morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-27
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: NH Hwy 25 (Glencliff, NH)
Miles today: 7.4

I had only a few miles to hike today, so I slept late and took time to read some of the TIME magazine that I picked up at the Fire Warden's Cabin yesterday. Back on the trail at 8:30am. I hiked up and over Mist Mt, down to Hwy 25 and the short half mile down to the Hikers Welcome Hostel. A typical rustic hostel - big room downstairs with a TV and DVD/VCR player, mattresses on the floor upstairs, shower and washer under a structure out back, more mattresses in a tent structure outside. Like most hostels this one looked like a college frat house or student apartment - would have to be raked out first if a good cleaning were started. But it was the only option in the tiny town and I needed a shower and supplies.I did my laundry, took a shower and got a shuttle over to Warren for a pizza and supplies. Then back for a nap. Skibum, Gaia, K-Less, BooBoo, A-Squared and a couple of others were also in for the night, and as usual the music and conversation went on past midnight. I finally asked for the music to be turned off about 11:30pm.Into the White Mts tomorrow with a climb up Mt Moosilauke, the first peak above treeline on the trail.
Date: 2004-08-28
From: NH Hwy 25 (Glencliff, NH)

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

After a short night's sleep I was up at 5:00am and went downstairs to find Frogcaller already packing. She's a southbound section hiker about my age. She had bought donuts and bacon for breakfast and left most of it for the other hikers. After she left I looked at the remaining slices of bacon, thought about the noise of last night, and decided that the early bird gets the bacon. Down it went, fuel for Moosilauke.I was out at 6:00am and climbing the boulders of the mountain by 6:30am, doing the Moosilauke Tango - choose the next two steps, plant the poles, take the steps to gain six inches of altitude, repeat for 3 hours. I moved up through the hardwoods, then through the larger evergreens and the thickets of small evergreens, then the tiny christmas trees and onto the alpine tundra. It was cloudy on top, so there were no views except for the wind-driven clouds and fog. I could just see from one rock cairn to the next. The wind wasn't especially cold, but was blowing about 20mph. This would be a miserable place on a cold day. I met southbounders Celtic and Bigfoot at the top and talked to them for a few minutes.Then came the long careful descent over the wet boulders. I met lots of day hikers coming up the mountain, and as the day wore on the clouds lifted and there was some sunshine. Probably great views from the top by noon, but not for me. I stopped at the Beaver Brook shelter for a snack, then continued down beside a mountain stream for most of the way. The steeper sections of rock had wooden steps fastened to them, with rebar handrails in places. My knees got a good workout. The Whites are beautiful, but they sure make you work for it. I was finally down to Kinsman Notch about 1:00pm - 10 miles in 7 hours. A bit slower than the normal 2mph pace of easier terrain.I hiked on through the warm breezy day. For some reason I forgot to get water at Kinsman Notch, and ran out before I found the next good stream. It hasn't rained for several days and the streams are running low. But I survived the hour of thirst and eventually made it to the Eliza Brook shelter at 7:00pm - 13 hours to hike 17 miles. I now understand the advice to plan on fewer miles per day through the Whites.There were several people and a dog in the shelter, so I set up my tarp in hopes of getting more sleep. As I was eating the rain started. I almost made a run for the shelter, but the tarp was already wet so I just stayed under it and was off to sleep about 9:30pm.
Date: 2004-08-29
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: US Hwy 3 (North Woodstock, NH)
Miles today: 8.8

