morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: NH 25 Glencliff
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

I felt better today - thank goodness! There is nothing worse than feeling sick on the trail.I got an early start today. Mt. Cube was a steep uphill and a lot of rocks but it was early in the day and it wasn't bad. You do a lot of rock walking but the views were awesome.Other than that, my 15 mile day only had two other climbs - Ore Hill and Mt. Mist. This area is where Socks and Hoop were derailed by Hurricane Irene. I don't believe they went over Mt. Mist. Hikers were told to get off the trail. The Whites were closed for the first time in their history during this 2011 hurricane. I am so happy our weather has been good (knock on wood).I saw a familiar face today - Surfer Dude. I haven't seen him since the Smokies. He is behind us but jumped ahead 100 miles to hike with a friend Southbound. It was good to see him. I also met up with the first flip flopper I recognized the other day - LumberJohn. I met him back in North Carolina. It seems an age ago!I made it to the Hiker Welcome Hostel around 3:30 and got a bunk out in the tent. We are having a reunion - Miss Janet is here and brought along about 10 hikers. Mother Teresa, Peaches, Grizzly, Apple butter, Kokopelli, all the others I've been hiking around. We had hot dogs and a pasta dinner. Good day on the AT.Tomorrow I'm slack packing Moosilauke. And then when I get back to the hostel I have a big treat- my daughter Blueberry is coming to visit! Yeah! I am so excited to see her.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: NH 25 Glencliff

To: 112 Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Excitement was in the air this morning. Everyone is climbing Moosilauke - some slack packing and some with full packs; some south bounding and others north bounding. I opted for a southbound slack pack and was joined by 11 others. This was in consideration of my knees. It was commonly thought doing the steep northern section of the mountain uphill would be more forgiving to the knees. At the end of the day I don't think it mattered. This mountain was just plain tough either way.Oh, but was it beautiful! What an introduction to what we'll be seeing in the Whites! Once you get above treeline the view is breathtaking. I can see how the weather can change on a dime - even on this clear day it was cold and gusty. We couldn't stay long on top even with our puffy jackets.I made it down the mountain and back to the hostel by 3. Jess (Blueberry) arrived just after 4. It was so good to see her! She had updated pics of her friend Aubrey's baby Jaxson (she stopped by Cleveland before coming out and stayed with Aubrey) and I was able to catch up on all the Cincinnati news. Dinner was compliment s of Miss Janet - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables and banana splits for dessert. Yum!It's supposed to rain tomorrow so we are waiting until the morning to formulate our plans. It may be a day off. I made sure to be well enough ahead timewise to pick and choose when I hike in the Whites. The mountains are wicked tough!
Date: 2013-08-13
From: 112 Kinsman Notch

To: 112 Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Rainy day today so Blueberry and I decided to take a zero. We hung around the hostel for a while (I was trying to get a 'Whites' game plan and it took me forever!). Finally we headed to North Woodstock around 1 and got a room at the Carriage Inn.Back in North Carolina at Aquone hostel I ran into Bismarck and Hopper. They love hiking and have structured their lives so they can do it every summer. Bismarck helped Kari out during her hike.Bismarck was at the hostel and offered to help us get Blurberry's car to Franconia Notch. This way she can hike with me from Kinsman to Franconia. It will be an overnight - about 8 miles each day. Yeah! The rest of the day was spent looking at the shops, getting ready and dinner at the Woodstock Inn. The rain should move out tonight and sunny skies are in the forecast.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks, rocks and rocks...And by rocks, I don't mean Pennsylvania type rocks. These are boulders. Large rock faces.Today was a hard day and I'm beat! We passed two huts, Garfield and Zealand Falls Hut. I had coffee at both but there weren't any snacks to supplement my food supply. I should be fine though. We still have a couple others.I'm staying at the shelter with Boo Boo, Sky Pilot, and Cash. The views were awesome today but I am just very tired. I'm going to bed.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

