morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm learning that these mountains deserve respect. Normally a 17 mile day is not a problem. Climbing three 4000+ feet mountians is tough. I was beat when I arrived at Piazza Rock. it seems I need to adjust my expectations with the difficulty of the day.When I got to the shelter I met Treehugger, an attorney from VT and Mark & Twain sitting in front of the fire. Mark & Twain had been in Stratton at the same time. They are in their 60s and have been hiking these mountains for over 30 years. Twain told us of their younger years when they would do a week of winter camping and ski in to a base camp area each pulling a sled with provisions--26 miles. She said looking back she wondered that they did it. She mentioned skiing home with her eyes closed she was so tired. They are doing the north half of the trail this fall so they can follow the colors south and then hike with spring from the south next year.Just about bedtime the rain began and kept steady all night. Glad I was in the shelter.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Waking up to the sound of rain on the roof while cocooned in a bag of warmth is near heaven knowing there is no hurry to arise. I had planned a short day covering easy terrain so there was no rush to begin the 6 hour walk. I lingered in my bag until Treehugger came into the shelter. Her tent had leaked and her down bag was wet at the feet. She broke camp and brought everything into the shelter to drip, even the tent. She is an attorney from VT out for a couple of weeks.Just as I was putting my pack on, Twain came into the shelter. We had thought she and Mark had left around 6 am as is their custom. They, too, stayed in their tent hoping to wait out the rain. They also had tent leaking problems. Twain said they were going to sleep in a shelter tonight instead of the wet tent. The question was which shelter-satay at Piazza or go the 1+ miles, in the rain to Sabbath Day Pond. It is quite late with no sign so they didn't come this way.My walk in the rain wasn't bad, just a bt cold. I met 3 Nobos, Sir Lancelot, the Brave and the Roamin Noodles. Tipper arrived at the shelter after me and is measuring the shelter and taking photos of same and the privies. This info will be given to the ATC for their database. Interesting.I'm still chilled so it is goodnight.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: South Arm Rd., Andover, ME
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

The rain had stopped and due to the lack of drinking water on the last section of the trail, I decided to push the 17 miles into South Arm Rd. and go into Andover where, I hope, there is a maildrop waiting.After ony a few miles, it began to rain. At least, I learned my lesson and put on my raingear immedately. The cool temps and rain are not conducive to a comfortable day. My first misadventure was fording a stream. My boots were completely soaked but I decided not to wear them across so they wouldn't be 10 pounds apiece filled with more water. Mistake #2: deciding to go barefoot. Standing on the edge of the stream deciding what path to take, the rocks beneath me rolled and I sat down getting the bottom of my pack and me wet and dunking my boots. The water was cold and my feet hurt as I approached the far side only to lose my balance and my poles. I managed to land on the bank as the poles headed downstream. Thankfully the poles got caught on some weeds and didn't go far. Sitting down to wring out my socks and dump a cup of water out of each boot, my feet were hurting. Upon closer inspection when attempting to dry them, I had ripped 1/2 of a toenail off. Ouch! Nothing to do bu! t put on socks and boots and carry on. The feet were too wet for any bandage to stick.The hike was great! For the first time in a while it was easy hiking. The terrain was not too difficult and the   time passed quickly. The challenge was to not step on the roots (slippery!) and to get around the huge puddles in the trail. Some puddles hide mud 12+ inches deep and some are just knee deep. There was a lot of rock hopping.Old Blue Mtn. was the last obstacle of the day. I was surprised at how easy the ascent was given the sharp profile. On the way down there was a steep section with ladder rungs and handrails and then to my peasure it was only moderately steep and easy. Until...halfway down it was really steep. Many places would be too steep for ladder regulations and to make things more interesting, the trail would take a sharp turn at the bottom and if the turn was missed, a not so nice trip off the side of the mountain. It was a slow trip down with only one fall.As my water purifer was expected in Andover I called Pine Ellis Lodging and they came and picked me up. Luckily the cell phone got a signal, the first connection in 4 days. Paul & David picked me up and handed me a soft drink then took me to the B&B.Bed at 9:30.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: South Arm Rd., Andover, ME

