morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

It was the coolest morning we have had yet this summer, but I did get up early as usual since we had a stop planned for dinner the Whistle Stop. When I got to Little Rock Pond about mid morning the water on the north end was very still, reflecting the trees and mountains above the shoreline. Later in the morning while approaching the high point on White Rocks Mountain, the walk across its ridge was beautiful with the tall, majestic firs reaching up toward the sky contrasted to the very young conifers filling the floor of the forest below. Spock, Backfire and I stopped for lunch at a nice overlook I remembered from hiking the LT in ¢03 on the climb up to the top of Bear Mountain. After leaving there about the only thing on my mind was the thought of real food waiting at the Whistle Stop. When we arrived, I gorged myself, and Lunar joined us about half way through dinner. Afterwards, we made the 600¢ climb back out of Clarendon Gorge, which is not an easy task on a full stomach, and then on the Clarendon Shelter for the night. Also there for the night were Backfire, Lunar, Spock, Kevin (from France), Silver Foot, and a camp of young girls to provide us with entertainment and s¢mores.Total Ascent:        3,100'Total Descent:        3,370'
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

The skies were overcast when we got up in the morning, and it looked as though it could rain at any moment. So I didn¢t waste any time getting packed up and on the trail. It wasn¢t long before the rain began, although it was little more than a real heavy mist. Fortunately the rain didn¢t last very long, and Spock, Backfire, Lunar, Kevin, and I all stopped at the 500 mile mark someone had scratched in the gravel surface of Upper Cold River Road. Just after the road crossing we stumbled across some very welcome trail magic, and we all decided to stop and celebrate having reached ¢just¢ 500 miles left to reach Katahdin. On the climb up to Killington some patches of blue sky began to appear, so after eating a quick lunch near Cooper Lodge, Spock and I climbed the steep quarter mile to its summit. The view from the top was spectacular, unlike the view I got of nothing more than thick fog while there in 2003. The remainder of the afternoon was mainly a downhill run to our destination for the night, Scott Shelter, but the day had turned out to be a very beautiful one to be out in the woods. Also stopping in for the night were Backfire and Kevin.Total Ascent:        4,580'Total Descent:        3,050'
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Sherburne Pass Trail
Miles today: 3.8

We got up early on this cool and crisp morning because we wanted to make it to the Inn at Long Trail in time for breakfast. Kevin decided to join us, and being the strong hiker from France that he is, had no problem keeping up with us. In fact, I think we might have slowed him down a little. It was only 4.5 miles to the Inn, and it didn¢t take us long to get there. We had the usual great breakfast they serve up there and then wished Kevin a safe return home. Backfire and I jumped on the bus going into Rutland to take care of our usual town chores and visit the library. In the afternoon we made our way back to the Inn at Long Trail where we are in for the night.Total Ascent:           980'Total Descent:        1,390'
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Sherburne Pass Trail

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Breakfast comes with a room stay at the Inn at Long Trail, so Backfire and I were waiting for them to open at 7:30. We joined Barking Spider, Plodder, and Bear Spray for breakfast and had a lot of fun talking with them. Of course, this all made for a late start as it was 9:30 by the time we got back on the trail. In the morning the trail passed through Gifford Woods State Park, which is where Kent Pond is located. I spent a lot of time taking pictures there and enjoying the wildflowers. I met up with Backfire again at lunch, and we hiked together off and on the rest of the day. We had put in a rather tough day with all the hill climbing involved, and I was really tired by the time we reached the shelter for the night. Also in for the night were the Gimp and two LT section hikers, but there wasn¢t much time to talk as I was eating in darkness and in my tent for the night at 9:30.Total Ascent:        5,100'Total Descent:        5,190'
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