What a difference a day makes! Today was a wonderful day. I did the same mileage but the trail was different and I was not bouldering as much. It helps when the day is a climb. Truly easier on the body.And what a climb we had out of Crawford Notch! We had 3000+ feet of elevation gain right off the bat - to the Webster Cliffs. Awesome view. There is no way to describe the Whites. It is something you need to experience yourself.I awoke with the thought to hike to Lake of the Clouds Hut. This will put me just below Mt. Washington - the big kahuna of the Whites. Mt.W is infamous for its weather. The strongest wind ever was recorded there. It can snow at any given time. We've had wonderful weather and it is supposed to hold for a bit.This would give me another 14 mile day.So the day started off with a good omen - trail magic. Mark and John were down at the Notch getting ready for the big climb and asked if I wanted any food. Heck yeah - what thru hiker turns down food. I'll carry it up the mountain. It was two Mountain House meals. Mountain House meals are pretty pricey and I'm pretty cheap about some things so I never bought any - but I've been wanting to try some. They go fast whenever anyone puts them in a hiker box.So when I arrived at Mizpah Hut around 2:30 I cooked one up and had a good lunch with that and a Starbucks Via iced coffee. I spoke with the nicest young couple while waiting for my meal to cook. They are getting ready to move to Colorado after taking a year off to do rock climbing throughout the US. It is cool when people live their dreams.I still had 5 miles to cover but felt good. I left the hut after 3:30 and made it to the next one just after 6. For a large part of this walk I was above treeline. Unbelievable views! I had to break out in song now and then - of course it was from Sound of Music. Climb Every Mountain...But most of the time I was just silent. The latter part of the hike I was alone with the mountains. Ahhh....I got a breakfast work for stay at the hut. In exchange for an hours work, I can sleep on the floor and have dinner and breakfast. Dinner was stuffed shells, peas, blueberry crisp and spice bread. It was a good day...
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Camp
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't sleep very well during my first work-for-stay experience but I didn't mind. It was just cool being in this hut in the clouds. During the night I got up and you could see the lights of a town away in the distance. The wind was very gusty through the night. You could hear it screaming and howling.Wake up time is 5:45. We cleaned up our area (you sleep on the benches or floor) then sat around drinking coffee until time for our 'work'. The work was clearing the tables - we were finished by 8:30. I got my stuff together then lomef my head out the door to see how cold it was. Cold enough! For the first time since down South I put on full winter gear. Usually, as soon as you start hiking you start to take off layers but I kept everything on until after Mt. Washington - it was that cold and the wind was still howling.Mt. Washington has the most extreme and severe weather on earth (they have a sign that gives this fact). Besides a weather station, there is a gift shop, restaurant and museum. Plus a cog rail train will bring you up for $56 one way. There were tons of tourists. I had a bit of hiker pride knowing I had walked there.I left Mt. Washington, headed for the Presidential range above treeline and started finally to take off the layers. The sun was shining but the wind never did abate. It grew stronger through the day. Today was one of those hard days where the trail was chunks of rocks to navigate. I made it to Madison Hut around 4 and decided I had to get below treeline - I had enough. The next three hours were spent trying not to get blown away while hiking three miles to Osgood campsite. I'm not exaggerating when I day the wind was so strong you would go for a step and then get knocked a foot off course. Setimrs I would crouch and wait for the gust to blow through and then try to get as far as I could before the next gust.But all was well - I made it to the campsite, put up the tent, ate dinner, then took two aspirin and went to sleep.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Osgood Camp

