morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-18
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: NH25
Miles today: 14.7

Awoke to a chilly morning with a cool breeze. It was hard to climb out. Several others got up so they helped me get going.The first climb was up Mt. Cube which ended up having some really great views on some open rock outcroppings. The forest was unusually quiet this morning and seemed quite strange. My next stop was at the Ore Hill shelter. Several southbound hikers were there and one had a big black lab that has hiked with him. As I came out of the shelter I didn't see the sign for where I went in. Thought I was going the right way but also had second thoughts. Knew if I came to a road in a half hour I'd gone the wrong way. Turns out I was going the right way. Sure have to be more careful I've been pretty careless the past few days.Made it on down to Glencliff and the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Claimed a bunk and then sat down to visit. All the hikers from last night ended up coming in. Picked up my box from the post office for resupply. Later 7 of us took the shuttle to town to pick up dinner and supplies. Back at the hostel they were watching Cat Woman so watched the rest of it while I ate my dinner. They are watching a Bruce Lee movie now which isn't my favorite but you see it's mostly guys and they like him. Guess I'll get on the computer for a while. Oh ya, less than 400 miles to go now!(398.5)
Date: 2005-08-19
From: NH25

To: Kinsman Notch NH112
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was hard to leave the hostel because I was worried about going over Mt. Moosilauke. Couldn't reach Randy on the cell phone and the guy said it would be 60 dollars for a shuttle to the north side of Moosilauke for a southbound approach which is better. Decided to just take my chances and go north. I cried all the way down the road back to the trail. Was so worried about the stories I'd heard about the steep decent over rocks with hand holds etc. Started the long 6 mile climb to the summit. Not much happening out, no special animal sitings or anything. Stopped a couple times to rest and eat. This is the first mountain that goes above treeline on the trail. When I reached the summit there were about 10 dayhikers there. The views were awesome and only the farthest away mountains were hazy. Sat and ate my lunch and a little later Leviathan and Wilderness Bob showed up for lunch too. Talked with some day hikers about my hike, they had all the usual questions. Because I was concerned about how long the decent would take I started on down the mt.The first couple miles weren't bad it's the last miles or so that is the bad part. It was very steep and rocky but the iron hand holds etc. that they had hiped up weren't bad. They were mostly for convience not neccesity. I had worried and stressed for nothing. Glad I didn't pay for the shuttle! Once I reached the bottom I was beat. The next shelter was 6.7 and it was already 3:30. Normally that wouldn't have been too far but the terrain is getting more difficult and slower. Decided to go into North Woodstock for a motel night. Nice lady named Carol gave me a ride into town.   Did laundry, had dinner and relaxed the evening away.
Date: 2005-08-20
From: Kinsman Notch NH112

