morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Little Island Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8

Had a rough night's sleep last night. No air conditioner or fan equals hot night. Insane, the section hiker who was in the room across from me, got up at 4:30 this morning . His bathroom was right next to my room, and I could distinctly hear all of his bathroom sounds. I'll readers the details.Had a nice breakfast at "Up For Breakfast". Then went back to Sutton's to pack up. Hit the grocery store and the outfitter and got a mosquito net and a pair of new socks.Got a hitch to the trail head from a guy named Nick who is in the local pickle business. Started hiking shortly after 11 after briefly  chatting with Cricket and Chris . Climbed Bromley Mtn.  and Peru Peak without any problems. This made me feel a lot better about myself after yesterday 's struggle up Stratton Mtn.With the late start I only made 20 miles. Tented at Little Pond Shelter. Here with Yogi. She's tenting too . The mosquitoes were too bad to stay in the shelter. I may be spending a lot more nights in my tent from here on out.Black flies weren't so bad early on today , but they were brutal in the afternoon. Then I was swarmed by mosquitoes around 6:30 as I hiked by a creek. Probably got bitten at least ten times. I was constantly swatting them away. The good news is that I was able to use my mosquito net at the shelter and enjoy an hour or so of relief.Had good views today off Baxter Peak.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Cooper's Lodge Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 26.2

Hit the trail a little late this morning. Left by 7:30. Expected the trail to be extremely wet but was pleasantly surprised to find it relatively dry. Even though my shoes were still soaked from the night before, my feet didn't get too wet.It was basically downhill for the first twelve miles. Ate lunch at Guifford State Park and bought two ice cream sandwiches.Then came the highlight of the day. I ran into Shakedown Cruise, his wife, Mav, Goose, and Moses. Missed out on some trail magic from Shakedown Cruise and his wife. If only I had checked my email this morning.Hiked with Mav and Goose to the shelter. Moses got there first. It's great to have caught them. We call ourselves the Southern Gents. Maverick and Goose come from Hattiesburg, MS. Moses is from Austin, TX.. And of course I grew up in Ashland, KY.Apparently we're about to get passed by about four elite thru-hikers who basically started three weeks after me.Bugs weren't do bad today. Overcast skies helped out. Thanks to Shakedown Cruise for helping to  cover me in bug repellent.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hit the trail by 6:30 aiming for a big day. I was hoping to hike into Hanover, NH and get there in time to get my mail drop. The morning part of the hike was enjoyable and mostly downhill. I put my earbuds in and got extra motivated listening to my hiking mix, which includes songs such as "Eye of the Tiger," "Burning Heart," and "Highway to the Dangerzone" to name a few.Felt very tired after climbing the first steep hill today. Not sure if it was the heavy mileage during the last few days or something else. I haven't slept well in a while, and I've certainly been pushing myself. I usually experience muscle spasms in my legs for about the first thirty minutes when I lie down to sleep. From talking to other hikers, muscle spasms are common.The trail today was very steep. 500 ft. climbs or higher that were steep going up and down. There was some considerable hiking in grass fields in the morning, and, of course, these fields were wet with dew.  So my shoes and socks were immediately soaked even though the weather was in the seventies and sunny. I've learned you can't win with the AT; your feet are going to be wet regardless of the weather. Better take advantage of any opportunity to dry your feet. Hiked solo all day. Eventually made it to the town of West Hartford, VT and stopped at a general store that sold deli sandwiches. I got a sandwich called the Thru-hiker. Loaded with ham, turkey, bacon, and cheese, it was something to behold. It definitely stopped my stomach from growling. I sat in the sun eating the sandwich and drying three pairs of wool socks. I left the restaurant a little bloated around 2 pm. The hike up Briggs Mtn. was really tough for me. Had to stop and rest several times. This is very unlike a typical day for me. Normally I charge up mountains. I'm a little concerned.The end of the day was about three miles of road walking, about a mile and a half on major roads. I crossed the Connecticut River a little before 6 pm and then found myself in Hanover, NH, the home of Dartmouth College. The town was really neat. I had to hurry to the outfitter to buy some body glide. The post office was already closed. Met up with Moses and we're splitting a room at the Sunset Motor Inn. He's feeling sick and may zero tomorrow. Anyway, I struggled on the uphills today. I'm hoping that some good Indian food and a night in a hotel rejuvenates me tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Hanover, NH

