morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Osgood Tentsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: fog

It rained most of the night but by morning it let up. I packed up quickly and walked over to the hut to eat breakfast and get water before taking off. The hike from Mizpah Hut to Lake in the Clouds was much easier than I remember it being. Unfortunately, the trail bypassed a few of the peaks on my way towards Mt. Washington but these are areas that I can always come back to. After a quick break at Lake in the Clouds Hut, I headed for Mt. Washington which was totally engulfed in clouds. The wind was whipping but the temp. was strangely mild. I got some lunch at the Adams Summit house and then started my traverse over Mt. Clay, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams and finally Mt. Madison. The clouds began to clear which allowed for sporadic views of the surrounding mountains and great views down into the Great Gulf Wilderness and Kings Ravine. About two miles into my traverse I ran into Tennessee Jed. We walked the rest of the ridge together and talked, when we could, about the different people we had been hiking with. T.J. told me that Blue Dog had gotten off the trail just after reaching Dalton, MA. I wish I had the chance to talk to him before he had stopped hiking. I had hiked with Blue Dog out of Hot Springs and had last seen him as I was leaving Catawba, VA. I had hoped that he would catch up to me and he almost did before he got off the trail. I was only one day ahead of him. Tennessee Jed and I arrived at the Madison Hut at three thirty which was early and took a long break. I decided that I would move on but Tennessee Jed stayed and opted to work for stay. I climbed Mt. Madison and slowly worked my way down the Osgood Trail to the Osgood tentsite. I made good time and was there by 6:30 PM. I quickly set up, ate and allowed my tent time to dry out. Supposedly, we are going to get thunderstorms tonight which seems very possible by the looks of the surrounding clouds. Tomorrow I'll be aiming for the Carter Hut or the tentsite just beyond. I made it through the Presidentials in one piece! I'm almost in Maine!!!!!!!!! Love ya, Me!
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Osgood Tentsite

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: mist

I woke up to clear skies that gave me no indication of what kind of day I was about to have. I quietly packed up so I wouldn't disturb my next door neighbors on the tent platform. I ate breakfast and then started hiking. After walking along for about a half an hour I realized that I was on the wrong trail. I was very tempted to just continue on and walk out to Rte. 16 but I decided instead to head back up hill and correct my mistake. After an hour and a half of lost time I was back on track and heading for Pinkhams Notch. The trail through the Great Gulf Wilderness was very winding with lots of little streams and one beautiful mountain stream that looked great for swimming in. Later I crossed the Mt. Washington auto road and eventually made my way to the A.M.C. Pinkham Notch Center.    The last time I was here was Febuary 23rd and the temperature was only 10 degrees! I had gone ice climbing with my friend Jeff for two days. After our weekend trip I posted some pictures in my Trail Journal and written a bit about our trip. I remember saying that in perhaps six months I would be back in Pinkham Notch and that hopefully it would be much warmer! I took a long break at the center and ordered a sub and something to drink. I spent some time talking with a section hiker from N.H. who had worked in the social service field. I hadn't spoken to anyone in a long time about my work nor with as much detail. It felt good to talk to someone else in the same line of work that understood the positive and negative aspects of the field. I rested for almost three hours before tackling the Wildcat Ridge Trail that lead to the Carter Notch Hut. Once I got started I was very happy I had rested for so long. This trail was by far the longest and steepest trail I had climbed so far on my journey North. It took me a little over four hours to travel six miles. To top it off, when I was within a half mile of the shelter, I was engulfed by a huge lightening storm that dumped rain on me. I tried to out run the storm but realized how foolish I was being. Instead I stopped, put my pack cover on and rain jacket and safely walked to the hut. As I walked into the hut I found out that they would not let any other hikers stay for the night but they did let us eat whatever left over food they had for a small fee. The food was good after such a strenuous hike and after the storm passed I pitched my tent not too far from the hut.What a day! I hope I can avoid anymore of these. I love you a whole lot!!! Hugs and kisses to all of you. Papa Bear
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: fog

It poured last night with high winds and some lightening. I slept okay but was groggy when I woke up and was not psyched about packing up a wet tent. After eating a very quick breakfast, I started the first of many climbs I would encounter throughout the day. Once I gained enough elevation I found myself dropping down again in order to reach the next peak. I crossed South Carter, Central Carter and North Carter Mt. all before 1:00. I took a short lunch break before making my way to the top of Mt. Moriah. Just as I was walking down from the summit I saw Tennessee Jed walking down the trail. I had been wondering all day when he would catch up to me. It was nice to have someone to hike with and we both agreed that it had been a very long day. We pushed on for Rte. 2 with the hopes of staying in Gorham for the night. Eventually, we made it the road and after about half an hour we got a ride into town. We had intended on staying at a place called the Barn but it was closed so we walked over a mile through town to another hostel. Everything worked out and we met up with bunch of other hikers that we hadn't seen for sometime.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

