it didn't matter. The trail itself was so compelling. We were rewarded, though, at the top of South Kinsman. We were above some of the clouds and could see the tops of mountains. Looking north, the sun was almost shining, and we could see Cannon Mountain and the valley beyond. We had another steep descent to Kinsman Pond Shelter--a beautiful, new shelter right on a mountain pond. It rained some while we were eating dinner, but now the sky has cleared.  And I am going to sleep in these beautiful, rugged mountains that I love so much.
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Franconia Notch/Lincoln
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Down and OutWe woke up to another overcast day. Fortunately (for us) we only had a short hike planned--down to Franconia Notch where my son and brother were going to meet us. The first mile was another White Mountain steep descent down the Fishing Jimmy trail. Once again we were throwing our poles down the trail so we could sit and ease our way down rock faces that were impossible to step down. After a mile the trail leveled off for an easy hike the rest of the way to the notch. Gerry (brother) and Jawann (son) picked us up at the Flume snack bar. We spent the afternoon together totally centered around our needs. They drove us to town where we did laundry, shopped, went to the outfitters, stopped at the ATM, had a great dinner and ate a lot of ice cream for dessert. Having them here to help us with all that was wonderful. But even better was seeing them both for the first time since we started hiking in March.  From the beginning, we have been saying to people we meet that we are hiking home and a little bit further.  Home is now within reach and seeing the people I love is such a strong reminder that I am not only lucky to be hiking the trail, but so lucky to have so much to go back to.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Franconia Notch/Lincoln

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

A Perfect DayToday was the day we were going up to and along the Franconia Ridge--my favorite hike in the Whites and certainly one of the most spectacular. We got up early, not knowing what to expect in terms of weather. What we did know is that weather in the Whites is incredibly unpredictable and that a clear day up on the Ridge is a rare and wonderful occurrence. Today was about as perfect a day as possible on Franconia Ridge. Our day started with a relatively short but predictably steep hike up to the Franconia Ridge Trail. In just under 2 miles, we were above tree line and on top of Little Haystack. For the next few hours we were hiking along the ridge in clear weather with fantastic views in all directions. It really was a dream come true--thruhiking in the Whites on Franconia Ridge on a perfect clear day. The terrain was typical for these mountains--steep ups and steep downs. But going slowly is a good thing in the Whites--for so many reasons. And I have yet more days to continue to enjoy these special mountains.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

Less Views/ViewlessqSteep seems like such an inadequate word to describe some of the trails we have been on. We frequently have the experience of looking down a section of trail that appears to be almost straight down and thinking--they can't really expect us to do this, can they?I have been trying to take a picture that would illustrate the steepness, but the camera flattens the trail out. In the picture of Karen going down Mt. Garfield, I'm looking down at her as she is squatting down and reaching for a rock edge she can grab as she lowers herself down. This was how our day started, as we continued our descent from Mt. Garfield. We finally made it to Galehead Hut, where their were two pieces of chocolate chip pumpkin bread left over from breakfast.  That helped give us the energy for our biggest climb of the day up to the summit of South Twin.The rest of the day was primarily down hill, with the occasional uphill bump to go over.  We got to Zealand Falls Hut around 3:00 and briefly considered doing work for stay there. But it was still early, the trail beckoned and the five miles to the shelter were actually so flat that we could hike them in two hours. We awoke from yesterday's amazing weather to a cloudy, misty world with rain threatening all day. However, it wasn't a bad day to be in the mist. Most of our hike was in the woods where there were no expansive views. And on top of Twin, although we didn't see the surrounding mountains, we were able to delight in the misty, mysterious world we found at the top of the mountain. On Mt. Guyot, it looked as if the world ended in a white abyss. Later, on our way to the shelter, we could see down into the boulder-filled valley below. It turns out that, even when there are no views, there is still a lot to see. Aaaaa
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: fog

A Brief SeparationClutch and I both had clear images of how we wanted to hike the Whites--especially the Presidentials. I have been dreaming my whole life of crossing these mountains as a thruhiker, with my pack on my back. Clutch has seen the Whites as a place to slow down and enjoy, taking advantage of the huts to hike without a full pack--and hopefully with her partner. We spent some time earlier in the hike talking about how to bring these two different approaches together. And then we came up with the obvious solution--hike the Presidentials separately.  This way, we can both live our dreams. Clutch's partner Mary Ann met us this morning as we came off the trail and we went to a store for resupply. Tomorrow morning, they will start up the Presidential ridge, going from hut to hut for the next three nights. Meanwhile, they dropped me off at the trail and I started up on my own. Although there were dark, threatening clouds throughout the day, they stayed above the mountains and blew over without any rain. The climb up today was typical White Mountain--lots of steep with some sections of very, very steep. There were great views in so many places--along the Webster Cliffs, on top of Mt. Webster, on top of Mt. Jackson ( where the wind was so strong I had to plant my poles each step to keep from being blown over). For the first time, I cooked and ate dinner alone, along with the rest of the camp chores. It's a different experience for me and one that I am glad to be having--for just a few days.   I am so glad we found the way for both of us to hike our dream here in our home mountains.
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

