morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Manchester Center

To: Big Branch
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Two breakfasts started our day - Bagel Works at 6:00, and Up For Breakfast at 7:00 (great blueberry pancakes). We were taken back to AT by "251 Big Dog", a local man in a jeep. He told us about his hiking and "caching" in the area.The day was one of those perfect hiking days - low humidity, blue skies, cool temps, and great views of the mountains. From Bromley Mt. observation tower we were treated to a 360-view of the mountains all around us (supposed to see 5 states). It was down-right cold from the top of the tower with the wind whipping. The hike had its share of steep climbs, but the cooler temps kept us in fine hiking form. We had breaks with Bad Idea, Noah-John, and Eldon & Liz. Met a couple of SOBO's, Neptune and Classy. Right now we are on the north side of Big Branch and its roaring assures us a pleasant melody as we sleep. There is a big "table rock" that was our dinner table and my writing table now. The evening clouds and blue sky could not be more beautiful to me now and a fitting end to a wonderful day. The trail is friendly thanks to the friends I've met on this journey.
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Big Branch

To: Swansong
Miles today: 21.8

Under 500 to Katahdin!!!!We're tenting tonight at a "secret shelter" called "Swansong" which belongs to some fellow hikers, Swansong and Riverdog. Really nicely built shelter with stream and awesome privy. We found out about it from another hiker 5 miles south. Also had trail magic near here - some Lance cheese crackers and cold MT. DEW!! That was about the most welcome treat I've had on the trail to this point. Amazing how the "little" things can so lift one's spirits. (That's a lesson I want to take back from the trail.) Most of the day was overcast, but cool, until we had the magic, and then the sky turned blue and sun came out. Coincidence? I don't think so. There were some pretty steep uphills today, and tomorrow we have a 2000-ft. climb right away. But we're warming up for the climbs ahead in NH.
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Swansong

To: Stony Brook
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A "buster" day of ups and downs. First 4-5 miles was a climb up Killington Mt. then a .2 mile straight up to the peak. The view was stunning, but the climb was taxing. Mid-afternoon we hiked .6 off the trail to Killington Market & Deli and had a great sandwich and loaded up on day-food for the next couple of days. Hard climb up Quimby Mt. and then a downhill to shelter. Very tired, but it's been a good week of hiking . . . the journey continues...
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Stony Brook

To: Thistle Hill
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

 An early start allowed Hometown and I to see a cow moose on the trail - our first. Quite a large animal with which to share the trail. Very up and down again today with some steep inclines. But the hiking form developed over these many miles helps us to keep going in stride. My body has not rebelled to much lately, mainly my feet have hurt - but whose doesn't at this point? Had a great break stop at the Edge Farm Store in the early afternoon. Enjoyed a pint of "moose tracks" ice cream (fitting) and a cold Mountain Dew. Hometown, Bad Idea, and I just sat on the porch and savored the moment. We're tenting on a knoll with a campfire - nice spot for the night.What will life be like off the trail?
Date: 2008-07-14
From: Thistle Hill

To: Velvet Rocks Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 16.1

 Coffee and a breakfast sandwich at a deli.general store as we hiked thru W. Hartford, VT - a Mexican lunch in Hanover, NH! Finally in NH, the home of the White's. The AT goes right thru the middle of Hanover, so it was easy to choose from many restaurants and get a pair of new shoes (Keen's) to carry me the remaining miles. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth Univ., so we were hob-nobbing with the Ivy-leaguer's. In such an upscale town I felt somewhat like a hobo, but everyone here was very friendly and helpful. Resupplied at the local Co-op grocery store and came out of town with a full pack. The campsite/shelter was less than a mile north of town, however, so I'm doing my best to lighten the load tonight.Met up with Rhino and Padre in town, and they are now building a fire. Life is good.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Velvet Rocks Hanover, New Hampshire

