morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Gov. Clement Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

I awoke early, wanted to go back to the White rock cliff view site, I had bipassed this last night due to it getting dark. I hate to miss views. I left at 6:00, Smiles and the rest of the group slept in. I got to the trail from the shelter trail, and headed to what I thought was the right direction, but... I did not recognize anything, and the trail kept going down. I did not remember climbing this mountain last pm, but it was dark. I went down about a 1/4 of a mile, and felt maybe the cliffs were farther than I thought, so I went back to the Shelter trail where I had left my pack. I Put my pack on to move on, I climbed up about a 1/4 mile and oops, I ran into the cliffs I had wanted to see in the first place. I finally did it, I had gone in the wrong direction, twice!. Hazzard of coming to a tent site at night. I had a good laugh at myself, went to see the White Cliffs, which were awesome, and then I again went down the mountain, past the shelter trail for the 3rd time and moved on. I considered not telling anyone about this misdirection, but why, we all need a good laugh at times.Encountered some of the LT thru Hikers at the stream at the bottom of the mountain, ate breakfast with them, and moved on , the group was all to meet at the Whistlestop Restraunt for lunch, 8 miles away. Before getting to the lunch, there was some hard climbing, and a great swimming hole at Clarendon Gorge. Best swimming hole yet, a pretty gorge with a suspension bridge for the AT, climbed down into many rock formations and sandstone bowls. Smiles , Wiffle, Philly Steve arrived to swim as well, then we moived on to get food. The Whistlestop was a very hiker friendly place, had a great meal and a good visit. Our group was able to sit and make our hiking plans for the next week, to get us to NH. We Had hoped to get up on top of Killinton today, but the skies opened, all was wet and slippery, agree to stop at the Gov. Clent shelter. We had come to a portion of the trail that had been washed out by the Hurricane last year, option for road walking detour vs going the old trail and its hazzards. We had heard from some of the Southbounders that the original trail was passable and in some ways very interesting, so we all took the original trail, except for Wiffle who took the detour. We followed many damaged areas where bridges over the streams were all washed out, the banks strewn with downed trees, large embankments washed away. Large portions of hills scarred by the run off. Somewhat difficult to cross, though the streams were low now and passable. Amazing the damage done. We got to the shelter, wet, and muddy. About 15 of us met here, both north and southbounders, made a fire in the fireplace, tried to dry out. All Smiles had brought some hotdogs, and we had a good night. The rain had stopped at about 8:00 pm.Again an excellent, eventful day. The bugs were better after the rain. Blues came in later than most of us, he had gotten lost and crossed a few extra streams, he was quite wet upon his arrival. But even he was in good spirits.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Gov. Clement Shelter

To: long trail inn 
Miles today: 13.7

All smiles and I awoke for an early start, the rain had stopped but it was overcast and very humid.We started hiking at about 6:15. We followed the trail on a old dirt road used by ATV's. This area had been damaged by the hurricane last year, and there were many downed trees. The road followed a stream. All smiles got to talking and of course there is no interupting, that long drawn out southern lawyer control of the conversation. Smiles was leading, after about 45 minutes I finally interupted and noted I had not seen a white blaze for awhile. We had just crossed the stream on a new bridge, bitwe only saw ATV tracks and some signage. We looked at the map, noted we were not supposed to cross the stream. We knew we missed a turnoff. We walked back about a mile to find the trail went off the road to the right. Smiles wanted to keep quiet about this wandering, had concocted a story of our evaluation of the damage ATV's do to the forest, but just as we started up the right trail, there was Wiffleball, he left already 45 minutes after us, and there was no denying our wanderings. Smiles still wants to hold to his ATV Evaluation story.We climbed a long steep section to the top of Killington. The clouds blanketed the top. We could hear the gondola running, so we evaluated, we found that thru hikers could ride for free and go to the base area. We waited for Peeper and Hawk, Blues had delayed. We got a gondola ride, had a bite to eat, and rode back to the summit. It was very beautiful, the clouds were only on the summit. We met up with Blues on our way back, he missed out this time, shouldn't dalltal(sp). We met many day climbers and mountain bikers at the gondola. The summit never cleared it's blanket of clouds.We climbed down with the intent to go to the Long Trail Inn for a late lunch and some drinks. Arrived scattered between 3 and 4:00. Wiffle as usual was first and by the time I arrived he had eaten a full meal, a few drinks and had finageled with Owen the bartender to stay at the Inn for $26 a piece. Leave it to Wiffle, always to find the deal. We had a great night, went a little late. Laundry, food,shower, good cheer and a bed, heaven.in the pm. Smiles found an oln leaky roof, but shelter for the night. Beautiful views from a roof platform. A very comfortable night. The sign at the door stated, stay at your own risk, the owner.
Date: 2012-07-17
From: long trail inn 

