morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA

To: William Penn Shelter, PA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in till 0700 and got on the trail at 0820. Had to remove my shoes at PA-443 to cross a stream. Met a group of people out to do some fossiling. I think Baldylocks set me up with them as they had many questions about the trail. Baldylocks and Josh are going into town at PA-72.Crank Daddy and Fire Fly just passed. Crank Daddy lived in Swampscott (hometown) for 6 years. Made William Penn Shelter at 1515, sooner than I thought I would, which is always nice. Most of the hikers are going to 501 shelter for a shower and pizza. Just Walking, Thin Mint (Norwood) and Lizard (Harvard) are here. Hand-me-down came in and recognized me from VA last year. He is FB friends with Stucco and Scatters. Raisins is here who lived in Lexington. Just Walking is studying for the MD Bar exam and worked at UofM medical center. A front just blew through. Thunder, wind, sky looks weird, raining heavily. Just realized that I have hiked 163 miles with 167 to go! Halfway!
Date: 2011-06-06
From: William Penn Shelter, PA

To: EagleÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nest Shelter, PA
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It¢s 0920 and I¢ve done 4.3 miles already, taken a shower, and am on the trail again. Got to Eagle¢s Nest at 1730, just as predicted. The mountain laurel is just magnificent! Every bush is completely blossomed. I took a couple pictures, but I don¢t think they will do it justice. I expected Lizard and Thin Mint to be here at the shelter, but so-far there is no one but me. Only 4 here for the night and one tenter. The trail today was mostly flat with intermittent rock fields.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: EagleÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Nest Shelter, PA

To: Port Clinton Hotel, PA
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I¢m taking an easy day today after yesterday¢s long hike, so I didn¢t get on the trail until 0730. The trail was easy and flat with some of rock that was tough. The trail down to Port Clinton was about as steep as one could manage. Glad to be going down. In Port Clinton I had to ask several people for the location of the hotel. Got here, took a shower, and am doing laundry. I then picked up my PO drop and mailed unneeded maps home.Blue Mountain came into the hotel but seems to have gone on to the pavilion where there is free camping. Had a rack of ribs and French Frys for supper. Later, the 2 girls from Chicago, Lizard and Thin Mint came into the bar. They are all staying at the pavilion.
Date: 2011-06-08
From: Port Clinton Hotel, PA

To: Eckville Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail at 0600 today, again trying to beat the expected heat that is going to be in the 90¢s. Had a nice breeze coming up the ridge, which made the climb quite nice. Three big flocks of geese flew over as I reached the top of the ridge and where I could see Cabela¢s. Stopped at Windsor Furnace shelter for water and a break at 0900. Passed Ginger Snap just before the shelter. Made it to the Pinnacle at 1200. Lizard took my picture adding my stone to the hiker stone pile. The combination of the heat and rocky trail resulted in a 2.5 hour hike of the last 3.8 miles. However, I made it to Eckville shelter at 1500 just as planned from Windsor shelter. The trail down from the Pinnacle was mostly on a forest road. A spring half way down was great. Here at the shelter are Lizard and Thin Mint, Ginger Snap and Indy.
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Eckville Shelter, PA

To: Allentown Shelter, PA
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone got up early today to beat the heat. The others are going all the way into Palmerton (24 miles) so I probably will not see them again. I got on the trail at 0650 and reached the top of the ridge 1 hour later. Only planning to do 7.6 miles today, as it¢s too hot to go to the next shelter, 10 miles beyond.Reached Allentown shelter at 1145 where Indy, Lizard, Thin Mint and Ginger Snap had come and gone. The water is good, but a quarter mile down the hill. I will probably have to make a trip to the spring before leaving tomorrow. I heard 2 deer today, but was too focused on the rocks to see them. Got detailed directions to get into Palmerton. These, however, were useless as the trail was closed due to construction. They are putting chain link fence over the rocks that are falling down onto the highway.Goose and Duckie came in about 2230.
Date: 2011-06-10
From: Allentown Shelter, PA

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter, PA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

