morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Catfish and Mike from Connecticut went into Bennington today for the "BTown Chow Down"--a community-sponsored event where they provide free food, beer, and live music for the hikers. Catfish says they are running into a lot of southbound hikers now--he met 3 guys who just graduated from UGA going southbound. It's nice to be able to share information about what's up ahead--places to stay, eat, resupply, etc.--as well as info about the Trail itself. Catfish camped out, while Mike spent the night with a family member. Saturday A.M., Mike brought Catfish real Vermont maple syrup to enjoy with his breakfast pancakes--a great way to start the day!!
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Bennington, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The great breakfast was certainly the highlight of the day today. Catfish hiked in the rain and mud all day. Not a lot to see on days like this--really a shame when you're hiking through such a pretty part of the country. The elevation is getting higher and the climbs steeper--it will be nice when the weather clears and the hikers can see something other than mud!
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

The weather was much cooler last night (in the 40's) and today is cold, rainy, and windy (low 60's). Catfish took a break and climbed a fire tower on the top of Stratton Mountain to eat lunch out of the rain--a trade-off for encountering stronger winds at the top of the tower. He actually put on his jacket today for the first time in a LONG time. He was looking forward to making the next 3 miles to the shelter and getting in out of the rain today.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center,VT-- Hostel
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

It rained more last night, so today offered another hike in the mud. Catfish is looking forward to staying in a new hostel around Manchester Center tonight. He has a ride from the hostel coming to pick him up at the Trail head and will pick up a mail drop on the way through town. He got there mid afternoon, so hopefully he can dry out some before tomorrow! A southbound hiker at the shelter last night had some wine which he shared with the other hikers as they swapped stories. The great people and experiences along the way help to make up for the nasty weather!
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Manchester Center,VT-- Hostel

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Catfish really enjoyed his stay at the Green Mountain House. The owners, Jeff and Regina Taussig, have a real heart for hikers--they stay in their converted barn and let the hikers have their house! Catfish was able to get salmon to cook for supper tonight when Jeff picked him up at the Trail head and stopped in town for groceries. He enjoyed a great meal, got to do laundry, and had a good visit with the Taussigs and other hikers staying at the house. A great place to stay and good people! He hiked today to Big Branch Shelter in good weather with no rain for a change.
Date: 2008-08-06
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: moderate rain

Catfish spent the night in the shelter--it started raining about 5 A.M. and rained about 3 inches in the morning. He started out, but realized that there was going to be a really big storm, so he stopped at Little Rock Pond Shelter (about 4 miles from where he started) to avoid the worst of the storm. The Trail was already flooded, with Catfish hiking in running water over the tops of his boots, so he wanted to avoid to getting any wetter if he could. He woke up from a nap to see water running down the Trail with enough force to create a waterfall! He started out again, but was caught in another storm before he reached the shelter for the night. He experienced quarter-sized hail, and was hiking with his hands over his head to keep from being pelted by it. He ran into Mr. Bones at the shelter and was glad of his decision to hike in long pants in the previous heat--Mr. Bones has Lymes and says Catfish had the right idea to stay covered up! Hope Mr. Bones recuperates quickly!
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a day of no rain, but really nasty, muddy conditions on the Trail. Catfish found the water to be not quite as deep, but still not a lot of fun for hiking. He ran into Neon and CC Rider and hiked with them to the shelter. They are hoping the better weather holds out for a while.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Cooper Lodge

To: The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 8.2

Catfish hiked in the rain to The Inn at Long Trail for a hot shower, supplies, clean clothes, a comfortable bed, and some good meals. He hiked in with Neon and CC Rider, and they got a ride into town from a guy at the Inn to get groceries and visit the outfitters. Catfish lost a pole tip in the mud yesterday. He was glad to have a spare with him for a temporary fix, but wanted to get it fixed right while he had the chance. The guy who gave them a ride into town waited for them to run their errands and gave them a ride back to the Inn--another "Trail angel" to thank! Catfish now has 486 miles left on his hike--he's getting closer to realizing his dream each day, but still has some of the toughest hiking ahead of him. It's hard to realize that he's hiked so far but still has more than 1/5th of the Trail left to go!
Date: 2008-08-09
From: The Inn at Long Trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather was nice today--Catfish said it felt like the first day of fall. It was cool with low humidity, but the Trail was still mucky. He hiked a short day, laving the Inn later in the morning and getting to the shelter to find Mike from Connecticut with hot dogs to cook. They built a fire and roasted the hot dogs, and were joined by Neon, CC Rider, Wooki, and Freefall. A nice day for all of them to enjoy on the Trail for a change! On a different note, those of you who know Catfish remember his alligator hunting expedition last fall--his alligator hide came last week and it's beautiful! He can't wait to get home and see it!!
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Stony Brook Shelter

