morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Chesters Rest

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I awoke and had breakfast and headed out to the trail. Dances with Sloths, Sublime and I hitched a ride back to the trailhead around noon. The trailhead was located near the Flume; a tourist attraction, so it was a pretty easy hitch. Then when we arrived at the bike path, we were supposed to walk a mile on the bike trail to the AT, but some forest workers were driving a truck that mile, so they gave us a ride on the bike path so we didn't even have to walk that! Sweet!   We had a seven mile uphill to Little Haystack Mountain (4,800), then up to Mount Lincoln (5,089) and then Mount Lafayette (5,249). This part of the trail is called Franconia Ridge. It was clear when I first arrived and then clouded up quickly. In any kind of weather this ridgeline is amazing! It was getting cold quickly, so I began to move to get down as cold weather was fast approaching. After coming down, I still had Mount Garfield (4,488)to tackle. My legs were burning by this point and I was getting exhausted. I arrived at Galehead hut to see if I could do "work for stay". They let thru-hikers work and stay on the floor or table and eat after the paying guests. The guests pay $90 per night for a bunk in a room. It is kind of cool. There were already four thru hikers working, but they told me I could stay...but there might not be enough food. That was ok, I had four days of food with me. As it turns out, there was enough food, so I washed dishes and would have to do some work in the morning. Fine by me. The hikers had to wait until lights out at 9;30 pm, and then everyone went to bed and we got out our sleeping pads and bags and slept on the tables. It wasn't too bad except the guests kept getting up at all hours of the night to use the restrooms. They were backpacking small sections of the White Mountains. What was strange to me was to see people who are backpacking, wearing pajamas. I guess I've been out in the woods too long.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: fog

I woke up early as the guests were up at four am! Wow, I guess they are anxious to hike. They came out in the area where the hikers were sleeping and began to make all sorts of noise and talking. We were trying to sleep, but to no avail. So we got up. They began breakfast at 6:30 and served it at 7 am. After that I did dishes, swept the floors, changed pillow cases, and wiped off tables. It was kind of fun. A break from my regular routine.   I began hiking, but I was tired and sore from the previous day. The White Mountains are difficult. Today has some flat stretches in it and everyone says you can get some miles in so you don't get caught up in bad weatehr. I will see how far I can get.   It is hard to do the miles, so I decided to cut it short and pay for the shelter. I hate to do it, but I am tired. I tried to keep up with Sublime, but he is 20 and I am not!      When we got to Ethan Pond Campsite, I called it a day. Sublime hiked on. Bushwacker was with us, but he took a break before we got there. I assume he caught Sublime. When I got there Aussie was hiking in and Castanets and Wingheart were already there. We talked briefly at the pond and at dinner about hiking. The pond was nice and it felt good to splash off the road dirt.I went back down to the pond after I ate to watch the sunset and there were bats flying around cathing bugs. The fish were jumping and the colors reflecting on the still water was a sight to behold.    I feel like I am getting back to my hike. I enjoy taking the time to savor these sights. It is so beautiful to be able to see an awesome view, and just stop and take it all in instead of rushing to get to a destination. I love it!
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Mitzpah Hut
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: fog

