morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Hanover NH (Sunset Inn Motel) Zero Day 

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 130 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Cloudy, overcast and cool, but humid. Trying to rain...probably will tonight. Highs in th 70's.Today' Nature: Today was the 2nd time I heard a crushing sound (like a Moose stepping on branches) while stopping on the Trail. Looked around and couldn't see anything. Lots a small animals though.Falls Today 0 Total 6Today's Song: Didn't listen to the radio yet today...but kept singing in my mind the chorus from beer for my horses.Well, today turned out better than it was supposed to...weather wise. Only a few raindrops fell during the hike. We may get a storm tonight so I'm staying in a shelter.Actually got up before 5:30. Did not want to wait for the motel's continental breakfast at 8, so I hitched a ride into town with a gentleman named George who picked me up after 10 minutes. Thanks George!Had the "green plate" special again at Lou's...It's 2 of everything including meat plus a fresh baked blueberry muffin. It was enough that all I ate for lunch was a Snickers.I was back NOBO at 7:30. Pretty uneventful hiking day. The Trail and climbs were not too bad. Climbed from 425' at Hanover to Mouse Mtn (2,290') Dropped down to 920' and climbed up to Holt's Ledge (2,100') and then down to Trapper John Shelter (1,345').Stopped and chatted with 3 of 4 SOBO's today...all young college types. The first guy, Fisher King looked like he stepped out of the New Testament. Real nice fellow who filled me in on the Presidential Peaks coming up.The next preson was Snail, a young lady. There is another Snail you've heard me mention before who is a young man NOBO. We chatted for awhile. She is also on Trailjournals and knows one of the original 2 founders, Zip Drive I believe.Also met a fine young man, Stringer, and his chocolate lab, Daisy. Great guy who is experiencing some leg issues and looking to lighten his pack.Also met Roam'n. Squirrel Master, another SOBO is staying in the shelter tonight.When I got here around 3 a NOBO section hiker was alrwady here. A nice guy about my age from Virginia with the trailname, BaHa. He had some health issues that took him off the Trail last year.I wasn't sure if I should stay or pick up another 6 miles to the next shelter. Since it tried to rain a little I decided not to press my luck. Unpacked and set up camp.Had an italian sub I packed out of town for dinner...so I didn't have to cook. Did buy some mashed potatoes in town for the next hot mealThought for the Day: Why are the SOBO's so happy when they have so far to go?
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Day 131 Avg Mls/Day 13.5Weather: Cloudy with thunderstorms in morning then partly cloudy, humid with high around 80. Some evening sprinkles.Today's Nature: I was leaving the shelter, no more than 100 yards and a black bear scampered about 30 yards away. A half hour or so into the hike, a porcupine waddled by and then up a fallen tree. Rabbits and other small animals too.Falls Today 0 Total 6Today's Song: Beer for My HorsesToday was a different sort of hike. Some good things and some bad.I got up at 5 while PaHa and Squirrel Master continued to sleep. After eating some pastry, I was on the Trail around 6:30. It wasn't raining when I left although it had showered again overnight.Not long after seeing the porcupine it started pouring rain. The storm lasted about 2 hours and my feet were soaked in no time. So I hiked all day in wet boots. I did stop at the Firewarden's Cabin around 11 for a nice break. There, I took off my socks and wrung them outIt was not a particulary hard, nor an easy day. There was plenty of climbing. The first climb was 2,340' up to the Firewarden's Cabin on Smarts Mtn (3,240') There were no views as everything was fogged in at the time.The Trail would then drop down 800' and go back up 600'. It went up and down like this several times today. The Trail itself was not bad except for a few short rock climbs. The worst part of the Trail today was the mosquitoes. I am here in the shelter by myself and, for the first time, pitched my tent inside the shelter. I've seen it done before and since there in no one else here, it doesn't matter that I am taking up space.   I used deet this evening and they didn't seem to be biting...they're just a lot of them. You can hear them buzzing they're so many of them.The other thing that wasn't too much fun was missing a turn off the Trail on NH25A into the woods. Don't know how I missed it...guess I was watching for the blaze on the other side of the road. I had gone at least a mile past it...far enough that I hitched a ride back with Bob. Thanks Bob! At the last road crossing just in the woods was trailmajic, a cooler full cold soda with a nice folding chair next to it. I had heard about it from Squirrel Master. They keep it stocked and put ice in it everyday. It was still good and cold. I had root beer and cola and they really made my day. No name on the cooler but there was a register where I left a thank you note.Got to the Shelter after 5:30 so it was a long day. Saw no one on the Trail all morning. I believe it was after 1 when I passed the first of several SOBO's.After doing water, I cooked mashed potatoes with bacon bits. I think this is going to be my staple in the the Whites. Wasn't too bad and cooks fast since all you do is add packets to boiling water and stir.Tomorrow will be a short hike of less than 10 miles to the Hikers Welcome Hostel at Glencliff where I have a drop box. It is supposed to be one of the most hiker friendly hostels on the Trail.Thought for the Day: Nothing like being in out of the rain...and mosquitoes
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glenncliff NH (Hikers Welcome Hostel)
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Day 132 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Morning showers, mostly cloudy, humid. High in low 80's. Some sun mid afternoon. Back to mostly cloudy in the eveningToday' Nature: Some of the usual small animals...chipmunks, etc.Today's Song: NoneNot much of a hiking day. Since I had a box sent to Hikers Welcome Hostel, the plan was to get there and sort through it, get cleaned up, eat, do laundry, etc.I did set up the tent in the shelter last night and it worked beautifully. No mosquitoes and it poured down rain early morning while I tore down a dry tent.Woke up as usual around 5 but laid around until 7. Had some breakfast type snacks while the showers diminished. Finally started hiking just before 8.There was a gradual climb of 500' or so up Mt Mist. But I wasn't hiking in the mist and drizzle today for the hike...I just wanted to get to the hostel and get settled. It was an easy 7 miles.Got to the hostel at 11 and no one was around. Registered and went upstairs and picked out a mattress. Wasn't long before one of the owners, Packrat, and Ffej his assistant showed up. Showed me where to shower and do my laundry. Spent the next couple of hours doing just that and sorting through my drop boxes...one that I had bounced ahead from Dalton MA.Went to the payphone down the street and retrieved my email. Got a nice reply from Mule's Mom as I had wrote to ask about him.   He did become very ill again on the Trail. Continued to suffer from giardia and add to that saminella...had a temperature 0f 102.5 for 3 days with the shakes. I believe she said he is on cipro. Wow!...and he's coming back for more (next week?). Talk about not giving up. I'm not sure I'd be able to. This kid has character! BTW, he was "rescued" by 2X4, the guy who hikes with his dog...we hiked into Harpers Ferry together. I miss both these guys. With my dropbox same old problem...too much food to carry. One of the most common mistakes on the Trail is carrying items that you never eat or use for days at a time. It is particularly difficult going into the Whites. There are no "for sure" meals at the huts up there, but you don't want to haul anything up and down those peaks you don't have to either.We all ordered pizzas and such from a place about 5 miles away. Paha and I split a large deluxe and I have yet to eat my last piece. They make fantastic smoothies here too... with fresh fruit. I had one for desert and will have a second one soon.Although I will be in the town of N Woodstock Friday, tomorrow I start the Whites. I climb 3,000' up Mt Mousilauke. They tell me the down side is difficult especially when wet. After N Woodstock it is all Whites for 4 or 5 days.We're all watching a video but I'm not paying much attention. Remember Swift who was at Panarchy with me back in Hanover?..he showed up after falling on the Trail today; he had hit the back of his head on a rock before waking up and hitching a ride here.A SOBO, Goldylocks, is here with Paha, Swift and myself. Swift may be staying a day or so to heal while the rest of us are hiking on.Thought for the Day: Feeling welcomed.
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Franconia Notch 193/US 3 N Woodstock NH 