To: Smarts Mountain
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Just got down off the fire towere on Smarts Mtn. after taking pictures of sunset and surrounding mountains. Could see the White's and Mt. Washington in the distance. An almost full moon had risen in the east as we were watching the sun in the west. It was truly one of the most magical times on the trail to this point. The sky has been a perfect blue all day, so the long-range views have been incredible. And with such a great vantage point from the fire tower, the day had a real exclamation point.We did a lot of miles today with a hard climb up Smarts at the end, but right now every step has been worth it to savor such beauty. I'll remember this spot with awe.Many peaks lie ahead, many tough climbs between here and Katahdin, but I know that these are the days that I'll remember from now on. Life is good.
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Smarts Mountain

To: Jeffers Brook
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: few clouds

Less than 400 miles to Katahdin.Hometown and I probably had our last 20+ mile day for awhile. We'll do 9 mi. in the morning to the road crossing near N. Woodstock and be picked up by Bill Baptista, my Mass. friend. On Fri. we'll be getting fully into the White's and our mileage will be cut back.We're meeting SOBO's daily now - they look so fresh and unscathed, as I must have looked in GA and NC. I'm really missing Jill and family, but each day brings me a little closer to the prize and a grand reunion.Until then . . . the journey continues
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Jeffers Brook

To: N. Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 8.4

Started hiking at 5:30 and saw a small bear who was up early as well. Had a 3000 foot ascent up Moosilauke, but it was the descent which was much more hazardous - steep, rocky, slick from stream and waterfalls that went along the trail. We had to take it very slow, so it took us till 10:30 to get to the road crossing.My friend, Bill Baptista, from Mass. picked us up, and we went into N. Woodstock for some R & R and resupply. Bill brought some Portugeese sausage (Chirico) sandwhiches that his wife, Deb', made, and we feasted at the Carriage Motel. Bill and I go way back - almost 30 yrs. We became friends in the Air Force at Myrtle Beach, later were business partners in Athens, GA, and he is a real kindred spirit. We're separated by many miles now, so it was great to see him and catch up on things and laugh about many events of the past. The day went too quickly. I'm hoping to see him and family after Katahdin.
Date: 2008-07-18
From: N. Woodstock, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started with a big breakfast at Peg's in N. Woodstock with Hometown and Bill Baptista. Bill took us back out to the trailhead, and we were hiking at 8:30. Lots of rock scrambling going up Kinsman Mtn. A t-storm loomed ahead of us as we hiked and hit with a vengence just past the north summit. It got dark as night, windy, and too-close-for-comfort lightning. We hurried down to the shelter as quickly as possible and had to cut our mileage in order to take shelter from the storm. We already realize that we won't be doing the 20+ mile per day that we've done in the past now that we're in the White's. The rain has stopped, and a cool, misty fog is blowing past. Peaceful and serene.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Rainy night and early morning,so didn't start hiking till 7:00. Stopped by Lonesome Lake Hut and had leftover oatmeal, eggs, and coffee - hit the spot. Sun winked at us during the day and had some great views from peaks - Haystack, Lincoln, Lafayette, and Garfield. Was glad to do 15 miles on a day like today. The downhills are dangerous over the slick rocks. Trying to be very careful now, don't won't to get hurt at this point. At the shelter tonight are 4 SOBO's. The sky has turned blue and it is a very nice evening.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Garfield Ridge

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: fog

At 5:00 this morning the sky was blue and the sun was promising to rise - BUT within an hour the clouds and fog rolled in and rain and wind followed by the middle of the morning. And rain continued all day. It was one of the more miserable days on the trail as far as comfort goes. But we pushed to Crawford Notch, got a hitch to the campground, and am at bunkhouse now in dry clothes. We did get food at huts (Galehead and Zeeland Falls) which gave us a needed boost.Apostle, Sir Bacon, Boy Floyed, Seqway, Andrew, Hometown and I are having a good evening in comparing notes on the WHite's at this stage.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Crawford Notch

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Zero day. Thunderstorms on mountains. Seqway, Floyd, Apostle, SIr Bacon,Hometown, Andrew and I are holed up at Crawford Notch Campground. Blue skies come and go, but dard clouds hang over the mountains. The weather is supposed to stabilize tomorrow. For now we'll just lick our wounds from the WHite's so far.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the clouds hut
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: fog

