morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-31
From: VT 14

To: Hanover, NH (Sunset Motel)
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: mist

Short day into Hanover and rest, relaxation, and resupply. Just as we were leaving the Hart's barn it started to rain and continued all day. Fortunately the trail was moderate and the day cool so we didn't sweat too much under the rain gear. Made good time as we only took one break in the rain at a shelter. Got to Hanover (home of Dartmouth College) about 1:00. Found the Sunset motel and got a ride there. Washed, laundry and relaxed a bit. Mr Ed and Lightweight are also here after zeroing today. Went to a great Indian Restaurant for dinner and will head back out in the morning. Pam will be coming for a visit on the 4th for ten days. We will hike during the day and visit at night. Sharing a room with Matt and Wendy tonight to help both our budgets.
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Hanover, NH

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

Late breakfast at the motel , on the trail by 9:00. The trail is still mud and we spend a lot of time trying to stay out of the worst of it. Humid and warm today, looks like summer has come to New England. That's about it for today. We did cross into New Hampshire yesterday.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Fire Warden Cabins
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Started to rain just as we left in the morning. Continued misty for the rest of the day. Just made the mud worse. Bill's blue house along the trail gives out free ice cream bars to hikers, of course we stopped. Three hard climbs today but we made them, we're readjusting to steeper climbs - which we'll need soon as we get into the White Mountains. Got to the shelter (an old Fire Warden's cabin) about 3:30. Started raining harder and continued most of the night.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Fire Warden Cabins

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

The rain has made the mud worse than can be imagined. After last night's rain today was back to sunshine, but it didn't help the trail. Vista at the top of Mt. Cube was great. By the time we made it to the shelter we were exhausted. I've decided to give into the mud and realize that there's nothing I can do about it, like the trail, the weather, the ups, or the downs.
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: NH 25
Miles today: 7.5

Up early on another sunny day, our second in a row for a while. Arrived at the hostel before noon after a quick seven plus miles. We are meeting Pam here and then driving to the North Woodstock/Lincoln area for a three night stay. Mr Ed and Lightweight are joining us. Vickie took a shower at the hostel and there was a school group that cooked burgers and hot dogs for the hikers. Tomorrow we start into the White Mountains which are advertised as the toughest part of the trail.
Date: 2009-08-05
From: NH 25

To: Kingsman Notch NH 112
Miles today: 9.5

Quick breakfast in the car from McDonald's while we were driving to the trail head. Had a big up Mt. Moosilauke - 3700 feet in five miles. We were able to keep a good steady pace and reached the summit in less than four hours. Unfortunately for us the weather didn't cooperate and all we saw was clouds blowing by very fast. We took a picture and started down. The last mile and a half down was one of the steepest that we're done. In some places they had boards stuck to the rocks for a foot hold. It took almost as long to get down as it did to get up. Vickie fell once but was able to control it and didn't get hurt. Pam hiked up from the bottom and joined us for about a half hour. Drove back to the motel and had snack at the table in front of the room. went to the store for some supplies and out to eat. A great way to walk the trail, too bad Pam can't stay till we finish.
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Kingsman Notch NH 112

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

After our successful trip over Moosilauke yesterday we decided to combine what was planned as two days into one and take advantage of our lighter packs. On the way up I started to have second thoughts. The climb up was very steep, difficult, and rocky. By noon we had only done about seven of our planned sixteen. We continued on and were rewarded by a great vista on South Kinsman. For once it was clear and we could see forever. We then started our descent. Usually the down is easier than the up, but in this case it was just as difficult. Very steep, rocky, and long. A very challenging all day. Pam met us by the Lonesome Lake hut and hiked the last three down with us. Didn¢t get to the car until 7:30, twelve and half hours on the trail. We were exhausted. Got back to our room ¢ showered and ordered take out from a Thai restaurant. Pam was great and picked it up while we relaxed. Passed the 1800 mile mark today.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Franconia Notch

