morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The climb out of Lehigh Gap was sohard, it was all rock, the trees have been stripped away by the smelting in the town, it was hand over feet, and at times I had to put my pack up and then climb up. Not my favourite type of hiking, not great with heights at the best of time, and it was so hot.It wasvery rocky walk in the afternoon.
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it all the way to town, and stayed at the church hostel for free. Decided to take a zero here, my feet were buggered after all of the rock, it was so sharp, and treacherous, by far the worst hiking on the trail thus far, really slows the pace, and is so hard on the body, hopefully my feet will recover.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: DWG

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Late start after lunch, crossedout of Penn, and into New Jersey, but still the rock remains, when will it end. Sunfish Pond was the first glacial pond on the whole trail thus far, but plenty more as we move north, the greenery incredibly is increasing, it is getting more like a thick jungle.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville
Miles today: 20.1

Finally the rock stopped,and we stayed at the mayors house, it was a real hoot. The mayor of the town has opened up his house to hikers, and I was the 300th to stay there this year. He cooks a free dinner and breakfast, we even got ice cream, he washers our clothes, givesus a warm place to stay. Trully amasing, thanks to the mayor.
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Unionville

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

The heat and humidity were oppressive, much of the day was along board walks out in open country, so much hotter that way. We made it to an ice cream and fruit place which was a life saver. Big walk in the afternoon over a big hill,and I miss timed it and did not arrive until well after dark, so it was a case of more night hiking. Hate all the eyes looking at me in the night, I am not alone out here.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter, New York
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left New Jersey and entered the state of New York. Another day of oppressive heat and horrible humidity. Found another ice cream shop, and finally caught up with Briar, one of my original crew, it was a real blast, had not seen him since Georgia. The heat is really reducing the miles at the moment.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Tiorati Circle
Miles today: 15.4

Another hot day, and it was another struggle, but beautiful walking. The walking since the rock has stopped has been nice. Today went through the lemon squeezer, and had to take my pack off to fit through. Ended up at a place where a class of 98 thru hikers were doing a fat fest, hiker feed. Great to have a feed, and in the evening we went skinny dipping, so relaxing and great to have a clean, my pimples on my legs are so disgusting. Heat rash, and on my arms and back. I did weigh myself at the Mayors house, down to 170 pounds, the weight is still coming off!
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Tiorati Circle

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 19.4

Beautiful walk, and once again very hot. Over Black Mtn, Bear Mtn and was able to just make out the skyscrapers of Manhattan, New York. Could hear pounding of guns all day, it was so loud. It was because we were near West Point the military academy, must have been doing some army exercises, they were so loud. Could feel the explosions on my chest at times. Walked over the Hudson River, that was amazing, it was so grand, better than anything I saw in Europe, these Yanks sure do know how to do a big river valley, it was breath taking.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Graymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter, New York
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Nice shelter, and it was a pretty easy walk. The temperature was not so great, but the humidity was still present, for once I got in at a reasonable hour, maybe I am getting faster at the walking. Usually I am the slowest. I've been doing a lot of walking with Rock and Roll lately, couple of guys from North Virginia, very laid back. Also been hiking with Hot Tang, Briar, Earthbound, and Long Shot, great bunch with a real good vibe.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: moderate rain

It was raining in the morning so it was a late get away. Huge storm hit in the afternoon, I did not get in until just on dark, another long day. Massive storm hit that night, and we had 4 inches of rain. One of the ladies just did a fart at the computer terminals in the library, I am giving her a rude stare and she is now blushing, LOL. I got some water out of Nuclear Lake and drank it, it is another gorgeous glacial pond, and it was used to cool nuclear rods at one stage, my skin has had an extra glow of late.
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt Algo Lean-to, Connecticut
Miles today: 21.7

Tough day, did not get in until very late, just after 10pm. The last half of the hike was real tough. Crossed over into Connecticut, so am now in New England, and it has even got greener. The water shortages of the last month are now over as we will have lots of water from now on up. I had forgot to mention all the water shortages, and how long between water sources and having to walk well off the mountain to go down and get reliable water. My feet are stuffed, I have red skin and blisters on the tops of my toes, and at the back of my heal, from walking so far in wet soggy shoes and socks, very painful.
Date: 2008-07-25
From: Mt Algo Lean-to

