morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-12
From: Garfield Ridge shelter

To: Stealth site 1.2 miles past Thoreau Falls
Miles today: 13.2

I got up at 6:30, and out of camp at 7:00. Hiked a tough, rocky section to Galehead Hut, at 1.2 mph, slow going. At the hut, I had two cups of coffee and 3 pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins. Delicious! Then the very steep and rocky climb up South Twin Mountain. 1100' of elevation gain in .8 miles. That's pretty much steps the whole way. Then a long trail to Zealand Falls Hut. A bowl of soup was all I had there. Saw lots and lots of hikers today. Alot hike from hut to hut, and the rest are up for the day. After Zealand Falls, the trail was flat to camp. I did make a stop on a short side trail to Thoreau Falls. Beautiful 80' falls. I wish I could have had more time there. Ate lots of blueberries along the trail this afternoon.
Date: 2011-08-13
From: Stealth site 1.2 miles past Thoreau Falls

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I was up at 5:45, and out of camp at 6:45. Headed to US 302 at Crawford Notch. We had a hard hitch both ways to the general store. Mostly tourist, and it's very hard to get a hitch from them.    Got a resupply, but it wasn't a grocery store, limited. Had a 2800' climb this afternoon. A lot of hand and feet climbing today. Several times I had to throw my poles up. This was the beginnings of the 'Presidential Range'. First was Mt. Webster (who really wasn't a President at all...come on New Hampshire...really?) There were many, many views along a half mile of cliffs. There was a train in the notch that was so far down it looked like a model train set. It looked like it was barely inching along. Next was Mt. Jackson (now you're getting it New Hampshire). Then on to Mizpah Hut, and this campsite, both run by the AMC. The AMC should give hikers immunity from paying $8.00 per person.    Southpaw and Fiddlehead (his 14 y.o. daughter were there doing work for stay. She is now known as 'Robin Hood' because they brought us brownies and carved turkey from the hut. It was awesome tasting, and we all appreciated it very much. Work for stay is where you do a chore and get dinner, breakfast, and a place in the dining room on the floor to sleep.   On Mt. Jackson there were great views of Mt. Washington. Lots of day and section hikers again. Weekend crowds. I must have saw another 100 people on the trail today.    I can't describe how difficult the terrain has become. By far the hardest part of the trail.
Date: 2011-08-14
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: fog

Over 15 miles in the Presidentials!!!! Over 13 miles above treeline! Absolutely amazing views, especially of the Great Gulf. But, it took it's toll. I have blistered cracks on the bottoms of my feet. They are almost like knife cuts. I have been 'doctoring' them, though. First of foot problems since early in Pa., although my feet got real wet in N.J., and I had a similar problem.    Got up at 4:40, and was hiking at first light, 5:25. I had to use my headlamp for the first 20 minutes. On the first mountain (Clinton, old name Pierce), I watched the sunrise over the right crest of Mt. Washington.    It took three hours to go the 4.5 miles to Lake of the Clouds hut. Stayed there for some hot chocolate, and then did the 1.5 miles in 45 minutes. I was psyched to get up there despite the terrain. I was in shorts and tee shirt when I got there, but raingear when I left. The raingear was used mainly as windproofing. A thunderstorm had moved through while we were on top at the snack bar. So we had to wait there 2 1/2 hours. The temp had dropped 15-20 degrees. In the 40's with wind chill making it lower. 145 people have died in the direct vicinity of Mt. Washington. Most from exposure.    There were so many people up there (cog railway and a road) that I had to wait in line to get a summit photo, which I chose not to do. I thought they would let me through, since I walked all the way here from Georgia over 1800 miles, and they walked from their car or the railcar a few hundred feet at best. Commercialism. But they didn't get to see the views I saw after I left the summit. The Great Gulf is a huge ravine that is miles across. It's as wide as it is deep. The AT went 3/4 of the way around it on mostly ridgeline. At the beginning, before the trail leaves sight of the cog railroad, we stop and watch as one defends back down the mountain. People are on board waving at us, and Glide promptly turns and moons the railroad cars! Hahaha! So funny! The perspective above treeline changes. Things don't appear as far as they really are. The terrain was very rocky. Most of the time I was stepping from rock to rock.    I got to Madison Hut, hoping to do work for stay, but they said they could only take four of us nine. They have accomodated before. I know this from reading previous years trailjournals. So five of us stayed, and Southpaw, Fiddlehead, Wally, and I hike on the 2.8 miles over Mt. Madison to Osgood campsite. Immediately it was a very precipitous climb over Madison. Then, gradually down along a rocky ridge. The wind was sustained at 25-35 mph. I had to lean in against it most of the time, as it was blowing headon into my face. Once, I was leaning forward, with the help of my poles, and the wind lowered. I almost fell over forward. It was blowing so hard my pack straps were slapping me in the face, and I thought I would lose my pack cover. It sounded like it was being ripped off. The wind blew the mist from the clouds so hard, ffelt like a sandstorm.   I got down to Osgood at 7:20, set up, got water, cooked supper, ate, and I crawled in my tent, the rain started.
Date: 2011-08-15
From: Osgood Campsite

