morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Frye Notch Lean To

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

It rained pretty hard last night, but it stopped by the time I woke up. I packed up, and got pretty wet brushing against everything on the way up Baldplate. There was a view from the top, which was exciting. Everyone who went up yesterday said it was miserable. As I was leaving it started to cloud over. It was very slippery on the way down. I fell, and it took a moment to find somewhere with enough friction to stand up again. After the slippery section it was quick down to Grafton Notch.The climb up Old Speck was long but not hard. I took the side trail .3 to the summit, but there was no view from the tower. From there to the shelter was a long mile down more slippery rocks.Speck Pond is really nice. The shelter isn't that great. The caretaker Cam is pretty cool. Apparently he usually works at Liberty Springs, but is covering for a friend. That means I'll probably get to see him again. He says that the caretakers have stolen the canoe from Lonesome Lake, but wouldn't tell me where it was. Maybe when I pass by Liberty Spring. It seems like a nice group at the shelter this evening.Tomorrow morning is Mahoosuc Notch. I'm hoping for good weather, or at least not rain. If I'm feeling good afterwards I'll do 15 miles tomorrow, which will put me 12 miles from Gorham. The sun is going down and its getting cold, so I'm going to crawl into my bag for some sleep.
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 46First thing in the morning, I got a bigger scare than the snake gave me yesterday. A sound like a baby's cry bleated out of a foghorn came from about 10 feet away as I passed down the trail. Lucky for me I used the privy just before leaving the shelter. The sound was so unnaturally loud; I first thought a hiker was hiding up a tree to play a joke on me. It was a fawn about 2 feet tall waking up scared and calling for mom.It was cold last night and clear this morning so hopefully the front has passed.Hungry Hiker is artistic; he brings his own drawing pen and draws cartoons in registers. My favorite was his "Evolution of a Hiker". The first frame shows a hiker after 2 miles, taking long strides and saying "I can do 20 miles today." The next frame has the hiker settled into a walk after 8 miles saying, "This is nice." After 12 miles the hiker is stooped over saying, "I'm hungry." Finally after 16 miles the hikers is sprawled out with the caption "Shelter...where's the shelter?"That's how my day goes, I really run out of steam at about the 16-mile mark. Today I got just enough of a second wind to make it here to the hostel. The descent from Dragon's Tooth was steep, on hands and butt sliding down rocks. This was worse than the climb up Albert Mountain.This place is a party-house 3-car garage with at least 25 hikers sprawled out on mattresses on the floor. It's 11 pm and no one is close to ready for bed. There is a makeshift band of hikers doing an acoustic set. Two of them are excellent singers. Tipperary is here - great to see the jolly bloke again. He wings me with his elbow whenever he thinks something is funny.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

I was the first one out, leaving as the sun was just coming over Old Speck. It was a cold night and cool morning, but I warmed up quickly. The descent down the Mahoosuc Arm was long but not as hard as the NOBOs made it sound. The notch was interesting. I was expecting caves, like those on Morgan and Percival, but it was mostly just big rocks. I had to take my pack off three or four times and pull it through after me. There was also a lot of snow and ice down there. As I started to climb up, my glasses fogged because the air above the notch was so much warmer.From the Full Goose Shelter to the Carlo Col Shelter was above the trees for a while. It was beautiful. That stretch (Goose Eye Mountain) is somewhere I'd like to go back to. I crossed the ME-NH line and took some pictures and a break. Polechar was there so I got to talk to him for a little while. AT the end of the day Mt. Success was a drag. My right heel was hurting and it was just a long five miles. I made it, and this shelter has an awesome view out the front. It also has 2 levels, another first for the shelters. A deaf couple is here this evening. A NOBO, Manchild, is here, as well as Up, Patches, and Polechar. Tomorrow is an "easy" 11.8 miles to Gorham. I'm ready for a shower and some clean clothes. And lots of real town food. I also need a new book.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 47Finally an easy Virginia day. There were even smooth pine-needle-covered pieces of trail that were delicious to walk on. I feel lucky to get good weather for views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. These two views have the most "bang for the buck" of any so far, meaning great views reached by an easy climb.I passed Grey Squirrel for the 6th time in the last 4 days. We are playing tortoise and hare; him with a slow pace and consistent days, me killing myself with speed.The day ended with an unexpectedly challenging rocky ridge walk down to Daleville. The long day probably contributed to my perception of the difficultly. Why do I do this to myself? Hikers have to manage their expectations during walks into town because it always takes longer than you want it to and many times you can see, hear, smell, and taste the town before you get there. Daleville has been the worst because you can do all those things 6 miles before getting there.I only got 5 hours sleep last night 'cause of the fiasco at Four Pines Hostel. Beer and idiots don't mix, even here on the trail. One hiker ended up in jail and another blubbering idiot kept us up until 2 am.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Rt. 2, Gorham
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It's a nice day to be sitting around Gorham. The trail in was not hard, the ascents weren't too long, and the downs weren't too steep. There were clouds in the valleys, but the mountains were clear and there were great views along the way. I stepped at the summit of Mt. Hayes for a stack. There were a bunch of Blueberries, but they weren't ripe yet. Too bad, they would have been really good. On the way dow I passed a lot of NOBOs and day hikers. This means I'll enter the Whites on Monday, so there'll be fewer people which will be nice.Moldy Bear is here and about to head out. Another SOBO. Up and Polechar and Patches are here and staying the night. I wonder if the group I left at Rangeley will catch up tomorrow. I'm going into town later to get some pizza and beer, then a shuttle to WalMart to resupply.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 48Sometimes it doesn't pay to make a long walk into town, like I did yesterday. I checked into the hotel, showered, ate, did laundry, and made phone calls and didn't get to sleep until 2 am.After waking up during the night with leg cramps and foot pain I knew I'd make it a zero day. Arrow (A.T. 2002) hooked me up with the Witchers who thru-hiked as a family last year and live here in Daleville. They are a great family - put me up today, let me use a car, fed me, and Cascade whipped me at Uno.I saw Footslogger & Bad Ass Turtle, Old Bill, Psycho Pat and No-Hear-Um here in town. We are all doing the same errands - going to the outfitter to tweak equipment, picking up maildrops, resupplying our trail food, making phone calls, and checking email.Thanks to everyone for reading the journal, signing my guestbook, and sending email - you inspire me to keep going.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Rt. 2, Gorham