Just finished "work for stay" at Lake of the Clouds Hut. The things you do for food. But we were in sight of Mt. Washington just above us. Another 1.4 miles in the morning and we'll be going over the peak of the crown jewel of the White's. Lots of uphills today to get here - up and over Webster, Jackson, Pierce, and Franklin before arriving at this serene setting. Views between the clouds and fog were stunning, some of the best of the hike. The hut is crowded with teens and other tourists who have come to enjoy the the outdoors. I can't imagine paying $100 a night to stay here, however, with just a bunk as a bed. I'll take my tent and sleeping bag anytime (for free). Hard climbing these days, but what views! It's been worth it.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Lake of the clouds hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: fog

A very memorable day on the trail. I awoke from my table-bed in Lake of the Clouds Hut this morning at 4:30 and saw the Mt. Washington outlined against the sky and wispy clouds. It was stunning, and I couldn't wait to get going and climb over the peak that loomed just a mile away.We began our climb at 5:50 as fog began to move in. By the time we got to the summit it was foggy, windy, and cold. The hike over to Madison Hut saw breaks in the clouds and more stunning views of Mt. Jefferson and the valley below. But fog returned as we got to Madison Hut. We ate with Grasshopper and Brakeman and began a steep climb up Mt. Madison at 11:30. It was a bear of a hike for the next 3 miles. Nothing but rocks and boulders, steep climbs and descents, gusty winds, rain, and fog. We were spent and trying desperately to get below treeline.Once we hit "Old Jackson Rd." part of the trail we began making some time and hurried down to the AMC lodge at the road crossing. There we knew an AYCE dinner awaited us. As we were looking for a place to pitcha tent near the AMC, we stopped to talk to a couple of 20-something girls who were doing a day-hike. They were interested in our thru-hike and expressed desire to someday do it themselves. We told them our desire to get a big meal at the AMC shortly. When we arrived an hour later to eat, we were told that they had already paid for our dinner! Talk about trail magic. It's those kinds of moments that really do much to encourage and make me thankful for this experience. Those 2 were kind, purely kind and giving. An extremely difficult, tiring day turned into an evening of gratitude just to be here and have this moment. We met a sweet guy and girl who were SOBO's, Honey and Duster, and enjoyed our dinner conversation with them. Duster is from Morristown, TN (an hour from Johnson City).Talked to Jill a few minutes ago (surprised I got a signal) and I wanted to finish all the more. It's difficult knowing that I'm close but still so far away from the finish. It's "suck it up" time - just a day at a time.
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Pinkham Notch - White Birches Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Zero day at White Birches.As thunder storms rumbled and heavy rain pelted our tent during the night, I knew that we were probably not going to be climbing up Wildcat today. The White's and the weather have slowed us down whether we like it or not. But it is what it is, and tomorrow may dawn with blue skies. Things on the trail change so suddenly.Here with Hometown, Seqway, Duster, Honey, Floyd. We're listening to the rain on the tin roof of a post & beam barn that serves as a hostel. Great place to stay with Gorham close enough to resupply.Pushing on to Maine .. .
Date: 2008-07-25
From: Pinkham Notch

To: To imp shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Finally a clear sky in the White's and breath-taking views of where we've been (the Presidential's) and where we're going (Maine). The magnitude of these mountains is incredible, and we've hiked over them and feel it in our bones. But it's rewarding now to look back with a sense of accomplishment. Today was a brutal day of steep up's and down's. Wildcat and Carter ranges were slow and tiring, but we're now close to Maine. Here at shelter with Underground (a legend-status hiker in the making), Seqway, and Floyd not far behind. It took us 11 hrs. to do the 13 miles today. Very tired and looking forward to a deep sleep.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: To imp shelter

