morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Lincoln

To: Galehead hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

8.15.13 thursday - day 137Lincoln - Galehead hut13 miles - 9 hoursMet sobos Son Driven, El Flaco, Almost, whiplashRide to Flume parking lot from Massachusetts native Steve Brown who was running trail this morning then drove back to motel when he saw me approaching road with large pack. Thanks! started walking from lot to trail head, maintainer picked us up in utility cart drove a mile to trail head, thanks for saving us time & energy. Began climb, steep & long. many microwave & shoebox size rocks to climb, narrow lane 4 feet wide of rocks, pine trees left right. 2 miles up took hour ten minutes. Sunny morning, we are in shade on west side of ridge, cool temperature tshirt stays mostly dry uphill. Passed by campers at site near top of climb, said bear was sniffing around tent there last night. Climb was slow & tiring but not difficult, feet n poles only, no grabbing tree trunks or roots. Up to Franconia ridge, one of the most scenic areas on the trail, just magnificent, perfect sunny weather cool breeze panoramic views. Absolutely one of my favorite spots in the trail! Above tree line, wind hits gently from left side until go around to right aside of rocks. Hiking the top center of ridge to mount Lincoln and Lafayette. Cool alpine ground cover plants surround me, growing low and wide as not to get damaged by frequent wind. Even descending down angled rock face are superb vistas in front of me until disappearing back into pine forest. Steady up down until Galehead hut, i ask if work for stay is available, croo says yes I am the first to ask. It is 4:45pm perfect timing. Sobo brothers Whiplash and Almost ask 15 minutes later & are accepted. Get cleaned up in restroom change into pajamas, chat on porch for while as croo talks to guests about solar and wind power at this hut. 630 dinner served to guests, 730 we eat with croo, beef barley soup, bread, beef roast with Rosemary, veggies, dill cream soup, wild rice, spice cake with caramel sauce. Quite a bit leftover so eat as much as we want, i overate big time. My job was to wash dishes now, felt heavy & sleepy as i worked. Took about 45 minutes to finish, brush teeth, couldn't sleep yet since guests still playing board games chatting in dining room aka our sleeping site. Finally 930 they go into bunks, we roll mats & bags on floor between tables. Can hear croo mixing etc in kitchen prepping for tomorrow. Lights out we sleep.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Galehead hut

To: Crawford notch
Miles today: 13.0

8.16.13 Friday - day 138Galehead Hut - Crawford notchWe leave around 7, Lucky from Ireland camped outside, is heading into hut as we leave. Whiplash & Almost will stay & get hot breakfast, then wash dishes after guests done with breakfast. Sunny morning cool air is chilly. Up steep climb, not so difficult, just long. At top of South Twin mountain fabulous morning sun on cairns & mountains behind me. Just above tree line again, short pines covered morning mist. Back down a bit into the trees that envelop ridge top then back out into open air as we cross rock slide pile. At trail junction with Guyot shelter trail entrance, we turn uphill to ridge top then down opposite side. Further down is Zealand falls, i slip on smooth angle curve rock fall into stream that feeds the falls. I spring up, left side is wet, I'm ok lucky not to hit head on rock. Zealand hut is 100 yards away, i take of wet clothes, put in sun, change in bathroom. Unprotected phone was in my left pocket and got submerged, lucky no harm done, works fine. Have lunch on hut porch, Winter Flower Forest Gump arrive then go down to falls. Kokopelli goes in to buy lunch. Octagon buys cinnamon roll, shared a piece with me. flip clothes over to dry other side, ate my crackers with cheese pepperoni, clothes now dry. Back on trail, pass Czech couple as they lunch on ledge overlooking ridge side. trail is wide and flat, old train track bed. Many foot bridges, stream's water looks like tea, browned by tannin. Down to Crawford notch, mother of Lagerhead is in parking lot, she gives us ride to AMC visitor center. No room in the campsites, motels or lodge. The big mountain bike race is in town tomorow, everything filled. Luckily we meet Clutch class of 2011, super friendly & helpful, sees we are scrambling & does best to calm us, gives me some brownies & potato chips from car, she suggests possibly stealth camping nearby, she used to volunteer here & knew one guy in same situation did it. I scout area, trail to lake splits off once in woods, in between is old gravel driveway that is now mostly grass, a fallen tree was put across to block access, on other side of tree is yellow property marker sign indicating this is now national park land, driveway is flat & grassy, perfect, only 2 minute walk to lodge. There are coin showers in depot open till 6, bathrooms & cafe in lodge, tonight is buffet night, a bit pricy but it is AYCE & tenting is free tonight. AMC can shuttle packs to Pinkham notch free, in morning we will have gear shuttled & will slack pack to Pinkham. Today featured some very great hiking, great weather. End of the day was a bit of a scramble but after some well timed advice from past thru-hiker, tonight worked itself out as well as it could have, and also now set up for a slack pack tomorrow. In the end, everything worked out just fine. Shoutout to Bryan 'Achilles', had a blast hiking with you, thank you for the words of encouragement & support! Keep on keeping on, you got alot going for you!
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Crawford notch

