morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Stratton Mountain Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center, Vermont
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

The Scent of BalsamBalsam is nature's aroma therapy. Balsam firs were previously encountered at the higher elevations on this hike, but now are more pervasive throughout the forest in Vermont. The sweet aromatic scent transports me right to the Christmas season. I may be grumpy, sweating and struggling up a steep grade when I catch a whiff of balsam and immediately change my mindset and feel a burst of energy. What a great gift of the woods!The day dawned dreary and damp and went progressively downhill from there. After an hour or so of hiking, the fine mist and sprinkle transformed into a light rain, so I dropped pack and placed my rain cover. A bit later the rain progressed to a downpour and the trail became more slippery.I stopped at the Spruce Peak Shelter in the early afternoon and felt that I was on the set for the movie Deliverance. It is a small log cabin with a front porch that only required a boy with a banjo to complete the illusion.After slipping and sliding, and one embarrassing fall on my butt, I arrived at the road that would bring me to town. I was lucky to run into Bob in the parking lot who had just completed a day hike and drove me into town. He pointed out places to eat and shop as we passed through the town and extended an invitation to stay at his house. I had to reluctantly decline as I had made reservations previously for the Green Mountain House Hostel. Bob exemplifies the kindness and generosity that is often encountered on the trail. Thanks Bob!The Green Mountain House is a wonderful place and is one of the most popular hostels on the trail. I was surprised to see Old Goat and Check 6 here when I arrived. They were here as trail angels and prepared a feast of thick steaks, salt potatoes, and all the fixings for the hiker guests. I first met them during my shake down hike in Georgia at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, Georgia and then again at the ALDHA gathering in Gettysburg, PA last October. It was great to see them again and catch up on old times. Thanks so much for the great meal and the hiker fellowship!By the way. Old Goat informed us that we crossed the 3/4 mileage mark today!Tomorrow, I'm takin' a zero day at the Green Mountain House. In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous. -Aristotle
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Green Mountain House

To: Green Mountain House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Green Mountain House Hiker HostelI enjoyed walking about Manchester Center today. The Mountain Goat is a great outfitter that caters to thru-hikers. There is also an amazing bookstore downtown with an attached restaurant.Stambler was busy today baking pies and preparing a feast for us. I grilled the hamburgers out on the back deck.Green Mountain House has a great karma about it and is where wonderful things happen.Tomorrow it is back to work!The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain. -Aristotle
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Manchester Center

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

>A River to FordI was glad to be in the hostel as it rained hard last night. The weather was supposed to be better today, but the trails would be muddy and the streams high. The bridge over Big Branch was being replaced, so Long Trail hikers were supposed to take a three-mile detour around. All of the southbound hikers that I met had forded the stream. Most said it was an easy rock hop. After the heavy rains over the past few days, I suspected that the ford would be a bit more challenging. Jeff dropped Bodacious and me at the trailhead at 6:45 AM. The climb up Bromley Mountain wasn't bad and the clouds had parted enough to allow views from the top. Two more mountains later, I took a break at Peru Peak Shelter. Jibitz and Phineas showed up just before I set out. It also started to rain. The rain became a downpour within the next mile, but subsided by the time I summited Baker Mountain. As I descended, I noted the roar of the streams and worried about fording Big Branch. When I finally got to the stream, it was obvious that I would have to wade across a raging torrent. I lengthened my hiking poles and picked a spot to cross. The force of the water made the submerged hiking poles vibrate. I had to go knee deep in places and was always at risk for being pushed over and swept downstream. I had to pick my rocks and footing with great care. By some miracle, I made it across after an eternity. I felt like a real man now! Thankfully, the shelter was just a short way after the crossing, so I could remove my wet boots and socks. Phineas had a fire going and Jibitz was relaxing in the shelter. I survived another day on the trail.There is no great genius without a mixture of madness. -Aristotle
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

Trail Art and Wet FeetWhy did I bother to put on dry socks? Within the first hundred yards I waded through enough mud and water to soak my feet. The spongy Vermont trail was transformed into a mire after three days of rain. I was in for a long day.The first mountain to climb was White Rocks Mountain, which surprisingly had two areas along the summit ridge covered with sculptures made from the white rock that littered the trail. Some were simple cairns made from stacking the stones. Others were far more sophisticated and described figures, buildings, and bridges. There were even some mixed-media pieces that included tree branches. The backdrop for the sculptures was a mature piney wood complete with pine needle carpet. I felt as if I were walking through a museum's sculpture garden. The experience cheered me up on what could have been a dismal day.The trail was less of a bog over Bear Mountain and I was rewarded with views on the descent. Clarendon Gorge lay on the far side and was fun to view from the middle of the swaying suspension bridge. A short while after a fun near- vertical rock scramble, I arrived at the shelter where I was pleased to be reunited with Bodacious, Coon Cat, Wink, and her dog Frijolita. I met Fireball, a NOBO thru-hiker from Germany.I set up my tent in a pine grove, collected and filtered water from the stream, washed up, ate supper, and lay down in my tent where I fell fast asleep while writing this entry.Thanks for coming along...As the poet said, 'Only God can make a tree' -- probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Clarendon

