morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-15
From: North of Cube Mt, NH

To: Glencliffe, NH
Miles today: 10.0

So here I am, sitting at the hostel in Glencliffe, NH.It is raining pretty hard outside and the next piece of the trail climbs up Mt. Moosilauke, which is a 5200 ft mountain. The uphill isn't too steep but the downhill is pretty rocky and not particularly fun in the rain.Delaware Dave, Quest Seeker and I all decided (along with numerous other hikers) to wait until tomorrow to proceed. Tomorrow is calling for intermittent showers and should be safer and more fun. We might even get a view from the top of Moosilauke. (People here in NH can't decide if it is pronounced Moos-i lahk or Moos-i lahk-ee)I talked to an 84 year old guy that first climbed it 70 years ago, and he called it Moos-i-lahk-ee, so I'll go with that.Anyway, I haven't had a phone signal for several days except on top of Mt. Cube, so I've been out of touch. After the tough climb up Smart Mtn, then another climb up Mt. Cube, yesterday was much easier. Mt. Mist was only a 1200 foot climb and was done before I knew it. Two months ago, I would have referred to any climb as "only" 1200 ft. Yesterday, after we stealth camped in the woods near a road, I woke up, packed my gear and started out the trail. I heard someone coming up the trail towards me say "All In, it's good to see you again!" Hydro, whom we hiked with for a while in New York and Conn. had been following the journals and drove up to dish out some trail magic. He knew we were meeting up with his buddy, Mad Mike, who was also on the trail with up in NY and Conn. so he brought sodas, Little Debbies, donuts and fruit to feed us to start the day. Later Mad Mike met us with more food and spent the night with us in Jeffers Shelter. The people on the trail are the real story of the trail experience.So tomorrow, we climb about 3500 ft. It will be my first time above tree line and, weather permitting, should offer some great views. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we can stop at a shelter part way down the mountain and save the worst part of the downhill until Wednesday. After that, Kinsman Notch and Kinsman Mtn, Franconia Notch and Franconia Ridge followed by the Presidentials will offer some tough climbing and great views through Hew Hampshire. I'm looking forward to testing myself against the most difficult slimbs yet.Once I get phone service again, I'll get back to texting updates whenever possible.
Date: 2011-08-16
From: Glencliffe, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

All In hiked 7 miles today over Moosilauke. Once again, anticipation appears to have been worse than the actual climb up Moosilauke. He found that it wasn't really too bad of a climb (remember the worry over Lehigh Gap?). The weather on the summit wasn't so good - 30-40 mph winds and 40 degree temps. Visibility was only about 10 ft. All in all, though, it was a good day hiking.Rusty
Date: 2011-08-20
From: Beaver Brook Shelter, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It has been a while since I've been able to post. Even the text messages to Rusty to update the journal have been sparse. The signal in the New Hampshire mountains is very unpredictable. So here's the situation. I'm in Lincoln NH after climbing Moosilauke, Wolf and Kinsman mountains in the past few days. I'm taking a zero here to rest a knee that blew up on the Kinsman climb. South Kinsman was a 2500 ft climb in just over a mile and a half. It involved mostly climbing rocks with hands and feet. The trekking poles were pretty much useless for this climb since my hands were usually gripping a rock or tree to pull myself up. I'll try to attach a picture, but the view from the too was a nice reward for a long, hard climb. Then I had to go down the other side. Climbing, jumping and sliding down large rock faces and huge boulders is brutal. In places there are blocks of wood and rebar hand holds to assist, but it mostly depends on the strength of arms, legs and will power to make these climbs and descent safely. I came out yesterday with a right knee that is black and blue from overuse and twisting and turning to get the right position to lower myself down the rock face (with a thirty pound pack). Physically and mentally, the past couple of days are some of the most demanding I've ever experienced. So today, I am taking a zero day to rest the knee, even though the weather is perfect. Tomorrow, I'll tackle Franconia Notch, which is another tough climb. The difference is that it leads to Franconia Ridge which is an extended walk above treeline and leads into the Presidential peaks of the White Mountains, culminating with the summit of Mt. Washington. If the knee will cooperate, that is my goal.I told