morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-30
From: State Rd 11 & 30, Bromley Sun Lodge

To: Little Rock Pond Tenting area
Miles today: 19.8

Headed down to breakfast at 7:15 am and then packed up. No shuttle until noon so we hiked on about 9:30am--really a late start with a lot of miles to get done before dark.Climbed up Bromley Mtn in cool weather and stopped for lunch at Peru Peak Shelter before heading to Little Rock Pond.Along the way, we met Warren Doyle's group of thru hikers and then actually met Warren himself. Sort of a special occasion to meet someone who has thru hiked the trail 13 separate times. They plan to complete their adventure the first of September (4 months start to finish). I was impressed that of the 13 or so that started, only one has dropped out at this point in time. It is easy to see the advantage of some education and training before you dive into this adventure. We wish you all the best of luck. Cheers!At Little Rock Pond, we got a tour of the Vermont Arch. Society dig. Unfortunately, missed an old friend who gave me the heads up about the volunteer work. Thanks to Dave Lacy for all his hard work.
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Little Rock Pond Tenting area

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: few clouds

Watched the mist rise off the lake as the sun poked over the horizon--so neat. The lake is too shallow to support fish as it freezes too solid in the winter and is too warm in the summer. So, we watched the water boatmen paddle around secure in the knowledge there are no fish feeding on their clan.The top of the tent was wet with dew from the grass and the mist and wet on the bottom from the semi-swampy ground. It was not fun to roll up and it weighs more than it should. Hiked over to White Rocks and was amazed at the piles of rocks piled up by all the thru hikers. Pictures will be posted later.Stopped at Minerva Hinchey Shelter for lunch and water then continued a long day to Clement.Clement Shelter seems to be cleaned up a lot from the past years postings, but there are still roads around the shelter. There was a ridge runner on site so I think that the issues with rowdy locals has been reduced. Good news because this shelter puts a hiker in good position to make an early hike over Killington Mtn.We met Chief (as in friend of Stump Knockers) at the shelter. It was fun meeting him. I wonder how Stump Knocker is doing without the appropriate level of guidance he needs to keep on track. More on that topic later.Also here is Eddy and Grolar Bear and we are all heading to Kent Pond tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Kent Pond, Mountain Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 14.6

Headed up and up and up over the top of Killington. Trail is a bit rough around the edges on the climb because there are sections with lots of roots and short ups and downs. We stopped for a snack at the top, Cooper Lodge and then headed down. We stopped for lunch and water at Churchhill Scott Shelter and then continued down hill to US Highway 4. We then did a short climb to Sherburne Pass and then another down hill to Kent pond where we are stopped for the night.This is a great place to stay. Right on the pond with ducks and geese on the water. The owners are supper nice and the food is plenty and tastes great. Our bounce box and food box were here when we arrived and we are ready for a zero day tomorrow.Other thru hikers staying here are Eddy, Grolar Bear and Cheese Burger-they are all leaving tomorrow to do a zero in Hanover.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Kent Pond, Mountain Meadows Lodge

To: Kent Pond
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day.First breakfast.Then to Outfitters to replace gear and buy some more.Next to Rutland to pick up replacement pack, buy a few groceries, get cash from cash machine, fix Mrs. Limestone's phone and get Limestone a much needed hair cut.Many thanks to Beth for being such a supper nice person and shuttling us all around town.
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Kent Pond

To: Lookout Trail
Miles today: 13.5

Short day, late start. The power went out last night, so no coffee for breakfast.We went to the outfitters to exchange Mrs. Limestone's boot gaitors as they were too small. Met Beth along the way--many thanks for all the help and hope to see you in Maine in Sept.We went to the PO and dropped off boxes and then stopped at the deli for coffee and bagels.Returned to Mountain Meadows via shuttle--thanks for everything goes to MM for a great place to stay.The humidity was too low, so it rained to raise it to an appropriate level so the day could become hot and humid.Met Warren Doyle along the way and he suggested "The Lookout" as a good place to stay--so we did. A nice cabin on top of the mountain.We talked with Farmer John (a past thru hiker who now lives in Hawaii) about his small farm and all sorts of odds and ends about gardening. He is the pro! and it was a very interesting conversation.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 13.1