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

Again today we changed our planned itinerary. We looked at the map and combined three days into two. This leg we have to camp one night because there are no road crossings for a pick up. This will also give Pam a chance to drive to Lee, MA to visit a friend. We got a later start than usual, 9:00. The climb was even more difficult than yesterday, up 2300 feet in about two miles. And yes it was rocky. Continued up to Mt. Lincoln and on to Mt. Lafayette at 5249 feet (above the tree line for the first time). The views were amazing. It was exhilarating and at the same time terrifying when gale force winds blew us off the trail as we started our descent. We didn¢t arrive at the hut until 8:00, another eleven hour day (this time with full packs). There were 12 other hikers at the hut in addition to the paying guests. The hut master was kind enough to let us stay (on the floor) for minimal charge. The lights didn¢t go out until 9:30 and we had to be out by 6:00am but it was good to be indoors.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

Up early and on the trail by 6:30. Another long day and steep rocky climb up South Twin Mountain. The afternoon was better with a gradual descent to Zealand hut (stopped for lunch) and then on to Ethan Pond. The final descent to Crawford Notch was steep but no so rocky. Met Pam at 4:30 and went to a condo that we¢ve rented for the balance of the trip. Had showers, did laundry, and went to eat at a nice dinner. After our past three hard days we are taking a zero tomorrow to rest, recoup, and visit with Pam.
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Crawford Notch

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 12.6

Up early and on the trail by 7:15. Pam walked the first couple miles with us and then headed back. Another steep up. The Whites are really hard and we¢ve been at it so long that it can be really hard mentally and physically. Got to the Mizpah Hut by noon. Made the top of Mt Washington by 4:45. It¢s the second highest peak on the trail (after Clingman¢s Dome in the Smokys) and the highest in New England. We had good weather, but clouds, most of the day and the climb was steep but doable. We ran into mist as we approached the summit. Temperatures were in the low 50¢s at the summit and the winds were strong but not nearly as strong as those on Mt Lafayette. Pam drove up the Mt. Washington Road (a steep $23 charge) and whisked us back to the condo and 80 plus degree weather. Pam fixed us all dinner.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: Mt. Washington

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: moderate rain

Another drive the Mt Washington road. Twenty three dollars for the car and driver and eight dollars for each additional passenger, what a racket. The trail was amazing rocky. We also had to battle the elements. I thought we had seen it all but today we were on the high narrow and rocky Mt. Madsion ridge as a thunder storm approached. We decided to take shelter in a small rock cave. It only lasted about 15 minutes and we were back on the trail again, this time with wet slippery rocks. It was a very steep, slow journey down. We were cheered when we met Pam about a mile and a half from the finish. Finished leftovers at the condo as this will be our last night with Pam.
Date: 2009-08-12
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Our last morning with Pam. We left late since we only planed 6 miles. WOW what six miles they were. It took us six and half hours to complete. Went up Wildcat mountain. There were rocks all the way up and it was steep. And to make things worse it started to rain and continued most of the day. We were both exhausted when we reached the hut a little after six. We had decided to pay the high price ($177 total) and made reservations. That was a really good move as dinner was just being served as we arrived. There were no other thru-hikers there, only day or weekend hikers. They gave us some disapproving looks but we paid them no attention. We were surprised to see Ian & Anita there. They had left earlier than us but the rain forced them to stop early (they got work for stay and paid nothing).
Date: 2009-08-13
From: Carteer Notch Hut

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: fog

After a restful night and a good breakfast at the hut we headed out for another short day. We conquered the three peaks of Mt. Carter with the sun shining. Another very difficult day but not as steep as Wildcat. Got rained on again. Arrived at the shelter about 2:45. A long day for short miles. These mountains are really beating us up (but not down).
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Imp Shelter

To: US 2 Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Not such a restful night in the shelter as there were some late arrivals that made too much noise visiting with each other. Sunshine blue sky and it seems summer has finally arrived as the temperatures have risen significantly. Had a good; a steep up and down but finished with a couple flat miles at the end into the road. Got a ride to the Colonial Fort Motel, walked to McDonald's for some fries and tried to relax. Chinese buffet for dinner.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: US 2 Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

