morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-25
From: VT 11/30

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd
Miles today: 17.8

We were up and headed to Friendly's for breakfast early this morning. Wendy dropped us off at the trailhead about 8AM. We started off as usual with a steady uphill climb. After a few miles we reached the summit of Bromley Mountain. The view was almost breath taking. 360 degrees of beautiful rugged mountains. Stratton mountain to the south and Killington to the north. It has been a long time since I'd seen a view that even comes close. On the summit was an observation tower where we chilled out for a while and soaked up some sun. Yes, that's right, SUN. Two days in a row of sunshine! After chilling for a while we headed down the other side of the mountain. I hated to leave. After a steep descent we started a climb to the top of Styles Peak where we had another nice vista. We chatted with some SOBO's and exchanged info. We now see more SOBO's than NOBO's. They still look so fresh and new and still have that newlywed air of excitement. We NOBO's on the other hand look a little worn out and like, if we try real hard we could maybe remember the honeymoon. I think the Whites may revive us a little. I have been hearing about how tough the Whites are since day one. So far I've handled and enjoyed tackling everything the AT has dished out. I am looking forward to another challenge. Anyway, after Styles Peak we climbed Peru Peak but somehow missed the vista. Baker Peak was an easy climb until near the very end where we had a steep rock scramble. I would not want to do that one in bad weather (there is a bad weather bypass). The view from the rocks was fair compensation for the effort. WW and I had taken many breaks today between meeting SOBO's and chilling at all the vista's and we were supposed to meet Wendy before 5PM. We headed down the trail at a good clip - the mud was flying everywhere. Even with two days of sunshine the trail was a sea of mud. We all voted to change the name "Vermont" to "Vermud". And the last state to Mosquitochusetts. How about Connetiyup? I can go on but will spare ya'll. We continued down the trail and crossed a neat suspension bridge. How they build these things where they build them fascinates me. At the bridge we met Wendy who just happened to have two cold Pepsi's. Wonderful trail magic. Another mile of hiking and we were finished for the day. Just one last night sleeping on sheets and then back to the wild. Two days of slack packing has been nice. We have to be up at 4AM so I'm hitting the sack. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

We were up with the alarm clock at 4AM. It was brutal getting up at that hour but we wanted breakfast and Wendy had to get to work after dropping us off at the trailhead. We ate and and then hit the trail before 7AM. The trail was in nice shape and it was evident that there had been a lot of recent work done in this area. It also looked like the area receives a lot of foot traffic. We passed Little Rock Pond and greeted the caretaker on our way by. At the top of White Rocks Mountain we took the side trail to the cliffs and chilled out for about a half hour. We continued on past VT140 and then up Bear Mountain. The trail to the summit was gently sloped with switchbacks. The trail then descended to Clarendon Gorge where we crossed the gorge on a very high suspension bridge. A sign indicated that a hiker had died at that location before the bridge was built. We then reached VT103 and headed to the Whistle Stop Cafe where I ordered and ate two meals. Next we had a very steep rock scramble up Beacon Hill. It was very tempting to stay the night at Clarendon Shelter but we managed to push on. We dragged our very tired butts into the Governor Clement Shelter just before dark. According to my altimeter watch we had climbed 4953 feet today. We also had walked 22.6 miles. And all that on about five hours sleep last night. Tomorrow we have a very long climb to the summit of Killington Mountain. And it will be in the rain as it is doing right now. Today I took my seventh fall of the hike (the sixth was in PA when I sprained my ankle). I stepped on a large wet and muddy boulder and both feet slipped right. I landed hard on my left side and slammed my left hip against the boulder. Fortunately the rock absorbed most of the blow so there was little damage done to the trail. I will not be sleeping on my left side anytime in the near future though. Speaking of sleep, that's what I intend to do right now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-28
From: US4 (Sherburne Pass)

