morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: 1 Mile South of NH 25A
Miles today: 15.9

Packed up and hiking north at 7:06 a.m. Had two monster climbs today. One over Smart Mountain and the other over Cube Mountain.There was a fire tower on Smart Mountain that offered great 360 degree views. One could even see the top of Cube Mountain that seemed huge. Both climbs today were real testers, and I lost a great deal of fluids sweating. Didn't carry any water up Cube Mountain, which was a mistake. Didn't cross any streams and the climb took 3 hours. Pretty dehydrated and out of energy at the top.Rested on the sun baked rocks at the top, which was nice and a revitalizer. Started down in search of water and finally found a nice stream for water and to camp at. Waterboy showed up and some other hikers as well.Ten miles to Glencliff tomorrow and the start of the Whites. Picture is rebarin rock going up Cube Mountain. A little help for very steep spots.
Date: 2009-08-18
From: NH 25A

To: Glencliff Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 10.8

I was first up and first out at 6:50 a.m. The rest of the young hikers would soon all pass except for three Blue Blazers. Very disappointing.Made the 11 or so miles to Glencliff by 1 p.m. Nice place with the big Mt. Moosilauke looming in the background. Many hikers here, most going north. Many stories to be had along with many beers. Catching up with hikers I communicated even before setting foot on the trail. Many started weeks before me in March. Go figure!Weather is promising for the start of the Whites. Damn big hill to climb tomorrow. Looking forward though to get this challenge going. After 1700 miles plus climbing hills I better be ready.Weighed myself on a scale here and weighed in at 176 lbs. Have not seen that number since retirement days. That means 42 pounds lost since starting in Springer. Hope to keep it going while eating everything in sight until I'm done.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Glencliff Hikers Hostel

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started walking north from the Happy Hiker Hostel at 7:36 a.m. with Waterboy. Had to ford a creek from the get go. Nice to start out with wet feet, but the NB trail runners dry quickly. It was a seemingly never ending spiral staircase of rocks up Mt. Moosilauke that went on for several hours. I said to myself, just keep climbing, keep your head down on the trail, and the top will come. I drank a gallon of water before starting so I was well hydrated and only carried a liter of Gatorade up the mountain to reduce weight. Finally made the top of Moosilauke around noon.The sunny weather had turned to overcast skies, and windy conditions developed. Dripping wet with sweat it, was time for a jacket and picture taking. Threatening weather hastened our trek down the mountain.Saw several hikers that were slackpacking the mountain south. No pack! View from the peak of Mt. MoosilaukeThe first part of the hike down the mountain was gentle. We had been told that the lower half of the downhill was steep and treacherous. It did not disappoint.Wooded steps and rebar helped our way down a very rocky climb down from the top. A nice thundering waterfall followed us down most of the way along our left, sometimes almost running across the trail. Finally made the climb down to Kinsman Notch.Nice start of the Whites. Rain held off until dinner time. Another big climb tomorrow up Kinsman Mountain.
Date: 2009-08-20
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking in good cool, crisp weather at 7:46 a.m. Steep, rocky climbs right from the beginning. The first 4 miles turned out to be one of the most enjoyable hikes on the trail that I can remember. Nice ups and downs through rocks and pines. Not easy, but just challenging enough to make it fun.Waterboy and I met Mountain Man, Tagless and Tag-along at the Eliza Brook shelter, and hiked up South Kinsman Mountain together. We laughed, screamed, cursed, and sweated as we made our way up rocks and crevices, holding onto trees to help pull us up along the way. Very steep in many places and we had to think what the best approach was to getting up and over to the next rocky predicament. After almost three hours of strenuous climbing, we were rewarded with 360 degree breathtaking views of the White Mountains and more. The air was cool, refreshing, and felt great on our saturated, sweaty bodies. Waterboy and I continued on, as we had made aggressive plans to make Franconia Notch by the end of the day. We had to hike over North Kinsman Mountain from the higher South Mountain peak at 4358 feet. We made our way down North Kinsman, over boulders and long stretches of flat, slippery rock surfaces where we used semi-controlled slides to get down.After what seemed forever, we made it to Lonesome Lake Hut. Lonesome Lake Hut is the first hut of a handful of huts run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) through the White Mountains. These huts are enclosed lodges which sleep 36-90 people, and are open to the public. The huts are very expensive, generally treat hikers poorly, but there are opportunities for hikers to work for overnight stay and food; however, these spots are limited.At dusk, we finally made it to Interstate 93, walked the 0.7 miles side trail to an AMC parking area, and got a ride into N. Woodstock. Very tough, but rewarding, day in the Whites.
Date: 2009-08-21
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Got up early to do laundry across the street before heading out to hike. Normal coin laundry operation. Insert coins, put clothes and soap in and wait until finished. Place in dryer and watch hiking clothes burn up in dryer. Not a good start to the day. Called owner and, of course, no response, but voice mail.Heavy rain predicted so it became a shopping day to replace hiking clothes. Owner finally responded with little help other than send burned garments in mail and wait for reimbursement. So after walking several miles and visiting multiple stores in Lincoln, Waterboy and I were able to find OK replacement hiking shorts and shirts.Afternoon brought more pouring rain, hail, lightning and thunder. Not going anywhere fast today. Forecast for tomorrow is 80% all day and night. Not a good scenario for hiking in the Whites. Stay tuned!
Date: 2009-08-22
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Decided on another zero day. Raining, and forecast is for numerous thunderstorms in the afternoon. We¢re just attempting to be prudent hikers. More rain in the forecast for Sunday, but we are headed out early for the trail, no matter what. In the meantime, it is another zero, so might as well eat more food!
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Franconia Notch