To: Hall Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: clear sky

It was a quiet day in Andover. A walk to the PO, laundry and wait for the mail and UPS. My chemical purifier arrived around 1:30 but the filter did not arrive until 3:30. basically a wasted day. I cannot recommend Pine Ellis Lodging. For some unknown reason I was uncomfortable and they charged me for the shuttle to the trail where the other 2 hostels don't charge.I finally got back on the trail at 4:45 and forded Black Brook immediately. The lean-to was 4.1 miles away with 2 major ups and one major down. I arrived at the shelter around 7 and looked for a close source of water. Not seeing one, I walked to a tent that was set up behind the shelter and who should I find but Mark & Twain. We talked until dark then I went and found water and went to bed.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Hall Mtn Lean-to

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Mark & Twain said good morning on their way out at 5:50. They were on their way into Andover. I left at 7 am and ran into them waiting for a hitch into town. They had been waiting an hour at that time and, unfortunately, my cell did not get reception there. Grey Wolf was also there trying to hitch.I am trying to be extra careful on the steep downs so my mileage is lower than I'd like.There was a pre-orientation group from Bowden College at the lean-to and I met Captain Seagrass. He is so named because he eats a lot of seaweed. He grew up in Alaska without running water and electricity is of late from Hawaii. Nice and interesting as well. Funny, too.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Speck Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter at 6:45 with temps in the low 40s. Don't they have summer in Maine? B-r-r-r-rThere was a long up (5 miles) with some nice views. I elected to have a short day today as the next challenge is the infamous Mohoosuc Arm and Notch. The Notch has been described as an adult playground with boulders to climb over or go under or around. It is said one can hear water flowing under the rocks and in some of the holes it may be possible to see ice. The Notch is said to take 1 to 4 hours to go the one mile. The Arm is a very steep downhill. My thought was to do this first thing in the morning when I am fresh. Now I'm just hoping we don't have rain to make the rocks slippery and dangerous.There is an nice crowd here, Gotta Go, Little Engine, Stumbles, Captain Seagrass, Mountain Jam as thru hikers. There are also 2 groups from Bowden College with pre-orientation trips for freshmen. The college wants to introduce Maine to the new students.It is supposedly going to be in the 30s tonight. Thank goodness Jim sent my long johns!I'm sitting in my sleeping bg for warmth so time for bed.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Speck Pond Lean-to

To: Carlos Col Lean-to
Miles today: 9.5

38 degrees this morning! Cold start going into the infamous Arm and Notch. The arm was steep and took 2 hours to go 1.5 miles. The Notch was a challenge. Rocks as large as houses jumbled together. I had to negotiate over some then under others. Scrambling and dropping onto other rocks (with a little prayer). I came out with some minor scrapes and, I'm sure, some sore muscles. The Notch took me about 1 hour 40 minutes. Just as I emerged and stood assessing, Captain Seagrass came out. He was fast! Only 1 hour. He is also 6'2" and 30 years old. Yeah, I know, excuses, excuses.There were some nice hills today with good views. I met 5 thru hikers, Mr. Parkay, Miss Parkay, Lush, Sumo, Shennanigans and 5 or 6 day hikers and 3 AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) shelter caretakers. I almost forgot Red B and LP (low Profile). LP is a dog--a dachsund!! Red B says LP has over 3000 trail miles. Strange to see a weiner dog scramble over the trail. It was a busy trail.This shelter is a little bit different in that it is a log cabin with a loft and an open door. This is the first one of this style I've seen. Tonight I'm with Captain Seagrass and Rambo Ron.I'm only .5 miles from completing this walk in Maine. Tomorrow--New Hampshire. Whoo-hoo!!602.3
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Carlos Col Lean-to