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We slept in this morning but made sure to be up in time to enjoy the free breakfast (included in the price of the room). While it wasn't raining very heavy it looked ugly out. I would have loved to take a zero and sleep away most of the day. But a zero today would mean I couldn't get my mail drop in Hanover until Monday. So we loaded up and headed out into the wet and chilly wilderness. We first had to walk about .9 miles back to the trail on US 4. It was a little unnerving with vehicles zipping past you doing at least 60 mph. We found the blazes and and started to climb. After hiking about two more miles we passed the Sherburne Trail. At this point we were only a half mile from the Inn where we had started. I guess we should have come this way yesterday and we could have saved ourselves some road walking. We did not take the shortcut to this point because both WW and I want to hike the whole AT from start to finish. We soon arrived at Gifford Woods State Park. There was a notice inviting hikers to stop at the office to sign their register. When we got there they had a nice fire in the fireplace. We stopped to chat and to warm up and dry off a bit. While there we met a couple who were very impressed by our adventure. They offered a ride to and from the market we were heading to. That saved us almost a mile and a half walk - uphill all the way there. I needed some supplies and also picked up a nice sub. While I was shopping WW yelled out to me that our picture was in the newspaper. Front page of section B - a large color photo of us hiking in the rain with a big semi blowing past us. It was a neat surprise. I bought a few copies to send home when I get to Hanover. We ate our subs back at the park while warming ourselves next to the fireplace. We finally got back on the trail and for a while enjoyed hiking on some level trail. It didn't last long as we went over a thousand foot pud named Quimby Mountain. The humidity must have been near 100 percent and the sweat was just pouring off my head. We arrived at the shelter early but just did not feel like hiking on. That means we will have to put in a very long day tomorrow. I intend to go to sleep very early and hopefully get an early start in the morning. There are no deli's tomorrow so it will be hard to get motivated. Two more days and we should be finished with Vermud. The Whites are waiting... Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

We knew today was going to be a tough day and it certainly lived up to our expectations. I would be happy if this is my last twenty mile day. We were up and hiking early under clearing skies. We hiked up and down all day and never really gained much altitude. Throughout the day we climbed just over 6000 feet. It was nice to see sunny skies but I was as wet as ever because it was hot today. And the bugs - which must have been hiding during the rain- were out with a vengeance. All day long I was swating at them with my FTA bandana. Early today we passed the 1700 mile mark. Look on a map of the US and find a location 1700 miles from where you are and imagine walking that far. Throw in some mountains, rocks, mud, and snow and rain and you will probably come to the conclusion that I must be insane. Well, with the nice weather today we were treated to some great views. It reminded me of the views we had back in Tennessee. It is exciting knowing I'll be entering the Whites soon. Everyone says the views there are the best on the trail. I figure I have about five more weeks of hiking if all goes well. But I try not to look that far ahead. Tomorrow we should make it to Hanover NH. But first we pass through a little town with a place to get some grub. We will hit that for breakfast. Right now I am so tired I just want to close my eyes. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

