morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After dealing with bells around the section hiker¢s lab¢s collar, I was able to wake up to cloudy skies with mist falling. I was just excited to get out of that damn shelter. The first ten miles weren¢t too bad except for the fact I was dodging mud holes, slippery roots and slick rocks. It¢s hard to find a good hiking groove and sometimes that¢s frustrating enough. I did, however, make it into Manchester, VT after getting a hitch from an Audi A4. I thought the guy was crazy because of the mud and sand I had on my gear and body. But in either case, he dropped Dufresne and I at the Mountain Goat Outfitter and was stunned to find Bravefriend, Rematch and his parents there. They were picked up about 16 miles south and brought into town yesterday, but after comparing plans, they¢re meeting us in Hanover, NH at the end of the week.After a quick re-supply and lunch, Rematch¢s dad dropped Dufresne and I back to the trailhead where we began the first of our two major climbs of the day. The clouds disappeared as the sun came out making a gorgeous day. We basically climbed the second half of the mountain up a ski hill. Manchester is a huge skiing town and Bromley Mt. Was one of the more popular attractions. The view on top was absolutely stunning. It was chilly on the tower that was there, but I took a lot of photos and video. The hike down was probably the most scenic and enjoyable parts of the entire trip thus far. The crisp air with the scent of pine and soft moss covering logs, trees and rocks was sensational. It really made me realize the beauty of this trip has offered. The miles went by quick and I reached my destination yet to find another caretaker wanting money from me. I quickly took out my receipt fro the last shelter and said, ¢This one is free.¢ They have a stay one night in a shelter, stay another night for free. Hopefully, the money will go towards filling up those mud holes. I enjoyed the second part of the day so much, I made nacho Lipton pasta and placed it on a tortilla with cheese and Taco Bell sauce. A cheesy night after a beautiful day.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, what a stunning day. Sometimes I need to be reminded why I¢m out here in the first place and the past two days of VT have done just that. The terrain was light today with perfect weather. It was a easy morning that took me to Little Rock Pond where I met Dufresne for lunch. It was a fairly large pond with blue skies above and salamanders swimming inside. The mountains that surround it seem to have their own characteristics. Rocky cliffs with pine trees hover over the pond like an intimidating warden.As I continued on, I thought about natures skeleton. I walked and wondered about the body of my surrounding. I saw the pine trees roots as the veins, the large rocks as the bones and the soft mossy grass as the skin. Pretty crazy. I guess when you think of it that was. By the time I got that off my mid, I ran into this section of White Cliff Mt. Where people made animals and figures out of smaller rocks. These were hundreds of these rock formation all over. I took some photos and videos and wondered if it was done by some cult.The only climb I had today was yet another Bear Mt. It¢s the third Bear Mt. I¢ve hiked on this trip. As I walked I thought about the moose in these areas and I thought I would share what I have learned. VA has the bears, PA has the rattlers, MA has the frogs & VT has the moose. A moose can be as big as 1400lbs, 9 ft tall and a bad attitude. After talking to a ranger, they said if a moose is running after me (and they run up to 35 mph), I should climb a tree. Well, as I hiked up Bear Mt. I didn¢t see a tree I could climb, let alone under pressure with this 35 mph moose on my ass. Maybe I¢ll see one tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Rutland
Miles today: 20.1

I got an early start this morning. Dufresne and I had to do 20 miles by 4:30 to meet one of his friend¢s parents. The only thing in front of us was Killington Mt., which is a straight hike up to the sky. It¢s the second highest peak in VT sitting just below 4000¢. The climb wasn¢t to bad except for the fact we didn¢t even hit the peak. There¢s a side trail that you have to take up. We sat at the shelter near the top and listened to the day hikers tell us that we ¢had¢ to go to the top. That they drove all the way from home to see the view. I simply said, ¢It must be a nice drive. I actually walked.¢ My body is starting to take the toll of combined 20-mile days, but we did arrive in Rutland by 3:30 to be picked up. They have some beautiful property as they welcomed us into their home for burgers, sausage, corn on the cob and cold beverages. It was a wonderful rest and another reminder of how great people could be. Thank you again Rick and Sherri Grant.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Rutland

