morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Winturri shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

We thought today was going to be a little less hard, notice how I worded that. It is never easy just less hard!! THINK AGAIN. Our guidebooks LIE - downhills have lots of ups in them, imaginary ponds, roads. The only thing for sure that you can always count on, is the AT will go up.So first thing this morning, we started on our supposed downhill and when we got to the TOP of it - we headed down to the road. But the roads always mean an up on the other side - so up we go another 1.5 miles to the next road. But at least at this road there is a general store 1 mile east. It took us a hour and a half to make it to that road, 1 mph (the heat was killing us, record temps today in the 90's again).Good news though, we snagged a ride with the first car down to the general store. We ate lunch - drank fizzy drinks and bought food for an extra day. We relaxed on the picnic tables across the street by a stream for a couple of hours. Finally we go across the street to hitch back to the trail head. Again we snagged the first car back to the trail head. The people in VT are angels, thank you so much.Up from the road, climb, climb, climb - took lots of braks and took it slow. We had several pasture areas we had to cross (they are fully exposed to the sun) and very hot. Further down the trail we passed a Sobo couple that said there was trail magic ahead, mountain dews and pepsi in the stream by the road, yippie!! Yes we stopped and enjoyed a fizzy drink. Thanks 4.1 miles to go to end this hot day. Yes another climb but not as bad as some of the others. Finally @ 7:15pm we made it to the shelter (yes, it was dark). Twelve hours of hiking and breaks, we made it 11.6 miles, ugh! Both of us are to tired to cook (bad mistake, but we did it anyway), we ate some bars and nuts and called it good. "Wren" a Sobo came in about 15 minutes after us, we talked for a short time and I headed for bed. Caught up on my handwritten journal but still behind on computer entries, I know, I know - I'm tring guys.Waiting for it to cool down a little bit - still warm. Weather report says it is going to get down to the 60's tonite, hope so! Tomorrow warm again, Friday rain, and Saturday highs in the 60's, can't wait for that.Goodnight - oooooooo I think I felt a cool breeze!!Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-02
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Happy Hill shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

Well this morning we set out expectations low enough that Swift was able to sleep in. I, of course, was awake at 6:05am but stayed in my hammock reading till 8am. I got up, packed up and ate breakfast at the shelter.A guy from IN hiked in this morning, "Puck", nice guy. He is from South Bend. I went to wake up Swift @ 9:10am, as we were getting ready to hike out two other hikers came in "Chickadee and Moment" bother from ME, go figure.Hit the trail at 11am, the trail was a little easier today or maybe we were a bit more focused, I'm not sure shich but we seemed to hike better. Maybe it was the fact that halfway through our day we hit a general store and a river to swim in. First food and fizzy drinks, then we went swimming. The locals were jumping off the bridge, that would be a no for me! After swimming, I walked back to the general store and got an ice cream, black rasberry. We dried off in the sun and hiked another 4 miles. Griggs Mtn was a gradual climb it was hot again, the swim didn't stay with us long but we made it to the top. the shelter was just beyond that.We got there around 6pm. A Dartmouth group of kids were there, Swift was happy to see them. Puck and a couple of other hikers were also at the shelter. We enjoyed our dinner and headed off to bed.Still hot tonite, very muggy - Sat. it is supposted to be much cooler. Tomorrow we hike into Hanover. Swift is excited - he went to school at Dartmouth and wants to show me. I am excited to see the school and Hanover.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-03
From: Happy Hill shelter