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

The day began with a boulder scramble. Rocks the size of Hummers and smaller needed to be negotiated right off the bat. Sometimes an extra 3 inches on each leg would come in handy.New Hampshire seems to be easier, so far, than Maine. Today's climbs were not bad. The worst thing was some of the bog walks were under waterby 5-6 inches and took some ingenuity to keep the feet out of the thick black muddy water. There are still some steep downs but I did manage not to fall today, so that is something. It seems there are more birds and squirrels here as well. I'm looking out for more moose.Maine is now history in my walk. Only six more states ot go and 592.7 miles. Not bad, about 100 miles per state.I met Paul with Bunions today as well as Robin, traveling with Mapman, and Dr. Dick. Here at the tentsite are Alabama Bob Rambo Ron and Jaws. Captain Seagrass headed on into Gorham to re-supply. That is my destination tomorrow where I'll pick up my maildrop and get cleaned up and plan my trip thru the White Mountains. I have been encouraged to take my time and savorthe beauty of the Whites. We'll see what kind of time is workable. As is par, it is supposed to be wet for my introduction.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Gorham, MA

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

Finally, an easy trail out of Gorham. It actually had dirt in areas instead of rocks and roots. The trail up Mt. Moriah was pretty easy. About 7 miles into the day, I took a deep step and toppled down a couple of rocks and knocked my head against a flat rock. I released the buckles of the pack so I could sit up. I then noticed the prettiest little red flower petals--no--wait--that is blood! My head though not really hurting was spurting blood all over. After digging in my pack for my bandanna (and trying to avoid dripping on and in the pack) I tied the bandanna around my head and walked on. I was hoping not to frighten folks with blood dripping. That is the thing when you are by yourself, you just keep going.My goal was to reach Carter Notch Hut and arrange for a "work for stay". The AMC charges forthe use of the facilities in NH. It is difficult to find campsites along the trail so these facilities are important to a hiker. Campsites can be $8 and huts as much as $87 per person.To accomodate the hiker, there is a program that allows a thru-hiker to do work in exchange for lodging and meals. The Carter Notch Hut charges $25/night but does not serve meals.There is a wicked downhill into Carter Notch. It is very steep and made more dangerous by condensation on the rocks making them slippery. It took me over an hour to go one mile. I was exhausted when I arrived and was ble to scrub the ladies bathroom floor for my work. The bunks have a nice mattress and illow and blanket.It was a treat that staying at the hut was the staff of a French restaurant for their yeary retreat. They fixed, and fed everyone there, pork tenderloins, ratatoulli, polenta and finished the meal with a fudge cake topped with whipped cream and berries. All in all, a very nice and delicious meal. Certainly, a very good way to end a less than perfect day.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Osgood tentsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: mist

The Wildcat mountians are tough! The descent was steep and slow. The clouds did clear to give a view of Mt. Washington. It was imposing, especially as it will be climbed during my journey.The AMC operates several drive up lodge, one atPinkham Notch. The AT woes right thru the resort and allows hikers to buy food (subs & such) or stay overnight. It was a nice facility.As I headed up the mountain from the lodge I met several folks on the way down. As I spoke with a woman, he husband slowly made his way down to where we were talking. As they were leaving, I noticed a long shoelace on his shoe where it would possibly trip. It turns out the sole of his boot had separated from the front of the shou and was flapping as he walked. They were tickled when I offered duct tape to hold the shoe together.I looked up and saw a hikercoming toward me. It was Jonah!! My first meeting of nobos I've hiked with. He did admit to skipping 200 miles which he will do after finishing Maine. It was good to see a famiiar face.The Osgood Campsite was filled to capacity. I shared a tent platform with Eric & Steve from Tampa who were finishing a section hike. They were very nice and even gave me cheese and gorp they weren't going to eat. Just as nice was their offer to carry out my trash.The nicest people hike these trails and I'm fortunate to be able to be out here.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Osgood tentsite

