morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Eddy Pong

To: Bemis Stream
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was a little easier than those the past few days. There were no major mountains and the terrain was somewhat rolling. It was an enjoyable walk and a nice break.I met a few more northbounders today that I hiked with in the Spring. I ran into Phantom and his girlfriend. I think her name is Blush but I may not have it correct. Phantom and I hiked a few days together in Central Virginia including Dragons Tooth and McAfee Knob. His girlfriend joined him in Wayneboro and they are about to finish in a few weeks.I also met a couple I had first met at Kincora in Dennis Cove. It was great to see some old acquaintences and catch up on all the trail happenings. Of course, we also compared notes on what to expect as we head in opposite directions over territory the other just finished. I've learned a lot from the people I've met the past few weeks. The main subject on my mind is what to expect in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The feedback has been very helpful.This evening I am camped by a small stream just south of Maine Rt 17. I like sleeping next to streams and hearing the whisper of the water rushing through.Tomorrow, it's back to the mountains. All is well.
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Bemis Stream

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 12.5

I was up before dawn this morning and began packing in the moonlight. Seriously, I was up at 5 and headed out shortly after 6am.I'm glad I started early as the trail was rough and it climbed for about 5 1/2 miles from Bemis Stream to the top of Bemis Mountain. I continued along the ridge of the mountain, then began climbing again to the top of Old Blue Mountain. I had lunch on the summit, then began the steep descent down to the crossing with South Arm Road.A few miles down I was pleased to see Cowgirl climbing up my way. I last saw her in North Carolina where we had hiked together a few days coming north from Davenport Gap. It was great seeing her again and I was excited to see her so close to the finish.Shortly after seeing Cowgirl I came upon some trail magic at the crossing with South Arm Rd. As I sat there enjoying my refreshment a few hikers arrived from the south and crossed the road. They were waiting for a shuttle which, upon arrival, had the name "Pine Ellis Lodge" on the side. There are two crossings from the trail heading in Andover where the Lodge is located. I had planned to hike to the southernmost crossing tomorrow. However, with the shuttle there and room to spare, I decided to go today.Tonight, I'm staying at the Pine Ellis Lodge in Andover. Tomorrow, David, the owner, will shuttle me back to the trail and I will hike south to the next road crossing which is about 10 miles south. Tomorrow afternoon I will come back here again so I will have two nights in a real bed, good food, and ice cream! It will mean a low mileage day tomorrow, but it's never been about miles... it's about good food and the ice cream :-)All is well in Andover.
Date: 2010-08-29
From: South Arm Road

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.5

Today was a nero day and a nice break. I used the shuttle to get to South Arm Rd from the hostel so I could hike to the next road crossing. It was a relative short distance crossing two small mountains. I finished the hike shortly after 1pm leaving the afternoon for some rest and relaxation... Oh, and some ice cream. Black raspberry, it was great.Tomorrow, I get back at it. I should be out of Maine soon.
Date: 2010-08-30
From: East B Hill Road

To: Speak Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.9

It's late so this will be a short update. After breakfast at the diner in Andover, I got a ride on the shuttle. I was on the trail by 7:30am which is a little later than normal.Today's hike was tough with some long climbs and rough terrain. I seem to say that a lot in Maine :-)The day started with 5 mile climb to the East Peak of Baldpate Mountain. I stopped for lunch at the Baldpate lean-to on the West Peak. From there, the trail descended sharply for about 2 miles to Grafton Notch where Rt 26 crosses the trail. There is a nice hiking trailhead here with parking, restrooms, and a number of trails and circuit hikes available.I continued south climbing a few thousand feet to the top of Old Speck Mountain. Crossing the top, I hiked down to the Speck Pond campsite where I'm camped this evening. It is one of the AMC facilities that charges a fee, but it is a nice facility with a full time caretaker.A long day with a lot if climbing. I'm certain I will sleep well tonight.
Date: 2010-08-31
From: Speak Pond Campsite