To: Lebanon, NH/Days Inn
Miles today: 10.3

Today we crossed the CT river over a stone bridge it was beautiful, you really begin to get the sense that you are in New England now. I am now in NH, WOW!! I have walked a long way, through 12 states and am in my thirteenth.We now have a road walk to Hanover. What memories it must bring back for Swift, he showed me the "green", where he used to live, recounted some of the memories. He is like a 20yr old again, it is great to see. I enjoyed seeing where he went, I know it meant a lot to him. We stopped for coffee and Swift took me down memory lane which was fun for both of us. I bought a Dartmouth tee shirt. We continued through Hanover to the Coop and resupplied. We discovered Tamari almonds, which are wonderful. I got a lot of them. Then we hiked out of Hanover. Our plan was to go to Tiggers Tree House hostel. When we got to the road, we hitched a ride to Etna's general store and called the hostel - noone answered. Chickadee and Moment were there also, none of us knew where the hostel was but we figured it out and got a ride there. Of course, noone was there either. Swift and I decided to stay and wait for the owner, Chickadee and Moment went back to the store. Shortly the owner came home but said the hostel was not open but offered to give us a ride to the Days Inn in Lebanon about 15 minutes away. He also offered to pick us up in the morning and give us a ride back to the trail, cool. That is nice, one less thing to worry about.The Days Inn was nice - we ordered food and had it delivered. The hotel had a computer so I did some updating - in fact, I stayed on the computer till midnight. But now it is time for sleep.Goodnight - Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-04
From: Lebanon, NH/Days Inn

To: Moose Mountain shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today we only were going a short distance, so we relaxed and enjoyed the hike. We walked a mile took a break by a creek. We didn't worry about the time. Plus I don't think we really felt like pushing today.Although we didn't have far to go today, we still managed to have it take the entire day. But sometimes those days are the best. We arrived at the shelter at dinner time, ate and called it day.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-05
From: Moose Mountain shelter

To: Fire Warden Cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was an up and down day. ending with climbing Smart Mountain. But today felt good. The climbs were tough but enjoyable. NH is beautiful, geat views. We stopped at Holt's Ledges and saw a falcon circling, pretty cool, we watched him for a while. We ate lunch and then stopped at Bills house for trail magic. Water, pepsi, ice cream bars - but the best magic was Bill himself.As we climbed today we got a great view of Smart Mountain - our destination. It looked so big and so far away, as I left the view, Swift called my back. There was a rainbow over the valley, it was fantastic. I took a picture, but none of my picture capture the beauty out here.The climb up Smart Mountain was hard - up 2200', we made it around 6:30pm, set up camp, ate and turned in for the night.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-06
From: Fire Warden Cabin

To: Brackets Brook
Miles today: 8.4

This morning we were up early by a group of Dartmouth kids that were out for orientation. So we got a decent start.We started down Smart Mtn. and ran into "Lodestone" who Swift hiked with. So we stopped and took a break with him. Once we got started again, I had pole issues again, but Swift fixed it again. Then on a reroute around a bridge, Swift fell and snapped his pole. We took another lengthy break to repair his pole. Finally we were on our way but we weren't as motivated after all of the delays.We climbed up to Eastman Ledges and took a break to enjoy the beautiful view. We continued up Cube Mtn which was a 2300' climb but the view was incredible. We were tired and going to run out of day light if we continued to where we planned, so we got to Bracketts Brook found a perfect campsite and called it home for the night.In my hammock at 7:05pm, closing my eyes at 7:55pm. Feels great to relax in the peace of the woods with the water gurgling in the brook.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-07
From: Brackets Brook

To: Glencliff, NH/Hiker Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke up this morning refreshed and relaxed but to find Swift up already. He said that he had lost his sleeping bag. So he packed up and hiked early to warm up. I left around 7:15am and caught up around 4 miles out. He thinks he may have left in on the trail when he was repairing his pole. We were heading into Glencliff where I was going to get my winter bag so I will give him my summer bag until we get to Lincoln and to the outfitter.Today was a nice trail, gentle rolling mountains. We did well got to Glencliff around 2pm. Reached the hostel a few mintes later walked across the street to the PO. Picked up 4 boxes. Sitting around now, showered and clean visiting with hikers. Tomorrow I climb my first mountain in the Whites. I'm excited.I told "Loon" that the next day was Swifts birthday - so Loon included Swift in a birthday party he was doing for "Dancing Wind" (who's birthday was today). The party was complete with salad, watermelon with candles, wine, and beer. I had a little to much wine.I better get to bed and sleep it off before I hike tomorrow.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-08
From: Glencliff, NH/Hiker Welcome Hostel