To: lookout farm
Miles today: 16.5

We awoke for our included breakfast, large, and delicious, got to hiking in a little rain. We all were a little slow this am. Peeper and I picked up a resupply mail drop on the way at a trailside a B and B, then hiked on towards the east, Nh by Thursday. Thunder showers hit us in the pm. Smiles found an old farm, The Lookout an abandoned building on a mountain quite secluded. Pretty run down, a leaky roof, but shelter for the night. Beautiful views from a roof platform. A very comfortable night. The sign at the door stated, stay at your own risk, the owner. Heard my first loon this am, I know we are back in New England. Good to be back.
Date: 2012-07-18
From: lookout farm

To: West Hartford 
Miles today: 19.4

We awoke to a clearing morning. Went to the lookout at sunrise and looked towards the White mtns, we have many ridges to traverse today. Smiles and I left by 6:30, hiked to rt12 to On The Edge Farm, a beautiful produce,ice cream, pie store. Delicious and we ate our fill. Hawk bought a blueberry/sourcherry pie that was incredible. We sat and ate spoonfuls until it was all gone. Cheese, sausage, crackers, tomatoes, grapes....yum. Brunch complete we were back on the trail by 11:00.We continued over many further ridges, had many views in high fields, beautiful vistas. Few of the group got ice cream later in the day at Cloudland market, then got to West Hartford by 7:30 for dinner at the deli. Hard but beautiful hiking day. Many areas of BlackBerries and rasberries, yum. We were able to tent in a residential yard, thank you Steve. He warned us of the trains that go through, about 30 feet away, the Montrealer, and a few freight trains. Glad he warned us, it sounded like they were coming into the tent. Frightening even when we expected it.Another great day!
Date: 2012-07-19
From: West Hartford 

To: Etna Hanover rd
Miles today: 15.3

We all had a good night in Steve's yard, trains and all. We had breakfast at the deli and were back on the trail by 8:00. On to NH.We reached Hanover, NH by noon. Had 3 miles of road walking at the end. We planned to have a lunch picnic here , Kevin, Blues uncle ,was meeting us. I met Jim , future trail Angel, on my way into Hanover. He and his sister walked in with me, bought me s soda, and later helped us with transportation to and Dr the picnic. I knew NH people would come through for us. Great to be back in NH. Thank you Kevin and Jim for a successful picnic. YUM AGAIN. I may get some of my lost weight back.We resupplied some in Hanover, then moved out. We found a church field to camp in about 5 miles out. Saw a few deer on the way. Many southbounders going by now. Initially the fast first ones were antisocial, but now we are seeing the more friendly, less intense SOBO. GREAT TO BE IN NH!!!
Date: 2012-07-20
From: Etna Hanover rd