To: N Woodstock NH Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 135 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Sunny warm in the morning. Increasing cloudiness in afternoon. High around 85.Today worked out pretty good as a zero. Actually slept in until after 6:30...probably because I stayed up last night and watched some David Letterman.As I was on my way to breakfast I noticed the barbershop open and empty. Stopped in for a trim. A lot of thru-hikers never get a haircut. People say I already don't look like a thru-hiker because I shave.Had a great 3 egg/2 pancake breakfast at Pegs, a local restaurant. Then I walked a mile or so down the road to Lincoln NH. There I shopped at the grocery store and 2 outfitters. Picked up some ranch wheat thins, pecan sandies, idahoan instant mashes potatoes, triple A batteries, travel size shaving cream.At the outfitter, I replaced my longsleeve silk top with a Patagonia silkweight LS and my medium weight long johns with their silk weights. Also got a new pair of boot laces.Came back to the room and went through my gear. Pulled out some things I could do without and tore pages out of the the thru-hikers handbook. Got to the post office and sent back 2.5 pounds of excess/replaced items. Trying to enter the next climb with only what I need.Found that my AIWA radio must have been damaged by the soaking rain. I can't get it to work at all. Guess I'll have to throw it away as there is no sense in carrying it if it doesn't work. No more today's song.The rest of the day went by fast. At 3 I visited Woodstock Station Brewery's happy hour. They have 6 beers they brew themselves plus a half price menu from 3 to 5.Talked to Julia at the gasmart payphone at 6. Emailed her with the number and she called on her cell phone. I don't regret not carrying a cell phone. It would be nice to have one, but there is no service on a lot of the Trail. Also, Keeping it charged can be a problem.   You have to either carry a charger or bounce it from town to town.Went back to Woodstock Station for dinner. It is the most popular place in town with the tourists. Had a nice steak dinner.Well, the weather forcast is for rain tomorrow, then clear for several days. Since I'm this far, I may just take another zero to let the front pass before I climb the Presidentials.Thought for the Day: The Trail will still be there Monday.
Date: 2003-07-27
From: N Woodstock NH Zero Day

