morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

July 26, 2010Destination: Happy Hill Shelter Start: Winturri Shelter Mileage: 20.4I heard Freighttrain leaving very early, but he likes an early start. Everyone else was gone by 7:00 AM. I left about quarter after and Trash left soon after that.At VT 12 we saw a group from the shelter hitching into Woodstock. It's only .3 of a mile, I would think it would be faster to walk. Our morning was not going that fast either. At noon we had only gone 8 miles. I had made several stops to make phone calls and to drink water. We picked up the pace and made Thistle Hill Shelter by 1:00. Animal and Magic Man were just finishing lunch. They said they would see us tonight at Happy Hill.The profile for after lunch was all downhill. For some reason we kept going uphill to the point I was sure we had gained elevation overall. We also walked through some nasty briar patches. The DOC needs to do some major trail maintenance. Somehow we managed to get down to West Hartford. The trail passed right in front of a general store, so that called for a Ben and Jerry's break.Our final leg for the day included a 1 mile road walk. My feet always feel like they are burning on the road. About a mile and a half from the shelter we met two SOBOs. They told us there were about 30 girls camped at Happy Hill. We were both tired and didn't have a lot of options so we hiked on. At the shelter Freighttrain, Animal and Magic Man were camped near the trail. We selected a spot near the water source. I spent the evening trying to make some arrangements for tomorrow night but no one answers at Tigger's Tree House and my phone wasn't getting a good signal when I called my brother's friend Tim.It's after 9:00 and the mob of girls has gotten quiet.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

I started today standing in line to use the privy. Four little girls were being grossed out at the idea of outdoor plumbing. Over all I have to admit they were much better and quieter than I expected.After a couple of miles in the woods we hit a long road walk. It extended through Norwich all the way to the other side of Hanover. Along the way we passed a thru-hiker's home and there was cake and watermelon in a cooler. Thanks Brain! I decided to try Jim's friend again so I cut on my phone and called the home number. His wife Kate answered and offered supper, showers and laundry. She said they would pick us up and take us back to the trail. I told her that sounded perfect. Just after we crossed the Connecticut River a car stopped in front of us and the woman driving asked for me. It was Kate. She said she saw two hikers and figured it had to be us. We continued into town and stopped first at the Dartmouth Outing Center. Trash updated his Facebook page. The next stop was to pick up a maildrop at Hanover Outdoors. Trash got his new shoes along with some other supplies. There was a quick stop at Ramuntos for a free slice of pizza. From there we resupplied at the Coop Foodstore. Then we finally got lunch at Mai Thai's lunch buffet.We decided the DOC would be a good place for Tim to find us so we headed back to that location. I sent him an e-mail and he called a few minutes later.Once we got to his house he pointed out showers and laundry. He went grocery shopping and we got to work. By the time he got back we were both clean and laundry was almost dry.For supper we hand steak pizzaola. The four of us ate on the deck and had a great time talking. After supper they dropped us off at the Coop and we climbed up to Velvet Rocks. There is one other thru-hiker and a section hiker here tonight. Tomorrow is a big day with 23 miles to the top of Smarts Mountain.
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Fire Warden's Cabin
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to the sound of a car alarm this morning. We had hiked in almost a mile last night but still could hear the noise from Hanover. It was early but I got up and made it on the trail by 6:40.Freighttrain, Magic Man and Animal had spent the night in town. We hiked with them most of the day. We all had lunch together at Moose Mountain Shelter. About mid afternoon we visited Bill "The Ice Cream Man". We sat on his front porch and ate fudgesicles.After the refreshments we climbed over 2,000 feet to the top of Smarts Mountain. That's where we are tonight, sleeping in an old frame cabin. Tomorrow we head to Glencliff.
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Fire Warden's Cabin