It was great to get a good nights sleep and to be clean! I shared a hostel room with an older gent named Spock (not the Spock I had hiked with before). I found it hard to believe that there could be two thru hikers with the name Spock, but this guy looked and talked just like Spock! Well, I was a little concerned that Spock would be snoring all night but he didn't and I was very grateful for the peace and tranquility. Live Long and Prosper Spock and thanks again. The hostel served breakfast so we all devoured a fair amount of food and washed it down with a few cups of coffee. As we were eating, a group of thru hikers walked in that I recognized from The Bears Den Hostel in Northern Virginia. One of them was Circuit Rider who has hiked the A.T. more than once. After a great breakfast I called my oldest brother Chris who was staying in North Conway, NH for the week along with my two nieces and my sister in law. I wanted to see them for a quick visit before I headed out again but I wasn't sure if we would be able to rendezvous. To my luck, they were not too far away and they made the drive up to meet me at the hostel. We found a nice breakfast place and I ate a little more for my second breakfast while they, like normal people, ate their first breakfast. It was really nice to spend sometime with them and catch up a bit. My nieces Anna and Olivia are getting so big. Olivia was telling me that she will be in seventh grade this year! We drove down to the supermarket where I picked some food for the next three days and then back to te trail. Before I left a former thru hiker (Sandman) pulled in to the parking lot and offered me a soda. How could I say no?! Olivia and Anna were suprised to see someone just giving away soda but they soon learned that this was an example of "Trail Magic". Former thru hikers helping current thru hikers out. Sandman even sent a little trail magic their way and gave them each a soda. I was happy that they were able to see how helpful and friendly people can be out on the trail and in life. It was time for me to get going, so I said goodbye knowing that in about three weeks my journey would be complete.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

It cooled down during the night and it was also a little damp. But despite the weather, I slept pretty well last night. I was hiking by seven thirty but I felt very lethargic. Part of the problem was the number of steep ups and downs I had to do. After hiking for two hours I took a break and had something to eat. I felt somewhat better but my legs were still complaining. I hiked on until just after noon and stopped for lunch on top of Mt. Success. It was a perfectly clear day and I could see for miles in all directions. After lunch, I passed three older gents hiking South that I recognized. One was Farmer (pronounced Fama) who I had met way back in North Carolina on the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest peak on the trail. They told me they had flip flopped from Harpers Ferry and were now heading South from Katahdin. We wished each other well and kept on hiking.    Two miles later I crossed into Maine! I can't believe I'm approaching the end of the trail. It has been an incredible journey thus far. Maine is a big state so I will have to pace myself and stay focused. Tomorrow I will be hiking through the toughest mile on the A.T., Mahoosuc Notch! The miles are not coming easy these days but I will do my best to finish as close to Sept. 15th as possible.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-To
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get much sleep last night. Between some crazy bird squawking half the night, and a SouthBounder named One Hung Low (something to do with his landing gear while flying a plane) snoring, I was lucky if I got three hours in. I slept an hour later than usual and then headed out for the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. As I started through the Notch I came across the rotting carcass of a dead moose. I had been warned ahead of time about the moose so I wasn't suprised when I saw it. Boy, did it smell! I moved quickly past it and started my scramble over and under the jumble of massive boulders. I didn't find it difficult to navigate nor very technical. After 45 minutes, I was on the otherside of the Notch without having to take my pack off once. What was difficult was hiking out of the Notch. It took me about two hours to climb to Speck Pond, where I took a break and ate lunch. After getting water I headed up Old Speck but opted not to do the .3 to the top. The descent down into Graftons Notch was pleasantly graded which was good for the knees that have been taking a beating lately. Totally out of juice, I slowly worked my way up to Baldpate Lean-To for the night. I only hiked twelve miles today and just barely made it. Maine is kicking my butt so far.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Baldpate Lean-To

