morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

7.9 mi. in 5.5 hrs.We had an easy morning, packing for the next legand mailing excess food and clothes ahead. I said goodbye to Raven and his sons,then hiked out at 10:30 with Speak Up and Up and Down. We forded our firststream, choosing to get my shoes wet and hike till they dry out. We spentthe rest of the morning into early afternoon trudging up Mt. Moosilauke. Webroke out onto high Alpine tundra and reached the bare top. We really havearrived in the Whites! We spent some time up there with the local guide, aDartmouth student employed by the Dartmouth Outing Club. The usual heavy hazekept visibility down.Spruce grouse Then we trudged way downhill to this shelter. With usare Rael, Diesel, Mayaguez, Speak Up, Crash Bang, Sweaty Pig, a SOBO namedChainsaw who thruhiked in the '60's, and two section hikers. Good company. Norain today, and tomorrow sounds promising. The descent down the steep northernface of Moosilauke should go well if the rocks dry off. Getting through the Whites has everybody fretting. Not so much the severe climbs or weather,but more the logistics of staying in the hut system by the Appalachian MountainClub. This involves wangling "work for stay" arrangements, or paying fullfreight, or dodging the shelters by "stealth camping." It's a bothersome newdimension to the already challenging task of hiking and provisioning throughthis section. It's getting dark, and time now for bed. G'Nite! Now orNever
Date: 2004-08-19
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

9.1 mi. in 8 hrs. A noisy crowded night in the shelter. Mustremember to tent whenever possible. Awoke finally to a breezy, misty morning andhiked out at 7 AM. First came the task of climbing down Moosilauke. It's anever-ending STEEP rocky path running alongside a steam dashing down as well.Where there was nothing but sheer slabs of rock, trail crews had installedwooden steps and rungs formed from reinforcing rod. What a tough day! We allexpected this short section to be an easy walk once down off of Moosilauke.Instead we picked our way over rocks, roots and mudflats, with countless smallups and downs. Everyone is dejected at how hard this stretch came. When Icame to this shelter at 3 PM, I decided the day was over. Speak Up had gone on.Those present tonight: Diesel, Rael, Mayaguez, Crash Bang, and Sanguine.Sanguine (Laura Maxwell) graduated from the same MAT program at Brown Univ.that our son John went through, only a year or so earlier. She went on to teach in S. Africa before returning to teach in the Providence area. She's pondering other options.Trail crew hard at work The rain we were promised never happened, so I can tent out and catch someneeded rest for tomorrow's longer hike to Franconia Notch. We were hoping to geta room in Woodstock, but hear they're fully booked there. Where to stay? We alsoneed food. G'nite! Now or Never
Date: 2004-08-20
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: N. Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 8.8

8.8 mi. in 8.5 hrs.Slept well in my tent on its thick bed of pine needles. A grey misty dawn. Out by 6.30 AM, preceded by Turtle Don. The trail ran alongside Eliza Brook, a busy torrent rushing down the slope. I missed its happy chatter when the trail turned away and led up Kinsman Peaks. The damp woods smelt strongly of balsam in the still air.A panoramic view awaited us at the top. At last, clear air, though heavy mist was still rising from far below. We could see the mountains we'd scaled to the south, and many huge ones to the north with our names on them. A daunting sight, but it pumped some excitement into being on the trail. Too many times before we'd been greeted by fog and chill breezes.Sweaty Pig was right behind me. First impressions are deceiving. He's a scary sight, with his beard braided into twin pigtails, and a rough appearance and voice. But he's quite a philosopher, and has studied a form of Okinawan martial art for over 20 years. He's a native of Lubec, ME and spends much time there still, but lives in CT. He perspires freely, hence the name.Above the clouds at South Kinsman PeakI visited our first AMC "hut" along the trail, at Lost Pond. These are actually lodges staffed by college kids, and are good places to stay if you can "work for stay". An hour or so of basic chores gets you all you can eat plus an overnight stay, saving you a tab of over $70. Not many such positions are available at each hut each night, so it's first come first served.We made it down into Franconia Notch by 3 PM, then hitched into town where we were lucky to get the last room at this motel, split four ways between Crash Bang, Diesel, Mayaguez and myself. Time to clean up, do laundry, call home and gorge: the usual hiker routine. The weather promises to improve over the coming week. Finally, a chance to enjoy the Whites!G'nite!
Date: 2004-08-21
From: N. Woodstock, NH

