morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Mizpah Spring Hut, Nauman Tentsite

To: Madison Springs Hut, Valley Way Tentsite
Miles today: 11.8

Today is for Nick Braily, Lagos, who walked the Trail with me in June, many thanks, Nick. Your support and friendship meant so much when the going was really hard. A cold windy morning with no sign of the sun. We left the Hut around 8.15. The trouble with staying in the Huts is that your starting time is delayed. Oopala and Scot, a hiker we met yesterday went ahead. Seabees and I followed. We climbed Mt. Pierce in the fog. The wind was strong and the cold near freezing. What would it be like when we got higher? But the sun was trying to break through. It was delightful to watch the sun and heavy clouds do battle. As you looked down into the Valleys you could see part in sunshine, part in cloud. But the sun was winning the battle for supremacy of the mountain and soon we were walking beneath clear blue skies. How quickly the weather changes in these mountains. We could now see Mount Washington clearly in the ¢not too far away¢ distance. We reached ¢Lakes of the Clouds¢ Hut (5000) and took a short rest before the final 1.4 miles to the top. It was like walking through a sea of rocks as we climbed in winds of 60-70 mph. We were blessed with the sunshine. The wind was howling and it was a constant effort to stay upright. But the wind was not going to stop us now. We reached the top around 1 pm and what a let down. The place was full of tourists who had come up by car or on the train that brings tourists in an old steam engine. I called Mt. Mamma and I also spoke with Roisin and Geraldine. It was good to get some home news and make contact from the second highest peak on the Trail. But we have to get down from here quickly. The winds were increasing and there was talk of rain. We ate a little at the tourist bar and faced into the wind, 6.5 miles to go to Madison Springs Hut. It was an unforgettable hike down and around the mountains. There were times in exposed places where I feared for my life. The gusts were buffeting you this way and that. I prayed the rained would keep off. It did. ¢Seabees¢ and I walked on. We knew we could get there before dark. As we got down lower the winds decreased, but the rocks continued. Both of us were tired and nearing exhaustion. Remembering Tommy Healy¢s advise, I ordered a stop for food. With snicker bars and water we completed the final 1.5 miles. At 7.15 we reached the Hut and a warm reception. ¢Leapyear¢ ¢Siesta¢, ¢Jason¢, ¢TroutLilly¢ and a couple of ¢SOBOS¢ were there. Seabees and I gave the ¢Talk¢ that night. Again it was near freezing point. 11.8 miles today. Unbelievable and Unforgettable !!
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Madison Springs Hut, Valley Way Tentsite

To: Pinkham Notch Camp
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for Winnie and Dan Maher (late), Seamus and Sr. Marie, Moycarkey. 5.30 rising call in the Huts. A gale was blowing outside and the mist covered everything. We had breakfast and put on the ¢heavy gear¢. I had sent back my long pants, woollen hat and gloves. I could do with them today. Around 9 we were ready to leave and climb straight up Mount Madison (5,363). It was bitterly cold. The mist was like rain and the wind worst than the previous days. ¢Leapyear¢ and ¢Oopala¢ went on ahead. Seabees and I stayed together. Jason and Trout Lilly passed and stayed with us till we reached the summit. No words can ever describe this morning¢s experience. I was really afraid and prayed like a boyo. I saw ¢Leapyear¢ loose his black cover and Seabees new hat was whipped off his head and carried across the mountain. I saw Seabees fall and there was nothing I could do. We were crawling our way to the top that never seemed to come. It was always another 50 yards away in the mist. The fact that the others kept going and were getting there gave me the strength to keep going. On the downhill the mist lifted and we were gratefully sheltered from the wind. It was a very slow downhill., 3.3 miles to the river where we stopped for food by the Peabody River. The water in the rivers up here is so clear. It was warm now, and we could talk about the morning¢s experience. I met some Flip-Floppers whom I remembered, ¢Aaron¢ and ¢Erica¢, identical twins from N. Carolina and Kismet whom I last met way back in Atkins. The last 4 miles to Pinkham Notch and the road were fairly easy. We got there around 4. I called Mountain Mamma and she collected Seabees, Oopala and I. We went to her brothers house and had a lovely diner, a shower, washed clothes and had a great night. She wanted to know everything about the hike and is missing the Trail. She hopes to hike Kathadin, if she is free. We laughed and chatted and drank beer till nearly 11, scandalously late for Hikers. But the perfect end to another ¢never to be forgotten¢ day in the White Mountains. 8 miles today and that bit closer to conquering the Whites. Today is Jason¢s birthday, 29 years young.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Pinkham Notch Camp

