morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Kinsman Notch 

To: Glencliff Hostel
Miles today: 9.5

We did a slack-pack today of Mt. Moosilauke. The north side of Moosilauke is very steep and after yesterday¢s rain, we felt that it might be better to go up the steep north side of Moosilauke, rather than come down it with full packs. We got daypacks from the hostel and were dropped off for a 9.5-mile hike back to the hostel.There was still a little of yesterday¢s lingering weather, but as the morning went on we started to get some views of the neighboring mountains. The waterfalls along Beaver Brook, which the trail followed, were beautiful. After about 1.5 miles of very steep climbing, we reached the Beaver Brook Shelter. Stumps and Tuckleberry were there having lunch with another couple of hikers. We had lunch, refilled our water bottles and moved on towards the summit. As we got closer, the views improved as the clouds started to thin out. It was a very impressive sight at 4800¢.It was a long, but much more gradual trip back to the hostel, with the entire hike taking about 7 hours (including breakfast and lunch).
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

We got dropped off again at Kinsman Notch, this time to continue our trip north. It was a steep climb up out of the notch and a slow and difficult trail for most of the day.We wanted to try and get further up Kinsman Mountain today, but it was too late by the time we got to the Eliza Brook Shelter, which was about 4:30. We had room in the shelter, so we decided to stay.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 8.8

Today was unbelievable. We zeroed yesterday to avoid what we ended up getting today. It was supposed to stop raining this morning so we pushed on up Kinsman Mountain. About a mile from the shelter we stayed in last night we met a southbound family that had camped on the side of the mountain. They have a boy (16) and a girl (10) with mom and dad. We continued up and the rain seemed to get harder as we went instead of letting up. Just as we reached South Kinsman it thundered. Great, just what we needed. Lulu was at her wits end. These were the most difficult hiking conditions we had seen the entire trip.The trail was a river or the river was a trail¢¦ I¢m not sure which. We came to a point where we had to cross a raging torrent that was crossing the trail. (See photo.) I took Lulu¢s pack across and went back for her. She was scared to death. I got her across with minimal problems. We finally got to the Lonesome Lake Hut where we were treated very kindly by the staff. We had some hot soup, cake and a drink.We pushed on towards Franconia Notch. We came to a point where the trail had to cross a stream. Normally, it would have been a rock hop. Not today, there was no way. So, I took Lulu on a bushwhack for over a mile and we finally came out near the notch. We asked a mother and daughter on vacation for directions and they ended up giving us a ride to North Woodstock where we are spending the night. What a day!
Date: 2004-07-10
From: North Woodstock

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3

Even though the weather report was for better weather, it was still reluctant to improve. We finally started up from Franconia Notch at about 9:30. By 9:40, we had our first shower. Things did improve as we started to climb. We stopped at Liberty Springs to get water. Then, at about 1:30, we stopped along the trail for lunch. We crossed over the following mountains today: Little Haystack (4760¢), Mt. Lincoln (5089¢), Mt. Lafayette (5249¢), and Mt. Garfield (4150¢). We got rained on briefly late in the afternoon, but not too seriously. I was able to get some pictures but most of the time I was in the clouds. I will say that the ¢Whites¢ are truly spectacular.We got to our shelter at about 8:30. This was a very good, but difficult day.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Campsite near Zealand Falls
Miles today: 9.9

We left Garfield Shelter at about 7:15 following breakfast and watching the snowshoe rabbit feed next to the shelter. Our hike started with a steep downhill off Garfield. There is no room for bad foot placement coming down these mountains. A fall here could end a person¢s hike, or worse. We took our time and worked out way over to Galehead Hut where we stopped to check on any leftovers. We had some apple nut pancakes that were good, even cold. I also had a couple bowls of soup. After filling out water bottles we continued on. The weather today was much better and the views were magnificent. Pictures just can¢t do these mountains justice. The trail today was difficult, but not as many ascents and descents as the day before. At about 5:30, we reached the Zealand Falls Hut and fixed our meal for the day, filled our water bottles and moved a couple of tenths down the trail to a unmarked campsite. Tents are up and I¢m ready to go to sleep.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Campsite near Zealand Falls