To: N. Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

(zero day)Today we spent doing hiker chores and watching the rain pour down. We transferred from our shabby motel room to a fine little B&B down the street.I spent my day at local eateries, shopping for provisions, and napping back at the B&B.Later in the day we met several fellow hikers a day behind us. They were caught in a downpour and found themselves unable to cross a raging torrent which we crossed easily the day before when it was a modest little stream. They had to bushwhack down a mountainside to the highway, and two (Badger and Papa Bear) hurt themselves in the process.The weather cleared toward evening, so we hit the sack itching to hike up onto Franconia Ridge tomorrow. Also watched the Olympics for awhile. Crash Bang was a former sprinter, so he had some good commentary on the dash events. G'nite!
Date: 2004-08-22
From: N. Woodstock, NH

To: Garfield Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

10.3 mi. in 9 hrs. Awoke to a clear cool New England morning, foronce, and saw the ridges clearly above us. After a double breakfast, we wereshuttled to the trailhead. Twelve of us in all started out, all known to eachother. We started with a two-hour trudge up to Libert Springs, a 2600 footclimb. Then the fun started as we broke out onto the Franconia Ridge. Everyonewhooped with pleasure at FINALLY getting a great view in every direction. Nofog, rain, or howling gales, just a perfect view over all creation. Lots ofothers up there as well, it being Sunday. Our group stuck loosely togetherover Mts. Lincoln and Lafayette, where we had a group photo taken. Then thegroup proceeded to various destinations. Some of us headed on toward Garfield Shelter. Then we came across a fellow hiker, April Showers, lying on thetrail holding her ankle. She had rolled it badly and was afraid she'd broken it,miles from help. A bunch of us split up her pack and helped her to her feet after deciding it was a sprain, not a fracture. Quest gave her a good dose of ibuprofen, which kicked in shortly. Darned if she didn't get up and hike several more miles over severe grades, up and downMt. Garfield, finally arriving at this shelter by 6 PM. Tough lady.Thruhikers atop Mt. Lafayette. See photo gallery for ID's She'smade arrangements to stay here a day or two, then hike out to meet her husband,leaving her pack up here for him to retrieve a few days later. We all doubt hertrip is over, which she had feared at the start. I'm tenting on a woodplatform here, which involves much stringing-up of my tarp. Wish it wereself-supporting. Our group tonight: The Hobbits, Cat Dog, Diesel, Mayaguez,Sanguine, Rael, April Showers, Quest, Krispy Kritter, and Enigma (food servicesdirector for a nursing home in CT, in his 30's, strong hiker). Cool and clear tonight,going down to the 40's most likely. I have my poly long johns on and feel goodand warm in my down bag with a silk liner. Life is good.The Hobbits: Popeye and River Otter, on Mt. LafayetteG'nite! Now or Never
Date: 2004-08-23
From: Garfield Shelter

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.7

9.7 mi. in 9 hs. What a bright, starry night! We could also see thelights in towns below. The only problem was a heavy dew, drenching our tentsfrom the outside, and severe condensation which drenched us on the inside. It'sno fun packing and carrying wet stuff. Off we went by 7 AM for a slow toughscramble up to Galehead Hut, another AMC mountainside lodge. There we laid outour wet tents and clothes to dry in the bright sunshine while we went inside andate all the leftover pancakes and pies we wanted for a one dollar donation.Sweet! Then came another tough climb up South Twin Mountain, where we hadanother fine view. My legs were objecting to the huge steps up and down over andaround boulders. Then the trail suddenly became "tame" and the miles started toflow by, at last. Zealand Falls Hut is an attractive shingled buildinglooking over a big mountain valley, and sitting by a busy stream. Some of usscored "work for stay", but I came in too late. I settled quite happily for a bunk and AYCE dinner and breakfast for $10. Stilla great deal. Most of the guests are families with young children, or groups ofmore serious hikers. It's a great feeling to arrive at a comfortabledestination like this in such a wild and often hostile setting, with plenty oftime to pursue my day's end routine as well as hobnob with curious guests. I'msitting on the porch looking at storm clouds blowing through with a coldfront. The regular guests are winding up their dinner, so ours will soonbegin. Following that, Krispy Kritter will regale them with tales from theTrail, as the naturalist is away. Diners at Zealand Falls Hut: Krispy Kritter, Cat Dog, Mayaguez, Diesel, Sweaty Pig, Popeye, and QuestSix of our party hiked down trail to tentout. Minutes after they left, a driving rainstorm passed by. Unfortunate timing.We didn't regret our decision to stay warm and dry here. We've decided on shorthops and use of huts wherever possible even if it means spending an extra day ortwo getting through these White Mountains.Tomorrow on to Crawford Notch for resupply and to find a place for the night.G'nite! Now or Never.
Date: 2004-08-24
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