I decided to leave early as I didn't sleep well from alot of noise in the shelter. I will make it a short day today...I am still feeling very tired. This is so unlike me. I am not sure if it is the Whites, me, not enough rest, or a combination. I am going to try to get some rest and see if things improve. Plus I want to go from hut to hut and eat well. I hope that will help things.   I hiked with Sublime and Bushwacker to Mitzpah and I asked to do work for stay. It was early and it looked like rain. When I climbed over Mount Webster (3,910) and Mount Jackson (4,052) I couldn't see a thing. I literally was in a cloud! Anyway, there were a ton of dishes as the croo did a "raid" on Lake of the Clouds hut last night. A raid is when one croo sneaks over in the middle of the night and steals a sign from inside the other hut. It's kind of a way they visit each other, and its in good fun. So I did dishes and had some soup and bread and salsa and chips. They gave me a bunk in the attic, but no one was supposed to know about it. It was fun and I had a good time. I actually was able to take a nap because I had a place to sleep. It felt good to have a short day and eat and rest. I think I needed that. Sublime and Bushwacker hiked on, as well as many other hikers that came in and ate lunch and left. I was sad to see them go ahead, but I have to go by how I feel.   Later in the day the sun came out and the croo master Boho, told me to hike back 2 miles to Mount Jackson, and that I would not regret it. Well, she was right. It was absolutely amazing. I could see Mount Washington, the hut, everything! (Pictures added). Alot of hikers won't "re-hike" part of the AT that they already hiked, but I am so glad I did. While I was up there, it came to me that my hike will soon be over in about a month or so. I raced through parts to get big miles, and I don't regret those parts as there wasn't much to see and I had to get home for Rachel's graduation. But, I want to savor this. I don't know if I will ever be back, so I want to take it all in! I have decided to slow down and enjoy the views and I have been happier because of it.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Mitzpah Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I know, I know...oooo big miles huh? 4.8 mile day! But let me tell you. Everyone left early and I still had some chores to do. When I left, I decided that I was going to become what some fellow thru hikers coined me as a "hut slut". Oh yea, and I am proud of it! I am going to go hut to hut and do work for stay and eat like a pig and enjoy the Whites. Now, some hikers have said you need to get through the Whites as quickly as possible because you could get caught in nasty weather. This is true, but it is a chance I am willing to take. So, I am heading out for Lake of the Clouds hut. I hear a lot of people talk about this hut. It is 1.5 miles from Mount Washington, so the weather is going to be crazy. Should be fun to watch. If I am lucky, it will be a clear day and I will run and get some photos of Mount Washington.      When I headed out this morning it was foggy. It is supposed to be clear later, but that can change quickly. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast and on the AT (6,288). The summit is under cloud cover 55% of the time, and the average summer temperature is 52 degrees while the average winter temperature is 15 degrees. On April 12, 1934 and on land wind speed of 231 mph was recorded, which still stands as the world's record. This area of the country is affected by front from the Atlantic, Canada and the Mid-west, so it is highly unpredictable.   So when I arrived at Lake of the Clouds, I was able to do work for stay. The croo was awesome and quite funny. I really enjoyed there company and hospitality. I did some dishes and then heard Tom B left his AT guidebook at the hut. I had put it in my backpack to get it to him. The croo asked me to run it up to him (he was on Mount Washington), but I had to have the dishes done by 5. So, I ran that mile and a half, uphill, in 25 minutes! I didn't have my pack on of course so it was easy! Gave Tom B his book, took some great shots and headed down to the hut to finish dishes. All in all it was a great day, and I am enjoying watching this weather go from fog to sun to who knows what?   By the way, the sunset from up here was to die for!
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Well, I had every intention of hiking today, but I was watching the weather, and I actually looked down on a rainbow! Sooo cool. Then the clouds rolled in. I actually was watching a storm in the horizon with lightning and rain. Very interesting to watch. Later, I asked the croo if I could take a zero, and they said yes! So, they also let me take a much needed nap in a bunk! Awesome. I am feeling much better. I think I just was not getting enough sleep while I was in the shelters. When I got up, The hut was in a cloud and stayed that way until sunset, when a wind would blow away the clouds just to see the sunset and then cover it back up again. So beautiful! I am so lucky to be here!   Many more hikers came in and left in a hurry to beat the storm. Some of those who went out, ended up coming back because they took the wrong trail, or were not prepared.   I guess they have a lot of rescues here because the weather changes so quickly and people just do not understand this and do not prepare themselves adequately for it. The croo was sharing their horror stories of some things they have seen. It was quite interesting.   I am happy to have zeroed here - and I am grateful. it has been a wonderful place to rest and enjoy. The sun is supposed to be out tomorrow, so I plan to hike on to the next hut.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.0

I awoke and ate breakfast with the croo this morning and we said our goodbyes. They are so much fun. I wish I knew about this when I was in college. These kids have such a great opportunity, and they know it. They say it is difficult to get selected to be on a croo, so once they get in, they stay for 3 to 4 years.   The weather is sunny and great with a gentle breeze...perfect hiking weather! I actually had some people tell me I could have there bunks at Madison Hut, because they decided to come down the mountain, and the bunks are paid for, so I don't have to work for stay tonight! SCORE!   I hiked up Mount Washington again and saw the cog railway! I was within 10 feet of it when it went by. Then I hiked on to the Presidential Range. Such great views.    Today was a short but difficult day, with all the rocks, my achilles are killing me. I was glad to see the hut when I did. They are calling for rain tonight, so we shall see. Everything changes.   When I arrived, I told the croo about the cancelation. They welcomed me and Teddy Bear and we were happy to eat with everyone else and have an actual bunk. I got a good nights sleep.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Madison Hut

To: Camp Dodge Volunteer Center
Miles today: 7.8

This morning I had a delicious and hot breakfast of pancakes and bacon with coffee and juice. MMMM! I have become such a "hut slut" and I am loving eevry minute of it! I got on the trail around 8 and it was sunny and cool. The first mile was up and over Mount Madison (5,363)it took me quite awile. I saw an albino squirrel and tried to get a picture of it. Then my camera battery died. My muscles are sore in my left calf, so I am going slow.   I made it in to Pinkham Notch by 1 pm. I went into the visitors center to see about the shuttle and they told me it was leaving in 5 minutes. So I left and caught the shuttle to Camp Dodge Volunteer Center. I asked to do work for stay. They told me to get a shower, do laundry and help them get ready for a BBQ. No problem! So I helped them and then we feasted! It was awesome. I had a bunk and was able to rest well. Only two other people were there!      I was able to recharge my battery for my camera and myself. I have been so happy these past couple of days. I have been enjoying the White Mountains tremendously and I am so blessed to be out here. I thank God for the opportunity to hike this hike.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Camp Dodge Volunteer Center