To: White Mountains Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was very relaxing. I had scrambled eggs, hash browns, and a muffin for breakfast. On of my pairs of socks has a hole under the ball of each foot, so I got a ride into town to get a new pair. The hardware store/outfitter only had Darn Tough, so I got a pair. It says that they will replace the socks if they get a hole. Sounds like a challenge to me. The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent watching Planet Earth and reading. My legs and knees were grateful for the rest. John from Alabama arrived this afternoon. He said the SOBO bubble is another day behind him. I guess I am really hiking fast. It sure doesn't feel fast.There was a WalMart run this evening and I got a watch and a few other things I needed. I got an eggplant parmesan from Mr Pizza for dinner. It was pretty good. I think everything will fit in my bag, but it will be tight until I eat some food. Climbing Moriah tomorrow morning will be tough with all the extra stuff. It's 9:30 and past my bed time, so I'm going to go shower then sleep. Want an early start to avoid the heat of the day.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 51Another day off with my family. My feet are feeling rested, but my left leg is sore.Juli brought gear and I will be switching to a Kelty Satori backpack to see if it is any easier on my hips and neck.I asked Jessie and Rene how they feel about me hiking and if they would want me to continue or come back home. They both say they want me to finish the trail.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Osgood Tentsite

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The climb up Madison was not as steep as I thought it would be. It took me two hours to get to the summit. On my way down I passed a lot of people going up, so I knew breakfast was done at the hut. I went in to try and get some leftovers, but the crew said there weren't any. I guess all the oatmeal I saw on the counter was for the compost. Thus refueled, I ran to Edmands Col. The Gulfside Trail is very well graded and I made great time to the summit of Mt. Washington. I got a picture then went inside to have some lunch. I really wanted to get a burger but the cantina on top didn't sell them. I settled for my own peanut butter and honey.When I got to Lakes of the Clouds Hut it was sunny again. Since it was only 12:30 I chose to push on to Mizpah. I walked too fast and got there at 3:00. I asked for a WFS, but the croo member said it was too early. Thus I am here at the tentsite. Tomorrow I'll probably try again at Galehead. But this time I'll hang out on top of South Twin until 4 or 4:30, so it will be too late to push on anywhere else.I tried calling Nicole to wish her a happy birthday from the top of Washington, but there wasn't enough signal. From the side of Eisenhower, however, the call went through but she didn't pick up. I wonder why the service was better farther away from the towers. There's no service here either. Oh well, can't say I didn't try.The caretaker came around, and I managed to get a WFS after all. I picked up all of the little bits of trash from around the tent platforms. It's surprising how dirty some were and how clean others. In the end this WFS was probably easier than washing all the dishes at Mizpah.
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Daleville, VA

