morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-27
From: Dartmouth Skiway, Lyme-Dorchester Rd

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 18.2

Got a ride from the owner of Dowd's Country Inn back to the trail. Hiked over 18 miles to the Ore Hill Shelter. A few hikers there said they heard there wasn't any water. I went to check for myself and it turned out there was water.  The Shelter isn't there anymore but campsites are.  Took a break at the Fire Tower on Smarts Mtn and the elusive chipmunk came out. I fed it a ritz cracker and took some pics while on the phone with Amanda. Great view from Mt Cube. Rocks were really slick today because of the rain so had to take it slow. Slid a few times but no falls. Passed a Northbounder named Conan who I haven't seen since I stayed at the Bird Cage. Lots of animal noise coming from outside my tent...
Date: 2012-07-28
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: N.H. 25 Glencliff, NH 03238
Miles today: 7.5

Slept in this morning and didn't get started til 8:00am. I only had 7.5 miles to my destination so time wasn't an issue. Switched tactics in my battle against the mosquitos. Instead of running, I decided to stand my ground. I started the offensive and began the slaughter, killing one by one. This killing spree lasted for 30 minutes until they were mostly gone. I felt no remorse! Made it to N.H. 25 around 11:00am and proceeded another .4 miles east to the Hiker Welcome Hostel. Got my mail drop with my cold gear, a birthday card, and a new watch. I have the best family in the world! Been needing a new watch for a while now since I lost mine in PA. Bought a few supplies in town. Also bought a pack of 4 burgers and a 20 ounce sirloin steak for lunch and dinner to cook on the grill. Squirrels and chipmunks were all over the place looking for leftovers. Trips got here later in the afternoon. We are ready to take on the whites! Under 400 miles to go...
Date: 2012-07-29
From: N.H. 25 Glencliff, NH 03238

To: N.H. 112, Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: moderate rain

Mt Moosilauke in the rain on my birthday! Forded my first creek today before heading up Mt Moosilauke.  Very LONG climb straight up! As soon as me and Trips got to the top, it started to rain. Ate a few snacks under my poncho, then it started to get cold so had to move on. Rain lightened up before lunch at the Beaver Brooks Shelter but then turned to a steady rain on our way down. I've never moved so slow coming down the steep drop with wet rocks. Slid a few times but stayed on my feet. Didn't have any views other than clouds. It was near 4:30pm when we got to N.H. 112, Kinsman Notch. I got pretty beat trying so hard not to fall! Decided to hitch into Lincoln to a hostel called Chet's Place. A guy named Amigo pulled up as we entered Kinsman Notch and asked if we were thru hikers, gave us each a chocolate milk, and then gave us a ride into Lincoln and dropped us off at McDonalds...Awesome! Then walked to Chet's Place which was less than 1 mile from McDonalds.
Date: 2012-07-30
From: N.H. 112, Kinsman Notch

To: I 93, U.S. 3 Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Didnt sleep good last night. A lot of hikers were at Chet's Place. Decided to hit the trail early since there were a couple of big climbs. Lincoln has a good shuttle service with a $5 flat fee. Weather cleared up but the trail was really muddy. Rocks weren't as slick as yesterday so I was able to pick up the pace a little. Climbs have been straight up giving my legs a good workout. Hiked solo today. Trips decided to slack pack this section and headed out later than I did. Been seeing the same hikers since I've slowed the pace down and will probably see them throughout the Whites...Dangkiote and The Flash to name a couple. One of my hiking sticks died several days ago so I picked up a good one that a hiker had left in the hiker box at Chet's. Before that I was using a wood stick I picked up on the trail then switched to a metal walking cane that I found at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel. Really didn't want to spend the money on a new hiking stick so I'm glad I found one! Total miles today around 16.
Date: 2012-07-31
From: I 93, U.S. 3 Franconia Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Great sleep last night. Stayed at the Econolodge in Lincoln and my body enjoyed the Sauna and other amenities. Called the same shuttle service to take me back to the trailhead this morning. Met Trips at the Park before the trailhead. Hiked a tough 13 miles today. The plan was to stay at the Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite but everyone we talked to was headed there so we decided to push on to the Galehead Hut. There were 4 thru hikers already there doing the "work for stay" and the Hut wasn't taking anymore. Trips decided to camp a bit further up the trail. I was beat and had already pulled out my downjacket and skull cap since the temp dropped really quick. I was done for the day so I decided to stay at the Hut.  Amazing views from Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette.
Date: 2012-08-01
From: Galehead Hut