I woke up at some time during the night and heard the pitter-patter of rain hitting my tent, but by the time morning had arrived the skies were clearing. I was late getting out of camp this morning, but the 3.9 miles down to VT 12 went by much more quickly than I anticipated. I waited there for Backfire to catch up, and when he did we walked down the road to a farm market for a soda and ice cream. We took a nice long break there, but of course we had hills to climb, so reluctantly we walked back to the trail. We stopped for lunch at a real nice clearing on top of one of the mountains we had climbed, and you could see rain showers approaching on the ridge across the valley. Fortunately, we were spared today. After lunch we stopped for dessert at Cloudland Farms, where we had more ice cream and sodas. It was getting late in the afternoon so we decided to stay at the Thistle Hill Shelter for the night. Only one other section hiker stopped in for the night, but rather than fight the mosquitoes we decided to put up our tents for the night.Total Ascent:        3,740'Total Descent:        3,920'
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up and were on the trail early because we wanted to make it to the post office in Hanover before it closed. It was cool and partly cloudy this morning so the downhill run to VT 14 went by very quickly. There was a new deli that had recently opened along the road walk, and we stopped there for an early lunch. That proved to be a good move because the sandwiches they served were excellent. After a long uphill climb to Throttle Mountain and the ensuing downhill to Norwich, VT we picked up some groceries and a late lunch of sandwiches we bought from the local store. From Norwich we followed the bridge across the Connecticut River into the long awaited state of New Hampshire. While in Hanover we stopped at the local outfitter, post office, food co-op, and then proceeded to gorge ourselves with pizza at one of the local pizza establishments. Just before dark we decided to hike up to the Velvet Rocks Shelter for the night and made it there just as darkness was settling in. Flying Turtle and his friend were already there when Backfire and I arrived.Total Ascent:        3,480'Total Descent:        4,190'
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Everyone woke up really early because it was so bright in the shelter with the clear roof panels. After leaving it wasn¢t even an hour before it began to rain, but by the time we got our rain gear on it had mostly quit. It really didn¢t rain much after that, and we took off all the rain gear shortly after putting it on. The morning¢s hike turned out to be pretty uneventful except for crossing a field filled with poison ivy. It¢s amazing I have not gotten a rash from going through areas like this. I just wish the maintainers would brush some of these fields, but I¢m sure it¢s a matter of not enough man power to take care of such an enormously long trail. We stopped for a real nice lunch at Moose Mountain Shelter and finished the climb to its north peak afterwards. After a very long descent we climbed more than 1200¢ up to some ledges where we had nice views of tomorrow¢s climb and Camels Hump in the distance. We raced down to Trapper John Shelter after that and just beat out an afternoon shower. We decided to stay put for the night rather than risk getting wet and there was a good water source near the shelter. Nobody but Backfire and I here for the night so far.Total Ascent:        4,290'Total Descent:        3,840'
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We were in no hurry getting up this morning since we had an easier day planned to spend the night at Hexacuba Shelter. It was mostly cloudy and cool so the hiking went by very quickly in the morning. After that we made the long climb up to the summit of Smart Mountain, where we stopped for lunch at the ranger¢s cabin and checked out the views from the fire tower. It turned out the views were not that great with the low-hanging clouds and light fog in the air, but of course, shortly after beginning the descent from the top the skies began to clear. After making the long descent from Smart Mountain we climbed once again up to the Heaxacuba Shelter to spend the night. A SOBO (Treehouse) came in shortly after we did and right now the skies rumbling in the distance and it looks as though rain will be moving in shortly. It should make for a pleasant night of sleep.Total Ascent:        4,080'Total Descent:        3,090'
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 14.7

It had quit raining sometime during the night, but it was clear with a little low hanging clouds and fog in the morning. After packing up, Backfire and I finished the climb to the summit of Mt. Cuba, where the views were just spectacular. It¢s for moments like this that we go into the woods and beat our brains out day in and day out hiking up and down these mountains. I could have stayed here all day long, but today was a town day, so even though we didn¢t rush away, I would have liked to stay a little longer. After descending from Mt. Cuba, we went back uphill to the Ore Hill Shelter for lunch. It was a planned water stop because water sources have been scarce the last two days on the trail. The rest of the afternoon was just a matter of following the trail to our destination for the night, Glencliff, NH. Right before hitting the road crossing to Glencliff I caught a glimpse of Mt. Moosilauke in the distance. It was both intimidating and exciting to see the behemoth towering above the rest of the landscape, and of course, to know we would finally be entering the long awaited Whites. Backfire and I decided to stay at the Hiker¢s Welcome Hostel for the night, where they shuttled us to eat and pick up food for the next leg of our journey. I hope we have some good weather ahead for what are sure to be some fantastic views.Total Ascent:        3,750'Total Descent:        4,650'
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