To: N Woodstock NH Zero Day #2
Miles today: 0.0

Day 136 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Overcast and cloudy all day with a little rain in the evening hours. Humid, high in 80's. The 70% showers never really developed, at least not here, down from the mountains.Well, let me see if I can explain this. This is one of those times I let the weather forecast influence my decision to hike. With 4 or 5 days of good weather forcasted to begin Monday, I figured it was no big deal to take another zero rather than chance a long climb out of here in the rain. It does bother me not to be hiking when the weather is decent. I did see on the weather channel where it has been raining on Mt Washington with temps in the low 40's. The book warns us to go in with winter gear and to be prepared for any kind of weather.I did sleep in today and catch up on some needed rest. Went to Peg's again for breakfast...where I had pancakes and sausage.There is a small cafe in town that offers free internet service. Went there for coffee and visited trailjournals and Eli's newspaper, nashvillecitypaper.com. There I met Sam (from Boston I believe.) We chatted for awhile and he told me that he had met a NOBO thru-hiker yesterday named Josh. I'm pretty sure this is the young man I hiked/camped with several days just before Delaware Water Gap PA and also at Standing Bear Hostel. He might be coming to town tonight and it would be great to see him again. Back after we parted company he had to take a couple of days off with a nasty insect bite on his leg.Upon leaving the cafe, I saw Ranger Rick chatting with Spielberg on the porch of the hostel across the street. I dropped in and surprised him as he thought I was long gone. We went next door to the Woodstock Inn for their AYCE Sunday brunch. Pretty good and man can that guy eat. I have half his appetite.Relaxed in the room until dinner. Went to another place, Truants for prime rib...the best I've had in a long time. They also have a great ice cream place here where I go for desert.Julia is calling at 9 after which I'm turning early. I can breakfast at Peg's when they open at 5:30 and be on the Trail early. It should be a long hard climb with some great views.Thought for the Day: I feel like I'm leaving home tomorrow.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Pinkham Notch NH 16 (Royalty Inn Gorham)

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Day 141 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Overcast in the morning then cold, dank, rainy, dreary and breezy. High in the mountains low 50's. Felt like 40's most of the day.Today's Nature: Toads and birds were about it today for wildlife. You couldn't see much of anything else.Falls: Today 0 Total 8I was dead tired last night...slept in till 6 this morning. Got up and went to a nearby restaurant and had the "hungryman special." A portly guy sitting at the next table ask me how I could eat so much and stay so thin. I told him walking the AT is what does it.Went to the P.O. when it opened at 8:30. Got my drop box and took it back to the room...way too much stuff again. Took out what I could carry and bounced the rest to Stratton ME.By the time I took care of business and began hitching it was past 9:30. Took me 20 minutes to get a ride. Two gentlemen from Canada were headed out to Pinkham Notch. Ed and Peter are here to do some hiking also. We chatted about the Trail I had just covered. Thanks Ed & Peter for the lift!It was shortly after 10 when I started walking...or should I say climbing. The AT leaves Pinkham Notch at 2,035' and climbs to Wildcat Peak (4,063'). Took me about an hour and it really wasn't a bad climb.Met a SOBO couple, Fat Cat and Grommie. We didn't talk alot but they filled me in on the rest of the Trail. Met one other SOBO thru-hiker later today.After that I passed 3 people who looked liked day hikers. Then I met some people with small children. I wondered how they were able to climb the peak. Then I passed the ski chair lift and saw it was operating. Should have known.The rest of the Trail was not bad...short ups and downs except for the major valleys. Arrived at Carter Notch Hut at 2. Spent a half hour or so there eating snacks, talking to a couple of hikers and getting water. The concensus was I should have no trouble reaching Imp Campsite by 6:30.Actually, I think I got here about 6:45. About a 1,000' climb up Carter Dome, a couple of dips and then South, Middle and North Carters. So it took me over 4 hours to do the last 7.3 miles. It was particularly slow going on the slippery downhills. I slipped a couple of times but didn't have any falls. It was a cold, wet, driving wind on the exposed peaks. Fortunately, they weren't exposed for very long.After checking in with the campsite caretaker and paying the $8 fee I unpacked in the shelter. A section-hiker, Sooner Zooman had been here since 3. Another young man sectioner came in later so there are only 3 of staying here tonight.I fixed Mountainhouse spagetti in meat sauce for supper and it tasted good. I must have been hungry since I had no trouble eating the large 20 oz package.Tomorrow I hike 9 miles and get off in Gorham again. The trail is closer there than where I got on today. I made arangements with the motel to stay again tomorrow night.Thought for the Day: I guess you have to have days like today so you can appreciate the rest of them.
Date: 2003-08-03
From: Route US 2 (Gorham NH Royalty Inn)