To: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 5.0

I slept in until 8:00. Very tired from the previous days hike through the Presidentials. I didn't get up and out until 9:40. It rained the whole way down to Pinkham Notch. I crossed the new suspension bridge across the West Fork of the Peabody River. A great stream for photography, but it was raining, so I didn't get any photos.    I got to Pinkham Notch Visitors Center, and dried off, dried out (used the hand dryer in the bathroom to blow dry everything), and had lunch in the cafe. Miss Janet shows up and surprises us. She filled us in on who was where on the trail. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw her again somewhere in Maine.    I got a ride to White Mountain Hostel with Southpaw (Thanks Again!!!). The rest of the gang showed up around 4:30, coming over Madison in the rain. They said it was a harrowing experience. We all went out to Mr. Pizza in Gorham, which has pizza, but also seafood, steaks, and a whole lot more.    The owners here, Greg and Jerri, are very accomodating. It would be a wise choice to stay here.
Date: 2011-08-16
From: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel

To: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day!!! Only the third since Front Royal, Va. I got up and had breakfast at the hostel. Then did some journal entries. Took the town shuttle to the outfitter and got a new pack cover. My old pack cover would not stop even a light rain, and my pack was always soaked. Then went to the Post Office and got my resupply. I left it at the hostel until I come back through in a few days. I just had too much food left. Greg dropped some of us off at Mr. Pizza's, and I had a cheeseburger, fries, and a refreshment. I did more journals in the afternoon, and then took a two hour nap. I ordered Parmagian Chicken for supper and turned in very early. My feet are healing very quickly. I think they'll be alright tomorrow.
Date: 2011-08-17
From: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel

To: Imp shelter & campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

I got up and had breakfast at the hostel again. Journaled, packed, took shower, then it was back on the trail at 7:40. Immediately hiked out of Pinkham Notch, up Wildcat Mtn., 2000' of steep climbing. Then another 4000' going from Wildcat's peak E, D, C, and A (no B). Then 1100' drop off the side of a cliff (no kidding) to Carter Notch Hut. Ate lunch there, and filled our water containers. The climb up Carter Dome was only 1400'. Again, straight up, but I climbed it without stopping. I can climb so much stronger now. Really tell the difference.    Between Wildcat Peaks C & A, I fell again. Another lucky break (not bone). My right shoelace got hung on a root again. The root broke, and threw me forward off only a 4 1/2 foot drop off a boulder slab. I twisted and landed mostly on my pack. My left palm broke some of the fall, so it is bruised a little. I also got a rock scrape on my left thigh. I really came down hard, and could have easily broken a bone. I did break one of my hiking poles. I landed on both of them too. They lasted me almost 1900 miles. Now I'm hiking with one, and am learning to hike all over again. I am already noticing I have to use my legs more. I can't crank down on the poles for help.   750' drop off Mt. Hight to Sets Pass. Then a wicked descent off North Carter Mtn.
Date: 2011-08-18
From: Imp shelter & campsite