During the night I was awakened by the sound of some rustling in my trash bags that were on the floor. My first thought was a raccoon was in the platform tent and was after our food. I fumbled around in the darkness looking for my headlamp so I could see exactly what was causing the commotion. Finally, when I turned on my headlamp I discovered it was a skunk inside the tent rummaging through our belongings strewn all over the floor. This was one time I decided to leave well enough alone, turned my light off, and went back to sleep. It started raining some time before daylight, and hoping that it would quit, we decided to delay leaving the hostel. That didn¢t happen so we donned our rain gear and set out to get back on the trail. The climb to the top of Mt. Moosilauke was a long haul, about 3,700¢ in elevation gain, and the higher we went the more the wind increased in intensity. Finally when we broke treeline the wind hit with full intensity, knocking me off my feet twice as we slowly made our way to the summit post. It took all the energy we had to reach the summit so we didn¢t even stop when we got there. Just past the summit we reached a trail intersection, which was not marked which way the AT followed, and we followed what seemed to be the most logical direction, off the mountain. After hiking about 12 mile down the mountain we stopped a group hiking towards the summit and discovered we had made the wrong turn. Now we had to retrace our steps and face the fury of Moosilauke once again, but this time the correct path proved to be even more difficult to traverse. Eventually we did make it across the summit and below treeline without incident. When we got to Beaver Brook Shelter Backfire and I decided we were cold, wet, and had had enough for this day. Two southbounders, who were smart enough to zero on a day like this, were already there and in their sleeping bags when we arrived, and we spent the rest of the day exchanging stories of what was ahead on the trail for each other.Total Ascent:        5,460'Total Descent:        3,110'
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold in the morning, and there wasn¢t anyone in any hurry to climb out of their sleeping bags. After getting on the trail we started the much talked about descent on the north side of Mt Moosilauke, but it was not as bad as I had imagined. It was just time consuming because you had to be careful with each step taken on the wet rock slab and wooden steps fastened into the rocks. After climbing Mt. Wolfe we made the steep climb to the summit of South Kinsman. It was a long rock scramble to the top, but once there, the views were outstanding on this mostly sunny afternoon. It was still very cool in the afternoon so we were back and forth putting layers of clothing off and on to minimize the sweating. We finally arrived at the Kinsman Pond Campsite for the night, and the pond was simply gorgeous with North Kinsman towering above its shoreline. Backfire and I were the only NOBO¢s there and only one SOBO among the crowd of hikers there for the night.Total Ascent:        5,180'Total Descent:        5,080'
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold again in the morning, and with the short day planned to Franconia Notch, we were in no hurry to get on the trail. Once we did get going we made the steep descent down to Lonesome Lake Hut where we stopped in for some leftover breakfast. The rest of the descent down to Franconia Notch was fairly easy, and wouldn¢t you know it, once I let down my guard I slipped on a small rock in the middle of the trail and fell. At first I thought that I had racked my knee again, but after moving it around it seemed okay. However, my little finger on my left hand was disfigured even though it really didn¢t hurt too badly. When we got into Lincoln, NH for the night I went to the medical center where they took x-rays of it, but the doctor seemed to think it was nothing more than a severe sprain. He also thought I should quit using the straps on my trekking poles since he has seen many skiers with similar injuries created with the straps on ski poles. After eating and getting food at the grocery store we settled in for the night at Chet¢s Place where Usual Suspect, Alpine, Pony Whisperer, and Big Brother were among the full house there for the night.Total Ascent:           300'Total Descent:        2,690'
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up and walked into Lincoln to get breakfast before going back to the trail, and after inhaling a great breakfast, we were shuttled back to the trail to begin the long climb up to Franconia Ridge. As far as climbs go in the Whites it was not a difficult one except for one short section on the way up to Little Haystack where we struggled to make it up that section. Once on the crest of the ridge the views were just fantastic on this pleasantly cool and sunny day. For being above treeline, we couldn¢t have asked for a much better day as the walk across the ridge, crossing Lincoln and Lafayette, was simply spectacular. Finally we made our way down from Lafayette and up and over Garfield, which was no easy task, to the Garfield Camp for the night. Also in for the night was Backfire, the Gimp, and some very tired section hikers.Total Ascent:        5,700'Total Descent:        3,200'
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

You could tell it was definitely going to be a nice day with the cool and clear start in the morning. We delayed our departure a little bit hoping to time our arrival at the Galehead Hut for leftover breakfast, but after the time consuming steep descent of Garfield, there was not even a crumb to be had when we got there. To our disappointment someone must be estimating the amount of food necessary for the group correctly. After taking a nice break at the hut we hiked up to South Twin where we had outstanding views in all directions. After leaving there it didn¢t take long to get to the top of Mt. Guyot, where we took a nice lunch break and soaked up the warm sunshine. Finally we made our way down to Zeeland Hut for soup and leftover brownies, and after filling our stomachs, decided to push on to Ethan Pond Camp for the night. It took only a couple of hours to make it there as this is likely one of the easiest stretches of trail in the Whites. Also there for the night were Usual Suspect, Alpine, and Pony Whisperer.Total Ascent:        3,420'Total Descent:        4,080'
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: fog

It was cool and overcast when we got up in the morning and looked as though it could rain at any time. After eating we made the short downhill run to Crawford Notch where we met up with Bear Spray, who was getting ready to slack up to Mt. Washington. I asked him for a ride to the General Store and Camp before he left and he was kind enough to drive us the three miles there before leaving. When we got to the General Store and Camp we decided to stay in the bunkhouse to wait out the weather system that was moving through. This was the same campground that Cow Patty, Pennsy Hiker, and I used for a base camp for hiking in the Whites in the fall of 2002. Also coming in later in the day were Big Brother, Chuckles, and two SOBO¢s.Total Ascent:              80'Total Descent:        1,710'
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: mist