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 13.4

Had arranged last night for the shuttle to pick me up a 7 for the ride back to the trail. When I got to the trailhead Leviathan was there. He had stealth camped in the woods near there. First goal was to get to the Eliza Brook shelter. Easier said then done because it was raining and the rocks were wet. Although the distance wasn't that far it took until almost noon to get there. Fixed a hot lunch because I was so chilled from the rain and wind. The rain kept up on and off most of the day. When it wasn't raining the water was dripping from the trees like it was raining so I stayed wet. The next big climb was Mt. Kinsman at 4358'. It was a steep climb over big rock scrambles. Took a bad fall at one point, sure I'll have some bruises from that one. It could have been worse because at first I was headed over backwards. I've lived to hike another day. When I reached the summit it was misty and a brisk wind with no views because of the weather. I just went on to get out of the wind. On the way down I met Leviathan and we walked along together. Stopped at the Kinsman campsite but decided not to stay because you had to pay $8 to sleep in your tent in the rain. Decided to take our chances of getting into the Lonesome Lake Hut. Usually they take 2 people a night on a work for stay basis. We knew Mad Chapper and maybe others were ahead of us. When we reached the hut they were busy getting ready to serve dinner to the paying guests. We asked about work-for-stay and they said they take 2 and they already had one accepted. The guy said to the gal, the weather is pretty bad out there. They agreed to let us both do work for stay too. Not 10 minutes later another hiker came in and was turned down so we felt really fortunate. We were able to hang out in the common area until dinner and then we had to sit on the porch for 2 hours till the dinner and after dinner programs were finished. Then we sat down with the hut crew and had dinner. It was great, turkey, potatoes & gravy, cranberry, vegies, foccacia bread, tomato soup and chocolate mint cake. I was really stuffed. They said they would appreciate if we would do our work in the morning. We readily agreed because we were all tired. The rain and mist continued through the evening I was glad to sleep where it was dry and warm.   We spread our sleeping things between the tables and I was out like a light.
Date: 2005-08-21
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Liberty Spring Campsite
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up to the sound of pounding rain outside. I sure was happy to be warm and dry. It was soon 5 am and the hut crew was starting breakfast. We had to be up and have our stuff out at 6. Helped set the tables for 48 guests. Relaxed a little and then it was time for us to get out so breakfast could be served. After breakfast we came in and helped clean up a little, then we could eat.My chore after breakfast was to wash the stove grates and wipe down the stove. That was it. Work-for-stay completed! By the time I left the hut it was 10am. The way to get from the trail to route 3 for going into town wasn't very clear to me so I ended up walking about a mile. Couldn't get a hitch so called the shuttle. While I was waiting to be picked up I phoned home and got to talk with my daughter Rachel. Got into town, resupplied, ate lunch and phoned home again. This time I got to talk to Randy and my daughter Kinsey. Wedding plans, my dress and transportation were all discussed. While all this was going on the skies had opened up again. Had me thinking I should stay in town. Spoke to Leviathan, he was planning to walk out and stealth camp. Also ran into Wilderness Bob and Mad Chapper staying at the Autumn Harvest motel. Wasn't sure about what to do about leaving town because thunderstorms were predicted. Finally decided to try and hitch out. If I didn't get a hitch in 30 minutes I would stay the night in town. No more than 7 minutes later I was on my way back to the trail. It was only 2 1/2 miles to the campsite but a 2 1/2 thousand foot climb. There were only 3 campsites left and they filled quickly. The spring here is really good water and very cold. Tomorrow I will go above treeline again for most of the Franconia Ridgeline. Hope the weather doesn't get stormy.
Date: 2005-08-22
From: Liberty Spring Campsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

During the night I was awakened twice by the rain but I was toasty warm and dry in my tent. After I had taken my tent down I realized it was a unique way I had to set it up and I should have gotten a picture of it. Up and out! I was headed for the Franconia Ridge. The first mt. was Little Haystack and there was a spot with good views. Next it was on to Mt. Lincoln. From there I could see North Woodstock, the Lonesome Lake hut I had stayed at the other night and then a full view all around. Could even see up as far as Mt. Washington. Got some great pictures of the views and of the above treeline trail I had come up. Mt. Lafayette was the next climb at 5249'. Wow it was great at the top, the misty clouds would come and go and the wind was quite brisk.Sat in a protected area and ate my snacks and rested. There were alot of dayhikers and some who had come from the Greenleaf Hut to hike on to other huts. Not sure if I explained the hut system. It's run by the Appalachian Mountain Club and they have huts all through the White Mts. They charge the guests $77 a night for a bunk and 2 meals. The huts are used most every night through the summer. Some are more popular than others and you have to make reservations ahead of time. The AT comes right through this area so that's why they offer the work-for-stay to thru hikers. Not many thru hikers can afford the $77. The trail was rough again today with big rocks to climb up over and let myself down over. Got a major workout today. The last 4 miles all I could think about was hoping I'd make into the Galehead hut on work-for-stay. My knees and one hip were quite sore from climbs and decents over the wet rocks. Oh, I didn't mention that it rained several times during the day. Well made it into the hut a little after 3 and only one other southbound hiker was here. So I have done some of my chores and am drying my tent. Wonder if any other hikers will come in.
Date: 2005-08-23
From: Galehead Hut