Mountain MiracleUp on Mt. Washington, I heard it had been cloudy for 28 of the 31 days in July. Today was one of the few clear ones. It was not only clear, it was a perfect day in the mountains--warm but not hot, only a gentle wind and visibility for miles. I left the campsite this morning and soon was up on the Presidential ridge, where I remained for the entire day. It was impossible to maintain a hiking rhythm I had to keep stopping to take in the mountains surrounding me. It really is a miracle that the two best weather days were the ones I was up on the White's most spectacular ridges. Hiking up to Mt. Washington is always a bit of a shock, as you arrive to hoards of people who have driven or taken the train to the top. However, all those people meant a snack bar for a non-hiker food lunch. Leaving the summit of Washington, I continued on to Madison Spring Hut. Although the views and the weather remained fantastic, I can't say the same for the trail. On the north side, the Presidential mountains are essentially big rock piles, and I spent the whole afternoon boulder hopping--something I do slowly and with little agility. I arrived at Madison Hut hoping to do work for stay. The huts have limited slots for thruhikers--two at Madison. I was the fourth one, but they let me stay.  Staying at a hut as a work for stay thruhiker means you do whatever job they ask you to do and, in return, you get the dinner leftovers and you can sleep on the floor of the common room after the paying guests have gone to bed. At the end of a long day of hiking, it feels like a magnificent deal--and another thruhiker experience I am thrilled to have.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch/hostel
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

. Dastardly DownsThe crew in the huts start making breakfast around 5:30, which means noise for those of us sleeping on the floor in the common room. So it was up and out early this morning. The day started with a climb up the rocky top of Madison--a relatively quick climb that reminded me how much I prefer going up the rocks. Then it was down--over 2800 feet in just over two miles. Once again, the views were stupendous while the terrain was the worst--at least the worst for me. Some people love boulder hopping and cruise right down the rocks. I am not one of those people, and I made my way down ever so slowly. The rocks down from Madison are particularly treacherous. They remind me of volcanic rocks, with rough, jagged surfaces that hurt to hold on to when looking for a grip down. Many are tilted up with only a knife edge to step onto. Some move and teeter when stepped on. It all makes for very slow going.  Eventually, though, I was off the ridge and back into the forest, going down the kind of rocky, root-filled trail I am more comfortable with. And then it was down to Pinkham Notch for lunch at the visitors center. I don't hike again until Thursday, when Clutch will be done with the Presidentials and ready to start the next section. I feel like I am on vacation and, after three days of amazing but strenuous hiking, my body is very happy about the time off.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Pinkham Notch/hostel

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero #1I spent last night at a hostel right near the trail outside of Gorham--a great place run by a warm and welcoming couple. There were a number of hikers staying there, including one I hadn't seen for weeks and one I hadn't seen for months!  I was really happy to see them--we are all part of the same thruhiker community. After a great breakfast and a little more hanging out, I went into Gorham and found the coffee shop. I spent a couple of hours there, drinking my decaf latte, reading my novel and just relaxing. Then it was over to the motel to check in--and do more relaxing. Denise and the dogs arrived around dinner time--and I was reunited with my family.  It was such a great day--and I have another one in store tomorrow!
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: fog

Three on the TrailToday was to be the start of the last of our family/friend visits. Mary Ann was going to continue hiking with us as we did the last section of New Hampshire's White Mountains, and one of my oldest and dearest friends (and backpacking partner from the 1970's) was joining us as well. Sadly, Mary Ann hurt her knee coming down from Madison with Clutch, so couldn't hike with us. However, my friend Betsy is here, getting an chance to experience thruhiker life first hand. Today we went over the multiple peaks of Wildcat Mountain, before descending to Carter Notch Hut. The trail was, of course, steep, with plenty of opportunities to pull ourselves up rocky slabs--exactly the kind of hiking I love the most. Staying at Carter Notch as a paying customer and not a work for stay thruhiker is a real luxury. Dinner was great and plentiful--the chocolate cheesecake with whipped cream was almost as satisfying as ice cream. And a bunk with a mattress is a great alternative to blowing up my neoair pad. I am very aware that, as I said goodbye to Denise this morning, the next time I see her will be at Baxter State Park, as we prepare to climb Katahdin. The end of this grand adventure is coming into sight, and I am looking forward to all that these last weeks will bring.
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

An Outside PerspectiveYesterday we went over the Wildcats, named rather uncreatively peaks A, C, E and D. Today we went over the Carters--Carter Dome, Middle Carter and North Carter. Both days provided plenty of opportunities to pull ourselves up the ledges on the ascents and slide down them on the descents. These have not been easy trails, yet Betsy has done great on them. Like me, Betsy did a lot of backpacking in her 20's, and basically none in the last 25 years. But maybe it is like riding a bike and you just don't forget how...One (out of many) of the great things about having Betsy with us is hearing her perspective on thruhiker life. It's not really that different from ours, but it is quite affirming to have someone so quickly see and understand the power of the shared community that the thruhiking experience creates. It has been fun to share our life and our rituals with her, including two of our favorite dinners--instant mashed potatoes, tuna and canned peas along with couscous, cashews, raisins and pesto powder. I'm happy to say she thought they were both delicious. Of course, we know everything tastes good on the trail. And spending time with a close friend is the best.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Imp Shelter

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to GorhamToday was just a fantastic hiking day. It was sunny and warm, but not hot. The climb from the shelter up to Mt. Moriah was fabulous, with incredible views all up the trail as we went from being in the woods to being on open ledges. The descent into town was mostly gentle (at least for a White Mountain trail), ending with a stretch along the Rattle River. We were back in Gorham by 1:00, so it was town food for lunch. Then I said good bye to Betsy, after three wonderful days of hiking together. Clutch and Mary Ann did the laundry while I showered, and then we were off to Walmart to resupply. This White Mountain slow down we have had has allowed several thruhikers whom we have not seen in weeks--or months--to catch up with (and pass) us. It has been very special to see some of the people we hiked with during our first weeks on the trail. We share only this one experience, but it is such a powerful experience and strong connection.We have now finished what is considered to be the White Mountain section of the AT, even though they actually continue into southern Maine. Thus, we have passed another milestone. I am increasingly aware that there are fewer and fewer milestones between where I am and Katahdin. That knowledge made tonight's hot fudge sundae even more precious.