There were two or three showers of rain last night and the trees dripped on the tarp all night. I slept well though. A big advantage of sleeping in your tent or tarp is that you can pack up without disturbing anyone else in the morning. When I left all the others were still asleep.The adventure of the day was the 2000ft climb up South Kinsman Mt. Most of it was a hand over fist boulder scramble. Throw the poles up, clamber up after them and repeat. Very slow going, of course. I think my speed up the mountain was about one mph. When I finally reached the top there was nothing to see except the wind-shredded cloud streaming past. I stood into the wind and yelled my best Homer Simpson "Woohoo!" into the void. It felt so good that I did it another half dozen times. JoJo Rambo atop Kinsman Mt.Then down for a bit, across the bogs and back up North Kinsman Mt. After that was the slow climb down over the wet boulders and roots. I reached the Lonesome Lake Hut after 1:00pm, looking forward to the hot soup that is always there at the string of huts run by the Appalachian Mountain Club across the Whites. They're similar to the LeConte Lodge in the Smokies. But there was no soup today! I settled for some leftover breakfast pancakes and several cups of hot chocolate.Then it was on down to Hwy 3 and over to the Flume Visitor Center. I used the payphone to reserve a room in North Woodstock and called for a shuttle ride into town. Had a good conversation with John the driver on the way in. I checked in, showered and walked down to the BBQ place for a half rack of ribs with all the sides. Then back to the room, too tired for laundry and shopping tonight. I ran into BooBoo, A-Squared and Rooster just coming into town. Lightning was flashing in the distance after dark, and a big thunderstorm hit about 10:00pm. Off to sleep to the sound of thunder bouncing off the mountains. And the sound of my hiker friends, who apparently took the room next door.
Date: 2004-08-30
From: US Hwy 3 (North Woodstock, NH)

To: US Hwy 3 (North Woodstock, NH)
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up tired this morning, debating whether to hike or not. I went down to breakfast where I was joined by BooBoo. He, Rooster and A-Squared are hiking out today. After breakfast I walked up and did my laundry and bought supplies. Then decided to make this a zero miles day. Back to the room for a long two-hour nap, after which I felt much better.The forecast is for rain tonight and early tomorrow from the remnants of tropical storm Gaston, with clearing tomorrow afternoon. Then cool temps and clear skies for the next few days. Hopefully I will get some great views as I move through the Whites above treeline.I took advantage of the time off to update and transmit my journal entries in the afternoon. Then down to the pub for fish and chips. K-Less and Gaia came in. They stayed at Eliza Brooks shelter last night and were treated to a spectacular light show by the thunderstorm that came through. And had to huddle up in the back of the shelter for a half hour to escape the blowing rain. They also told me that Paradox is getting off the trail - he's just not enjoying it any more.While we were talking another thunderstorm came through and knocked out the power. I walked back to my room in the dark to discover that Paradox had taken the adjoining room for the night. He confirmed that he's going home tomorrow. I started packing up by the light of my headlamp. The power eventually came back on, but the thunderstorms continued. Nice to be in a dry place tonight.
Date: 2004-08-31
From: US Hwy 3 (North Woodstock, NH)

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

I went down to breakfast at 7:00am, called the shuttle service for a ride back to the trail, and was hiking at 9:00am, making the steep and long climb out of Franconia Notch. The rain had stopped, but it was cloudy and the trail was wet. I stopped at the Liberty Springs tentsite for a short conversaton with the caretaker and to treat some water. Then more climbing, eventually above treeline.I went over Little Haystack in the clouds, then stopped for lunch in the lee of a rock cairn at the top of Mt Lincoln. As I was eating the clouds lifted until the base was about my altitude. I would get short looks at the mountains around, then the clouds would swirl around again. Fascinating to watch the wind play with the clouds around the peak.After lunch I hiked on along the Franconia Ridge across Mt Lafayette and Mt Garfield. The clouds lifted and the views beneath were great. I was buffeted around by the wind and had to lean on my hiking poles to help me walk in a straight line. The wind must have been about 30mph, gusting higher.Back down into the trees I caught up with Podini, formerly My Little Pony, and Poco y Poco. Podini was ahead and had gotten off the trail for a few days to attend a wedding. I asked her to tell me the real story of why she dumped Crash, Rainman and Joker back in Damascus. She said one of them said something that made her mad and she decided she had had enough of their company. She hiked out of town first, gave them time to get started and hitched a ride back in. Other hikers said she disappeared like Houdini, and combining that with Pony produced the trailname Podini.I hiked on and they caught up at Mt Garfield where we took a few pictures. Then on to the campsite at 5:00pm. I wanted to hike on to the Galehead Hut for the night, but knew I would get there after the 6:00pm dinner. I asked the campsite caretaker to radio to see if a bunk was available and if they would hold a meal for me. He said no, it was against AMC policy for campsites to call huts! So I called it a day after a short 10 miles and paid $8.00 to stay in the shelter, no better than all the rest I've seen on the trail. The money is used to pay for the caretakers, whose main duties seem to be collecting money and taking care of the privy.Alabama and Sun Pig also came in to the shelter, and Podini and Poco set up their tent. Old home night. Alabama is from Dothan, AL and Poco is from Sylacauga, AL. We talked for a while, then off to sleep.
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