We got up and ate breakfast before being shuttled back to the trail. When we did get started back on the trail the skies were overcast, and it was very humid. This made for some tough going on the climb up to Webster Cliffs and Mt. Webster. Eventually we made our way to the Mizpah Hut where we got some soup and drinks for lunch. We checked the upcoming forecast there, and it was still good so we decided to push on to the Lake of the Clouds Hut for the night. Once we were above treeline on Mt. Clinton the views really opened up even though it was a very hazy afternoon. When we got to the hut we asked for ¢work for stay¢ and the crew leader said they could use the additional help with the wedding tonight. Everyone got to watch the wedding in the evening so that made for a real interesting affair. The wedding meant additional dishes to clean, and of course, a late night party. The crew set us up with quarters in the ¢rat proof¢ room upstairs, and believe me, it was great to be inside considering the hellacious storm that rolled through here after the wedding. So Backfire, Cocoa, Denali, and I were all in bed for the night at 10:30, but the party was still going on downstairs for who knows how long. I just hope the weather is good for our climb of Washington tomorrow.Total Ascent:        5,330'Total Descent:        1,700'
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: fog

In the morning we found Mt. Washington socked in fog, but the forecast was for partly sunny skies later this afternoon. So we decided to wait at the hut for a while before beginning our climb to the summit. After eating breakfast it didn¢t take time to make the climb up to the summit of Washington, but the conditions on top were not any better than at the hut. Backfire and I decided to give it until noon before getting back on the trail. It was to no avail though because it seemed as though the fog had gotten a little worse. We had no choice but to get going if we wanted to make it to the Osgood Tentsite before dark. After leaving the summit we made pretty good time for the first hour, and then we took a short break. At that point it started to rain very lightly and continued on more intensely for the remainder of the afternoon. Unfortunately, this made for some extremely slow travel over the slippery rocks, and shortly before reaching Madison Springs Hut I fell and hit my head on a rock. It dazed me a little, but with the cold and wet conditions I just kept going. When we reached the Madison Springs Hut we decided it was in our best interest to do a work-for-stay if possible, and the crew was gracious enough to grant our request. In this weather there was no way we were going to reach Osgood over these slippery rocks. Also there doing work-for-stay were Denali, Wegos, and a SOBO, VonMoose.Total Ascent:        3,830'Total Descent:        4,140'
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We slept on the tables in the hut last night and had to get up early to clear the way for breakfast at 7:00. It was a welcome sight to see the skies had cleared, and it was also a little cool in the morning, making for a perfect day to be hiking in the Whites. After we took care of our work-for-stay chores we hit the trail and climbed to the summit of Mt. Madison. The views from the top were outstanding, and it made me wish we could have had this great weather yesterday too. We snapped some pictures and started the very long descent to Pinkham Notch. The going was very slow as it was nothing more than making our way through fields of rocks. Backfire and I both couldn¢t imagine how long it would have taken if we would have attempted to make it to Osgood Tentsite yesterday in the rain. Eventually we did make it to Pinkham Notch, where we hitched into Gorham for the night.Total Ascent:        1,480'Total Descent:        4,150'
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Dome
Miles today: 7.1

We got up early and walked to Dunkin Donuts to eat breakfast before heading back to the trail. After eating we ran into Larry and Brue who gave us a lift to the other side of Gorham. It didn¢t take long for us to get a ride back to Pinkham Notch where we started the much talked about climb up the Wildcats. As it turned out the trail was steep, but not as bad as some had lead us to believe. It was just very slow going. When we got to Carter Hut we decided to push on to the top of Carter Dome and sleep under the stars, and when we got there you could see it was going to be a great night for doing just that. I decided to cowboy camp since it was to be a full moon, and I was not disappointed by the beauty of it all. We even got to watch the sun set over the presidential range. It just doesn¢t get any better than this!Total Ascent:        4,790'Total Descent:        2,000'
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Carter Dome

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

There was a very heavy dew overnight so we took some time letting our gear dry out a little before packing up. The sun was shining very brightly so it didn¢t take long before my sleeping bag and other gear was mostly dry. After getting back on the trail we went over the Carter Range and then down to Imp Shelter for a lunch break. After lunch we made the climb up Mt. Moriah, and it proved to be a very hot climb over the exposed rock slabs as the day was really heating up. We took a quick break below the summit and then started the long descent to the Rattle River Shelter for the night. Also coming in later in the evening was Torpedo, who I had not seen since Kincora Hostel, or somewhere close to there. Total Ascent:        2,710'Total Descent:        6,030'