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 18.3

So Long, Long TrailIt was a beautiful day for hiking with clear skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity. I headed out at 7:20 after a good night's sleep on a bed of pine needles. I was surprised to find a cooler with sodas at the 500 mile mark left by Mad Hiker. This was a great way to celebrate getting within 500 miles of Mt. Katahdin. The trail up Killington Mountain was scenic and only a bit challenging given the elevation gain. I took breaks at the Governor Clement Shelter and Cooper Lodge Shelter near the summit where I had lunch. Near the end of the day, I came to Maine Junction where the Long Trail and A.T. separate. A short while later, I traveled a half a mile on the Sherburne Pass Trail to reach the Inn at the Long Trail where draught Guiness Stout is available. I found Phineas, Jibitz, and Bodacious at the bar at McGrath's Irish Pub when I arrived a bit after 6 PM. Reward for a good day's work!Eighty percent of success is showing up.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Moose PooI don't know how one can see so much moose poop on the trail and not see a moose. Moose tracks and scat have been a common sighting since we hit the Long Trail. A hiker or two has spotted a moose off in the distance, but I have yet to see one.I got a late start due to the time breakfast is served at the Inn. I was a bit concerned due to the miles and climbs ahead. I got through the half mile Sherburne Pass trail and onto the A.T. a bit before 9 AM. After an hour or so, I was eclipsed by Coon Cat, and was surprised that I was able to stay with him during the tough climb up Quimby Mountain. I headed out alone after a break at Stony Brook Shelter, but was soon caught by a fast hiking group made up of Rainer, Dewlap,and Coon Cat. Dewlap and Rainer are studying sculpture at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Once again, I was surprised that I was able to trail along behind these young and fit hikers. They helped to tow me through some critical miles that I had to make. I split off to filter water several miles before the end and had to speed-hike solo. I made it to the shelter before 7 PM and just as it started to rain. Another long day in the bag!I am at two with nature.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 16.4

Over the Hills and Through the WoodsThe Green Mountains of Vermont seem to diminish into rolling hills as the trail continued eastward. Some hilltops were crowned with meadows where blackberries were ripening and expansive views of the surrounding hills and farms were to be had. There were groves of sugar maples connected by an intricate network of tubing to collect the sap in a sugarhouse located down the hill.I stopped in at the Thistle Hill Shelter where I found Dewlap, Rainer, and Coon Cat. We were subsequently joined by Fireball. I used the privy, filtered water, and headed out with this group. I chased them down the trail at a 3-4 mph speed and got to West Hartford in no time. We immediately descended on the general store which features a great deli and began the gorging process. I impressed my young colleagues by consuming prodigious quantities of beverages containing high fructose corn syrup. We ate enough such that further hiking would have been hazardous, so we inquired about local accommodations. It turned out that the good folks that own the Hartford Sign Company a few doors down allowed tenting in their backyard. They were wonderful hosts and built a fire in a pit next to our encampment and spent time visiting with us after supper. Phineas got a chance to hit some golf balls in the yard as well. A grand time was had by all! I continue to be amazed by the kindness that we encounter in these great trail towns.Students achieving Oneness will move on to Twoness.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-07-30
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

