morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Franconia Ridge Trail

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Rain fell all night long causing our tents to be drenched and mud splattered. Had a climb up Mt Lafayette and Lincoln today. The weather was horrible - making it a not so fun hike. Got above tree line and still no view. The wind blew so hard and rain fell - making the trail at times dangerous. I fell 3 times - one of them a shin banger. Ouch! Diesel had several falls - once he fell on his tailbone. Not a good morning. I wore my poncho, not to keep dry but to stay warm. It was absolutely miserable. Going less than 1.5 mph, we tried getting off the ridge as fast as we could. The further off we got, the clearer the sky got. Soon, the sun came out. Amazing how fast the weather can change. Got below tree level and had lunch. Everytime the wind blew, we got wet from the trees. The climb up Garfield Mt wasn't that bad. We literally climbed down a waterfall. The trail went through the river bed. Shoes getting even wetter. We made it to Galehead Hut and got a work for stay. Good deal! We, 4 of us and Red and Blue, set tables. The corner our packs was in reeked!We all stood around while the guests ate. Our eyes glazed over as they brought the cake out for dessert. Then, people started bringing us leftover cake they couldn't finish. Shocked that we'd eat it, even using their utensils. After the guests finished, we ate lasagna, salad, and cake. Yum Yum! I had to clean a big pot of gook out. Diesel played guitar, and we sang "Dixieland Delight." Then, one of the guests played. It was a fun night. Met Mighty Mouse, another northbounder. Had my first sunset in the Whites. Not spectacular but nice. After lights out (at 9:30) we laid out our stuff in the dining area for bed. The crew is awesome here! Grateful for the stay and the food.
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Gatehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

THINGS FALLING APARTWoke up this morning trying to catch my heart because when the fire alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. it jumped out of my chest. At first I thought that was the wake up call. It was a false alarm. Had to get all our stuff up before 6:30. Set up for breakfast. Just wrote while the guests ate. Didn't want to torture myself by watching. Had cereal, bread, and eggs. Our other job was to shake out the blankets and refold them. Didn't take too long because so many of us were there. Great team work.Got going close to 9:30. Right away I noticed I have a huge hole in the side of my boot and another one forming. Didn't have enough duck tape to tape it up and besides they are still soaked from last night.Had a big climb to start off the day. The sun was out, which allowed us to get some pretty good views. Mt. Guyot had the best view of the day. Clouds in and out. Could see the outline of the ridge of Mt Washington. Clouds covered the peak. The rest of the day wasn't too bad. Mostly downhills. Had several waterfalls as well. Made it to New Zealand Hut and got AYCE cinnamon rolls that were huge and filling. There was a good view of the valley.The next 3 miles were great on the AT. Walked down an old railroad bed that was graveled, flat, and smooth. Blueberries all over the place and big ones. Saw where a glacier had gone over the mountain - big rock slide. The hike was nice. I didn't have to watch where I was going. A blister formed due to my wet socks. Made it to Ethan Pond Campsite, got another work for stay deal, but had to pay $8.00 between 6 people...plus the caretaker, Christina, couldn't find any work for us to do. Hiking 12 miles feels like a day of 27. Pretty beat. Got a beautiful sunset at the pond. Cire dried out my boots and socks for me by the fire Diesel built. Enjoying this nice little shelter and pond in the middle of these huge mountains. My heart goes out to all hikers who have the passion to come out here. Below 350 miles left.
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the Cloud Hut
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