To: Glencliff, NH/Hiker Welcom Hostel
Miles today: 11.6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWIFTToday Phatt Chap took us to Kinsman Notch and we hiked Sobo over Mt. Moosilauke. It was a cloudy day but it was not raining. I was a little nervous, after hearing so much about the Whites. But there here - so here I go.My first mountain in the Whites. It started immediately rock and boulder climbing with wood steps to help in places. There was also rebar hand grips in places to help pull yourself up. It was pretty steep. The trail or rock ravine, the two are interchangeable, also followed a cascading brook/fall. This was beautiful and a nice distraction. I was amazed at how long the ravine was. It took us a little over 3 hours to get to the summit. It was also the first time I was above tree line. I had a little view but it was cold and windy so we didn't spend much time on top. We made it back to the hostel around 5pm - showered. Baltimore Jack was there and cooked dinner for all the hikers, he didn't know it was Swifts birthday, but it was still nice. Thanks Jack.It was a big day starting the Whites but it was a great day. Tomorrow we are leaving at 5am back to the trail to hike Kinsman Mountain, so I better get some sleep.                        HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWIFTTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-09
From: Glencliff, NH/Hiker Welcom Hostel

To: Lonesome Lake hut
Miles today: 13.4

This morning we had to wake up @ 4:20am. The shuttle was leaving at 5am. Ugh!! We were driving to Peg's for breakfast when Phatt Chap swirved, a moose came out of the woods. I didn't see it so I'm still waiting to see my first moose. We ate and then Phatt Chap dropped us at the trail head - we had Kinsman Mountain south (4358') and north (4293')to tackle.It was not a nice day, highs in the low 50's with rain, perfect hypothermia weather. the first part of the day was ups and downs but nothing huge. Once we reached Eliza brook shelter, the story changes. We stopped at the shelter for lunch but only stayed a short time cause you got cold if you stopped hiking. We started hiking again, now it was time to face Kinsman 3.5 m up 2.5 down. Now remember it is cold, wet, and misting/raining and the trail was - imagine - wood building blocks dumped in a tube at a 45 deg angle (a jumbled mess) that is what the trail was and highter up the trail required nose over toe climbing. The rocks were slippery and at times my stomach got butterflies (I don't like heights, edge heights). I thought maybe it was good I didn't have a view. But if I had it would have been magnificant. Finally after 3+ hours of climbing we reached the top. Okay we were in a cloud, a misty cloud but the top all the same. Now down we go on the other slippery bouldery side. We made it to the hut asked about work for stay they had none but said we could pay $10 each and sleep on the floor, no food included. Perfect we hung up our wet stuff and put on dry clothes and tried to get warm. I crawled into my bag to stay warm and was asleep shortly after. GoodnightTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-10
From: Lonesome Lake hut

To: Lincoln, NH/Comfort Inn
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

No surprise here, didn't sleep well, never do when I'm sleeping on a hard surface or with a lot of other hikers. Since Swift and I didn't have work for stay we packed up and hiked out early. We were only going 3 m into Lincold and taking a nero at the Comfort Inn. We reached the parking lot by 9:30am, while I was making calls a taxi pulled in dropping off other hikers - so we were at the hotel by 10am, sweet.The rest of the day - rest, errands, and more rest. We watched the weather. Now being in the White Mountains it has more of an effect on us. Tomorrow is suppose to be plentiful sunshine - so as much as I wanted to take a zero, I told Swift we couldn't pass up this great day for hiking. So with that decision made, I packed up and got ready for tomorrow. Swift has been saying for ever that Franconia Ridge is the best and most beautiful section of the AT - so of course I had to go up on a beautiful day. I can't wait. Off to bed I go. Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-11
From: Lincoln, NH/Comfort Inn