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

Any ten miles in the White Mountains of NH is a good day, I'm starting to believe. It was a two hour climb up to Liberty Springs Tentsite. We then climbed Little Haystack Mountain at 4800 feet, Mt. Lincoln, and finally Mt. Lafayette (pictured) at 5260 feet.Most of the Franconia Ridge and other mountains were hidden by the fog and mist, but there were a few brief photo ops. As we climbed down from Mt. Lafayette, it started to pour rain and did so until we reached Garfield Pond. We climbed Garfield Mountain and had a very steep, rocky and slippery climb down to the Garfield Ridge Campsite. Cairns mark the way on Franconia NotchCamping on tent platforms with Waterboy, Mountain Man, Tagless and Tag-along. More rain and thunderstorms forecast for tonight and tomorrow.Some hikers said today's hike was one of the easier sections of the Whites. If that's the case, I can't wait until tomorrow's hike.
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.7

Rained lightly off and on throughout the night. Not much sleep even though I was in my bag at 6 pm. Drizzling in the a.m., but everyone was heard to be packing up. Mountain Man, Tagless and Tag-along were gone before I was out of my tent. I was somewhat hesitant to get started for fear of more heavy rain.Waterboy left, so I got going only to find myself in a downpour within 10 minutes of hiking at 7:45 a.m. Faced with a treacherous hike down a steep, rocky trail that was imitating a roaring waterfall, I slowly made my way down. Every step was placed in a hopefully secure location because one slip could be disastrous. Well, I slipped in the fast moving water and fell, hitting my left knee really hard; however, I was able to hold on to nearby trees preventing me from falling another 30 feet below. It was pouring rain still and my knee was bleeding, but I still had to get to the bottomI slowly made my way down the rest of the way and was glad to be at the bottom of this rock waterfall. The rain slowly washed away the blood from my knee, but it would be another long day in the Whites. More steep, rocky climbs and descents all day. The rain stopped and the sun peaked through a few times, but the mist and fog persisted most of the day.Finally made it to Zealand Falls Hut during yet another rain storm. As hikers, we waited for the guests to eat and then we were offered leftovers which was fine. I got the last bunk, while the other hikers would sleep on the floor, bad knee and all.Tomorrow we start our climb up Mt. Washington at 6288 feet. It will take up two days to climb this mountain from where we are. Good weather is forecast for tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.1