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.3

Today was a nero, short day into Kent. Small town in New England, full of rich people, but all still very nice, except for the fat cow who owns the laundry mat, very rude, but that is the first occurance in all of the US. Only taking today off because of my feet, been getting some good miles of late even in the heat and humidity, but my feet are stuffed from wet feet. Today is nice and sunny so have dried everything off, washed clothes, which have now got a slime all over them. My legs are covered in pimples, hard to see any white skin at all. They look worse than they are, many people around me worry for them, and tell me I have a staph infection, but Americans can get a bit carried away at times. They do go away after a good wash and a rest day, well atleast go down a bit. In a few weeks the weather will get cooler as we get higher elevation and get further north, and my legs will be fine then. The skin on my feet are a bit red raw, but I think they will be fine, just need a day off and to wrap them up a bit.Thanks for everyones comments. I have been having a greattime. Meet somany great people.
Date: 2008-07-28
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Walked along the Housatonic River, there was so much flow, we never get rivers like this back home. Had a shower at the Hydroelectric plant. Caught Franklin on the descent into Salisbury. In Salisbury, in the supermarket, a gentleman walked up to me and offered me to stay at his home, so took him up on the offer. Got a shower and a feed, it was great. His wife and 4 kids were all very welcoming, was so much appreciated.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: haze

Upper Goose Pond is amasing, completely stunning. It was like a movie set, seen nothing like it before in my life, it was great to go down and have a swim, I felt like Jane Fonda, the water was cold, but am starting to adjust to these temperatures.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Mark Noepel Lean-to

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to, MA
Miles today: 6.6

Caught up with German Tourist, she is south bounder, and is interested in hiking in Australia. We sat down and I gave her all the advice and information I could. It was nice to speak with someone from another culture and country, and in the end I just had an easy short day. The views from Mt Greylock were gorgeous, the mountains are starting to get bigger again.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Manchester Centre

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Horrible day, started off with some stunning views from the top of Bromley Mtn. Storm hit not long after, we had hail and then chunks of ice, I was so cold and miserable. I could not get more wet if I tried, and the trail turned into a river, and I am not over exaggerating.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Moose Mtn Shelter

To: South Jacobs Brook
Miles today: 16.3

Great walk after a late start, and ended up stealth camping on my Pat Malone. Great Views from the fire tower from Smarts Mtn, very long climb to get up and very steep and rocky on the climb, my legs are better at climbing now than they were a few months ago.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Glencliff

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day, the rain came tumbling down, and as a result I did not want to start the Whites in the rain. The descents are treacherous in the dry so to do it in the rain is not clever. The weather is suppose to improve, so hopefully will get out tomorrow. The walking has been tough, and i am so tired of it all, and am now just doing it to complete the journey. This is such a tough trail, and even though the legs feel great the mind is starting to really strugle, so just one more month and I will be finished with this hike and with the US.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Glencliff

To: Dilly Trail
Miles today: 10.2

The climb up to Moosilauke was almost 3500 feet, the first of the really big climbs in the north. It was a gradual climb and the views over the top were amazing, finally an alpine environment. The descent was terrifying with wooden steps drilled into the huge slabs of rock that we had to somehow navigate. The wooden steps are held in place by two pins that have been drilled into the rock, often the pins look very rusted, and the thought is always in the back of my head, will they hold my weight and that of my pack. On one side were cascades and waterfalls, on the other slick slabs of rock; a fall in either direction would have disastrous consequences. As I somehow went down these wooden steps hanging onto rebar for dear life, my legs were shaking like Elvis. It tested my courage as much as my fitness. Made the notch walked another mile and stealth camped with Banjo and Half Elvis.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Dilly Trail

To: AMC-Lonesome Hut
Miles today: 12.7

South Kinsman was a bitch of a climb, hand over hand rock scrambles, is this really what I am going to have to endure for the rest of the whites. Sweat was pouring off me, lungs were puffing, but surprisingly the legs held up well. It was so steep on the way up, but rewarded with fabulous views all around, clear blue sky. Short walk over to North Kinsman then another mad decent. Slabs of rock are tricky to descend because you are simply relying on your rubber soles holding. Somehow with exhausted sore knees made it down to an AMC hut Lonesome Lake and did a work for stay. It costs $80 - $100 to stay in huts but for thru hikers they offer work for stay. This time I just had to sweep the floor and for that I got dinner, could have stayed for breakfast, but decided to get away early instead.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: AMC-Lonesome Hut