Happy anniversary, Sheryl.Got on the trail at 0630 after going for 2 more qts. of water. Blue Mtn. Summit at 0800, 4.1 miles from the start. The trail has been good today and it¢s cooler than yesterday. At New Tripoli camp site at 0900. Actually doing 2 mph today. Decided not to go for water here, as it¢s only 4 miles to the next shelter where there is water. Bake Oven Knob Shelter at 1145. Had real problems finding the trail down off this knob. Got to Outerbridge shelter at 1610, sooner than expected. Called Sheryl and talked for quite a while. This is an old, dirty shelter, but has one of the best springs.
Date: 2011-06-11
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter, PA
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Had 10 people in the shelter and 3 outside. Inside were Goose and Duckie, 4 overnight girls and a couple others. Thunder and lightning storm came through late, with one bolt hitting a tree within sight. That got the whole shelter up! It¢s still raining heavily this morning and no one except the 4 girls has left. Goose talked me into hanging my food last night, so now it is somewhat wet, and nothing is going to dry right away. Need to use the plastic bag for extra protection. Ah, rain on a tin roof.Finally left the shelter when it stopped raining. Got to Leroy A. Smith Shelter at 1545, again sooner than expected. Changed into dry clothes, ate and went to bed. This was the toughest day so far on the trail, with rain and rocks and miles.
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A real Nero today! Had light rain all night and it¢s still raining, but getting brighter, so maybe it will stop. Everyone has left here for Delaware Water Gap (DWG) but I only have 4 miles into Wind Gap where I will re-supply.Made it to the motel just off the trail at 1030. Showered and took inventory of my food, and planned the remainder of this hike. Got a shuttle ($5) from the motel owner into town where I did laundry, ate at Wendy¢s, and saw Goose and Duckie, and Lizard and Thin Mint.Talked to Sheryl, sorted and packed food, and watched TV.
Date: 2011-06-13
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap. PA
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 0515 and on the trail at 0615. Taking a break at Wolf Rocks at 0930. The trail has been 98% rock and will be tough on the feet for these 16 miles today. Kirkridge shelter (no log book) at 1050, 10 miles into the 16 mile day. Got to DWG and the Church of the Mountain hostel at 1430. Sent my daily tweet and texted Sheryl. I tried to call Roadrunner but could only leave a message that he answered later. Took a shower (second in 2 days) and now feel good. Dude is here with his afghan wolf hound. This is the biggest dog I have seen on the trail. He has to wear booties to protect his feet.Crank Daddy and Fire Fly walked through the hostel and must be staying somewhere nearby. They took a zero today. Lizard and Thin Mint are staying here tonight.
Date: 2011-06-14
From: Delaware Water Gap. PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Well, Dude¢s dog bit me on the arm this morning. I¢m thinking he must have had a bad experience with someone with a white beard. Got on the road at 0730 for a 45 minute road walk across the Delaware River. I hate road walks. Then it was up the hill to where I am now, backpacker II campsite, which seems to have burned over last year. Saw my first deer now that I¢m out of PA.Stopped for quite a while at Sunfish Pond and a few other places. Humidity is high and I walked through one shower. Arrived at ATC Mohican Outdoor Center at 1330, registered and waited to insure the building I was assigned was open before walking down there. Got the word and walked the 14 mile to the Stone House in the rain.I have this place to myself! Found out later there are several other hikers here in another building. This is a 2 bedroom, 3 bunks per room, living area, full kitchen and bath with shower. It has been raining hard, so I¢m feeling good about the $30 I spent to stay here. My radio even works so I can listen to NPR! I showered and washed out the clothes I wore today so they might dry. Actually, I used the microwave to repeated heat them to aid in the drying process. The cell phone works near the door so I sent a picture of the place to Sheryl. I think you have to be an ATC member to stay here; at least it affects the cost. Texted Sheryl to get a weather report as it continues to rain, sometimes heavily. Meanwhile I got a radio station weather report that calls for good weather the next 2 days and the weekend. Didn¢t mention Friday.
Date: 2011-06-15
From: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ

To: Brink Road Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice, quiet night here at Mohican Outdoor Center. I did have the Stone House to myself. Getting on the trail about 0700 on a bright, sunny, cool day. Talked to Sheryl at Catfish Fire Tower. Saw a garter snake. Here in NJ the rock patches can be measured in feet, not miles. It is good! Several long stretches have been on forest roads that have been cleared of all rock. The well and hand pump at Blue Mtn. Lakes road provided great water. Actually saw the first Birch trees in this hike north.Made it to Brink shelter at 1445. Mosquitoes are thick, but with DEET I think I will be OK. Finished dinner at 1630 as I figured my best defense against the mosquitoes is to be in my sleeping bag at dusk.Pajamas came by for water. Haven¢t seen him since the hill above Harpers Ferry. Blue Mountain is here for the night. They, along with Fire Fly, Crank Daddy, and some others were at Mohican last night. Must be the guy who registered me figured I needed a quiet night.
Date: 2011-06-16
From: Brink Road Shelter, NJ

To: Rutherford Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Good hiking this morning, making good time although the trail has been rocky. Got a 0645 start and have done 7 miles by 1000. At Glen Anderson shelter for water where there is a notice they want you to be using a bear canister for your food. Mashipacong shelter at 1300 where there was a small amount of water in a 10 gallon container. Only 3.3 miles to the next shelter, but I¢m thirsty. All hiking today has been on trails with some rock.Made Rutherford Shelter at 1445. Quickly changed into long camp clothes for mosquito protection. Right now the mosquitoes are not bad. Was a steep climb down here, so will have a tough climb in the morning. The weather is not looking great for tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-17
From: Rutherford Shelter, NJ

To: Pochuck Mtn. Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 17.3

The rain had stopped when I got out at 0710 to a very wet morning. Got to High Point State Park at 0830 and to High Point shelter at 0930. Saw a turkey this morning. Considering how wet it was, I did ok. Made it to Pochuck Mtn. Shelter at 1630 after eating dinner at the house down by the road. Today I put up a brood of turkeys, saw a deer at the NWR and saw many birds at the NWR including a pair of ducks that flushed just perfect to get doubles.I talked to Sheryl who is now in the area and just gave 501 a ride into Vernon. She will pick me up at 0900 tomorrow.It was an interesting walk 34 of the way around the NWR. Saw several Swan and lots of geese. Fortunately it stopped raining soon after I entered the NWR so I could enjoy the walk, although there were lots of dark clouds and thunder and lightning all around.
Date: 2011-06-18
From: Pochuck Mtn. Shelter, NJ

To: Rt. 94, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5

Got up at 0530, ate a Cliff bar and got on the trail at 0600. This was a tough trail with many PUDs and wet areas. Add in the mosquitoes and I could care less if I ever return to the trail in NJ. Good thing I didn¢t try to get to 94 last night over this tough section of trail.Got to 94 at 0850 where Sheryl and Maggie were waiting. We went directly to the hotel where I showered, shaved, and showered again. Went down stairs to the breakfast buffet and ate a full plate of eggs and home fries. The ride home was uneventful.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Pinkham Notch camp, NH

To: Imp Shelter, NH
Miles today: 13.3

Left home at 0430 and arrived at Pinkham Notch camp at 0730. Ate my banana, got water, and took a start photo. Seems like hundreds of people heading up Mt. Washington. Started up Wildcat with ¢rock Monkey¢ but soon fell behind. She was heading for a gondola ride, and I did meet up again just as we were heading down into Carter Notch. She started at Harpers Ferry about a week ahead of me. Passed by 4 other hikers. Reached the ¢D¢ summit of Wildcat at 1020. There is a new gondola top and the old building looks unused. Some clouds starting to roll over the summit of Mt. Washington ¢ surprise! Got to Wildcat ¢A¢ at 1205 and stopped at the overview and took a few pictures. Bet we have these same pictures from 32 years ago. Got water on the trail down to Carter Notch and ate lunch at the junction of 19 Mile and Carter-Moriah trails. It¢s now 1305 and time to head up the ¢Dome¢. 7.2 miles to Imp shelter. Fighting leg cramps from about half way up Carter Dome until reaching Imp Shelter. Was giving some serious thought to camping at Zeta Pass until I got there and the water was nowhere to be found. I did find a trickle about a quarter mile beyond the pass, but it¢s not real good. Resigned to making it to Imp shelter. A new sign on the top of North Carter shows Imp shelter 1.9 miles away. I somehow read this as 1.2 miles, so had a real long last leg of the day.Shelter, finally at 1845, where I talked to Sheryl, made diner, and went to bed. There are a lot of hikers here at the shelter, including Rock Monkey. Many inexperienced hikers, as there is ¢stuff¢ all over the floor of the shelter. Had to show a couple hikers how to run a Coleman Peak 1 stove.I didn¢t originally think I had hiked the trail north of North Carter, but I sure did remember the steep, rocky trail once I got there. I also took a picture of the bog bridges where Howie took Rob¢s picture 32 years ago.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Imp Shelter, NH