To: Carter Dome
Miles today: 7.8

Today is for Billy and Breda Ryan, Laharden and my good friend Larry ( The Tab). An early start as Mt. Mamma had to be on duty. She drove us back to Pinkham Notch where the AMC, the Appalachian Mountain Club have their Centre. We hung around in the basement area till breakfast was served at 6.30. We had a whale of a meal with bacon, eggs, pancakes and allsorts of cereals, yogurts and drinks.¢ Oopala¢ took my passport and went to Gorham to the P.O. to get our mail. We won¢t get there walking till Saturday evening and the P.O. is closed Sunday and Monday (Labour Day) . ¢Seabees¢ and I headed off around 8 on what was expected to be another ¢day to remember¢, going over Wildcat Mountain (4,380) . Five miles of the hardest rock climbing as we crossed peaks D,C,B,and A . The trouble was that we never knew where the hills were. We kept reaching what we thought were summits only to go down again to climb again. The previous nights revelry was beginning to tell, the legs were tired so too were the eyes, but you had to keep focussed on the next step. This was certainly not how I imagined the Appalachian Trail would be. I will never fear a 5 or 10 mile walk on the flat when I get home. ¢Trout Lilly¢ and ¢Jason¢ passed us near the top. The day was bright and sunny but it was chilly. A ling steep decent to Carter Notch Hut (3,350), the last of the AMC Huts, where we ate a late lunch. ¢Oopala¢ arrived having gone to the P.O in Gorham and collected our mail. There was a parcel for me from John McLaughlin and a letter and sweets from Matt & Sandra. It was getting bitterly cold but we decided to do another few miles. We climbed straight back up Carter Dome (4,832) and about 1 mile further on Oopala discovered a small camping spot among the Pines. The clouds were swirling in around us and the wind was gusting strongly but we had a little protection. By 5 we had our tents up, by 5.30 we were ready to eat and sleep. ¢Leap Year¢ and ¢Constant Motion¢, a lovely young lady came along and we made room for them. ¢LeapYear¢ had a tarp but could find no space to tie it, so he shared my big 2 person tent. By 7.30 I was fast asleep while outside the wind howled. I slept like a log till around 5.30. Was I glad to carry my old tent even if it weighs a little extra. Kevin Patrick O¢Leary (¢M¢) passed us on the climb. We will not see him again, he moves like the wind. 7.8 miles today but we tamed the dreaded ¢Wildcat¢. Tomorrow, we hope to reach Gorham and say a fond farewell to the ¢Whites¢
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Carter Dome

To: Gorham
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is for Mrs. Crawford, Paddy (late) and all the Crawford family around Littleton. I woke early but decided to enjoy the comfort of my warm tent a little longer. For once, I was the last to leave camp around 7. The morning was covered in mist and fairly cold. It was nicer when I got down to the Zeta Pass (3,990). Then the big climb of the morning back up Middle Carte (4,600). The progress was slow and painful. I caught up with ¢Seabees¢. The others were heading in a mad rush to town. I wasn¢t sure if I¢d make the 13 + miles today. Going down the other side was tricky. Seabees took a heavy fall. I saw and heard him go down. I was sure he had done some damage, but miraculously, he escaped with minor bruises to his leg and arm. We reached Imp Campsite around 12 and ate a nice lunch, 8 miles to go, it seemed a good possibility. Before it would be a simple 4 hour hike. Here in the mountains you could not tell. Carter/Moriah (4,049) stood in our way. The trouble was we headed downhill for another 1,000 ft. before we started to climb. The evening was clear and bright and I had some wonderful views of all the mountains we had crossed, looking back over Wildcat and seeing Madison and Washington in the now far distance. On the top of Moriah, the Old AT went a shorter distance to Gorham, while the new AT took a longer route and crossed the highway some 3.5 miles outside the town. Seabees was going to Blue Blaze , but I would not allow him so we walked a steep downhill for bout 2 miles. Again we stopped for a break and some food. I met two old friends from Georgia and Tennessee coming uphill. They were singing ¢It¢s a long way to Tipperary¢. Then suddenly the Trail levelled out and we had the most beautiful walk along the Rattle River. We were now cruising at over 2 mph. We were at the road by 4.30, far ahead of our expectations. I hitched a ride to the Barn where all the hikers stay. It was full. I picked up my parcels and headed downtown with Seabees. He was going to a Motel. I called at the Church where the priest, Fr. John McKenzie was finishing the 4 o¢clock evening Mass. He was most welcoming and took me to the Parish House in Berlin, seven miles away. It was a lucky break. He persuaded me to take a Zero day and rest. I didn¢t need much persuasion. The Pastor, Gr. Richard arrived and asked what I¢d like to drink. A large G & T and a fantabulous meal, shower and laundry, what more could you ask for. A wonderful ending to my travel through the Whites of New Hampshire.
Date: 2003-08-31
From: Gorham