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleeping in the shelters is not as comfortable as sleeping in my tent but it is much easier for me to pack up and get moving in the morning. Last night a mother and son came into the shelter after sunset. They had had a very long and frustrating day and to top it off the mom walked right past the shelter trail. She eventually made it to the shelter and they settled in. During the night the temperature didn't drop nor did the humidity. I was sweating in my sleeping bag until I switched to my liner. The shelter itself was pretty flimsy so everytime one of us moved the whole shelter shifted also. I ate the last of my food (oatmeal or as I call it, bloatmeal) and started my day. I would only be hiking eight and half miles to East Bee Road where I planned on being picked up by a former thru hiker, now hostel owner, named Bear. Once again, the miles did not come easy but the views were great. Climbing over East and West Baldpate was a lot of fun but coming down beat on my knees. I eventually made it to the road and Bear gave me a ride to town where we picked up Tennessee Jed and then proceeded to the hostel. Bear was very helpful and made sure I knew where everything was and that I had something to eat. Honey, Bear's wife, came in later and after a quick hello went right to work making sure everyting was in order. After I had something to eat, I called Carissa and told her for the first time I was having a really hard time. We agreed that I needed a rest and I needed to slow down. Tomorrow I'm planning on hiking ten miles and returning to the Hostel. I'm hoping the rest and good food will help my knee and renew my energy.    I owe Pheonix Rising a big thanks. When I last saw her, she had flown all the way from Arizona to visit her friend that just happens to be the caretaker at the tentsite (Liberty Springs) where I was staying. Thanks again for the trail magic, mangos and advice to stay at Honey and Bear's Hostel!!!
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Andover (The Cabin)

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.0

Woke up to the delicious smell of coffee, omelettes and blueberry pancakes! After eating and thanking Honey and Bear for a great breakfast we packed up. I decided that since my knee was still giving me trouble that Iwould only hike ten miles to South Arm Road. For the first time I wouldbe carrying my pack when I truly did not need it. Let me explain.After hiking ten miles I would be returning to "The Cabin" for one morenight. Because I would be returning, I really didn't need to wear mypack, but I choose to keep it with me anyway. I figured that I had madeit this far with it on my back why not just continue on.Myself, Tennessee Jed and Denali headed for the trail. Also withus was Rain Dog and Chuckles. Rain Dog would be moving on but had tobe careful. He had developed kidney stones and had been laid up in Gorham,N.H. for five days. He didn't want a reoccurance. Once we reached the trail head, and started hiking, we had some goodterrain through groves of spruce pines and granite boulders. We then hada steep downhill that hurt my knee a bit followed by an incredibley long and steep climb to the top of Moody Mt. I felt ten times better cimbing up compared to yesterday. I was reenergized.Around 2PM, I was at the road with Tennessee Jed and shortly after Denali came strolling in. We hopped in the car after a great day of hiking, packs and all.Back at the Cabin, I helped cook up some burgers for dinner and hadthe chance to sit and talk to Honey. She had worked with adolescentchildren at a home. We talked about our work experiences and agreed on manyof the needs, values and unconditional support these children need. When dinner was ready we all sat down to eat large portions of food.After a great meal, Bear helped us follow it up with ice cream andbrownies. I was afraid to move too fast because I was so stuffed. I rolledback downstairs to the bunk room and called my buddy Pete who maycome out to do a little hiking with me. I also spoke to Carissa about afinal finishing date. Tomorrow I'm back out and heading for Rangeley,Maine.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: South Arm Road

To: Bemis Stream
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the five month mark of my time on the trail. It's hard tobelieve that I've been hiking this long!After another huge breakfast, Bear drove us all back to the trailhead at South Arm. I wasn't sure how far I wanted to hike. The weatherwas looking like possible rain showers and my knee felt okay but notgreat. I ended up hiking with Chuckles for most of the day and called itquits at Bemis Stream about two miles from the road. Tomorrow I'll be stopping in Rangeley to get more food.
Date: 2007-09-02
From: Bemis Stream 