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

After spending the morning watching Ellyn Degenerous (or however you spell her name) at Rick and Sherri¢s house, Dufresne and I hiked back out on the trail. My body was still aching from yesterday and today¢s ten miles included a steep climb over Quimby Mountain after passing Kent Pond. The best part of the day was that we ate moose meat that Rick gave us. We cooked it over an open fire and ate it. It was delicious. I¢m pretty exhausted today though so I¢m hoping for a good night¢s sleep.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

I must have slept on the wrong side of the shelter last night because for some reason I was just in a bad mood. I got an early 6:15 start and did my first 10 miles by 10:00. I stopped for awhile at a farm store just off the trail and had lunch with ice cream and a cookie one foot in diameter. But even the three Gatorades I downed still couldn¢t get my tired legs moving. It was a frustrating afternoon with flies landing on the back of my head and nats dive bombing into my eyeballs. Don¢t get me wrong, I¢ve loved VT, but today I¢d climb straight up a ¢hill¢ and then hang a left before the peak. I find that frustrating that there were no views on the top along with the guide books and maps that I have were completely off. I got to the shelter though and was able to use a privy that I guess was in National Geographic. I¢m hoping for a good night. It¢s my last one in VT.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: haze

I have made it to NH! After a tiring and sore morning, I took my time getting up and down the miles into the town of Hanover. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College. And it just so happens to be parents weekend for the incoming freshman. Dufresne and I got the last room in the town by a waiting list. I also received a message that Squarl, Bravefriend and Rematch were going to catch up. I¢m looking forward to taking a zero day tomorrow. The first one since Delaware Water Gap.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Hanover

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

After crossing the Connecticut River and taking a zero in Hanover, NH, which incorporated eating six major meals and watching Miami Vice, I set out yet again on the trail. Two states left which will introduce us to the most difficult terrain I have ever been through. Today, however, was a little easier though , but I felt great, well rested and eager to finish the 441 miles I have left. Because of the late start I ate lunch late, but did a good deed. A day hiker had a nasty blister so I offered moleskin and duck tape to ease the pain. The two mountains I climbed weren¢t too bad and offered some amazing views of NH. Tonight, I¢m sitting by a campfire with Bravefriend, Squarl, Dufresne, rematch and Sir Lancelot the Brave. It¢s a full house or shelter with lots of laughs and stones. A beautiful, cool night to sleep in my hammock.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

The first thing I did this morning was use the most interesting privy I¢ve seen. There was a chair with arm rests with a hole in the seat. Perfect for comfort and a way to miss home. The sign saying ¢Exit Only¢ added detail and humor. It was a chilly morning, but the sky was clear. I¢m climbing two big mountains today: Smart and Cube Mt., which offered some great views, but the climb was a warning shot I think of what we¢re expecting. I ate two dinners tonight since I¢m going into Glencliff tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.4

I woke up in my hammock to rainy skies and cool temps. There wasn¢t much of a worry though I had one thing on my mind easy miles to Glencliff. I arrived at the Hikers Welcome Hostel as the sun began to peak out. In the distance was some extremely tall mountain. I¢ll hit them tomorrow. For today, is drying gear, re-supplying , watching movies and rest. My energy level has been low the past couple of days. I¢ve been eating more food, then ever, but it could be this heat wave that¢s coming through. The weather channel is calling for highs in the 100¢s with the humidity. I thought it would be cooler in NH. Oh well!
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Glencliff

