morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Tentsite
Miles today: 10.3

Two days ago Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I had a short five mile hiking day so that we could meet Sharon (Mountain Man's wife). With rain in the forecast yesterday, we decided to zero. Tackling steep rocky decents that are common in the White Mountains when conditions are wet is somewhat of a concern. Early this morning, Sharon dropped us off at Franconia Notch and we began a seven mile rocky accent up to Mt. Lafayette, climbing to an elevation near 5300. We were above tree line for several hours while hiking along the famous Franconia Ridge. Visibility opened up occasionally, providing some spectacular views. Oddly, ridge level clouds rolled in from opposite directions simultaneously. As we left the summit it began to rain. Our rocky steep decent became very slippery, making forward progress extremely slow - about one mile an hour. This evening we are at Garfield Ridge camp site with our tents set up on wooden platforms. More rain is predicted tonight, but we are hunkered down comfortably in our Tarptent. Nedthefed, Waterboy, Tiger, and Gator are here as well.With a steep decent and wet terrain in the morning, it looks like tomorrow's hiking pace may be slow going.
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Garfield Ridge Tentsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.9

It started to rain hard shortly after our early morning departure, making the steep and rocky descent down Garfield Ridge quite treacherous. With no where else for rain water to go, our rocky boulder strewn "trail" quickly became a waterfall/brook. With increased chance of an accident, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I moved very cautiously, taking more than an hour to cover just 1/2 mile. Later, Nedthefed, moving through the same area, suffered a bad tumble bloodying his knee. For a short time he thought his hike might be over (Note; We caught up with Ned at the end of the day and it looks like he will probably be sore, but fine to continue his hike).Tonight will be our first stay in an ATC hut - the Zealand Falls Hut built in 1932. ATC huts are primarily designed for paying (@$110 per night) recreational hikers. Power is generated three ways - a hydro water pump/generator, solar panels, and a single wind turbine which can operate in wind speeds of 4-110 mph. All appliances run from 12 volt DC power. Human and food waste (with a few exceptions like citrus and leftover meat)) is composted on site. Waste that can't be composted is "packed out" by hut staff (croo).Food is "delivered" two ways. At the beginning of the season a helicopter drop is used to deliver nonperishable products. Twice per week the croo carries in perishable food using special packs. An average individual's load is 80 pounds. Thru hikers are permitted to stay at ATC huts on a "work to stay" basis. The arrangement provides meal leftovers after paying customers are fed and a spot in the dining room to sleep. Tag-along and I were assigned cob web clearing duty, while Mountain Man cleaned the freezer. The Zealand Falls Hut croo has been very accommodating to us. Other thru hikers here include Tiger, Gator, Nedthefed, Waterboy, and Blacklist. We all enjoyed an excellent "leftovers" meal which included Turkey and Corn Soup and Blackbean Soup, Burgandy Chicken, rice, pizza, salad, stir fry, bread, and cookies.After dinner Gator and Tiger joined Tag-along and I after we offered to do dishes. The Hut Master appreciated our willingness to provide help above and beyond what was required.Skies are clearing and the weather forecast for the next several days is looking great. We're very happy about that because some of the most spectacular hiking in the White Mountains is within our reach!!
Date: 2009-08-26
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 12.6

