morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Spruce Peak

To: Minerva Hiachey
Miles today: 32.2
Weather: few clouds

I strolled out into more rain and mud. At this point, it rain is becoming routine. On the early climb up Bromley peak, I passed a trail crew working in the mud/rain/rocks improving a brand new section of the trail. I was stunned that they were working out here in the rain, but they looked like they were having fun. The new section of trail took us up to the top of a ski resort. The views had been swallowed by the clouds, but the climb was pretty anyway. I enjoyed the spruce/fir forests on the mountaintops. They reminded me of Northern Washington. They have a pleasant aroma as well. As the day progressed, the rain became lighter and lighter until . . .it stopped. The sun came out and for some reason the mud disappeared. I was on a high. I reached little Rock Pond and for the first time in a while took a picture. the air was cool and crisp, the ground firm and the area wasn¢t half bad either. I suddenly liked Vermont. I pulled in at 8:15. The shelter wasn¢t too nice(unlike Spruce Peak, which was awesome) and a bit busy but nothing could ruin my mood. Unless it rained tomorrow on Killington
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Minerva Hiachey

To: Stony Brook
Miles today: 30.1
Weather: few clouds

Today was just awesome. The morning took me through a cool looking Gorge and then up Governor Shelter, a favorite spot for local youth Kegger, because it¢s on a jeep road.Small rain clouds threatened all day, but never broke. The view from Killington peak was clear and gorgeous, unlike any I¢d seen since southern Virginia. I dropped in to the MT Top restaurant for a bite and continued on. A nice walk down to Pico Peak confronted me with two options, the new, viewless AT or the old, AT, which passed through a ski resort. (Pico Not Killington). I chose the old route. At some point I lost the trail in a mess of side trails and just walked down a ski run. This was much more fun anyway. Once again I knew why I was out here, although if someone had actually asked me I wouldn¢t know exactly what to tell them.I had whiskey and stew at a trailside pub, nice place. I sat for a while watching Lance win the Mtn time trial, then hiked on to Stony Peak. I was a relatively short day today because I stopped at two restaurants, but it was worth it. I¢m almost out of food anyway.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Stony Brook

To: Velvet Rocks
Miles today: 37.6
Weather: clear sky

Hot walk into Hanover today. A few short but steep climbs that managed to suck my body dry. There were a few open pastures on the ridges which offered glimpses into the future. But on the whole the hiking was kind of dull.At 4:00 I reached West Hartford, where I stopped to hit the PO and get a meal before moving on to Hanover. The water from the general store was kind of sketchy, and I dumped it the first chance I got.   Walking up to Happyhill Shelter just south of the CT river, I ran into a girl voluntarily attacking the weeds with a hedge clipper. Her progress was painfully slow. Her way of giving back. Thanks.I got into Hanover at 8:30pm. I celebrated my departure from VT with a massive Sundae from Ben and Jerry¢s and a large Pizza. The Co-op was closed so I resupplied out of the gas station and wandered up to velvet rocks, spending the night with the mosquitoes. New Hampshire at last.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: Velvet Rocks

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 41.9

It¢s Southern VT all over again. It rained all day long from 9 am until 10 pm. The trail went over some pretty cool mountains, though. Steep rocky climbs that were slippery in the rain. The cube was especially entertaining. Despite the abundance of water in the sky and on the leaves/grass, there was a shortage on the ground. On the top of Dartmouth¢s ski area, I wandered around looking for water. I ran into a small group of daytrippers (surprising considering the weather), who helped me out with about a half a liter. I didn¢t know how far I¢d wandered away from the AT so I walked down the ski slope.Two hours more through the rain, I reached Smart Mtn Cabin. The cabin was full of a massive family of section hikers. They had started out as through hikers, but had quit for some reason.   They had five kids with them the youngest was 10. The oldest was maybe 15 or 16. It was only four, but they were done for the day. The rest of the day rained slow, but the air cooled. Obviously, a cold front was moving in. I needed a shower desperately so I pushed through the night to the hostel at Glencliff. It¢s a bit steep, but I don¢t care at this point. I¢m crashing on a pile of plastic mattresses. I hope I didn¢t wake anyone.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Glencliff

