morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-03
From: Jean Akers Home

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 13.4

Jean drove me over to Kinsman Notch to resume my hike. A steep climb immediately and it basically continued all day. The trail was rocky, rooty, and boggy, sometimes all three at once. Had a rock scramble to the Kinsman South Peak. Took nearly 10 hours just to do the distance.Now at the first AMC Hut for the night. They served dinner, and breakfast is in the moring, and I am inside a bunkroom. It just started to rain a few minutes ago. The place holds 48 guests and there are lots of family groups here. Need to get to bed. Sort of semi-slackpacked today. Didn't carry food or the tent. I meet Jean tomorrow to pick up those things.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 5.5

Forced to do a shorter day. No place to stop for a ways beyond this tentsite. Start onto Franconia and Garfield ridges tomorrow. Got here about 1 p.m.I am in my tent on a wooden platform. I have changed up some gear for this stretch. Above treeline with a wind, the poncho was going to be rather useless for protection of myself and the pack. Kind of iffy as a shelter also, even if pitched below treeline. So I am carrying my Frogg Toggs suit and the Sierra Designs Ultra Lightyear tent and left the poncho/tarp and the bug bivy behind.Jean met me at Rt. 3 with the food and tent. She had weighed the stuff and said it was 10 pounds I didn't have to carry yesterday. I looked at it as 10 pounds additional I now had to carry up the 2700 foot climb to this place.The rain and the left knee getting beat up by the recent terrain has been a downer. Sure would like to see some nice weather so I can enjoy the views the Whites are supposed to have.Depressed Trails
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Liberty Spring Tentsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

It rained last night for at least four hours straight and then off and on. Everything that isn't wet is damp. The tent did pretty well, but it got wet inside from condensation on the floor.At least it wasn't raining when I packed up this morning. Today was a hike in a cloud. It was across Franconia ridge, which is supposed to be spectacular, but I didn't see a thing. The Whites are tough. Did 10.4 miles today and it took almost 10 hours.Ran into three guys who had reservations for four at this hut. The fourth guy cancelled out so I used his reservation and repaid them for the spot. Big dinner and, again, breakfast in the morning.Happy Hut Trails
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite (shelter)
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

The sun came out this afternoon, but by then I was down in the trees. In the morning when (I was) up high, it was in the clouds again. Stopped by the Zealand Falls Hut in the afternoon since the trail was right by the front door. Very picturesque with the cascade right there.Part of the trail this afternoon was on an old railroad bed, so that helped. Otherwise, the terrain is still rough.Got to the shelter at 5 p.m. and a thunderstorm moved in at 6 p.m. Snug and secure here. Tenters on the platforms, but no one else in the shelter.Understand there has been a moose in the pond, but not when I was looking.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Ethan Pond Campsite (shelter)

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Had the shelter to myself last night. Got going at 7 a.m. Did the three miles down to Rt. 302 in less than two hours. Then it got tough. Took just over eight and a half hours to reach the hut.There was a big climb of about 2000 feet up to Webster cliffs. Finally had some decent views down into Crawford Notch. Met Aloha and Gutsy, two women, at 302 and hiked along with them most of the way. Also ran into Fish, Footslogger, Two Paws and Gadget slackpacking from Mt. Washington to Rt.302. Gadget's wife drove them to the top of Mt. Washington. He dayhikes downhill when he can.Scored some wild blueberries on Webster CLiffs. They were delicious.At the hut for the night. Devoured everything for dinner. Can't eat like this after.Delicious Hut Trails
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