To: Smart Mountain Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up around six today. Moses' foot was still bothering him, do he decided to zero to get everything checked out. Caught the 7:25 bus into town and then had a breakfast feast at Dunkin Donuts: two donuts, one muffin, and an egg, cheese, and bacon on an everything bagel. Stopped by the post office to get my mail drop and then hit the Food Coop to get some final things. Left town around 9:30.Right as I was leaving town, I ran into a thru- hiker named "D." We hiked together until we caught Sterling. Sterling has been hiking big miles and caught me today even though he started three weeks after me in Georgia.Felt much stronger today, especially on the climbs. I ate a lot of protein yesterday and got a good night's sleep. Today was my first experience in New Hampshire, and the terrain was more challenging than Vermont. The climbs and descents were steeper. It's going to get much tougher in two days, but at least I get two days of moderate New Hampshire. Tonight I'm sharing the Firewarden's Cabin  on top of Smart Mountain with Mav, Goose, Groundhog, D, and Dropout. It's just a cabin with a wooden floor, but it's out of the elements. And at 3500 ft., it's nice to be inside an enclosed shelter. Right now I hear the winds gusting. A large front bringing lots of rain is supposed to be moving in tonight. Tomorrow could be really tough. At least then we won't have to contend with mosquitoes.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Smart Mountain Firewarden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, NH/ Welcome Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 19.9

Very hard day. I was hoping to get on the trail and make it down Smart Mountain before the rain started. Didn't happen. The rain started about 4:50 a.m.Groundhog, Mav, Goose, and I hit the trail just before 8. It wasn't raining that hard this morning, but the winds were gusting to 20mph. So everyone had on pants. The climb down Smart Mountain wasn't too difficult, and everyone's shoes and socks were relatively dry. As we hiked up Cube Mtn. our group got separated, and I wound up hiking with Maverick the rest of the day.As we climbed up Cube Mtn., the winds began to really pick up. There were exposed places where there was just rock, and the rain was blowing almost horizontal. As we neared the summit at around 3,000 ft., the winds were blowing at least 40 mph, and it was difficult to stay upright and climb upwards on the rock slabs. Soon after hitting the summit the rain began to pick up until it was a steady rain. The rain continued for most of the day, stopping occasionally for fifteen to twenty minutes. Because of the constant rain the trail soon became flooded and Mav and I soon found ourselves walking in basically a stream. There mud pits that tried to suck my shoes off my feet. I spent much of today in that narrow zone where you are chilled but not yet shivering. There wasn't any place to get out of the rain because the shelter after Mt. Cube burned down last year. Temps didn't climb above 55 today and the winds made it feel much colder.Eventually Mav and I made it to NH state highway 25 and hiked 0.4 miles up the road to the Hiker Welcome Hostel. I was able to dry wash and dry my shirt and socks. My shoes will still be wet in the morning. We got a shuttle into town to do our resupply and then just watched movies. I spent most of the evening chilled. Now in my sleeping bag, I'm finally starting to warm up. Forecast doesn't look good for tomorrow. We might stay here another day.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Glencliff, NH/ Welcome Hiker Hostel