To: South Jacobs Brook
Miles today: 21.4

We camped at a churches side field, had some cars pull in at night, teenagers who also appeared to hang out there, awoke us a few times. Hawk slept poorly and left at sunrise, All Smiles and I awoke soon after, I saw Hawk leave but did not talk with him. I was ready to go before Smiles and went down to the old Etna Cemetary to look around, an interest of mine. I noted many graves in the early 1800's, many families that lost young children, young women, probably in childbirth, and a few graves of men that were noted to have remarried after the first wive's death, and the second wife also buried with the husband. Life was very different back then, the history interests me. Smiles pulled me out of the cemetary and we were off.Smiles had some concerns of the group dynamics, and tends take responsibility for the cohesiveness of the group. He was concerned why Hawk left early. I too had some concerns for Hawk usually was one of the last to leave camp. We figured we would see Hawk at the designated stopping point, Smarts Mountain fire tower and cabin. We hiked through the heat of the day, climbed moose Mtn, many rolling hills and marshes, stopped at a Trail Magic Neighbors house for some ice cream and soda, Smiles then went ahead and I stayed back to charge my phone. I waited 2 hrs for Peeper and Blues, but they w never showed up, Whiffleball did catch up and reported that Peeper and he had gone to the store in Etna. We still had the long difficult climb of Smart's Mountain, reported to be the more difficult climb since Virgina. It is steep and fools you in thinking you are there with a false peak. It was difficult at the end of the day. I got to the top about 40 minutes after Wiffle and Smiles, no Hawk. Wiffle and Smiles had moved on to see if Hawk was at the next shelter, 5 miles ahead. I again waited for Peeper, it was getting late after 5:00, and they had not yet caught up, I too followed Wiffle and Smiles. I caught up with them 4 miles out from our previous scheduled stopping point, they had caught up with Alpo who said Hawk had come to the first cabin this am and took a nap. We were ahead of him. Wiffle reported that Hawk does not sleep well by a road and has done this before. Having stopped at South Jacobs brook, we tented here as well, awaiting the other three.They arrived after dark, a little annoyed that we had moved on and Hawk insisted that "we were not his mother", point well taken, and all in jest. We got four more miles ahead which in the end is good. The view on Smart's Mountain was beautiful, vistas 360 deg with views of the Whites and Greens, Monandnock in the south.We found at our stopping point tonight we were at a dirt road,it was quiet when we stopped. The Dartmouth outing Club was going to use this trail intersection for a 1/2 point rest station, a scheduled 50 miles 24 hrs hike from Hanover to Moosilauke. Needless to say, it was very noisy from 12:00- 5:00, little respect for the sleeping tents. Another night of poor sleep.
Date: 2012-07-21
From: South Jacobs Brook

To: Glencliff, Rt 25
Miles today: 16.2

We tried to get some sleep in the early am due to our disruptions by the DOC through the night. Wiffle and Smiles left at about 7:00, I left at 8:00 and the others followed. We climbed Mtn Cube, had excellent views, climbed down to the prewhites rollers, crossed the Rt 25A,C on to rt 25. Had views of Moosilauke, had a great swim in Wichapauka Pond and climbed down to the hiker hostel in Glencliff.I did see a lone loon and many Crawfish at the pond. I also continue to pass many SOBO's. I had an encounter with a day hiker who was giving out trail magic of seven layer bars, very sweet, as he passed them. I needed that sweet burst of energy after climbing Mtn Cube.I also had my most severe fall today, fell on a steep down when I caught my foot on a root, my pole caught on a rock as I fell, being in the strap this rotated me on my hip and unable to protect myself with my hands, I got a severe hip pointer. I though I had broke my hip at first. Thankfully I did not and limped down with only a bruised hip and ego. I don't thing I will use these pole straps on the down and in rocks again. Feel ok tonight, we'll see how I feel in the am.This evening at the Hostel, tenting outside. Visited by a raccoon, got in my tent and ate my medicine and some protein supplement. I wonder how he will feel?He also ate some of the other hikers food. Nature hit again.Otherwise all is well, spirits are high, on to the Whites!
Date: 2012-07-22
From: Glencliff, Rt 25