A shorter and, trailwise, a somewhat easier day. Did catch some nice views as the clouds moved around. Didn't leave until 9 a.m. and was in before 1:30 with stops for photos and breaks.Now at the "Lake of the Crowds", so nicknamed. The largest and highest and most popular of the AMC huts. We also got to see "The Dungeon" where thru-hikers can stay without reservations for $8. Cloudy all day but no rain. It is now raining as I write at 4 p.m. Happy to be inside. Hiked with Aloha and Gutsy today. Had some nice alpine ridge walking.Up to Mt. Washington peak tomorrow. I have about a week of journal entries that I will mail from there. There is an auto road that goes to the top and it is a Saturday so there will be a tourist scene.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We caught some sun this morning for the hike up to Mt. Washington. Was able to take some photos. The cog railroad came in while we were there. Sent my journals and got rid of a bag of trash there.It did start to rain in the afternoon. The raindrops up here are big and cold. We made it in by about 2:30 p.m. Then it started to rain harder. This hut hiking is great, but I think I am gaining weight from the dinner and breakfast at every hut. The terrain is still difficult. Hope it eases up so the mileage can be increased in Maine. Back to the truck tomorrow at Pinkham Notch.Lots of hiking traffic on the trail today. Of course, it is a Saturday.Rugged Trails
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Northern Peaks Motel, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Snug in the Madison Springs Hut last night. It rained all night and the weather report at the hut this morning said 2.5 inches on Mt. Washington. It started to drizzle again when leaving this morning so on with the Frogg Togg jacket.Today was a very difficult hike for all of us; Gutsy, Aloha and me. Covered 7.8 miles in six and one half hours. Wet slippery rocks are not fun. Because of the rain, there was a creek ford that was challenging. A normally nothing brook was thigh deep and rushing. Aloha and I went upstream, found a log over the stream to hold onto, and waded through. Got to Pinkham Notch about 2:15 where my truck was and we all came into Gorham for motel rooms, shower, laundry and dinner.Happy Motel Trails
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Northern Peaks Motel, Gorham, NH

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Northern Peaks was a nice place and not too expensive. Aloha, Gutsy and I had breakfast at a restaurant and then drove to Pinkham Notch to park the truck. I started hiking before they did, about 9:30, and actually didn't see them all day.There was an initial climb out of the notch of 2000 feet. I really tried to take it easy for the sake of the knees and consequently, took seven hours to cover the distance. I am going to have to rethink expectations and schedule as long as the trail continues like this.At the Carter Notch Hut, which is a do-it-yourself arrangement, is the last of the AMC huts. Have to bring your own food and bedding and they still charge $22. Kitchen facilities and equipment is available.Slow Trails
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Campsite (shelter)
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

The trail was much better today. There was a 1500 foot rise coming out of Carter Notch. Unlike yesterday, you could just walk up and not have to climb/clamber. There was a rock scramble down into the Imp campsite. Took it easy to conserve the knees. FInished in less than seven hours.Gutsy bailed out on us today and went back to Gorman. Aloha called her on the cell phone when we realized. Aloha and I get to Gorman tomorrow and need to council with her. Gutsy has done over 1800 miles. Seems a shame not to finish. I hope we can still hike thru Mahoosuc Notch together. We'll have to see. Today was either a hike in the cloud or, if under the cloud, in the trees so there were no views today. And it rained some also. Really looking for some better weather one of these days.Viewless Trails.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Imp Campsite (shelter)

To: Northern Peaks Motor Inn, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: mist

The day started out cloudy, dreary and drizzly. It started to rain some. The one climb of the day was about 800 feet. I could hear thunder continuously for minutes at a time off in the distance. It didn't move in on me and I found out later that there was a heavy storm here in Gorham, but I was still concerned, at the time, about getting off the ridgeline.The trail kept getting easier and easier on the descent. It dropped 3200 feet over about five plus miles. Of course, for the southbounders, that is going to be the climb. The last 1000 feet down was gently sloped and a nice dirt trail so you could roll. Made it from the Rattle River Shelter to Rt.2, a distance of 1.6 miles in 34 minutes. Still not sure I believe that, but I'll take it. Covered the eight miles in just over five hours. That's a welcome change from the last ten days or so.Hitched a ride to Pinkham Notch and got my truck. Here at the motel with Gutsy, Aloha and Coffee - another fellow we met. We all had dinner together.Speedy Trails
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Northern Peaks Motor Inn