Rusty a couple of days ago that I am ready to finish the trip and head home at the end of August. If I take things slow and easy, I can finish after Mt. Washington in Gorham, NH by the end of the month. That will be about 860 miles, which is enough. If the knee doesn't hold up for more climbing, I'll take the tourist train to the top of Mt. Washington.I'll be checking with Steve to see if he still plans to come and pick me up then plan my trip home accordingly.One tough part of the decision was saying goodbye to my hiking buddies from the past few weeks, particularly Delaware Dave and Quest Seeker. They have an appointment with a particular mountain in Maine and need to move forward with getting their miles done. We've formed a bind that will keep us in touch for a long time to come. To them, and to Tippy Toes, Boy Scout, Stretch, Leap, and so many others that ve spent a day or an hour hiking with, "Hike strong, be safe and treasure the rest if the journey." Mad Mike and Hydro, I'll miss the Maine trail magic but take care of my people when they come through. Pippi, we won't get back on the trail together this year, but take care of your knee and we'll find another trail to walk next year. See everyone at trail days in Damascus.
Date: 2011-08-22
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Mt. Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I received a cell phone call from All In at 12:35 pm today from atop 5000 ft Mt. Lincoln, NH. He was enjoying a beautiful view above treeline as the clouds rolled in. He called to let me know that he'd reached the end of his hike. He sounded very happy and satisfied. He woke up this morning at Liberty Springs and decided he'd reached the end, but he needed to get above treeline one more time. So, he hiked to the top of Mt. Lincoln to take in the view. He was heading back down after we hung up and plans to take a shuttle to the top of Mt. Washington as a tourist. After that, he will make arrangements with our brother Steve to pick him up and bring him home. All in all, I think Dave has had the grandest adventure of self-discovery and fulfillment and has made a number of life-long friends and memories that will last a lifetime. I will leave the last posting up to him to fill everyone in on what this all meant to him.So long.Rusty
Date: 2011-08-24
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I've mentioned before, whenever you start thanking people for their help and support, invariably, someone gets left out. In addition to those I mentioned in yesterday's post, I would also like to thank my sister, Ann Marie who gave me my first trail magic before I even left Charleston. The snacks filled my first food bag. Also, a shout out to Special K for meeting me in Greenwood Lake after a really tough day, then again in Delaware Water Gap. It seems like so very long ago. Finally, a special thanks to Debbie (Pippi) who helped me find my way and my pace early in the trip. We will hike together again. If I missed anyone else, I'll try to remember and add a note soon.
Date: 2010-12-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just sitting here thinking of all the prep work I have to do and so little time to do it. Have been looking at a few warm days lately in the 40's that have melted most of the snow on the ground since last week. It still feels very cool so I don't spend much time outside. I have the luxury of being retired and can hibernate if I like. The thought of being outside in the "weather" for an extended period of time concerns me. Hope I can get comfortable without the old gas heater.
Date: 2010-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another fairly warm day. I say warm only because it has been in the 20's and 30's for highs fairly consistent over the last month. You get more use to the cold when it is cold all the time. However, I don't get too cold walking to and from the car to the house. I think about walking miles in all kinds of weather without being able to go inside to get warm. Oh well! Think I'll just go for it. Guess I'll just have to dress warm and walk faster to keep warm. Well it's supposed to get cold again so I don't have to come out of hibernation yet. Heard it gets as warm as you can imagine in Georgia around March 1st.
Date: 2011-01-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I know my leaving date is getting close now. Only five more Bowl games left and I'll have to start watching Pro football. I really love watching all those athletes expend all their energy chasing their goals while I sit here with a snack and a nice glass of wine. Damn I will miss my wine, and my snack, and my chair, and my computer, and my comfort and my life style. Hey, what the hell am I doing? Everybody must be right, I am nuts.