To: Lonesome Lake
Miles today: 22.9

I got a late start out of the hostel. The place was more expensive than my guidebook had led me to believe and I wanted to get my money's worth by taking a 30 min shower. I scrambled across a stream (first real ford of the trip) and climbed up Mousalirke(sp?). The White¢s had been built up so much at this point that I was afraid of disappointment, but I rose above the treeline and saw the clouds and mountain peaks peaking through below me and felt my spirit lift. On top of that I was greeted by a Dartmouth student with the DOC. She told me she came here everyday and everyday she just went around pointing and saying ¢Wow, Look at that!¢The ridge was over far too soon, and the trail plunged straight down next to a series of Cascades on Beaver Brook. The trail was still wet from yesterday¢s rain, but I took my time. The trail then rose over the Kinsman Mtns (north and south) from which I could see Franconia ridge. I reached Lonesome Lake hut at 7:00. They were out of work-for-stay options, but I decided to pay the $15 to stay for AYCE B/D and a warm place to sleep. The other through hikers and I sat on the porch and watch the sunset bathe Franconia Ridge. It was the most beautiful I¢ve seen on the trail so far. The ¢Croo¢ invited us in at around 8:00to eat leftovers from dinner. They were an awesome group. The evening was spent with entertainment provided by a sweet sounding acoustic guitar and some random singing. At 9:00 thru-hiker midnight had approached and ??, Northern Harrier and I were staring glassy eyed waiting for everyone to go to bed. Spending the night on the tables in the great room.¢It was such a great day.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Lonesome Lake

To: Zealand Falls
Miles today: 23.0

After my experience yesterday, I resolved to take my time thru the White¢s. I climbed down past the Hut¢s guests, who were walking gingerly from rock to rock and exclaiming and gasping as I passed them. 3000 miles of hiking makes you more sure footed than most. I pounded the hike up to the top of Franconia, eager to be on the ridge I had watched last night. The ridge line was truly spectacular. By far the most beautiful section of the trail so far, but the experience was nearly ruined by the massive amounts of noisy, slow, clumsy day hikers. The crowd at the top of Layfette was too much for me, so I descended to a smaller peak to sit and gaze for 30 min. The trail dropped down to a fir covered ridge, hopped over Garfield mtn, and dropped down again to the ??? hut. They were out of soup and other lunch items, so I got some lemonade and moved on. The trail climbed back up into the treeline on Mt Govyut?. From here I could see the harsh ridge of Franconia and the grassy summits of Govyut¢s neighbors. bathed in the golden glow of the late afternoon light. I hovered for a while but eventually had to leave. I got work-for-stay at Zealand Falls . A few othr hikers got turned away, but I accepted when I agreed to sleep on the porch. I ended up getting to sleep inside anyway. The dining room was crwded but I found a spot to squeeze into.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Zealand Falls

To: Madison Spring
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: broken clouds

