morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-29
From: West Hartford

To: Dartmouth College
Miles today: 9.9

Norwich VT home. 10 PM. Since I only had 10 miles to hike today I was not in a hurry to leave town. We all had a big breakfast at the deli and by 9:30 headed up the road for the only climb of the day. It was cloudy and humid. The trail was wet from the storm but it was a quick hike to Happy Hill where I stopped with Firstgear to check out the shelter. Down to the road we fou d trail magic at a mailbox on a residential street. Watermelon and homemade date nut loaf. The owner came out and chatted with us and it turned out she was the the one that started the trail angel list. Firstgear invited me to stay with her relatives who lived near the Norwich common and soon we were in a kitchen having drinks. We decided to walk into Hanover to make a few more miles and have lunch at Moliies. At the river we crossed into NH and took pictures with Chuckles and Little Spoon who live in NH walked up the hill into town. Lots of hikers were around the common taking a break from the trail. After a long lunch with pizza, salad, and beer I explored town while Firstgear and Greenlight went to L L Bean in a nearby town. I visited the hardware store and bookstore. Back at the house we had a wonderful dinner with vegetables from the garden, chicken, and ice cream for desert. An easy day before the Whites.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Dartmouth College

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

Trapper John Shelter campsite. 10 PM. No one was in a hurry to get out of bed today until Dick said " coffee is ready". The couple made pancakes with bacon and juice. It was going on 10:30 when we all packed into the car and drove with our packs over to Hanover. It was sunny and hot in town and after walking past the athletic fields I stopped at the Co-op for food. The store had an amazing selection of good stuff. I bought baked goods and Vermont cheese. Climbing up Velvet Rocks, I slipped on a rock and banged my knee. Five miles into the hike I decided to take a break and Willow with Doubledare joined me. I was in no hurry for the climb up Moose Mountain, my pack felt heavy. After passing 2 locals out for their day hike near home, I passed the shelter trail. It was 5:30 and I wanted to hike 3 more miles to a stream. I made the mistake of not stopping at the first stream thinking there would be more streams. After crossing the road and a marshy area it was 6:30 and I could see I was climbing Holts Ledge. Maybe this could be my first night hike. On the ridge, there were views of Smarts Mountain but it was getting dark. As I descended I could barely see the roots and rocks. Around 8 I saw a sign on the tree and was happy to know I made it to the shelter. The side trail seemed long but finally I arrived to a Dartmouth group at the shelter. Limey was behind the shelter camping so I joined him. After getting water I had my sandwich from the store. The DOC group was loud until after 10 but I still had things to do anyway. I guess since I did not ever get out my headlamp, I really did not night hike.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Hexacuba Shelter. 8 PM. Last night I had to get up at 2 AM and put the rain fly on my tent and get my gear. It rained lightly most of the night but my things were dry under the tent. I only hiked about 4 minutes before reaching the home of Bill Ackerman, the ice cream man. No one was home but I found the freezer on the back porch. Bill came home soon and sat on the porch and chatted, when Firstgear and Greenlight arrived I decided to stay longer. With the free wifi I stayed till noon not knowing I was going to have my hardest climb since the Tye River in VA. The trail started with rock slabs but changed direction and went straight up the mountain. Another DOC group passed and 2 day hikers. Finally at 4 I arrived at the tower and cabin. It was foggy and cool so I pushed on down the easy side of the mountain. I fell on wet roots and for a moment actually blacked out. Not sure what happened but maybe fatigue or dehydration. It began to drizzle on the 600 foot climb to the shelter. Even the side trail was steep. I found 4 hikers in the unusual 8 sided shelter similar to a teepee. It was after 6 and I still had to clean up, get water, and make dinner. Steady rain began to fall after dinner and I am glad to be in the shelter.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 14.8