Everyone was up early at the Hut. My knee was pretty sore, but we had an easy eight miles to Crawford Notch, so I figured it was a good test to see how my knee would respond to hiking. We made it to Crawford Notch in about three hours and decided to dry out our gear and clothes in the sun.After the break, we started the long climb up Webster Cliffs. It took three hours to make it to the top. Steep, rocky and using every crevice to squeeze our way up. More like rock climbing than hiking today.After Webster Cliffs we climbed Mt. Jackson and made it to the Hut campsite by 6 p.m. Long friggin day, but some great views from Webster Cliffs.Thunderstorms in the forecast for tomorrow as we head up Mt. Washington. Drying out our gear atop Crawford Notch
Date: 2009-08-26
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: fog

You could hear the wind whipping through the treetops all night. Got up to clear skies and a forecast of possible rain, with cloudy skies and 40 mph gusts on Mt. Washington.We were off at 7:44 a.m. We were soon above tree line and starting up Mt. Franklin at 4670 feet. As we made our way up Mt. Franklin, the wind was almost blowing us over and the weather deteriorating. The summit was socked in when we reached it and it was difficult just standing, let alone taking pictures. After that visibility was reduced to about 20 yards. The wind on Mt. FranklinWe continued our hiking until we stumbled upon The Lake of the Clouds Hut that appeared out of nowhere. Waterboy wanted to stay and I wanted to hike the 1.5 miles up to the summit of Mt. Washington, regardless of no visibility. I wanted to progress this hike. After an hour of contemplation, I reluctantly agreed to stay at the Hut at a cost of $90 for a bunk.By 2 p.m. (3 hours later), the weather got worse and it started to mist. Little by little, day hikers with advance reservations continued to trickle in cold and wet to the bone. Not much I could do now but wait around for dinner at 7 pm and hope it was worth staying the night with great views tomorrow.Forecast for tonight is temps in the 30's with wind chills in the a.m. of 15-20 degrees. In retrospect, I could have made it to the summit of Mt. Washington before the rain started and taken the shuttle down the mountain to Crawford Notch for the night and returned the next morning for the same views minus half the expense. Oh well, such are decisions of a thru-hiker. Some good some not so good. Hope dinner is good!
Date: 2009-08-27
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day for photos. Left the Lake of the Clouds Hut about 8 a.m. in clear skies, but 20 degree wind chill. Hiked the 1.5 miles up to Mt. Washington taking photos every step of the way. It was a banner day for Mt. Washington with 130 miles of visibility. One could even see the Atlantic Ocean.The wind was howling though. Yesterday's wind was recorded at sustained velocity of 65 mph with 80 mph gusts. Today the wind was blowing about 50 mph. Clear skies on Mt. Washington - a rarityAfter a photo session on top of Mt. Washington, we hiked three more peaks which took all day. It was above tree top hiking all day until climbing down a multiple ridge of steep rocks of Mt. Madison. We made it to Osgood Tent Site around dusk. Our legs were pretty much like rubber after today's hike.It was a spectacular day of views in every direction. We still have 25 miles of the Presidential Range to complete before reaching Gorham.
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

Cold morning at the tent site. Didn't sleep much because of tired and sore aching legs. Signs at the tent site reported recent bear activity. Other hikers tenting here last night were Tagless and Tag-along, Mountain Man, Spiceman, and others unknown.Started hiking at 7:48 a.m. It was an easy hike to Pinkham Notch arriving at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center about 11:30 a.m. Spiceman told us that shortly after we left the tent site, he came out the privy door and observed a bear on the tent platform we used last night. He was pretty excited.People at the Visitor Center said the forecast for Saturday was 100% rain and high winds from the approaching hurricane that would brush the coast of NH. We could climb Wildcat Mt. today, but what about tomorrow. Other hikers said the top of Wildcat and beyond is not a good place to be in bad weather. We decided to sit tomorrow out.
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