To: Mount Washington
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

8.17.13 Saturday - day 139Crawford notch - Mount Washington13 miles - 8 hoursAll packed & ready by 6am. Lucky Laura gives us ride in Subaru Forester, she is past thru hiker, will also climb Washington today but different route.Rained on us last night in tent, however trail head and climb up Webster cliffs was completely dry, must not have rained here. Long climb up forest, then several tree openings at rock faces, can see see road below, ridges at a distance. Morning fog turns to sunny blue. not as difficult a climb i was expecting. Hike thru forested ridge top to Mizpah hut for snack break, croo there very nice, they were loading up garbage onto packs that they would carry down. Up above tree line, great view of Presidentials. In open air sun, breeze keeps me cool, also dries out nose and mouth. Around Eisenhower, Franklin, Monroe to Lake of the Clouds hut, climb 1.4 miles up basketball sized rocks, following cairns, halfway up great view of hut and lakes below. Above tree line, Mount Washington climb, can see clouds pass summit above. Signs warn of extremely dangerous weather. Highest wind speed recorded here, called the most dangerous weather in the world. I heard some hiker say that the Atlantic front & Midwest front intersect here causing potential high winds. Up the piles of rocks, there are cairns and white blazes but you have some freedom as to how you want to ascend. Unlike below, no real defined worn out path. Approaching summit, I climb into a cloud. By the time I reach the top, cloud has passed, sky now blue, winds remain constant.At summit is old rock top hotel museum, visitor center, weather center & cog rail depot. Great view of mountains all around, including Wildcat. Over 6k feet, highest elevation north half of trail. Thank goodness ideal weather. Chill gusting winds, comfortable. Got a whoopee pie from food court. We run into Lucky Laura @ summit, chat about our day. Ride down to Pinkham notch from friends who stop off at visitor center to get gear bag. Tuckermans restaurant for dinner, Shaker cranberry pot roast, Tuckermans brown ale, Moat Mountain blueberry ale from North Conway, NH. Full belly after excellent day. Climb from Crawford notch up to Mount Washington was just incredible.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Mount Washington

To: Pinkham notch
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8.18.13 Sunday - day 140Mount Washington - Pinkham Notch13 miles - 9.5 hoursRide to Pinkham visitor center, white Audi drops off Barbarossa & Long Skirt there, driver is Marny the owner of White Mountain hostel where we made reservations for tonight, she remembered my name, gives us ride to auto road entrance, we hitch ride up Washington from 2 ham radio enthusiasts who were heading up for an event. About 8:30, nearly empty up there, Kokopelli is in visitor center waiting for breakfast to open. No line at Washington summit sign, unlike yesterday 20 minute wait, so we take photos there before heading down. Sunny 50 degrees with light breeze, perfect! Took more photos all around with this new different early morning sunlight. Field of shoebox size dark brown rough textured rocks. Slow moving down to cog railway tracks, we walk over them, can see black white smoke approaching below, red engine car slowly passes, smell smoke, hear clicking of rail, waving tourists inside. Down around ravine top, then up n down over rocks. way above tree line so open air sun on my back, full views all morning. Trail empty unlike yesterday, peaceful, listen to breeze, see the white sides and red roof of Mount Washington Omni hotel below left, that place was inspiration for Steven King "The Shining" hotel. Only wearing tshirt but morning mountain air feels great. Up down rock hills to Madison hut. Long slow trail to arrive there, need much patience to correctly safely place each step on rock all angled. Not difficult, just slow by nature and long duration. Lunch at hut then 30 minute climb up steep boulders to summit Mt Madison. Slow afternoon down long descent. On top of all rocks, no soil for much of the time. Above tree line so great views of Wildcat. Steep rock piles to go down. Ground cover all around. Sunny breezy. Down into trees, still ways to go before reaching Pinkham notch. Thru pines over streams, foot bridge, suspension bridge finally notch. Marney pick us up, to hostel then Walmart & back. Sub chips ravioli dinner. Into bunk sleep. Can hear cars trucks pass occasionally on road.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Pinkham notch