A PATRIOTIC DAYGlad we were in a shelter because the rain came again. The caretaker gave me stuff for my blisters, and my shoes were much drier. The first 3 miles were fast. All downhill to Crawford Notch, the beginning of the Presidential Range. Felt real shaky on the way up Mt Webster. Ate 2 bars and drank some water and felt much better. Had a good climb up to Webster Vistas. The sky cleared up and had some really cool views. Huge mountains all around us. At one time clouds were all around us and we were in the sun - usually it's the other way around. We could see the parking lot that we started at. We even saw Cire walking down the road (he went in to get a snack). He looked so small.Had a lot of climbs to go. It was really neat seeing Blue and Diesel several vistas ahead of us. We'd yell at them and take pictures of where we'd be going. Climbs at times were steep, going up and down. I'd rather climb up than climb down. The trail was still wet and the rocks slippery. The stretch climbing Mt. Jackson was, no kidding, straight up. We could see the Mizpah Hut from the summit of Mt Jackson. It took a lot longer than it seemed to get to the hut. The same Boy Scout troop was already there. They took another trail. It was good running into them again. They gave us more cheese from Oregon, beef jerky, and trail mix. The guys were trying to earn a patch for hiking 50 miles. If you guys happen to read this, thanks for the magic! You guys are amazing! It was tempting to stay there but we pushed on. It started to rain right after we left. Glad we left because my body was still in climbing mode. The rain cooled us off, then it stopped. I got excited knowing we were getting closer to Mt. Washington. The sun was mostly out, giving us pretty good views. We climbed Mt Clinton (also known as Mt Pierce) and went around Mt Eisenhower. That mountain was pretty big. We had this one view where the sun shone on this one cloud in front of blue sky. You could see ridges upon ridges. Totally amazing. So glad the weather cleared up.We mostly followed the stone towers because the trail wasn't marked well. We were above treeline just about the whole way. On top of this one mountain it was so flat. We, by this time, were walking through a cloud. It seemed like it should've been a shot in a movie. We finally made it to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and the name fit it perfectly. In Wingfords' book it's referred to as Lakes of the Crowds because there is easy access up here by a train. We got work for stay. It cleared up enough that we finally got to see the summit of Mt Washington. It's so beautiful here! Definitely, it's my favorite part of the trail so far. It looked like we could summit it in 5 minutes and only about 200 ft higher. It is actually 1.4 miles away and 1200 ft higher. I think that we may have gotten a preview of some of what the climb up Katahdin is like. Going to summit Mt Washington tomorrow. Yea!!!
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Campsite

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got up and out of the hikers paradise as fast as we could. Came down to the Motor Inn where the room was nice and cheap. Decided to wash everything - boots, pack, bags, clothes. It was exciting knowing our stuff would somewhat smell good. Rested most of the afternoon. Feeling somewhat better. I think the sickness is a result of the reaction to the medicine/antibiotics I've been taking.Well, I woke up and Speck and Slickrock were in the motel room. They hitched back to Gorham because of the weather. It was really good seeing them. We were all back together. They want us to skip up with them. Don't really know what we are going to do. We have only 297 miles from here - 16.5 until we reach Maine. Can't wait until the day I can drive a car, I don't smell like mildew, and the day I can feel a sense of accomplishment to know that I've followed my heart and reached my dream. It's hard because of the weather and all other speed bumps along the way. So many hikers around us want to quit and absolutely hate the trail because of the weather. I'm pretty beat and frustrated at it as well, just knowing that when I do get finished I can overcome just about anything.
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Gorham

To: Andover
Miles today: 42.0
Weather: light rain

Met with Speck and Slick at the post office. Had many options of what we could do: canoeing down the river, walking two 20 mile days, biking. Well, we ended up getting a free shuttle from this amazing guy. We listened to Sarah McLaughlin the whole way. Mountains so beautiful. We crossed into Maine - not the way I expected to. The guy driving was very positive and encouraging. Came to Pine Ellis hostel. Hung out trying to figure out what I think. I am so numb to my feelings right now. I would love to be finished but I'd also love not to skip anymore. That's not an issue anymore though. What am I proving? Am I trying to prove that I can hike 2172 miles? No, I'm not proving anything to anyone. I am proud of what I've done and what I am going to do the rest of the way.
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Andover

To: Little Swift River Pond campsite
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

New finishing date!!! August 31st! We are in Andover, Maine, but getting back on the trail in Oquossoc, ME. 233.1 miles left. We are planning on doing 10 miles a day with the goal of enjoying the rest of the hike. The weather is "supposed" to clear up, and thank goodness we're no longer in the Whites! We want to leave this journey feeling good, with excitement. Now, we are getting to where we hate hiking because lately the trail hasn't been a footpath. It has been a guessing game over rock scrambles. So the 6 of us - the entire group - is heading off together, taking it lightly, and having fun! We got a shuttle to ME17. On the way we saw our first moose. It was just sitting on the side of the road. There was a beautiful lake and mountains. Felt pretty tired while hiking. Can tell I've been off several days. Maine is pretty. A lot of mud but not as many rocks. Got a huge hole in the toe of my boot due to a sturdy root I tripped over. Passed several lakes, one of the things I'll miss the most. We stayed at another lake. Was going to take the canoe out but didn't want to go for a swim.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Little Swift River Pond campsite