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Day 52I walked from 12 to 6:30 today, a good, short day for my first day back on the trail. There was a climb of 2000 feet in 4 miles, well graded and not too tough.Juli and the kids dropped me off at Bearwallow gap. Jessie and Rene had hand-drawn Father's Day notes and planted them on my pack. It was a great visit, but once again I have the pain of separation. It was raining when they pulled away.Meredith, Andy, and Roman Around are here at the shelter.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a bit damp in the thunderstorm last night. The rain was fine, but the wind blew some rain onty my head. I need to find a better storm pitch for the tarp. Other than that, it was a nice night. I wake up early and left at 6:15. My original plan was to tray and get to Galehead, but halfway down the Webster Cliff Trail I realized that that would be too far, and Zealand would be a better destination.I got to Ethan Pond Shelter and took a long lunch. There was an AMC magazine which I read through to kill some time. When I got bored there I walked as slowly as I could to Thoreau Falls which are just off the trail. I spent a long time there, and read a bit of my book. When it got to hot and loud I went to the junction with the Zeacliff Trail. At 3:45 I left and went to the hut. I got a WFS. Thank goodness. I helped set the table and clean out the freezer. I ate so much food, it was great.The bad part about the WFS is waiting for normal people bedtime. 8:30 is a good time to go to sleep for me. Breakfast will be good tomorrow. My plan is to get a WFS at Greenleaf tomorrow. I've been hiking at the same rate as a section hiker Mark. He's worried that he won't be able to get there for dinner, but I think he'll make it without any problem.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Day 53When I woke up I didn't need to look at my watch to know it was 6:30. I wake up near that time every morning on the trail. Rain is pinging the shelter roof - a sound known but not loved by all hikers.All of us in the shelter laid in our bags hoping for the rain to stop, but I gave up waiting at 8 am. Also, I really had to pee.There is heavy undergrowth on the trail, adding to the green tunnel effect. The rain today is an incessant drenching rain. With the rain and fog, my camera is dead weight in my pack. And my feet hurt. It stopped raining about 4 pm, while I was descending to the James River. Near 800' in elevation, this is the lowest the trail has been. The day ended well, with the rain holding off and the trail near level for the last 4 miles.Double A and Sniper are here tonight. Sniper builds a nice fire.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Greanleaf Hut
Miles today: 13.4

I woke up at 5:15 and packed up. Then I waited. They woke the guests up at 6:30, and by 8 we thru hikers finally got breakfast. The spinach from last night was in the quiche this morning. It was good. After breakfast I ran over to Galehead hut. It took me 3.25 hours to go the seven miles. Probably the fastest I'll ever do it. There were some leftovers there that the croo let me eat. Much better than my sandwich.The next 6.4 miles were a slog. It was very steep uf Garfield, and the trail up was a stream. The view from the top, hdowever, was incredible. After a steep descent, there was a long climb up Lafayette. It was 3:30 when I got to the summit, so I headed down to try to get my WFS. I got the fourth one, which was lucky. I scraped the ice out of their fridge. Dinner here wasn't as good as at Zealand. There was less food, and it wasn't as tasty. If some late people don't show up then they'll give us more leftovers.Tomorrow I plan to go to Lonesome Lake, and try for one last WFS. I hear the weather won't be very good. Maybe the cold front will hold off until I've gotten off the ridge.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 55 I got a ride back to the trail from trail angel William, a retired gentleman who has lived all his life in Buena Vista. Almost anyone in town could tell you how to contact him. If you go into town, or can call from the trail he will give you a ride. Just donate something for gas. William likes helping out and meeting people. He said I was lucky to get a hitch into town last night. I have more hiker info on Buena Vista at the end of this entry.The birds are chirping, the sun pokes through the clouds, my foot pain is short of agonizing, and I have a belly and pack full of food. A good day. In spite of my late (10 am) start I still get in over 20 miles. It started raining when I was 15 minutes from the shelter and I just made a dash for it rather than stopping to put on rain gear.No-Hear-Um and Leaf are at the shelter. No-Hear-Um turns in early and I stay up late having a good conversation with Leaf. ***The scoop on B.V.: The Budget Inn tried to tell me all of their non-smoking rooms were reserved, but when I was about to walk out, they "found" a non-smoking room for me. In the morning I could see most rooms were empty, and learned that they try to stick smelly, dirty hikers in smoking rooms. I wonder how many other hotels on the trail do this? Be persistent if you want non-smoking. The blame is not completely with the hotel owners. We hikers should leave smelly stuff outside and try not to mess up places too bad.The Buena Vista Hotel did not have laundry on-site.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

What a great day. I woke up early and got up to the summit of North Kinsman pretty early. The sun was still rising. I went over to South Kinsman and the view was even better. I stayed for a few minutes then started down. It was a slog to Kinsman Notch. There was an OK view from Mt. Wolf, I could see the south end of Franconia Ridge. Close to the road a NOBO told me there was trail magic at the read. I picked up the pace and got the the road and found the food. There was coke and lots of cookies. I had a bunch, then used the privy at the parking lot. As I was about to leave another woman came with a cooler with beer and oreos. I had a beer and some more oreos, then had to sit for a while to let everything digest.I left the lot at 1, and got to the Beaver Brook shelter at 2. Everyone coming down said there were great views from the top, so I ditched my plans and headed up. One of the great parts of traveling solo. It was a quick 40 minutes to the top. Overall it took me 2 hours to go from parking lot to summit.The top was incredible. It was clear, not hazy at all, and there was a nice breeze. All of the peakes were out. It was one of those once in a lifetime type days. I spent an hour at the top soaking in the view. On the way down I ran into the trail maintainer who was building scree walls. We talked for a few minutes, then I went on. I took the side trail to the South Peak, and the view was also good. The descent was not bad.There are a lot of NOBOs here. It looks like it will be a real party tonight. They seem nice, and are fun to talk to. (It was a party)
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Humpback Rocks