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is for Noreen Barry and family and her husband Dennis. A restfull morning here at the Parish House. I was on duty at 9 in Gorham. When I came out on the altar the first person I saw was ¢Seabees¢ . He had a smile from ear to ear. A nice congregation but not as lively as in Hanover. They were fascinated by the story of our Walk and asked all sorts of questions. After Mass I walked around the town. I called to the Barn where many of the Hikers were taking things easy. Fr. John and I had lunch around 12.30 when he finished the 11 Mass. The people here were so friendly after Mass and stayed on chatting and telling me about the road ahead. Many of them know the Mahoosuc Range and warned that we ain¢t ¢out of the woods¢ yet. It gave me a lovely warm feeling for the people and the town of Gorham. After lunch, I came back and enjoyed a rare afternoon siesta. Then some phone calls and a chance to catch up on my writing. I had a lovely letter and goodies from Matt and Sandra. Thank you for your words of support. It is great to have the day to ¢rest and allow the body to recover a little. I weighed in last night around 13 12 stone, fighting fit and ready for the final 300 miles. I don¢t want to loose anymore but the next few weeks will demanding. The Southbounders keep telling us that Maine is beautiful and that we will enjoy the remaining three or four weeks. There are times when I have to pinch myself to fully realise that I have come so far. Thank you, Brendan for the new boots. I will send them on ahead to Monson and only use them for the final 100 miles. Today is a day for taking stock and thanking God for bringing me safely to this point. To have come through the Whites in such glorious weather was a real blessing. The weather will be getting cooler as I move north, but hopefully, we will reach Kathadin before the snows begin. Tomorrow or Tuesday, we cross the New Hampshire /Maine State line, the last State on the Long Hike from Georgia
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Gorham

