morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-14
From: Shelburne, NH

To: Shelburne, NH
Miles today: 0.0

After reviewing the calorie content of the instant potatoes and the beef jerky I realized I had to change my menu. The instant potatoes only has 440 calories in four servings! The beef jerky only has 140 calories in a whole bag! So, I decided to go with peanut butter. On my 2.5 mile walk to Berlin Wal-Mart I had planned to stop at MacDonalds for breakfast. But due to renovations only the drive thru was open. I continued to Wal-Mart with no breakfast. At Wal-Mart I picked up a two pound container of peanut butter. Going up and down the aisles I saw Spam singles! Back went the peanut butter. So, I got the Spam and onion bagels, Quaker Chewy bars, box containing Nutter Butters, Oreos, and Chips Ahoy, two Pringles, Cliff bars, and Propel (for water). On the walk back a shuttle from Rattle River Hostel gave me a ride into town. I stopped at Burger King for two whoppers and a bottle of water. I needed the bottle for fuel. I left Burger King then stopped at Gorham Hardware. I had the bottle filled with 16 ounces of denatured alcohol, my stove's fuel. At Cumberland Farms I stopped for milk and ice cream. After the walk back to Shelburne I organized my food and backpack. For the evening I will just relax. Heavy thunderstorms are predicted Tuesday. I'm thinking I will go three short days and get into position to do the 12 mile above treeline section on Wednesday. That section includes Mount Washington.
Date: 2018-07-15
From: Shelburne, NH

To: North Carter Mountain
Miles today: 9.0

After the breakfast buffet at the inn, I headed out to the highway. After two cars went by ignoring my hitch hiking I just walked. After a mile a car came towards me and offered me a ride. They saw me and turned around to get me. How generous. Raindancer and Stovekicker are section hikers from Virginia and enjoy helping hikers. They dropped me off at the Rattle River trailhead. I thanked them and began hiking at 9:10 a.m. The trail was on an old road for a few miles and I loved it. The trail followed close along boulder-filled Rattle River and both climbed the mountain together. Near the final crossing of the now tiny river I got my last water. Then the trail climbed steeply, frequently on stone steps. This climb started at 780 feet and ceased at 4,000 feet in about 6 miles. Skunkman flew by. At Mount Moriah I got to talk with him. His busy life allows him only a short time to hike every year. This is his 20+ year. He plans to finish the trail in 2037. Yes, 2037. I have to admire him for his commitment and desire to complete what he started. He said he loves it out here. I stopped at Imp Shelter for water. These shelters one has to pay for to stay so I moved on. Skunkman was there and we talked some more. Next time I'll ask him how he got his name though it may be obvious. A mile out from the shelter I got off the trail and camped. In the White Mountains if we don't stay at a shelter or hut we have to camp 200 feet off the trail. Looks like I'm at the base of North Carter Mountain. It's a climb I'll delay until morning. Now hearing 100% chance of rain Tuesday. Will try to get as close to Mount Madison as possible. That's where the 12 miles above treeline starts and hopefully will traverse it Wednesday.
Date: 2018-07-16
From: North Carter Mountain

To: Wildcat Mountain Peak D
Miles today: 10.1

The morning was beautiful. After the first tough climbs the views were outstanding. But as the day continued the heat and humidity began taking its toll on all the hikers. The climbs were steep as well as the drops and there were more than enough today. North Carter, Lethe, Middle Carter, South Carter were some of the earlier mountain climbs. Going up Mt. Hight was the toughest. Then there was Carter Dome after which there was a frightful drop into Carter Notch. At the lake in Carter Notch I got water and had lunch. Skunkman was nearby. Then another steep climb up Wildcat peaks A, B, C, then finally D. On Peak D the operator of the gondola lift, John, gave me two liters of badly needed water. I headed out dropping steeply and dangerously down the mountain. In one mile I came to a spring and stopped. I had had enough. Not too long behind me Flash came in. He tumbled coming down the last hill. His hands, legs and head were bleeding. His step-son came in shortly and they camped nearby. They even mentioned how hot and slow the miles were today. Tomorrow's weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, some producing heavy rain and flooding. I only need to go 6.8 miles to be at the base of Mount Madison and prepare for the climb over Mount Washington on Wednesday. So, tomorrow's hiking will depend on the weather. No matter what, I have to do the 6.8 tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-17
From: Wildcat Mountain Peak D

