morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 6.0

Well here we are in New Hampshire and another state down, it took the 5 of us only 2 hours and 15 mins to do the 6 miles, we took photo's of the bridge crossing ate breakfast.Barbara left the trail, she said she can't hike alone.I did a lot of soul searching and I have decided that I need to hike my own hike, I have been hearing this all along and people have said, you have to hike your own hike, well I have not been doing that and now just a few short weeks away from finishing the AT, I finaly get what that means, I have not been hiking my own hike for the last 4 plus months and now that I am marching to the beat of MY OWN drum, I am so much happier and know when I get to Katahdin I will not look back with regret but with pride at my achievement.I am tagging along with Castanets, Boo Boo and wingheart, who currenty has his daughter and son hiking for a couple of days, we are spending the night just past the scoccer field, they allow hikers to camp there, we are all looking forward to the leg which we know will be hard and hot, we are in the laundromat at the oment after being allowed to shower in one of the Frat house's at Dartmouth, Hanover is a nice towne with lots of young people here for summer studies, well time to fold the laundry.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Hanover, New Hampshire

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

We started on the trail at 6am 6 of us in all, I have to admitt it has been and up hill day and pretty hard as well, tomorrow won't be as long as today but it is going to be a hard one, there are 10 people at the shelter at the moment, also there s a breeze blowing is a blessing.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

We were all up and on the trail just after 6am, young Jessica (Winghearts daughter) is feeling a bit sore today after hiking 17 miles yesterday, it was her first long hike, I hope it doesn't dull her desire to hike.We got to see some 360 degree views of the mountains including the whites from Cube Mountain fire tower, the shelter we are in is actually a hexagon shape and is a large shelter, well time to make dinner.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glencliff, Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 5.7

The shelter was packed last night, between 25 and 30 hikers all up, SoBo's, NoBo's and section hikers, it made for a fun a fun time, I also met up with John, the young hiker who hiked through the blizzard in North Carolina with me and who also helped me with my matt and sleeping bag when I was so cold I couldn't do it myself, I was good to catch up on where he has been, he went north to Katahdin and is hiking south.I saw some of the best views so far on the trail from Mt Cube, I am told the best is yet to come and I am looking forward to it, although hard, I have found the Mountains enjoyable, its' a new found experience and a delight to be able to hike my own hike with some great hikers who encourage me to do so, well we are back on the trail tomorrow morn after a dry night at the hostel, there are a lot of new faces here tonight with a nice atmosphere.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Glencliff, Hiker Hostel

To: Glencliff Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

We got up this morning with only 10 miles to do, we came off the trail 10 miles short of the hostel and got a ride with winghearts sone and daughter to the hostel due to heavy rain, we got a shuttle back to our exit point on 25A and did the 10 miles notth to the hostel, we then decided to to head into Lincoln / North Woodstock and zero tomorrow because of heavy rain forecast, it doesn't seem like a good idea to attempt Moosilauke in the rain, so we will do it on Thursday
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Glencliff Hiker Hostel

To: Hiker Hostel, Lincoln / North Woodstock, ME
Miles today: 0.0

It's wingheart's Birthday today so a zero is a good way to celegrate it.It is raining and has been for most of the night last night and today, it is clearing up at the moment and hopefully it will be a good day to get some miles in, it is also predicted rain for Fri through to and including Mon.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Hiker Hostel, Lincoln / North Woodstock, ME

To: Chesters Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

It was the last leg of our North/South section, Mnt Moosilake was not the beast we had bee hearing about, the waterfalls were wonderful, we got the full effect walking up the mountain facing them, it was very steep but not as slippery going up as it would have been goig down, we got to RD 25 and walked to the hiker hostel and got a shuttle back to Chesters Hostel in Lincoln, we had time to shower, wash and eat, then it was time for sleep before getting up early and heading back to the trail.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Chesters Hiker Hostel

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We ate breakfast and our shuttle back to the trail arrived, our day was more up than down but it was the most beautiful sight from the top of Franconia Notch, Mnt Lafayette, Little Haystack, Mnt Lincoln, the Whites are beautiful, it was a clear and sunny day with views that went forever, the clouds stated rolling in and the wind turned cold, so we headed down the mountain, it was steep and very rocky with some water and mud in places which made it slippery in places, it is still cool sitting hear at the shelter, it makes a nice change from the past months of hot humid days.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Chesters Hiker Hostel

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We ate breakfast and our shuttle back to the trail arrived, our day was more up than down but it was the most beautiful sight from the top of Franconia Notch, Mnt Lafayette, Little Haystack, Mnt Lincoln, the Whites are beautiful, it was a clear and sunny day with views that went forever, the clouds stated rolling in and the wind turned cold, so we headed down the mountain, it was steep and very rocky with some water and mud in places which made it slippery in places, it is still cool sitting hear at the shelter, it makes a nice change from the past months of hot humid days.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: fog