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

Catfish hiked a long day today. It wasn't raining early, but it is expected to before the day is out. Just a lot of up-and-down hiking in the mud. Catfish says the holes in his boots have been very handy for letting the water run out! He plans to get new shoes in Hanover--it sounds like he needs them!
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 14.6

Catfish and Mike from Connecticut crossed over into New Hampshire today--2 more states to go, but the White Mountains and some tough hiking are still ahead. They met up with Mzunga (a hiker who Catfish hiked with through the Smokies) in town. He lives in Hanover, and invited Catfish and Mike to spend the night at his house. Mzunga leaves for college in a few days, so the visit was short but a welcome reunion.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Hanover, New Hampshire

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Catfish got new shoes today before getting back on the Trail. He decided to try some trail runners instead of the kind of boots he's been wearing so far. Hopefully the new shoes will be comfortable and won't need the breaking in period that the boots did. He said good-by to Mzunga and hiked to Moose Mountain Shelter--not too long of a day, but good miles for leaving Hanover a little later in the day.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Lyme-Dorchester Road
Miles today: 6.6

Catfish and Mike were hiking along this morning when they saw a sign on the Trail offering free ice cream. They, of course, headed to the house advertising the treat and met a man who fed them ice cream and drinks. It seems that this is a summer home for the man and he was headed into Cambridge, Mass.(where he makes his home) for the night. He invited Catfish and Mike to go with him to see some of Boston (which Catfish had never seen before)--so they went! They had a nice dinner and stayed at the guy's house. Mike has a sister who lives in Boston, so she came out and they had a good visit. They'll head back to the Trail tomorrow with more interesting experiences to share with their friends!
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Lyme-Dorchester Road

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

Catfish and Mike got a late start today, due to their "road trip" into Boston. The weather was clear and they wanted to make some miles, so they hiked by moonlight (almost a full moon) and headlamps until 3:45 A.M. when they made it to the shelter! They really enjoyed some wonderful views from the mountains by the moonlight, and had a lot of fun with the experience of hiking at night.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: The Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, N.H.
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Catfish and Mike didn't start hiking until after 11:00 this morning, due to their night trek last night. They headed into Glencliff to pick up mail drops, then planned to head out to a shelter later in the day. They got tied up with switching out their cold-weather gear they had been sent from home and packing up things they won't be needing to send back. They also ran into several other hikers doing the same thing in town and spent some time visiting and catching up on each other's journeys. Catfish and Mike decided to cut the day short and stay in the hostel in town. They are looking for decent weather tomorrow to make some big miles. They will hit Mt. Moosilauke tomorrow--a big climb and one that is reported to be slippery in wet weather. Certainly a hike one would want to make in clear weather, if possible!
Date: 2008-08-16
From: The Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, N.H.

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

Today was a good day for hiking, and Catfish and Mike put in a lot of miles with some big climbs. Although Mt. Moosilauke lived up to it's reputation, they found other climbs along the way that were just as challenging. They are experiencing hand-over-hand climbing that's a lot more like rock climbing than hiking. At least they had a good weather day for a change!
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Not a great day for hiking--apparently it rained again last night and the trail is soggy, the climbs are steep, (with more hand-over-hand rocks) and the packs are heavy with the cold-weather gear and supplies. Catfish and Mike stopped in Franconia Notch and got a ride to a hostel for the night. It was mid-afternoon, but Catfish said he didn't feel as if he could climb another mountain today. He is throwing his hiking poles up ahead of him and climbing up to them, then throwing them up some more, reversing the process on the down slopes. He sounded glad to be at the hostel--looks like another storm moving in and they would hate to be caught out in it after the day they've had today. Hoping for a good night's rest and better weather tomorrow!
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Franconia Notch

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

Today Catfish hiked Franconia Ridge, which is above the tree-line with gorgeous views. The weather was great--finally! The climbs are still tough, but Catfish has decided to slow down a little so he can continue to enjoy the hike. He had a great day today, which really lifted his spirits!
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.7