To: To Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Mount Moriah was our first challenge of the day, and from it we had wonderful views of the Presidentials in the morning sun. Fog lay in the valleys of the Maine wilderness still to come. We were really dragging this morning, and when we came to the road crossing , we decided that a ¢resupply¢ stop back in Gorham would be the prudent thing to do. So here we are again at White Birches hostel trying to muster strength to press on into Maine and the goal which lies ahead. It boils down to one thing: the White¢s kicked our 50+ fannies! With us at White Birches are Stretch and Ozzie (SOBO¢s), Bad Idea, Seqway, Floyd, and Hometown. We¢ve had a good time together comparing notes and dreaming of finally getting into Maine. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow. Today we went under 300 to K. A T-storm it tonight at 8:30 ¢ glad to be out of that one.Was talking with Stretch this evening about some of the choices he'll be facing soon - primarily where he'll be going to college. He decided to hike the AT before making that decision, and I've seen many who have chosen to take an untraditional route to college and career. To me that is a wise course to take. If I were looking at the application/resume of a prospective student or employee and saw that he/she had thru-hiked the AT, that would carry more weight than an MBA from Harvard. Such an accomplishment shows perseverance, fortitude, seeking and achieving a goal, flexibility, and ability to innovate and prioritize. I greatly admire Stretch and others like him that I've met on the AT who have chosen to hike to the beat of a different drummer.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: To Gorham, NH

To: To Carlo col in Maine
Miles today: 17.0

Another brutal day ¢ New Hampshire just wouldn¢t let us go ¢ but we finally escaped and saw the sign: ¢Welcome to Maine, The Way Life Should Be.¢ We¢re finally in Maine! Tomorrow we do Mahoosac Notch and Arm . Glad to be in state #14 ¢ our last state. A little story about what Hometown and I have named our "Harbinger of Maine": As we hiked through New Hampshire we kept hearing a distintive bird call but never saw the bird. Finally we put words to what it was saying - "This way to... Maine-Maine-Maine-Maine-Maine." Each time we would hear it we welcomed this feathered encourager and kept following it north. As we entered Maine, Hometown said, "We just need to hear from our bird now." Within 5 minutes of walking into Maine, our Harbinger called out . . . "You're in ... Maine-Maine-Maine-Maine-Maine!" (End of hike note: That's the last time we heard the call of our "Harbinger of Maine". A little natural trail magic.)
Date: 2008-07-28
From: To Carlo col in Maine

To: To Grafton Notch
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

The Mahoosac Notch and Arm are behind us. All we¢ve heard of its misery and difficulty became a reality today. We were tired even before we got to the Notch since the terrain is still very tough. Knees ache as well as just about everything else. Hopefully the miles will soon be easier to make. Even though the views from the peaks today were breathtaking, I¢m taking it in quickly as I try to keep moving north. Prime concern is staying healthy and injury-free. It really amazes me that more people aren¢t hurt on the trail. There are hazards by the hundreds each day, and for the past several hundred miles we¢ve had to watch almost every step. Some moves on the rocks have left me wondering how I did it. I¢ve truly been fortunate. The adrenalin has been pumping a lot lately. Hometown and I are both starting to feel the cumulative effects of the White¢s, and a couple of hard days on top of that have really drawn us down. (Hate to admit our age probably doesn¢t help.) Just hanging on and pressing on . . .
Date: 2008-07-29
From: To Grafton Notch

To: To Hall Mountain
Miles today: 16.3

Resting in my tent relatively early(6:30) since the miles finally went quickly today. Arrived here at 4:15 even after a late start (6:45). The climb up Bald Pate was really steep, and the wind really gusted (40+ mph) as we hiked across this big rocky bald. But the views as the clouds blew past was well worth the effort. It seems a cool front moved in today after some rain last night. It is a cool evening with mostly blue skies. There was a spring in the steps today and confidence is high since we've managed everything the trail has thrown at us to this point. But I'm not cocky, for I know that surprises can be around the next bend or in the next step. Loner Boner is in the shelter. Hometown and I are glad to be in our tents.
Date: 2008-07-30
From: To Hall Mountain