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Today must have been one of the most action packed days on the AT so far. Because of the extreme heat wave yesterday, I decided to sleep outside of the Hikers Welcome Hostel and hope for a cool evening breeze. Instead, it rained this morning, which was even better, but upon hiking out, I couldn¢t see the top of Mt. Moosilauke. It was a 3700¢ climb in less than four miles and welcomed me to the White Mts., which will be the most difficult part of the trail. The top of the mountain was 20 degrees cooler with 40 mph winds and above treeline. As the town below me was burning up in 100 degree heat, I was in the clouds trying not to get blown away.The descend was even steeper than going up as Andy Dufresne and I walked down to Blue Mountain and followed a beautiful stream. But soon after taking pictures we heard thunder in the distance and decided that we should get off this mountain. We reached the bottom to a road and figured we could keep moving forward as storm clouds began to peak over the mountain we just climbed down from. Upon ascending, we noticed that the storm changed its course and found ourselves victorious. But it wasn¢t long after as we heard more thunder from another direction. Do we keep walking or do we make shelter? It took us about 20 mins to decide as we took Dufresne¢s rain fly off his hammock and quickly McGyvered a roof as the lighting lit and the thunder rolled.As soon as we sat down, the winds raged and the rain came down like a monsoon. It was mother nature telling us that we can¢t beat two storms today. We laughed though thinking we were victorious again for not getting wet at all. The storm passed and the trail turned to a river. The rest of the day was slow though trying to stay out of the water. However, I fell three times including once in the streamy trail so I did get wet in the end.By the end of the day, I was only looking forward to a warm, quiet shelter. Instead, the girl scouts decided to show up with the fun and games. Now I¢m only hoping to get a good nights sleep. Things change quickly out here on the trail. Sometimes its not only the weather I guess.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 8.9

After yesterdays violent weather and one missing Squarl; Dufresne, Rematch, Bravefriend and I decided to head out and get into North Woodstock, NH. The only mountain in our way was Mt. Kinsman. It was a long time consuming hike, but around lunchtime, we arrived at an AMC Hut and ate all-you-can-eat tomato soup. In the White Mts. There are no ¢free shelter to stay in. Instead, they have these huts that cost an arm and a leg unless you get a work for stay. They sometimes offer food for cheap so in this case we ate tomato soup. We headed into town to re-supply to eat and were hoping for a Squarl sighting. He hurt his ankle yesterday and as of now there is no word of him.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: North Woodstock

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

It was a late night last night so after sleeping in and eating breakfast, I didn¢t get hiking until 10:30. The weather was absolutely perfect as I went up hill to Franconia Ridge. Blue skies with warm weather brought spectacular view as I walked the mountain ridge across Liberty, Little Haystack (4760¢), Lincoln (5089¢), Lafayette (5249¢) and Garfield (5249¢) Mountains above treeline. I had lunch and looked out to the valleys and ranges with a plane glider flying around. It was a great day as I ate dinner at another hut and moved on to a campsite. I¢m really enjoying the Whites. The terrain is extremely difficult, but very rewarding in the end.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: AMC - Galehead Hut

To: AMC mizpah Tentsite
Miles today: 21.1

The weather was cold last night as the temperatures dropped as I swung on my hammock. Waking up in the cold in the mountains reminded me of the Smokies, but the views here have been intense. I climbed Twin Peak Mt. And not only was above treeline, but also the clouds. We could see Mt. Washington among other scenic mountains and valleys. It was simply breathtaking.The next section of the day was pretty easy. Downhill and level. We got to Zealand Hut and again ate AYCE soup. Postcard and Slim caught up to us, but after our chat I headed out to a nice flat trail graded with pea gravel. It¢s amazing how fast one can walk with level ground. When I got to Crawford Notch, Boulder (another hiker who unfortunately hurt his foot) was providing trail magic. It was a great break with good company.The hike out looked worse on the map than it was. I got up to the Webster cliffs and saw the presidential Range for the first time. Washington is getting closer and I¢ll be there tomorrow. Tonight though is camping out in the cold weather. It¢s clear though and good temperatures are in the forecast, but I have been warned of how fast things can change up here.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: AMC mizpah Tentsite