To: Northern Peaks Motor Inn
Miles today: 0.0

The other three headed out this morning. Gutsy early and the other two after the post office opened. I shuttled them to the trailhead which is about 4 miles out of town.I have to take a zero today. Just too many things to do. I think my knees will appreciate the rest, also. I'm sure I'll encounter them later, particularly if I start caching again, whereas they will have to go to town for supplies.zero TrailsP.S. Can't say that I am sorry to be leaving the Whites. The weather has been lousy and the views few. Hiked Franconia Ridge and saw only cloud. Physically very punishing and really frustrating with how slow the progress needed to be so as not to get hurt.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Northern Peaks Motor Inn

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Drove to Andover, Maine early this morning to leave my truck and meet Jean Akers, my trail angel. She drove me back to the trailhead near Gorham and I was hiking before 9 a.m. Thanks Jean!Finally had a nice sunny day with some views back toward the Presidential Range. Late getting to the shelter so this is a short entry.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

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

Don't know what happened to the nice weather that was promised. The day started out cloudy and windy and got windier. Still a rough trail. Took nine hours to do 9.6 miles.Up on the ridge, above the treeline, the wind had to be 40 mph. A day hiker said that a Canadian front was moving through. Had a tiny, tiny sprinkle of rain. Don't know if more is coming tonight.Plugger, Red, and Twofiddy are here from the last shelter. I hope we can all go thru the infamous Mahoosuc Notch together.Timber, the gal who used to live in Corpus Christi, and her husband are here. Met her last south of Harper's Ferry. Her husband is back from deployment and they are southbound at this point.Got some decent pictures today.Windy Trails
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Today it took almost eight hours to do the 5.1 miles. That is because it took us a little less than three hours to do the one mile through the Mahoosuc Notch. And then there was a steep climb up Mahooosuc Arm right after.I say us because four of us went through together. The group was Twofiddy, Plugger, and Red and myself. Plugger is a 60 year old who started in March but had to pull out for a major hernia repair. [This was only his third day back.] Red admits to being in his forties, but its got to be very late forties. He is also thru hiking. Twofiddy is in his twenties, but is wearing a heavy knee brace due to a ripped ACL and is thru-hiking. [Twofiddy (Two Fifty) is an ex football player who played at that weight. He says he thinks he has lost about 50 pounds on this hike. His ACL injury was non-football related.] So three old guys and a cripple made their way successfully thru the Notch.It was nice to be able to go through with some other people. Had to take the pack off about three times to crawl under/through some tight spots. With several people we could hand poles and packs through.Had nice weather today and some good views. The shelter here is on a pretty pond. Had a spot of rain after being in the shelter this evening. The shelter is the last AMC fee shelter. Red is doing a "work for stay" by burning the scrap lumber from the tent platforms. So we have a nice fire in front of the shelter.Twofiddy and Plugger went on to Grafton Notch. Plugger is getting off and had a ride arranged.Pretty Pond
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was one of the best days in a long time. The sun was out most of the day and had some great views from Baldpate mountain.Also saw my first moose today. The moose heard me first, so I got about a three second view of a rear of a cow moose leaving the scene. Similar to the bear sighting back in Shenandoah.I had initially entertained the idea of trying to make Andover today which would have been over 15 miles. Might have been able to make it but it would have been a long day and late to get to the road for a hitch.So I backed off and enjoyed the day. Lots of blueberry bushes on the mountain top, so I was stopping frequently to enjoy the treat. Very tasty! Got some good pictures, also.Tasty Berry Trails
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Northern Peaks Motor Inn
Miles today: 4.5