To: Gorham NH Royalty Inn Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Day 143 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Foggy & humid in the morning, mostly cloudy, warm & humid in the afternoon. Some sun.It was touch and go this morning...trying to decide whether or not to take a zero. Since the forecast is for rain everyday through next weekend, I figured I might as well enjoy another day in town.The first thing was the Sunday brunch at Welch's Restaurant. I ate well...omlet, waffle, carved ham and all the breakfast regulars. It was great.The next thing to do was a walk 2 miles down the road to Walmart to look for a radio. As I was leaving the motel, a young man asked me if I was a thru-hiker. (I must look like one after all). He introduces himself as Shepard, who thru-hiked the AT in 2001. He was here with a youth group since Thursday hiking Mt Washington. We chatted for awhile after which he and his younger brothers gave me a lift to Walmart.   There, I bought a small Walkman and some Snickers. While I'm in the store they go down the street and buy me some Dunkin Donuts. Nice trail majic. Thanks so much Shepard for your thoughtfulness.This is a "hiker friendly" place for me. Remember it was Thursday evening I met Arrow here.Got back to the room and did some more emails. Heard from Mule via email and he sounded upbeat. He was diagnosed with Lyme Disease for which he is receiving medication. His other health problems are over so he expects to return to the Trail soon. That's all good news. One thing about Lyme Disease...it should be treated ASAP.Walked down the street to the hiker hostel called "The Barn." There I ran into Popparatzi. Last time I saw him it was the middle of April. He was with Cosmo and Tapeworm, soaked from an overnight rain storm, in Clyde Smith Shelter. Also met a SOBO thru-hiker, Lone Star. He says our toughest days will be next week.Walked around town and picked up a few incidentals. Came back to the Motel and used the whirlpool spa and indoor pool.Tried a different restaurant for dinner tonight. Their specialty is "Thanksgiving" style turkey dinners. It was fine but not great.Well, the forecast for tomorrow has improved slightly. They are no longer calling for the steady all day rain...now sounds like it will be somewhat intermitant. No doubt it is going to be wet all week.Thought for the Day: Who keeps saying, "Hike on!"? (this is an inside TFTD)
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Gorham NH Royalty Inn 

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day 144 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Foggy, overcast, 100% humidity. Warm, around 80. Afternoon drizzle and light rain.Today' Nature: Lots of toads. Some more moose droppings but no moose.Falls Today 1 Total 9Got up shortly after 5, shaved and started packing. Went to Welch's the 3rd time for breakfast. They serve one of the best I've had on the Trail. Great pancakes and lots of bacon...extra large eggs and good hashbrowns, OJ & coffee all included for 7.95.When I walked down the road to hitch back to the Trail, there were 3 other NOBO's hitching in front of The Barn Hostel. I thought I recognized one of them...the young lady. Turns out she is Mousebait, who I had met last summer during my shakedown hike at Dahlgren Backpack Area. She made it as far as CT last year and is back to finish. Also with Mousebait today is B Rock. We had met briefly back in GA on March 14th. With them is a an Italian chap called Mauro.We all hiked together for a couple of hours. B Rock had hiked with Mule earlier and was interested in the latest on his health and return to the Trail.The climb out of route 2 (760') to Mt Hayes (2,555') was not bad...gradual inclines and easy steps up. The next high point was Cascade Mt (2,630'). There was limited visibilty with the fog and clouds.The Trail crossed over a beaver dam at Page Pond where it got kind of messy. In fact, one of my new shoes sunk in almost over the top when I stepped on a soft spot in the mud. Feet never got wet today so I'm not complaining. BTW, I like the new boots and they feel as good as the ones they replaced.Got to the shelter early...before 3. A lady section hiker had already settled in. Just after me, a SOBO thru-hiker "Q" stopped for the night. A friend of hers joined her later. Mousebait, B Rock, Mauro and another section hiker arrived later. There are 8 in the shelter and 1 tenting so far. Been awhile since I've been in a shelter with that many. A nice mix of NOBO's, SOBO's and sectioners.Had mashed potatoes with bacon bits for supper. They are so easy to fix and taste good too.One update...got a message from Charlie's wife, Rosemary. Seems his return to the Trail didn't go well. He was still experiencing knee pain and he is getting off at Manchester Center. Probably a wise decision to let them heal so he can continue to do what he really loves...cycling. Over 1600 miles is still a good walk and he can always return one day if he wants to do the rest.Thought for the Day: Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.