To: Osgood Tentsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

There was only one thing on my mind when I woke up this morning and that was Mt. Washington. At 6,288¢, it¢s the highest peak in New England and was originally proposed by Benton MacKaye in 1921 as the northern terminus of the AT. The summit is a NH state park with a weather station that clocked the highest official surface wind speed ever recorded on Earth (231mph). The average temperature is 27 degrees while wind gusts reach over sixty practically daily. The weather when I went up it was clear skies, high in the 50¢s and 15-20 mph wind speeds. It was unbelievable. I got there around 11 and we met Rematch¢s parents, who brought sandwiches and Gatorade along with chips and cookies for us to eat. I walked through a museum and watched the world¢s weather while also reading the history of this great peak. For the first time on this trip, I felt like I was on vacation. The summit was packed with people. Some hiked, some road motorcycles and cars to the summit parking lot while some rode the coal running train. I was shelled with questions as strangers asked me how long I was hiking. I simply said, ¢6 months!¢ and got ready for another question. It¢s amazing to see people really react tot he answers I give them. Life out there is normal to me now. My daily routine inn the woods comes second nature.Unfortunately, the day continued to run and so we departed back on the trail to finish the rest of the Presidential Range. It was a 12 mile above treeline ridge that brought more spectacular views. The only problem? The trail wasn¢t marked very well. I was hiking ahead of the group and missed a sign. The next thing I know was my body hiking down a steep cliff into a valley. There was a trail there, just not the one I needed. I climbed back up to find Rematch and Dufresne asking me what the hell happened? I answered, ¢ I don¢t want to talk about it.¢The last mountain we climbed was Madison, which was a very steep, but enjoyable climb. The downhill, however was steep and long, which caused knee and ankle pain along with foot blisters. It¢s a soreness I haven¢t had to deal with for awhile, but then again we climbed over 5,000¢ and descended the same. The way down was so steep, my ears popped. Well, the campsite we were trying to stay at was full so fell as we found one further down the trail. There¢s a bright moon out tonight with cool, clear skies. What a way to end one of the most incredible days of this trip.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Osgood Tentsite

To: Zeta Pass
Miles today: 13.3

After staying up late last night, I slept in. My body ached physically and mentally. I was exhausted. The first 4 miles were easy as the trail took us to Pinkham Knob. I had two lunches there and rested for our next section. The Wildcat mountains (named A, B, C, D & E) were tough and annoying reminding me of the pointless rollercoaster section in Virginia. It took me a long time to get through them and then we descended into the valley, which had Carter hut. I made some dinner and them climbed yet another mountain called Carter Dome. I found a stealth campsite and spent two hours trying to set up my hammock. I had to McGyver it around some dead trees. Therefore this journal is basically how I feel, exhausted and tired. Tomorrow is Gorham. The last town before Maine!
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Zeta Pass

To: Gorham
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After stealth camping during some incredible thunderstorms last night. I woke up to very cold temperatures. All I wanted to do was get to town for rest. My knees and feet have been very sore since the White Mountains. I walked over the Carter Mountains while it was partly cloudy, but the high winds and slippery rocks caused me to fall numerous times including once in a hurdler position. It was a frustrating day, but my arrival in Gorham felt great. Tonight is rest and food. Tomorrow is Maine!
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Gorham

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

I figure by now, you the reader, and I , the writer have been through a lot together. It¢s safe to say that we are in a relationship. I mean, I¢ve been honest with you and you¢ve been honest with me. So, with that in mind, I have something to tell you. I did something bad. I have to apologize, but it was necessary, I swear. Okay, I blue-blazed the AT. Now, before you get angry, please understand that my body physical hurts on a daily basis and I¢m competing with getting to a post office before it closes on Saturday. The side trail knocked out 9-miles in total, but I still had to climb a mountain in 3.1. Do you forgive me? Thank you!I did reach an amazing view off a pond of Mt. Washington and Mt. Madison. Being out of the Whites brought easier trail today, but there were still mountains to climb. The big part of the day was finally reaching Maine. I found myself asking, ¢What the hell am I doing in Maine?¢ This adventure hasn¢t hit me yet, but I¢m mentally excited about this being the last state. I took the day slow and still took skin off my elbow, but as I walked above treeline as the sunset to the West, I could only ask myself, where else would I rather be?
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Bald Pate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