Catfish is back to less-than-ideal weather today--temperature in the low-to-mid 40's, with rain and mist up in the clouds at the high elevation. It rained again last night, so Trail conditions are nasty. He's hiking some with Stubbs and Mr. Bones, who's feeling much better. This will be first night Catfish has spent in one of the New Hapmshire huts, which are a type of lodge with caretakers, displays on local wildlife, and libraries. Catfish is hoping to get a work-for-stay night--performing some chores at the hut to pay for his overnight stay and meals.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch -AMC Highland Center
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: fog

Catfish enjoyed his stay at the hut--they asked him to give a talk to day-hikers about thru-hiking the A.T. He had a good time talking to people about his hike and answering questions. Not a bad "task" for a night's stay and meals! He had an easy hike to the Highland Center, where he has a room for the night. Mike was able to get a place in the bunkhouse, but he'll be leaving to go home for a while tomorrow. Catfish will miss having Mike for a hiking buddy, but maybe he can get back on the Trail before too long. Catfish and Mike headed to the lunch counter to get a sandwich at the Center, and the waitress was astounded when they asked for "everything" on their sandwiches--ham, turkey, roast beef, tuna, 4 kinds of cheeses--EVERYTHING! Catfish said those were some BIG sandwiches!! Tonight they'll have a family-style supper, then a breakfast buffet in the morning. He should be full and rested to tackle the Whites up to Mt. Washington!
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Crawford Notch -AMC Highland Center

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Catfish had a great hiking day today--the weather was beautiful so he could actually enjoy the Trail, the views, and the hike itself. He made good time, and arrived at the hut in time to get another work-for-stay night. They ask thru-hikers to limit these nights so others can participate in the program, but they asked Catfish to give his "hiking talk" again. The hut has 92 guests tonight! The weather is clear, but really windy--hopefully he'll have a good day tomorrow for his climb up Mt. Washington--the highest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet. The highest on-land wind speed was recorded there at 231 mph! Temperatures and weather conditions can change rapidly on the mopuntain, so hikers are cautioned to be prepared for anything!
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Catfish had a glorious day to hike Mt. Washington! The weather was clear--over 18 miles visibility, very little wind and sunny. He could see the Franconia Ridge, Crawford Notch, and other places he had hiked to get there. He reached the peak about 11:00 A.M. and called his mom to wish her a happy birthday. She couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift--a great day of hiking for Catfish!! He spent the day hiking the Presidential Ridge and took a side trail up to Mt. Adams. He took a lot of pictures and can't wait to share them with folks back home--we can't wait to see them!!
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Madison Spring Hut

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

Today was another great day for hiking and Catfish made the most of the good weather. He is encountering fewer thru-hikers now (mostly south bounders when he does) and has been fortunate to get space in the huts at night. There are a limited number of spaces reserved for thru-hikers, but he has been lucky to find space in all the huts. He doesn't mind talking to other hikers about his experience of thru-hiking the A.T. and gave another talk at the hut last night to earn his keep. He is really enjoying this section of New Hampshire, after the miserable time he experienced with the constant rain, terrible Trail conditions, and rough terrain that he encountered his first week in the state.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 7.2

A beautiful day on the Trail! Catfish took his time and really enjoyed the hike. He's not completely out of the White's yet, and there were still some pretty big climbs today. He stayed at the last hut in New Hampshire last night, and has enjoyed the experience of staying in them. It's very interesting to see what the different states and hiking clubs offer to hikers in the way of shelter and services.An editorial correction: The peak of Mt. Washington provided visibility of 90 miles--not the 18 that was originally reported (I wondered when Catfish said he could see to Vermont!) Guess the scribe needs to pay better attention! Anyway, it was a terrific day with incredible views...guess that's why he needs another camera memory card!!
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, N.H.--The Barn Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Catfish met up with TIgGER (FROM THE 100 ACRE WOODS)at The Barn Hostel today and they are going to do some hiking together for the next few days. They ran into each other last week at Lakes of the Clouds Hut and on Mt. Washington. TIgGER is really hiking southbound, but she skipped the Whites when the weather was so bad. She'll hike to Grafton Notch to get in the section she skipped, then get a ride back to Gorham, NH to head south from where she left off. Catfish had a mail drop waiting for him at the hostel in Gorham, so he had arranged to pick that up and stay there tonight. He had to forward most of the supplies in his drop on ahead--he has really enjoyed the meals at the huts, and now has more food than he wants to carry! He'll be glad to have it waiting for him up ahead when he gets there. Maine doesn't appear to have too many places close to the Trail to resupply!
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Gorham, N.H.--The Barn Hostel

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was a good hiking day. Catfish left the hostel about noon and made good time to the campsite. Not too many tough climbs today--just good weather and fun hiking with someone else. Tomorrow will be a long day if they make Mahoosuc Notch!
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