To: U.S. 302, Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked close to 15 miles to Crawford Notch. Stopped by the Zealand Falls Hut to see what we could find for lunch. The Flash (from Kentucky) has been with us for the past few days. A girl who worked at the Hut offered "work for unlimited lunch". Trips and I couldn't refuse that so ended up cleaning out the kitchen freezer. Definitely worth it! Ate to our fill. At the end of the day, The Flash and I decided to hitch into town, split a motel room, and do laundry. Trail still rough and body is still feeling it...but views are worth it.
Date: 2012-08-02
From: U.S. 302, Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Great stop at the motel. Lady working at the front desk let me and The Flash borrow her car to grab dinner and to get our laundry done last night...AWSOME! Got a AMC shuttle ride back to the trail this morning and Hiked a little over 11 miles today to the Lake of the Clouds Hut. Views today were spectacular! Did get caught in a brief thunderstorm coming down Mt Jackson. Slipped once and fell on my tail!  The Flash said he fell a couple of times as well. Did my first "work for stay" which included wiping off tables, putting leftovers away, and straightening out bookshelves.  Food was provided and I Ate till I couldn't eat anymore! Food hasn't been a problem in the Whites and I've barely eaten from my pack. Stopped at Mizpah Spring Hut for lunch and a really nice couple paid for it. That was really cool!  Tomorrow...Mt Washington.  Only 334 miles to go!
Date: 2012-08-03
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: fog

Woke up this morning and did the dishes then had a grand o breakfast! Afterwards, hiked around 7 miles to the Madison Spring Hut. Body is starting to feel a little wore from continuous hiking. Was very cloudy and windy on top of Mt Washington. Visibility was no more than 20 ft.  I was disappointed because I couldn't take any pictures. On the way down, there was a break in the clouds that lasted about 15 seconds which was just enough time for me to take a picture of the Visiting Center where Trips and I had lunch. Trail was nothing but rocks the entire way to the Hut. Great views after the skies partly cleared a little after lunch.  Did another "work for stay" that included cleaning out the refrigerators and wiping off tables which didn't take long. Watched the sunset after dinner...a nice end to another great day!
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: N.H. 16, Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

Hiked close to 8 miles to Pinkham Notch. Long rocky downhill coming off Mt Madison. Knees are feeling a bit soar. Met a guy named Gavel at the Pinkham Notch Visiting Center who gave us a ride to the White Birch Campground and Hostel. I'm considering a zero miler tomorrow then lightening my pack and pulling a 20 plus miler the next day to finish off the Whites. The Whites have been amazing but definitely a tough section of the trail. Will probably stay at this Hostel again. I can't remember the last time I took a zero...my body could definitely use one!
Date: 2012-08-05
From: N.H. 16, Pinkham Notch

To: N.H. 16, Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Pulled a zero today. Did absolutely nothing except go into town to eat at a Chinese buffet. Plan on going through my pack and shipping some things back home to lessen the weight. Long day planned tomorrow and then the next day into ME!This place I've been staying at has been nice. No hikers here other than Trips. Will probably stay here tomorrow night as well. Trips has a friend headed in tomorrow so I'll move on and hopefully he'll catch me later...
Date: 2012-08-06
From: N.H. 16, Pinkham Notch

To: U.S. 2, Gorham NH 03581
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

My first slack pack.Hiked 21 miles to U.S. 2 Gorham NH. Tough section of the trail but did it with a light pack. Only had water, snacks, a rain jacket, and 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches packed away. Left everything else at the Hostel. Finished in a little over 9 hours and went over Wildcat Mtn, Carter Mtn, and Mt Moriah. Knees were really soar so the decision to slack pack was really easy. Having a light pack took a little getting used to because my body had been used to carrying 30 plus pounds for over 1800 hundreds plus miles. I was all over the place to begin with slipping and skidding everywhere for the first couple of miles.Eventually adjusted and the pace picked up. Trail was really muddy from the Thunderstorms the night before. Under 300 miles to go!
Date: 2012-08-07
From: U.S. 2, Gorham NH 03581