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

Sure didn't sleep well last night. People were up and down all night, slamming bathroom doors and getting water. Sometime in the night a guy and his son came out to sleep where us thru hikers sleep. Told me to pay no attention to him when I raised up to see what was going on.Well within an hour of being up I was yawning badly. Had our work for stay breakfast and then did my chore of sweeping the whole hut. Couldn't have been given a worse chore as sweeping hurts my back so now I started out the day with a backache. Before I left the hut the Troll family came in, hadn't seen them since Delaware Water Gap. The whole area around the hut was closed in with clouds this morning.Those who stealth tented nearby said it got really cold. The first mile of trail today was the straight up rock, pull yourself over the rocks kind of trail. Followed the Troll's up that section and we chatted about trail stuff and news of others. Once on top of South Twin Mt. there were again no views. Further on though the clouds broke up some and I did enjoy that part of the trail. Saw what I think is a Spruce Grouse and got a good picture of it. A little later I came around a turn and there stood this animal. Wasn't sure if it was a dog or a wolf. Then I heard some voices and the dog moved and it's chain jingled, boy was I relieved. My next stop was the Zealand Falls Hut for a bottomless bowl of soup (ended up having 3 bowls) Then it was on to find a place to camp. Was going to go to Crawford Notch to try and stealth camp but decided to stop at Ethan Pond. When the Muppets and Birdie came in they said they saw a bull moose down at the pond. I was snug in my bag and didn't want to get cold, maybe he'll be out in the morning. Apple Pie and her friend came in looking for the Troll Family and moved on to find them. It's 7:30 and very cold already, don't even want to go and make anything to eat.
Date: 2005-08-24
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Slept good and it was much warmer once the wind died down. Got going around 7. When I got to the Crawford Notch there was soda at the trailhead, first trail magic in a while. Met Apple Pie and Prune Pirate just up out of the notch breaking camp. The climb to Webster Cliffs was long and difficult. Took another bad fall and jammed my knee. Oh, didn't mention again, it was raining. Another day of scary climbs and decents. Made it into the Mizpah Hut in time for lunch. Bottomless bowl of soup and hot chocolate. The board information said it would take the average hiker 4 hours to get to the next hut, 5.7 mile ahead so I decided to take off. The trail was much easier or else I was pumped to hurry and get there. About two miles from the hut it really started to rain. First I thought I'd be ok but I started getting cold. Stopped and put on my rain pants and got covered up. I'm so worried about getting hypothermia that I'm extra careful. The clouds would come and go around the mts. and the sun actually came out a few times. When I came up over the top of Mt Franklin I had an awesome view of Mt. Washington. Several days ago when I was on Mt. Moosilauke Mt. Washington was 3 ridgelines away so this really showed progress. When I asked about work for stay they said I was number 5 but I could stay. By the time all the hikers arrived there were 13 of us. Did my work for stay tonight so I am free to go in the morning.Here tonight are Doc Narly, Chef Boy-ar-dee, Old Scrubs, Troll, Anchor, Oblivious, Apple Pie, prune Pirate, Skywalker, Many Names, Paul, Leah & boyfriend. Old Scrubs gave a talk about thruhikers to the guests that were interested and then played the bagpipes he's been carrying. They really seemed to enjoy it. Now we're spread out all over the diningroom ready for bed.
Date: 2005-08-25
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started my day off early because we have to be up and out of the dining hall a little after 6. Had done my work for stay last night but decided to hang around for the weather report and breakfast. No rain predicted but wind and clouds off and on. It's about a 1.4 mile climb to the summit of Mt. Washington and I started it in misty clouds. By the time I reached half way up it started getting better and the summit was clear when I arrived. What incredible views in every direction! Last year when I was up there it was all fogged in. Could see the whole range I'd been hiking on for days and the Wildcats where I'll be headed to tomorrow. Enjoyed some food at the cafeteria and visiting with the hikers as they arrived. Also made all the necessary phone calls and sent some post cards. Finally left the summit around 11:45. The next hut was only 5.5 miles but they were tough with the high winds and walking mostly over rocks. Really enjoyed the miles though because I could see all mts. and the deep ravines covered with rocks and trees. Found myself stopping to look back at Mt. Washington again and again. As I passed over and around the other mts. in the Presidencial Range it gave me views in different directions. At one point I'm sure I was looking into Canada.   Incredible what you miss when you hike in fog, good thing Randy didn't know he hiked right next to a big cliff last year. [We need to talk, Randy.] The last mile I ran into Doc Narly and we walked the rest of the way to the shelter. We both were able to get work for stay and started right in doing dishes.Skywalker came in and took the next work for stay. Then Apple Pie and Prune Pirate showed up but they would only take one of them so they moved on. The Muppets showed up but not sure what they decided to do. The Troll family should be coming through also.
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Wildcat Peak A
Miles today: 12.8