Hikers Welcome Hostel. 10PM. I awoke today to a damp drizzle at the shelter. Some of the younger hikers were planning a long day over Moosilauke but I was headed or the hiker feed in Glencliff. The rocky climb up Cube was slippery, at the top I found a group of day hikers but no view, just fog. After only 4 miles I came to a nice stream and decided to take a short break. Firstgear and Greenlight arrived from a campsite and were deciding their plans for the day. The 3 mile hike over Ore Hill was easy and at another road crossing I made a choc. shake while Greenlight dried out his gear in the sun. It was 2:30 and it was still 5 miles to the road to the hostel. I met a few southbounders who had been at the hiker food and told me that there was plenty of food. A flew down the last hill and hurried up the road. In the yard I found over 30 hikers, some who I had not seen since Virginia. My first surprise was seeing Cozy, Indigo, and Stealth. There were a few other familiar faces and it was fun hearing their stories. I pitched my tent but after the burgers and hot dogs provided by Baltimore Jack I moved up to the sofa in the bunkroom. A big storm was predicted overnight and I really did not want wet gear again. The beer drinking, game playing, and campfire lasted well into the evening. I lasted until about 11 and then headed up to the sofa.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel 

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Hikers Welcome Hostel. Zero Day. I awoke to pouring rain with a threat of flash flooding in the Whites. On my comfy sofa with other hikers we all decided to not hike today. Baltimore Jack made a big pancake breakfast for everyone and afterwards I spent time checking e mail and reading. I took a ride to the mini market for snacks and milk. The next big mountain was half covered in clouds so I was happy to be off trail. Legion must make a lot of trips to that store. I decided to play poker with 7 other hikers before the dinner. I made it to the final four before the great pasta dinner made by Baltimore Jack. Another round of rain and a power outage ended the night. I think I should. Be well rested and fed for these big mountains!
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Gordon Pond Trail Campsite
Miles today: 12.6

Gordon Pond Trail Campsite 10:40 PM. Today I was up early having coffee with the caretaker in the common room and settling up my bill. I was packing my gear upstairs when the smell of bacon and eggs at 8 made me go down for a breakfast that I had not planned. I was hoping to hit the trail by 8 but it was 9 before I hit the trail up the road. It was a quick walk to Jeffers Brook Shelter where I took a quick break. The real climb did not begin for about a mile and then for 3/12 hours I climbed up a steep rocky trail and watched the fir trees shrinking in size. There were high clouds but I did get some views through the trees. At the carriage trail near the summit I was in the clouds for the mile flat walk to the summit. The barren rocky trail had cairns to mark the way. I had a surprise when I met Pathfinder and Blackhawk heading south. I nad not seen her since PA. At the summit I found shelter in a rock wall with other day hikers and northbounders. The temp was in the low 60's and I got out my rain jacket. After almost a one hour break I began the descent to Beaver Brook Shelter and then the steep wet rocky descent next tp a stream with waterfalls. At times wood steps were bolted into the rocks and the trail was al out vertical. It was 4:30 when I reached Kinsman Notch and the highway. It was still about 7 1/2 miles to the shelter and I knew I would arrive just before dark. My legs were dead on the climb and the boulders and slippery roots were slowing me down. The low sun angle made the mossy forest look magical. At a trail sign that said the shelter was still 4 miles away I decided to call it quits at a stream. It was after 7 and I was too tired to hike into the night. Three northbounders passed and they decided to camp about a half mile north from my site. While getting ready to cook I felt rain drops and had to put gear under the rain fly and postpone dinner. Luckily it stopped long enough for me to cook ramen and while eating in the tent I could hear the rain hitting the fly. It was 11 till I finally hit the sack. My legs and knees were sore from the hard trail.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Gordon Pond Trail Campsite