In preparing for our AT thru hike, Tag-along and I often heard that Mt. Washington's weather is notoriously erratic. Winds exceeding hurricane force occur an average of 110 days per year. From November to April, these strong winds are likely to occur during two-thirds of the days. Mount Washington holds the world record for directly measured surface wind speed, at 231 mph.Little did Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I know that we would experience Mt. Washington's erratic tendencies firsthand today. Sharon, (Mountain Man's wife) dropped us off at Crawford Notch promptly at 6:30 and we immediately began to attack the 5000 foot climb toward the summit of Mt. Washington. Today's hike would take us above tree line much of the day, so we were excited to start out the day with good weather. Sharon planned to pick us up at the top of Mt. Washington.Three miles into our hike we topped Mt. Webster and enjoyed beautiful views. Several miles later we encountered the Mizpah Spring Hut and stopped for soup and bread. Mac, one of the croo, was exceptional friendly, offering to make us hot coffee "on the house". Soon after moving on from there we noticed the sky getting cloudy.Our continued ascent took us above tree line and into the clouds. Winds picked up considerably and it began to rain. Visibility was down to about 20 feet, so Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I took special care to keep each other in sight. Seeing any white blaze was unlikely, so we navigated from rock carian to carian. By the time we reached the summit of Mt. Washington, it was sleeting and winds were blowing near 65 mph. Sharon, who was worried about us hiking in such extreme weather, seemed visibly relieved when we arrived.We were reminded of the importance of having appropriate gear. Weather conditions above tree line were brutal, but we remained warm and safe in our Montbell synthetic jackets and wind pants. On the opposite end of the spectrum was a father and three teenagers that we encountered between the summit of Mt. Washington and the Lake of the Ponds Hut. They were dress inappropriately (for these conditions), cold and wet. One of the kids was visibly frantic. We reassured them that they were about 1/2 mile away from the hut. When we arrived at the Visitors' Center on Mt. Washington, Mountain Man reported the encounter. Shortly after we were told they arrived safely. Tomorrow we continue on from the summit of Mt. Washington, through the Presidential Range - all above tree line. We wonder - will the weather treat us more kindly?
Date: 2009-08-27
From: Mt. Washington

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

What one difference a day makes. When Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I arrived on top of Mt. Washington to continue our hike through the Presidential Range, we were blessed with outstanding hiking conditions. Winds at the summit of Mt. Washington averaged 55 mph with a wind chill of 24 degrees. That didn't concern us because we have the necessary gear and clothing. More important - skies were clear and sunny with 135 miles visibility! That level of visibility is almost unheard of in the White Mountains. The Atlantic Ocean (70 miles away) could be seen in the distance.The views were absolutely spectacular as we remained above tree line most of the day, moving past Mt. Washington and then Mt. Clay, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, Mt. Quincy Adams, and up Mt. Madison. We stopped at Madison Hut for great potato soup and brownies.The 3000 foot rocky decent down Mt. Madison to the Osgood Tent Site was rather tough on the knees. Nevertheless, this turned out to be one of our most memorable days of hiking the AT!
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Carter Notch 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: fog

As Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I near the end of our hike through the White Mountains, we still have a couple of formidable mountains to tackle. Yesterday we put Wildcat Mountain behind us.While on the way to Wildcat Mountain, we came to an AMC Center which offered showers (3 minutes for $1.00) and a grill with deli sandwiches. We took advantage of both. While there we got the weather report - heavy rain is on the way. Getting up The Wildcats was a STEEP 2000 foot climb. Once on top, we moved up and down five different letter named peaks - Wildcat A, B, C, D, and E. A 1000 foot steep descent brought us off Wildcat E and into Carter Notch where we found a place to stealth camp. Heavy rain moved in during the night, but as usual we stayed warm and dry in our Tarptent. We face a tough climb out of Carter Notch. With high winds and hard rain continuing this morning, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I have decided to play it safe and bunk at the nearby Carter Notch Hut. Alex, one of the hut croo, made us feel very welcome, offering a variety of tasty meal leftovers. Tag-along and I pitched in and did the morning dishes, which was greatly appreciated.So today we relax and stay dry before moving on tomorrow. Maine is just 31 trail miles away!
Date: 2009-08-31
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