Woke up at 4:18 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. The hut crew was up at 5 banging around making breakfast. Stayed for breakfast but later wished I hadn't. Met some nice people at the huts this time they wanted to know about my hike. The two ladies are section hiking the trail in the Vermont to Maine sections as they can on day hikes mostly. Today was the day to climb down Mt. Madison and I took it nice and slow, no repeats of last year. [Broke ankle.] The sky was so clear they said we could see for 80 miles. Got numerous pictures and just took in the splendor of it all. When I got to Pinkham Notch which is a sort of headquarters for the Appalachian Mountain Club, I saw Circuit rider and Sherlock. Went into the dining room and Apple Pie, Prune Pirate and Many Names were there eating lunch. Headed downstairs to the bathroom and ran into Thunder who I hadn't seen since the day Butterfly Moon and I walked into Pearisburg with him. It was great to see him and catch up on this hike. Troll, Anchor and Oblivious were there too. Back upstairs I hit the cafeteria line and ordered some nachos. After lunch I was able to get a copy of the bus schedule and found out they do run on weekends and holidays. May need to use the bus on Labor Day to get home for the wedding. I know I keep mentioning the wedding not sure if I said it is my middle daughter who is getting married. Kind of important to show up!Also while I was there I tracked down Hawk who had given the AMC class on the AT that Randy and I attended. He was happy my hike was going well. He may want me to come and speak at his next class in January. I knew I needed to get back on the trail but it was hard to walk out knowing a warm bed and shower were right there. Left with the thought I would probably have to camp out somewhere. The climb out of the notch was tough, 2000 feet gain in 2 miles. Basically almost straight up. The hot bright sun didn't help things either. The views were great and I could hear the whistle of the cog railroad that goes up Mt. Washington. I decided if I found a good place to camp around 6:30 I'd take it. Just before then I did find a spot, all tucked away back in the woods so I'm set up there for tonight. Nearby there's an overlook and I could see Carter Notch hut below, which this morning was my destination. So I pulled up short about a mile but would have made it, if I'd skipped that breakfast and gotten going earlier. It's a cold night and my hands are chilled as I type this on my Pocketmail. Guess I better get under wraps.
Date: 2005-08-27
From: Wildcat Peak A