I was up early and hiked over to Galehead Hut by 9:00am. There I found a crowd of thruhikers who had "worked for stay", including Skibum, Big Stick, Rooster, BooBoo, Bramble, Gordy, A-Squared, Sunshine and Coyote. They were busy finishing up their work. With so many of them there were no breakfast leftovers, so I settled for hot chocolate and a couple of peanut butter sandwiches from my food bag.I climbed over South Twin Peak to no views because of fog. I met a group leader who had lost one of his hikers and I agreed to pass the message to the two ahead and to the folks at Zealand Falls Hut. Also over Mt. Guyot to no views. It seems to take until about noon for the fog to burn off.The gang of thruhikers had left Galehead before me, and I caught up with them at the Zealand Falls Hut. I had three bowls of chicken noodle soup, then moved on. Just before the Ethan Pond Campsite I stopped for a short dip in a stream. Then on to the shelter at the campsite. I went down to the "kitchen" area (a tarp over a couple benches, intended to keep food preparation away from the shelter and tents) and had dinner while talking to a couple from Boston. Back to the shelter and to bed. Sun Pig and Alabama came in after dark.
Date: 2004-09-02
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

It was hard to get up this morning, with the temperature in the high 30s. I left Sun Pig and Alabama asleep in the shelter and hiked down to Crawford Notch and over to the Willey House for a breakfast sandwich of egg, sausage and cheese on an English muffin. Then back up the road a mile to the trail for the big climb up over the Webster Cliffs. I found myself whining about yet another steep climb out of a notch. JoJo Rambo said "If you're not going to use those legs that you've been tuning up for the last 1800 miles, can I use them for a while?" So I turned things over to him and up we went. The day was perfect, cool and cloudless. I was at Mitzpah Hut by 2:00pm, where I finally persuaded one of the staff to radio the reservations center for a bunk at the Lake of the Clouds Hut. They had a space and I took it.I left at 2:30pm on a mission to make the dinner at 6:00pm. Over Mt. Clinton and above treeline, I had magnificent views. Could see all the way back to Mt Moosilauke and ahead to Mt Washington. I climbed over Mt Franklin and was at the hut by 5:30pm, with just enough time to change before dinner.The huts are pretty basic - a bunk with a pillow and two blankets, bathroom facilities but no shower. Not a problem for a thruhiker. The dinner, served family style, included split pea and ham soup, salad, ginger chicken, rice, brocolli and chocolate chip cookies. I sat at the table for a while talking to a couple from NYC and two gentlemen from Boston. Then off to bed. North over Mt Washington tomorrow - hope the weather holds.
Date: 2004-09-03
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Pinkham Notch Camp
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

I had a big breakfast then was out into the cool, clear and breezy morning for the hike up Mt Washington, the highest peak in te Whites at 6,288ft. The top was clear as I arrived about 9:00am, but soon after was covered with cloud as the wind picked up to about 40mph. I took a self-portrait at the summit and tried to get my photo taken by the weather camera, but it was too cold and windy on the observation platform to wait.I called the AMC for reservations at the Pinkham Notch Camp and got a bunk. They advised that the dinner buffet ended at 7:30pm. Then I was off for the Madison Springs Hut. The entire trail over was a boulder scramble. No difficult climbs, but a constant hopping from one boulder to another. The wind continued to blow and gust strongly, which kept me off balance as the backpack acted like a sail. It was a slow trip over, but this was another clear day with great views. I got to the hut about 2:00pm, had some hot chocolate and took a short break, and left at 2:30pm.The boulders continued up over Mt Madison and the wind on top and along the ridge down to treeline must have been gusting up to 50mph. I used my poles to brace against the wind more than for balance. Tricky going as I walked the boulders while being knocked around by the wind. I finally made it below the treeline where the wind wasn't a factor, and made the long climb down the boulders of the eroded trail, making few stops since time was running short. Made it to the Camp at 7:15pm and was the last one through the buffet line. But I made that one trip count.Took a welcome hot shower after dinner, updated my journals and went to bed about 10:00pm after a very tiring day.
Date: 2004-09-04
From: Pinkham Notch Camp