New Hampshire: The Penultimate StateToday, I strode across the Connecticut River and entered New Hampshire. Twelve states down, over 1700 miles hiked, I feel so proud. It has become more fun to look at the long maps displaying the entire A.T. and identify my position on the trail. However much work remains. The White Mountains contain some of the most challenging and rewarding terrain. Many lives have been lost in the Presidential Range over the years where temperatures can drop below freezing, winds can exceed 200 mph, and it can snow in August. Several of the southbound thru-hikers that I have met over the last two weeks have rated the section in Maine even tougher. So, it is not the time to become complacent.My first stop in Hanover was the Dartmouth Outing Club, where hikers are allowed to hang out, use computers, and stow their backpacks while doing town chores. Here, I met Trashman and Ohibro who had been a few days behind me for quite a while and recognized my name from my shelter register entries. They were heading out after a quick resupply in town. I set out for the post office to pick up the parcel of winter gear that Ground Control had shipped. I then boarded the Orange Line free bus and headed two miles out of town to the Sunset Motel where I would spend the next two nights while prepping for the final push.Thanks for coming along...Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hanover, New HampshireI am enjoying my stay at the Sunset Motel. It is two miles south of Hanover, so I caught a ride into town this morning from the proprietor.I did some shopping, had an awesome burrito for lunch, and wandered about the Dartmouth campus on this beautiful day. At Ben & Jerry's, I ran into Coon Cat, celebrating his twenty third birthday with his mom and sister. I wished him well as he was about to hit the trail this afternoon. I went grocery shopping at the Co-op which is a great supermarket and then called a cab for the ride back to the Sunset.I am looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow as I begin my march toward the daunting Whites.Wish me luck...What if everything is an illusion and nothing exists? In that case, I definitely overpaid for my carpet.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Moose MountainI enjoyed a great stay at the Sunset Motel and was dropped off at the Hanover Co-op by the kindly proprietor. There, I saw Draggin' Tail and his son Sherpa, ready to head out as well. I enjoyed hiking with them until lunchtime. The woods of New Hampshire include large tracts of mature pine and sugar maple groves. The trail was very pleasant to hike.I stopped to load up with water at Mink Brook as I heard from SOBO hikers that the shelter source was poor. I did not enjoy lugging four liters of water up Moose Mountain, but was glad for the effort as the shelter spring was a stagnant mud puddle. I was later joined by Jim, a fireman from Boston, at the shelter. He is on the first day of his section hike that is to cover the New Hampshire portion of the A.T. I was later amazed when Raffi C. walked around the corner. I had not seen him since southwest Virginia and it was great to see him again.Now it is off to an early bedtime as I have a higher mileage day planned for tomorrow.You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred.-Woody Allen
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

Leaving the FoothillsI headed out early on the trail by 6:20 AM as I had many miles and a 2200 foot climb up Smart Mountain in the afternoon. In a couple of days, I will be faced with climbs exceeding 4000 feet. Clearly, I am not in Kansas anymore.It took me over twelve hours to cover the distance. I had some nice views from the Smart Mountain firetower. Just before I reached the shelter, I met a hiker who gave me some delicious home made trail bars that tasted a bit like German chocolate cake. When I reached the shelter, I found Cheese whom I had not seen since New York. It was great to catch up on her travels since we parted. Tomorrow, I head to Glencliff to resupply and to clean up a bit.Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.-Confucius
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glencliff Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.6

Glencliff Welcome HostelThe Hexacuba is spacious and hexagonal in shape. The privy is five-sided and dubbed the Pentaprivy. We shared the shelter with three energetic and entertaining SOBO's who arrived at dusk. At dark, Listener arrived. She is a 95 lb woman in her 70's who started hiking from Harpers Ferry on June 1st after completing the southern section of the trail last year. I had met her at the Smarts Mountain fire tower that afternoon, and we enjoyed the view from the top together. She is truly an inspiration.I left at 6:40AM because I had to pick up maildrops at the Glencliff post office before it closed at 5 PM. The trail immediately headed up Mt. Cube. The drizzle made the climb on the wet exposed rock tricky and the going was slow. The wide expanse of rock near the summit provided great views as the cloud ceiling lifted. Lower peaks were surrounded by cloud islands far below. I could see the fire tower on Smarts Mountain in the distance. It seemed so far away though I was just there yesterday.I was joined by Raffi C. at lunch. He is a quick hiker and has run 11 marathons previously including the New York Marathon. I ended up chasing him into town later in the afternoon.Cheese had arrived at the hostel before us and pointed us toward the post office. I was thrilled to find that both of my maildrops had arrived.Baltimore Jack was helping out at the hostel and dished up a great hiker feed that evening.Tomorrow, Raffi C. and I will attack Mt. Moosilauke, the first peak over 4000 feet in the Whites. We are hoping for good weather.Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.-Confucius
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Glencliff

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

Mount MoosilaukeI ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food for breakfast and headed down the road with Raffi at 7 AM. There was dense cloud cover and we felt a fine drizzle at times. Mt. Moosilauke is our initiation to the high peaks of the White Mountains, standing over 4800 feet tall, and requiring about 3800 feet of climbing to achieve the summit.We took turns leading during the climb. Raffi is in excellent physical condition and works as a personal trainer when off the trail. He usually hikes faster than me, but requested that we alternate leading given the duration and difficulty of the climb. Before long, we established an effective rhythm and were making great progress toward the top. The trees became more stunted and the wind grew in strength. Visibility was about thirty feet when we got to the summit. The winds were strong enough to make us stagger sideways when hit broadside by the gale. We hastily took pictures at the summit sign and raced down the mountain to the shelter of the trees. We conquered the first challenge of the Whites.Tomorrow, the adventure continues...I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.-Confucius
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