To: Lake in the Clouds
Miles today: 10.0

Today was a relatively easy day. The 3 mile uphill was steady with no huge climbs. Mt. Madison has about 1 mile above treeline. I was able to see Mt. Washington before the clouds came in. Boy did they come in! The temp dropped and the wind gusted hard enough to almost blow me over. I hiked an hour in this mess before summiting Mt. Madison. Madison Hut was a welcome sight. I went in and had a cup of tea and some pastry before putting on my rain pants and hat. After warming up I headed out to Mt. Washington. The trail was easier than I expected as the trail was a ridge walk. The clouds lifted in time for me to see and climb Mt. Wahington whose reputation is being visible only 40% of the time. The wind was gusty to 35 mph with temps around 45 so you can imagine just how cold it was. There is a coal fired cog railway that runs up and down the mountain. It is neat to watch and hear, especially when the whistle blows. At $43 one way, the opportunity to ride was passed by.I am currently sitting in the Lake in the Clouds Hut where it is 60 degrees inside. I was able to do a work for stay and had turkey, dressing, rice pilaf, corn, and apple-blueberry crisp. It will be interesting to see what is for breakfast. I will be sleeping on the floor with 10 other thru-hikers and will be sweeping guest rooms in the morning.Tomorrow I'll hike to Crawford Notch hopefully in time to do the same.
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Lake in the Clouds

To: Webster Cliffs
Miles today: 9.3

Whooeee! Thru-hikers sleep on the dining room floor at the huts. This morning we awoke to 47 degrees inside (building is not heated) and 40 degrees outside with 30 mph winds gusting to 60 mph. The wind sounded like a locomotive at times. After the guests and croo had breakfast, we ate then swept the bunkrooms and re-folded blankets for the bunks. There were 5 of us with morning duties, Mtn. Dew, Rainbow Bright, Chocolate , Mr. Blister and me. We were able to leave and brave the wind around 10. Mr. Blister and I are both sobos and ended up hiking together. He is a recently retired NOAA employee who worked with the weather satellites. The trail was great! Some miles above the treeline were a bit windy, to the point of almost blowing me over. The trail was such easier walking then has been the case in recent weeks.We stoped in at Mitzpah Hut for $2 bottomless bowls of soup and $1 pastries. That is a beautiful hut, a bit more cozy than Lake in the clouds. This afternoon there were some breathtaking views fom the mountains wit visability of a hundred miles. Whoever laid out the trail has us walking over high rock ledges with these views. Wonderful!We are camped, a bit earlierthan Mr. Blister really wanted but here was a beautiful campsite that would accommodate our 2 tents. My concern was there wouldn't be a spot further down that would hold 2 tents. If we couldn't find one we wuold have to hike for several more hours. This site is not approved by the ATC and is called a steath site.Tomorrow we have a steep descent right away then an ascent followed by somewhat level trail. We hope to be at a hut for lunch then try for a work for stay at a second hut later in the day.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Webster Cliffs

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The wind died in the night leaving a beautiful hiking morning. Mr. Blister and I left heading down into Crawford Notch, a pretty steep beginning. After 3 miles the trail became a graded footpath and I could really make some time. Mr. Blister stopped to take photos so I was once again on my own. Lunch at Zealand Hut cinsisted of Mushroom Barley Soup with wheat bread and lemonade then it ws off again to Galehead Hut.The views from the Twins was fantastic. I always enjoy walksabove treeline especially if there is little wind. I met about 7 northbounders thru the day.I arrived at Galehead Hut around 4:30, hiker #5. Those nobos beat me. The hutmaster allowed me work for stay if I would wash windows in the morning. Ugh! Oh well.There were over 10 hikers here last night, some tenting nearby including Mr. Blister. One trail celebrity staying here was the one and only Minnesota Smith. MS carries 60 #s and double filters his water and imports some of his food including dried squid. He gave a brief geology talk then discussed thru-hiking with the guests while the rest of the hikers looked on. He did a good job.Dinner was chckenpot pie, mashed potatoes, corn and lemon sponge cake for desert. Bed time.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Galehead Hut