Really hot and humid, short day of more green tunnel ups and downs.Stopped for breakfast on State Rd 14, real treat.Stopped at Brain's house (actually his Mom & Dad's) for trail magic--thanks and signed the guest book. Brain is a thru hiker in 07' and I hiked with him for several weeks from Ice Water Springs to Atkins, VA where he picked up his pace and was gone. We also spent one very cold Easter at Kincora and had a real feast.Staying at Norwich Inn, a really nice, expensive place that seldom sees any thru hikers.Ate dinner in the bar as our clothing probably would not mesh well with the other guests. Washed clothes in the sink, no laundry here!Tomorrow, we leave Vermont.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Norwich, VT

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice sleep at the motel, but no serious breakfast-just a cup of coffee and a scone. Actually, we ate 2 scones and then headed to Lou's Bakery for a real breakfast.The walk across the Connecticut River was grand as we are now down to just two more states.We stopped at the Hanover Outdoors Outfitter for Aqua Mier water treatment and then to Hanover Food Co-op for a few groceries and before heading out of town.Passed a few day hikers and several south bound thru hikers as we hiked along.Made a quick stop at Moose Mtn Shelter where Eddie and Grolar Bear were sleeping. We woke them up and then traded a few stories before we continued north. Sugar Ray, his brother and a friend are camping at Moose Mtn as well.We did not see any moose on Moose Mtn--I guess Trapper John got them all.....
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 13.0

Got up and discovered Kentucky and Pacer camped near by. We have been following them for a long time.We hiked down to Lyme-Dorchester Rd and then did the big climb up to the Fire Tower where we ate lunch. Nice views from the top of the tower, but very few views from the ground as there is too much brush--where is a good chain saw when you need it.We then hiked down to Jacobs Brook and got water from the north fork. The water is plentiful, but of poor quality. It has a brown color as in like pond water.We loaded up the water and hiked part of the way up Cube Mtn and decided to call it a day--just short of the top of Cube.Lots of locals out for a weekend stroll up to the fire tower.Have yet to see a moose--Trapper John to blame.Tomorrow, we should get to Glencliff and all our boxes at the Post Office.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Stealth Camp

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 13.6

Last night was clear and cold, but this morning the clouds rolled in and warmed it up. The hike up Cube Mtn was fun as we were walking on slab rock for much of the way. But, the hike down Cube was another story--lots of roots and rocks and a pretty slow going trail. We picked up water at an un-named spring at the bottom of the first descent. Best water we have seen for two days.After the drop off Cube, we enjoyed more tunnel walking on a fairly pleasant trail tread.We are now at the Hikers Welcome Hostel so we can get our boxes out of the Post Office first thing in the morning before we continue our journey north.Tomorrow the feared climb/descent off Mt Moosilauke--one mile of rebar hand and foot holds pounded into the rock going straight up/down the mountain in about a 1,800 foot elevation change. The views are grand! More later.....
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Glencliff

To: Kinsman Notch (Welcome Hostel)
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Slack pack day.Went to the Post Office first thing in the morning and picked up boxes (6) and returned to the hostel for loading into John's car for the trip to Kinsman Notch.The hike up the famous Moosilauke was fun and spectacular following the water falls up the mountain to the source. For the first time in a long time, we were above tree line (4,802 feet) where the wind was cool and brisk. Great views from the top.We ate lunch with a gathering of SOBO's slack packers and the NOBO's from the hostel. It was rather funny as we all were hunkered down together behind a rock wall to keep warm. Quite a gathering for lunch, almost as if it were well timed.Back at the Hostel, we quickly unpacked winter gear for the rest of the journey and then packed up seummer gear for shipping back home. All is in place for us to finish the journey as far as the gear is concerned. Hope it stays warm and sunny for the trip thru the White Mountains.It's alread getting cooler as we enter the White Mountains. It warms up during the day to the low 80's to continue the warm and humid hiking, but cools down at night into the low 50's with a typical afternoon rain shower. We suspect it will be much cooler very soon.Still have not seen any moose.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Kinsman Notch (Welcome Hostel)