To: AMC_Galehead Hut
Miles today: 15.9

Today started with a decent down into Franconia Notch then another huge climb, more rock scrambling, it was fairly constant then a walk along Franconia Ridge. Was surrounded by large mountains in all directions. Climbed over little Haystack, Mt Lincoln first over 500 since the south and Mt Lafayette. Another gorge3ous day and could se for miles. There were so many tourists up on Franconia Ridge out enjoying the sunshine and perfect conditions, would have preferred it with a bit more solitude, due to the difficult nature of the climbs most people were in great shape, a far cry from some of the summits that have roads right up to their very peak, at least these day climbers had to walk like me. Descended and then climbed Mt Garfield, the descents kill me, it is so dangerous and involves so much rock hoping. At times there is nothing else to do except slide down on your butt. Made it to AMC Galehead Hut for another work for stay.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: AMC_Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Early morning start with a very steep climb up to South Twin Mtn. The views in the early morning are stunning the colours are so different. The trail along to Zealand Cliffs was the first relatively easy walking in the Whites. Steep rocky descent down to Zealand AMC Hut, had some delicious chocolate cake for lunch and purchased 5 Cliff bars. I had a map given to me by Birdbath, up here in the Whites often the AT is not marked or signposted. What are signposted are the other trails, and it can be a bit confusing to see which is the right trail. I was walking with Briar and Earthbound, and I assured them that we were walking the right way, no need to question me I am a land surveyor and reading maps is what I do for a living. Ended up taking a wrong turn and walked many miles more than necessary, on the way back Earthbound did not seem to happy with me, she did not seem to see the funny side of it, typical American women a bit high strung at times, but I still love her. The girls here are a bit different to the ones back home, far more intense, very bossy, lack a sense of humor, take everything literally and seriously, and tend to know everything, or am I just describing Americans in general¢¦.LOL. Finally got back on the correct trail for a very gentle descent down to Crawford Notch. Encountered some trail magic and found a spot to camp for the night.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: AMC-Lakes of the Cloud Hut

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

We summited Mt Washington, the wind was howling and visibility was minimal, finally the whites showed us what they were made of, it was up here that the highest wind has been recorded on earth, meant o get the worse weather in the world, obviously these people have never been to Tasmania. Up on Mt Washington I ate everything in sight from the snack bar, it was so bitterly cold I had to purchase gloves and a hat as Uluru had stolen them, that bastard. Eventually it was time to head out along the exposed ridges with Franklin and New York Minute, and Birdbath and Hot Cheese taking up the rear, slipping and sliding over moss covered wet rocks thru clouds that resembled soup. The wind was blowing so hard that as you stepped out to put your foot on a rock often it was the rock next to it that your foot landed on as the wind carried it side ways, it was slow painful terrifying walking, what the hell are I doing up here. It was hard to stay on trail as the cairns were difficult to make out due to the thick fog and mist. Over some of the Presidential the trail goes around on side loops rather than directly over the summits giving us some respite from the full force of the wind. On other occasions atop the ridge we felt its full force, around the sides of the summits the wind would hit us like bullets knocking as all side ways, keeping ones balance was a great challenge. Finally we began to descend down to the hut, my pace had slackened tremendously and both New York Minute and Franklin were gracious enough to wait for me in these horrible conditions, something I was truly grateful for. It was slow going and we finally made it to another AMC Hut where the AMC workers were rather unfriendly, this hut was run by the Hut Nazi, she is despised by all thru hikers, a real bitch, but she did refer to me as the Australian gentleman. Even the toughest cow up in these mountains is charmed by my Australian accent.
Date: 2008-08-26
From: AMC-Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch (M&M)
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Cleaned the bunks first thing in the morning, with the help of New York Minute, he was rather keen to do a good job, I was happy just to do the pretense of a good job, in the end I got my way and before long job was finished and we were climbing up over Madison in high winds having to hang onto the rocks so we did not get blown off the mountain. It was a long descent down to Pinkham Notch and very rocky all the way, met up with Franklin, Hot Cheese and Birdbath and they described their adventure of climbing up over Madison, it sounded like hell, leaving earlier than I did they experienced the worst of the weather. Hot Cheese and Birdbath had kindly invited me back to their friends house, M&M, it was great, lots of food, great company, and a much deserved afternoon rest.
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Pinkham Notch (M&M)