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Slept so good last night, even though it was cold. Didn't get up for the sunrise view either. Went to get my food bag and it was stuck up in the tree! Extended my hiking pole to the max and was just barely able to knock it loose. With everything packed I started down what I thought was the really steep and dangerous downhill. Turned out it was the wrong part of Carter, the bad part would come later in the day. There were several long hard climbs today but the rewards were some really awesome views. Another clear day with long distance visibility. It's so good to look back over the mts. I've climbed and see just how huge and difficult they were but I conquered them. Met up with the Troll Family and walked with them until lunch time, then it was time to get serious and make some miles. The downhill off North Carter Mt. was one of the worst I've done so far. My knees are really feeling it tonight, already took some Ibuprophen. At least I avoided falling badly, only had my feet slip out from under me once and jammed my hand. My last views of the Whites were from the top of Mt. Moriah, not sure how much I will see from the Mahoosuc Range back this way. I decided to stay at the Rattle River shelter and have 2 miles to the road into Gorham tomorrow. Circuit Rider & Sherlock came through on their way into town. Just a few minutes ago Thunder came through. He said the Troll family was trying to get here for the night.May just be Many Names and I as the sun has set.
Date: 2005-08-28
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: US 2
Miles today: 0.0

Today was in to town day. Met a guy on the trail who said he would give me a ride to town. We waited a few minutes for Many Names and when he arrived we headed for town. Did my food shopping first and then tried to get a ride back into town but no luck. Ended up at the laundromat and saw the Troll family there. Checked into my motel and got cleaned up and then just relaxed. Watched some of the coverage on Hurricane Katrina.
Date: 2005-08-29
From: US 2

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and went to the Outfitter to see about new shoes. Did get some and after one day they are working out OK. My old shoes were busting out at the seams. Then it was to the post office to see if my maps had come. Yes! they were there, also sent home a box of stuff. By the time I got out of town it was quarter to 10. It wasn't a long day but there were 3 mts. to climb. With the late start I'm surprised I got that far. Once at the shelter lots of hikers started coming in. So many I'm not sure how many are tenting or sheltering. Someone said 14. Most everyone is going to try and make it through the notch tomorrow, not sure what I'll do. Would like to go through with others in case I need help. Just before sunset there was a moose in the pond near the shelter. We all went down to have a look. It didn't even care that we were there it just kept eating. It was about 75 feet across from us. There is the flash of lightning and the sounds of thunder in the near distance tonight. Glad I'm tucked into the shelter. Tomorrow, in a little less than 5 miles I will enter Maine, the last state in this journey. At that point it will be 281.4 miles to finish. Can you sense the impatience in me? Believe me it's there. It's been the most awesome time but just too long away from family.
Date: 2005-08-30
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: haze

The first people down to the water this morning saw 3 moose. Wasn't in a big hurry this morning because it was only a 9.6 day. Boy was I wrong, it felt like a 20 mile day. There were some major steep ups and downs! Do my knees ever get sore. Sure got banged around, more bruises and scrapes. The sky was very misty and that made for limited views today. By afternoon the sun peaked out a little but was still overcast. Today was an extremely difficult day all the way around, was so glad to get to the shelter. About half of everyone went on to do the notch. I just couldn't do it I was sore and tired. The remnants of the hurricane are suppose to hit here tomorrow. Don't know what will be my hiking plan.
Date: 2005-08-31
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

The sheltermates' alarms started going off at 6 and 6:30 but no one was getting up. It had been raining all night and was still pouring. My decision was to stay put. One by one the hikers made their decision as to what to do. Ug, Professor Nutbag and Low Bridge decided to walk on. Two section hikers went on southbound. Chainsaw, Huff & Puff, Force of Will and I decided to stay for the day. We talked listened to the radio and told stories. The rain just kept up all day. After lunch Woodstock, Noodle and Newheart came in. They all decided to stay and not go through the notch.It's now around 4pm and it stopped raining a half hour ago. We are all hoping that this is the end of it. Several hikers are now discussing some bible passages and it's interesting to listen. Just heard a story about a hiker I met that was trying to get back to Canada for a wedding. Turns out he did it in two hitches from Mt. WA and then 10 hitches to get back. Maybe I'll be as lucky when I try to get home.A group from Amhearst College came in doing their orientation trip. They strung a rope all across the front of the shelter to hang their wet clothes. At least they aren't trying to squeeze in the shelter.