Date: 2011-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s been over a month since I last posted anything about my upcoming hike. Not really sure where all the time went but it did. Guess I have to come out of hibernation. Here it is another 16 days until I leave and I am still not sure if I have everything together. I guess that is a common fault that I never think I have what I need until I get out there and then reality sets in. I hear it is cold out in the woods, sometimes down to the single digits. I hear it sometimes snows and rains. I hear the trail is hard and rocky, soft with roots and mud, wet like a river in a winter thaw or any combination. I hear if you want it you have to carry it. Damn, I don¢t walk around here with a full pack, heavy clothes and hiking shoes. Hard to believe it is so bad in the woods when it¢s 69 and dry in my house with no wind chill. I don¢t have to walk to where I am going. Guess I¢ll just sit back a little while and give this some more thought over a nice glass of wine or two or.
Date: 2011-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I wound up blowing off another 6" of snow today. Not what you like to see when planning for a hike. Aside from walking in mud walking in snow is a close second. I am finally getting my ducks in line and finally threw everything into the pack. I should be starting right around 30 - 31 lbs on my back with 3 days food and a liter of water. I think I can make it through the Smokies with about 35 lbs. After that I might consider losing some of the winter gear for some lighter wear. Time will tell. Have a ton of things to get together @ home but will be ready to hit the train on Saturday. Getting into Gainsville Ga Sunday morning. Staying with Josh & Leigh Saint @ Hiker Hostel and start hiking Monday at Springer. The weather calls for a beautiful rainy day to start. Looking at it positively, it beats snow. I think?
Date: 2011-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The journey started when my neighbor dropped me off at the Hammonton NJ Transit Station. I caught the 1:10pm train to 30th Street Station in Philly. What a great, well preserved building. I had to wait 1.5 hours for the 3:55pm train to Gainesville Ga. so I enjoyed my view of the building but couldn't believe the number of people that pass through in an hour. More than I'll see in a month on the trail. The train arrived on schedule and departed on time. A good start. The train is a reasonably priced, fairly comfortable and quiet mode of transportation. However, there really isn't much to do so boredom become the name of the game. Sitting for long hours even when semi occupied takes its toll, especially in the comfort area. Unlike the trail, it is a little too warm, doesn't have enough room to spread out and has my a$$ already hurting. I figured I'd get some journling in since it is 1230 AM and I can't sleep. The good thing is I am half way there. Once I see the sun in the morning I will once again have something to look at. Looking forward to getting started on Monday after a day at the Hiker Hostel tomorrow.
Date: 2011-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It starts getting light around 6:30 and by 6:56 the train was pulling into the Gainsville GA station. It was a great start to the day: the sun was up and the train was on time. Leigh Saint was there within 2 minutes to shuttle me off to spend the day recouperating from the long train ride at the Hiker Hostel. This is one of the nicest hostels with their laidback and friendly manner in a beautiful house. I always have trouble sleeping during the day so I will have to catch up tonight. It is not for lack of opportunity. I will get my rest other ways and sit around and talk or watch tv. The weather is unbelievable for this early in the year. It is 70 degrees and sunny with a warmer day tomorrow with some thundershowers. The following three days are supposed to be sunny and warm. This is much different than 2 years ago when it was 20 on Springer with a low of 13 that night. I know we still have some cold days in the future but I plan to take advantage of the weather while it is here. Tomorrow morning starts the real hike. We will see if all the planning is worth it.