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night, a skunk visited Heads Up's tent via a chewed hole in the corner of the tent and feasted on some bread for a late dinner. Good news, skunks don't eat much and it left without spraying anyone.After breakfast, we packed our reloaded boxes back to the PO before departing for the trail.While it's nice to be back on the trail, its been a difficult day of hiking. In 6 hours we only hiked 7 1/2 miles and we earned every inch. The tread is roots, rocks and mud over short but steep ups and downs. Often our treck poles are useless as we hang on to branches, roots, rocks and trunks of trees to either pull or push ourselves up or let ourselves down. We have been told there is a lot more of the same up ahead.We and Seeker are the ony thru hikers here. The site is full with section hikers and I am listening to someone chopping wood as it gets dark. It has been raining for the last 1/2 hour. Night!
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Liberty Spring Tent Site
Miles today: 11.4

Rained most of the night last night, so today we pack a wet tent.The day started with a big climb up and over S. Kinsman-steep, rock/root scramble on a route without much trail tread. Spectacular views along the scramble and at the top of both N & S Kinsman. Then a repeat of the early climb, but going down hill. It took 5 hours of work to travel 5.9 miles.We stopped for a bowl of soup at the Lonesome Lake Hut-$2. The place was very busy with lots of guests and day hikers.After lunch, we made much better time as we hiked 5.5 miles in 3 1/2 hours. As we traveled onward we dropped down to Franconia Notch (1,450 feet) only to turn it upward and hike up to Liberty Spring (3,800 feet). So far, the Whites have been very difficult to hike.The care taker of the Tent Site is Cup of Joe, a 2005 thru hiker. He provided us with some hiking tips for the journey thru the Whites. Many thanks.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Liberty Spring Tent Site

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A group of people came in late last night and woke us up with all the head lamps and noise. Such is life in a camp ground.We were hiking about 7 am with a continuation of yesterdays final climb. We then reached the ridge line and hiked over Haystack Mtn (4,800 feet), Mt Lincoln (5,089'), Mt Lafauette (5,249') and Mt. Garfield (3,860'). In between each peak was a notch with steep downs. It has been a long day with a great deal of work for so few miles. The good news, we are now in the Presidential Range.For the first time, we are staying in a Hut as "work for stay". We will see how it goes. We get left overs from dinner and breakfast, sleep on the floor in the middle of the dinning room and in return, we do 2 hours of work in the morning after breakfast.Tomorrow starts with a steep climb and then a long hike to Crawford Notch. Hopefully, we can do the 14 miles.
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

Not a good night for sleep as there were lots of people up banging doors and walking, loudly, across the wood floor.We got up about 5:45 am, packed up our gear and waited until 7:50 am to eat cold left overs. It's a new experience to add to the list, but work for stay, or even staying in an AMC Hut is something we will do only when there are not other options.After cleaning tables, sweeping floors and folding blankets, we were done-it was about 9 am. The "croo" worked hard and was most pleasant to be around while we were there, but you still felt like a second class citizen with the treatment we received.We climbed S. Twin (4,902 feet), Mt Guyot (4,560'), and Mt Zeacliff (4,084') and headed down to Crawford Notch for the night.Lots of people on the trail and thru hikers are a small minority of the hikers--but it seems like we are achieving celebrity status as everyone wants to talk about our experiences. The good news, with so few of us left, you tend to know everyone and have probably hiked or camped together in the past so it has become like one large extended family or a close knit community of friends you have just made.We hitched a ride from the trail head to the Camp ground with a trail angel--many thanks.We are sharing the cost of a tent site at the Camp Ground with Sugar Ray.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