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: mist

The trail this morning was the easiest we have seen in the White Mountains. I understand that part of it was once a railroad bed. We¢re only doing 7.5 miles today to get to Crawford Notch, where we are hoping to get to the AMC Crawford Notch Hostel. We got to the road a little after 11:00 and tried to hitch. We finally got a ride from Frank Carllo and his wife from Enfield, CT. They took us to a snack bar a short distance away which happened to be where they were headed. They were also going next to the AMC outdoor center and that¢s where we were headed. So we left our packs in Frank¢s truck and got something to eat (several ¢somethings¢) and then Franks and his wife drove us to the AMC center and stayed with us until they were sure we could get a space. So, to Frank and his wife: Thanks!!
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great breakfast this morning at the AMC center in Crawford Notch. For those that may be reading this journal with the idea of possibly hiking the AT, I recommend staying here. For AMC or ATC members, the bunkhouse is $23, which includes a great breakfast. Individuals may purchase dinner separately. The facility is excellent.We got on the trail at about 8:00 and started a climb into a different world. The views of Crawford Notch below were outstanding early in the day, and until we climbed into the clouds. We climbed to over 4052¢ just before reaching Mizpah hut where we stopped for some excellent soup and brownies. Back on the trail we next climbed Mt. Pierce at 4310¢, over the shoulder of Eisenhower, Franklin at 5004¢ and past the summit of Monroe at 5120¢. All of this time in the clouds and while the weather was turning very harsh with high winds and a light, but stinging rain.We got to Lake of the Clouds hut at about 4:30 and got bunks in the ¢dungeon¢ which lives up to its name. It is cold and dank but dry and out of the wind. All for $8. The AMC huts are necessary in these mountains as I saw today. The weather can change and become so severe so quickly that shelters such as this one are required. The problem, as in many areas with such high use, is the crowds that hike these areas. Also, staying at these shelters (which serve meals) is expensive for the average thru hiker. A night¢s stay is $85, which includes dinner and breakfast. There is a ¢work for stay¢ program to help thru hikers with expenses. There are several here tonight that are on a work for stay and they can eat after the paying guests. Getting through the White Mountains can be both difficult and/or expensive depending on individual hikers abilities and financial resources. Tomorrow I face Mount Washington where some of the strongest winds on earth have been recorded. Today was just a sample of what I may be in for. I¢ll be happy when the Whites are behind me, even as beautiful as they are (when they aren¢t in the clouds).
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.0

I slept pretty well in the dungeon. I thought it was going to be cold, but it wasn¢t bad. I started for Mt. Washington about 7:45 and was on the summit in about an hour. It was nice to come inside out of the wind. I tried to get on the web cam but it was too windy and cold to stand out on the deck not knowing when the camera would update it¢s picture again. After warming up, I started for Madison Hut. It¢s about 6 miles away from Mt. Washington. It was a long, rocky and slippery trip in strong winds and rain. I arrived here a little after 1:00pm.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Madison Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

We had a great dinner and breakfast at Madison Hut. The ¢crew¢ was very helpful and I slept like a baby. I got started at about 8:00 this morning and first thing we climbed 500¢ to the summit of Mt. Madison at about 5300¢. I was in the clouds, so the views were minimal. This part of the hike was more of the same rock hopping that I have been doing since Lake of the Clouds Hut. It¢s rough and slow going.I got below tree line and the trail eventually improved as I came down in elevation. I crossed the Mount Washington auto road and soon was at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. I had a mail drop there and I stayed for an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. I hitched a ride to the Hiker¢s Paradise Hostel and am resting my bones.Later, Lulu checked in and realized that she had forgotten her mail drop at Pinkham Notch. So, we decided to do the next 21 miles from North to South so that we could come back to Pinkham Notch. So tomorrow we¢ll start that journey.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Route 2 Gorham, NH 

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: fog

We started south towards Carter Hut at about 7:30 this morning. The trail started off at a mild incline for the first few miles, then we started to climb.The first mountain was Moriah at about 4000¢ and after that I descended into col between Moriah and Carter Ridge. In that col was the Imp campsite where I stopped for lunch.Lulu caught up to me at lunchtime and we hiked together for the remainder of the day. On Mount Hight (4675¢), I got to the summit just as the rain had stopped and the sun came back out. I tried to get a picture of a rainbow. I hope it comes out.Finally on to Carter Dome at 4832¢ and started our final descent of the day to the Carter Notch Hut.The hut was a self-service hut where we could use the kitchen for fixing our own food. The crew at the hut was very nice to us and allowed Lulu and I as thru-hikers to stay at no cost. This was a nice place to stay.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Not a lot of miles today but a tough day. First it was up, up, up out of Carter Notch and it was a pretty steep climb. Then we went along the ridge until we came to the Gondola on Wildcat Mountain. At this point we started down the longest, and I think, the steepest descent of the trip so far. It was slow going and it seemed to take forever. We finally arrived at Pinkham Notch at about 1:30 and Lulu got her mail drop and we hiked back to Gorham. I believe tomorrow will be our final day in New Hampshire.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Route 2 Gorham, NH 

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Lulu and I met at Dunkin¢ Donuts this morning for a snack before catching a ride to the trail. As soon as we started into the woods north of route 2, I spotted a cooler of goodies left for thru hikers. Lulu and I had a drink. The trail angel was Indiana, a two-time thru hiker. Today¢s hike was not difficult at all. We enjoyed a number of views and some wild blueberries at the same time. We stopped at the Trident Col tent site for lunch and to get water.After lunch we were seeing a lot of moose signs, but still no moose.Tonight we¢re at Gentian Pond Shelter with Sauerkraut and So-Co (a south-bounder).
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: mist