7.7 mi. in 4.5 hrs. A noisy night in our hut bunkhouse: snoringparents and kids hollering in their sleep. The morning dawned chilly andbreezy but wonderfully clear for the first time in many weeks on the trail.After a late hiker breakfast (after the regular guests ate), we hiked out in aloose coalition of six: Krispy, Quest (veterinarian my age from FL), Cat Dog,Diesel and Mayaguez. The trail was an easy run down to Crawford Notch, with noneof the exhausting boulder climbing that wore us down previously. We stoppedat Ethan Pond Hut earlier in the morning. It lay next to a lovely high mountainpond. The caretaker had a canoe there, which we had no time to use even if itwere possible. Hiking out of Zealand Falls Hut The six of us hitched north to a little motel/store complexwhere Rtes 3 and 302 meet. Our ride was a young contractor in a small pickup. Itwas a bouncy, breezy, sunny, chilly ride. We're splitting two rooms,reprovisioning, and eating plenty.As we walked from the motel to a small market, a car pulled over nearby and honked. There wasApril Showers and her husband! She'd successfully walked down from GarfieldTentsite on her sprained ankle, carrying her pack. She showed her ankle, whichlooked well on the way to healing up. She'll resume her hike after a week or soback home. A lucky meeting. The air is crystal clear, and from the doorway wecan see Mt. Washington, two days ahead on the trail. We see the buildings atopit and the huge smoke-smudge of the cog railway as it crawls up and down.Just finished repacking. We arranged for a local guy to take us back to thetrailhead at 6 AM tomorrow, so better turn in. G'nite! Now orNever
Date: 2004-08-25
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

11.2 mi. in 9 hrs. (lodge)A quiet restful night in our motel room split three ways. As promised, a fellowshowed up to shuttle us to the trailhead at 6:00 AM. We (all six again) madethe grueling climb up past Webster Cliffs by 9 AM, gaining 2000 feet and aknockout view all along Crawford Notch in the process. The climb continued overMt. Webster and Mt. Jackson, until we reached Mizpah Hut by noon. We gorged onsoup and leftover pancakes there, then pushed off over Mt. Pierce and Mt.Franklin. All this was under a blazing sun, in crystal clear air, andshirtsleeve temps. Couldn't get over the views in all directions, and Mt.Washington loomed ever larger as we progressed along the trail. Pulled intothe hut here and managed to get "work-for-stay" here. That gets me free mealsafter the regular guests eat, and a place to sleep on or under the tables. Laterarriving hikers are staying in a cramped windowless musty storage area withbunks called "The Dungeon." Yuck. Definitely a creepy place. Don't know my duties yet. Will I measure up? Does hygeine matter? Mob scene at Lake of the Clouds hut Rightnow I'm sitting in the warm late afternoon sun. Someone just pointed overhead toa great blue heron flying over us at 5000+ ft. altitude. Strange. Thruhikerscontinue to arrive, the latest being Skippy and Poppins, and Rael. They've beenassigned to the dungeon. They plan to sleep out front under the stars.(written after dinner) I looked in the 2000 register and found son Rob's notefor 8/25/00, exactly four years ago to the day! He scored his first work-for-stay that night, as did I. This place is huge, and puts up 70 guests not counting us. No wonder they call it the "Lake of the Crowds." At least I'll get a table to sleep on, but it's almost 10 before we can turn in, far later than we need. G'nite!
Date: 2004-08-26
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut (lodge)
Miles today: 7.0