The weather forecast for Saturday was a 100% chance of rain. So, not wanting to hike Wildcat Mountain and beyond in slippery, rocky conditions, we opted for a day off. Good thing. The weather was miserable, so it was a good decision not to hike.Some days you¢re right and some days the weather forecasters suck at their job. This time they got it right.Gorham is a nice little hiker town. Had a nice day off. Back to hiking in the a.m.
Date: 2009-08-30
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

A long and well earned 13.1 miles! Started walking north at 8:01 a.m. The climb up Wildcat Mountain to the gondola was three hours. Steep climb down Carter Notch to the last hut in the Presidential Range. Had coffee and moved on to a long climb up Carter Dome. Picture taken of Mt. Washington and Madison from the Dome.Climbed over South, Middle and North Carter Mountains. The climb down Carter Mountain was extremely difficult. Every inch downward received my comment of how the hell am I going to get down this piece of rock without killing myself in the process. Some places I crawled down, while others were kinda a Hail Mary slide, hoping I wouldn't break something. Descents like that really drain you mentally. View from Carter Dome looking northWaterboy and I ran out of daylight and had to use our headlamps to make it to Imp Campsite and shelter. There was one tent pad left, and I took that while Waterboy slept in the shelter.
Date: 2009-08-31
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

The wind howled all night, but I was so tired after 12.5 hours of strenuous hiking, I was out like a light. Wish I could sleep like this every night in my tent. Had to leave all my gear in my tent in order to take it down, otherwise, the wind would have made a kite out of it. Started hiking around 8 a.m. Found out later that Tagless, Tag-along, and Mountain Man were tented also on several of the tent pads.Hiked over Mt. Moriah today in strong gusty winds. Temps were cold, hovering around 41 degrees. Another long, rocky climb down to Route 2 and Gorham. My knees were really suffering from yesterday's long hike. Had a hard time pushing off step ups and step downs. Got into Gorham around 2 p.m.Waterboy broke a hiking pole and headed to the outfitter for repairs.Thanks to Woody Harrell for signing my guest book. What a great surprise to meet Time Magazine's " Man of the Year" 1966 and his wife on Webster Cliffs. . Woody Harrell set the NPS record for running the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim (3 hrs 24 min) on 11/23/77.Should meet Phoenix, who is hiking south, in the next few days. Sailor J, Slapshot, Otter and others are 4 days ahead. Will likely not catch them before Katahdin.
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Gorham, NH

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

Today was a breath of fresh air. We actually got to hike on real dirt today. Nice change from the rocks of the Whites and Presidential mountains.Made our way by the Androscoggin River and up to the top of Cascade Mountain where there was a nice view of Gorham down below with Mt. Washington and Madison in the background (pictured). You could actually see the top of Mt. Washington.Passed by Dream Lake and Moss Pond, but no moose around, though I saw lots of droppings today. Made it to the Gentian Pond Campsite about 4 p.m. and grabbed one of the tent platforms. Tagless, Tag-along and Mountain Man were already here and set up.Phoenix is scheduled to arrive southbound sometime this evening. Have not seen him since he left the trail in MD after being bitten in the head by a raccoon while sleeping in a shelter. He started hiking southbound from Katahdin on 8/5. Splash of white trees
Date: 2009-09-02
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Just want to thank again all those people who have signed my guest book and offered words of encouragement. Lately, it¢s been mentally and physically difficult to keep hiking. I keep telling myself I can't stop now after hiking over 1900 miles and 12 states.Entered Maine today after another grueling hiking day. At least the weather has been gorgeous. We continue to see the tops of Mt. Washington and Mt. Madison as we summit each mountain going north.Tomorrow we hike through the famous Mahoosuc Notch. Many call this scramble under, around, over, and between the boulders the most difficult mile on the trail. However, the climb up the Mahoosuc Arm after the Notch is known to be a real killer.Today was another difficult day of rock climbing and finding ways to climb down tricky rock ledges and crevices. The AT, a footpath from Georgia to Maine. Well, sometimes the footpath is missing!
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Full Goose Campsite