I made it into Maine today and stopped to take a few pictures, even though the weather wasn¢t the best. I also fell today. Only my second fall the entire trip. I was actually on ground that wasn¢t that rough. It was wet gray moss that did me in. It felt like my foot was on ice. I went down so fast; I hardly had time to react. My pack broke my fall, along with my elbow. No major damage. Today was very rugged terrain. Lots of steep rock scrambles and ¢downs¢ over ledges, that at first glance I would say, ¢No way.¢The weather started to improve late in the day and I was able to get a few pictures. Maine, the 14th and final state. Two hundred and eighty-one miles long. It is rugged, but also beautiful. I¢m looking forward to hiking through.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

Not big miles today, but miles on the trail isn¢t always the measure of the trail.We left Full Goose Shelter about 7:00 headed for the dreaded and often feared Mahoosue Notch. This one-mile section is considered the most difficult mile of the entire trail. It is a gorge that is covered with huge boulders. The steep mountains on either side limit the amount of sunshine the gorge sees and snow and ice are slow to melt and can be found under the boulders late into the summer.As we walked into the edge of the notch, we could feel the cold air, as if walking into a refrigerator. The trail goes around, over and under the many huge rocks that fill the gorge. As we got about 100 yards into the notch, the first of two thundershowers passed overhead, dumping rain on us, making a difficult task even harder.Lulu and I moved slowly through the jumble of rocks, trying not to slip and fall. The opportunities to get hurt here are many and this isn¢t where we wanted our hikes to end.We were caught by Sauerkraut and he hiked with us for a short time before he moved on ahead. We took our backpacks off on several occasions to push them under the narrow passageways.It took us 3 hours to travel this mile, but we got through unhurt.Next we had to climb the Mahoosue Arm, which is steep, and we had been told by south-bounders, very difficult.The sun had come out and some of the granite had dried off, improving our footing. We didn¢t have any problems going up the ¢arm.¢ I am glad we didn¢t have to go down this mountain, as it is very steep.We got rained on several more times today before we reached Grafton Notch where we got a couple of rides before arriving at the Andover Guesthouse. We stayed with other hikers in the bunkhouse. It has been a long day but one we got through safely. I¢m glad to have those miles behind us.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.3

Today we slack packed from Grafton Notch to East B Hill Road. Sandra, the owner of the Andover Guesthouse drove us to Grafton Notch and dropped us off and will be at East B Hill Road at 4:00 to pick us up again.We climbed up West Baldplate first and the weather was allowing some good views today.We dropped down off West Baldplate and headed towards East Baldplate. Again, the weather was still in our favor and we took a little time to eat lunch before pushing on.Later, as we arrived at the Frye Notch lean-to, Lulu told me that she wasn¢t feeling well. She became very ill and found it very difficult to push on. As it was close to 3:45, I went ahead to tell Sandra that Lulu was sick and that it will take more time to get her to the road. We agreed that she should come back at 5:30 to allow me time to get Lulu to the road.I went back and found Lulu. She had made good progress, but was sitting on a rock throwing up. She was very weak.I convinced her that we had to push on and we finally got to the road.Finally back at the guesthouse, Lulu went to bed and got some much needed rest. Looks like tomorrow will be a zero day to give her time to get back to 100%.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: South Arm Road 

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.1

We hiked in fog most of the day and didn¢t have any rain until late in the day. We slack packed north to south this 10-mile section. It was a good day to see if Lulu had recovered from her 24-hour illness. She was a little weak, but handled the day quite well considering how sick she was.There was nothing really special about this section. We had been told that Moody Mountain was very steep, but with daypacks it didn¢t seem that bad.Tomorrow it¢s back on the trail with full packs. But tonight I¢m in bed at the Andover Guest House.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: South Arm Road 

To: Bemis Stream 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather today was overcast to start but really turned out nice. We did 12 miles today with a good climb up Old Blue Mountain. We dealt with some pretty muddy trail conditions compliments of last night¢s rain.My favorite part of the day was crossing the third, second and first Bemis Peaks. They are mostly open granite and had two things that the environment offered. First were great views and second were blueberries growing in all the cracks of the rocks. So many berries and so little time to pick and eat them.We pushed on to Bemis Stream where we found room to put up our tents.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Bemis Stream 

To: Maine Route 4
Miles today: 13.8

After a peaceful night next to the Bemis Stream, we hiked up to Maine route 17 and crossed into the next section. We still were dealing with a lot of mud from the previous days of rain. We were taking a break next to Long Pond when a couple from Israel stopped and chatted with us. We later met him at a camping area where he had stopped for lunch. He had decided to hike to route 4 and his wife had gone back to drive their car around.We had our lunch and had about 5 more miles for the day. When we got to the parking lot, the couple was there waiting to give us a ride to Rangley where we hit the store and later got picked up by the owner of the Gull Pond Lodge Hiker Hostel.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Maine Route 4