7.0 mi. in 7 hrs (counting 2 hrs. at Mt. Washington facility)Had aquiet night sleeping on a table in the lodge. The rooms was all windows, so Ienjoyed the starry skies and sparkling lights down below. The six of us tookoff around 9 AM after a large breakfast. Six other fellow hikers had taken offearlier. 12 in a night: a hiker mob. We first climbed another 1000 feet up toMt. Washington which loomed over us at the hut. We ate a second breakfast at thevisitor center, sent postcards, and enjoyed the fantastic scenery on such abright clear morning. Then the real work started, walking miles acrossragged boulders over and past several other peaks including Mts. Jefferson andAdams. This leg started out along the cog railway tracks. Tradition has it that hikers "moon" the train as it crawls by. Tradition allows the train crew to heave coal at the naughty hikers! Some near misses came our way before we turned around and hiked on. We hear the passengers love it, and that the train crew wishes for more PG-type scenery.Now or Never atop Mt. WashingtonOur feet and legs complained early and loudly. The scenery continued tomake all the pain worth it. Down we came to the Madison Hut, another mountainlodge. It's full, but we still were taken on for WFS. Another night on thetable, which is fine, or maybe an unclaimed bunk.Descending to Madison HutIt's fun hearing Maine PBS again. Familiar voices and programming. We'realso picking up Canadian stations in French, including some great classicalprograms. And the NOAA mechanical weather voice comes out in French on a certainchannel. Must be out of Montreal. I'm still bothered by stations fading inand out, even high on ridges or peaks. I'm using a Radio Shack 4-band pocketradio, much like the Sony version I've seen others use, and most listeners notethe same problem. Maybe we're being told to turn them off and enjoy what's goingon around us Tomorrow brings a rugged climb up Mt. Madison, then a longsteep downhill run to Pinkham Notch. Better yet, Gloria will pick me up fortwo days at home. A needed break. My thoughts are turning more to winding upthis journey, and to resuming a normal life after the hike. We'll see what Mainebrings. G'nite! Now or Never
Date: 2004-08-27
From: Madison Hut (lodge)

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: mist

7.8 mi. in 7 hrs.We spent the night in comfort on the dining room tables of the Madison Hut afterthe lights finally went out. People kept coming in well after dark, includingparties with young kids. Poor planning to get caught out there. Lucky for themthe weather was perfect and the moon nearly full. Didn't stay for breakfast,so we could get out early. We set out into a clear mild morning and first ran upMt. Madison. The trail was nothing more than jagged rocks and our feet sooncomlained. Then down over one little mini-peak after another until we reachedthe treeline and the trail became more like a path. We didn't miss the rocks,but hated to give up the views.Mayaguez and Quest on Mt. Washington Then came a long, long descent which taxedeveryone's knees. We felt safety in numbers, and frequently helped one anotherafter scrapes or tumbles. We were glad to get to the Pinkham Notch VisitorCenter, where we rinsed off, then had an AYCE buffet lunch. Those present:Diesel, Mayaguez, Quest, KK, Cat Dog, The Hobbits (River Otter and Popeye), Sweaty Pig, Moo Juice and a fellow hiker, andmyself. Quite a contingent.Tired hikers resting outside Pinkham Notch visitors' center Everyone else made plans for the evening inGorham or Pinkham Notch, while I was happy to await Gloria's arrival. I wasgoing home for two days! Two of our kids were visiting home then, and a biginternational music and dance festival will happen in Bangor this weekend. Timeto boogie! Plus all the pleasures and comforts of home for this battered oldhiker to rediscover All of us married folks on the trail have been missingthe home scene while in this rough, late phase of the hike, and I must have beencarrying on about my upcoming home visit. At any rate, everyone was excited tosee Gloria appear, and she didn't know what to make of the attention. I believeit to have been a community celebration or acknowledgement of a fellow hiker'sgood fortune. We gave Diesel and Mayaguez a lift into Gorham on our way out,so they could check into the Hiker's Paradise hostel and pick up stuff at the post office. I'll miss everyone's company on my return, but will surely run into another good group. We've done a lot of rocks and miles together.So it's back to civilization for now, and see you again shortly! Now orNever
Date: 2004-08-31
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4 zero days at home.Ahhh, the addicting pleasures of the home scene. Rest, rehab, and relaxation with friends and family. Gloria's done an amazing job keeping the joint going in my absence, but there's still a major do-list shaping up.The fine weather of the first two days home makes me almost regret not being out on the trail making more miles. Bad weather ahead might extend my home stay through Tuesday. Awww.Had a fantastic time at the International Music Festival in Bangor on Saturday. Joker, Spice Man and Lorax had their final Phish Concert a week or so back. But we had this, boogeying to Congolese Hi-Life, Cuban "Son", Balkan dance combos, bluegrass, zydeco, and New Orleans piano rhythm and blues. A sunny afternoon followed by an evening on the lawn under a full moon, with a huge, mellow crowd. We danced on back to the parking area to the strains of "Iko Iko Ikay" played by "piano professor" Henry Butler and his New Orleans Game Band. A big change from life on the trail.So after that, plus doing a few urgent home repairs, fixing or replacing hiking gear, and kicking back with family, I'm finally ready to tackle those nasty looking Wildcat peaks glowering down at me as we drove home Friday. Couldn't be any worse than Moosilauke, the Kinsmans, or Webster Peak and its Ledges.Another hurricane blew by last night, then the weather finally cleared. My youngest son James shuttled me back to Pinkham Notch. On our way there we stopped in at The Barn, a hostel in Gorham two days ahead on the trail, where I met Rael on his way out. My party had left earlier that morning, which puts them too far ahead to catch.As James was leaving me at the Pinkham Notch vistor center, we spotted Ian Ramsay, a Skowhegan High School classmate of Rob's. Ian was leading some of his North Yarmouth Academy students in a hike, and had run into Rob during his AT hike four years ago while on a similar outing. What a coincidence. We enjoyed catching up, until he was dragged back on the schoolbus by a co-director. My son James and Ian Ramsey at Pinkham Notch Visitors' CenterEnjoyed a big dinner in the Joe Dodge Lodge here, with interesting fellow guests (no thruhikers, alas). I'm composing this while a movie about the early days on Mt. Washington runs. Soon to bed. Tomorrow, the back to the trail.G'nite!
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Pinkham Notch Visitor Center