Yesterday morning everyone was awakened by Alex, one of the Carter Notch croo, singing a wake-up song and playing his guitar outside the bunkhouse. He announced that breakfast would be served in 25 minutes. The Carter Notch Hut was our second overnight stay at an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut in the White Mountains National Forest - this time as paid guests. We also visited several other huts as well, enjoying rest breaks and snacks. Overall, these experiences were very positive. The hutmasters and croo we encountered were very supportive of thru hikers. That was a pleasant and somewhat unexpected surprise. While at the Carter Notch Hut, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I enjoyed getting to know Jim, who roomed with us in our four bunk room. In retrospect, yesterday's decision to wait out the rain at the Carter Notch Hut turned out to be a sound one. After summitting Carter Mountain, we enjoyed beautiful views of the entire Presidential Range. The descents down Carter Mountain were some of the steepest and most technical we've dealt with. Most of the time we weren't hiking down the mountain - we were rock climbing. It would have been scary tackling that in the rain.Tonight we are camped on a tent platform at the Imp Campsite, a beautiful wooded area. Ryan, the caretaker provides a beer to each thru hiker that made it this far. We graciously accepted his gift.Today we got our usual early morning start and hiked 8 miles into Gorham, NH to resupply. Maine is just 16 miles up the trail!
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Gorham, NH

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

Walking on huge granite boulders was pretty much the norm as Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I worked our way through the White Mountains. After leaving Gorham early this morning we commented how nice it was to be hiking again on "normal" trail (i.e. dirt, mud, roots, and rocks).We had a good belly laugh today when I slipped from a log, sunk ankle high in deep mud, and then fell backward rear end first. No harm done. I later washed my hiking pants and shoes in a brook. Tomorrow morning we enter Maine, leaving New Hampshire behind with fond memories of challenging but incredible hiking. It should take us about three weeks to complete the state of Maine - bringing our end to end thru hike to a close. Many thru hikers comment that Maine was their favorite state.This evening we are tent camping in a beautiful area, the Gentian Pond Shelter Campsite. Before dinner, Tag-along and I sat next to the pond, soaking in the beautiful scenery and solitude.Other hiking friends camping here this evening include Waterboy, Ned the Fed, Joe Kickass, Wheeler, Kiwi, and Stud the Dud.Tomorrow we hike just ten miles to The Full Goose Shelter in order to position ourselves near Mahoosuc Notch, a mile long jumbled pit of giant bolders. It is billed as the most difficult mile of the AT. We intend to take our time and have fun in the process.
Date: 2009-09-02
From: Gentian Pond Shelter and Campsite

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

It somehow seems appropriate that Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I faced a 1400 foot climb up Mt. Success before leaving New Hampshire behind us.We're finally in Maine! The last of 14 AT states greeted us with very steep ascents/decents along with some of the most incredible views that we've seen on the trail so far. Southbounders that we've talked to concede that the next 50 miles of trail are extremely difficult. We plan to continue our strategy of cutting back on daily mileage for a while, allowing a slower and safer pace. Further up the trail we'll pick up the pace.   For the past few days we've seen a lot of moose prints and scat along the trail. We can't wait until our first sighting. Yesterday we heard a bear bellow nearby in the woods, but couldn't spot him due to thick vegetation. The best surprise of the day was finally meeting Gentle Ben. Our friend Nice Lenses hiked with Gentle Ben and spoke highly of him. We want to give a special shout out to Debbie from Dublin, Gentle Ben's wife, who follows our AT journal.
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campground

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning we tackled Mahoosuc Notch - commonly described as one of the toughest miles on the AT. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I enjoyed the challenge, taking two hours to safely work our way through the mile long jumbled pit of giant bolders. We had to remove our packs twice in order to squeeze through small openings.Once out of the notch, we took a break on some sitting rocks. A very tame chipmunk came up looking for snack crumbs. He hung out with us for about ten minutes and made out quite well. The climb out of Mahoosic Notch to the Arm Summit was really tough, taking us over an hour to complete.We had lunch at Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite. Speck Pond, the highest body of water in Maine, is absolutely beautiful, From there we continued to climb to our highest elevation for the day (4200'). After 11 hours of very strenuous hiking, rock climbing, ascending and descending, we decided to find a stealth camping spot and call it a day.Tomorrow we hike 10 miles and catch a shuttle to Andover, ME where we will resupply and stay at Pine Ellis Lodging for the night
Date: 2009-09-05
From: East B Hill Road