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

I had the breakfast buffet at the restaurant, made a phone call home, and was back on the trail at 9:00am, hiking with sore knees from the constant climbing and descending over the past few days. The Whites are gorgeous but the most difficult hiking of the trail so far. I was soon passed by Mutt, and was caught by Shivers. He took it easy through the Whites, going from one hut to the next every day and working for stay.I made the steep climb up Wildcat Peak E from the notch, passing the ski lift at the top where people were walking around after taking the easy way up. I was tempted to ride the lift down and back up just for the joy of letting machinery do the work for a change.Yet another fine day for hiking, cool with scattered clouds but great visibility, and best of all, no bugs! I hiked over the five Wildcat peaks, then the made the steep descent into Carter Notch. I stopped at the Carter Notch Hut where I found K-Less, who had passed me last night after a 20 mile day. Shivers came in as I was having lunch. I took a 15min power nap after lunch and was back on the trail at 2:45pm.Another long and steep climb up to Carter Dome, then down to Zeta Pass and up and over the three Carter Peaks. The descent down North Carter was very slow down steep and almost vertical rock slabs. I caught and passed three teenagers whose dog was having problems getting down. The light faded and I hiked the last half hour by headlamp to the Imp Shelter.A section-hiking couple was there, Robin and Allen. She's planning on a thruhike next year and we talked about gear and the trail as I ate. Then off to sleep.
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Imp Campsite

To: US Hwy 2 (Gorham, NH)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: mist

I took my time this morning since it was to be a short day to Gorham. Out at 8:00am, and up and over Mt Moriah. I took the blue-blazed Moriah Carter trail down to Gorham, the vintage AT route before the trail was rerouted out of town. I reached town about 1:30pm. Someone called to me from a car at an intersection and there was Red B, whom I last saw at the Friary. He has apparently completed the last section of his hike and now has wheels. He complained that the toll for the auto route up Mt Washington was $45. I told him that he could walk up for free! Traffic was stacking up behind him so I moved on, also running into Poco and Podini, who had hitched in from Pinkham Notch and were on their way to hike the 20 miles between.I checked into the Royalty Inn, cleaned up, and went over to the Grill for a bowl of award-winning clam chowder (the blue ribbon was on display in the lobby) and a fish sandwich. Talked for a while with a teacher at the Kent School which we hiked past back at Kent, CT. He was up for some hiking before school starts. He gave the impresion of someone facing a prison sentence as his summer ended and he had to go back to work.Back to the room for a long nap, then I made the mile-long trek to the grocery store for supplies. Did my laundry after returning, and was finally in bed at 11:00pm. I had planned to take a zero day here, but the remnants of Frances will be here in a few days and I'll postpone for a while to get in more miles during the good weather.
Date: 2004-09-06
From: US Hwy 2 (Gorham, NH)

To: Carlo Col Campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Just after leaving the hotel this morning I ran into Doc and Southernman on the way to the trail. I stopped by McDonalds for breakfast and took some burritos with me. As I passed the Comfort Inn, Boo Boo stuck his head out to say hello. He had also hitched over from Pinkham Notch and still had the 20 miles between to do.I was out of town about 9:00am, taking the blue-blazed Mahoosuc Trail up Mt Hayes to reconnect with the AT. Lots more climbing today, including Mt Hayes, Cascade Mt and Mt Success. After making me work for it, NH finally let me go and I crossed the Maine border near sunset. Only one state to go! I pushed on to the Carlo Col shelter, arriving just at dark. Already at the shelter were Mutt, Maicy, O'Day and Baloo. Erick came in later. Unpacked my bedroll, set up and ate by headlamp, then to sleep.
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Carlo Col Campsite