To: USFS Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 6.8

No rain or wind when I woke up. Still expecting wet weather, I thought I'd wait out the overdue storm. I checked radar and nothing nearby. Then I heard Flash say high winds this morning then rain at 9 a.m. I then decided to get up and get off the mountain. Flash had left and Honeybear was doing a phone chat. Not sure what you call it. As I walked out he turned the camera towards me and introduced me as Lake who has done the Appalachian Trail three times. I smiled and waved. It was 6:30 a.m. I quickly realized I wasn't as far down the mountain as I thought and there was still over a thousand foot drop. Wildcat Mountain is known for the steep trail in this section. Perhaps the absolute steepest climb/descent on the AT. The humidity was bothering my breathing as I descended. I made it down to leveler ground but the trail negotiated around a large boulder for a bit. I was sweating. At a stream I noticed it started raining. After two hours I cross NH 16 and stopped at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. I immediately dropped my pack outside and got in line for the breakfast buffet. Honeybear came in and asked where Flash was. I said he went the wrong way down a mini cliff. I went the right way and saw him near the bottom and he was ok but behind me. A while later, in the pouring rain, Flash came in. We had a good breakfast and a good talk. Then we headed for the store. I needed floss and was happy they had it. Outside I checked the radar and there was a break in the light rain. Looks like no yellow or orange areas on the radar near us. I told Flash then I headed out. It was 10 a.m. The trail followed Old Jackson Road and wasn't too difficult. Then it climbed and became a trail easy to walk. There were several side streams and waterfalls. Rain started and I covered my backpack and put on my rain hat. Due to the humidity I was sweating pretty bad so hiked with no shirt or rain jacket. The rain felt good on me. From 10:30 to 11 I heard four booms of thunder but the rain remained gentle. We had heard heavy downpours, flooding, and maybe a tornado but nothing threatening yet. I crossed the narrow swaying cable suspension bridge over the west branch of Peabody River. I noticed the rain had stopped. I checked my data book and had less than a mile to go to the campsite at the base of Mount Madison. About 1:30 I heard thunder again. I pushed to get to the campsite. My big concern for the day was how was I going to get up my tent in a drenching downpour. But at 2:02 my tent was up on a wooden tent platform at Osgood Campsite. Except for the bottom of my backpack, the pack cover and my clothes, all was dry. Tomorrow I hope to leave early and climb 2.5 steep miles up to Mount Madison and on to Mount Washington. Tomorrow is to be mostly sunny after morning showers. Today I've been on the trail one full month. Not including the four zero days I've taken I calculate I'm doing 12 miles per day. Not where I want to be but better than I thought.
Date: 2018-07-18
From: USFS Osgood Campsite

To: Presidential Range
Miles today: 12.2

Today was a beautiful day! The sun was shining brilliantly. Perfect day for climbing Mt. Washington but the hikers got pretty beaten up. Winds hit 63 mph and when you are above the treeline for 12.7 miles it made hiking difficult. Several times I lost my balance due to the wind but recovered safely. I left at 4:40 a.m. for the 2,866 foot climb up Mt. Madison. Raindrops hanging to fir needles reflected my headlamp as the night slowly vanished. Over Mt. Madison at 9 a.m. Then around several mountains but not going over the top. Several drops and climbs but the trail was basically climbing to 6,288 foot Mt. Washington. I saw one of the coal fired engines start up the Cog railway blowing its whistle and spreading a black cloud of smoke. I hoped to get to the railroad crossing for a picture. It takes a long time for the train to get up the mountain. One engine spewing diesel exhaust went by. Later I could see the black smoke over a small rock rise. I hustled up the trail and did get a picture. People on the train took pictures of me. I made it to the top at 3:45 p.m. A thru hiker who had gotten off the trail due to injury offered me a beer. I declined but then she offered me a soda and pulled out a Dr. Pepper! Thank you, Rowdy! I went in the visitor center and got a piece of pizza, egg salad sandwich, and a pint of potato salad. I sat near the door eating the food and drinking the Dr. Pepper. Except for the final climb up to the top of Mt. Washington I wore my long sleeve shirt, vest, and rain jacket. I was feeling cold and bundled up again. Wind speed was up to 63 mph today and it was cold due to the cold front that came in yesterday. I headed off the mountain going by Lakes of the Clouds Hut. It was 4:30. At 7 p.m. I was so tired from the beautiful hike and too battered from the wind, so I sought shelter down a small low spot on the side of the mountain. As soon as I was in the tent I realized I made a big mistake. The wind violently shook the tent and rainfly and I could not sleep. The winds didn't subside until 1 or 2 a.m.
Date: 2018-07-19
From: Presidential Range