Date: 2011-02-28
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good nights sleep @ Hiker Hostel. I was up by 7:00 to get my last shower for a few days. Josh had a hearty breakfast of grits, eggs and waffles ready by 7:30. There were only 3 hikers there last night and 2 of us left for Springer @ 8:30. This is the first time I have seen the weather forecast call for 100% chance of rain. It drizzled a few times along the way to our drop odd near Springer. I never took out the electronics since it started raining a few times. Luckily I moved pretty well and the rain never really for too heavy until I was a few tenths from the Hawk Mtn Shelter. It was only noon and I debated going on but I really didn't want to get soaked the first day out. It actually had cleared for a while but I had already made my decision. As it turned out the sky looked horrible around 3:30 and was pouring shortly after. Next came the thunder, lightening and torrential rains. It continued until bed time which wound up being 7:00pm. There are about 10 people in the shelter and another 6 or so in tents. Weather looks good the rest of the week.
Date: 2011-03-01
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

It was warm most of the night but cooled off considerably into the low 30's. It was still very damp from the rains last night making it feel colder. I was slow getting up and ready since I figured I only had 7.3 miles to do. I left the shelter around 8:10 am in heavy fog with gloves and winter cap. My hands were frozen for the next hour even with gloves. The trail was like a roller coaster with many small and a few large climbs and descents. I thought I moved fairly well yesterday for a first day but today I felt a little sluggish. I actually felt more tired as the day went on and especially after climbing Sassafras Mtn. I was pretty tired by the time I got to Gooch Gap Shelter at 12:45. This 7.3 miles is no easy walk. I got to relax some this afternoon, had dinner around 5:00 pm and was in bed by 7:00.
Date: 2011-03-02
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Woodshole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up by 6:30 but actually awake long before that. I just couldn't convince myself to go from a nice warm bag out to a cold morning. It was just at freezing. I had breakfast and was on the trail by 7:20. I had on gloves, wool cap, fleece liner, short sleeve shirt and pants. Although cold to start it warmed quickly into a beautiful sunny day. Off with all the extras by 8:45 and on with the sun screen. It was a trying day since the ups and downs seemed much bigger than on the map. I wound up wrapping my large handkerchief around my head to keep the sun off my ears. It was still a great day to hike. The temperature was perfect and the trail was alive with the sounds of many kinds of birds and squirrels foraging for food. I moved fairly well all day until those last few hills after Jarred Gap. I felt relief when I finally got to the shelter at 2:10. Although the mind says you can do X # of miles the body doesn't always agree. Although I am able to do more miles than I do, I do not want to push too much too soon and wind up hurt.
Date: 2011-03-03
From: Woodshole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Today is a restock and cleanup day. I was up at 6:15 and on the trail right at 7:00. It was a consistent climb up Blood Mountain but the cool morning air help me keep a decent pace. I walked with Piece of Work, another hiker about my age, this morning. The downhill 2+ miles is more challenging than the uphill climb. The legs take a while to get use to downhill. We arrive at Mountain Crossings at 9:01. We were the first to check-in today, took our showers, separated and washed dirty clothes, shopped in the outfitter for the next few days up to Hiawasee. Seven of us took a shuttle into Blairsville to hit the ayce Chinese restaurant. We will be just relaxing when we get back from town. Pirate, who takes care of the hostel, use to cook a morning and evening meal based on donations from hikers using the hostel. Unfortunately this is no longer the case since many hikers thought the food was free and donations are for the other guy. Last week there were $7.00 in donations which don't cover the $181 in food. I would certainly hope that people who hike have enough respect for the people who try to help them and not rip them off. The whole hiking community suffers.