Just 4.5 miles today to get to the road leading to Andover where I had my truck parked. The distance too me two hours and 40 minutes. The trail was much better for moving along.The problem was that the trailhead is eight miles from Andover. I waited twenty minutes and not a sinlge vehicle came along. At that point, I started walking. I didn't relish the thought of road walking eight miles even if it was downhill. Fifteen minutes later (sic.) a van came along. I stuck out my thumb and I don't think she was going to stop, until I put my hands together in supplication and looked as pathetic as possible.I am back in Gorham, NH. I came here to get some things that a larger town would have. Andover and the towns in between are very small. I was able to arrange a shuttle with Earl (Bear) at the Cabin hostel in East Andover.I decided to stock up on all the supplies I will need for the rest of the trip north to Mt. Katahdin while I am here. Don't know what might be available further north.Smoother Trails
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Northern Peaks Motor Inn

To: The Cabin Hostel, Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a zero day which really meant a long day of driving and being driven. I moved my truck to Caratunk and also placed caches. Because of where the caches needed to be placed it was a lot of driving because the roads did not go directly. The truck is parked near Caratunk House where I will be heading.Earl Town of The Cabin drove to Caratunk - about 2+ hours to pick me up and bring me back here to the hostel. Gutsy, Aloha, and Coffee are here, but Aloha and Coffee are heading out tomorrow and so are two days ahead of me. The hostel here looks like a nice arrangement. They offer some slackpacking options that I will probably take advantage of.Happy Hostel
Date: 2003-08-21
From: The Cabin Hostel, Andover, ME

To: The Cabin Hostel
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I finally met Recycle at the hostel. I had heard of him two months ago and had wanted to meet him ever since. He is a 67 year old retired judge from Minnesota who is on his third thru hike attempt. He hiked Springer to Front Royal in 2000 and got stress fractures in the foot. He hiked Springer to Kent, Conn. in 2002 and again got fractures. He is back again this year and on the home stretch to making it this year. Altogether he probably has 4500 trail miles.I decided to hike with him today from South Arm Road to Rt. 17. This is an out-of-sequence section for me, so I will go back and catch the earlier section tomorrow. The folks from the hostel dropped us off and picked us up.The stay here in the hostel includes breakfast and dinner, both fantastic. I will be staying here two more nights.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-22
From: The Cabin Hostel

To: The Cabin Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked alone today to make up the section that I skipped. Set my own pace rather than chasing Recycle. The 1300 foor climb up Wyman Mtn was fairly easy. There was a steep climb up Moody Mtn, but there were stone steps, log ladders and rebar handhold/steps. It actually made it fairly easy. Back in the Whites, they would have skipped all that and left you on your own.Staying one more night here at the hostel. Great experience.It has been interesting to discover how many people are doing the AT on the installment plan. There seem to be a fair number who started thru-hikes and weren't able to finish for whatever reason within the year. They are back in subsequent years to finish. This is more common that I realized.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: The Cabin Hostel

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today started as an introspective day. I observed a small memorial at the hostel out by the Indian teepee. Not necessarily a pretty place, but certainly a unique place.I got shuttled to Rt. 17 with two other fellows from The Cabin. They were Scrounger and Gimp who are thru hikers from Nova Scotia. I hiked with them for the first half of the day. It was nice to be the caboose and not have to think about trail following. This section of trail is reputed to be one of the easiest in Maine, so the 15 miles got done in eight and a half hours.Some former thru hikers brought trail magic to the shelter this evening - sandwich fixin's, soda, chips, cookies. A front has cooled this off. Should be a good night to snuggle down in the sleeping bag.Pensive Trails
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