To: Carlo Col Campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Mahoosuc... Today was filled with hard work finishing the Mahoosuc Range. I started the day by going up the Mahoosuc Arm to the summit, then coming down a very steep and treacherous south side. It took a hour to descend into the Notch where the real fun began.The infamous Mahoosuc Notch is considered the "toughest mile of the trail". I haven't done the whole trail yet, but I doubt there's any tougher than this one. It traverses over, under, and sometimes through giant boulders for about a mile. Several times I was forced to take off the backpack and either push it through, pull it along behind, or lift it over the rocks. It was actually a lot of fun, but very tiring as it took me nearly two hours to get through it.Leaving the Notch I had lunch at the Full Goose Shelter chatting with Biscuit and Gravy, two northbounders heading into Maine.Tonight, I am camped at the Carlo Col Campsite 1/2 mile north of the Maine / New Hampshire line. This will be my last night in Maine. It has been a remarkable trip through this great state. It is wild, rugged, very difficult, and most of all, beautiful. I have thouroughly enjoyed the journey.I plan to return.
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Carlo Col Campsite

To: Cascade Mountain
Miles today: 11.2

Another hot day in New England made the hiking near unbearable. The trail was rough and the terrain was challenging, but much easier than yesterday... my whole body is sore after yesterday's trek through Mahoosuc Notch.Today is my birthday and the 1st day in New Hampshire so I planned to stop a little early today and relax this evening. I arrived at Trident Campsite around 4pm and decided to call it a day. I thought it would be a relaxing evening... I was wrong!Shortly after I made camp, got water, and stretched out in the tent for a short nap, Backwards, another camper, shouted that there was a bear in camp. Actually, it was only about 30 feet from my tent. This is never good. The bear, a juvenile I believe, seemed very bold and accustomed to humans. We all started yelling and banging our cookpots, etc to get the thing to leave. It ran off several times only to be seen creeping back through the woods toward camp.Unfortunately, I think the bear has scavenged food from careless campers or worse, it may have been fed. In any case, it will likely end sadly with the bear being destroyed.Nonetheless, we were stuck with the problem and I wasn't willing to spend the night constantly guarding against a hungry bear that obviously associated people with food. Instead, I picked up, packed up, and headed out again in search of a more peaceful spot.Fortunately, the top of Cascade Mountain, about a mile south, had a small bald area suitable for a few tents. Red, Summit, and I all relocated to this spot and enjoyed the rest of the evening.Summit gave me some dark chocolate for my birthday and, after a long and somewhat stressful day, all is well.
Date: 2010-09-02
From: Cascade Mountain

To: US Rt. 2, Gorham, NH.
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: fog

Today was another "nero" as I hiked to Rt 2 and hitched a ride into Gorham, New Hampshire for re-supply and a break from the heat. Today was another cooker with temps over 90 so it was a good day for a motel with air conditioning.I did my grocery shopping and laundry, then played lazy this afternoon.Tomorrow morning I will be entering the White Mountains. The trail will take me over several mountains covering about 110 miles. In addition to Mt Washington, I will be going over the Presidentials, the Wildcats, and several other peaks. A good portion of the hiking will be in the alpine region above treeline so I'm praying for good weather. The views should be awesome. It will be a slow trip due to the difficulty so I think it will take approximately 10 days or more to get through the Whites.Cell service may be spotty... thus, the updates will be the same.I'll keep you posted when possible.
Date: 2010-09-03
From: US Rt. 2, Gorham, NH.

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

The day started slow with a little difficulty hitching, but things improved once I got on the trail.I checked out of the hotel at 6am, then got breakfast and started out of town. No one was headed east on Rt 2 so the 2 plus mile hitch became a walk. I did finally get a ride for the last 1/2 mile or so.Once on the trail, I immediately entered the White Mountain National Forest and began hiking up toward the Rattling River shelter and Mt. Moriah. The trail condition was excellent and I made better time than I had for the past week. I originally planned about 10 miles today, but I made much better progress. I really enjoyed the walk and the views from the mountaintops as the miles added up. By late afternoon, I was approaching Carter Notch Hut so I picked up pace and hiked in around 5pm.Good News... I beat the rain from Hurricane Earl and I got "work for stay" at the hut including a bunk in the bunkhouse as well as dinner and breakfast. Normally, work for stay means sleeping on the floor of the dining hall so this was a treat.Dinner was great and now I'm in a warm bunk listening to the rain. Tomorrow morning, I will be scrubbing pots for the work part of the deal. Hopefully, the rain will end before it's time to hike on.All is well.
Date: 2010-09-04
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Osgood Tent Sites
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: fog