We were up and on the trail before 7AM. I had to endure the mosquitos and heat all night. If I covered myself with the sleeping bag I was too hot. If I uncovered the buggers had a feast. I should have set up my tent last night. Anyway, we were on the trail early headed for the town of East Hartford. Once there we stopped at Rick & Tina's Country Store for breakfast and some drinks and also a nice big sub to pack for lunch. After leaving town and passing under I89 the trail climbed about a thousand feet or so. The heat and the residual tiredness from yesterday made the climb a bit slow. We stopped at the Happy Hill shelter for lunch and to check out the neat privy. The toilet lid said "Feed Me" and welcomed hikers to Happy Hill. Anyway, we continued along on trail beautifully maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club. I want to thank them for the fine job they did laying out and building this section of trail. No rocky, eroded gullies. No rocks for the sake of rocks. Just nicely graded trail through beautiful forests. A nice change of pace. We arrived in Norwich VT and I called Wendy to see if she would be at the trailhead. She instead met us in Norwich and took our packs to Hanover and brought us cold soda's too. So for the two mile road walk into Hanover we were slacking. At Hanover we stopped in the Post Office and I picked up all kinds of packages and goodies. We then went next door and had some ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. It hit the spot. Wendy then brought us to the motel where we cleaned up before heading out for a nice steak dinner. I was able to bring my backpack to the car wash and also to do some laundry. Tomorrow we plan to do some errands and to do some sightseeing. Wendy is familiar with this area and we will get to see it in a way most thru-hikers can't. I am looking forward to being a tourist for a day. Now I am going to read the inside of my eyelids. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we gave our feet and tired bodies a much needed day of rest. We didn't sit idle though. Wendy drove us to places where we were able to leave provisions for our trek through the Whites. We left a box of food in Glencliff, Crawford Notch, and Pinkham Notch. We worked it out that the most we will have to carry is two days of food - plus an emergency back-up meal or two. We also arranged to slack for one or two days. We were going to go to the top of Mount Washington but we were told the visibility at the top was less than 25 feet. We drove through most of the Whites and I'll tell you they are impressive. Any sane hiker would be intimidated looking up at them. I don't meet that criterior and am still looking forward to the challenge. I just hope to have some nice weather so we can enjoy the views. I doubt that I'll take another shot at the Whites so I want to get the most out of this trip. Setting up our food drops today will make things a bit easier. Tomorrow we will get to hike 20 miles without our packs thanks again to Wendy. She will pick us up and bring us back to Hanover so we get another goodnights rest in a real bed. And that's what I'm going to do now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Hanover, NH

To: Lyme-Dorchester (Smart Mtn. Ranger Trail)
Miles today: 19.6

We headed over to Lou's Bakery for a big breakfast and started our hike from there. No packs today! After resting our legs yesterday we got to rest our backs today. After a short road walk through the beautiful town of Hanover, we headed back into the woods. The trail gradually climbed until we reached the south peak of Moose Mountain. We took a nice break at the summit and enjoyed stretching out on the rocks. We descended steeply and then climbed again to the top of Holts Ledge. We got a view of the cliff just before the skies opened up on us. It rained like someone was dumping buckets on us. I didn't let it bother me - so I just started to sing. "I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain..." WW joined me but I think Bearbag Hanger just thought we were nuts. Wendy had met us at Goose Pond Road with soda's so maybe we were just on a sugar high. Anyway, we met up with Wendy about a mile from the car and hiked back with her. At the parking lot we (The Grey Beard Trio) treated Wendy to the song we had practiced at Holts Ledge. She had a good laugh. I thought we sounded pretty good and suggested we sign up for the Trail Days talent show next year. We headed back to the motel, washed up, picked up supplies at the store, ate dinner, and did laundry before calling it a day. There is a lot of work involved in thru-hiking. We have the alarm set for 5AM. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Lyme-Dorchester (Smart Mtn. Ranger Trail)

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

We had an early start because our trail-angel Wendy had to be back to work today. She was a great help this weekend - not only slacking us but also helping set up food drops and getting us our other supplies. We hit the triil early and I'll tell you, I wasn't feeling much like hiking. I just wanted to find somewhere to go back to sleep. Instead, I climbed. And I climbed. After climbing a couple thousand feet we reached the fire tower on top of Smarts Mountain. We then climbed the fire tower and enjoyed 360 degrees of view. The top is enclosed so it was nice and comphy inside. After chilling for a while we started heading down the mountain, and then up the next one. Mount Cube was next for us. It was another good climb but I enjoyed it tremendously. Much of it was a rock scramble but the views were fantastic. Much of the rock on Mt Cube is mica schist. It is very shiny and and breaks apart very easily. That leaves the ground covered with little sparkles. On such a bright sunny day it was fun hiking on such a sparkling surface. When we got to the summit we streched out on the rock and I took off my boots and most of my clothes. Between the sun and the breeze I wanted everything to dry and it did. I hated to leave but we still had a long way to go today. We hiked into the shelter just before 7PM. It had been a tough day with a gain of well over 5000 feet. I am falling asleep writing my journal. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: NH25 (Glencliff, NH)
Miles today: 7.4