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Day 57While in Buena Vista I saw a forecast for at least three clear days starting yesterday. Ha! It rained last night and 30 minutes down the trail today I got caught in a downpour. This was the heaviest rain I've been in since Wesser.I was immediately drenched and cold. The only option is to keep walking, and on days like today, walk faster to stay warm. On Humpback Mountain, I had to pick my way through wet rocks, like walking down a streambed. As soon as I cleared the rocks I was off to the races. Which wasn't a bad thing, since I wanted time in town.I did these miles in less than 5 hours. Funny thing, when my wife visited last week she noticed how hikers gimp around town on sore feet, which is what I am doing today. No casual observer would believe I just backpacked 13 miles before lunch.*** More Hiker info ***Don't stay at the Inn at Afton! I was going to stay there, since it is on the trail, but the place is dumpy and wanted to charge more than Wingfoot's guide says. The P.O. did not deliver my packages there either since it is out of the Waynesboro zip. A list of people who will give you rides into town is at the visitor center even closer to the trail.I'm staying at a great place - The Tree Street Inn. Call from the visitor's center & they pick you up from (and return you to) the trail, full breakfast is included and freebie snacks (including chips and sodas). Butterscotch brownies today. They have bikes for rides around town.
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

It started raining some time last night, and has been raining all day. I don't think my hands have ever been this pruny for this long. On the plus side, though, the wetness of my boots and socks has cleaned a lot of the dirt out of my toenails.It was an easy walk to the fire warden's cabin on top of Smarts Moutain. I stopped there for a stack and to warm up and dry out a bit. I was warm without a raincoat going up but I don't generate as much body heat on the downs. On the way down was a section on Lamberts Ridge. There were a lot of blueberries growing on the side of the trail, so that section took a bit longer than normal. At the bottom is the home of Bill Ackerly, the Ice Cream Man. In return for signing his log he gives out free ice creams. I had one and chatted with him for a while. He said I was the 320th hiker (north, south, and section) to stop in this year. Since I'm so low on aquamira I filled up all of my bottles to bring to the shelter. Thu pack was a lot heavier with 5 quarts of water, and a can of coke. Thankfully the shelter was only .8 uphill.It looks like this was the site of a cabin- in front of the shelter is the old chimney. The sun did come out after a while, and it has been a pleasant afternoon. Two NOBO section hikers, a mother and son, and Warbler are here now. At least the shelter isn't too crowded. I hear there are good views on the ledges so hopefully there will be some sun tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Day 58Heading into the Shenandoahs seems like a new start. The trail runs the ridge here without too much elevation gain/loss. The Skyline Drive parallels the trail so there are opportunities to resupply or even buy cooked meals while in the park. Sooner or later the forecast for clear weather will come true. Just not today. It rained, but not enough to soak through my shoes.I like my plan for days from here to Harpers Ferry. No real long days and I plan to meet up with friends in two locations. I suspect that I will be walking away from the hikers I've seen in the last few weeks and running into new hikers.Last night at the Tree Street Inn was an excellent break. The bed was like a huge down pillow and breakfast was awesome. Waynesboro is a great trail town. They have a visitor center at the trailhead with a list of trail angels who will give you rides and a pamphlet of other hiker info.I walked my 20 miles from 11 am to 7 pm even being sluggish for the first half of the miles. Lumberjack, Steppenwolf, Bigfoot, Bearable, Ken and Marcia are here. I wondered where accountant-looking Lumberjack got his name...then the rest started giving him a hard time about snoring. Bigfoot is getting off the trail in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2013-07-24
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

I definitely didn't bring enough food on this section. It's a bit after three and I'm exhausted. There was only a climb up Moose Mountain this morning, the rest was down or flat. On the way down Moose Mountain the sky got very dark, but it blew over and didn't rain. It is very nice out right now, perfect weather to be outside in.There is a father and son here on an overnight hike. The dad thrued a few year ago. They have a radio playing which is kind of annoying. He did share some snacks and candy with me later, so I won't complain.Tomorrow is Hanover. It is .8 downhill to the Coop, so there is no rush in the morning because it doesn't open until 8. There are also a few place where I can get free food in town.