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning seeing my second moose. I just did miss seeing its mother as they were washing in the pond. Rained on us again - making it day 13 in a row with rain. The rain did let up, however. We got going, mostly downhill. Glad that most moose have manners. They leave their scat mostly on the sides of the trail rather than in the middle. The parking lot at the trailhead was packed. We overlooked the huge white garbage bag of trail magic. So used to getting coolers full of trash. Went back and got some oranges and apples. Sat at the road debating on whether or not to go into Rangely. Heard there is a free hostel there. Decided to just go to the shelter. Met a cool family. Their little kid told us to be careful because the rocks were very slippery.Reached the shelter close to 1:00 p.m. and decided to call it a day. Visited the famous privy that had two toilets with cribbage to keep the users entertained. First, who'd want to sit in a privy that long and, second, who'd want to use the bathroom with someone else? The guys built a fire, and I napped most of the afternoon. A little girl gave Speck what looked like her trash from lunch - it was in the shape of ET. Said it was her good luck charm, so maybe we'll have good luck. Hikers came in all afternoon. Do It and Fiddy, Truckin, Tang, Toothpick, Schrek, and 3 southbounders and 3 section hikers. Pretty crowded. Diesel played guitar. Another memory in the making.
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine!!! I love the sun! It was clear last night, and this morning it was beautiful with a breeze. Took it nice and easy. Expanded the hole in the toe of my boot when it got caught on a root causing me to trip. We climbed Saddleback Mtn. The one word I have to say is Phenomenal. You could see for miles and miles in all directions, the mountains that we climbed and the ones ahead. Sat up there for hours. Then moved to the Horn and sat there, then Saddleback Jr and sat there. So beautiful and lots of blueberries. First time above treeline that was absolutely clear. It was very windy. Took awhile climbing down to the shelter. Another whopping day of miles, going 9. Still feel pretty tired. Walked up the trail and sat, listening to the wind, looking around the trees and mountains, thinking I still love it out here but I'm feeling like maybe I've gotten everything out of this hike already. Still making memories and seeing amazing views but I'm tired and ready for a normal life again. Today reminded me of Albert Mtn. I definitely think today ranks on the top of the most beautiful days.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Sugarloaf Mtn Warming Hut
Miles today: 10.9

A GREAT DECISIONPlayed with Acey, a one year old 70% wolf that was very hyper. Hiked alone most of the day. Listened to the noises, not only of nature but of my steps, the way my shoes squeak, the clicking sound of my whistle, the splashing of my water. I reached this one rock face and looked down - about 8 ft drop, thinking if I weren't a hiker this climb down would be difficult. But then I snapped back to and climbed down. Washed my hair in the cold stream as Acey ran around splashing us all. The rest of the day was up. I didn't mind too much. It was gradual and ran along this stream. On top of Lone Mtn we stopped for lunch. It clouded up and threatened to rain but it didn't. If it did, I would've cried myself a bucket of tears. At the lean-to (shelter) we 3 girls hit a rut. Didn't really want to go any further. Sat there about an hour. Met 3 section hikers, John, Sarah, and Robin. Super nice people. Hate they were there listening to our sarcastic whining.Headed out and decided to climb up Sugarloaf. It was a 700 ft climb. Oopu climbed with us. Best decision ever. There was a clear, big, spacious, huge warming hut with glass windows all around, giving us amazing views. Not really sure if the little speck of a mountain was Katahdin or not. Had a radio and we listened to the weather and good music. Then, I climbed up to the highest rock and sat there. Looked in all directions. All I could see was mountains. Ridges upon ridges. I asked myself, "Leah, are you happy?" I answered, "yes." I've never been happier. I believe I got a glimpse of God tonight. I watched the sun set behind a peak, colors filling a mountainous sky. So glad I came up here. Last chance to stay on top of a mountain. A sunset I'll never forget. Realizing that I am tired and at times burned out but the journey is not over yet. Maine is so beautiful and I'm gonna take one day at a time. Hard or easy, rain or shine. Enjoy it while I can. This gift is still mine, and I'm gonna walk, smile, cry all the way to Katahdin - 198 miles.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Sugarloaf Mtn Warming Hut