To: Comfort Inn Lincoln
Miles today: 12.8

Comfort Inn. Lincoln. 10PM.   Today I was on the trail by 7:15 which is early for me. The problem was that it took 3 1/2 hours to go 4 miles to Eliza Brook Shelter. The trail was not steep but rocky, rooty, and muddy. There must have been a lot of rain a few days ago. I passed the shelter and started up the path next to the large brook. At Harrington Pond my boot slipped into mud below my ankle. Since I had to stop and drain the swamp water from my boot I decided to take a long break. It was good that I did because it was a 1000 foot straight up climb to South Kinsman. I seemed to have the whole mountain to myself. I could see large mountains in all directions at the exposed summit and the Franconia ridge walk for tomorrow looked scary. I passed a woman helping her nephew slack packing and another day hiker on the descent to Kinsman Pond. It was about 4 when I reached the Lonesome Lake Hut. I rested with the day hiker and a few northbounders were working for their lodging including St Croix and Nutella. It was an easy hike down to the Flume parking lot where a British family gave me a ride to Lincoln. After showering I found an Italian fast food restaurant for dinner and shopped for food to get me to Gorham. The motel had a pool and hot tub but I was too tired to use it. I hurt my near yesterday and I worry that an old knee injury might have returned.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Comfort Inn Lincoln

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.5

Garfield Pond campsite. 10PM. It was nice waking up in a warm soft bed and having eggs and Danish for breakfast. I decided to stay until checkout and 11 since it would a while before I had my own motel room. I called a shuttle to take me back to the Flume trailhead and I took the path over to the Liberty Springs trailhead.   I knew it was going to be a hard climb to Lafayette and it was already 12:30. I passed a man who I met in GA who flip flopped from Harpers Ferry. A few day hikers were coming down from the peak. Around 3 PM I finally reached the exposed ridge where I could see the long trail to the peak. I had a snack and put on my rain jacket before beginning the section. Mi hiked with 2 northbounders for a short time and then I had my first major accident on the trail. It was cold and very windy when I fell face forward off a boulder and hit my head. I could feel blood on my forehead and some swelling. My hand hurt for trying to break my fall. I cleaned up with my wash rag and hiked on. At the peak I could see I still had a long way to go before getting back into the trees. I could also see Greenleaf Hut down on on e side of the mountain. Down the steep rocky trail and back into the trees I headed and was happy to be off that mountain. At 7 I arrived at a mini tent city with a campfire. Pathfinder, Blackhawks, Chuckles, Little Spoon, and about 6 other hikers were packed into a small area. I set up, got water from a small stream and made dinner in my tent. We had been told it would drop to 15 degrees up on the ridge and in the 30's at our campsite. It was already cold and I was in a hurry to finish my chores and crawl into my bag. I snacked on dark choc before bed and could feel pain in my back from the fall. Not my best day on the trail even though the weather was spectacular.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Garfield Pond

To: Zealand Hut
Miles today: 10.3

Zealand Hut 9PM. Today when I awoke in my tent the temperature was about 35 degrees. Some of the hikers were already packed but I stayed in my tent with my hot oatmeal and coffee. It was was almost 8:30 when I left the campsite for the climb up Garfield. I could see the Galehead Hut in the distance and it seemed far away. It was 11:30 when I reached the hut. Most of the group I has been hiking with the last few days was resting and eating. I had leftover oatmeal and choc chip cookies provided by the croo. I spent about one hour on the sunny warm porch. It took one hour to climb South Twin and the view from the top was amazing. I could see Mount Washington, Franconia ridge and many peaks I could not identify. The long rocky section to the Bondcliff trail seemed long and slow. Before the drop to Zeacliff the trail reminded me of the Sierra's. I hiked down toward Zeacliff with Cheers. He decided to camp with his friends at a stream and I pushed on to the hut at 6:30. The croo decided to let me stay and wash dishes. I was happy to not camp in the dark again. Ripper and Bones also got to work for stay. Pathfinder and Blackhawks are paid guests due to a reservation cancelation. BBQ chicken, rice, peas, homemade bread and choc cake for desert. What a way to end a hard long day. I forgot how hard the Whites can be!
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Zealand Hut