To: Old Blue
Miles today: 12.0

Yesterday's 10 mile hike to our shuttle pick-up at East B Hill Road was on decent trail, allowing us to move quickly. Since cell reception is nonexistent at the road, hikers are advised to call from the top of the last mountain before descending down. We asked the Pine Ellis Lodge for a 2:00 pick-up and walked onto the road at exactly that time. Our shuttle driver, who drove up as we walked off the trail, was visibly pleased.Andover, ME is a tiny village with just one convenience store/grill. Food resupply options were very limited but we made due. Many hiking friends were at the Pine Ellis Lodge as well. These includes Zen, Fat Kid, Cous Cous, Gator, Tiger, Ned the Fed, and Waterboy.Today we put 12 miles behind us, passing up and over Wyman Mountain, Moody Mountain, and up most of Old Blue Mountain.We enjoyed meeting The Birds (Mockingbird, Hummingbird, and Tufted Tit Mouse), three classy ladies from Colorado, while hiking today.This evening Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I are stealth camped just before the final climb up Old Blue. There is a lot of moose scat around. We are hoping for a moose sighting soon.
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Stealth Camp near Blue Mountain

To: Sabbath Day Pond
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Many thru hikers that we've spoken with share that Maine is their favorite of the 14 AT states. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I are beginning to understand why.Scenic mountaintop views are spectacular and plentiful. Beautiful ponds enhance the landscape. Lush evergreen woods with mossy covered forest floor are common. We have been blessed with perfect hiking weather since entering Maine four days ago - sunny days with temperatures in the 70's and crisp cool nights. The same weather is the forecast for the next six days!The AT trail has become a path again, instead of following white blazes painted on boulders and rocky ledges up and down steep mountains. Today it felt good to get our mileage up to 15. Tonight we are camped at Sabbath Day Shelter area near a very large and beautiful pond. Tag-along and Mountain Man braved the cool temperatures and went swimming. Throughout the night we serenaded by loons across the pond - night sounds Tag-along and I enjoy hearing as much as owls.Tomorrow we plan to go into Rangeley, ME to resupply for our next leg to Stratton, ME.
Date: 2009-09-08
From: RangeleÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ½, MN

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

When Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I emerged from the woods yesterday incredible trail magic awaited us.Steady and her husband Steve were parked at the ME 4 parking lot waiting for thru hikers. They offered cold Gatoraide, cookies, and a ride into Rangeley. Their generosity didn't stop there as lodging was paid for at the Saddleback Motor Inn as well. Steady and Steve are wonderful people.Steady has achieved "Triple Crown" status, hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide. Very impressive!Rangeley is a beautiful little Maine town nestled among several lakes. Many of our hiking friends (Cous Cous, Fat Kid, The Birds, and Boudraux) decided to zero there. We left town feeling well nourished and strong.This morning we tried to hitchhike in order to get an early ride back to the trail. It took about an hour, but we finally got a ride from a nice stay at home mother who had just dropped her daughter off at high school. Today's hike took us above tree line as we ascended Saddleback Mountain, The Horn, and Saddleback Junior. The views were breathtaking. Tag-along and I were excited to encounter Burley Girl and Bugsy, a very likable couple section hiking the AT. We first met them hiking the trail in Tennessee last April. Tonight we are camped at the Poplar Ridge Lean-to, along with Waterboy and Goatman. Goatman, a section hiker from Tennessee, is known for hiking with his pet goat. Since he had to fly north, he left his goat back home. NOTE: The following pictures of Goatman with his goat were later added on October 11. With many hiking friends staying back in town today, we seem to be somewhat isolated. That's fine with us. Tomorrow we dip below the 200 miles to go mark!
Date: 2009-09-09
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday's 14 mile hiking day moved us closer to the end of Maine's toughest section. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I had two significant climbs and descents. These come easy for us, however, because at this juncture northbound thru hikers are in great physical and cardiovascular shape.Having said this, one topic area rarely addressed in our journal is that of physical ailments common to thru hikers. The truth of the matter is we all deal with physical pain at one time or another or some pain all the time. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I all tolerate the same annoying ailment - a sore left foot. Obviously this doesn't prevent hiking, but sometimes walking can be difficult. Strangely, all pain in my feet suddenly disappeared five days ago. I have no idea how long this will last, but feel grateful for this spell of relief. Will I remain pain free all the way Katahdin? Only time will tell. Our streak of stellar hiking weather continues, although it now gets quite chilly at night. Tag-along and I are happy to have our cold weather sleeping bags and gear.This morning we hiked a quick seven miles to Maine Highway 27 and immediately got a ride into the quaint Maine village of Stratton where we will resupply.The end of our incredible adventure is within sight. Tomorrow we begin the 13 day countdown!
Date: 2009-09-11
From: Stratton, ME