Our five month on the trail anniversary today. Simple breakfast at the hotel and then on to the trail. Sunshine and warm, almost hot temperatures. Seems that summer has finally arrived. Three good climbs and the final 2.2 miles to the shelter seemed like they would never end. Got to shelter by 4:00 and took a much needed rest. Tomorrow we leave New Hampshire and enter Maine the last state in our journey.
Date: 2009-08-16
From: Gentian Shelter

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

Maine at last and we passed the 1900 mile mark. Another very warm day. The warmest of the season. It took us ten hours to do 9.6 miles. Very difficult trail but we can't do anything but keep hiking. Only five at the shelter tonight, us, Mr Ed & Lightweight, and Egg. Tomorrow we go through Mahoosuc Notch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahoosuc_Notch) and then to a hostel for a few days where we'll take advantage of slacking packing again.
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch ME 26 (Pine Ellis Lodging)
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Up early because we've got a long day to go today. Perfect, but very warm, weather continues. We'd be happy if we don't see rain again. A ten hour day to finish 9.7 miles. The trip through Mahoosuc Notch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahoosuc_Notch) was long and tiring. It took over two hours to go about a mile. And then a climb of 1300 feet in a mile and a half. Old Speck mountain was another tough climb but the descent into Grafton Notch wasn't so bad. There was a 2008 hiker, Old Buzzard, doing trail magic which was perfect because we need some snacks after a long day. We got a ride to the hostel and are clean and well fed.
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Grafton Notch ME 26 (Pine Ellis Lodging)

To: East B Hill Road (Pine Ellis Lodging)
Miles today: 10.3

It was about a 30 minute ride back to Grafton Notch where we continued our hike. David, who helps run the hostel, said it would be about seven and half hours to do the 10.3 miles. Maine starts like New Hampshire left off steep and rocky. We climber 2300 feet to the top of Baldplate Mountain. I guess it got the name because the top is mostly solid granite - no soil. It was easy to walk on but steep. We came down most of the way and then back up Surplus Mountain, not sure how it got it's name (maybe because there are too many mountains here). We were just about back to the road (in eight hours) when we saw David in the stream to our right. He said he had towels in the car and we should take a little swim. The water was very refreshing and cold. No one got in all the way but it was an interesting way to end a long hot day.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: East B Hill Road (Pine Ellis Lodging)

To: South Arm Road (Pine Ellis Lodging)
Miles today: 10.1

Another warm, sunny, slackpacking day. Started early as we heard that the climb up Moody Mt. was difficult. The first four miles were a steady but comfortable 1800 feet up. We passed a nice pond after about two miles and stopped for a short break. We continued up to the Hill Mt Shelter where we had another break and what could be called lunch. There was a 1800 foot drop and then the start of a 1400 foot climb up Moody. It was steep at first but the trail was better than what we've seen for the last couple days. There was at least a trail and not just a pile of rocks to climb over. It took about an hour to get to the top and then a 1.8 mile descent to the road. We arrived a little early so had a fifteen minute for our ride. All in all not a bad day. We were still tired at the end but not exhausted. Looking forward to a longer and harder day tomorrow. We actually projected our finish and hope to be done September 8th. That may not be a bad day since it's just after the Labor Day weekend and the day before the ninth. We've heard from other hikers that a number are planning to finish that day because of the date (9-9-09).
Date: 2009-08-20
From: South Arm Road (Pine Ellis Lodging)