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.9

Good sleep last night. I needed that! I shared a tent pad with Fossil Phoenix, an older man from Nevada (originally from North Carolina). He left before I did and ended up taking the wrong trail. Fortunately, he had a map of the area and so eventually hooked back with the trail. I went the right way only because Flaxseed (hiker from Houston TX) happened to be at the trail crossing. He had come back because he thought he went the wrong way. Very confusing in this section! There are no white blazes for some unknown reason. It is so easy to get lost.Three miles into my hike I arrived at the AMC center with a restaurant, showers, lodging, etc. After a nice burger. I took a shower. One dollar will buy you three minutes. I also pocked up s mail drop so had to sort through food. I have way too much, what with free Mountain House meals and hut food, so I gave some to Flaxseed. He could use a few calories. Like most of the men out here, he's looking a bit scrawny. The women seem to do a lot better at keeping muscle than the men.Left the center and was able to get work for stay st the next hut - Carter Notch Hut. My job was washing dishes. Fun! First time I've done that in about 4 months. I'm here with Schooner (section hiker from Virginia). We had lasagna for dinner and then Schooner checked out a mushroom book. What I call 'trumpet mushrooms' are really scaly Chanterelles. Non-edible. I'll just stick to my morels.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

The best way of waking up is folgers in your cup...I got my coffee before leaving the hut this morning. Schooner and I left about the same time and ran into Flaxseed and Fossil Phoenix. We would be around each other all day.Carter Dome and Mt. Moriah were the big climbs today. The trail was tough both up and down but my time in the Whites is winding down so that seemed to help.We all had lunch at Imp shelter. Someone messed with the sign(adding 'p' to the front of the name) and changing the distance off trail to 800 yards. I didn't want to hike far off trail so had my lunch with the others at the fork.We decided to all stay just short of town at River Rattle shelter since we would be getting in rather late. This will give a full day in town - a nero.We are camped next to the Rattle River.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: overcast clouds

start Fontana Damdestination Fontana Dam Visitors CenterWe had decided to do some trail magic today and then hike a really short hike so it wouldn't be a zero day. We picked up some submarine sandwiches and fresh fruit,lots of snacks and sodas and set up at Stecoah Gap to feed hungry hikers as they came off of the trail at the road crossing.Jerry had brought a big container of water,so they were also able to fill their water bottles without the .5 mile hike to the water source.This is always a really gratifiying experience to feed hikers this way.The look on their faces when they realize this food is for them. Then we head over to Fontana Dam to feed the rest of the food to the group of hikers there.Again,they are really appreciative. We planned to hike over the dam from the marina,where we had gotten off yesterday,but because of the tight security nationwide,no vehicles are allowed on the dam,so we only hike 1.8 miles. It is really a treat that I get another night in a real bed,with hot running water. Tomorrow,we enter the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. total mlies 1.8
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Rsttle River Shelter

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: light rain

Nero day today - I only had to walk 2 miles to reach Gorham and it was a nice leisurely stroll. I am out of the Whites! I survived! We had incredibly good weather and everyone is very grateful.I stopped first at the White Mountain Hostel to pick up my mail drop and liked the place so well that I decided to stay.Marni just bought the place three weeks ago. Her son is hiking the trail (Nimble) and she spent five days with him at Woodshole Hostel. She loved the trail culture so Mich that she bought a hostel on her return! She is from Minnesota so she'll close the place up for the winter but may consider catering to the ski season in the future.We got a shuttle into town from her mother, Mollie, and I went to the coffee shop for lunch and to update my journal. Then to the PO (saw Miss Janet) and to the Outfitters for a fuel canister and pickup.Nice evening socializing with everyone. We have a full house with Flaxseed, Fossil, Grizzly, Professor, Kokopelli, Cruise (Happy B-day), Corn dog, Applebuttsr, etc. Glacier Freeze is a new acquaintance. He is on schedule to do the trail in 100 days. Yes, he is young-maybe 20- and can do big miles.After having some of Cruise's birthday cake, we watched 'The Way' about hiking The Camino in Spain. I would love to do this trail someday. On a side note. I found out that the hiker I met at the shelter just before Delaware Water Gap set the record for shortest unassisted thru hike. He hiked the trail in 58 days plus some hours and minutes (I forget them now). What a feat! Congratulations Matt! So cool that I got to spend an hour of his valuable time with him.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