To: Safford Notch
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Each mile of today's hike came slowly as Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I completed the Bigelow Mountain Range, the last of Maine's really challenging steep mountainous terrain until we reach Katahdin. The Bigelow Mountain's are made up of four peaks, three of which are above tree line. Each time that we summitted above tree line, the views of Maine's lakes and forested terrain were absolutely spectacular. With the terrain ahead flattening out somewhat, we intend to increase our daily mileage - hoping for a September 22 or 23 completion date.Tonight we are camped at the Safford Notch Campsite. Earlier today, the Horns Pond Caretaker informed us that bear activity has been common here, so we took extra special care to hang our food.We hit the 2000 mile mark today!
Date: 2009-09-12
From: Safford Notch

To: Stealth Camp Near Carrying Place Stream
Miles today: 18.0

Our streak of beautiful dry Maine hiking weather continued today and sunny weather is forecasted for the next six days. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!This morning Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I completed the Bigelow Mountain Range, putting Little Bigelow behind us. The terrain then flattened out, relatively speaking, allowing us to pick up the pace - hiking 18 miles. A major highlight of the day was encountering wonderful trail magic offered by "Heading Home" (a 2000 thru hiker) and his lovely wife. We sat around a nice campfire and thoroughly enjoyed cheeseburgers, chips, a variety of juices and drinks, and many other snacks as well. The generosity of others that we encounter on the trail never ceases to amaze us.One aspect of hiking the AT in Maine that we love is the feeling of being in the wilderness. For example, the beautiful ponds that we passed today (lakes by most standards) are completely uninhabited. This evening we are stealth camped near the trail about seven miles south of Caratunk, ME.Tomorrow morning we come to the Kennebec, a river that AT hikers are asked not to ford. Because it is a dam release river the level can rise quickly and unexpectedly. The ATC provides a canoe ferry service to ensure safe passage.
Date: 2009-09-14
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to 
Miles today: 14.7

Yesterday's easy seven mile hike brought us to the Kennebec River where Shadow, a 2005 thru hiker employed by the Appalchian Trail Conservancy (ATC), was waiting to ferry us across in the "official" canoe. After two trips Tag-along, Mountain Man, Waterboy, and I were safely on the northside. Within minutes of getting to the road (only the second paved road we've seen in Maine), we got a ride to our lodging for the night at the Northern Outdoor Center. Our secret for getting rides quickly is putting Tag-along at the front of the hitchhike line. The Northern Outdoor Center turned out to be a great stay - one that we would recommend to other hikers. Rooms were inexpensive, priced from $28 to $48. Other amenities include a great brew pub and restaurant in the main lodge, hot tub, pool, Internet, and coin laundry. The staff was very hiker friendly. Nicole, who was bartenderring, even offered to take us to the trail the following morning.While there Mountain Man, Tag-along, and I planned our final 10 days of hiking. If all goes as planned, we expect to emerge from the 100 Mile Wilderness on September 22 and summit Katahdin on the 23rd.As promised, Nicole picked us up this morning to shuttle us to the trail. After we unloaded and she drove away, Tag-along realized that her trekking poles were still in Nicole's van. We quickly hitched a ride back to the Northern Outdoor Center, recovered the missing poles, and got a ride back to the trail.Nicole rearranged her early morning schedule to help us out, which we really appreciate.After hiking 15 miles today, we are camping near the Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to. Our plan is to hike close to Monson, ME tomorrow and then resupply the following day in preparation of the 100 Mile Wilderness. It's hard to believe that our thru hike will be complete in just nine days!