To: wildcat mountain peak E
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

8.19.13 Monday - day 141Pinkham Notch - Wildcat Mountain peak E3 miles - 2 hoursNero day, plan is to do only 3 miles to get a difficult section done, then rest remainder of day, big day tomorrow. phenomenal breakfast of strada, sausage, blueberry muffin, oatmeal, hash browns, juice, & tea. Marney's mom shuttles me n Beetlejuice to Pinkham notch. Dr. Pepper chug then across NH16 to trail head. A mile thru flat forest, around pond n over foot bridges to base of Wildcat mountain. Up, up n more up! Sometimes stones steeply stacked to form steps, a few steep rock faces with small divots n bumps for feet n hands, one spot with wooden blocks fastened to steep rock face, some uphill on steep soil between trees. UP!!! Since short day, have luxury of moving at snail pace if we want. Turn around can see road below & Mt Washington above. Beautiful sunny day, nice breeze, so thankful for ideal weather. Summit peak d, 3 miles climbed 2 hours. Gondola station near top, wooden porch at top, great view of Tuckermans ravine & Washington. Ride down gondola, hitch into Gorham for lunch. Stroll along main street nice little town, old bank across park converted into Subway restaurant. Info booth offers tickets for moose tours. Indy and Pony Girl say hi, hustling back to hostel to eat newly bought ice cream. Across the street Wilson reclines on the nice green grassy park lawn in the sun. Marney pick us up, back to hostel. Cozy, Barbarosa, handstand @ hostel.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: wildcat mountain peak E

To: Gorham
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

8.20.13 - Tuesday day 142Wildcat mountain peak E - Gorham18.1 miles - 11 hoursPlan today is south bound slack pack to gondola. I woke at 3:50am ten minutes before my alarm. at rattlesnake river in Gorham trail head 4:35am with headlamp on, moon is visible in clear black sky. Trail follows stream slowly uphill. Pass shelter, still dark people still asleep. Stream crossings in dark further up, gradual climb as sky lightens, reach Mount Moriah summit, top is rock face surrounded by pines & ground cover. Pass Imp Camp, run into Carbon say hello. Reunion with Code Walker! I was able to catch up after his time off. We were in Springer shelter together day 0. So good to cross paths, we quickly talk then agree to catch up later at the hostel. Long descent steep to Carter hut, nice small old log cabin between 2 scenic shallow lakes. Lunch then thousand foot steep climb. Trail from top to gondola many up downs, ride down the cable car again, long hike beautiful day, even ended sooner than planned, perfect way to exit the majestic White Mountains. Got hitch from Chillin', former thru hiker with Chilly Willy doll on dash. Thanks! At White Mountain hostel we see:Code Walker, Carbon, vitamin C, Ledge, Lentil, Honey Badger, Long skirt, Karma, Little Engine, Ambassador, Timber, Violet, Cozy and more. Mr. Pizza dinner while watching hometown hero John Cusack in High Fidelity. This will be last night at White Mountain Hostel, one of my favorites on the trail, $20 gets you bunk in spotless clean house, shower, awesome breakfast juice coffee tea, laundry done for you, town clothes to borrow, shuttle to Walmart, shuttle to / from trail, slack packing, living room dvd player, best of all meet Marney & family, really care about you & take care of thru hikers, including her son Nimble who is one this year, we hiked with him before Perisburg, met Marney at Woods Hole hostel, another of my favorites. Nice to see people in your bubble & ones in front of you too, nice to sit around breakfast table or backyard & eat drink converse with friends. Nice hub to stay at couple nights when near Pinkham notch. Thanks!
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Gorham