To: ME 17 (Pine Ellis Lodging)
Miles today: 13.3

Our last day of slacking packing started nice. A cold front moved through last night and cooled off things and lowered the humidity. Our day started with a 2200 foot climb up Old Blue. The trail was better than we've seen recently. There was evidence that there was actually some maintenance done on it. It took us about two hours to do the 2.8 miles. From there we took our time with a few ups and downs. The final two miles were more difficult with a steep down and then another up to get to the road and our scheduled pickup. I've noticed that there are indications summer is coming to an end. We've had a couple windy days and I've seen the first of the fallen leaves. Also the plants are showing there age, they're just not a perky as before. Tomorrow we go back to full packs. And it seems that the cold front from last night will be coming back as a warm front and will bring rain Friday and Saturday. Oh well it's been a nice week with no rain, some of the mud holes have actually started to dry up. Nineteen more days (we hope).
Date: 2009-08-21
From: ME 17 (pine Ellis Lodging)

To: Piazza Rock Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Hiked the gentle ups and down past Moxie, Long, and Sabbath ponds. Any of them would have made a good destination but we don't have time to dally. Egg and her friend did go for a dip and still hike further than us. Skies were overcast all day with an 80% chance of rain. Fortunately, it held off until just before 5:00 as were were approaching the shelter. Mr. Ed and Lightweight are here and just after dark and man and two Cub Scouts arrived.
Date: 2009-08-22
From: Piazza Rock Shelter

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.9

After a rainy night the skies cleared slightly and we started by 7:00. Hiked Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback Junior with skies that were more clouds than sun and rain spitting occasionally. It was tough going but we kept at it and ended our day by 3:00. Seemed like a long time but not that much distance. Ranger is in the shelter along with Mr. Ed and Lightweight.
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: Caribou Valley Road (Stratton Motel)
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained off/on all night, sure to keep the trail muddy. Started hiking up Lone Mountain with appreciation for the better trail surface. Took plenty of breaks, forded two rivers (easy peasy), and managed to cope with two steep descents. Decided to stay at the Stratton Motel and slackpack two more days (but we're calling it ultra lightweight backpacking. Along with the four of us Ironman and Wendy & Matt are here. Oh and by the way WE ARE UNDER 200 MILES TO GO.
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Caribou Valley Road (Stratton Motel)

To: ME 27 (Stratton Motel)
Miles today: 8.3

A short day today to get over Crocker Mountain in anticipation of a long day tomorrow over the Bigelow's. Climbed a steep and steady ascent to the south peak and then a short drop and up to the north peak. From there it was all downhill the rest of the way. Finished about 1:00, so plenty of rest time today. One little sprinkle but that moved quickly away and plentiful sunshine abounds.
Date: 2009-08-25
From: ME 27 (Stratton Motel)

To: East Fallstaff Road (Stratton Motel)
Miles today: 16.7

the day started with a gentle climb to Horns Pond Lean-to. It has a lovely setting next to a pond. It would have been a great place to stop if it been more than two hours. We did stop for a break and continued climbing eventually crossing the west peak of Bigelow Mtn. (4145 ft) and Avery Peak (4090 ft) It was one o'clock by the time we started our long seven mile descent. The views from the top were spectacular. It's so different when you can see the area around. Usually we're in the forest and can't see more than a few yards in any direction. The last two miles were flat and smooth, hopefully an indication of things to come. Today was our last mountains of 4000 feet, with only one over 3000 until the end. Our weather continues to be nice during the day, the forecast is for a cold front later this week to cool things off. AND WE CROSSED THE TWO THOUSAND MILE MARK COMPLETED TODAY!
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Pleasant Pond

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Two climbs today, Pleasant Mt & Moxie Bald. Camped beside a nice pond (in Maine bigger than most lakes in Florida). Serenaded by Loons all night. Rain started about 3:30am and lasted into the morning.
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Long Pond Stream

To: E. Chairback Pond Trail
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Tough day today. Barren Mtn, Fourth Mtn, Third Mtn, Columbus Mtn, and Chairback Mtn. Along with the rocks, roots, mud, and a rock field. Ended up by a pond. Getting closer every day.
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Birtches Campsite.
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day before last. Short trip into Baxter State Park. Tomorrow we finish. I can't believe what I did tonight. While boiling the water for super I spilled it on my foot. I ended up with five blisters but I don't think they'll bother me tomorrow.
Date: 2009-09-08
From: Katahdin Birtches Campsite.