start Fontana Dam destination Mollies Ridge ShelterWe ate breakfast and then too soon,it was time to say goodbye to Jerry and get on the trail.Our plans to make 13 miles today was waylayed by Mother Nature.We had planned to be in Davenport Gap on Saturday to meet up with Mudbutt for dinner.On the way up ,we run into A former hiker named Many Sleeps.He is a 72 year old volunteer who hiked the At in 1998 southbound.He is doing a head count.So far this year,there have been 615 thru hikers pass through.It began to rain just as we got underway.It rained lightly for most of the day.Just enough to need raingear,but also hot enough to be sweaty underneath the raingear.By late afternoon it turns into a steady downpour and we slowly pick our way over the trail.The later it gets the worst the weather gets and then the wind picks up.Just as we reach the top of a mountain,the shelter looms in front of us out of the mist.None too soon either,as soon as we get in the already crowded shelter the bottom falls out.There are 17 people in a shelter made to hold 12.Everything is wet and there is no room to turn around.I reach for the pack towel in my pack to dry off with,when I remember that I sent it home with Jerry this morning.I had not used it in 3 weeks and was trying to lighten my pack weight.I also had sent home a set of thermal underwear that I was sure I would not need,now I am not so sure. There is very little privacy,but I change as quickly as I can.My hands are so numb I have trouble fixing my sandwich.with dry clothes on I start to warm up,except for my hands. Someone hands me some mittens and then after a fire gets going in the fireplace,I warm my hands enough to be able to grab the rail to heave myself upto the upper level.Everyone graciously scooted over to make room for us.A few minutes later 2 other hikers come in.They are steaming as they change into dry clothes.It is just after dark and they have been out in the rain for 7 hours. I listen as the rain hammers on the roof.I am grateful to be inside and not out in my tent.In the Smoky Mountain Park,it is mandatory to sleep in the shelter if room is available,because of the bears.Each shelter has chainlink fencing across the front of it with a gate to keep the bears from the hikers or vice versa.We have no problem staying warm as we are packed in this shelter like sardines.Welcome to the Smokies!total miles 10.6
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Sheltet
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Great sleep at the hostel last night. Marni made a creme brulee French toast casserole that I need to hunt down the recipe when I get home. It was delicious! I had her email my pay receipt to me so I can always contact her to get it too. Pretty much everyone is leaving to take advantage of the continuing good weather. We have the hardest mile on the trail coming up - the Mahoosuc Notch. This is a notch between two mountains that is filled with boulders you have to navigate. It is supposed to be pretty wild. You can check it out on satellite map.Big hike today was Mt. Success, or the mountain that never ends - ad I called it. Tough rock climbing, then descending, then......we are in Maine!!! Our last state!!!Grizzly and I gave big whoops and hollers. Did we ever think this day would come? Unbelievable.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Nob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