I had pancakes for breakfast and followed that up with a walk to Crawford Notch. The climb up to Mt Webster was steep, rocky, and long. The day was already warm and rivers of seat were pouring down my face. Eventually I ¢topped out¢ on Webster cliff looking down into the U-shaped valley and up toward Mt Govyut and Franconia.The trail was still going up, still steep and rocky, but at least it was along a rocky open ridge and I could enjoy the views. Eventually, I reached the top of Mt Jackson, the first mountain in the Presidential range actually named for a president. and I got an open view of Washington, Eisenhower and Franklin at the South Western Arm of the range. I couldn¢t wait to get up there. I got some soup at M??? and set out toward the tree line. The tree line in the White¢s is bizarre It varies within a full fifty ft of elevation, not really a line at all. I think it has more to do with wind exposure than anything else. The trek to The Lakes of the Clouds was nice, if a bit crowded. The trail went around most of the peaks but I went up Eisenhower anyway. I hung out at Lakes for about ten minutes and set off for Washington.Today was perfect climbing weather, dry and cool with just enough wind to wick away your sweat. I got up Washington quickly and took a few pictures. I forced myself to suffer through the mass of tourists in New England Patriot T-shirts for some food. I got off the summit and walked down onto the main ridge, which surrounds the great gulf. The headwall of the gulf held some bad-ass looking lines and I found myself hoping for 60 ft of snow and a pair of skis.The 5 miles from the peak to Madison were sublime. I had the ridge all to myself in perfect weather surrounded by awesome mountains, bathed in the evening glow. I was on a high the whole time. As I approached the hut, I took a side journey up Mount Adams, the 2nd highest in the range, just to prolong the journey. Eventually the hut came into view. As I came down from my high, I realized that altitude is my drug of choice and I¢m addict. The Madison hut crew was awesome. There were six of us tonight, but they took us all in and made some Lasagna when it became apparent that there wasn¢t going to be enough food. These huts attract people who are accustomed to staying up past 9 pm. The six of us tried to stay awake until lights out (9:30), when the lights out finally came the guests just took out their flashlights and continued their games. The six of us exchanged horror filled glances (we had to sleep on the tables). We said F?&* it and got up on one of the empty tables in plain sight hoping that guest would take the hint. They didn¢t they finally dispersed around 10 pm. I¢m going to be tire in the morning.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Madison Spring

To: Carter Notch
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Well it hadn¢t rained for three whole days ( a personal record for my AT hike) so I guess it was due. It rained on and off all day.   This combined with a steep, rocky, slippery, viewless descent and cold, harsh winds made my day miserable. The day started with breakfast. There wasn¢t enough food for the six of us, so the crew made us donuts¢sweet. They set us to work changing pillowcases, one of the guys bitched a little but I shut him up. 30 minutes of work for room and board wasn¢t a bad deal. The rain made the climb an extra annoying chore today. The rocks were slippery and my poncho, though ti kept me dry, hid my feet and got in my way on the steeps. I ate a massive lunch at Pinkam and moved on to Carter. I got there around 5 pm. I was planning to move on, but I got sucked into a conversation with the Caretaker, Neil, a cool guy and section hiker, who was almost down. When Neil told me I could stay in the bunkhouse for free, it sealed the deal. I had my first under twenty day. I¢m glad I stopped, because I just wasn¢t having any fun. I had some fun B. S. ing with the other tenants. I led on one of their kids by pretending I¢d never heard of AC?DC¢high quality entertainment. Bowl came in at around 8 pm surprised to see me here. It¢s nine now, hiker midnight. I¢m looking forward to a night with a real pillow.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Carter Notch

To: Gentian Pond
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: few clouds

It took a while for me to tear myself from my bed. Eventually I succeeded and headed out of the main hut to drink some hot cocoa and say good-bye to Neil and everyone else. The climb up over Carter Dome wasn¢t bad. I went past some overhangs hovering in the fog and topped out in a forest of stunted spruces. The rain seemed to have worn itself out in the night. As thought to drive home that the tree line is screwy around here Carter Dome at 4832 ft was not above the tree line, but Mt Height at 4675 and South Carter at 4458 were. I was now above the bottom layer of clouds, surrounded by pillows of white with most of the 4000 plus footers peaking through the clouds: the Whites, the Carters, the wildcats of course and the Mahoosues to the North. I felt the high from two days before return, and I was snapping pictures like a madman.The hike down to the highway into Gorham was the easiest since I got to New Hampshire. I eventually got a lift into town and started looking around for a new pair of shoes. There weren¢t any Montrails so I settle for a pair of ???, a bit heavier than what I¢m used to.I only spent about an hour in town. The climb up to the Southern portion of the Mahoosues was steep, but not too bad. The trail took me past some small mountain ponds, very pretty. I got to the shelter a little earlier than I expected. I considered walking on to main, but the area was so pretty. As evening approached we heard a splash in the pond. I went down to check it out and saw what looked like a massive rock floating in the lake. I knew there wasn¢t any pumice around here so I quickly figured it was a Moose! I couldn¢t see much of it, just its back, but it was pretty cool.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Gentian Pond