To: Webster Cliffs
Miles today: 7.1

[photo from yesterday]After the sun warmed the tent I finally got up. The wind ceased earlier but it was still chilly. I got on the trail at 7:40 a.m. Beautiful views all over. The sun was brilliant once again and only a light breeze. I think due to the wind, the hike, and lack of sleep I was feeling pretty lousy. I think the egg and potato salad was the cause of turbulence in my stomach. At Mizpah Spring Hut I asked if they had something for upset stomach. The only thing they had was Tums. I got that and an apple juice, filled my water containers and headed out. The Tums seemed to help. At the first campsite away from the hut's protective environment zone I stopped. I pulled out my air mattress and laid down. I fell asleep for an hour. When I got up I felt much better. I headed out climbing Mt. Jackson and Mount Webster. There were some tough ups and downs. The sun's rays and heat would bother me in the open summits. Finally dropped down to Webster Cliffs. I camped here in 2008. I got out my air mattress and laid down again. I didn't nap but just wanted to relax and tell my stomach to behave. I think a good night's sleep and all will be well.
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Webster Cliffs

To: Crawford Notch, NH
Miles today: 1.9

Brights stars and a planet could be seen through bare spots in the forest canopy. It was to be a beautiful morning. But as soon I got up I was experiencing stomach issues. Yesterday all I had was a bagel and a single pack of of peanut butter cookies. So, I knew I had to eat this morning to have energy. I could keep nothing down. I knew I had to get medical care. I packed and headed out before sunrise. It would be a three mile hike and around a 2,000 foot drop down to Crawford Notch and US 302. At Webster Cliffs I saw Flash and Honeybear. (I thought I camped at Webster Cliffs but was back a mile.) Flash gave me some meds for my stomach. He followed me to the highway. It was around 8 a.m. when we arrived. Flash continued on the trail as I contemplated what to do. After a car pulled in to leave off hikers I asked one of the guys if they were from around here.  I saw the Arizona plates and knew my answer. However, Jason, the driver, was more than happy to give me a ride wherever I needed to go. Earlier he had dropped off his thru hiking wife "Groceries" here. Then, back at his campground, he saw other hikers and brought them back to this trailhead. Jason took me to his campground where no medicine was available. The owner suggested a walk in urgent care facility in Glen. Jason had no problem taking me there and insisted on remaining with me while waiting. We went to Saco River Medical Group in Glen. The staff was so kind to me. I was seen quickly. Jason returned to the campground to get his gear and returned while I was getting treated. On the scales I lost 22 pounds over the course of the hike. Since it might be days until test results would come in, I was given a medicine for bacterial infection. Before I left the medical office the staff called around for a motel for me to stay in. They strongly urged me not to go to a campground. Jason took me to Walgreens in Conway, waited with me, then took me to the Intervale Motel. He was going to Gorham to camp as he waited for his wife going through the presidential range. He said not to hesitate to call for any assistance I might need. I am truly grateful for the outstanding help this mathematics professor provided today. He is a true trail angel. I retired to the motel tired, weak, and understandably discouraged. Perhaps I can return to the trail in a few days.
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Crawford Notch, NH

To: Crawford Notch, NH
Miles today: 0.0

The medical clinic called me early to tell me I contracted giardia. A new and correct medication was prescribed. Right away I called a taxi to take me to Walgreens and back. After no improvement with the other medication over the last three days and lingering in the motel room I needed some hope. I was glad to start on a different drug and get back to feeling "normal." Yesterday and today I could eat and get some food down however I wasn't feeling any better. I ate a plain Subway turkey sandwich over the course of each day. I'm told giardia could have been in my system for weeks before it manifested its ugliness so that may explain my lackluster hiking performance. I'm also told many recover quickly. But with the weight loss over the course of the trip and in conjunction with what I lost while sick, AND busting my hiking budget with motel costs Heartrock and I decided I should head home to recuperate. She will pick me up tomorrow. I will recuperate and then re-evaluate my hike. I am down but certainly not out.
Date: 2018-07-31
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