To: Camp Dodge Volunteer Center
Miles today: 0.0

I got up today to get the weather report from Mount Washington, they send it to all the AMC huts and camps at 7 am. The weather was calling for high winds and rain on the mountains and in the valley. I decided to take a zero today...it was a good thing I did.   The electric is out in the valley and they are calling for bad weather on top of Mount Washington. Owl Gourmet and Teddy Bear were at the camp with me. We are the only hikers here. teddy Bear wanted to take a nap. Katie went on some errands and told us we could help ourselves to anything in the walk-in cooler! Yes! So Owl and I ended up making several BLT's and then we discovered a 5 gallon bucket of ice cream. Even though it was cold, we still had to damage that bad boy! We decided to clean the kitchen really good while they were away, so I think they realized how much we appreciated the food.   Later on, I rested and that was really good. I am glad I took the time off to rest, it turns out there was snow on Mount Washington and the winds were 80 mph on the mountains. It rained in the valley and was cool, but not as bad as the peaks.   I heard how bad climbing Wildcat Mountain would be...and it is starting to intimidate me. Mind Games. I gotta stop listening to what other people say about the trail and just walk! So tomorrow I head out, get the miles done and then I'll get to Maine.   The staff here has been amazing. They are going to get us breakfast and shuttle us back to the visitor center in Pinkham in the morning, so I am happy about that. Wow, another good zero day...Life is good.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Camp Dodge Volunteer Center