To: Glencliff,NH
Miles today: 20.1

I heard Animal's alarm about 5:00 AM so I went ahead and got up. After a quick breakfast I was on the trail by 6. Trail Trash went down the hill to get water but joined me a short time later.Overnight there had been a big storm roll through. The rain was pretty heavy. At first stream crossing it was deep, wide and running fast. We carefully worked our way across some rocks. The next stream was not as bad still a lot of water was rolling by.We stopped for lunch at Ore Hill Shelter. Magic Man was there. We discussed how Mount Cube had been a tough climb and an even harder decent. We were all happy that only Mist Mountain and 7 miles stood between us and Glencliff. After lunch Trash and I picked up the pace and hiked the whole 7 miles in 2 1/2 hours.As we got to the road at Glencliff we met Lion King. He is helping out at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. He said he would see us there. When we walked in the door the first person we see is Baltimore Jack. He pointed at the particulars of the place and we got busy with showers and laundry. Later on Lion King drove us to the store to resupply. It was just a little country market but the people were really nice. Since they were about to close, they gave Trash a steak and cheese sub and I got about 10 hotdogs. I ate four and gave the rest away.I laid down on the bed and feel asleep in no time. Trash was on the computer chatting with several people including his mom. I hate I missed a chance to talk with her.Tomorrow we go above the treeline on Mount Moosilauke.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Glencliff,NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Everyone was up early, excited that we would be climbing above the treeline. As we past Jeffers Brook Shelter, Trash stopped to see if Scout was up. He said there were several hikers getting ready to climb. When he caught back up I was walking a dirt road looking for blazes. Trash spotted one way down the road and we hurried to make up the time we lost searching for trail markers. We have decided white paint must be real expensive in New England because the blazes are few and far between. The climb to the top of Moosilauke was a steady grade that turned out to be pretty easy. Once on top there was a nice ridge walk to the summit. The sky was clear and the view was spectacular. There was a brisk wind so everyone was bundling up. Trash even had on gloves. While on top I took care of some things on the phone. It was the first good signal in a couple of days. I called Chet's to let him know we planned to stay there Saturday night and I called Susan. The walk off the mountain was a whole different story. It was steep and rocky. By the time we got to the bottom my knees were screaming. Trash and I stopped at a little stream and ate lunch.After lunch we started up the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Not only do they not use many blazes here, they also do not call it the Appalachian Trail either. The AMC is something else. The start of this section was a series of stone steps. That eventually changed to a series of ups and downs through bogs and mud holes that were so deep my sticks never found the bottom. It was a slow frustrating afternoon. It took me 3 hours to walk to the peak of Mount Wolf. I arrived at Eliza Brook Shelter not at 5:00 PM like I expected but a full two hours later. I was tired and hungry and felt like I had fought for every step of rocky muddy trail I had covered.Tomorrow is a short day into Lincoln. But first we climb over Kinsman Mountain. We will also see our first AMC hut.
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

At his usual time Freighttrain was up packing to hit the trail. Since it was a short day and bunks were reserved I decided to sleep in. Okay, 6:30 is not really sleeping in, but the extra hour sure felt nice. I was just about packed and up walks Trail Trash to see if I'm up. We had breakfast and started hiking about 7:15.The trail to South Kinsman Mountain was steep and rocky. There were also roots everywhere. I kept thinking about We'll See and the R&R (roots and rocks) in Tennessee. I guess I need to acknowledge the bogs so this part of the trail is R&B.We didn't break the treeline but we did have some great views at the top of both peaks.On the north side of the mountain we saw a lot of day hikers coming up from Lonesome Lake Hut. One couple stopped and asked us if we made to the top. When I told them we came over the top from Georgia they were amazed. They saw us again later and had lots of questions about the trail and hiking. We visited Lonesome Lake Hut and talked with the caretakers. We got water and they gave us leftover cinnamon buns. There was a chin-up bar and Trash had to try it out. He did four. The caretaker told him that was good after being on the trail this long. I did six.As we left the hut we met two SOBOs. As soon as they heard our names one of them got excited. "You're from North Carolina!" It was Hitman from Pittsboro which is about 30 minutes from home. He said his brother-in-law, Bert in Wilmington had been following us and is a friend of my brother Jim. You just never know who you will meet on the trail.When we got to the trailhead we asked a couple which way was Lincoln. They asked if we were hiking the trail and pointed east. After a few minutes standing on the road up drives the same couple to give us a lift. The man was the director of the Dartmouth Outing Club. So here I am and I just couldn't resist asking the question. Is the word weedwacker in the Dartmouth vocabulary? He smiled and said they were behind in trail maintenance, but would be doing some work in the next couple of weeks.When we got to town the first item of business was food. We went to "The Pig's Ear". They specialize in "Southern" food. They even had sweet tea. Trash got a sandwich and I got the barbecue sampler.   It said it was a perfect meal for two but I polished off everything but a side of beans and a chicken breast. After lunch we hit the Price Chopper. I'm up to $1.10 discount on a tank of gas.We asked a man in the parking lot how to get to Pollard Street. He said "you are looking for the AT hostel". He gave us directions and we headed over. Foulon was running the place showed us around. Freighttrain, Animal and Magic Man were already here. There are about 11 hikers here tonight. The next thing to work out is getting back on the trail!
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Dances With Wolfie had arranged a ride for the three of us back to the trail. Duster, an AT thru-hiker had volunteered to drive us. He and his wife are big on Scouting and enjoyed talking with Trail Trash about being an Eagle Scout. Once on the trail Trash got way ahead. I didn't see him again until Mount Lafayette. The first climb was a gain of 2350 feet to Liberty Springs Camping Area. I stopped here for water. Then I made a side trip up to Mount Liberty. Then it was a ridge walk to Lafayette crossing Little Haystack and Mount Lincoln on the Franconia Ridge. Trash was at the peak waiting on me. I found a place out of the wind and ate lunch before we headed to Mount Garfield. On the way to Garfield I ran into Wizard. He thru-hiked a couple of years ago and is out doing a section. He asked questions all afternoon about our hike and the gear I'm carrying. He was especially interested in my 18 ounce tent. It is actually nice to talk to someone close to my own age. At least they understand the physical challenge of these steep rocky assents and descents.I took a brief break at Garfield Pond for water and even considered a dip but it was full of lily pads. Trash was at the top of Garfield when I finished the 800 foot climb. We then dropped almost 1000 feet in less than a half mile. My knees were screaming.The caretaker at Garfield Ridge was a real cut up. Wizard asked if he had any cinnamon rolls (like the huts). He said no but described this great continental breakfast. I told him I would be at his tent waiting in the morning.I pitched my tent on a platform for the first time. It so long I have to do it diagonal. Trash is up in the shelter sleeping. We had supper and I've crawled in my tent for some much needed rest.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