A long week but feeling much better. Meds are finished Wednesday and not taking them will also add to my energy. After taking one I sometimes feel a need to sleep. Not wasting time at home. I am hiking short distances assisting the county. The proposed Endless Mountains Trail is set to have a "Professional Trail Corridor Assessment" this fall and since I was the boots on the ground guy establishing most of the western and central route I need to mark it with flagging tape. Once marked a county team will walk through with a GPS for mapping purposes in preparation for the professional team. (That all sounds redundant. Didn't I already assess the corridor in the first place? I guess I'm not a professional and lack any hiking experience. I won't mention the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation trail award I received. Oh, well. Just kind of kidding. This is government work and that's how government works. At least I'm getting my exercise.) Right now the plan is to return to the Appalachian Trail the first weekend in August. There are two scenarios to consider. One, return to Crawford Notch and continue hiking south. Two, since I am in Pennsylvania I could hike south from here and, later this year or next, finish the section from Crawford Notch New Hampshire to Pennsylvania. A lot to consider due to time restraints and winterizing the house. A 16 hour bus ride to NH does not sounds delightful. Whatever decision is made, I'll be on the trail within a week.
Date: 2018-08-07
From: Glen Junction, NH

To: Glen Junction, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Currently at the Covered Bridge House B & B in Glen Junction, NH. Heartrock drove me up and I am poised to rejoin my fellow hikers at Crawford Notch around 10 a.m. tomorrow. We enjoyed a dinner at McGraths Irish Pub in North Conway before retiring to the B & B. The B & B even owns the 1870 covered bridge next door, complete with a gift shop. This town has the Urgent Care center where Jason took me a few weeks back. So glad to be on the healing side of all that. I felt so sick coming off Webster Cliffs that day I thought it would be easier to toss myself over. I felt that bad. Thankful for Jason's help that day and Judith's at the urgent care center. On the ride up here I felt sick all day and was concerned but after dinner I felt much better. So, all looks good for restarting tomorrow. Now, while hiking in the forest, I can go back to contemplating those deep questions of life like what is the difference between hay and straw? Or, do vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Date: 2018-08-08
From: Crawford Notch, NH

To: Zeacliff Vista, NH
Miles today: 8.9

Heartrock and I enjoyed a good breakfast at the B & B. Then we visited the gift shop built on the covered bridge. The B & B owns the bridge, purchasing it in the 1950s for $1. Heartrock purchased a loon figurine for me. It was all too soon and we were once again saying those heart tugging goodbyes. Heartrock will drive two hours to visit her sister, Thunder Island Girl, in Maine. (Thunder Island Girl is taken from two songs: Thunder Island and Island Girl). Now I'm starting back on the trail at Crawford Notch. I left at 10:45 a.m. I unfortunately wasted time because I went on the wrong trail. But soon, all was corrected and up I went. The trail began with a steady climb but soon became the usual steep boulder-filled endurance course. After two hours I was over the top. The trail became steadier but rocky and muddy. I was soaked in sweat. I met one sobo, a young woman named Fay. We each mentioned some names of hikers we knew but none were familiar. I also passed several groups of nobos throughout the day. The trail followed a stream and then it was on an old railroad bed. Great hiking for miles! It even seemed cooler for a while. I expected to reach Zealand Falls Hut about 5-6 pm but arrived at 3:45! I was happy. I went inside and filled my two bottles with water. After I drank one I filled it right up again. Met a guy also going sobo. I left at 4:10 wanting to get another mile in. I knew it was a climb but not that it was so steep. Over a mile of rock steps, boulders and roots. At 5:15 I leveled off after a sweaty 1,070 foot climb. I went out a short side trail to Zeacliff Vista and found a campsite. I can look way down to see the railroad bed I followed earlier today. Aside from a little upset stomach I feel pretty good and pretty strong. My corn hurts but much better than a few weeks ago. My only concern now is if it will rain tonight and tomorrow. Friday it is to be sunny, a good day to go over Mt. Lafayette where the trail is 2.5 miles above the treeline.
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Zeacliff Vista, NH