To: Lincoln, NH/ One Step At A Time Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Slept really well last night. Had a slow morning at the hostel debating whether or not to zero or go and hike. The rain outside in the morning and the good movies on TV made it difficult to pull away. We watched the movie "Unstoppable," and about the time it ended, the rain stopped. So we decided to do a short day and hike up Mt. Moosilauke. Mt. Moosilauke is a very challenging mountain. Its summit was at 4600 ft. It's also the first time that we've been above tree line.As soon as we left the hostel, light rain started up again. Soon we were climbing, and it didn't matter. The high temperatures for today were about 55.Didn't have any trouble getting up the mountain. Only had two short stops for a water and snack break.At the top of Mt. Moosilauke we had great views of the inside of a cloud. The climb down was very tough, basically like walking down a steep, flowing creek. At times there wooden steps and rebar handholds as we descended beside a waterfall. The angle of the descent was as steep as 70 or 80 degrees.Only had one fall and landed on my bum. Not hurt. Now I'm in a hostel in Lincoln, NH.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Lincoln, NH/ One Step At A Time Hiker Hostel

To: U.S. 3, Franconia Notch/ Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up around 6:30and called for the shuttle service to pick us up at 7:45. Maverick, Goose, Groundhog, and I split the cost of the shuttle.We hit the trail around 8:10 to light rain. It rained for about the first two hours, but I didn't mind it too much because I was climbing. The hiking was technical and steep today, and as a group we barely managed to hike two miles per hour, even without breaks.We again had great views of the inside of a cloud atop Mt. Kinsman. The highlight of the day was arriving to our first hut in the White Mountains and getting a large pan of lasagna and apple crisp to share, free of charge. The croo of this hut were very hospitable. Only hiked about sixteen miles today, but it was a full day in the Whites. With rain and temps in the low 50s, I was happy to make the miles that we did. Now we're waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the hostel in Lincoln, NH. Looking forward to putting on some dry clothes.Tomorrow  promises to be warmer. Hopefully it stops raining.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: U.S. 3, Franconia Notch/ Lincoln, NH

To: Stealth Campsite just past Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start today. Shuttle picked Mav, Groundhog, Goose, and I up at the hostel at 9:15. We hit the trail about 9:30 but had to walk 0.9 miles before hitting the AT.First time in four days that it wasn't raining at the start of the hike. Trail got steep immediately. We climbed 2800 ft. in three miles. After that we walked along a fairly flat ridge before ascending to our first presidential mountain peak, Mt. Lincoln, standing at 5089 ft. We again had amazing views of the inside of a cloud, but it was still interesting to be walking along Franconia Ridge, above tree line, with the wind gusting 30-35mph. I know I want to come back to the Whites when I can get some beautiful views.After descending from Mt. Lafayette, the trail got outrageously difficult. For about 0.2 miles we basically descended a waterfall. Any misstep could prove disastrous.  Glad  nobody from our group fell. The trail through the Whites has been rocky, wet, constantly going up and down, and narrow. This makes for slow miles. Today we basically hiked thirteen miles in just under seven hours with minimal breaks. It only briefly rained twice, and we even saw the sun a few times.  Had our first somewhat decent view from Mt. Garfield this afternoon.We were hoping to do a work for stay at Galehead Hut. However, when we got there, Swivel and Spiral had already beaten us there. Apparently, the croo was only willing to keep two thru-hikers tonight. They gave us some cold pancakes, a poptart, and a couple of bites of a chicken dish. Still we were appreciative of the hospitality. They also told us about a stealth campsite only about five minutes from the hut. So that's where we are. We're tenting. Just cooked some Ramen noodles. I'm in my tent trying to stay warm. Going to get down in the thirties tonight at this elevation. Maverick let me borrow his sleeping bag liner, so I should be comfortable tomorrow. Hopefully, the rain holds off tonight and tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Stealth Campsite just past Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch/ AMC Highland Center
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