To: Stratton
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

SKI BLAZING, MOOSE CHARGING, & UNEXPECTED SURPRISESWinds howled and howled all night last night. Woke up around 5:30 with the hopes of watching the sunrise. Fog moved in and visibility was slim to none. It was pretty cold up top. We, along with Sarah, John, and Robin, decided to hike down the ski slopes of Sugarloaf Mtn - the largest ski resort in Maine, 2nd highest peak (Katahdin being the highest). Rocks, mossy grass, and hidden holes were our challenge for the morning. Blueberries and punch berries made the slopes colorful with occasional wildflowers. Oopu would run down, acting like he was skiing. It would've been a lot faster on skis. We reached a side trail and John walked across it to see if there was a blue slope. The previous 2 slopes we walked down were double black (hard and steep). Well, John nor any of us saw the injured moose lying down. Once John walked near it, the moose jumped up, rared back on its hind legs, and charged John. John dove into the woods and all we could see was a male moose with antlers. John was ok - gave him a little scare. Obvious that the moose was injured. Going down got easier and grassy. Made it down to the bottom before 10:00 a.m. As I was walking through the gravel parking lot, my ankle turned, causing me to fall. I can climb down 4,000 plus feet with no falls and fall on a flat graveled surface. That figures. Got a ride down the access road to ME 27. As we hitched for a ride, this little red car swerved off the road, slammed on brakes, and someone jumped out of the car. Lo and behold, if it wasn't the Mr. Cranky Pants. Perfect timing I'd say. We were all surprised and happy to see him. We said goodbye to our new 3 friends. Robin, John, and Sarah, I enjoyed hiking with you guys. I hope you had fun and we weren't too crazy for you.Cranky took us in to Stratton, ME to the Wolf Inn. Cire was overjoyed to reunite with his old hiking buddy. Got showers and ate Big Beast Burgers at the Wolf Inn Restaurant. Found out my box along with Speck's wasn't there. One of her letters was opened so, for all of you who are doing mail drops, don't send them to the Wolf Inn. The boxes are put in the same room as the hikers, so people are in and out of the room all the time - can be easily taken. I took a good nap, got a slushy, and did laundry. Had a fun supper with Cranky. He's planning to meet us in Monson and at the base of Katahdin. Spirits uplifted so much when he was here. Hiking the trail in the morning. Rain expected tomorrow but clear the rest of the week. The guys and I are going to be separated from Speck and Slick once more. Meeting up with them in Monson. 187 miles to go.
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Stratton

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

THE BIGELOWSGot up and left Slickrock and Speck at the White Wolf Inn. They are taking a zero day. We got a hitch by this nice lady who was part Indian. Of all the empty trucks that passed us by, she had a ? and a bike in the back of her truck. We all fit in. Her name was Georgia. She helped write a book and is very nice. Got to the trail by 9:30 and decided to change things up, so we took the firewardens trail. It was beautiful. Passed a pond and was relatively flat most of the way. We ran into Hot Poles who was out hiking with some friends. Talking about randomness, it was neat talking to him.The trail went straight up for a mile and ran into the AT. Had lunch on top of Avery Peak. Could see Sugarloaf Mtn and the ski slopes we came down. The other direction was this huge lake and much smaller mountains. No rain today. Mostly sun with clouds in and out. Great views all day long.On the Little Bigelow Vista, Oopu mentioned that the only people who get to see this view are the ones who actually hike up here or those who fly over it. No roads around. Maine takes my breath away with its beauty.My knees were pretty spent by the time we reached the shelter. The "tubs" are at this shelter, two big pools of water off the stream. I attempted to get in one but passed it up because it was pretty cold. Hung out with Nightmare and Clueless. The Bigelows were the last big mountains we are gonna see until Katahdin. So blessed today with the hike, the weather, and the views. Entertained by red squirrels. They fought and chased each other all day, chattering and knocking pinecones off trees. We are at mile 2000.1 tonight.
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