To: Baxter Peak, Katadin Mountain
Miles today: 5.2

Done !!!!!!!!!!!!Took us about four and half hours up. Very difficult but the going was so slow it didn't seem strenuous. Clouds at the top but they didn't spoil our finish.Pictures at http://willandways2009atjourney.shutterfly.com/
Date: 2009-05-26
To: Hello!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello All!I have decided to create my own trailjournal account, only because I want to keep track of how many miles I cover, and because I have blogged before and like the idea of making my own! Besides, it might be kind of neat to have two different viewpoints of the same day on the trail As some of you may already know, I am going to be hiking with Transition, (A.K.A Matt Curtis off the trail ) in less than 4 weeks! I work at an elementary school, and will be leaving to join Matt after school on the last day. His sister Heather will be coming along for 10 days, and his mom is driving us down to meet him, most likely 50 miles from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. I am SO excited to get going! Hopefully I can hike with Matt for the majority of the summer, unless something comes up. I am going to be updating my gear list if anybody is interested, as well as post some pictures of some recent hikes I have been doing on the weekends. I will update a few more times before I am off! Three weeks from Thursday...YIPPIE!-'bow(AKA Dani)
Date: 2009-05-31
To: Preparation Part 1
Miles today: 0.0

Transition was fortunate in a way, because he had quite a bit of time to prepare for his trip. By time, I mean lots and lots of time. He wasn't working, and had every day free to shop, work out logistics, and go on long, 10 mile walks around Durham with his pack. Of course I don't need to spend a lot of time working out a schedule, because Matt has done that for me . Heather and I went with Matt on a lot of shopping trips, and so our gear is pretty much set. I had to buy a few more things lately to get ready. I mean, my "rainbow" of gear just wasn't quite there, so I needed to make sure I had plentiful amounts of every colorIn terms of the working out part, I have tried to push myself to do as much as I can while trying to juggle a pretty busy schedule. I work 6 days a week, so I don't have a lot of time. I have almost zero time to just head out my door for a 10 mile walk. But I am trying. I bought a Y membership that expires right before I leave, and have put my pass to good use during my breaks in the middle of the day and sometimes after work as well. You think that people would put two and two together when they see me on the treadmill at an incline, or on the stairmaster, always with my pack full. But questions abound, many are obvious and just plain funny. Some of my favorites so far from other people at the Y:"Are you training for something?" (No, lady, I just feel that hoisting a 25 pound pack onto my back and spending 45 minutes sweating my butt off on a Stairmaster is fun. I feel that I need to work on my cardio AND break my back at the same time..it's a new workout fad, did you not hear?)"So, is that pack full or did you just stuff it with clothes?" (UM...???)"So what exactly do you bring on a hike like that? I mean, what's in your pack? Like, everything you need?" (Nope, I felt like filling it with unpractical items: Seasons 3 and 4 of Grey's Anatomy, my undergrad education portfolio that weighes 10 pounds, a book on bird watching in South America, two of my old sweatshirts that are 100% cotton, two bottles of hydrogen peroxide and my personal favorite, my Macbook laptop. But don't worry, it's tucked away in a protective case).Are you catching the sarcasm? In all honesty, I think it's cute when people ask. Although these questions are quite funny, most of them are serious and I have ended up getting into a lot of conversations with people at the Y about the hike, and about where Matt is and how he is doing. It's a good way to stay motivated, talking to people. It is hard to stay focused at times when I haven't spoken with Matt in days. I spend my days in conversation with 9 year olds about what makes Queen a rock band and why "Snoop Dog" is NOT rock. You can see what I'm saying. So I work out. I track Matt on the enormous map I have in my room. I read other trail journals. Time has been moving slowly, but I enjoy my job and have been spending my weekends (well, my Saturdays) hiking with my dog, Samantha, which has been an enlightening experience. More on that in Preparation Part 2.