It rained a little last night, but not enough to deter me from getting an early start. I hit the trail by 6:20, about 45 minutes after Groundhog and Goose took off. They were heading to Mitzpah Shelter about 21 miles. Today I was shooting for Crawford Notch and the AMC Highland Center because I had a package to pick up.The initial part of my hike today was a 1200 ft. climb up South Twin Mtn. At the top I had limited views of the Whites, but certainly better than yesterday. Soon after getting to the top, it began to rain. Just a twenty-five minute shower. Just enough to slick up the rocks for today's climbing er... hiking adventure.At one point today I had hiked about twenty-five minutes without seeing a white blaze, and I was convinced that I had gotten off the AT. So I started to hike back up the trail, only to run into Mav. He convinced me that I was on the right trail (he was correct), and we hiked on to Zealand Hut where we were given free pumpkin brownies and some soup by the cook. We devoured this and left the cook with a nice tip.The hike from Zealand Hut to Crawford Notch was unlike anything we've seen in the White Mountains, semi-flat. Mav and I were both floored. We enjoyed the seven mile hike to the road even though an afternoon thunder shower got us wet( that's five straight days of rain for those of you keeping score). At Crawford Notch we got a hitch from a former thru-hiker. He dropped us off at the AMC. Mav and I decided to stay at the bunkhouse for $47 per person. Very nice bunks. I ate dinner in the dining hall and met a family which drove Mav and I to a convenience store a couple miles down the road. We're looking forward to eating an all-you-can-eat breakfast tomorrow morning and them climbing to Lake of the Clouds Hut. We're hoping to summit Mt. Washington on Friday.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Crawford Notch/ AMC Highland Center

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Woke up around seven and Mav and I headed over to the all-you-can-eat breakfast. We each ate three plates worth of food.From there we walked out to Rt. 302 and attempted to hitch, but we found no takers. Around 8:30 we caved in and paid ten dollars for the shuttle for miles up the road.Started hiking around 8:45. We gained a quick 2,000 ft. in two miles by basically hiking straight up the mountain. We had great views off the Whites and Crawford Notch at Webster Cliffs. From there we climbed Mt. Jackson and then made our way to Mitzpah Hut. We stayed at Mitzpah Hut for nearly an hour. Got some free pancakes.Eventually, we climbed Mt. Pierce and got above tree line. From there the rest of the 3.9 miles to Lakes of the Cloud Hut was the most scenic miles I've hiked on the AT. We had panoramic views of the White Mountains; plus we had excellent views of Mt. Washington, which Mav and I climb tomorrow.Now we're here at the hut. We're doing a work-for-stay. We wait until the guests have eaten, then do some chores, and finally some leftovers with the crew.Tonight we can sleep on the floor in the main eating area. Sure beats sleeping outside at 5,000 ft.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.1