To: stealth
Miles today: 8.3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEWe had to run to the PO, so we didn't get on the trail till 10:10am. The weather was perfect mid 70's, slight breeze, and sunny.The first big push was up to Little Haystack Mtn (4760'), above tree line you can follow the ridge to Mt. Lincoln. The view was truely amazing - everywhere you looked you saw nothing but mountains, incredible. If it wasn't for all the people on the ridge, you would feel as though you were alone in the universe. We found a spot along the trail and ate lunch. Then we followed the rocky ridge to the next mountain Lincoln (4760'). With each mountain the beauty intensified. You could see forever, finally the last Lafayette Mtn (5249'). We stopped there as well to take it all in. Pictures just can't capture what the eye sees, I still took a lot. The vastness of it all, I had no idea. It was getting late so we began the task of going down this mountain.We were planning on going to Garfield campsite but camped about 2 m short of it because we were losing daylight and still had a climb and descent of approx 900' in .4 m - not fun ever but definitely not after sunset.Well it was a perfect birthday up on that ridge. I turned 50 today in the most beautiful place I have seen thus far. I couldn't have asked for a more outstanding day. Thank you girls for my birthday wishes. Thank you Swift for a perfect day and the birthday honeybun with a twig candle. The group we were camping with all sang happy birthday - Thanks!!!! Perfect just perfect.GoodnightTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-12
From: stealth

To: stealth by Guyot mtn
Miles today: 7.1

This moring it was up and over Mt Garfield (4488') which we avoided last nite. The weather is dreary but not raining - we hiked to the hut, tried to dry out some stuff from last nite, ate some soup (hot and yummy).It started to rain while we were at the hut but we hiked out at 2pm. We headed for Guyot shelter. We were tired from the day before so when we saw a campsite just shy of Guyot mtn we checked our water supply and called it home for the night. Swift and I spilt a dinner ate under my tarp cause it started to rain again. Now it is 5:45pm and I am getting in my hammock to stay warm.Wow now that I am warm, I am sleepy too. So I think I might just go to sleep at 6pm.GoodnightTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-13
From: stealth by Guyot mtn

To: Crawford Notch/Crawford Notch General Store/Cabins
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: fog

Again this morning we climbed Guyot Mtn (4500') first thing. But yesterday Swift said he needed a zero day - so today we are pushing on to the road. The trail is an old RR bed so for a portion is flat and then a gradual down. Believe it or not we were able to do our 2 mph avg., lately with the mountains we've only been averaging 1 mph, so we were excited to make good time.We made it to the road around 4ish, got a ride to the general store and got a cabin. The cabin is very basic but we weren't hiking. It had a space heater, small frig, 1 double bed and a bunk bed, both with noisy mattresses. We went to the general store bought some food for dinner (smoked saus. and baked beans). Swift grilled it - I thought it was good, he got sick later (he's a pansy). Must not of agreed with him. But then I can eat anything!! We also got some beer and Smirnoff's had a few and then off to sleep for me. No hiking tomorrow - sweet dreams of rested feet.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Crawford Notch/Crawford Notch General Store/Cabins

To: Crawford Notch/Crawford Notch General Store/Cabins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Slept in - not!! But nice to know we had no where to be today. Got up went to the bath house - started talking with Cheryl, asked her if she was going to town today if we could ride along, no problem. Cool, she will come get us.Around noon she came and got us, we went into North Conway had some lunch did some shopping for dinner. Ribeyes this time with pasta salad side. I needed to go to the post office to mail home another shirt, so Swift went and got some Monsters (energy drink) for the morning. Then we hitched back to the cabin.I spent the rest of the day journalling and laying around. Swift grilled a perfect steak - they were very good. I finished my Smirnoff's and got my pack ready for hiking tomorrow. Finished the night off with some White Choc. Macadamenia nut cookies w/milk and then crawled into my sleeping bag.GoodnightTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Crawford Notch/Crawford Notch General Store/Cabins