To: Rt. 2, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

Got out of camp at 0720, the 4th to hit the trail on what was to be a hot day. At 0905 I reached the summit of Mt. Moriah. The climb was much easier than yesterday. I have no recollection of that trail, so it may have been a little new AT in the Whites for me. It's very hazy today, in fact, too hazy to take pictures. There is a nice breeze when in the open. 4 more miles to the next shelter where there is water. The trail from Moriah to the Rattle River Trail is moderate with many bog bridges. Then the Rattle River Trail was steep down to where the 2 streams join, and a short, easy walk to the shelter. Ate lunch and filled up on water for the hike out to Rt. 2, which only took an hour. Started to hitch a ride and was quickly picked up by a contractor who lived across the road from where Jacky and Bob lived, now White Mountain Lodge and Hostel. The hostel is getting great reviews from the hikers. Had to hitch again in Gorham, but after about a half hour, a local stopped and we headed for Pinkham. Then the long 3-hour drive home.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Rt. 2, Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter/campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

I¢m hiking this section (Maine) with Whamo, who I met at Partnership Shelter in VA in 2010, and then a few days later on the trail. Our plan is to hike from Rt. 2 in Gorham, NH to Katahdin in 25 days. I did make an error in counting so the time would be 26 days, and then we were a day late in summiting on the 27th day.We left Lexington at 0515 and arrived at Pinkham Notch AMC at 0840. Whamo had arranged for a shuttle that was circling the parking lot as we arrived. We were dropped off at the trailhead parking lot where I ended my two-day hike two weeks ago, and were walking down the road at 0915. Two really steep climbs, in the warm weather, really beat us down. The trail didn¢t help either, as it was rocky for most of the day.Reaching Gentian Pond shelter at 1810, we were met by a lot of people, a half dozen kids, and a dog. Whamo decided to tent to get away from the people while I set up in the shelter. There is a nice view from the shelter. I ended up tenting on a platform as the group of 4 kids and 2 adults were required to keep the kids safe, meaning no interaction with strangers. I introduced myself, thereby making myself no longer a stranger, but it made no difference. So, a 14-person shelter was exclusively occupied exclusively by 6 people. As I was setting up, it started to rain, so I ran back to the shelter and told then they has to put up with me until it stopped raining. I had to stay until almost dark when it stopped and I returned to the tent platform and set up my tent.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Gentian Pond Shelter/campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter and campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

I awoke at 0700 and took my time packing up and getting out. It¢s only 5 miles to the NH-ME state line and then 4 more miles to the next shelter. It rained most of the morning, after which the sun came out as I reached the Maine state line. I stopped at the Carlo Col shelter, expecting to find Whamo but he wasn¢t there. Went on to Mt. Carlo where I took a short break. There are only 4 miles to the next shelter, but they are hard miles and it looks like more rain is on the way. Well, it has rained most of the day, except when marble sized hail fell as I was going over Goose Eye Mtn. I made it to Full Goose Shelter at 1730 where I found Whamo, who had arrived at 1600. I fell twice today. After hiking all spring without a fall, I was quite surprised. These Maine trails are tough, all up/down, with slippery roots and rocks.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Full Goose Shelter and campsite