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 14.3

Mizpah Hut. 9PM. Around 5:30 in the morning a croo started breakfast and by 7 the guests were eating. We go to eat the leftovers and I had quiche, popovers, and jam. I also had lots of coffee. Before 9 I headed down the easy trail to Ethan Pond Shelter. The trail was an old railroad bed for a few miles. It took less than 2 hours to get to the shelter. I took a break with Ripper before beginning the descent to Crawford Notch. Rather then take a break at the busy road, I started up the Webster Cliff Trail. It was 12:30 and I knew it would be 3 hours to Webster and almost a 3000 foot climb. The weather was perfect and the air got cooler as I climbed along a rocky ridge with view spots every 20 minutes. I could see a large part of Crawford Notch including the Mount Washington Hotel. Finally I reached the top and headed over to Jackson on a rocky trail through firs. I could see the Hut from the peak and Mount Washington in the distance. I have watched it get closer for days. I met a few guys doing the Presidential Challenge. The trail most of the day had been quiet. Maybe the section is too hard for day hikers. For a Sat., it was lonely. Ripper caught me as I approached the hut. It was about 5:30 and the hut croo let us work for stay. Night train and Evictus were also working. I played cards with Ripper until dinner time around 8. Chicken, peas, potatoes, and a good desert. A photographer from National Geographic, Bob Maddon, talked about taking pictures. I found my entry in the 1988 Log book. It felt strange to see my words from a 1988 hike. I could hear rain on the windows during the talk. If the weather is real bad in the morning, I might not leave the hut. I was happy that my mileage has improved in the Whites.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8

Lake of the Clouds Hut 10PM. Another good breakfast with pancakes and sausage and lots of coffee. It was foggy outside but not raining. After breakfast I did my chore of sweeping the bunkroom and dining room. No one wanted to leave but finally at 11:30 I headed out in my rainpants, sweater, hat and gloves. After one rocky climb the trail left the fir trees and I was exposed to high gusting winds and small pellets of hail. I walked a bit with an older section hiker but lost him on met uphill. Eisenhower, Franklin and Monroe side trails but I was in a hurry to get out of the terrible weather. The lake and hut was a welcome site at 2 PM. I took off my wet gear and talked to the hut master about working for stay. Soon I was eating hot soup and ready for my chore. I worked with Chuckles and Little Spoon cleaning bunkroom for the season shutdown. We were rewarded with hot oatmeal with a choc chip cookie. It was fun hanging out playing chess and reading. I had a surprise when the Flying Dutchman arrived, I had not seen him since Georgia.   Around 6 the clouds lifted and we got views of the valley. The summit was still cloudy. In the afternoon the temp at the summit was 28 and ice was accumulating. The windchill was below zero. Dinner consisted of stuffed shells but I had to get my food bag because there was not much food for the large group of hikers. I spent the evening in my sleeping bag to keep warm. The common room was freezing. Finally around 10 the hut party winded down and I hoped tomorrow I could make some miles without getting blown off the mountain. I only hiked about 4 1/2 miles for hut to hut.
Date: 2013-09-09
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 14.8

Joe Dodge Lodge 10 PM. It was a cold night on the floor after a mini party in the attic with hut workers. The temp in the hut was probably in the low 40's. We all stayed in the hut until about 10 AM and then did the short hike to the summit. The sky was clear and the air cold but not much wind. Before noon I was in the snack bar having coffee with a breakfast bun with Ripper and Rambles. After a long break I headed out when the train arrived with the tourist. The rocky trail skirted 2 major mountains that many day hikers were climbing due to the perfect weather. I took my time and it was about 4 when I dropped down to Madison Hut for hot soup. I spent about one hour resting and then did the tough climb up Madison. That was when the real fun began. The trail descended in many big drops for about 3000 feet. Back in the trees I missed a trail junction and ended up on the Great Gulf trail with a day hiker without any headlamp. We hiked in the dark or over one hour and arrived at a campground. A camper gave us a ride to her car and she gave me a ride to Pinkham Notch. After getting a bunk in my own room I bought some choc milk and snickers and made peanut butter tortillas. I took a shower and was very tired after hiking about 19 miles. Tomorrow morning I will hike out and back on the trail to the junction that I missed.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.2