To: To Sabbath Day Pond
Miles today: 21.1

Hometown and I did a 20+ day for the first time in 2 weeks. And that was over Moody and Old Blue Mtns. Maine is certainly beautiful with lots of wild woods and lakes. Tonight we have been listening to the call of a moose across the still waters and the crazy cry of a loon. Really feel like I'm in the wilds of Maine. The hike is tough but scenery certainly make it worthwhile. It's so peaceful here. I don't miss the ratrace back in "civilization". The constant negative news, the political games, the ordeals of celebrities - these I don't miss. The wilderness knows nothing of this.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: To Sabbath Day Pond

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Got a 5:45 start after occasional rain during the night - packed up wet. We thought the rain had passed with the early blue skies, but distant thunder grew closer as we hiked, and we soon found ourselves in an early morning T-storm. Did the 9-mile march to the hwy., got a hitch to Rangeley, ate a late breakfast at the diner, got a room by the lake (what a view!) at the Rangeley Inn. Rain came and went all day, so it was good to get dried out and have some R & R. Late lunch, laundry, late dinner, dry out gear on balcony - such is life in the trail town. Weather forcast is for more rain for at least a couple of days, so the muck will keep getting worse. We "planned" the rest of the hike tonight, and if it goes according to plan, we'll summit Kat. on Aug 13th (Kellie's 20th birthday). Of course we could be delayed by a number of circumstances. Our biggest enemy right now is the black mud - deep, mucky, aloggy, miserable black mud, constantly wet feet, and frequent falls. But we're getting ever closer and we keep encouraging one another to stay the course for a little longer. I'm ready to see home and family - I'm so ready for the moment I touch that sign on Katahdin, I think about it all the time. Very anxious, very tired . . . the journey continues.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Rangely, ME

To: Base of Lone Mountain
Miles today: 15.0

It took an hour to get a hitch out of Rangeley, so we didn't get started hiking till 9:30. But the rain held off till late aft. and has passed for now. Expect more during the night. Nice views from Saddleback Mtn. Terrain is still tough and some slow go. I took a fall on a rock to the side of the knee which really hurt and took the hide off, but I did get up - a good fall. We have a 17-mile hike tomorrow to get to Stratton. There we'll get about 5 days food to make Monson - our last trail town before Katahdin. Hard to believe we're getting this close. Tomorrow we'll go under 200 to K. "Start" hiked with us most of day today - a really good kid (U of Tenn. student) - which made for an enjoyable hike. It is a real inspiration to hike with these younger guys - maybe it makes me feel younger as well. Rain has started back, but for now I'm just glad to be here . . .
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Base of Lone Mountain

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Another very rough hike! Wet, rocky, steep, rooty, and a T-storm - not a friendly trail right now. We had a very tricky ford at Carrabassett River, had 2 bad falls, and ache all over. Stratton is a very different town than Rangeley - not resort. Hometown and I are holed up in the White Wolf and licking our wounds. Plan to eat at local diner and resupply at small grocery store. Tennessee Twins parents met them in their RV at the trailhead, also saw Nona and Peter (haven't seen her since NC) who are flip-flopping. Mustang Sally is here doing a flip-flop (also met her in NC). Weather forcast is for more rain tonight and tomorrow. We may be paddling to Katahdin. As I heard a man say here, "I'd have a nice summa if we evah have a summa."
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Today we climbed up and over the last of the bigger mountains until we get to Katahdin. Also went over the 2000-mile point. Now only 172.5 miles to Katahdin. It actually didn't rain until we got to the shelter, so a relatively smooth hike. I still fell down 3 or 4 times, but the body keeps bouncing back. A good fall is one that I get up from, so they have all been good falls.Goods views from Bigelow, a spring in the steps, in the zone on a friendly trail.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain, rain, and more rain - and you can add a generous mixture of mud and muck with that. We were awakened last night with torrential rains which lasted for hours. At 6:30 it let up and we hiked out into a soggy trail. It was a day of off-and-on rain and slodging through. Fortunately the trail was fairly flat and we made good time. What I would give to have some sun. The chafing is beginning to bother us. These conditions made hiking 10 times more difficult. But I keep reminding myself that I volunteered for this. As someone once said, "When the tough get going, the going gets tough." Or something like that. Breakfast in the morning at a fish camp lodge only a quarter of a mile away. YES!