To: White Mountain hostel 
Miles today: 8.0

Got up, ate, and was out of camp at 7:45. Hiked all the way to Rattle River shelter before taking a break. Then went the final two miles to US 2, and the hostel, which is right on the trail. I got a shower and then we went into town. Went to the Moonstruck or Moonbeam cafe. Chef Shannon owns the place. So, I had an awesome burger called the Shannon burger. It had a great blue cheese sauce. The chef would not let anyone change his burger by ordering mayo, etc. It had to be his way, and his sauce. I also had his salad with a specially made dressing   Then I went to outfitter, and bought a pair of Leki poles. Went back to the hostel and fixed a bounce box of food to Stratton. Back to town to Post Office, and then Walmart at 4:30. I ate pizza for supper and then to bed early. Wally said he was going home. No explanation. Just quitting, after walking all this way. He lives in Maine, and has done that part of the trail. Maybe he's counting that. Who knows?   There are a lot of hikers who are skipping sections, bouncing ahead, etc. Most will never go back and do those sections or unfinished miles. I am happy to report that I have not missed a mile. Some have injuries or are trying to keep up with others.   The owner of Burts Bees gave a 70,000 acre tract in Maine, to the state or Nature Conservancy.   I have tried to keep this journal politically correct, and stay out of politics on this site. But I must speak out about our congress and senate for 'hocking' our National Parks and Forest as collateral against the debt owed to China. This is an outrage!!! A vote of the people would show that this is not right. Stop spending and stop pork-barrel politics! (Climbing off stump now).    I have come to realize out here, things that are second nature to me are sometimes not understood by my readers. So if any of you have any questions, feel free to ask on the guest book page. I will try to answer them.
Date: 2011-08-19
From: White Mountain hostel 

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

I left the hostel at 9:30, after thanking my hosts for a great hostel stay. I climbed up Mt. Hayes (1700' climb). BLUEBERRIES EVERYWHERE!!!! Then a 600' climb to Cascade Mtn. I stopped at Trident Col campsite for water, then up almost 1000' climb to Wocket Ledge. When I write about these climbs, I fail to mention the grade on most. Most of these grades average about 40-50%, with some 60% and even close to 70% (think nothing but steps here). Most roads are graded at no more than 15-20%. Gentian Pond has a huge rock in the corner of the pond near the shelter. It is two stories high, where you can sit and look out over the pond. The outlet is a waterfall you can hear from the rock.   My knees and feet are getting sore earlier in the days hike. They're not repairing themselves at night. I'm hurting, and can't eat enough to replace calories used. In other words, my body is eating itself.
Date: 2011-08-20
From: Gentian Pond shelter

To: Full Goose Pond shelter & campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

The terrain has turned wicked nasty! There was a good rainstorm last night. I stayed mostly dry. My bag was a little damp, and tent was a wet around the edges. Awesome tent! I haven't spoken much about it, but it's been my shelter, and done an outstanding job of it. I tent whenever possible, because I just rest better in it. When I set it up, I almost always say out loud, "home sweet home".    I got up at 6:00, and cooked breakfast for a change. Hot oatmeal and hot chocolate. I got out of camp at 7:10, and climbed 1400' up Mt. Success. I felt good this morning, and climbed fast. After almost 5 miles, I crossed into Maine! The last state! I got pictures at the sign, which read "Welcome to Maine....The Way Life Should Be". Then I went another .4 miles and crossed the 1900 mile mark.   Climbed 700' to Mt. Carlo. Then the 3 peaks of Goose Eye Mtn. East, West, and North peaks, so steep in places there was rebar steps to climb and descend the stone slabs. In other places there were log ladders. It's been a very muddy trail the last couple of days, despite numerous bog boards. These are either cut boards around 3" thick, or pine logs chipped off on top to make them halfway level. Both are elevated off the ground by cross logs. There are some very wet places on the trail. Lots of bogs.   The second half of the day was tough. Did less than ten miles for the day. Slow, tough hiking.
Date: 2011-08-21
From: Full Goose Pond shelter & campsite