Things worked out well this morning at the hut. The rain continued throughout the night and into this morning so it felt great to be in the bunkhouse.Croft, Keyota (sp?), Poodle, Radar, Polo, and I went to the dining hut at 6:45am to do our potscrubbing chores. We did well and had things in hand by 7:30am when breakfast was served to the "paying" guests. We were able to eat around 8:30am which made me a little late hitting the trail around 9:15am.Today's hike had a substantial climb at the start leading up to the Wildcat Mountains. There were three peaks to cross before a long, steep descent down to Pinkham Notch. My knees were definitely feeling it by the time I reached the notch... more Advil tonight.I had a late lunch at the Visitor Center before beginning the climb out of the notch heading south. I hiked another four miles to the Osgood tent sites where I am camped tonight.Tomorrow will be a big day heading up Mt Madison and Mt Washington. It will a workout.
Date: 2010-09-05
From: Osgood Tent Sites

To: Valley Way Tent Site
Miles today: 3.0

Today was supposed to be a big day in the Presidential Range. I planned to cross Madison, Washington, Franklin, and Pierce Mtns. I only made it over Madison; with great difficulty.Extreme high winds forced me to hand over hand at times to avoid being blown off my feet. I fell a number of times including one bad one bruising my elbow and cutting my hand. It was not a fun morning. I made it over Mt. Madison and down to the Madison Spring Hut just before 11am... 4 hours to go 3 miles- not good. I had a cup of coffee and a huge brownie at the hut and weighed the options.The winds on Mt. Madison were 40 to 50 mph today with projections for Mt. Washington as high as 70 mph... so I went no farther. Instead, I hiked about 1/2 mile down to the Valley Way Tent Sites where I'm spending the day in my tent since it is now blowing rain. It's an ugly day in terms of weather.Tomorrow, I will try again. The forcast is better calling for clouds and 30-45 mph winds. That's not good, but better so I'll go for it.I'll keep you posted. For now... grounded, "weather delay".
Date: 2010-09-06
From: Valley Way Tent Site

To: Tent Site at Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Good weather day...Today's weather was muched improved and I was able to hike the Presidential Range with clear skies and practically endless views. I broke camp early and hiked back up the Valley Way trail to intersect the AT and resume heading south. I stopped in at the Madison Spring Hut and checked the weather board for today. I was excited to see higher temperatures and lower windspeeds than yesterday and the forcast for clearer skies as the day went on.It was very cloudy as I began the first climb of the day, but the clouds seemed to lift as I climbed. I went over a few smaller mountains, then started up Mt. Washington. By the time I started the final climb up to the summit, it was totally clear and I could see the peak from a mile below. It was the type of day I'd hoped for.I arrived at the summit before noon and enjoyed a hot lunch at the snack bar. I enjoyed chatting with a couple who recently returned from a hiking trip in Scotland. They hiked from town to town staying at B & B's along the way. They said it was a great way to hike over there. Donna and I have talked about a walking tour in Europe. This may be the place to try it. September is supposed to be a great weather month over there so maybe Scotland will be on the bucket list next year.This afternoon I did a lot of ridgewalking above treeline. The trail was gentle and the views were spectacular. I really enjoyed myself today and loved the climb to Washington.Tonight, I am camped at the tent sites adjacent to the Mizpah Hut located about six miles south of the mountain.
Date: 2010-09-07
From: Tent Site at Mizpah Hut