The shelter and tent sites were full, I slept well which was good considering the hard day we have had, mostly rock climbing and decending, I have to admitt it is hard work and my quads are sore, it's as if I have just started exercise after a long break of doing nothing, Lots of vitamin I and stretching is about all than can be done, there is still a lot of climbing ahead of me yet, South twin Mnt and Zealand Notch.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Mizpah hut/campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: fog

I have to say the beauty is as rugged and vast as the mountains and the terrain, it is breath taking walking atop of these Mountains, there is no other way to see it aparto form hiking, we crossed Crawford Notch, Webster Cliffs, Mt Webster and Mt Jackson to Mizpah hut mid afternoon and got a chance to lay down and rest my right leg that has given me problems for ost of the day, we had dinner at 6 and I am now ready for sleep.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Mizpah hut/campsite

To: valley way tentsite
Miles today: 11.8

Finaly the day is here, Mt Washington was one of our most feared climbs, I don't know why I was so afraid of it , yes it was cold 21 degree's with the wind chill factor, and 60 mile an hour wind gusts with cloud, but this seemed to bemore the case for Mt Pierce and Mt Franklin, also at the Lakes of the Clouds being up on these Mountains above tree line with only rocks and boulders to walk on, takes a huge toll on your energy reserves, trying to stay on my feet became my number 1 focus, I had to stop and put on gloves and hat due to the icy cold gale that was blowing, by the time I got to the summit, Castanets and Wingheart were getting the camera's out. we went to the summit and had our photo's taken then went inside to have a hot dog and drink, by the time we finished the wind had died down considerably and the sky cleared, I can't tell you in works the scene that was before us, Mt's Clay, Jefferson, Adams and Maddison all seemed at a hands reach away with not a tree in sight, as we made our way down Mt Washington, Wingheart was determined to moon the Choo Choo, that did regular trips up and down the mountain, this is apparently a hiker tradition each year, so we waited for a short time and along came the train, he had earlier written in sharpie on his butt, AT 07, I wasn't sure if he would actually do it, then he did, the engineer on the train responded with a moon back, so it didn't matter where you put your eyes you saw a moon, he then decided the 2nd train was on it's way up he did it again, the engineer of that train started throwing coal at him but his aim was out, all I could do was laugh, now, if that wasn't enough, along came another train the 3rd one, so down went the pack and his shorts and he bent over and proceeded to wriggle his buttonce again at the train and everyone on board, Castanets and I left him to it, we did not want to get hit by flying coal.It was nearly dark by the time I got to the campsite, it was .6 down hill from the trail and also very steep. so it means an up hill climb before we even start the AT miles, it's been a great day with lots of laughs.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: valley way tentsite

To: Notch Visitor Center
Miles today: 7.8

W woke at 5:30 packed our tents away and headed .6 up the hill to the trail, it was very windy with dark rain clouds looming as we started up the trail on Mt Maddison, it was apparent the conditions were worse than Mt Washington yesterday, we had to take our pack covers off as the were catching the wind which made things even more perilous for us, we weren't making much head way ( or so it seemed ) we reached the summit and after getting some balance against the wind we took photo's then as quickly as we could we started down, there are so many Carins we almost got lost following the wrong ones, but soon we were back on track again, the Joe Dodge Lodge was a most welcome site and after a shower and dinner it's great to be on level ground again even if it is for a short time, we finish Pinkham Notch tomorrow as well as wildcat Mnts D and A so it's lights out.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Notch Visitor Center

To: Imp Campsite shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

We left the Joe Dodge Lodge, the weather was really nice to start with and for most of the day, the name wild cat is appropirate for the mountain, Peak D and A, Carter Notch, Carter Dome, Sth Carter Middle and North Carter Mtns all have some magnificant views looking back on Maddison and Mt Washington, it's hard to imagine we actually walked over them it all seem surreal, yet here we are, as the afternoon progressed the sky was getting darker and rain was threatening, we were on a lot of exposed rock atop of the mtns, then it strted, it is quite scary trying to stay on your feet while decending some very sluppery rocks and tree roots, the Imp shelteris 300 yards formthe trail and seems more like 3 miles we reached the shelter drenched but none the worse for wear, there is 5 other hikers in the shelter, Casatanets and wingheart are tenting, we are resupplying in Gorham tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Imp Campsite shelter