LAKES GALOREIt rained all night. Then the red squirrels tried knocking every pinecone off the trees,I guess trying to hit us. I can just picture them standing on their hindlegs and high fiving each other like the commercial. Had a big day planned - terrain much easier than we've lately had. Crossed the 2000 mile marker on the road. Had 2 small climbs that were nothing compared to the Bigelows. We walked around all the lakes we'd been seeing the day before from Avery Peak. I had a crick in my neck which caused me to only look down all day. I didn't mind. The lakes were so beautiful. Great day and not a cloud in the sky. Had lunch at Arnold Point right on the water. Sun felt so good.I love it so much here in Maine. I would love to stay here forever, not hiking but just being here. The shelter was even nicer. Overlooking Pierce Pond, we set up our tents right on the water. Now eating a Fruit by the Foot, sitting on a rock, getting eaten by small black bugs, and waiting for the sunset.
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mtn Brook Campsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: few clouds

I watched the sky fill with colors this cool morning as I lay in my sleeping bag. Got an early start. We went to Pierce Pond Waterfalls - really enjoyed those. Got sprayed by the huge falls as we posed for pictures. Oopu wanted to jump off one of the cliffs into the pool at the bottom. Glad he chose not to. We made it to the Kennebec River at 9:00. The trail goes right across - no bridge but a ferry. Got there right when the ferry started its runs. They don't suggest that hikers ford the river. It's a power generated river so they have no control of when the river rises or falls. So they have this guy and a canoe who takes you across. Something different. We made it across without tipping over and made it to Caratusk. The B&B there is really nice. Sat outside as the cool breeze helped me relax. A fat cat was walking around, BBQ smell filled the air, flowers were in bloom. So nice. We had burgers and shakes that I'd give 5 stars to. Headed out full. Had all climbs. The day was hot and my body wasn't really wanting to hike. Made it to the top of Pleasant Mtn - more good views. From there I was ready to stop, getting really tired. Ended up going further than planned to a campsite. Not good water sources so we had no choice. Arrived right before dark.
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Bald Mtn Brook Campsite

To: Monson
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: few clouds

Hurt to move this morning. Sore and body aching. We climbed Moxie Bald Mtn. Supposed to have a view of Katahdin but we had no idea of which direction to look. Nice, hot, and hazy day. Thirty percent chance of rain forecasted. We had our first ford where we had to take off our boots to cross the river. The water was up to our shins. It was fun, and the water felt good. We hiked along the river. Thought the terrain would not be too bad but it was up and down over and over. Frustrating and exhausting. Decided at the shelter to push into Monson so we could have one last zero day. Had another ford and made it to a road. Not sure what road we were on or if we were going in the right direction. We walked and walked and walked. The one surburban that passed us stopped. Whew! We rode on the tailgate about 15 miles into Monson. Such a relief. Looked at the blue sky, the mountains, wind blowing my hair, feet dangling. Thankful for the ride. We decided to stay at Shaws. Toothpick, Tang, Truckin, New Zealander, Bob, Mike, and the 3 of us (Diesel, Oopu, and I) all stayed. Ate a 12 inch pizza all by myself as we watched Seinfeld. Really tired but glad that we came into town. Another day with no rain. Hooray!
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great breakfast at 6:00 am followed by a 3 hour nap. Ran into the other 3 in our group. Picked up our last mail drop - a lot of food. Had over 20 candy bars for the 100 mile wilderness. Had a sub from the Mobil (the place to be in Monson). Then came back to Shaws. Diesel taught me a lot on the guitar. I sat on my bed. It's hot but the fans are providing somewhat of an air flow. I was thinking that this is the last hostel; everything is soon coming to an end. Said goodbye to all the hikers heading out today. Sad because there won't be another town to see them in after this one. Mr. Cranky Pants and Eileen came. Great zero day!