Date: 2011-03-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out early in that I was up by 6:00 to get coffee and talk with other hikers already awake. I slept well last night since I wore my earplugs. I usually only wear them when in hostels, due to the large number of people and noise level, and when my brother-in-law comes to visit. Otherwise they ride in the pack. Pirate received some donations last night and made breakfast this morning of pancakes, sausage and biscuits. It was great and prepared you for the day. Breakfast was @ 6:40 and I was finished and started hiking a few minutes before 7:00. It was cloudy, cool and damp which is really decent hiking weather. However, after occasional sprinkling, it became more steady around 9:00. The 20% chance of showers now became 100% the rest of the day. Except for 2 climbs, one out of Neels Gap and the other out of Tesnatee Gap, most of the day's walking was relatively mild. There were a few rocky sections but the footpath itself was better than average with less roots and rocks overall. When the front blew through around 10:00 the winds became nasty and the temperature dropped as the rain increased. I passed by the Low Gap Shelter around noon without even stopping. I was feeling pretty good. I could smell the fire from the shelter and was afraid that would make it too tempting to stay if I was to go back to it. So I just walked on by. After putting on my Mountain Hardware jacket and gloves I felt pretty good all day. It wasn't until about 3:00 pm that the gloves finally soaked through and started to feel a little cool. About the same time the feet started to feel cold and wet after being expossed all day to the rain. However, I knew that I was getting close to the shelter so it wasn't a major concern. About 20 minutes later, I came to a spring that looked like the spring to the shelter. I remember the spring is approx, a tenth from the shelter but with the fog and rain I couldn't see the shelter. I took a chance and added the 3 liters or about 7.5 lbs to my pack and trucked up hill for another tenth to find the shelter sign. Naturally the first order of business was to change clothes and socks immediately. I warmed quickly and set up my sleeping area, hung damp clothes, and made dinner around 4:15. There are 7hikers at the shelter tonight and all are in their sleeping bags by 5:30. 5 hikers are asleep by 6:15 and one at 6:45. A nasty cold wet windy day but still a good day on the AT. No pictures today. Camera road in the pack. It is now 7:00 pm and I am joining the other hikers.
Date: 2011-03-05
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: UniCoi Gap - Hiawasee Inn
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: moderate rain

Last night the winds were whipping around all night. There was a tarp on 3/4 of the front to the shelter to limit the wind. I was on the uncovered quarter. Not a big deal other than you wind up with a lot of dampness on all your equipment. A new storm had come in around 4:00 am and started the whole process again. We are supposed to receive 2+ inches of rain today and tonight so I decided it was a good day to visit town. The Hiawasee Inn, owned by Ron Havens from Franklin, runs a free shuttle to Dicks Creek Gap and Unicoi Gap every morning. So I and Pow are taking a ride to town to dry out and rest a little. Tomorrow, the weather is bad in the morning but promises clearing later. I might just take the shuttle back to Unicoi and take a light pack over to Dicks Creek Gap and then back to here for tomorrow night. We will see in the morning. Meanwhile, I have visited Daniel's Steakhouse in town that has an ayce lunch for less than $10. Good choice.
Date: 2011-03-07
From: Dicks Creek Gap - Hiawasee Inn

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was in no hurry to get out of bed this morning since our shuttle back to the trail doesn't leave until 8:30. We were back at Dicks Creek Gap by 8:55. The trail began as they all do out of a gap, with a climb. The first climb was 600' then came down 400' then we went back up 900'. There was a lot of climbing and descents but Georgia finally said good-bye rather gently. My first state is done. I hit the GA/NC border around 12:45. I was hoping to have lunch right there in Bly Gap, however the wind was blowing and it was freezing. I decided to hike up the first climb in NC. It was a rude awakening and welcome to NC. It just felt like I had no pep going up the mountains today. The first 500' was rough enough and you think the worst is over since you have a few hundred foot down. Then comes another 500' climb. I was really starting to feel wasted. Another drop of 400' into Sassafras Gap, climb of 400' and I came into the Muscrat Creek Shelter. I had intended to go another 5+ miles since that would set me up to get into Franklin early on Wednesday. I was beat and decided to stay. It was cold so I changed, got my water, ate dinner and climbed into the sack to get warm. Evergreen Boy, Bum Knee, Jerry and Mainiac stayed up for a while next to a nice fire, AK had beaten me to bed. I don't think I ate enough thoughout the day and I was walking in short sleeve shirt which brought the body temp down. I warmed up after a while and did the mandatory checking of the maps to see what tomorrow's game plan will be. My original plan had been to get to Big Spring Shelter but that will have to change now. Not looking to do almost 20 miles. Off to bed by 7:30.