It was a short day today and I'm glad. The body is feeling tired and I'll need some rest for what is just up ahead of me. Yesterday was a tough day and I slept well last night. I am happy to have a tent as the area was very buggy. It was rough trying to eat breakfast and drink our Starbucks with the mosquitos buzzing in our ears. These guys bite you right through your clothes. We were in no hurry leaving the shelter as we didn't have far to hike. The temp and humidity were really getting up there. I needed one hand to fight off the bugs that insisted on flying into my eyes as I hiked. That made it so I couldn't use my hiking poles. So today I hiked over rocks, swatting bugs, with sweat running down into my eyes. At least the sweat helped flush out the bugs stuck in my eyes. I was glad to call it a day after only 7 miles. We are at the Hikers Welcome Hostel where we will spend a few nights. The next couple of days we will slack the sections between here and Franconia Notch. Today we broke through the 400 mile mark. 398.5 miles left to go. I have entered an area that has no cell service and phones will be scarce. If there is anyone out there reading my journal I apologize if it doesn't remain as up to date as it has in the past. The entries may be a little shorter as I have been pretty spent by the end of the day. Judging by the maps, the next few weeks will be mighty tough.But I'll be in good company. Hammock Hanger will be joining me somewhere in the Whites and will be hiking with me (the rest of the way I hope). It will be fun. Well, I have to get some sleep and feed the mosquitos. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-04
From: NH25 (Glencliff, NH)

To: Kinsman Notch (NH112)
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We were able to sleep in this morning as it doesn't pay to hike up Moosilauke in the morning fog. We headed over for a nice breakfast and then started the climb up the mountain. The profile map looked like nothing we've seen anywhere on the AT up to this point. We climbed well over 3000 feet - mostly on rocks or rock steps. I have to admit, I enjoyed every bit of it. The morning was partly cloudy and a little cooler than it's been. The trail was well maintained and well planned. After a few miles we climbed above the treeline for the first time of this hike. The trees just ended and suddenly there was nothing but grasses and low lying plants. It was a strange landscape but also very beautiful. With no trees the views went on in every direction. The summit of Moosilauke is 4802 feet - from there you get a 360 degree view. Mountains extending in every direction for as far as the eye can see. We could see Franconia Ridge and well behind that stood Mount Washington (6288 feet). We will be climbing across these mountains over the next week or so. At the summit of Moosilauke we found a nice rocky area out of the wind to take a nice long break. The wind was blowing so hard you actually felt cold. I found a rock shaped like a chase lounge and made myself very comfy. We (BearBag Hanger, WW, Spearmint, and me) sat and ate and just enjoyed the feeling of sitting on the top of the world. The alpine vegitation looked so different from anything we've seen before. Even the smells seemed unique. There seemed to be hundreds of different kinds of rocks all over the trail - and I have always been fascinated with rocks and minerals. I kept stopping to pick up rocks so I could examine them. As if the summit didn't provide enough to see and enjoy, we also got to hike along almost a mile of cascading waterfalls. And through a forest that was so thick with moss and fungus and mushrooms it reminded me of Tolkin's Mirkwood. If the rest of the Whites are anything like today's hike, I can't wait to see more. Today was payday. I am looking forward to hiking Moosilauke again. I did manage to pull off fall number 8 of this hike. According to Wicomico Walker it was very graceful - he scored it at 5.85 on a scale of 1-6. I seemed to have perfected the two foot slide right, land on left hip, bounce back up menover. It works best and is a lot less painful when done on mud but is scored slightly lower because of the level of difficulty. Anyway, we returned to the Hiker Welcome Hostel in time for a birthday party and cookout honoring Phatt Chapp. Major amounts of good food and cake and ice cream. What a way to finish off a wonderful day. I will be up before sunrise tomorrow for a big day of tough hiking. Time for bed. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Kinsman Notch (NH112)