To: Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

After waking up at 0600, I left camp at 0730. Taking longer to get out in the morning than usual. Got to Mahoosuc notch at 0830 and worked through it until 1100. Then it was up Mahoosuc Arm and arrived at Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite at 1345. A short day time wise, but a tough climb. The notch was fun, but wet and slippery. I had to remove my pack twice and pass it to Whamo before crawling through small openings between car-sized boulders. In one of the passes to Whamo, I tore out the attachment point where I put my poles on my pack. I had put the poles on the pack as they were just in the way working through the notch.We had a light rain as we climbed up the Arm that made for additional slippery conditions. I would really like some sunshine.In the shelter log I found entries from Rock Monkey, Shepard, Crankdaddy and Firefly. At the shelter tonight are Duck Fart and Gingersnap.I fell three times today, one a face plant with a save by my arms. Right shoulder is now hurting somewhat.
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Left camp at 0800 and reached Frye Notch Lean-To at 1645. It was good weather (for a change) and an OK climb up West Baldpate. We missed the side trail to Baldpate Lean-to, probably due to trail workers on the trail, where we were going to get water. This left us with little water to get across East Baldpate, so we got some water from puddles in the col between West and East Baldpate. These are beautiful Mtns., however¢¦The rain started as we started up East Baldpate, and it rained hard all the way until we entered tree line on the north side. Fortunately there was no thunder and lightning, as we were completely out in the open. The rock was treacherously slippery making for a long climb down.Most NOBO folks have gone ahead 4.5 miles into Andover for the night. Nick came into the lean-to at dusk, making just 3 of us for the night.
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Frye Notch Lean-To

To: East B Hill Road, Andover, ME
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up a little after 0600 and will get out about 0730. Heading into Andover to pick up a PO drop, stay at Pine Ellis Hostel, and probably slack-pack tomorrow. The sun is shining this morning!We reached the top of the first hill and called Pine Ellis and arranged for a shuttle pickup at 1100. Reaching Dunn Notch and the falls at 1000 left us with a full hour to complete the remaining 0.8 mile. The shuttle, driven by Dave, was on time and we¢re now cleaning up at the hostel.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: East B Hill Road, Andover, ME

To: South Arm Road, Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 0525 and went to the General Store for an eggs and ham breakfast. Returning to Pine Ellis, we took a shuttle to the South Arm Road trailhead and left at 0715. Reached Hall Mtn. Lean-to at 1045. There have been no outlooks along the trail so far today. Had a tough climb up Moody Mtn. on a newly constructed trail. Reached South Arm Road at 1430 where the shuttle picked us up and returned us to Pine Ellis Hostel. We made arrangements to slack-pack again tomorrow. The following day we will have to carry full packs over to the Stratton area, but the terrain is fairly easy.
Date: 2011-08-07
From: South Arm Road, Andover, ME

To: Maine Rt. 17, Oquossoc, ME
Miles today: 13.3

Well, something new ¢ Awoke to rain and a 60% chance of showers all day. Got up at 0600 and went to the General Store for Blueberry pancakes. The restaurant here in Andover is only open Thursday ¢ Saturday and then at odd hours. We¢re slacking today, but full packs tomorrow to get into the Stratton area where we will stay at the Stratton Hostel and be shuttled by Sue. We will slack pack again in that area. I need to check my supplies to see what is needed.A tough hike today, both due to the terrain and the rain, which lasted until mid-afternoon. At least we had no water problems as the rain kept us cool. I only used 1.5 Qts. of water the whole day. The views from Old Blue and Bemis Mtns. Must have been great, however, we were in a cloud, so nothing to see and no pictures were taken. Stopped at the Bemis Lean-to for a snack, where someone had fouled the water source, so it was good we didn¢t need it. Saw Nick early in the hike and he planned to stop at the lean-to. The hike down from the summit of Bemis was treacherous as all the rocks were very slippery. It seemed the roots were less slippery than the rocks. I fell twice but did not get hurt.
Date: 2011-08-08
From: Maine Rt. 17, Oquossoc, ME

To: Maine Rt. 4, Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Got up at 0515 and again went to the General Store for breakfast. We¢re getting a shuttle to Rt. 17 at 0700 and will be picked up at Rt. 4 at 1600. Time to leave Andover and move on the Stratton. Icey rode in the shuttle with us and talked the whole time.We left the trailhead on Rt. 17 at 0745. The first climb was tough with a full pack, and having slacked for several days added to the effort required. We soon got past the tough up-hill and the rest of the day was just intermittent up/down hill. The rain continued to dog us, and it wasn¢t until noon that it really stopped. Later in the day we got a glimpse of Saddleback that we will climb tomorrow. Picked up by Sue just before 1600 and brought to the Stratton Hostel. Went to the restaurant across the street. They have strange hours; so will have to utilize the White Wolf tavern. Have to arrange shuttle times with Sue.