To: U.S. 2, Gorham NH 03581
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed at the White Birch Campground and Hostel today. I had a lot of errands to run before I hit the trail tomorrow. The owners are awesome and cater to hikers. A guy named Dan came in last night and has been coming to this place for years. He offered to give me a ride to the trailhead in the morning. It's people like Dan, Janet and Bob, Gavel, Jeff and Jill Thomas, and many others that have made this trip as enjoyable as it's been! Starting to get really anxious to really move and get to Katadin but I can't get there before September 7th which is when Amanda and the kids are flying in. I need to do less than 10 miles a day to meet that date. Looks like I'll be spending a lot of time in ME.
Date: 2012-08-08
From: U.S. 2, Gorham NH 03581

To: Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Got a ride back to the trailhead from Dan this morning. Hiked about 12 miles to the Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite. Seemed like most of the day I was going uphill. Made it to the Shelter around 2:30pm. As I was walking on the trail to the shelter, I heard a big splash from Gentian Pond. At first, I thought it may be some hikers swimming so I found an opening in the trees and a little Trail that went down to the pond and followed it.  Come to find out it was a MOOSE! My first moose I've seen on the trail. I hid and watched it for several minutes. I'm not sure it knew I was there. The moose swam from one end of the pond to the other and was nose diving eating the vegetation. Took a lot of pictures. Besides the mosquitos that attacked me in the shelter which caused me to set up my tent at 10:00pm to get away, I'm Glad I decided to stay here because There was a great view of the mountains and also a nice view down at the pond, plus I got to see a Moose which was an added bonus!
Date: 2012-08-09
From: Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite

To: Full Goose shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked around 10 miles to the Full Goose shelter.  As I was leaving the Gentian pond shelter this morning, I heard some splashing again.  I figured it was the same Moose so I moved on.  Trail was crazy today. It's like most the hike I was contemplating which way I would climb up a rock or how I was going to approach a crazy steep drop. Then it rained which made everything much slower.  Met a couple of hikers Firewalker and Nighthawk today who are hilarious. I haven't laughed like that in  a while! They would talk about their hike and what happened to them which was pretty much what happened to everyone today. Tomorrow is Mahoosuc Notch..
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Full Goose shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: moderate rain

The Mahoosuc Notch on my daughter's Birthday in the rain! Happy Birthday Em!! Decided to hike the Mahoosuc notch with Firewalker and Night Hawk. Ended up being more challenging because it rained and the rocks were wet. It took us a little less than two hours to get through it. If it had been dry, the Mahoosuc Notch would have been much easier. After getting through the Notch, we came to a creek and couldn't find the trail but then realized the creek was the trail...an overflow caused by so much rain. We found a way around it and continued up the Mahoosuc Arm until we reached the Speck Pond Shelter/Campsite. Trips had decided earlier to get dropped off from Gorham further north on the trail and head south with his girlfriend. They showed up at the Shelter soaking wet and ended up camping there as well. They looked miserable as we all were because of the bad weather. Continued to rain all night long! Total miles Hiked around 5 today.
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Speck Pond Shelter/Campsite

To: Maine 26, Grafton Notch
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked over 4 miles to ME 26, Grafton Notch and got picked up by Dave who helps run the Pine Ellis Hostel which is where I stayed. Body was actually kind of soar from the Mahoosuc Notch yesterday. I'm glad I did the notch with Firewalker and Nighthawk! I came up on them at one spot of the notch and all I saw was Firewalker looking at a hole underneath the rocks and one tree moving back and forth above and behind the same rocks. Nighthawk had decided to climb the rocks and was clinging to the tree I saw moving back and forth on his way down the other side. He strongly didn't recommend that route. So I chose the hole to crawl through. It was pretty funny! This morning, I hiked with Trips and Monica. Spent most of the morning trying to come up with a trail name for Monica but was unsuccessful. Instead of continuing south and going down the Mahoosuc Arm and through the notch, Trips decided to hike north and head back to Gorham. I totally understood the reasoning behind that decision...
Date: 2012-08-12
From: Maine 26, Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Rd, Andover
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Hiked over 10 miles to the East B Arm Rd in Andover. Hiked with Firewalker and Nighthawk again. Great hike! Weather started gloomy but then the clouds broke when I got to the top of the Baldpate Mountains. Nice views from the summit! Firewalker and Nighthawk are pushing more miles and moved on. Gonna miss hiking with those guys. I decided to go back to the hostel. Ran into Hippity Hop at the General Store who I haven't seen since Bear Mtn NY. It's always great running into people I know on the trail.
Date: 2012-08-13
From: East B Hill Rd, Andover