To: Gordon pond
Miles today: 12.0

After a multiraccoon, multievent night, we all awoke at about the same time, 6:30-7:00. We ate, cleaned up, accessed the raccoon damage, that was annoying but minimal. We plan to have a picnic at 2:00 with Hawk's parents at kinsman gap/rt 112. We have Moosilauke to climb and descend. We left by 8:00. We had a great day with beautiful weather, we walked through some lowlands area, passed an old cemetery, which I visited and started up the Glencliff trail/AT. Climbed relatively steep, joined the carriage trail near the top. We went above treeline and we had incredible views. We climbed to the top with 360 deg views. Wow!!We stayed for about an hour, left by 12:00. Many day hikers came through. We knew we had a very steep and difficult descent and felt we better move on. It was the most difficult descent thus far on the AT, but very beautiful. We followed cascades of many waterfalls, slippery rocks, many scrambles, even a sign warning the risks and severity of the trail. We made it down by 2:30, very tired after the descent.Picnic was excellent, ate more than we should, planned the next week in the Whites . Peeper also made arrangements to have her friend, Danny join us for a day. He will arrive today. We still wanted to get some more miles in, thanked Hawks parent's, grabbed food for later and moved on to a very steep ascent out of the notch.We heard there was a good campsite on Gordon Pond, we had 3.7 miles to go. We got to the pond by 7:00, ate our food, setup our tents, and looked for moose. We heard them, but have yet to see one.A great day, back on top of the world. Even Smiles admits this is an incredible place. On Franconia notch over the Kinsmams.Note for Catchup, we did see and talk to drifter 2 days ago, she is southbound and doing very well.
Date: 2012-07-23
From: Gordon pond

To: Rt93,Franconia notch
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

We had rain early this am, awoke with wet tents, it stopped by 7:00. We were visited by 3-4 moose last night, it was to dark to see them, one walked within 10 feet of blues and my tents, large hoof prints noted in the mud.We all packed out, except Blues by 8:00, he tends to always be last out. It was wet and slippery this am, and we have some steep climing to do, we have to be very careful. Especially me, I tend to fall the most, ? an age thing, I do have a bruise on my left hip, it's sore but has not affected my hiking.We are hiking mountains 4 of us have climed but none of us have done te southern aPproach, very pretty cliffs, steep and difficult. We did Wolfe, and the 2 Kindsman mtns. The skies were clearing, views improved as the day got older. We got to Lonesome Lake hut, had a swim, Peeper was going to stay for she knows some of the hut crew,having worked in the AMC huts for 2 yrs. The test of us were going to C Chet's hostel in Lincoln. Three mile walk out, got a shuttle at the Fluke, got to Chet's by 6:30, only floor space in the garage left. Peeper called, having a great time at Lonesome, We ate, resupplied, and went to a movie, something we have not done since PA. It was raining when we came out,walked to the hostel in the rain. A good day, on to Franconia ridge tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-24
From: Rt93,Franconia notch

To: Franconia notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The weather forecast for today was worrisome, rain and thunderstorms with expected high winds. The mountain forecast with expected hail,and temperatures in the 30's tonight. We decided to take a zero day. The Franconia ridge in such weather is to exposed and would be dangerous.Our sleeping arrangement though needed to change, Chet's place was much less than ideal. Sleeping in the garage with the Hostel's trash, poor ventilation, and being overcrowded was LEDs than ideal. Wiffleball called around, found a spot at the Carriage Inn for $30 per person, we took this option. The Carriage Inn was in North Woodstock, a few miles away, pool, game room, and magic fingers bed, a good place for a zero day.We rested, swam, few went to a movie. The forecast for tomorrow looks good, but a cold night. We awoke rested, rejuvenated by our zero day, ready to take on the beautiful Franconia Ridge.
Date: 2012-07-25
From: Rt93,Franconia notch