To: Skookumchuck Trail
Miles today: 11.6

Only a light rain overnight and the tent was dry when I woke up. The view from the vista was mostly clouds and fog. I packed up and was on the trail at 6:15. The trail was in good shape and for most of the day hiking was at a good speed...most of the day. Light rain hit going over Zealand Mountain and only lasted around 20 minutes. A steep climb up South Twin Mountain and a steeper climb down. On top at 10 a.m. It took me one hour and ten minutes to go 0.8 of a mile downhill. The drop was 1,122 boulder filled feet down what seemed like a power line and not a trail. At the bottom I stopped at Galehead Hut for coffee and pineapple cake. The benches outside were lined with backpacks. The trail was good for a while afterwards then another brutal climb up Mt. Garfield. Some was more like cliff climbing than boulder climbing. Great views on top in all directions. This morning I thought possibly I could push over Mt. Lafayette but as I observed the mountain from the top of Mt. Garfield I could see the distance was probably pushing myself too far with all of today's climbs. The top was in the clouds and it was windy. I decided it was best to go towards my original planned destination of near Skookumchuck Trail. I continued for two more hours. I got water at Garfield Pond on the way. At 4:50 I saw a campsite and decided this was the camp for the night. Saw lots of nobos and lots of hikers going hut to hut today. Talked a bit with nobos Cheddar and Charlie. They gave me a clue where to camp. Easily saw 50 people heading north. Only one suspected sobo passed me by. Breezy and a bit chilly at the moment. Only sound is the wind going through the trees. Tomorrow is to be beautiful. The hike over Mt Lafayette down to Little Haystack Mountain is above the treeline and is an awesome section to hike. Looking forward to the morning.
Date: 2018-08-10
From: Skookumchuck Trail

To: Cascade Brook
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

Light rain around 3 a.m. I enjoy hearing the soothing sound of the rain on the tent. In the distance I heard thunder but it got fainter and fainter. I left at 6:50 under a cloudy sky. I could hear the wind in the trees and it was potent. Seems I camped not as close to Skookumchunk Trail as I thought and it was a good thing. When I reached the trail junction it was above the treeline and extremely windy. I had to completely bundle up. The climb up Mt Lafayette was of little concern because it was the strong winds that posed a threat. I was in the clouds and I am convinced in the strongest winds I ever endured. I was seriously concerned if I could continue. Then a couple and their German Shepherd came down so I pressed on. At one point the sun came out briefly and there were great views even if just for a moment. The winds were brutal! This was the worst I ever experienced. Up and over Lafayette and down briefly where I was out of the wind. A few photo opportunities but too quick for the camera. Halfway to Mt. Lincoln the clouds began to disappear but not the wind. Gorgeous views down Franconia Ridge. Scores of day hikers coming up exclaiming how beautiful the views were and strong the winds were. At the treeline I could take my gloves, rain jacket, vest, and long sleeve shirt off as I was out of the wind. Around 10 a.m. I made it to Mt. Liberty. It is an over 3,000 foot drop down a steep rock riddled "trail" to the base. I stopped at Liberty Springs for water. Then a long, long hike down. My foot corn was crying in pain. I reached the bottom after 2 p.m. and crossed under the dual bridges of I-93 by the Pemigawasset River. The trail climbed up a hill and away from the noisy Interstate. I met two 70ish nobo hikers, Old Scout and Curb. We talked for a while and continued our opposite hiking. At Cascade Brook I decided to camp even though it was just 3:30. I was tired and wanted to be fresh for climbing the Kinsman Mountains tomorrow. After setting up camp I took a nap and then a bottle shower. Nice to be clean after three sweaty days. Today was a beautiful day full of interesting challenges. From being cold and bundled up to sweating and walking in shorts and no shirt. Three weeks ago today I had sought medical help and thought my trip was over. I was heartbroken...and just plain sick. Thanks to everyone's prayers, trail angel Jason, Judith at the Sack River urgent care, and Heartrock taking me home then bringing me all the way back to New Hampshire, we are continuing what we started. I am tearfully grateful. It's good to be back on the trail once again. Well, looks like I'll reach Kinsman Notch Sunday morning. I'll hitch into North Woodstock for a resupply. That will get me 55 miles to the next resupply in Norwich, Vermont.