The first part of the trail this morning was a steep downhill shared with a stream. Needless to say I took my time trying not to fall. Trash hiked on ahead to Galehead Hut where he was charging his camera battery when I showed up. I checked with the croo (hut staff) about breakfast leftovers. There were none. I bought a cake square and candy bar and hiked on. I met a man hiking with his two sons and two yellow labs. They had some big packs. We talked awhile about backpacking and my thru-hike. They seemed impressed that people hike that far. I'm starting to believe we're all just crazy. At Whitewall Brook I found a deep pool of water and couldn't resist taking a dip. The water was a little cold but it felt good to rinse the sweat and trail dirt off me.I caught up with Trash at Zealand Falls Hut. I stopped long enough for lunch and we started hiking towards Ethan Pond.We both decided to use the shelter tonight. Rain is moving in and also there are two camp groups in the tenting area. One of them is loud.We plan to leave early in the morning and make it to Lakes of the Clouds ahead of the afternoon storms.
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: fog

It rained most of the night. It pounded the tin roof of the shelter and even leaked through in a couple of places. When we left the shelter some of the stepping stones across the pond where under water. There was so much run off the inlet to the pond was running red from all the fir needles. As we stepped on the trail we found it was also a river. The rocks were all slick and hard to walk on. Overall the climb out of Crawford Notch was not too bad. It had several rock scrambles, but none of them were too challenging.I made the 8.8 mile hike to Mizpah Spring Hut by mid-afternoon. It was slow but there was a lot of steep uphill. The caretaker at the hut asked me to complete a survey about thru-hiking. He also told me to help myself to the baked goods on the bar. The cake squares where delicious. Trash and I took off for Lakes of the Clouds in a light rain. It didn't last long but again the trail was like a stream. As I got close to Mount Eisenhower fog rolled in and visibility dropped to less than 100 feet. So much for any pictures today.Everyone I met was bundled up in long pants, jackets and toboggans. One person told me it was really cold up at the hut. When I arrived I thought the temperature was very comfortable. It was the first time I've hiked in awhile without sweat pouring off me.Trash and I both got "work for stay" at the hut. We will work about an hour in exchange for a place to sleep and meals. Not a bad deal for thru-hikers. Tomorrow we hike over Mount Washington.
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Mount Washington Auto Road
Miles today: 13.0

August 4, 2010Destination: Mount Washington Auto Road Start: Lakes of the Clouds HutMileage: 13It stormed most of the night. Then again we are at the base of Mount Washington, home of the world's worst weather. One of the croo members was up at 5:30 preparing breakfast and informed me we were welcome to the leftovers. I told her that was fine since we were trying to wait out the storm. We completed our work last night but offered to help clean up the dining room. As we wiped the tables Trash spotted Bill the Ice Cream Man. He remembered us stopping by and was happy to see our progress on the trail.After we ate it was still nasty out. We were asked about our plans and I mentioned going to Madison Spring Hut. As we started hiking toward Washington the wind kept picking up speed. The clouds thickened and visibility dropped to less than fifty feet. By the time we made the summit we had blowing rain and the temperature had dropped. We held up in the Summit House and bought some lunch. After a long wait we decided to brave the wind and rain and continue hiking. The lower we got the better the weather got. By the time we got to Madison Springs the sun was out and it was very pleasant.We went inside and asked about work for stay. The guy acted funny about us being there and agreed to it. We decided we were not comfortable with his attitude and left.We started hiking with the idea of making Pinkham Notch. The trail was steep and covered with talus so the going was slow. We were still hiking after dark. We got to the Mount Washington Auto Road and found a little patch of grass to camp on. Tomorrow we will try to make up the mileage we lost due to the storm.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Mount Washington Auto Road