To: Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Todays 8 miles were fun and we had some lovey views, I slipped twice but wasn't hurt, I landed on my behind, Castanets slid down a rock but never fell, it was as if he was on skates, he managed to even do a turn on the rock while sliding, we laughed at the comical site.It was good to get to the road, we got a hitch imediately and were taken to the PO then to the hikers Paradise hostel, we got our shopping, Laundry, showers and eating done, now it's time for a clean dry bed, boy it's the little things in life that mean the most.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Hiker Paradise hostel ( zero day )

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up at 6 ate brekky then got a ride to the trail head from a fellow hiker who had his car with him, it has been an easy day with small elevations, Moss pond and Gentioan pond plus Dream lake were prety lakes and great for taling photo's, we cross into Maine tomorrow, the last leg of our hike, boy what a journey it has been so far, fun, challenging, arduous, scarey, hot, cold and just about every other emotion you could feel, but most of all it has been rewarding, both physicaly and emotionaly.This shelter is sitting on the side of a mountain and has a beautiful view of some hills and a valley, it seems like a million miles form any where.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full goose Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.0

It started out cool, but it wasn't long before the gloves and jacket came off, it was straight up hill and thats how it was for most of the day, we met 2 day hikers a father and son the gave us some energy bars that were welcome , we ate them and the wre on our way, the day has been glorious , sunshine and blue sky, we were looking back over Mt Washington, I got some good photo's, most people are tenting with 5 of us in the shelter, the temp is dropping, I am going to have an early night, we have the Mahoosuc Notch to tackle tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Full goose Mountain shelter

To: Andover/Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We left a little later today, we wanted to do the Mahoosuc Notch when the rocks were dry, less chance of slipping, as it turned out that was a wise decission, the notch was hard and took us two and a half hours to do, we did take photo's along the way, the dead moose must have mellowed over time, it didn't smell any worse than some of the pivy's we have been to, that was a bonus because there is no escaping it, the trail go's right along side it. The rest of the day was just as hard as the notch, we decided to do the extra miles and head into Andover, we got a shuttle from the trail head and will get it back out in the morning and then will be picked up again tomorrow night again, this we will do for two days, at least we will have showers and a clean bed for a couple of nights, Radar and Dance'e with Sloths is also here tonight.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Road 26 

To: South arm road
Miles today: 10.0

We were at the trail at around 7:30, what a lovely surprise it was, the trail was a treat with one significant elevation which was not too hard, the rest of the trail was easy going and Castanets and I were finished the 10 miles at 1pm.We are relaxing at the Hostel all showered and soon to have dinner, the clothes are in the washing machine so we have clean ones to start the 13 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: South arm road

To: ME, 17
Miles today: 13.0

Well here we are again for another night at the Pine Ellis Hostel, but it is our last night here, tomorrow we hit Rangely.Today was a hard day, although it was only 13 miles, it was very wet as it rained all night long and the trail was extemely slick, I fell twice and tripped, slipped and stumbled my way for the rest of the day, the sheet rock was covered with a slimy film.I did however get some geat shots of some of the fungi that is growing on and around the tree's and on the ground.We were in the shuttle and heading back to the hostel when we saw a car on the side of the road, the guy in the car was filming something, we stopped and went back to where he was and there was a large female Moose, she was just standing there, so out came the camera's I got a number of shots and am hoping they turn out ok, it was really exciting to have the chance of seeing one.It is raining at the moment and I hope it stops before the morning, even if it does, the trail is going to be very muddy and as slippery as ice again, so that means taking it slowly again.Time to get some rest and pack for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: ME, 17

To: Road 4
Miles today: 13.1

It rained this evening for the 3rd day in a row which means another slippery day tomorrow, we did get to see another Moose again this morning on our way to the trail, I did not get the chance to get a pic, it was spooked and soon took off into the thick undergrowth and tree's.Todays hike was a good one with very small elevations and a great trail, we arrived at the trail head and were soon picked up and brought here to Full Pond Hiker Hostel, the sky was beautiful at sunset with dark rain clouds hanging in front of a magnificant Pink back drop, it then turned to Amber color outside, fingers crossed for a clear hiking day tomorrow.I was woken by a sting to the face at 1am this morning, I picked what I thought was a spider or ant off of my face, then reaching for the sheet I was stung on the finger,It was like a red hot needle, Wingheart and Castanets came to the rescue, they found a yellow jacket, what nasty little critters they are,time to get some rest, it's a hard day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Road 4