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

I got up and copied down the weather forecast for the staff from Mount Washington this morning. I feel like one of the staff, they are soooo friendly here. We had a great breakfast, with coffee and juice, eggs, the works. I got packed up and Katie drove us back to the visitor center.   When I arrived, I ran into Evil Eye, M & M, Pootz and Buttercup II. They were heading up Wildcat Mountain, so I joined them. While up on Wildcat (4,380), we went by the gondola that brings tourists up (I was tempted to cheat and come up the gondola...but I didn't). It was funny because tourists were looking at us and wondering why in the world would anyone walk up this mountain! It wasn't as hard as people had said it was, so I was relieved. I am glad I have not taken any short cuts while hiking this hike. ( I have a small section in Killington to redo - update: done on 9-17-07). People have told me some of them, but I decided if I am hiking the AT and I go off a white blaze to take a short cut, then I might as well come home.   Anyway, we hiked to Carter Notch and when I walked into the hut I hear "Boo Boo!". When I looked, the hut master told me she recognized me from Lake of the Clouds and if I wanted to do work for stay, I was welcome to. Yippee! My reputation proceeds me. She was part of the croo at Carter Notch and later when some people cancelled, she told me I could use their bunk. But if they showed up, of course I would have to move out. They never showed up.I have loved the Whites. I love the work for stay and being a "hut slut", it's been a blast! The kids are amazing, and I won't forget them and their affect on my hike.   I slept like a baby, dreaming of the Whites.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up and decided to head out early so I could hike with Sniper and Trail Blaze and get to M & M's car. She parked it in Gorham and has been letting hikers stay in her condo in New Concord, NH. There are so many of us that we have to take two trips. So, since I hike fast, I was part of the first group.   We climbed over Carter Dome (4,832). It was amazing. While I was up there I passed a section hiker who was finishing up the trail today. He had hiked 100 miles a year for the past 23 years. He will have officially completed the AT. Talk about perserverence! He started when he was 43 and is now 66. It was fun to talk to him and I congratulated him on his awesome accomplishment. I continued on to Zeta Pass and then over South Carter Mountain (4,458) and Middle Carter Mountain (4,600) and finally North Carter Mountain (4,539). We stopped at Imp Campsite for lunch.   Then we hiked up Mount Moriah (4,049). I saw Sniper coming up fast and I thought I had better pick it up a notch. Got to the shelter at 3 pm and waited a half an hour. They didn't come, so I slowly walked to the road. Sure enough Sniper and Trail Blaze came and we headed out to the condo where we showered, ate and rested. We have 279 miles to go and we are almost in Maine! WooooHooooo!
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we took a zero day and rested while Evil Eye and Buttercup II redid Mount Madison. The trail is not marked well above treeline and you have to know the alternate name of the trail or it is easy to get lost. They hiked that in the heavy wind and cold the other day and visibility was low. So, they mistakenly hiked the wrong way. While they are redoing that section, we are going to rest and get errands done. I have to go to the Post Office and do other town chores, so it is nice to have a car to do the errands. I drove them to the trailhead early this morning and bought donuts for everyone. I have to say...driving really feels weird after walking for so long.   It is a nice, relaxing day. I have been the shuttle driver today. Sniper went along and we got alot done. The mountains here are beautiful and they look huge when you are down in the valley and look up at them. I guess I have gotten used to seeing the views from on top of them and it is nice to have the change in perspective.      I am so grateful to be out here. I am noticing that a lot of hikers just want the hike to be finished. In some ways I want to be done, because I miss my family sooo much. But, I also know that the experience will be over as well, and even though I only have 298 miles left to go, I want to still learn the many lessons the trail has to teach me. I have learned so much about myself. My limitations. My power. My fears. My strengths. All the things that make me who I really am. It has been such a gift. I know I will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my days.   I want to Thank all of the people who have been supporting me. My family, acting as my Base Camp, sending my mail drops and receiving uneeded gear as I returned it. People who have given me a place to stay and food to eat while I am out here, a much needed respite. All of my friends and neighbors who have signed my guest book and given me words of encouragement. People I have known all my life as well as those I have just met even out on the trail. People I volunteer with and those who work with me. Trail Angels who are known and those unknown, leaving food or cans of soda in a creek to be discovered on a hot steamy day. Even the hikers I hike with! Thank you everyone. You all have been a part of my experience out here; and as I walk this trail, I want each of you to know I think of you often, and all of you are in my prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to a coffee maker this morning, very weird, I am not used to that! But quite wonderful if I do say so myself. We needed to clean up M & M's condo, so I stripped the pullout couch and while Evil Eye started laundry, I did dishes, and then started to clean the bathrooms. It has been a nice way to take a zero, but the trail doesn't get hiked staying here. So we packed up and headed out.   They wanted to stop and get breakfast, but I already ate. Trail Blaze was disappointed that we drove by the Donut store, so I offered to run back and pick up his donuts. He was happier after that. We finally got to the trailhead around 10:30.   We hiked up three miles to Mount Hayes (2,555). Most of the days it is PUDS (pointless ups and downs). But we are seasoned to that by now. The weatehr is sunny and nice with a cool breeze...another perfect hiking day. However they are predicting thunderstorms later in the week. But, we know that can change quickly around this part of the trail. So we take it day by day.   I passed Teddy Bear on the trail. Today is his Anniversary. I think he was feeling sad he wasn't with his wife. It is also Evil Eye's 51st Birthday. We brought out a small cake with candles for him and sang Happy Birthday to him several times througout the day. I am not sure if he was thankful or didn't want to be reminded about it. Hard to tell.      We arrived at Gentian Pond shelter early. I was hiking solo, and when I came to a boggy area, I stepped on a puncheon (bog log) and it sank. My foot submerged into the soupy peat and I backed up quickly. Up to my ankle in muck! I took off my shoe and sock, hung it off my pack and hiked in one croc and one shoe the two miles to the shelter. I hung it in the sun so it would be dry in the morning. I should have known better as I did notice the board was completely wet. I didn't bother testing it with my hiking pole. Lesson learned.   Today was a good day. I am now officially out of the White Mountains (sniff sniff). I will miss them. I hope to go back someday.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Gentian Pond

To: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a gloriuos morning! Today it is cloudy and cool and the temps are wonderful for hiking again! I am so blessed. I climbed up Mount Success (3,565). It was amazing. Today was a lot more PUDs and boulder scrambling.    Guess what? I am in MAINE!!!! I have arrived in the fourteenth state! I have hiked over 1800 miles. I have hike through five national parks. It seems so sureal. I cannot believe it. I have approximately 280 mile left on this journey. I hear myself saying it...but it is a very strange feeling. I am amazed at what I have done. Hard to believe.      (moment of silence) wow!      Ok, I'm back. Anyway, I climbed Mount Carlo (3,565) and Goose Eye Mountain (East Peak - 3,790) and Goose Eye Mountain (North Peak - 3,675) and I made it into the shelter. I wanted to get past Mahoosic Notch, but there wasn't enough time and I would be playing it close. It is know to be the toughest mile on the AT. You scrambled over around and through boulders the size of cars or larger. It is famous for ice found in deep crevices throughout the year. Also, on a sadder note, a moose had wondered into this area and fell into a crevice and broke its leg. It was stuck there for days. Then someone went in and cut it's throat to put it out of its misery. But the carcass is still there. This has happened about a month ago, so I am sure by now it will be "ripe".   On top of that it is going to rain tomorrow...the the rocks will be slick. Perfect. The hardest mile on the AT in tough conditions. BRING IT!!! (heh heh)   The shelter was full and I tried to get a good nights rest, but there was a lot of noise so it was difficult.