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is for Mary (Cooney ) Lenihan and Eddie ,Katie and John and Mary¢s husband Sean Ryan. Another early start as Fr. John was bringing me from Berlin, where he lives, to Gorham. I linked up with Seabees at 6.30 and Fr. John drove us to the Trail Head. There we met our friends from the South, ¢Hill¢ and ¢Billy¢. Fr. John gave us his blessing as he sent us on our way. Today would possibly be our last day in New Hampshire. The morning was cool and clear as we crossed the Androscoggin River and climbed up Cascade Mountain. I was finding it hard to get going. While the Zero day is certainly good for the body, I always find it tough to get the engine cranked up again. Seabees was in fine fettle with a new pair of high ¢tech boots. I sent mine ahead to Monson. I will go with what I have and am feeling fine. It was a long climb over hard granite. I was glad the rock was dry. We stopped for some food and rest after 2 hours. It was great to get the pack off, and sit and admire the beauty all around. The morning was getting hot and the water fast disappearing. Round 12.30, we stopped for lunch. I was getting into the rhythm again. But it was hard to make miles in this terrain. We slogged on to the next Shelter, Gentian Pond, where we ate again around 14.30. I don¢t know how I¢m losing weight with all the food I eat. It was 3 in the afternoon and a Big One to climb, but we decided to have a go and reach the State Line. Two hard hours to get the better of Mount Success (3565) and then a hard 1.9 downhill, uphill and downhill again. We were both tired and wondered if the sign would ever come. We were also worried about the time. The evenings are getting shorter and as ewe move north they are getting shorter and colder. 6.40 we crossed the New Hampshire/ Maine State Line. A prayer of Thanksgiving for bringing us safely so far, thirteen states done and one to go. It is a wonderful feeling crossing into Maine. The next 100 miles will be rough, (according to the SOBOS) but we are ready and looking forward to the final hurdle. The body is tired but the mind is saying¢ yes, you can do it, now. Half a mile to the Shelter, but it is over 45 minutes to complete the distance. Some ferocious rocks which took time and care to negotiate. Welcome to Maine, I thought. The Shelter was 0.3 miles off the Trail, which at the end of a hikers day is just too much. 5.25 when we hit camp. A quick change, fetch water, and cook before darkness closed in. A long hard day but I am so happy to be in Maine at last. ¢Seabees¢ and I had the Shelter to ourselves. Two Hikers , ¢Pony¢ and ¢I¢m Hungry¢ arrived at 8 when it was nearly dark. They pitched tent and left us alone. I was asleep in seconds. Today was a big day out of town. The legs are weary and the knees were aching a little towards evening. Tomorrow, we face the Mahoosuc Notch, which is legendary among Trail Hikers. Most agree that it is the toughest mile we will walk on the entire journey- we shall see!!
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for Mick Collins, Borrisoleigh, his wife Annette and all the Collins family and my friends around Borrisoleigh. Seabees and I were on the road at 7. It was cold and misty. But our ¢sleeping quarters¢ were nearly at 3,000 ft. Straight away, we had a hard climb up Mount Carlo (3,565). The trouble is the Trail brings you down before you start on the up. We climbed in the cold and the mist and saw nothing from the summit. Down again before we headed up Goose Eye Mountain ( 3,790). The sun was beginning to overcome the mist and the views were beautiful. We met our friends, ¢Hill¢ and ¢Billy¢ coming south. They told us that the Trail ahead was tough. What¢s new, says I. Goose E ye had several peaks and I was glad to reach Full Goose Shelter where we dined in style before the much talked about Notch. Pony and ¢I¢m Hungry¢ were with us and the banter was good. 12 Noon, we marched to meet the Monster and before we got there we had one ¢huar of a climb¢ up Fulling Mill Mountain (3,395). I¢m getting more like a goat with every day that passes, scrambling up the side of rocky hills. By 1.30, we reach Mahoosuc Notch. The sun was shining and the sky was a clear blue. We needed all the help we could get. The road ahead was a sea of boulders. We went over, under and around them. Twice we had to take off the packs and push them through ahead. It was unbelievable, indescribable lunacy. Underneath, we could hear the water flowing and see ice in some of the crevices. It took us two hours plus to navigate the rocks, sometimes on our hands and knees, sometimes ass sliding, other times rock hopping. I really loved it. We took a break for some food and were ready to move on at 16.00 hours. We were in for another surprise. The Mahoosuc Arm (3770) was to prove the talking point of the day. Everybody was so geared up for the Notch that they forgot what came after it, 1,880 climb straight up. There were long 200 yard stretches over sheer granite at an angle of 45 *. Luckily, the rock face was dry. I felt great and climbed on ahead. Jason and Trout Lilly caught me at the summit. We stopped for the customary picture.0.9 miles downhill to Speck Pond Shelter, the last of the AMC Shelters where we had to pay $8, but after such a day, who could complain. I met ¢Commander in Chief¢, ¢Popsicle¢ and ¢Moose¢ , ¢Popsicle¢ was the lady who was attacked by ¢Fubar¢ back at 4 Pines Hostel in Virginia. It was just great to see her again., nearly three months since I first met them. They got off the Trail and then jumped 300 miles, so they were ahead of me. 9.5 miles today but they sure make us work for every inch of the way. There will be no big miles in this part of Maine.
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Lil and Billy Moloughney, Spruce Hill, and John and Mary and their families. A great night¢s sleep in the Shelter, everybody was up and ready to go by 7.15.once again, we had an early morning ¢Special¢. A massive climb up ¢Old Speck¢ (3,985) It went on and on. The day was bright and clear, lovely hiking conditions. Then it was a long 3.5 miles downhill to the road, Route 26. ¢Seabees¢ was seated at a Picnic table and together we had our pre-lunch. ¢Popsickle¢ and ¢Moose¢ to a quick pit stop and were on their way. They said the next mountain would be hell. ¢Seabees¢ and I made good tome to Baldplate Shelter where we ate lunch with ¢Jason¢ , ¢Trout Lilly¢, ¢Popsickle¢ and ¢Moose¢ . 1.30 we were ready to have a real go at Mount Baldplate. By 2.30, we had scaled the West Peak (3662). Then down again before going up a sheer granite rock to 3810. This last one was above tree-line, and the wind, while not as strong as others days, was making it even more exciting. I seem to enjoy the climbs. I get a sudden rush of energy and scamper like a billy goat leaving ¢Seabees¢ way behind. He has the advantage on the down-hills. The views from the top were magnificent. Miles and miles, as far as the eye could see, of mountains, forests and lakes. Time to move on as we contemplated our options. We could stay at the next Shelter or try to get closer to town (Andover). We reached the Shelter around 16.15 and decided to stay. Popsickle, Moose, Jason, Trout Lilly and Commander in Chief were all in camp. It was nice to have an early night for a change. I wrote a little, pitched my tent (unusual), cooked my meal and was ready for bed around seven. Forecast of rain and thunder storms. We enjoyed a lovely evening sitting around and discussing ¢Life after the Trail¢. Popsickle claims we will never be ¢normal¢ again after this experience. Were we ¢Normal¢ to begin with ? How do we ensure that the weight does not come back in a couple of weeks after leaving the hiking. We may have to continue doing what we now do best. 10.4 miles today. Kathadin may not be as near as I had thought. But even at this slow pace we should be there before month ending.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 10.5