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up to the sound of my alarm at 5AM. We needed an early start because today we would need two shuttles and we had a long hard hike ahead of us. I had no idea just how tough it would be. We had breakfast and were on the trail at 7:15. The weather was almost perfect - cool and either partly cloudy or mostly sunny (depending on whether you see the glass as half empty). The profile map made today seem like it should be a breeze - especially without full packs. It was not a breeze. The climb up and down Kinsman was very steep and difficult. Climbing was not really as bad as descending. Unlike Moosilauke there were no rebar handholds and few other aids. This was no tourist trail. In some places you walked down rock at about a 45 degree angle - praying all the way that your boots would hold. At times I just threw my poles down the trail to free up my hands to grab hold of anything available. Trees, rock, roots, whatever was handy. I did the sit and slide method more than once. It was just an exhausting day and I am sure there is a lot more to come. But it wasn't all hard work today. We sat at Kinsman Pond and enjoyed its beauty while we ate a snack. We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Franconia Ridge from the north summit of Kinsman - and ate our lunch there. We stopped in to check out our first AMC hut (Lonesome Lake Hut) and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee while chating with the "Croo". We were able to figure where the trail will take us up Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette. Speaking of Mt Lafayette - it is an awesome sight when viewed from Kinsman - especially on a beautiful day like today. We were above some of the clouds and as they blew passed us they would hit Lafayette and go up and over. The views in the Whites just keep getting better and better. And the trail is getting tougher and tougher. According to my altimeter, the total combined ascent and descent was more than ten thousand feet over the 16.3 miles I hiked today. I earned the right to a good nights sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We didn't start hiking today until almost 11AM. We had a long shuttle plus we had breakfast and did laundry in North Woodstock NH. Bearbag Hanger, Spearment, Wicomico Walker, and I started out together for the long climb up Franconia Ridge. The climb turned out to be easier than I expected and we all had lunch at the Liberty Spring Campsite. The trail soon became steeper and BearBag Hanger and Spearment soon fell behind. WW and I soon climbed above treeline and enjoyed some wonderful views. We quickly became chilled and had to continue hiking. Today was unseasonably cold and the wind was blowing pretty hard without trees to block it. I put on a hat and my polartec jacket. My fingers were getting knumb from the cold. And this is August 6th! I've come a long way from South Florida. We summited Mt Lincoln (5089') and finally Mt Lafayette at 5249 feet. From the top of Lafayette we thought we could see BBH and Spearment way back in the distance. Then the clouds rolled in and we could barely see the trail. We were in the clouds and they were blowing by us at a fast pace. We were wet from sweat and as soon as you stopped hiking you became very chilled. After leaving Lafayette we dropped back down into the trees. Much of the descent was a rock scramble so it was very time consuming and a lot of hard work. A lot of hand over hand climbing. The sun was starting to drop as we climbed Mt Garfield - our last big climb of the day. We took the side trail to the summit and enjoyed the sunset. That left little daylight to climb down to the campsite. We arrived late and tired and checked in with the caretaker. He informed us the shelter was full and led us to a tent platform. We each paid the $8.00 fee and set up our tents. We had a cold dinner because neither of us felt like hiking .3 miles in the dark to get water. There is still no sign of the other two hikers. The trail is tough and you can no longer figure to do 2 miles per hour. In the 10 miles we hiked today we climbed 6000 feet. I am in no rush and am just happy to have a 30 degree sleeping bag. I'm about to pull it up over my head. Did I mention that I have passed the 1800 mile mark? 1811.7 miles completed. Makes me tired just to think about it. Goodnight,Lwop