To: Andover
Miles today: 29.8
Weather: light rain

I¢m hitting the Mahoosues today.   Supposedly for the Southbounders, it¢s the hardest part of Maine. It was a hard day no doubt. It was also gorgeous. The Mountain peaks were covered with Spugnum moss bogs which allowed panoramic views in all directions. While taking a break at the Full Goose shelter, I met Alex and his friend, whose name I didn¢t catch. They were two ER doctors out for the day. I hung out and chatted with them for a while. They were obviously experienced and though they were in their late thirties, I had to work to keep up with them.   We reached the Notch, supposedly the hardest part of the AT, at around 12:45. We moved through, over and under the massive boulders. The three of us moved well, they were obviously experienced. I almost got stuck in a few crevices and holes, but managed to squeeze through without taking off my pack. Even so it took 45 minutes to cover the mile. It was fun, maybe my favorite mile so far. After the notch the trail turned straight up to Mahoosue arm, where I said Good-bye to the doctors. On the climb down I chatted with Camel for a while, saw Lekilessagain (he had skipped up from CT) which was cool, and met the Cameron Crew. More NOBO¢s than I¢d seen in a while.In comparison with the Mahoosues the Baldplates were cake. Coming down from the East peak reminded me of Coming down from a ridge by Jefferson Park in Oregon. I don¢t know why, that ridge was covered with snow and had a massive volcanoin the background and this was solid rock with some rolling green hills. I guess I was just remembering and associating good times.On the way down toward the road I was stopped in my tracks by a massive black wall in front of me. This moose was up close, real close. She did not even pretend to care about me. I stood for 10 minutes talking, singing, making noise¢nada. Eventually she wandered off. In the notch I passed by a large chasm with a waterfall, which was a bit freaky in the dark. The first car to drive by picked me up and took me to the cabin. I walked inside at 9:30, two people were awake. They both immediately point me to the shower. I smelled that bad. I¢m now ready for bed.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Andover

To: Hall Mtn
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early for breakfast. Bear had a massive amount of food on the table, consisting of Biscuts, Bacon, Pancakes, Omlets, cantelope, the works. It was a true feast...there were even leftovers for later.I did my laundry first and then went into town with Danny to take care of random chores and eat lunch. We chatted with the waitress for a while about what it was like living in such a small town, got some ice cream and went back to the Cabin.I spent most of the afternoon hanging out and being fed. The hosts were really kind, but they seemed overly concerned with keeping "bad types" out of the hostel. They were constantly asking us if hikers who had just called for a lift to the Cabin were "ok".I eventually dragged myself away at around 5:30, and hiked 6 miles to the next shelter. No one's here because everyone is in Andover. I guess I can always talk to the mice.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Hall Mtn

To: Piazza Rock
Miles today: 32.3
Weather: broken clouds

I could feel it in the air all day today. It was hot, humid, hazy, and the clouds were gathering.I started out with a whole lot of ups and downs. Steep too. Up and over Moody Mtn, Old Blue, and the Bemis's. The views had the potential to be awesome but as hazy as it was the visibility dulled them somewhat. On my way up Mt. Bemis I saw someone hiking in nothing but a pair of white briefs. Unfortuantly it wasnt yet hazy enough to impair my vision in that situation.At Maine 17 I found a cooler w/ a coke and some doublestuffed oreos. After stuffing myself with empty calories I continued on, enjoying the first easy walking since western New Hampshire. Along the way I passed NY Mule (we'd been bouncing around each other for since Madison Hut) for what would probably be the last time. I chatted for a while and considered stopping and camping with him, but I was almost positive it was going to rain. I'd already had my alloted three days without rain, and so far the sky didnt look like it was about to break the trend.As night and the shelter approached, however, I began to wonder if mabye the rain gods had forgotten about me. I should have know better. The rain was light at first, a few drops here and there. I thought mabye i was going to get of easy. Then I heard it, like a train approaching through the forest. My poncho was on just in time, seconds later I was completely drenched. It was raining so hard I couldnt see ten yards in front of me.My climb up to Piazza rock (at the base of the saddlebacks) would ordinarily have been an easy on, but it was now complicated by newly slippery roots and rocks. I rolled in at 9:00. I feel like Ive been wet for days, not an hour. At least my clothes/sleeping bag stayed dry.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Piazza Rock