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 5:30, and out of camp at 6:30. Everyone is excited to do the 'notch'. Mahoosuc Notch is considered the toughest mile on the AT. All sizes of boulders from the size of a suitcase to car, to house. They're all in a narrow valley. They have eroded off from the cliffs on each side. The trail goes over, around, though, and under. I had to take my pack off a couple of times and slide it forward or pull it through behind me. I had to reach over a boulder and drop my poles so I could climb up. When I got over, one pole had fallen down in a hole. Luckily, I could reach down and retrieve it with the other pole. It took two hours to go one mile.    Then we started up Mahoosuc Arm and climbed 1600'. Took a lunch break at Speck Pond (a beautiful high mountain lake), and then climbed 600' more up Old Speck. After Old Speck, I dropped 2500' to Grafton Notch. There were too many people there, so I went on 1200' up to Baldpate shelter. It started to rain lightly about a mile before the shelter. But I didn't even have to put on my pack cover. I just made it in before it started pouring. Everyone else in the group was behind me, and they were coming in soaked to the bone.   Another college group out doing orientation outdoor skills. They were baking pizzas in a makeshift oven, and gave us one. Delicious!
Date: 2011-08-22
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Hall Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Soaking rain last night. The trail today was a muddy mess. Left camp at 7:00, and immediately climbed over 1000' in 7/10 mile. That's over a 60% grade. And, that's almost entirely stone steps! That was Baldpate West Peak. Then down and back up 500'. Tough going up slanted slabs of boulder and rock. I saw a Peregrine falcon over the East Peak, just soaring and diving. It looked as though it was just having fun. Although it could have been hunting, it was so high above land.   Then it was a 1500' drop into Frye Notch lean-to where we found Do What. We thought he was behind us. He's joining back up till the finish, which makes Doc happy. Doc's been wanting to hike this last portion with his son.   After a 700' up, there was a 1700' drop to Dunn Falls. Great waterfalls. Actually, I saw two of many on this creek. Lunched there until it started raining. And it rained lightly off and on the rest of the afternoon. Clearing late and going to be cold tonight.   I had an easier day of hiking today. The terrain is letting up just a little. But everyone's dog tired at the end of the day.
Date: 2011-08-23
From: Hall Mtn Lean-to

To: stealth site at junction of Bemis Stream trail 
Miles today: 10.2

Left camp at 7:10, and hiked 4 miles to South Arm road. In those 4 miles, I went 1500' to Sawyer Notch, and back up 1400' to Moody Mtn. Then back down 1100' to Black Brook and the road.   My resupply is very heavy. We hiked out, or up, 2200', to Old Blue Mtn. Then on to this campsite, (or lack of one). Daydreamer, who's brother came in from Germany to hike the Whites and Maine with her, decided to slow down and let him rest as he was hurting from not hiking. We are all bummed about it. But, we are all in shape from 2000 miles of hiking, and this is the most rugged part.
Date: 2011-08-24
From: stealth site at junction of Bemis Stream trail 

To: stealth site 1 mile south of Maine 17
Miles today: 6.1

It was pretty easy hiking today, although I wasn't into it. Went over Bemis Mtn., which was intermittent big slabs of rocks, trees, and lots of blueberries. I took a short break at Bemis Mtn. lean-to, and went on. When we got to a dirt road, there was a sign for trail magic! Scrabbitt (2010), her Mom, Aunt, and Brother were putting on great trail magic. Pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, hot dogs, brats, watermelon, and refreshments. We hung out there most of the afternoon, then Scrabbitt went to town and brought back a pizza. Daydreamer and her brother decide to catch up with us. He wanted her to finish with the crew. Very thoughtful. We decided to call it a day and camp right there. My ankle needed the rest. Been feeling a little burn in it. I guess I sprained it.
Date: 2011-08-25
From: stealth site 1 mile south of Maine 17

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another easy walk today, except for all the roots. But I still did a 2 mph average, which is something I haven't been able to do lately. There was a threat of rain all day, but only had a light rain a few times. It's pouring outside now, though. We have a big 17 mile day planned tomorrow. We're trying to get to Stratton before hurricane Irene hits.   I saw a little gray colored snake today, only 8-10" long. I heard a loon crying, but couldn't see it for the fog.
Date: 2011-08-26
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up at 4:45, and left at 5:20. I walked with my headlamp on for a half hour. I got to Ethel Pond, and slipped up trying to see a moose. I have been doing that at every pond and bog. It started raining again, and got progressively worse as I climbed Saddleback Mtn. The wind was blowing 30-40 mph, and the rain was coming in sideways. I got up and over Saddleback and started for The Horn. I was having trouble standing or walking in the wind. And I thought my pack cover would be ripped off. I was glad to get over these two mountains. Then I climbed over Saddleback Jr., which had a summit below the treeline. So, the wind wasn't that bad. The weather started to clear, and I had a decent view. I met Weaver coming south. She was the first hiker I met on the Approach trail back in Georgia. She decided to flip flop to ensure she could finish before the weather got bad.   I had lunch at Popular Ridge lean-to, then hiked to Orbeton Stream, which I had to ford. There was a great waterfall there, Sluice Brook I think.   I saw students from Bates College doing a leadership camp. They said, "You just did 17 miles over the toughest part of Maine?! Wow!" It was a tough day!
Date: 2011-08-27
From: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to