To: Maine 17, Oquossoc ME
Miles today: 23.4

Big day today. Started the trail a little late but was knocking out 3 miles an hour. Got finished pretty early and got a shuttle back to the Hostel. So far, southern ME hasn't been as rough as I thought it would be. Passed Firewalker and Nighthawk about halfway through the hike. Good to see them again. Slacked pack the last few sections because I've Been noticing a continued discomfort in my right knee since after the Whites that I haven't felt before this entire trip and I will definitely keep an eye on it. Also Got a mild case of Giardia by drinking bad water at Speck Pond Shelter so ate a lot less the past few days but still was able to hike. Considering a zero tomorrow to rest the knee and replenish! Been passing a lot of ponds in ME. There is a contagious virus going around making hikers very sick that lasts for 24 hours. I hope I don't get it!
Date: 2012-08-15
From: Maine 17, Oquossoc ME

To: Maine 4, Rangely ME
Miles today: 13.1

Hiked around 13 miles to Rangley.  Rained pretty much all morning.  Rain has been consistent since I entered ME.  The trail was saturated!  I called Joani and Glenn, Jill Thomas's  parents and stayed at their pretty sweet cabin on the lake. These guys were unbelievable!  Joani took me to the store and I got two 1 and 1/2 lb lobsters and she cooked them for me... Mmmm good!!  Also on the menu was salad, Lasagna, chicken, and Blueberry pie with Icecream. Glenn took me out on his boat and We Saw awesome views as the sun was setting on the lake. It was a Larson with a 6 cylinder engine in great condition.  Wow, another great stop on this incredible journey!
Date: 2012-08-16
From: Maine 4, Rangely ME

To: Maine 4, Rangely ME
Miles today: 0.0

Still reeling from our stay last night. The views, hospitality, food, boat ride, and Lobsters were spoiling! This morning started with Thunderstorms that lasted well into the day. Decided to take a zero and stay at the Town and Lake Motel. Split the bill three ways with two other hikers, Jaws and Steps Ahead. Joani dropped us off and will take us to the trailhead in the morning...true trail angel!! Talked to Trips last night and he should be caught up in 2 days. Saddleback Mtn tomorrow...
Date: 2012-08-17
From: Maine 4, Rangely ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got some good sleep last night. Woke up and ate two sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits and drank a half gallon of chocolate milk that I bought from the Grocery store last night. Joani dropped me off at the trailhead and I hiked around 11 miles to the Poplar Ridge Lean-to. Weather was good for most of the day. Great views from Sattleback and Junior Sattleback mountains. Hiked with a section hiker to The Horn which was a mountain between the Saddlebacks.  He was pretty cool, and from the questions he was asking, I could tell he was wanting to hike the entire AT one day.  Found a nice spot to set up my tent.  Trying to stay away from the shelters so I don't catch the virus that's going around!  It's raining....ugggggg!
Date: 2012-08-18
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Sugarloaf Mtn Trail
Miles today: 10.9

Went to bed early last night, around 7:00pm. Didn't get out of my tent until 7:00am. Packed up everything including my soaked tent. I heard from day hikers today that the weather was going to be a lot better this week. Passed several day hikers that also explained there was a celebration being held for the 75th Anniversary of the AT at the bottom of the mountain that can be accessed by going up the Sugarloaf Mtn side trail then walking to the chair lifts for a ride down to the bottom. Free All-you-can-eat food and drink made my decision easy! Once at the bottom, I got a ride to the place where the event took place. Afterwards, got a ride to the Mountain View Motel and stayed the night. Plan is to dry out all my gear and get ride to the chair lifts tomorrow to get back up to the side trail. Hiked close to 11 miles today.
Date: 2012-08-19
From: Sugarloaf Mtn Trail