To: Horns Pond
Miles today: 35.5
Weather: light rain

My eary morning traverse of the saddlebacks was somewhat dulled by the remenants of last night's storm. The rain was gone but the clouds were not. Although, I must admit that being in a rocky, alpine landscape in a swirling fog, constantly being pummled by fierce winds is a pretty cool experience.The weather cleared dramatically on my way down from the Saddlebacks, and on my way up to Saulding the views really oopened up for the first time in a few days. I decided to take advantage of the clearing weather by going to the top of Sugarloaf, an above treeline peak and the 2nd highest in Maine.Possibly the most intriguing thing on Sugarloaf was a #D diarama in the summit house. It showed all of the Mountians visible from the peak, from Wahington to Katahdin. (I couldn't see either...too hazy) Comparing the section from Washington to here with the section to Katahdin I could see that things were about to get a whole lot less intense.It was already well into the afternoon by the time I left the peak, so I had to move it the rest of the way. Even so I had to complete about half the climb up to the Bigelow ridge in the dark. This made the climb more exciting, even though finding the "trail" became a chore, as it was really just a dry streambed with occasional blazes and massive piles of boulders scattered along the way.I pulled in late, but luckily there were two lean-tos and one was empty. I think I'll sleep like a rock.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Horns Pond

To: Pierce Pond
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: broken clouds

This mornings traverse over the Bigelow range was the exact oppisite of the saddlebacks. The weather was clear and still, and the views were stunning. I had a hunch I could see Katahdin, but I couldn't pick it out. This Mountian Range was truely impressive. It is one of the sharpest I have ever seen, from the top it seems to rise straight up off the ground, almost like a Delta function, though not quite as high. (sorry for the math reference...trying to keep the brain in gear)After coming off of the Bigelows I came to a road marked "2000 Mi". I promptly peed on it. I then sat down and munched on a no-bake cheesecake to celebrate. The rest of the day I was swamped with simply trying to avoid getting bogged down in all of the marshes and wetlands in the area. A few times it seemed as though one of my shoes was about to be sucked off of my foot. The way was flat, though and I pulled in to camp earlier than excpected. Im stoppung early because I have to catc a ferry across the Kennebec river. I toyed with the idea of fording it but decided it wasnt worth it. Apparently there are a pair of hydro-electric dams upstream that flood the river almost daily. Breakfast at Harrisons camp tomarrow.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Pierce Pond

To: Horseshoe Canyon
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast was unbelievable, the most beautiful thing I saw on the trail all day. Eggs, Sausage, and twelve pancakes disappeared in 10 minutes. The hostess was stunned."Where do you put it all?""My Body just turns it into air.""I guess so!" she replied, I dont know if she got the joke.The Kennebec wasnt nearly what I imagined. In parts it was almost too shallow to paddle the canoe effectively. I half wished I'd forded last night, but supposedly the water level can change rapidlly & without warning.I stopped in at the Caratunk house for a milk shake (I'd heard good things...all true) and headed out to Monson. On top of Plesant Pond Mountian I could see that a storm was coming. I hurried down so that I could avoid the slick rocks on this mountian, crossed a bog full of mud and mosquitoes and started up Moxie Bald just as the thunderstorm rolled in. The Mountian was fairly covered in blueberries, and I feasted despite the rain. Besides, they gave me an excuse to crouch down on the exposed rocky slopes.Once down from the Bald I had a long, flat wet stretch to Horseshoe Canyon. First real ford today, but I was already too wet to care. Water was about knee deep, but slow. Other than that it was pretty easy and fairly dull.