A packed shelter and rambunctious South bounders brought an early morning. I was awake anyway thinking about my strategy of the ¢hardest part of the AT.¢ They call it the Mahoosue Notch. It¢s one mile of piled rocks that I have to figure out. It¢s like a puzzle that involves large rocks, deep caves and tight spaces. It took us over an hour to do it as we laughed in awe about the strategy of this section. It was a lot of fun until we reached Mahoosue Arm, the mountain we ascended after the notch. Between the mountain and notch it was only 5-miles, but my body is aching bad. We decided to do a lower mile day so I rushed to the shelter before the rain came through. Hopefully this early day will do me good.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Bald Pate Lean-to

To: Hall Mt. Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

Dear Todd,It¢s been awhile since I talked to you last. I¢ve been thinking, though, about how long I¢ve been out here and how much I¢ve changed. I remember before I started this journey, you kept searching for something. Searching for something within yourself. I remember you mentioning the lyrics of the song Somewhere I Belong by the band Linkin Park. Well, now that I¢ve been out here for about 5 months, sometimes I see you in my shadow. One would think I may recognize you in the mirror, but I don¢t. I have, however learned a lot about myself out here. Everyday, I push myself mentally, physically and emotionally. Everyday, I fall down and I have to pick myself up one way or another. The alphabetical list of reasons that you wrote down before I left was a good start to the trip. Although I had a lot of fun in the South, the closer I kept getting to the North, it became a lifestyle of survival. Through this lifestyle, I¢ve learned about the simplicity of life. It¢s been a long journey dealing with complex situations that I¢ve been through. I miss home though. I miss my family and friends, but feel blessed for this opportunity and all the wonderful support from everyone. Life is good. I remember you mentioning before that this trip was never about reaching Katahdin. It was meant to be so much more than that. The strength within myself and starting new by building my life again by starting with basic needs has created a positive attitude and distilled goodness within my heart and mind. It¢s through all of this, I want to share with you when I get home so you can use it in your world. Life in the woods is much different, but there¢s no reason why you can¢t use this goodness in the chaotic lifestyle you once had. The months have gone by and now it¢s only weeks, but I promise to be home soon.-Grinds
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Hall Mt. Lean-to

To: ME17
Miles today: 17.4

After getting hailed on yesterday by the only dark cloud in the sky and waking up to 44 degree cold weather this morning, I thought I would share with you the reasons why Maine is known as ¢Vacationland.¢ Rematch and his folks allowed us to stay in their hunting cabin because of the frost advisory that¢s out this evening. So, for those of you who didn¢t even know that Maine was part of the Union, here are some facts that you may have never known.1. State Population = 1 million2. Statehood = March 15, 18203. State Bird = Chickadee4. State Tree = White Pine5. State Fish = Salmon6. State Mineral = Tourmaline7. State Insect = Honeybee8. State Motto = Dirigo (Latin for ¢I lead¢)9. Lobster capital of the world10. Maine is the only state that touched only one state.11. Coast line is the same distance as NY to CA because of all the curves12. Most eastern point in the USA13. At least 1/3 of Maine is unincorporated14. 1st point the sun hits in the USA15. And Stephen King was born and lives here
Date: 2006-08-13
From: ME17

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After waking up in a warm camp brought to us by Rematch and his family, we slacked packed North to Rangeley. Rematch¢s parents, Dave and Donna brought our gear to town as we enjoyed the easy trek. The highlight of the day was while we were all hiking together and as I was leading I turned the corner and there she was, a 6-1/2 foot tall mama moose on the AT. She was enormous. She gracefully walked into the woods before I could get my camera out, but our jaws dropped at the site.We arrived into town in the early afternoon, had some dinner and then got a shuttle to Gull Pond Lodge. It¢s a wonderful hostel in town. Tonight it¢s about staying out of the cooler weather temps and sleeping on a bed. I¢m getting the itch to finish more and more. Just a couple of more weeks.