To: North Carter Trail
Miles today: 11.2

Wild Cat was a huge challenge, with the reputation of being the hardest climb on the entire trail. It is not the amount we go up, but the rate of accent, rock climbing and boulder hoping followed by my favourite, slab rock. On this occasion it was time to put the Leki¢s away and pull myself up with my hands. On some of the steeper more exposed parts my legs shook with terror, I hate heights more and more on these step dangerous climbs. My knees screamed with pain, often your leg is being raised well above 90 degrees with every step. Wildcat has many peaks along its high ridges and on one such occasion walked straight past a gondola. It was another steep descent down to Carter Notch to the last AMC Hut perched between 2 big mountains next to some lovely ponds, very picturesque. Another nasty climb up Carter Dome, I ran into day hikers telling me to be very careful as it was so rocky and dangerous under foot, I did not have the heart to tell them that this was an easy section and it was much harder up ahead of them. The views from Mt Hight were 360 degrees and some of the best on trail. It was a moment to stop and reflect upon my Whites experience. To my left was the massive bulk of Washington; ahead were so many more mountains. It is easy to pick out the AT, spot every significant mountain in the distance and that is the trail. I came across Raccoon just short of North Carter and joined him at camp, it was nice to have a chat and catch up.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: North Carter Trail

To: US2 (M&M)
Miles today: 9.9

I had a bit of a late start and Franklin caught up as I was in the process of putting away my tent. Soon it turned into a gathering, Banjo and Half Elvis, and then Hot Cheese and Birdbath. I hiked on with Franklin and the latter, the descent off Carter took as all by surprise, steep and nasty so I guess it was just more of the same. Throw your Leki poles on down ahead and then do a combination of sliding down on your butt or turning around to face the rock and doing your best to find foot and hand holds whilst your knees burn with agony. It was a climb over Mariah and another descent passing Rattle River Shelter and a flat easy walk into the road to Gorham. We were caught by Freewil and Micro and we were all invited back to M&M. On the dangerous and crazy car ride back we almost hit a big moose on the road, I was stunned at their huge size, looks like a massive cow on stilts with huge antlers and a massive ugly head, looks so prehistoric. At M&M the awesome foursome of Briar, Earthbound, Longshot and Hot Tang had made themselves right at home, and we all happily joined them. They had taken full advantage of the hospitality offered by M&M and hopefully I will be taking full advantage of Hot Tang¢s hospitality when I am in California.
Date: 2008-08-29
From: US2 (M&M)

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

Got away from M&M mid morning, and it was time to bid farewell to another hiking partner, this is one of the sad parts of the trail, saying goodbye to close friends. On many occasions you don¢t realize that an afternoon at a shelter, a lunch break next to a river, or sitting around in a hostel is going to be the last moments you share with someone, at least on this occasion I knew it would be the last time I would see Franklin so we were able to have a proper goodbye. It was a relatively easy afternoon walk with only a few climbs including Mt Hayes, Cascade Mtn and Wocket Ledges. The tread way was easier so the mileage went along rather quick. My deadline on my visa is looming and I must make up miles now after all of the low mileage days thru the Whites.
Date: 2008-08-30
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

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

Today was only short but it was a bitch. Maybe technically out of the Whites but the climbs are just as tough and the descent even worse. First was Mt Success and it was just after the summit that I fell waist deep into a bog. The log planks had sunk under the bog by about a foot making them hard to see. I decided to leap out onto what I thought was a rock, but instead it was just bog. My pack stopped me from falling any deeper. I laughed at first but soon I realized I could barely move, the bog had sucked me in. I found a plank to use as leverage and endeavoured to pull myself out. It took a number of minutes but eventually I got out. I was now wet and muddy, when I went for a pee I had mud up all around my balls, it was cold wet, windy and foggy, not the best day to be walking. Mt Carlo and Goose Eye Mtn proved to be a challenge, in some cases there were wooden ladders to climb and descend, on other occasions you were on your own to make your best way up or down. Much of the rock was wet and slippery to add to the adventures. At one point Raccoon slipped and fell right in front of me, he cut himself and grazed some skin and broke a Leki pole in half. At the shelter there were a number of south bounders including a young Australian girl Henny from Perth. It was lovely to hear that distinct accent and hear someone normal to talk to, often I am referred to as a foreigner by these Americans, it is annoying to have that term thrown at you, cause I often forget I am on foreign territory. I have missed Franklin on the trail and Rock & Roll are a number of days ahead and with the trail coming to an end it will be impossible for me to catch up to them.