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.5

I should start by telling you what a nice Hostel Gull Pond Lodge is. Bob does a great job of keeping the hikers happy. With the $20 comes a comfortable bunk and a good breakfast. Thanks, Bob!What a beautiful day today. We climbed the Saddleback Range today and I could see all the way back to Mount Washington. I could have spent the entire day up there. The pictures won¢t do it justice.I¢m in a 32-mile section currently and I¢m trying to get to route 27 by Wednesday morning. 13.5 miles today but still lots more to do and plenty of climbing in those miles that are left.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Orbeton Stream

To: State Route 27
Miles today: 18.7

Big day today. We gained 5500¢ in elevation over the course of the day and descended 5750¢. We crossed over three 4000¢ mountains and with our regular ¢full packs¢ on our backs. Not bad for an old man of 52.I started the day hoping to get over South and North Crocker and camping somewhere on the north slope, going the final 4 miles (or so) the following day.We had gotten a good start this morning after packing our tents we were on the trail at 6:45, a full hour better than yesterday.The forecast was calling for rain and I wanted for us to get as close to the road as possible to shorten up what was supposed to be a rainy Wednesday.It was cloudy and cool, and it even sprinkled a couple of times, but this is good weather to hike in.In the afternoon we passed a couple coming in the opposite direction. They were just returning from hiking North and South Crocker Mountains. I asked them how long it took to get to North Crocker, the further of the two summits. They were carrying just small daypacks and they said it took them 2 hours and 10 minutes. Lulu hadn¢t heard this because she hadn¢t caught up yet. They would pass her too in the next few minutes and I asked them to pass that along to her.When Lulu caught up with me, she knew what I was thinking. I was no longer thinking about just getting over the mountains, but all the way to the road. I was pumped because I knew we could do this. We stopped for water and then took off. It was 3:17 when I spoke to the couple coming from the summits and I was standing on North Crocker at 5:10pm. Lulu arrived about 15 minutes later. I had just eaten tomorrow morning¢s breakfast, so there was no turning back.We left the summit of North Crocker at 5:37. I arrived at the road at 8:13 and Lulu came out with her headlamp at 8:40pm. We had done it.We got a ride to town where, after some assistance, we got a place to stay.We were beat but very satisfied with what we were able to do today. One of many good days on the trail.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: State Route 27

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to (tented)
Miles today: 15.3

It wanted to rain this morning just as we were leaving town. It didn¢t last long and in just an hour or so I was seeing a lot of blue sky.Today would see us over the Bigelow Range. We climbed this morning, almost from the start and the elevation at the start was 1400¢.We stopped at Horns Pond Lean-to for lunch. This is a pretty location high on the shoulder of South Horn Mountain. After lunch we went up to South Horn at about 3800¢. We pushed on towards West Peak at 4145¢ and then to Avery Peak at 4088¢. This, I believe, will be our last 4000¢ mountain before Mount Katahdin.Lulu wasn¢t sure she would make it to Little Bigelow lean-to today, but would do her best to try and get there before dark.I still had to descend Avery Peak and climb Little Bigelow, just short of seven more miles today.I stopped and got water, which allowed Lulu to catch up, and then I pushed on again.I took a break on Little Bigelow at a view pond. The sun was starting to get low so I got moving as I still had a little over two miles before the shelter.I arrived with plenty of daylight left and decided to set up my tent to keep the mosquitoes away. Lulu showed up about 30 minutes later, in plenty of time to set her tent up before it was dark.**Editor's Note: More pictures from this entry are posted under the "photos" section.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to (tented)

To: Pierce Pond Camps
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great day. We crossed the 2000-mile mark on Long Falls Dam Road and stopped to take pictures. We traveled along several lakes/ponds and ate our lunch at West Carry Pond. I actually sat in the water and ate lunch, well, at least until I noticed a leach attaching itself to my toe.After lunch we came to the East Carry Pond and I had to stop and go for a swim. Lucky for me I hike in my swimming trunks.This was a beautiful location and I was in no hurry to leave. When I did finally leave, I found myself stopping to pick a few blueberries to eat along the trail. It was almost as if I was dragging my feet trying to slow down and put off the fast approaching end of this journey.A little before 6:00 I arrived at the Pierce Pond Lean-to. On the wall inside was a notice from the nearby Pierce Pond Camp that they were taking hikers in for a reasonable price, which was to include a killer breakfast. When Lulu arrived I asked if she was interested and she said she was. So, we walked a few tenths and here I am.Can¢t wait for breakfast. It¢s said to ¢include¢ 12 pancakes.