To: Guyot Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a nice hiking day and the terrain was gentler than I've had in a few days. Other than short climbs to Mts. Jackson and Webster, the route was level for most of the day. The only extended climb came at the end of the day going up Mt. Guyot. I had lunch at the Zealand Falls Hut this afternoon with a gentleman who hiked the trail several years ago and continues to hike sections throughout New England. He is retired and does photography as a hobby. He is a delightful gentleman and the time escaped me as we sat and chatted about all things outdoors.While chatting, a treat for us all, especially a photographer, appeared overhead. A helicopter coming into view over the ridgeline was bringing supplies to the hut via suspended cargo nets. The huts are very remote so some of the supplies are brought on the backs of the croos (this is the correct spelling) and the large bulk items are brought in via helicopter. Today was a clear day so they were making several "drops". We all enjoyed the show and cameras were clicking everywhere... get a bunch of folks out in the mountains for a while and they'll get excited about most anything :-)I finally left after an hour or so to make the climb to Guyot where I'm camped tonight. It started to rain soon after I made camp this evening. Hopefully, it will clear by morning. All is well.
Date: 2010-09-08
From: Guyot Shelter

To: Liberty Spring Tent Site
Miles today: 13.2

It rained most of the night so I was pleased to awake to only a sprinkle as I broke camp and got underway. Unfortunately, the respite didn't last and it began raining mid morning. It was cloudy so I went up Mt Garfield to 4500 ft totally lost in the fog with very limited visability. Occasionally, there was a break in the cloud cover below and I got a glimpse down into the valleys ahich was cool... quick snapshots of the world down there.From Garfield, I remained on the ridgeline and climbed Mt Lafayette which is just over 5200 ft. The wind picked up quite a bit on the summit so it was chilly, foggy, and I was getting blown around quite a bit. As I descended, I looked up at Mt Lincoln, the next peak, just as the cloud lifted and cleared the summit. A lone hiker was coming over the peak at that instant silhouetted against a backdrop of haze. It was "nifty".As the young man approached, I commented that I wished I had my camera at the ready so I could have captured him coming from the abyss. We chuckled and began chatting for a few minutes and laughing about the rain, wind, fog, and the fact it was still fun. We compared notes and I told him about my earlier illness and the fact that I was now flip-flopping. Instantly, he displayed some recognition and asked me my name... I too, then knew, he was "Birch", a friend of my daughter, Kim. I'd been asking northbounders for several days if anyone knew Birch in hopes I might meet him somewhere along the way.We stopped there and chatted for a few minutes in the wind and the fog, then shook hands, gave best wishes and headed away... he to the north, me south. Oh, we did talk about meeting up again perhaps at a VA Tech game this fall so I better get a move on or I miss the whole season :-).Leaving Franconia Ridge and hiking Haystack Mountain, I hiked down to the Liberty Spring Tentsite where I am camped tonight. It's raining again so I'm eating dinner in my tent surrounded by all the wet clothes I was wearing today... the same ones that haven't been washed in a week. It's getting cramped in here :-).
Date: 2010-09-09
From: Liberty Spring Tent Site

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a nero day as I needed to get into town for re-supply, shower, laundry, and eating everything in sight.It was still raining when I woke up which made it hard to climb out of a warm, dry sleeping bag. It's harder to change out of the dry clothes and put the wet ones from last night back on; but hey, this hiking stuff is tough :-).I had a 6am coffee date with "cup o' joe", the caretaker at the tentsite where I'm staying. He works for the AMC (appalachian mountain club) which maintains and oversees the trails, huts, and campsites, etc. in the White Mountains National Park.It was nice to sit for a while with Joe talking about all things hiking. He is a previous AT thru-hiker, has hiked the Long Trail, and plans to hike the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) next summer. He has only a few more weeks to work this season as winter comes early in the Whites.After an enjoyable chat, I broke camp and started down the mountain around 7:30am. It was a quick walk down to the Notch and a shuttle ride into the Lincoln, NH where I'm staying tonight.Tomorrow, I hope to be back on the trail early. I have only a few more mountains above 4000 ft which I will cover in the next few days to finish the major climbs in the Whites.I'm hopeful the weather will be good and I can start to pick up a little more mileage per day. The weather, coupled with the tough terrain, has hampered the progress a little. I'm thinking the mileage will improve a little over the next few weeks.
Date: 2010-09-10
From: Franconia Notch