To: gentian shelter
Miles today: 11.7

8.21.13 Wednesday - day 143Gorham - Gentian shelter11.7 miles - 8 hoursWoke up, went downstairs, first in line for another extraordinary breakfast. Packed up, took photos with Marney, said goodbyes, then north we go, today the group is Lentil, Long Skirt, Carbon, Code Walker, Violet, PL & So Way. Leap frog all day, everyone dragging from last few demanding days in the Whites. Mostly gradual terrain thru forest. Some nice lakes ponds along the way, saw some frogs jumping around as we pass over their heads on foot planks. Nice views standing on rock face summit. Down to beaver dam pond, can see his lodge & dam from shelter. walked into pond waist deep, squatted down so I'm neck deep, cooled off for a minute. Whole gang arrives at shelter which holds 14. Me and 3 others in shelter, the rest setup tents. Beautiful view looking out, can see nearby ridge to right, distant mountains covered by haze in front. Dinner on shelter floor, talk about movies, tv shows to catch up on when finished. Sunny day 77 degrees, nice night 60 cool.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: gentian shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

8.22.13 Thursday - day 144Gentian shelter - Full Goose shelter9.6 miles - 9 hoursSlow terrain, lots of quick steep up downs, nice sunny weather. Great view top Mount Success & Goose Eye Mountain. Crossed border into Maine!!! 14th and final state, kissed the tree next to NH - ME sign, so blessed to make it here, happy to reach this milestone. This is Maine. Further, we crossed the 1900 mile mark, under 287 miles to go. Code Walker, Violet, Carbon, Lentil, PL and me have lunch at border sign after taking pics there. Lots of hands on roots, rocks, trees today, steep lunges down & hoists up, tiring, had to be patient, some in group moving so slow. Reach Full Goose shelter, set up bag inside shelter. Dip n Sip, Newton, Mother Theresa, Wilson, Peaches, Forest Gump n Winter Flower, gang from last night, as well as Harvard University freshman orientation, another college orientation, and outdoor club, maybe 50 people at this site, way too crowded! Luckily hikers commandeered the shelter and bagged water early before others arrived. Anyway great day major accomplishments, Maine crossing and 1900 mile marker, fun times!
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Grafton notch

To: East B road
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

8.24.13 Saturday - day 146Grafton notch - east B road10 miles - 6 hoursBeautiful morning, climb up is steep not so difficult, over 2k foot climb with flat part in middle. Baldpate west peak a bit steeper climb with rock face at top, sweet views including the east peak. Steep short descent to flat bog bridges surrounded by grasses, ground cover. Trail becomes flat rock face then thigh high rock slab at 45 degree angle appears in front of me, on top of that is stacked an identical slab set back about a yard, with then another & another forming angled stairs. I go up to the right then the next slab then next. Up more angled rock face, surface is rough & porous easy to grip at steep angle when dry like today, & steps to flatter less steep face, false summit, excellent views. Real summit is about 5 minutes away & features different views towards north & east. Me & Mountain Lion sit & enjoy view & breeze. Beetlejuice is there with S-Rocket, we congratulate him on finishing rough 21 mile day from Pinkham to Andover the other day. They head down, we follow 10 minutes later after checking Facebook & email since there is coverage up there. Long easy drop to Frye Notch lean-to for snack, Peaches, MT, Wilson arrive, we compare notes on respective hostels, The Cabin vs. Pine Ellis, sounds like a win win draw. Up hill, call David from hostel, says he'll be at road 2 hours. We hike down pretty easy forest trail, football shape leaves with red berries in the center decorate forest floor. Can hear chain saw or loggers not far away. At bottom we see large river drop turning into falls. Climb up a bit, steep then across stream on rock tops arrive at road. We are early, so is David, he offers us cold purple drink. Peaches & crew right behind us their shuttle arrives now they head of to the Cabin. Back at Pine Ellis, shower then dinner again Little Red Hen, Arrive at 5 when dinner opens, all you can eat pizza + salad nite $9. Melissa is kneading dough, asks what she should make for us. Wow! made to order! Fresh from scratch too! She made meat lovers, veggie, baked potato, Greek, & more. Pace maker, Runner up, Yoopper Big Red all there at the start, some locals show up, eat leave, we're all still there, another wave of locals sits to eat, leave, we're still eating, funny yet embarrassing too. awesome pizza, heard several people comment Melissa is doing what she born to do, loves what she is doing, awesome for her, it really shows. Not certain but i think she lives 4.5 hours away, drives in for the weekend, that's why dinner is only Friday Saturday. Across street to general store, bottle of Alagash White excellent as expected & Sebago IPA, OK. Tonight I move out of bunk house and inside the house to the shared rooms. 4 real beds upstairs inside warmer house.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: East B road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