To:  Franconia Notch
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew! I didn't have to wash windows for my stay at the hut. Compost and I just had to sweep. I was out of there by 9 am.The most amazing thing today was the sheer number of folks hiking the trail. There were over 30 nobo thru-hikers and over 70 others hiking. I quit counting at 100 and still saw more.My first major climb was Mt. Garfield which rises to 4500 or so feet. The wind made that a short visit. Mt. Lafayette, at about 5200 feet was the next challenge. The summit is above treeline and that allows the wind to really gust. From Layfayette to Little Haystack Mtn. The trail follows the ridge or crest of the mtns for over 3 miles. This exposed trail has commaning views in all directions. The wind was also fierce enough to blow me against a rock a time or two. Just think if I weren't wearing 25-30 extra pounds. I'm now tenting in the woods. Jim told me today that Fire is just a day away. It would be nice to coordinate getting together. She was going to decend into Kinsman's Notch today wisely to avoid this steep and dangerous descent when it is wet from tonight's expected rain. I'm going to head for Eliza Brook shelter and hopefully catch her stopping there for lunch.We'll see what tomorrow brings. The rain is supposed to less than originally predicted which is good for us walking in the cold rain.Stay tuned.
Date: 2006-09-03
From:  Franconia Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Luckily it did not rain overnight but waited until the dry tent was stashed. Hooray! I stopped into the last Hut in the Whites and drank more than my fair share of cocoa and I must have eaten 10 pancakes, a great deal for $1.I had talked with Jim the night before and he let me know where my hiking partner Fire was. I speculated that if we both hiked 7 or 8 miles we could meet at Eliza Brook Shelter. Of course, there was mo way for either of us to know the other's location. Just asI was about 5 minutes away from the shelter ther was Fire. She had been waiting a bit in hopes I would show up (I shouldn't have eaten so many pancakes!). We headed to the shelter and spent the afternoon catching up on trail news, family news and general stuff. Since Fire had hiked north and me south, we exchanged notes on what to expect and where. It was a great afternoon. It was a shame we hadn't more time. Later Mr. Blister came in to spennd the night.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a wonderful day! Even though it was drizzling this morning and I had to bid farewell to my friend Fire it turned out to be nice.It happened today. I began to meet people on the trail northbound that I had hiked with or met before I came north. The first person was Stretch, then Righty (Lefty's mom), then Miss Direction. Stretch, Miss Direction and I leapfrogged thru VA and PA. After reaching the shelter I saw Redcoat (a Brit) and Cud passed by. After hiking alone for a month it was great to see familiar faces.I decided not to go further today as that would send me over the top of Mt. Moosilauke and the last area above treeline for my hike. Good call as it is now raining and I understand it is gusting strongly at the summit. I'll cross it first thing in the morning hoping the wind won't have picked up enough to blow me over. It will be an early night as the only way to be warm is to crawl into my sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Welcome Hiker Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.9

Departed the shelter in a fine mist to complete the climb up Moosilauke. It was an easy climb and I soon found myself completely alone on the summit. There was little wind for a change but the visibility was only 100 feet or so. My goal today was to get to the hostel in time to mail a package to Jim and do laundry and re-supply. The town of Glencliff consists of perhaps 10 houses and the Post Office that is in a building that looks like a house. Re-supply required a trip to the town of Warren where there is a missle pointed who knows where. Thw Welcome Hiker Hostel is certainly different. There is a rough bunkhouse and outside are several portable canvas buildings. One houses a shower, toilet, laundry sink and washing machine. There is one with beds for overflow from the bunkhouse. There is also a large screen room for socializing. Quite an unusual setup. Mark and Twain came in to spend the night. Also there were Charlie Foxtrot, Maximus, Boulder, Wooly Bear, Mr. Blister and a couple others. During the afternoon several hikers I met down south stopped in: Prana, Tomato Gravy, Iroc, Garden Gnome and Trailboss. They are staying at Prana's for a few days while Prana lets the drugs kick in to beat Lyme Disease.All for now.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Welcome Hiker Hostel, Glencliff, NH

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

I left the hostel at 6:40 and walked in the cool morning air. The day was easy and hopefully will be the beginning of more miles in each day.I walked with Mark & Twain this morning and then struck off on my own this afternoon knowing we would meet at the shelter later. The smell of balsam was pleasantly heavy in the air and there was a hazy view from Cube mtn.The shelter had 11 people in it when I arrived. The three of us were hoping to use the shelter tonight as it is expected to storm. Ten of the people in the shelter are Dartmouth College freshmen on an orientation trip. They are the least friendly and least courteous of all the college groups I've run into in the past two weeks. I'm told that there will be 1100 (not an error) students in this area over the next two weeks. It seems I need to get out of this area as soon as possible. Way too many people.Time to decide how many miles to walk tomorrow. Do I have the stamina for 27 miles? We'll see.