To: Imp Campsite/Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: fog

We left early since this would be a big mileage day. Our goal was to make US 2. It would be 23 miles over some very tough terrain. We stopped at Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center for a buffet breakfast. Yum! Eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and lots of orange juice. Wildcat Mountain was a hard long climb. It took all morning to make it to Carter Notch Hut. The cook at the hut was so nice to us. He even shared some watermelon with us. We both ate lunch and agreed to meet at Imp Campsite/Shelter. I made it over Carter Dome fairly fast but I knew I had to pick up the pace if we were going to make Gorham tonight. When I got to Middle Carter Mountain I was hiking at almost 3 mph. However the next 2 miles were typical AMC steep wet rock. It took an hour and a half to walk them. Trash was at the shelter with a group of SOBOs. Since it was so late we decided to stay and resupply tomorrow in Gorham.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Imp Campsite/Shelter

To: Gorham,NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were both anxious to get to town. Town is always a feeding frenzy. Once we got to the road we hitched a ride with a man that hiked the trail a few years ago. He smiled when we told him our first stop was the Chinese buffet. We both loaded up four plates of food.The next order of business was a hotel room and showers. While Trash was getting his shower I started the laundry. After my shower we went shopping for supplies. At the outfitter we picked up more water treatment and another pair of shoes for me. We then hitched to Wal-Mart with another person that hiked the trail a few years ago. When we returned I sat and talked with two couples that were touring on motorcycles. They had lots of questions about our hike. Supper was at a local restaurant that had a special on prime rib. I left stuffed again. Back at the room we're relaxing and looking forward to going to Maine.
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Gorham,NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After one more shower this morning we walked across the parking lot to get breakfast. What luck! They were having a breakfast buffet. Both of us polished off a couple of loaded plates. We then hitched a ride back to the trailhead. It was a long climb back to the ridge, but the sky was clear and the views were the best we'd had. We stopped at Dream Lake for lunch. We had a great view of the Whites. I didn't stay long. The air blowing off the lake was cold. We took a break at Gentian Pond about mid-afternoon and then headed for Maine. As we got close to the top of Success Mountain we met two SOBOs. They were excited to have just crossed their first state line. I told them we were excited because it was our final state line.We made it to the shelter just before dark. There was a small group of Scouts in the shelter and two groups of girls in the tent sites.Tomorrow we tackle the Mahoosuc Notch. It is the hardest mile on the trail. Until then we will enjoy our first night's sleep in Maine.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was full of ups and downs. At times the going was slow as we worked our way up wet rock.Just before lunch we got to Mahoosuc Notch. It is a jumble of giant boulders that you climb over and under. It reminded me of SCBA training at the fire department. The only difference is we didn't have our mask blacked out. There was a lot of twisting and turning to get through the openings.We stopped at Speck Pond for the night. I took a quick swim to get the dirt and sweat off me. Tomorrow we stop in Andover to resupply and eat more food.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

The weather was foggy and windy when I left the shelter this morning. The climb up Old Speck Mountain was rocky. As I got away from the lake the trail got easier to walk. A couple of section hikers I've seen on the trail and at the shelters at night were hiking just behind me. They kept commenting about how fast I could go up a mountain. I wonder what they would have said if Trail Trash was setting the pace?At Grafton Notch we started hiking with War Cry and Dream Catcher. We hiked over Bald Plate making really good time. All of us are convinced the mileage in the AMC section of the trail was a little off. We'd hike and hike and it seemed to take forever to go one mile. MATC's section seems better. All four of us are at the Cabin in Andover tonight. This place was in "A Road More (or less) Traveled". Our host is great and the food is even better. We had beans straight out of the garden for supper. After breakfast tomorrow we will hike towards Rangeley, ME. We will have less than 250 miles to go!
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Andover, ME

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Ever have a day start out promising to be great and then just fall apart? Well that's how today unfolded.I woke up to the smell of a great breakfast. We had omelets, pancakes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, melon and blue berries. Thanks so much to Tag A Long for directing us to the Cabin. Also thanks to Bear and Don for making our stay so enjoyable.We were a little late getting back to the trail. We all spent too much time at the breakfast table. I told Trash, War Cry and Dream Catcher to hike on and I'd catch up later. I can't seem to hike as fast as them. About an hour into the hike my intestinal problem decided to act up. There I was digging a cat hole as fast as I could. Lunch was late and I had only finished half of today's mileage at 3:00 PM. I was in a hurry and didn't see a rock sticking out into the trail. I tripped and took a chunk of skin off my right shin. It had just healed up from a scrap earlier in the trip. I stopped the bleeding and bandaged up the best I could and continued up Big Blue Mountain. At the top of the day's highest climb I get caught in a thunder storm. I scrambled down as fast as I could.Now the sun is setting and I'm still a few miles from the shelter. I end up hiking in the dark for a couple of miles alone. When I got close to the shelter I yelled for Trail Trash and he and War Cry and Dream Catcher came out to meet me.Tomorrow I start earlier!