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

I want to thank everyone who has sent me messages lately. They werereally motivating to read. I finally had a chance to get online and check out my own journal.I'm heading towards Rangeley today after staying at Bemis River lastnight. Chuckels and I got moving pretty quick mostly because it was socold. We made good time and I was at the road (rt. 4) by threeo'clock. Throughout the day, I saw signs of moose everywhere. There werehoof prints up and down the trail and piles of moose droppings all over.I kept an eye out but didn't see any.During the day I hiked on and off with a few other thru hikers.Toodles, Slinky and Dog or Slinky-Dog were slack packing from Rangeley backto Rangeley. Once we made it to the road, I hopped a ride with them intotown, went shopping for food and went back to the hostel at GullPond. The Hostel owner, Bob O'Brien, was very friendly. He later gaveToodles, Slinky-Dog and myself a ride back into town for dinner. Thefood was great but the service was slow. While waiting for our food wehad a great conversation with a group of folks that were from Plymouthand Marshfield, MA. After dinner we returned to Bob's Hostel andsettled in for the evening. Tonight I could see every star in the sky. The milkyway stretchedacrossed above me and I thought of you. Love you!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Slinky was up early making breakfast which he shared with all of us.He made a great mixture of sauteed onions and peppers that he addedto eggs, bacon and cheese. This was the ultimate hikers breakfast. Bobalso had set out coffee, fruit, yogurt and an assortment of cereal.After we had fueled up, Bob drove us all to the trail so we couldstart our day. We hiked by two small ponds that looked like Moose Centralbut there were no Moose around. Then the climb began up Saddleback.I took my time and hiked with Toodles enjoying the day and goodconversation. We talked a lot about our families, go figure, and plans for the future. Before we knew it we were standing at the top of Saddleback withincredible views.Although most people claim that you can't see Mt. Katahdin yet, Iknow I have. From Unity College, where I went to school many years ago,I could see Katahdin daily. So, while standing on Saddleback Mt. Iimmediatly recognized Katahdin far off in the distance. I may have changedover twenty years but Katahdin looks exactly the same. Toodles and Itook some pictures and waited for Slinky and Dog who were not far behind.We all ducked behind a small rock ring to get out of the wind whichwas blowing pretty strong. Once out of the wind, we soaked up some raysand ate lunch. After eating we continued on over "The Horn" and thenover Saddleback Junior. I eventually ended up alittle ahead of everyonebut I was getting tired so I decided to end my day at Poplar RidgeLean-to. At the shelter, I decided to sleep out under the stars. If itrained I figured I could always jump in the shelter. This was true untiltwo other thru hikers showed up. Around seven o'clock first Big Brother showed up and then Denali. It was great to see Big Brother.The last time I had seen him was in Glencliff, N.H. and I wasn't sure ifhe was ahead of me or too far behind to catch up. We all settled infor the night with a good breeze blowing and comfortable temps. forsleeping.The end of my journey is getting closer and closer each day. It ishard to imagine I've come so far and at the same time I can't wait to behome with the ones I love. With all these feelings it's easy to feela little overwhelmed.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

The alarm on my watch went off at six as usual but I didn't budge.Circuit Rider and Sherlock were up and hiking by six thirty but I justlaid in my sleeping bag trying to get some extra sleep. Last night wasnot a good one. The winds picked up and were shaking the entire lean-to in huge gusts. Just as I would doze off I would be startled awake.After the wind finally died down, around three o'clock, my little friends,the mice, came out in full force. I was not a happy camper by morning.The thought of a twenty mile day on very little sleep was daunting.I slowly got moving and by eight was walking North. To my suprise andgood fortune, as I walked out on to a dirt road, I was greeted by a groupof former thru hikers bestowing trail magic!Circuit Rider and Sherlock had been there awhile and looked veryhappy and relaxed. I was immediately offered an egg, cheese and hambreakfast sandwich hot off the grill. I ended up eating three sandwiches,along with a few chocolate donuts, that I washed down with a large cup ofcoffee and two glass of O.J. I was content but knew I had a lot ofmiles ahead of me. I thanked these wonderful people for the good foodand conversation and once again made tracks North.As the day progressed, the weather became hotter and the humidity wasunbearable. Once again, to my good fortune, I was hiking by abeautiful lake that was calling out for me to take a break and go for a swim.How could I say no? I found a great spot to jump in and cool off andafterwards had some lunch. Not a bad way to spend some downtime. Iwatched a family of loons feeding off shore and listened to their callswhile I let my food digest. After a half hour or so I started up againto finish my trek for the day.Eventually, I made it to Pierce Pond lean-to where I met two otherthru hikers Sniper and Trail Blaze. They were relaxing by the edge of thewater catching the sunset. I quickly laid out my sleeping pad andtold them that I was going to hike over to the Harrison's Camp so I could reserve a spot for a great pancake breakfast. I asked if they wanted to get breakfast also, but they were not interested. After getting a littleturned around I found the camp and met Tim the owner. I told him that Iwould like to come down in the morning for breakfast and put in my orderof twelve pancakes, two eggs, two sausage, coffee and juice. Thisseems like a large order but is not out of the ordinary for thru hikers.Tim was in the process of eating supper so I told him I'd see him inthe morning and I headed back to the shelter.When I got back Sniper and Trail Blaze were laying down in theshelter trying to avoid the No-see-ums (gnats) that were all over and biting.It was still hot and muggy, and with no tent I wondered how well Iwould sleep. I had a quick supper and used my sleeping bag liner toprotect against getting chewed up. I attempted to write in my journal butgave up when I was bit on my face numerous times. I eventually coveredmy face with my shirt and managed to drift off into a thru hikerslumber.