To: Maine Roadhouse
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up again before daylight, trying to get to town at a decent hour. Left at 5:40, and had easy hiking across Sugarloaf Mtn. Then had a 1500' descent to the South Branch of the Carrabassett River. I forded it, and then climbed 2100' over South and North Cricket Mtns. We descended again, 2600' to Maine 27. On the descent, I fell again and twisted my bum knee. I thought I would pass out from the pain before getting it straightened out. I fell on one of my new poles and broke it. So I limped on in to ME 27, where Sue picked us up. Sue is the owner of the Stratton Motel and the Maine Roadhouse (which is where we are). We stopped in Stratton for groceries, and then out to the Roadhouse for showers and laundry. Six of us went in town to eat, and on the way back Doc (who was driving) saw a moose. He backed up to show us but it vanished. The a half mile later, he saw another. This time we all saw it as we followed if down the road. So, I have seen my first moose!
Date: 2011-08-28
From: Maine Roadhouse

To: Maine Roadhouse
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Lazy day at the Roadhouse. Cooked a huge breakfast. Watched movies and just hung out. A few went to town to buy ingredients for me to make my spaghetti sauce. So I prepared that for dinner. It was a hit! The storm came in late after raining most of the day. Windy, but nothing severe. Lots of water though.
Date: 2011-08-29
From: Maine Roadhouse

To: Maine Roadhouse
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day to let all the water run off. I caught the 8:30 shuttle to Rangely and the outfitter. After a worrisome 10 minutes, she had the right part for my broken pole. There is so much more stability, and weight reduction off the knees and feet when you use poles.   Came back and had leftover spaghetti. Sitting in the sun enjoying the rest. Caught the dinner shuttle into Stratton to the While Wolf Restaurant. Went to bed early to get ready for the hike tomorrow.
Date: 2011-08-30
From: Maine Roadhouse

To: Little Bigalow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.4

Sue dropped us off at 7:00. We left the trailhead, and walked a couple of miles over relatively flat terrain. Muddy and a few blowdowns to start with but not bad considering the storm. Hiked up the Bigalow Mtn range, 2100', and took a break at Horn's Pond lean-to. Climbed another 500' to North Horn, then across a ridge to the 2000 mile mark! Up 300' to Bigalow Mtn., lunch at Avery Memorial campsite in the col, then up Avery Peak. Both these mountains were above treeline with great views. Went down 1800' to Safford Notch, and back up 800' to Little Bigalow Mtn. This was slow going. The view from Little Bigalow was even better than the previous two peaks. Looking toward the north, there was the huge Flagstaff Lake and the mountains in the background. It was a very tough day for me. My knees hurt all day. I am very tired, as my body seems to be giving up the fight. I have pushed it hard, and to the verge of it's limits. But, I can see the end in my sights, with around two weeks left.
Date: 2011-08-31
From: Little Bigalow Lean-to

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

I got out of camp at 6:30, after cooking breakfast. The trail skirted around one end of Flagstaff Lake, following the shoreline through low, muddy muck. Had just three small climbs today totaling 1700'. We went halfway around West Carry Pond, which was quite large. Lunched at Sandy Stream, where we met a local couple on a 4-wheeler. Then on to East Carry Pond, where a few went swimming at a sandy beach. It was too cool for me, so I waded in and soaked my aching feet. I saw a snake this afternoon. And, for the first time in a while, the mosquitoes attacked. When I got into camp, no-see-ums. Yowee!    Doc and Glide got stung by hornets this morning. The storm had blown down a nest, and as they walked by, were attacked. I had just stopped short, by the call of nature, and was spared. Good thing as I am allergic.    Put in our order for breakfast at nearby Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp. Very tired tonight again. I will be asleep before dark.