To: Galehead hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke rested, rejuvenated by our zero day, ready to take on the beautiful Franconia Ridge. Smiles and I were up by 7:00 and ready to go, the others slept a little longer, as usual. The shuttle took us to the trailhead, and off we went. We had a cool, cloudy but clearing morning, the weather as expected yesterday was bad with high winds,70ish gusts with rain and thunderstorms, good decision to zero. We climbed steady to the ridge, it remained very windy, the clouds were clearing from the summits. Blues and Peeper joined us at this point. Hawk and Wiffle were still back at the hotel at 9:00, they had some phone charging issues. We had to put more clothing on, it was in the high 50's. The remainder of the day we adjusted our clothing to the exposure. We got to Little Haystack by 10:00, beautiful day, fantastic views. Cloud ceiling was just above the summits. Many hikers started to reach the ridge, some poorly dressed for the conditions and didn't stay long. Few young girls were cowering behind a bolder, obviously cold and a little scared, I helped th find the best trail to get off the ridge. The four of us moved on to Lincoln, them Lafayette. All of us in awe of the view, Smiles laughing and hiking like an excited child. Windy and a little chilly, but fantastic. We went on to the Garfield ridge, this proved to be very arduous, but breathtakingly beautiful. This is a very rocky, steep up and down ridge. Areas of wet rock made it even more difficult. Wiffle and Hawk caught up at this point. We moved on to Gale Head hut, arrived at about 4:30. Peeper arranged for us to sleep at the hut, but not as one of the work to stay thru hikers. The hut can give up to 4 thru hikers a work to stay (wts) option, they get to eat the leftover dinner and breakfast, in return they have to work a few hrs. We could sleep there but ate our own food. We sleep on the floor in the dinning room. Can go to bed after 10:00 pm, must be gone by 6:00 am. Nice to be out of the weather, 12 of us slept on the floor.Really great day in the mountains for our group.Rain forecast for tomorrow.Unfortunately, today one of our good friends died, expectly. Peeper will be going back for the funeral.Sadness for us being away from family in these times.
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Galehead hut

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light intensity shower rain

We were awoken at 5:30, expected to be cleared out by 6:00am. We ate a few snacks, cleaned up, packed up and were off. It started to rain by 6:30, a light drizzle. We had a very steep climb out of Gail Head hut, up Twinway, to the top of South Twin. The rocks became very slippery and remained such throughout the day. We walked the Twinway trail to Zealand, the clouds remained high so we still got good views. Climbed down to Zealand hut for lunch. The rain had let up, we hiked through the afternoon dry but overcast. The afternoon hike was relatively flat and easier through the Pemigewasit (sp) wilderness. Pretty marsh land with views to the west of all we had climbed, and east the cliffs of Mtn Wiley,Fields, and Toms. We got to the trailhead at Crawford Notch and were treated to Trailmagic by some previous thru hikers, Mand M and Poof(sp). Drinks and snacks. Yum.We felt though it was only 4:30, we should find a campsite and rest, we have The Presidentials starting tomorrow with a long steep climb out of Crawford Notch. We found a nice site across on the Saco River, setup camp, ate, sat at the fire for an hour, asleep by 8:30.
Date: 2012-07-27
From: Crawford Notch 

To: Lake in the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

We had a light rain in the early am before awakening, Smiles and I awoke early and started hiking at 6:15. We had a very steep ascent of the Webster Cliffs, unfortunately very foggy and wet. The hiking was torturous and difficult, the hardest and most technical climbing thus far in our AT adventures. We started to get partial views by 9:00, we reached Mitzvah hut by 10:00. Webster Cliffs were spectacular views once the Clouds rose. Watching the Clouds stream through the Valleys and over the ridges was beautiful.Smiles and I waited at Mitzvah for the rest of the group, by 11:00 we had all arrived ate some, soup and lunch, and moved on. The day had cleared with crisp views on the ridges approaching Mt Eisenhower, we could see over the entirely Washington Valley and way beyond. One of those 100 mile days. The mount Washington Hotel and Brentwoods ski resort appeared as if we could touch them below. The lakes re gion visable50-60 miles away, almost could see home. Mount Washington looming over Mount Monroe. Wow!We hiked on over the presidential ridge towards Lake In The Clouds Hut, hoping to do a work for stay. The views ever changing, never disappointing. The ravines opening up beneath us, Tuckerman's most impressive. We reached Lakes by 4:00, Peeper was able to arrange a WFS for US, we were to stay in the Dugeon. This is the six bunk safety shelter under Lakes, name very fitting We all worked for our dinner, I cleaned the stove, Peeper washed dishes and gave a hiker talk to the paying residents. We all had our jobs and earned an excellent meal. We were in the Dugeon by 10:00, lights out. Unfortunately the dungeon is damp, right next to the Privy Collection tanks, you can imagine the odors. Somewhat long cool night, but a place to sleep. On to the Presidential ridge tomorrow.