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 7:22 a.m. We reached the west end of the Mahoosuc Notch after climbing Fulling Mill Mountain.Started the Notch at 8:18 a.m. Its reputation did not let us down. We crawled through holes, under large boulders, sometimes taking off our packs and either pushing them ahead or pulling them through after us. Some of the boulder scrambling was very difficult. Spread eagle legs between two boulders was a common maneuver today. We made it through the one mile famous Notch in a little over two hours. The only casualty was a bloody left knee reopening old wounds and my digital camera. The rear LCD screen got cracked and no longer works, but the camera still takes pictures. I just don't have a view finder to look through anymore. Waterboy negotiating Mahoosuc NotchThe climb up the Mahoosuc Arm was a beast of a climb. Grabbing trees in places to pull ourselves up and over difficult spots that seemed impossible to get by. Finally made it to Speck Pond Campsite at 2 p.m., and decided to continue on.Another difficult climb up Old Speck Mountain, at 3985 feet. Some places are so scary to look down while creeping upward over difficult spots, I tended to look only upward. Sissy me. Finally found a real nice moss covered camp location on the way down to Grafton Notch, so we decided to tent there.Have about another tough 12 miles to Andover tomorrow. Have to climb over East and West Baldpate Mountains. Yes, the trail goes under that boulder in the Mahoosuc Notch
Date: 2009-09-04
From: Grafton Notch

To: Andover, MA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 6:48 a.m. today, making our way down to Grafton Notch. Saw a number of other hikers had tented for the night along the way.Had several big climbs today over East and West Baldpate Mountains. East Baldpate (pictured) is pretty much a rock to rock scramble. Cairns marked the trail over the top of the mountain. The wind was howling over the mountain, and standing was difficult. I kept a low center of gravity as I hiked over the steep top section. Glad the rock surface was dry. Had it been wet, it would have been a whole different ballgame. On the summit of East Baldpate MountainFinally made it to East B Hill Road, which takes you into Andover, eight miles away. Not much traffic on the road as five of us hikers attempted to hitch into town. A hiker shuttle came by and gave us all a ride into the very small town. A general store was about all it had.We stayed at the Pine Ellis Hostel. It was full with Waterboy, Tagless, Tag-along, Mountain Man and more.
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Andover, MA

To: Bemis Stream Trail
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Longest day in awhile Waterboy, Tagless, Tag-along, Mountain Man and I were dropped off by the Pine Ellis Hostel shuttle at 6:43 a.m., and we all started walking north. We passed by Surplus Pond and climbed Wyman Mountain as I pulled away from the others. Never saw them the rest of the day.I climbed Moody Mountain, which was tough, as they rerouted the trail and I had to follow blue ribbons instead of white blazes. Made the 10.1 miles to South Arm Road, which also goes into Andover, by noon. Climbed up Old Blue Mountain, which was a beast of a climb. Three different tiers. Came down and had a hard time locating water, as normal sources were dry. Also, no place to tent.After several miles, found a solo tent site as the sun was fading. Pitched my tent and was having a cold dinner when Rockfish called out to me in the tent. He was looking for a tent spot as well. He was able to set up next to me, and gave me a few tasty tomatoes.
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Bemis Stream Trail

To: Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 15.6

The full moon last night kept my tent lit up all night like it had lights on inside. Morning temperature inside the tent was 38 degrees and outside was 34. Got hiking at 7:12 a.m. while saying goodbye to Rockfish, who camped with me last night. He's headed southbound.Today's hike not too tough, as it took me over the west peak of the Bemis Range. Great lake view from Maine 17 (pictured). Lots of short up and downs with some nice long, level stretches made the day almost enjoyable. Wanted to make it to Rangeley, but not happening today.I have 4.5 miles to Maine 4 where I'll hitch the 10 miles into town. Will see if I can get my bent hiking pole fixed. It's been bent since one of my falls in the Whites.Will also see if I can slackpack some miles out of Rangeley. Saddleback and Horn Mountains are looming just north of town at 4120 and 4040 feet, respectively. Just about 225 miles remaining.