A milestone day for Catfish today--he passed the 1900 mile mark, crossed into Maine (the final state on his hike), and hiked both Mahoosuc Notch and Mahoosuc Arm. Mahoosuc Notch has the reputation of being the toughest mile on the Trail. It is full of boulders that hikers have to pick their way through, over, under, and around. Catfish said that it requires using one's arms and legs, but also one's brain to constantly think ahead about the next step. It also requires coordination and balance to make it safely over the large boulders. He claims to have been "dancing" for balance only once during the climb! Mahoosuc Arm immediately follows the Notch and it is a different kind of hiking. That section of the Trail is comprised of shale, which is difficult to hike on due to instability of footing. The good news is that it was beautiful weather today. Catfish and TIgGer were both glad that they were able to hike those two sections with a partner! Their arrival at the shelter tonight was most welcomed for these tired hikers.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Maine 26-Grafton Notch
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Catfish was really tired today and was glad that he had planned a very short day to be picked up by a shuttle at Grafton Notch. He's planning to stay at the Pine Ellis Hiking Lodge in Andover and slack pack for a few days. A shuttle took TIgGer back to Gorham so she can continue her hike south. Catfish is looking forward to a good night's rest, good meals, and a easier hike for the next couple of days!
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Maine 26-Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.3

The weather was beautiful--a perfect fall day--and Catfish was able to hike the 10.3 miles in a little over 4 hours. He said it felt great to be carrying the little pack and be able to just enjoy the hike. He made it back to the shuttle pick-up site just after a shuttle had left, so he hitched back into Andover and picked up the mail drop that he had forwarded from Gorham. He still has too many supplies, due to recently eating so many meals in towns and at the huts. He'll repack his box and send it on ahead again. He's arranged to slack pack again tomorrow and hopes the good weather holds--there is a chance of rain in the forecast.
Date: 2008-08-31
From: South Arm Road

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.3

One more day of slack packing for Catfish today--he has certainly enjoyed the lighter load and hasn't tried to make too many miles to give his body a chance to rest. He got back to the hostel to find Earthbound and Hot Tang there--they all hiked together some in North Carolina and saw one another last in Virginia. Catfish is about 3 days ahead of them due to his slack packing days, so it doesn't look like they'll be hiking together anymore this hike. They all went out to supper and caught up with each other's experiences on the Trail.
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Maine 17

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great hiking day--no mountains to climb and good weather! Catfish has been meeting up with a hiker named Longportage in the shelters at night for a while, but Longportage has taken a zero today and Catfish doesn't know if they'll meet up again. We wish Longportage luck in finishing the Trail--he has a personal reason for completing the hike, and we hope he can accomplish his goal. It's interesting that Catfish and Longportage started from Springer the same day at almost the same time!
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spalding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

A tough day of hiking for Catfish today--4 or 5 big climbs, and the day was overcast. A hiker ahead of Catfish saw a moose, but it was gone into the woods by the time Catfish got to where it had been. The views from Saddleback Mountain were wonderful, and they made the climbs worth the effort. The lower elevations are warm, while the higher elevations are noticeably cooler. Catfish noted that the leaves on the Trail are changing color and Fall is imminent in New England--quite a difference from the 80+ degree days we are still having in the South!
Date: 2008-09-03
From: Spalding Mountain Lean-to

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Catfish hiked into Stratton today to pick up the mail drop he had forwarded from Andover and a package from home. Unfortunately, his forwarded package wasn't there, so he'll have to check back tomorrow before he heads out. He is staying at the Stratton Motel and Hostel, so he'll have a comfortable bed and a good meal or two. It will be a while before he comes to another place to get real food! He saw a moose on the Trail today--it pretty much ignored him and he took care not to disturb it! The Trail had a couple of good climbs today, so he was glad to get into town and is looking forward to a good night's rest.
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

The rest of Catfish's mail drop came in this morning, so he got kind of a late start after picking up his supplies and repacking. It was a hot day, with a climb out of Stratton, so he decided to make it a short day and stop for the night at the Horns Pond Lean-to. It's located on a pond where fishing is allowed, so he thought he might do a little fishing--it been a while since he's been fishing!
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice weather today! Catfish passed the 2000 mile mark and had good terrain. He made the 10 miles today by early afternoon, but the next shelter is 7 more miles so he decided to stop. He's not seeing signs of bad weather from the hurricane, and plans to hike a big day tomorrow.