To: Poplar Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

After a great nights sleep and brekky we were at the trail before 8am, there was a lot of elevation, we went over Saddle Back Mnt with very high winds,light rain and thick cloud blocking all views of Katahdin, by the time we got to the Horn at 4041ft the wind was very strong but the cloud had cleared and the rain ceased, I was awestruck byt the beauty, the dark clouds were hanging just above the mountains with patches of blue sky and sunshine hitting the nearby mountains, I am hoping the photo's capture the beauty.We continued down the mountain and then up to Saddle back Junior I managed to slip and step into a number of mud bogs along the way, we made it to Poplar Shelter with Alpine Strider, Tom B, Castanets and Wingheart spending the night, Monkey & Cocoa, Bush Whacker, Blueskies, Jeb, all moved on to other camping spots for the night, the weather is cool tonight which is great for sleeping, which is what Iam about to do.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Poplar Shelter

To: Crocker Cirque campground
Miles today: 14.2

Well it was a good night considering the mice we saw earlier last evening, it was straight up the mountain and the elevation continued most of the day, it was a beautiful day with sunshine and blue skies all day, going down the other side of Spaulding Mnt was to say the least (hairy)I was very happy to be down, it was about another mile or so before we reached the campground we were staying at, the ground is damp and that means a wet tent in the morning, which isn't a problem as we are going into town and will be able to dry every thing out, it will be a 7 mile + day with a couple of steep inclines.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Crocker Cirque campground

To: Maine 27
Miles today: 7.3

This morning I was awake and packing up at 5:45, again it was straight uphill, just what I need first thing in the morning to get my heart pumping, I was dreading the down hill after yesterdays, we reached Crocker Mtn south peak in just over an hour and then just over another hour we reached the North peak where we stopped with Sloth and Tom B, then we started down hill, I was amazed at how easy it was, no cliffs to decend or rugged ground, was smooth sailing down to road 27, we called the Hiker Hostel and the owner came to the trail head to drop off other hikers and took us back, where we will wash, shower, eat and spend the night before heading on to Caratunk which will take about 3 days, I am excited at the fact that we are only 187.8 miles from Katahdin, we should summit in between 14 to 16 days given the weather is kind to us as it has been over the past few days.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Maine 27

To: Brigelow Col, Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke and had breakfast before heading back to the trail, it has been a long hard day to say the least, we clibed the horn at 3831 ft and Brigalow Mtn West Peak at 4145ft, it was rewarding at the tom with sectacular views, we got to camp where the water is scarce, we are having an early dinner and then to bed, it looks like tomorrows 14 miles is relatively wasy, fingers crossed.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Brigelow Col, Avery Memorial Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Leanto
Miles today: 14.6

Today was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but a huge milestone was reached, our 2000 miles of the trail is now behind us, on top of Little Bigelow Mtn, wow I looked at my feet and thought I hope you can make it the last 174 miles, now we have 165.2 miles to go as from tonight, although it appears easy on the map, today has been a hard day, we are all happy to see it end and looking forward hopefuly to getting into Caratunk tomorrow, we are hoping the weather is on our side, it just happens it rained twice today, both times we reached a shelter just before getting wet, the Curry Pond is about 59ft from the shelter and is a lovely big Pond with relatively warm water, time now for bed.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: West Carry Pond Leanto

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 14.0

It rained on and off through the night, I was up at 5:30 wanting to get an early start to get into Caratunk before the PO closed, I made the 14 miles to the river at just after 12:30 where Dances with sloths was waiting for the canoe to start operating at 2pm, Castanets and Wingheart showed up and we sat around talking while waiting for the canoe, at 1:45 it showed up, he wanted to get us across before the wave came down the river, they were releasing water at 2:30, safely across the river we walked the short distance into town, we went to the PO and got our re supply box's, then along came Mud Elephant a friend and past hiking partner of Winghearts, he took us to our accomodation and then to the store to get grocery's for our trip to Monson.
Date: 2007-09-13
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello to everyone, I want to announce that I summited Mtn Katahdin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday 9/11, it was a very windy with a lot of cloud moisture and extremely poor visibility, but that did not take from the elation that was felt by the four of us who summited together, Wingheart, Castanets, Kiwi and myself, it was a difficult climb with a lot of hand over hand climbing, I did leave some skin on Katahdin so she certainly has a piece of me, there was also a number of other thru hikers who summited that day as well, Sublime, Sandwich, Gorilla, Dances with Sloths, Ishmale, and a couple of others whom I had not previously met. When I arrived at the top and saw the famous board by which thousands have stood, it was very emotional, it was like seeing the holy grail, we took our photo's and congratulated each other and then due to the weather conditions getting worse, we started our decent, all in all it took us from 7:45 am untill 6pm to climb and then return down, Kiwi's wife made it part of the way with us, which was nice for him to have her there.I will be doing some more journal entries once I get back to Florida on Sunday and have come back down to earth, so thank you to everyone for your interest in following my trek to date.