start Mollies Ridge Shelterdestination Derrick Nob ShelterI awoke early this am to the sound of a light rain on the roof.By the time I was packed up,it had quit even though I never did see the sun.It seemed everything I owned was wet.One of the biggest complaints is having to put on wet clothes and shoes.Last night,I had woke up after almost everyone went to bed,except the two late arrivals.After going outside to find a tree,Icame back in and sat by the fire talking with them .I put my boots by the fire and hung my socks on a stick close to the fire.This morning ,I was rewarded with a semi dry pair of boots and a dry pair of socks.If yesterday was the worstweather wise,I think today was the worst terrain wise.It seemed that the downs were more knee grinding than anything previously.Since we were in a fog most of the day,there were no views to see.There was however plenty of mud to hike in.The kind that sucks your boots into the ground and refuses to let them go.I am not sure why but we did not stop to grab more than a snack or refill our water.I guess we wanted to get to the shelter before another deluge caught us.That never happened but by the time I got to the shelter,I had spent the last almost 3 miles in pain with my knee.I do not have a history of knee problems,but today I was hurting by the end of the day.In fact Pushing Up Daisies went down to the water source and got me water.I grabbed a spot on the bottom shelter sleeping platform because I could not bend my knee.Just as everyone began fixing supper the sun made it's apperance.That promptly cheered us all up.Then someone found a ball and those who had not hiked far enough got a game of kickball going.Soon someone built a fire in the fire ring outside and everyone commenced roasting their socks over it in an effort to get them dry.One illustrious young mangot brave and tried to dry his underwear,and promptly burned the waist band off.There was much laughing and singing tonight around the fire.It was really a lot of fun.someone offered me a couple of Motrin for my knee and that plus some Biofreeze contributed by folks back home helped me to feel pretty good before I sacked out.I had been telling the hikers all day that we were going to celebrate it being Easter.We will be going separate ways tomorrow.Some continuing on the trail,some into town and some getting off who were just doing a short hike.You should have seen their eyes light up when I brought out the Thinmint Girl Scout Cookies.There was enough for everyone to have 1 cookie.We all sat around and fondly gazed at that cookie .It was a great treat!The shelter is full again tonight and several tents set up.I wishI had of put my tent up,I sleep better when I am the only one snoring.total miles 11.7
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Carlo Col Sheltet

To: Speck Pond
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Notch day!We were up and out at a reasonable time of 7 AM. The SOBO camping with is hadn't even stirred. No way to get to Georgia.I stayed around Lady, DB, Grizzly and Prof so I could go through the Notch with someone. As it turned out, I went through with Grizzly. He took good care of me. It took us two hours to go the mile. I was a little intimidated by it but think if I did it again that it would be great fun. The times you go through the caves you feel like little rabbits coming out of your burrow.The Arm was nothing different from what we've been doing all this time. It was easy since the rock was dry. I wouldn't want to do this during rain.At Speck Pond tonight -a lovely setting - but I am beat! I can barely get dinner and my sleeping bag set out. Every muscle aches. It's a two aspirin night and that's saying a lot for me!
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Speck Pond

To: Grafton Notch - The Cabin
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: few clouds

Today is my fifth month anniversary. It is hard to believe I have been hiking everyday (for the most part) for five months! I've heard it said that it takes 11 days to start a habit - I hope this one sticks for a long time.There were a lot of day hikers on the trail today. Most were there to climb Old Speck Mountain. She was a great climb and the views were awesome. I have been feeling so beat lately that I formulated a plan to put down roots for a while. I had heard good reports of The Cabin hostel in Andover from many different sources - past thrus, SOBOs, section hikers. The road crossings on the trail in this section is set up to allow for slack packing for about 35 miles. So I decided to get picked up at Grafton Notch and stay for a couple of days - do some short sections and try to give my knees a little rest.I called from the top of the mountain (you usually get the best service there) then was picked up by Bear at the Notch. We were soon at The Cabin where I was delighted to see Violet. I have never gotten to hike with her - she is always a day or two ahead - but I really like her. She is hiking with Code walker, another favorite.Usually the stay includes home cooked meals but Honey (Margie) was out of town so Bear stopped by the store so I could pick up something for dinner. I bought what the cashier said was a chicken breast. When I thawed it, it turned out to be scallops. I think I got the better deal on that. I like either one.After dinner we went to the 'salt shack'to see moose. Mother Teresa got the lowdown from the locals on the best place to see moose. The salt shack is where the salt for winter road maintenance is stored. As it rains, it drains into a swampy area next to it. The moose love it! Sure enough we saw a mother and baby and a big bull moose. The bull moose was pretty magnificent as he trotted around. Certainly not like his kin at the Columbus zoo.I am staying out in a two bed camper with Mother T. I'm starting to like these campers. I always get a good night sleep and no snorers.