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 6.4

The plan was to be hitching back to the trail at 7am, we made it back to the trail bly 8:10am a little late.Today we enter the "Presidentals" and we climb Mt Webster (3910') and Mt Jackson (4052'). As we climb the rocks up to Webster Cliffs, the weather was not the clear nice day we were hoping for. When we reached the cliffs there was a rainbow raching down into the valley. The first time I have ever looked down at a rainbow. The wind was wicked though. We hiked on - up toward the summit, stopping along the way for views. About .1 m from the summit the sky let go - sleet, rain and lots of wet rocks which of course we had to go straight up and over toe climb. My gloves were soaked from grabbing rocks to pull myself up, crazy. We reached Webster summit and kept going, reaching Mt Jackson summit the wind was terrible and the slabs were very slipper. Swift took a hard fall - but we couldn't stop on top. The trail was hard to follow with the driving rain and the downhill rocks were trecherous but we finally made it to a flatter sectrion of trail and headed to the hut.We got to the hut about 2pm and many thru hikers held up there for the day. There is about thirteen of us. The hut master said they were expecting 30 7th graders and 8 adults (paying customers), so we could all do work for stay and eat left overs.We are all hoping tomorrow will be nice so we can climb Mt Washington (6288'). Right now we are waiting for food and work for stay chores. Smells great in here. I am getting hungry. The kids finally finished so we got left overs: salad, green beans, pizza, blk bean soup and choc. peanut butter bars. Now the kids are playing White Mountain jeopardy, were waiting on the final jeopardy question. Then I hope i get to go to bed soon. Kids are off to bed and the croo asked Swift and I to do some more dishes, no problem. Then straight to bed.GoodnightTigerlily
Date: 2010-09-16
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Kelly Knob RMC Cabin
Miles today: 10.9

Woke up 6:30am packed up and got the weather report. Sunny at the summit, temps hi of 30deg and 100 mile visablity - increasing clouds in the afternoon with showers likely. So a decent forecast - time to hike.We were on the trail @ 7:30am headed up the rocks, a steady climb. Then on Mt Pierce (4310') I saw my first view of Mt Washington (6288') WOW. What an incredible view. Today was a perfect, we were above tree line the entire day, so we could see Mt Washington the entire climb. Today was astounding, there are not words to describe the beauty I experienced today. Every where you looked was mountains - not man, amazing. It was a long 6.5 m climb to the summit of Mt Washington. Once we got to within .5 m of the summit it became an ice crystal wonderland. Made it to the summit in 4.5 hours (noon), got my picture next to the sign. Swift made it to the summit about 30 min later, we got something to eat on top, I mailed a postcard to my son in law (who said I wouldn't make it two months) and sent another shirt home.Now the hike down, Oh by the way I climbed Washington without taking a break, a climb of 4000'. I felt good. Also there was a sign about 2 m from the summit that read: STOP! THIS SUMMIT HAS THE WORST WEATHER                  IN AMERICA, MANY HAVE DIED BEYOND THIS                  POINT. IF THERE ARE BAD WEATHER                   CONDITIONS TURN AROUND NOW!Am I crazy, what am I doing out here - is what I thought but as you I kicked Mt Washington's preverbal ass.Well we still had 5.8 m to go to Grey Knob Cabin 1.2 off the trail but the other hut was closed. Going down with the ice covered rocks was not as fun as going up but it didn't last to long. Then it was just normal rock hopping.l I was tired but you can't just stop here in the Alpine zone. Following the AT is difficult - there are some white blazes but you are usually following cairns. We finally made it to Thunderstorm junction - now we need to take Lowe's Path 1.2 m to Grey Knob Cabin. WOW what a 1.2 m seemed like 3m. Then we get to the sign that says .1m to the cabin, I read it wrong and we went the wrong way in the cold and rain for about .4m ugh. Caught my mistake and turned around and made it to the cabin finally. Everyone else was already there except for Crazyfox, the Col., DC, and LLano but they all showed up later.Again Swift and I shared a dinner to save water and I hit my sleeping bag, I was beat. Tomorrow we have to hike tat awful 1.2 m back to the AT (which took us 1hr and 15min).Tigerlily