To: Maine 27, Stratton ME
Miles today: 10.6

Really didn't want to hike up the Ski slope from the chair lifts and then back to the Sugarloaf Mtn Trail. A man named Doc Holiday that was at the celebration offered to drop me off at a dirt road which would by-pass going back to the chair lifts. I seriously considered it but turned down the offer this morning when he arrived to pick me up. I told him I would get a ride later and was thinking about taking a zero. After he left, I remembered that the chair lifts would not be running after today. So I had no other choice but to get a ride to the chair lifts and hike up the ski slope until I reached the side trail back to the AT. The terrain has been a lot better and I'm moving a little faster. My right knee still has stiffness but hasn't gotten any worse. Hiked around 10 miles into Stratton and decided to stay at the Mountain View Motel again. The room has a cabin feel with a full kitchen. It's really nice! The owner gave me a good discount for the stay and will shuttle me back to the trailhead in the morning. I definitely recommend this place. Under 190 miles to go!!
Date: 2012-08-20
From: Maine 27, Stratton ME

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

Woke up early so I wouldn't miss my ride. The owner was ready to go at 6:15am. He dropped me off at the trailhead and I hiked around 15 miles to the Little Bigelow Lean-to. Great views today from the Bigelows!  Weather was perfect for hiking.  Walked up on a snake. We had a stare down then it slithered away.  Also had a lot of brave chipmunks and squirrels that crawled right up to my shoes and backpack while I was taking a break.  I Started getting a little paranoid so I scared them away.  No telling what kind of diseases those rodents carry!  They were cute though...Passed the 2000 mile marker...HOOrauu!
Date: 2012-08-21
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to the sound of rain.  Rained until 8:30am.  Packed up all my gear and hung my tent in the shelter while I ate breakfast hoping it would dry out a little.  Got on the trail close to 10:00am and hiked around 18 miles to the Pierce Pond Lean-to. Took my tent and everything that was wet out so it would dry while I was makin dinner. Dried nicely!Ran up on the Lion Killers, a couple I've been seeing a lot lately. Hiked the last 7 miles with them to the Lean-to. No awesome views, just a lot of mud and several ponds...This is the place where a hiker this year drowned. I did not go swimming even though some other hikers did. It actually looked like a great swimming whole!
Date: 2012-08-22
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: U.S. 201, Caratunk ME
Miles today: 4.0

Finally, a full day without rain! Woke up this morning and packed up everything as fast so I could make it to breakfast at a place that was .3 miles off the trail. A man named Tim owned a cabin there and told us yesterday he would cook a hiker's breakfast. A hiker named Duffer paid for it which was really cool! Afterwards, hiked 4 miles into Caratunk, ME. Had to take a canoe ride across the Kennebec River before reaching US 201 into Caratunk. Stayed at the Sterling Inn.  Will resupply here and head out in the morning after I pick up my mail drop at the post office.  Got my new shoes from Salomon but plan on finishing the AT in my old ones and then will wear my new ones home.
Date: 2012-08-23
From: U.S. 201, Caratunk ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Settled up with the owner of the Sterling Inn then got him to drop me off at the post office.  Picked up my mail drop and sent my new shoes home.  A man drove by in his truck, stopped and offered me a ride to the trailhead. He was doing a section from the trailhead to a couple of miles past Pleasant Pond Mtn.  Nice views from Pleasant Pond and Moxie Bald Mtns.  Wasn't sure how far I was going today. Finally decided on Moxie Bald Lean-to which ended up being almost 19 miles for the day. As soon as I got here, clouds started rolling in.  I hurried and set up my tent right beside Moxie Pond and got dinner cooking then the rain came. Ate my dinner in my tent!
Date: 2012-08-24
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Maine 15, Monson ME
Miles today: 17.9

Hiked close to 18 miles into Monson. Trail was pretty easy, started at 8:30am and was at ME 15 by 3:30pm. Met a couple of hikers, Lady Sherpa and Coosy along the way and ended up hiking with them most of the way. Got to ME 15 and was picked up. The LakeShore House was my destination. A couple of hikers I've met previously on the trail showed up, LB and Mange. The last time I saw Mange was Gatlinburg. Harpers Ferry was the last place I saw LB. Will hang out here for the next couple of days then the 100 mile wilderness!