Woke just after 5 am this morning. Mav and I got an early start this morning. We left the hut by 6:30 and then climbed Mt. Washington. The summit greeted us rudely with 40+ mph winds and fog. Mav and I decided that we needed to warm up and let the sweat on our bodies dry off before hiking, so we waited thirty minutes for the state park at the top of the mountain. Once inside we found a table and sat down and rewarmed our bodies. I drank some hot chocolate and tea and felt warm again.We returned to the elements and were immediately met with an icy blast, winds gusting to 40 mph and temperatures holding steady around 40 degrees. We struggled to navigate down the trail in the wind, clouds, and cold, but within ten minutes, we had dropped down 300 ft, and conditions drastically improved. Soon we were shedding our hats and jackets because we were too warm.The rest of the morning was spectacular. We hiked the northern Presidential Range and had stunning views. We even had clear views of Mt. Washington. The rocky terrain slowed our progress, but we still managed to make it to Madison Hur by 1:30 pm. Mav and I ate lunch at the hut, and I tried to figure out when the thunderstorms and rain showers were going to hit. We waited out the first wave of rain. We were all set to head out and do a big mile day when Mav informed that his stomach was all knotted up. He didn't think he could hike. We waited a while, but he didn't feel any better. So we made the decision to do work-for-stay at the hut. This puts us a day behind Goose and Groundhog, and we're going to have to make up the miles in Maine. The weather is supposed to be good tomorrow. Hopefully, we can make big miles.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Madison Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 5 am to howling winds and cloudy skies. Winds were easily gusting 40 mph. I looked at Mav and said, "Let's sleep for another thirty minutes." Woke up a little later and the clouds were starting to break up. Mav and I left the hut by 6:15 and then climbed Mt. Madison. Winds were still gusting to 40 mph near. 5,500 ft., and it was difficult to jump from rock to rock. The climb down Madison along the ridge was difficult and slow. Lots of rock- hopping. I praise God for keeping me safe throughout my journey, but today was particularly treacherous. About halfway down I folded up my trekking poles and just used my hands. Lowering my center of gravity helped me feel a lot more secure, and I was able to move faster.Mav and I made it to Pinkham Notch just before noon and spent two hours eating, resting, hydrating, and generally laying in the sun.Just after too we started our climb up the Wildcat peaks. The climbing was particularly slow because of the steep grade. It took us nearly 2.5 hours to hike the first three miles. We hiked the last 2.8 miles to Carter Notch Shelter in just over 1.5 hours.Right now Mav and I are sitting outside the hut. Apparently it's packed, and we have to wait until the guests have eaten before we can come in and get leftovers. Then we'll do our chores. Last night I cleaned out the sink drain, and Mav cleaned some shelves and added rice to the salt shakers. Most of the hut crews have been very friendly. The work has been reasonable and even enjoyable. The food at the huts has been spectacular.Today was the best weather day we've had in the Whites despite the high winds this morning. This afternoon highs in the valley hit about 75. Sunny all day. The views were picturesque. Hiking was tough and challenging, and I got here safely. Couldn't ask for much more.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH/ White Mountains Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Mav and I hit the trail by 6:20 this morning. Crystal clear skies. Temps were in the 40s early in but were in the low 80s by the end of the day. Tough climb up to Carter Dome. And a tough climb down from North Carter Mtn. We had spectacular views all day.Mav and I moved worked hard to move fast today, but the morning miles went by slow. The Whites just didn't want to let us go without a fight.We hit the Rt. 2 at about 3:00 pm and walked up the road to White Mountains Lodge and Hostel. We took a shower and then got shuttled into town for resupply. Gerri and Greg are great owners and very hospitable. Definitely recommend the hostel. Tomorrow we finish New Hampshire and start Maine. The Whites were every bit as hard as advertised. They were the hardest hiking I've ever done. I 'm thankful that I made it out of the Whites without injury. I'm also glad that I got at least two good days of weather.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Gorham, NH/ White Mountains Lodge & Hostel

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up about 5:45 but didn't leave the hostel until 7:45. We screwed around too much.Today was a gorgeous day. Sunny with highs in the upper seventies. Light winds. Bugs weren't bad at all.During the early part of the day, Mav made a little over 2 mph, but later in the day the climbs and descents got rocky and steeper. There were definitely lots of rock slabs to ascend and descend. Plus there were some nice boulder jumbles. All this slowed us down. We hiked the last 9.5 miles in just under 6 hours.We made it to the shelter about 8:20 and met Miles Davis, the second Southbound thru- hiker. Earlier in the day we had met J. R. from Dallas. He's the first southbound thru-hiker we've met.Long day today but the views of Maine were spectacular.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 4:20 this morning, and Mav and I hit the trail by 5:15. We made it to the infamous Mahousic Notch, widely considered by most to be the most difficult mile on the AT. The notch was a cluster of car size boulders and smaller rocks. It was challenging because there wasn't always a discernible path, but at the same time it was very hazardous because a slip or fall could mean a serious injury. Your beloved narrator found himself in several precarious spots but managed to make it through this section unscathed.The rest of the day was ups and downs. A brutal climb up the Mahoosic Arm. The trail got easier on the climb down into Grafton Notch . It was the first time all day that Mav and I made more than two miles per hour.The climb up Bald Plate Mtn. was surprisingly easy considering what we had done the previous two days. Great views on top.Mav decided to stop at Fry Shelter, and I pushed on to Andover, ME and the Pines Ellis Hiker Hostel.What I realize now is that the first twelve states of my hike were merely a prelude to the trail in NH & ME. No other part of the trail can compete with the steepness and ruggedness of NE & ME. It's certainly beautiful, but there's no denying that the trail is humbling.