8.25.13 Sunday - day 147East B Road - South arm road10 miles - 6 hoursClimb is gradual & easy, lots of moose droppings on trail, some footprints, no sightings. Pass along along side Surplus pond, pretty with reflection off surface, easy up to Wyman mountain top then down to Hall mountain lean-to. Drop is long but not so steep or difficult, pleasant. Up Moody mountain steep - not bad, aided by stone steps, handrails, foot holds. Small opening provides scenic vista. Call to David, down passing rock formations along way. Birds call back forth fly away as we pass. Cross campsite & stream to road, as expected David there waiting with cold purple drink for us. Tells us stories of crazy hikers he's met. On the rear view mirror hangs jewelry he made from moose droppings (cylindrical shape about size of postage stamp)laminated & colored, strung together like beads, pretty unique interesting. After shower & laundry go to general store for dinner, fried chicken special. Runner up, Pace maker, Big Red, Yooper arrive, later group we met in Falls Village arrives, i see one walks across street to park pavilion, probably scouting out as a camp spot. Back to hostel room, Pace maker, Runner up, Long Skirt, Mountain Lion all packing getting ready for tomorrow hike. Sleeping in real beds last night was a good move, hope tonight proves the same.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: South Arm Road

To: Route 17 camp
Miles today: 12.0

8.26.13 Monday - day 148South Arm road - Route 17 camp12 miles - 10 hoursDepart from Pine Ellis, said goodbyes to David & Ileen, Pacemaker, Runner Up, Big Red, Yooper then off to South Arm road. Rained early in morning 345 - 5am, can hear splatter of drops hit tin roof slow at first then quicker finally stopping. My pillow was next to window, rain woke me up keep me half asleep. Long climb up from road, steep at times, not rainy but rocks roots slippery. At top viewpoint is all white cloud. Lots of stop n go up down, must go slow all morning. Snack break at wood bench at another view blocked by cloud. Carbon arrives, chats a bit then proceeds on. Further on we reach lean-to 30 minutes later than expected, moving super slow due to bumpy terrain & wet roots like banana peels on trail. Carbon there resting. Stream there is dry as expected, Forest Gump left paper at stream 2 miles back warning of this. Lunch here. Bland day so far, snail pace, overcast, saw only one Sobo & carbon, ghost town today lots of people choose to zero. Really dangerous long descent, everything wet muddy, Octagon slip fall twice. Slick slanted rock face, steep lunges down holding trunk & roots, difficult when dry tougher wet. Pass dirt road, reach brook, get water & make camp. Ramen tuna grits dinner, hang bear bag, sleep.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Route 17 camp

To: ME4
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

8.27.13 Tuesday - day 149Route 17 camp - ME 413.3 miles - 8 hours6:30am start, nice mild night good sleep, tent dry outside condensation inside. Gradual climb to ME 17, nice view of lake and island behind us, morning sun on ridge we descended last night. reenter trail, there is trail magic from Czech couple Winter flower Forest Gump, but all sodas gone, must be from early yesterday. Slight climb up then around lake to other side where we break at nice sandy beach, watch gentle waves surrounded by pine covered ridges. relatively easy terrain, lots of tree roots on trail to avoid or carefully go over. Kept eye & ear out for moose, saw tracks in mud, saw plenty of droppings but no moose today. Sunny & 72 pleasant. Some slanted smooth rocks & steep steps but not like yesterday, much faster. Descend to route 4, trail head has poster of missing woman all have been talking about. Walk on roadside, SUV pulls over in front of me, Steve from Hiker Hostel, says going into Rangeley, gives us ride, thank you! Stay at Town & Lake, right on lake front, can use their kayaks & canoes. Lunch@ the Shed BBQ, grilled sausage sandwich & local Intrepid Nemesis brown ale. Walk to Eco outfitter then Giffords Maine ice cream. Sign across street says we are exactly halfway between equator & north pole. Town is quaint, fishing, hiking, aquatic plane tours, atv rentals, outdoor sports seem to be income generators. Bistro, pub, Italian, bagel cafe, Thai restaurants. Inn room has back door to porch, lawn, & lake, can see boats lining this side, long thin peninsula 100 yards out, mountain top about 5 miles south, really pretty view day & night. Geese & ducks waddle in lawn then get chased into lake by resident pugs. On walk back Long Skirt heading out of hotel to eat, we chat briefly, she did short 6 miles yesterday due to rain slickness on rocks. Back on trail tomorrow.