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

Last night got a bit nippy. The thermometer at the shelter said 42 degrees. There was a wind that continued all day. A woman from Australia came in later. Her trail name was, naturally, Walkabout.Today was interesting on the weather. It got sunny and clear for some great views off Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback, Jr.The wind was blowing very strongly up on top. Had to be 50 mph maybe with gusts higher. It would push you sideways and at one point going up Saddleback it was actually pushing me up the rock face.I am at the Poplar Ridge Lean-to which has the old "baseball bat" floor. My air mattress should deal with that.Windy Trails
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Thought it was supposed to clear off and be sunny like yesterday. However, it was cloudy all day and even rained very lightly several times.Not quite as cold last night, maybe 50 degrees. Some of the trail was easier today, but there was a very steep and rocky descent late in the day that was slow going since it started spitting rain and was treacherous.I am in the tent tonight for only the second time on a tent platform.Tenting Trails
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed at the campsite last night with Wench (a woman) and Hot Dog, two thru-hikers and Tom and Thirsty Boot, section hikers. Tom is finishing the AT this year.Still have some big ascents and descents with a little bit of rock work, althought nothing like the Whites. Today started out with a 1400 foot climb down and then 600 feet of more climb. Then the trail descended almost 3000 foot to Rt. 27. I picked up the cache I had there (more weight) and climbed 2100 feet. Full day that took almost 9 hours with some breaks.There are two shelters here and seven hikers in for the night. Wench and Hot Dog went into Stratton for a meal and came back out and are here.Started out cloudy this morning, but cleared off and was sunny. That sure helps the disposition.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: few clouds

Debating where to stop today as I hiked along. A little quick rain shower just before arriving here made the decision. Doing another 7.3 miles to the next shelter would have taken too long. The other option was another two miles to the shore of Flagstaff Lake and tent camp. I suspect more rain tonight, so that was not attractive. It rained last night about 10 p.m. rather hard at the shelter. This also makes things slick again in the morning.The last two days Aloha, Coffee and Cee Bee have signed the shelter register the same day, during mid-day stops, that I get there. So I am less than a day behind them. Tomorrow is supposed to be easier trail. Only two small climbs. Need to make some miles. The controlling factor is the hours on the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River which is 21 miles ahead.Rooty Trails
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Caratuck House (hostel)
Miles today: 21.3

Well, last night was clear and it didn't rain, so maybe I could have hiked another few miles and tented. It would have cut a few miles off of today. You make your decisions and live with them.Today the trail and weather were very accommodating. I was kind of on a mission to make it to the river in time for the ferry crossing. The ferry is a canoe and paddler provided by trail clubs since the river is very often too deep and swift, due to dam releases, to be forded.I made it as far and as fast as I ever have. Covered the 21 miles to the river in nine and one quarter hours. Found Aloha and Coffee waiting there for their turn to be ferried.I am at Caratunk House, a hostel, for the night. Had a shower for the first time in six days. Boy, did that feel good. Laundry and a restaurant trip completes the day.Going on tomorrow and will shuttle the truck later. Time for bed.Swift Trails Addendum to 8/28/03 entry: Caught some trail magic at Long Falls Dam Road. Doughnut, drink of milk, Little Debbies and a Coke. Thanks to the anonymous angel. Forgot to ask the name.There is a big "2000 Miles" painted on the road there. With the trail changes, it is not exactly right any longer, but it is great symbolism.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Caratuck House (hostel)

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7

Had a great breakfast at Caratunk House this morning. Got hiking by 8 a.m. Hiked today with Don Quixote. He and Cee Bee had hiked with Aloha and Coffee after I had left them.There is a thru hiker crowd here in the shelter tonight. Aloha, Coffee, Cee Bee, Don Quixote, Wench, Hot Dog, Recycle and myself. Everyone here has hiked with everyone else at least once. Quite a collection.We're catching a little rain right now. The shelter is a nice place to be. Two more days to Monson.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A reasonable trail today, although not as good as two days ago. Had one climb immediately of 1300 feet and then down 1500 feet. Profile says level from there on. Don't believe everything the map profile says. Rolled along fairly well today and was at the shelter by just after 2:30.Have our thru-hiker crew together tonight - Aloha, Coffee, Don Quixote and myself. A friend of Don Quixote has joined up for a few days.Much discussion of plans for the remainer of the hike.Happy Trails