Carter Notch Hut 9 PM. I slept well in my own bunkroom.   I used the free wifi in the room before going over to the dining hall. All you can eat breakfast which was pancakes, eggs, bacon, bagels and lots of other choices. I sat with a 2004 thru hiker who is here peak bagging. The room was not very busy. I went back to my room and got ready for my out and back to the Great Gulf trail intersection where I missed my wrong turn yesterday. It took me less than 3 hours to basically run the trail. Most of it was flat, only a few rocky sections. The staff let me keep my room so I showered and packed before heading over to the dining room. Kobe was inside and he joined me for a hot sandwich and drink. Tune, Limey, and a bunch of others from Madison Hut were arriving. The morning rain had ended and the sun was out. At 3 I headed over the road and up Wildcat. It was a 3 hour straight up climb. At 5:30 I rested At a picnic table with 3 northbounders.   I knew it would get dark before reaching the hut but I hiked on over many Wildcat Peaks. On the final big descent my foot dropped into a hole and I banged my shin which was bleeding. I dug out my headlamp and headed down. Finally at 8 I could see the hut windows. Inside I found Tune and 2 hut workers. They offered me scrambled eggs and mash potatoes. I drank lots of fluids and hit the floor by 9. My back is hurting more now from the fall at Franconia Ridge.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Rattle River Shelter 9 PM. Since there were no paying guests at the hut, we did not have to get up early. I could have slept in the bunkrooms but was too tired to pack and leave the common area. I just slept on the floor with a noisy mouse. The hut croo made us pancakes, eggs, and coffee. It was 9:30 before I got on the trail. I swept the bunkrooms before leaving. It was sunny and almost 70 degrees when I climbed about 1000 feet to Carter Dome. At Zeta Pass I met 2 hikers out for a few days. I rested at the junction for about 30 minutes. Crossing the 2 Carters I got great views of Washington. I did not stop at Imp Shelter because I knew I still had one more mountain to climb. The Mt Moriah climb consisted of long rock slabs hugging the mountain. The summit ridge was muddy and I was happy to start the descent to Rattle River. After many long bog bridges I came to a spring and made my last vanilla and choc shakes. My food bag is getting empty. Kobe passed and also got water. I could hear rumbling and by 5 the rain and thunder began as I hurried to put on the pack cover. I slipped many timeshare on the wet mud and even took a fall in a stream. Tune flew by in a hurry to get to town. The trail crossed the river twice and on the second crossing both feet went under the water. At 6:30 I arrived at the empty shelter and during a break in the rain I headed to the river for water and get clean. The rain began again during dinner. I hope it is dry for the short walk to town.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: White Mountain Lodge Gorham
Miles today: 2.0

White Mountains Lodge and Hostel 7 PM. I shared the shelter last night with a big thunderstorm and it was raining when I went to the river to clean my pot and get water for coffee. It was only 2 easy miles to the hostel and by 9:30 I was standing in the rain being greeted by Baltimore Jack. The owner was on a shuttle run so he gave me a towel and showed me around the nice place. When Marney the owner returned she found a bed for me and I put all my clothes in a communal basket. There are about 15 hikers here. Nomad, who I had not seen since CT and a bunch of hikers I met in the Whites. It rained off and on all day. About 8 of us headed to a Chinese buffet for lunch and later I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Movie watching, reading, and eating. Perfect things for a rainy day. At 6 Sam, the owners son took us to Walmart and I got food for the first part of Maine. Today I crossed over the 300 miles to Katahdin. The last 100 were tough. I hope to be in Stratton a week from today. I hope the day off allows my sore back to heal enough so I don't have pain when I climb.