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

This was a short mile day, but one of maximum effort as I took on the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. I was the first out of camp but was soon caught and passed by most of the others. First I went up and over Mt Carlo, then the three peaks of Goose Eye Mt. Yet another good day for hiking, cool and partly cloudy.I reached the Mahoosuc Notch at 12:00 noon. The notch is a one mile stretch filled with car-sized and house-sized boulders that have fallen in a jumble from the cliffs above. The trip through is a major boulder scramble, working over, around and under the rocks. Just before entering the notch, on a big sloping rock, both shoes let go and I got dumped on my pack and rear end. Not exactly a confidence builder for the notch.The one mile trip though the notch took me over two hours. I had to take my pack off three times, lowering it by rope once, shoving it ahead through a tunnel-like passage once, and handing it to a conveniently placed person another time. I stretched, strained, slid, slithered, teetered, tottered and clambered through. This is one section of the trail where nothing has been done to make things easier other than blazing a path through. By the time I finished I was totally exhausted. My legs are in great shape, but this was more of a full body workout.I stopped for lunch just after finishing the notch, then took a couple more long breaks as I climbed the Mahoosuc Arm. I made it to the Speck Pond Shelter at 5:00pm, dead tired, and quit for the day. Took a couple of ibuprofen and was off to sleep soon after dark.
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: East Hill B Road (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

I woke this morning feeling surprisingly good considering how tired I was last night. That ibuprofen must be powerful stuff. The weather forecast is for rain today, but there was only fog in the morning. I packed and left the others in the shelter, hustling to beat the rain over Baldpate Mt. Up and over the peak of Old Speck Mt and down to Grafton Notch. I bypassed the Baldpate shelter and pressed on up Baldpate. The approach to the summit is over exposed rock ledges that are covered with lichen - can be very slick when wet. Fortunately, I was almost up before a light mist started. The views under the clouds were great in all directions, but I didn't linger for long. As I started down the rain picked up some, but I was soon back below treeline.I stopped at the Frye Notch shelter for lunch about 2:30pm, then took the nice hike over to Dunn Notch. The trail was relatively level for a change, carpeted with pine and spruce needles. Hiking instead of rock climbing - what a novel experience! Just after the crossing of the Ellis River in the notch was a spectacular waterfall. Still no significant rain.I climbed up to the road at 4:30 and waited about 20 minutes for a hitch to town. Not much traffic on the road. The third car stopped and two young men on their way home from work in the woods gave me a ride to town, handing back a 16oz Bud which was much appreciated. And wouldn't accept any money for the 9-mile ride. I didn't get their names, but thanks a bunch, guys!I checked into the Andover Guest House in the small town. You can see from one town limit to the other. Already there were Michigoose and Lefty (the couple who shared their grits with me in the Shenandoah), Sanguine, Mutt, Baloo, O'Day and a section hiker from AK. I took a room for 2 nights. I badly need a rest after the Whites and the rugged first part of ME.As I walked over to the restaurant for dinner the predicted rain had started. Looks like I lucked out with timing - the forecast is for rain through tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night. I had dinner with Baloo, O'Day and the hiker from AK - beef stroganoff followed by blueberry pie a la mode. Then made a stop at the grocery store for Chunky Monkey ice cream and a Coke, read until 9:00pm, and off to sleep to the sound of the rain. A very pleasant sound when you're in a dry place.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: East Hill B Road (Andover, ME)

To: East Hill Road B (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It rained all night and continued all day. I did the normal town stuff. Slept late. Went over to the cafe for breakfast. Updated my journals and transmitted them. Stopped in at the library for a half hour internet access. Had a late lunch of delicious lasagna. Resupplied. Did laundry. Back to the cafe for dinner. To bed at 10:00pm with the rain still falling.