The Endless TrailI had a leisurely morning (setting out at 8:00 AM) since today was a short mileage day. The 1.5 mile descent to Kinsman Notch followed Beaver Brook which cascaded down the steep mountain. The climb down is dubbed one of the most treacherous stretches of the trail. The setting was nice, so I didn't object to progressing at less than a mile per hour pace.I had a good phone signal at the parking lot, so I called Ground Control to catch up on the news at the homefront. Only seven and a half miles to go---should be a piece of cake. My only concern was the steep climb out of Kinsmans Notch. The climb turned out to be fairly easy, but this is where the fun would begin. What followed was some of the most difficult trail that went on relentlessly, and stiffled my forward progress. The trail undulated over slippery boulders, tangled roots, and deep mud bogs. Trail maintenance was sorely lacking, and I cursed and cussed my way through this God-forsaken wilderness. I was able to commiserate with two SOBO hikers that I encountered. We exchanged depressing reports about the trail conditions that lay ahead. After several lifetimes in hiker purgatory, I arrived at my destination where I could further discuss the highlights of my day with Cheese and the other folks at the shelter.I go over Kinsman Mountain tomorrow and head into North Woodstock where I will zero the following day. I will also cross the 1,800 mile mark.Thanks for joining me...It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.-Confucius
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Kinsman MountainThe tent-site next to Eliza Brook was great. The soft murmur of water flowing over the rocks was soothing. During breakfast, I got to know Lucky and Charms, a couple thru-hiking southbound. They will celebrate their first wedding anniversary in October, on the trail. They are homeward bound as they hail from Georgia.The trail climbed alongside of Eliza Brook which displayed an array of waterfalls, pools, and chutes as it cascaded down the mountain. Nothing conceived by man could be any more breathtakingly sublime. I stopped and gazed at the beauty frequently. As the trail approached the south summit of Kinsman, I encountered some of the most challenging rock climbing and boulder scrambling, thus far. Today, I was feeling better and my attitude was positive, so I embraced each puzzle with enthusiasm. As I neared the top of the south summit, I met Clearwater who is the caretaker at the Kinsman Pond Shelter. He provided valuable advice for getting through the Whites and said that what lay ahead is no worse than what I just gotten through-encouraging news! At the summit, I was rewarded with great views of Mt. Moosilauke, Mt. Cube, and Loon Mountain. The wind was strong and I was struck by how fast the clouds were moving overhead. I stayed a while snapping many pictures. I had a mile or so to go yet with a descent and another climb to reach the north summit of Kinsman. This was not as challenging as the former. This summit was more populated with trees, but proved glimpses of the dramatic towering Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain.After dropping from the summit, I stopped at Kinsman Pond to see the newly built log-constructed shelter (as suggested by the caretaker), and, more importantly, to visit the privy.After a slippery and, at times precarious climb down the mountain, I reached Lonesome Lake where I enjoyed spectacular views of Franconia Ridge. I stopped in at the hut for some apple juice and apple crisp.The final leg was a quick hike down the Cascade Trail to Franconia Notch. I called a cab which awaited at the Flume Visitors Center. It was off to the Carriage Motel in North Woodstock.Tomorrow I'm takin' a zero before attacking the imposingly tall and steep Franconia Ridge. Fasten your seatbelts, it should be a wild ride! Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.-Confucius
Date: 2010-08-07
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

North Woodstock, NHNorth Woodstock is a nice resort town. The Carriage Motel is clean but stranded in the early 1960's.I will head to the Franconia Ridge tomorrow. This is probably one of the most spectacular stretches of the A.T. The weather forecast calls for mostly sunny skies.See you down the trail... You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.-Abraham Lincoln
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A Ramble Above TreelineThe taxi dropped me off at a parking area about a mile from the trail. I started the assault on Liberty Springs Trail by 8:05 AM. It was a long climb, but it didn't seem too bad as I had fresh legs after the zero. I took a break at Liberty Springs Tentsite, then climbed the final quarter mile to the Franconia Ridge trail. The ridge trail emerges above treeline after climbing up Little Haystack and provides commanding 360 degree views. I could see Mt. Moosilauke to the west, and, to the east, the profile of Mt Washington seemed to beckon. The summit of Mt. Washington appeared cloud-free, so those on the top were enjoying great views as well. The going was slow as I stopped frequently to snap photos. The trail remains above treeline for several miles, until it descends towards Mt. Garfield.I was rewarded with great views from the rocky summit of Mt. Garfield. It was a great day to appreciate the Whites in their vastness and splendor. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.-Abraham Lincoln