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!After a restful day in town and lots of food, I was ready to go this morning. The Hiker Shuttle picked me up at the motel at 6:30 and I was on the trail by 7:00. Unfortunately, the weather has not improved and it continued on and off throughout the day. The forecast called for clearing during the day but it never happened. The hike today went over the Kinsman Mountains and Mt. Wolf. The north and south Kinsman Mountains are both 4000 footers so I was above treeline most of the morning. Unfortunately, the fog and clouds obscured the views.This evening I am camped neared Beaver Brook in Kinsman Notch. The weather forecast is for sun tomorrow. I pray they are correct.
Date: 2010-09-11
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

I went to sleep last night praying for good weather as I planned to hike Mt. Moosilauke this morning. Moosilauke is a 4800 ft single mountain, the last peak over 4000 ft I will see on the hike south. I really wanted a good day for the climb. I woke around 3:30 am this morning listening for rain and/or drizzle on the tent. Hearing none, I opened the rainfly and crawled out to check. I was thrilled to see stars in the sky and a beautiful clear night. I was thrilled¢¦ feeling a wink and a nod from above¢¦ a good day in store. This morning was perfect with the sun drying the rocks as I climbed the mountain.There were great views in all directions from the top of the mountain. I had planned to have lunch at the top, but it was a little windy and chilly so I kept going. After a very long descent, I began the climb to Mt. Mist. After all the earlier climbing, it was a tough pull to get over it and cover the last 6 miles to the shelter. Tonight, I¢m staying in the shelter with Thor, the Hiking Viking. He¢s northbound and beginning the final race toward Katahdin trying to beat the winter weather. He baked blueberry muffins in the campfire this evening. It was a delicious treat. It¢s a chilly night and it looks like rain may be on the way, again¢¦ Bummer.
Date: 2010-09-12
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I was on the trail early this morning and finished the last 2 miles in the White Mountains National Forest before 7 am. The weather caused a few delays for me in the Whites and the clouds/fog robbed me of a few of the views. However, it was a very enjoyable trip and an experience to remember. I would like to return again¢¦not as a thru hike, but exploring more of the many other trails. I think this would be a great area for Donna and I to do a series of day hikes using the hut system. The huts provide a great alternative to carrying a full backpack if going for only a few days. I think we would enjoy going hut to hut.This afternoon I saw two moose as I got near the top or Smarts Mountain. I was surprised to see them high in the mountains. I got a good look at both of them from about 40 feet away. After they took off and disappeared, I thought about the camera¢¦some things never change. The four moose I¢ve seen on this trip have all been females. The walk was rather easy today with only two mountains, The Cube and the Smarts. Unfortunately, the rain and fog continue to prevent great views from the mountaintops. The good news is that the area really needs the rain.Tomorrow, I hope to finish New Hampshire.
Date: 2010-09-13
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter, VT
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

It was a wet, nasty morning so I got going a little later than normal. I just couldn¢t get motivated to get out of a dry tent into the rain. The rain continued on and off throughout the day with a few thunderstorms this afternoon.Today was a very easy walk up over Moose Mountain, then mostly downhill all the way into Hanover, NH. The trail goes right through the center of town passing Dartmouth College and the old downtown section. I stopped for a late lunch at Ramuntos Pizza where all hikers get a free slice of pizza. Actually, I got two free slices, and then bought two slices so I ended up eating a lot of pizza and about 3 large cokes. It was delicious. Just as I was leaving town a large thunderstorm broke loose with lightening and pouring rain. I ducked into the side porch of a church for about 20 minutes until the worst of the downpour subsided. From there I walked down the hill and crossed the Connecticut River into Vermont. A mile later I found myself walking through a charming residential neighborhood in Norwich, VT, a small town along the river. The trail goes through the older neighborhood as it leads up the hill into the forest. I really enjoyed the walk today despite the rain. The terrain was gentle and the road walk through the two towns was a nice change.