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: fog

sp: Pinkham Notch Visitor Centerd: Carter Notch Hut6.0 mi. in 5.5 hrs. Took an early breakfast at the visitor centerafter a comfortable night. Sat next to a fellow who was on his way up to the Mt.Washington weather observatory to volunteer as cook for the staff. He's doneshifts up there in late winter as well. The observatory has its own corps ofvolunteers. Enjoyed meeting some other interesting types there, including twothruhikers, Stickman and Hot Sauce, who I would see again later in the day.Hiked out solo at 7:30 and immediately began a vertical ascent of the Wildcats,very demanding and "bouldery." After a 2000 foot climb the trail passed overWildcat Peak E, then across the top of the Wildcat Mt. ski lift. Next cameWildcat Peaks D, C, B, and A, and a steep descent to Carter Notch Hut which liesalongside a beautiful little mountain pond. This hut is comfortable, roomy,and well laid out with two outlying bunkhouses. Stick Man and Hot Sauce stoppedfor lunch but pressed on to the next site, Imp Tentsite, too far along for me to attempt today..Mt. Madison seen from Wildcat Mtn observation platform Slightly later, in came General, who I hadn't seen since Virginia. He has a full beard now and looks much skinnier and is in his usual good spirits. Another fellow, Peter, is section hiking from Mt. Washington to Katahdin. He's a Maine native, went to UMO, then worked in Alaska for the State Parks after serving up there in the military. He went on to become parks director, and plans to stay in Anchorage.We swapped bear stories, and his were far scarier. He was interested to hear ofRob's time studying in Fairbanks. I pulled the register for 2000 and foundRob's signature ("Speck") on Sept. 1, this very day four years ago. He was aseager to reach Gorham as I am, he to meet his girlfriend Heather for a sectionhike to Rangeley, me to reprovision and hike out ASAP. Once again anotherhurricane is threatening to rain on this parade a few days hence. We'll seewhere it heads once it hits Florida. People keep coming in, even after dark, mostly because of poor planning and late starts. Don't fancy night hiking much. Details become hard to discern, and the trail can be confusing, especially over rock. Time for bed, since it will be a long, long day tomorrow. G'nite! Now or Never