Today is for Mary Mooney on her birthday, remembering Uncle Michael who shared the same birthday. What a night and I decided to camp!! The thunderstorm began around 1.30 and such thunder, rain and lightning, you never saw the likes. St. James was called into action again and once again, he came up trumps. It rained all night but my tent was equal to the challenge. So, it was 8 or so before we got moving/ Seabees and I walked together. Again, it was uphill, but after sometime the rain stopped and the Trail became very easy. Popsicle and Moose passed, so also, Trout Lilly and Jason. They were all hurrying to town. 4.5 miles to the road that leads to Andover. Before we reached the road, there was a roaring stream to cross. Seabees took a Blue Blaze, while I took of the boots and socks and waded across. When I got to the road, the entire gang was there. Not a single car had passed. Cars are scarce in these roads in Maine. The whole area is very thinly populated. A pick-up arrived. Some guy was doing shuttle for one of the hostels, so loaded us all into the back and took us into town. I went to the P.O. and asked to have all my mail at Gorham sent to Monson. Then I went for lunch and bought some food for the journey. The place was crawling with hikers. Most of them were going to stay in town. Seabees had got a room and was staying. I wrote my journal while eating lunch, went back to the P.O. and then decided to hitch back to the Trail. Not a car to be seen. Seabees came by with a 6 pack and it was very tempting to stay in town. But my feet were itchy and I wanted to do a few more miles today. Otherwise Mary would kill me for doing a ¢lazy day¢!! Just before 3, the same guy came driving back to the Trail. The next Shelter or Lean-To (Hall Mountain Lean-to ( 2,650 ft.) as they are called in Maine was six miles away. There was a long climb up Wyman Mountain (2920 ft.) but the Trail was surprisingly easy. I put the head down and decided to have a go. It was good to be alone again. While I like Seabees, and could walk the rest of the way to Kathadin with him, I discovered many times on this journey that I am better off alone. I see more, hear more, think more and even walk more. In I hour I had clipped 2 miles and moving well. The evening was beautiful after the rain, the smell of the forest wonderful. I heard the ¢loon¢ a fishing bird with a lovely call. Grouse were all over the place. The climb was generally gentle but now and again, I got back in the rocks, lest I should forget. At 6.10, I reached the shelter, where there was water just before, so I loaded up. I had the shelter to myself. Everybody stayed in town. I changed into dry clothes, cooked some Pasta and before 7.30, I was sound asleep. 10.5 miles today, not bad considering I had a trip to town, but tomorrow looks like trouble, some nice climbs ahead. But the big¢K-ountdown¢ is on. 250 miles to go. Every day will be knocking a slice off that figure.