While eating breakfast, trail magic! A future thru hiker approached us and offered us a ride back to the trail head so we were off without any wait or hitching (something we do not do well). Thanks Night Hiker and good luck on your hike.The climb up Webster Cliffs was steep and we were glad to be up above tree line. We stopped at the AMC Mizpah Spring Hut for a snack and continued north thru the Presidential Range by climbing Mt Pierce and Franklin before dropping down to the Lake of the Clouds Hut.Again we signed up for "work for stay" and are here for the night.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was a fun surprise. A group of folks annually rent an entrie hut (this is 20 year tradition) and throw a musical fest for themselves. We were treated to a night of song and dance. Additionally, the AMC "Croo" were having a birthday party for one of its memebers and they were a hoot.After the party last night, breakfast left a bit to be desired. The pancakes were lumpy and it appeared a few items were left off the breakfast meal.We then hiked out of the hut heading for Mt. Washington--a high point of the trip. Along the way, we missed a trail junction and made an around the mountain approach hiking an additional and un-counted 1 1/2 miles before we righted the journey and made it to the top.We stopped for coffee and treats and took a few pictures at the top. Several folks stopped us to chat about our thru hike and then we continued down the mountain.We hiked along the ridge line for about 2 hours before the fog started to roll in and Mt. Washington was gone.At Madison Springs Hut, we got out of the wind and cold fog to eat a snack and take a short break before we continued northward.It was a tough section of trail from the Hut to Osgood Tent Site. It took us 4 hours to travel the steep, rocky path. We were very glad to be down off the mountain to the warmer tree zone.After dinner, it started raining so we tossed all our gear in to the tent, droppped our food bags in the bear box and called it a night.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Zeta Pass

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Zero day. The Gorham Library charges $1 per 30 minutes of computer time so this is a consolidation of several days to be updated when we find free service.We are taking a zero day in Gorham having slack packed the Wildcat-Carter Mtn section of trail. The days have been sunny and warm and it was good to get over some mountains without a heavy pack. We have been catching up on phone calls and resupplying for the next section. As we are a couple days ahead of plan, we now anticipate we will be to Baxter Park about September 17th or so--but who knows as a lot can change between here and there. We now have less than 300 miles to travel which sounds long, but is short considering we have 1,880 miles done. Yes!
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Gorham

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday at Walmart, we picked up breakfast for this morning. So we saved some time and money getting out of town. This is an expensive town and the motel only offers coffee over in the main building lobby-but the coffee is free (in small cups). We took our camping mugs over for a regular size cup.We stopped at the PO to mail our bounce box so we have two to keep track of. One to Rangeley with normal bounce box stuff and one to Andover with food. Seems the hostel there has gone out of business so the food box from Tonia will not be there. Good thing that we found this out early enough to make an adjustment.Called Artie so we should be able to meet up in Rangeley-we are looking forward to seeing him and Kathy when we go by.The shuttle arrived on time at 9am and we were hiking by 9:15am. Today is a cool, breezy day-great for hiking. The trail is a bit better, but still steep and full of rocks and roots. We managed 11.6 m iles in 7 hours. Tomorrow looks a bit easier, we'll see.Lots of people here for the night. All the tent platforms are full and the shelter is the same. We are in the over flow area.
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Lots of work today-many ups and downs with complex rock climbing and slides. We only traveled 9.6 miles in 9 hours and are feeling beat.Sprinkles and rain are forecast for tomorrow. We were hoping for clear skies for Mahoosuc Notch. Guess it will be a slow 1.1 miles.
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite

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

Lots of people rolled in late last night with singing, lights and noise. We were glad to be away from the shelter, snug in our tent.It was raining during the night so we have a wet tent-more useless weight due to all the water. I was thinking that there should be some sort of measure of gear weight which includes wet weight. I think some of this light weight stuff might not fare so well. Anyhow, not much to do about it now....Today we hiked thru Mahoosuc Notch which is 1.1 miles long. It took us just a bit less than 3 hours and included some pretty hard work along the way. About 1/2 way thru, the light misting rain turned to full on rain. It made for some interesting slides! Overall, we thought the Mahoosuc was a fun change of pace that would have been even more enjoyable in good weather.Today, we sighted our first moose (at the top of Mahoosuc Notch). Hopefully we will see a lot more moose.We stopped for the night about 4 pm. The rain and all the work in the Notch made for a tiring, fun day. There will be more of the same tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Today was an interesting day. The trail was a bit better for much of the day. When we stopped at Baldplate Lean-to, it was starting to rain but fairly early in the day--2:30pm. So, we sat around for 1/2 hour trying to decide to go on or stay for the night. We opted to go on. Right after the Lean-to, the trail got steep but was fairly decent tread. After the first peak, the rains came and the fog blanketed the landscape. Once we hit the balds, it was hard to even see from one marker to the next.We happened upon two men hiking south who warned us that up ahead the rocks were very slippery. They were more than right as the rocks were so slick you could hardly stand on a flat spot. Lichens were blooming and making the rocks slick. We continued on but soon reached a section of trail that we could not navigate so we moved off the rocks and onto the low growing vegetation to skirt around the rocks. It only got worse and we spent hours covering what should have been less than an hour. We finally got to the Lean-to at 7:30 pm pretty much spent. Safely off the rocks....To save some time, we are staying in the shelter.
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 4.5

Short hike, first up and then down to East Hill. Met the shuttle and headed to the Pine Ellis Lodge for the night.Went to the Post Office, one food box there, but not two. So, went back to Hostel and discovered they had the "lost" food box. Good news, but required second trip to PO to mail a box to Rangeley. Long tale...With the major chores done--shower and laundry, we headed to the General Store for dinner. Return to Hostel for lights out.
Date: 2010-08-25
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Took shuttle back to the East B Rd and headed north on a slack pack day. A few minutes after we started hiking, the rains came and provided 2-3 inches of water across the landscape.It was not long before the trail was wet, then muddy and finally like a stream bed. We continued to hike north, comforted by the fact we were going to have a dry bed at the hostel. So nice!
Date: 2010-08-26
From: South Arm Road

To: State Rd 17
Miles today: 13.3

Hiked across the mountain to Rangeley. Mostly foggy and cloudy until we got to Rd 17. We met Artie at the road and headed to Brian's home for the night. When we arrived, Kathy had dinner ready to go and then proceeded to make chocolate chip cookies---what a treat. Many thanks.Spent the evening talking with old friends and then called it a night.
Date: 2010-08-27
From: State Rd 17

To: State Rd 4
Miles today: 13.1

Another slack pack day from Rd 4 to 17--thanks to Artie's shuttle rides.Saw loons on Little Swift River Pond and along the hike, we passed all the north bounders we have been hiking with the last few days. Sort of fun to see how everyone is doing.Came back to Brian's to find Kathy had cooked lobster and made woopie pies--welcome to Maine. Many thanks to Kathy and Artie for being such great hosts, feeding us and providing transportation.
Date: 2010-08-28
From: State Rd 4

To: State Rd 4
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day.Brian got home late last night so we all slept in.Nice to catch up with what's going on in the world. Many thanks to Brian for the rides all over town and place to stay.We made plane reservations for Sept 18. Hope the rest of the trip goes as well.Weather forecast is for sunny weather for next several days.Brian will meet us up north and hike along for a couple days. Should be fun to have a guide in the Maine north woods.
Date: 2010-08-29
From: State Rd 4

To: Popular Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Got up about 6 am and took our last showers for a few days.Update TJ and drank some coffee before loading our gear into Brian's car and headed to Rangeley for breakfast.Artie called while we were eating and claimed he has snagged an old tire trying to catch fish. Life does not get much tuffer when you are retired.After breakfast, we headed back out to the AT abnd continued north. We have 220 miles to go. Many thanks to Brian for being such a great host. We will see him in a few days when we meet up again. The plan is for him to hike with us for a few days and maybe summit Katahdin. Today was a scenic trip by ponds and up over treeless SaddleBack Mtn., the Horn and then SaddleBack Junior. There were great views from all of them.Blush and Phantom are the only thru hikers we met today, and they are camped with us here.