morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good night sleep I rose early with a little more adrenaline for our hike. Obsolete's and my wife are meeting us today. We are planning a zero tomorrow and slack pack into Hanover, NH on Friday. The weather turned out to be perfect. It improved late morning. Cool, sunny and low humidity. The trail was also excellent. Beautiful pine forests with a high canopy. The climbs were challenging but enjoyable. We passed through open fields with wild raspberries. We ate them as we went along. We passed a group of young students attending a nearby camp. They were learning about the AT by actually experiencing it. We became part of their lesson plan by answering their questions. It was a joy to have met them. We made it to West Hartford, Vermont in record time. Obsolete's wife was waiting for us to drive us into Hanover, NH were I met my wife, Ingrid. We enjoyed dinner in Hanover and planned a relaxing zero day on Thursday and enjoy the area. On my zero day we enjoyed the area and had a wonderful dinner together at Elixir. We also re supplies and replaced shoes and pants. The shoes I bought ~400 miles ago are falling apart. My pants no longer fit me from my weight loss.All in all a great day of hiking and a relaxing day of enjoying being with Ingrid. I'm looking forward to hiking together on Friday.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

This is Caboose¢s wife, Mrs. Caboose- as I am visiting him in Vermont/New Hampshire, he asked if I would like to write today¢s journal since I hiked with him. It was a beautiful day hiking with Caboose, Obsolete and his beautiful wife who also came up here to see her husband. We had a lovely 10 mile hike from Vermont into New Hampshire, the guys are in their 14th State! This part of the trail was great for me as it was gentle hills with lovely tall trees and soft evergreen needles all along the trail. We also met a few hikers heading south from Maine, they had been on the trail about 40 days and were excited to meet those heading North as they knew they were getting close to being done and they were just starting. It has to be a motivational moment to see those who are about to accomplish the goal they are just starting and I wish all of them the very best of luck in their trek to Georgia. We stopped for lunch at one of the shelters and I got to see what a shelter and privy looks like, I was very impressed! After a brief lunch we continued on our way. I am much slower than Caboose and he patiently walked and waited for me. We crossed a couple of pretty little streams with the sun peeking through the trees and lighting up the water, so lovely! I also felt official that I slipped on a rock and went down on my bottom and arm, a nice bruise to remember it by! The last couple of miles were on pavement through a neighborhood and into town. All along the neighborhood, residents had boxes of trail magic for the hikers, what a wonderful thing for them to do and a cold soda felt great after hiking in the woods, I can see how hikers are so grateful for the magic they come upon. A final hike up a hill into Hanover, NH and we were done- we made a beeline to the pub and celebrated with cold beer and good company. I am so grateful that I have been able to follow Caboose along the trail and visit him. I have met some wonderful hikers and seen lovely areas and even hiked a little of the AT with Caboose- now he is on the final stretch with the challenging White Mountains and the final push to Maine. One more trip for me to meet him in Maine and celebrate his amazing accomplishment. It has been an incredible journey and I look forward to having Caboose home soon!
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Hanover, NH

To: trapper john shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ingrid and I said our goodbyes after breakfast. We had a wonderful few days together. Her support makes my AT adventure all that more a special. The next time I see her it will be at the terminus in Baxter State Park in Maine. Obsolete, Ox and I met in Hanover mid morning to resume our hike. It was a beautiful day sunny and warmer temperatures. The trail led out of Hanover along a road, took us by the Dartmouth ball fields and back into the forest. We had two big climbs today, Moose Mountain and Holts Ledge.   The ascents were challenging but the trail was in great condition making it enjoyable hiking. The more difficult ascent was Holts Ledge. Just before the climb we were fortunate to receive trail magic from Marsha and Dennis. They are local residents and frequently provide grilled hot dogs, cold soda, water, chips and pretzels to hikers. Thank you to our trail angels. The additional calories and kindness gave me renewed energy to make the long climb. It allowed me to relax and enjoy the views at the top. Holts Ledge was inspiring and I took the time to take it all in. The views and sheer drop were some of the best scenery that I've seen in a long time. I arrived in camp late, tired from the miles and ascent. However I was happy for a great time with family and an enjoyable day on the trail.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: trapper john shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The evening was excellent for sleeping and I rose late still tired from yesterday's effort. Obsolete, Ox and I headed out at 7:30am.Five miles down the trail we came upon the home of Bill Ackerly. He welcomes hikers, let's them camp in his yard and offers rest, ice cream, soda , conversation and croquet. A unique place and gathering of hikers. We enjoyed an ice cream and conversation before moving on. Thanks Bill. We are now in the White Mountains. More challenging and difficult climbs are ahead. Today was one of those. Our ascent up Smart Mountain was almost 2400 feet. Another 600 foot climb would end our day at the shelter. I enjoy the climbing. It takes a lot of energy and tires me out. The rewards are standing at the summit, feeling a cool breeze and taking in the view. It is a real sense of accomplishment. It is also slow going. I expected the Whites to reduce my daily miles. Today was a taste of that. We arrived at the shelter which is on a steep up hill trail. Ox went ahead to cover more miles. We hope to meet up with Ox again at hikers welcome hostel tomorrow. At the shelter there are only one or two level camping sites which were already taken. The water is from an unreliable stream which was not running. The closest water was at the beginning of the shelter side trail, 0.2 miles down a steep slope and then back up. Obsolete was kind enough to make the trek for both of us as I scouted for a level camp site. Thanks Obsolete!   Our day ended early at 3pm but the climbs took a lot out of me. I'm hoping for good rest and recovery. We have bigger mountains to climb on Tuesday. And look forward to Mount Washington next week.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hiker Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early, I enjoyed a relaxing breakfast of coffee and power bars. The weather was clear and promised to be a dry day. We had partially climbed MT Cube getting to the shelter. The remaining 800 ft ascent would be our mornings work. And work it was with the reward of excellent views at the summit. The trees were fewer and shorter at the top. This was good preparation for what will come this week. Steep rocky climbs. The weather remained dry but the temperature and humidity rose. Perspiration soaked through my clothes and dripped from my face. Each stream gave me an opportunity to put cool water in my head and face. Rinsing out my shirt helped and gave me a cool chill when I put it back on. The trail was comfortable walking with a few muddy parts despite the lack of rain. There were mature pine forests and many streams. We made our way to the Hikers Welcome Hostel 0.5 miles from the trail. It was crowded with south bound thru hikers (SoBo) section and NoBos. Bunks were in high demand so I choose to rent. The Inn Keepers are friendly, knowledgeable and offer shuttle and slack packing services. I feasted on the large cheese steak sandwich and cold beer from the deli. We are considering slack packing Mt. Moosilauke so that we may return tomorrow. We are now at mile 1790.5 with less than 400 miles to go.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: route 112

To: hiker welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

After a pancake breakfast our family of hikers took a shuttle to Lost River Road to back slack Mt Moossilauke returning to the hostel. Our group included Obsolete, Ox, Disco, Roo and myself. Ox, Disco and Roo choose small packs available at the hostel for the hike. The packs for children looked comical on the trio. Their sense of humor and good spirit got our hike off to a great start. The weather was pleasant with sunny skies. The almost 3000 ft climb and four mile ascent was difficult, technical and challenging. It was also visually rewarding as we followed a waterfall for much of the way.As we climbed the weather slowly changed. The temperature dropped with overcast skies, fog and the wind increasing during the ascent. Tree height decreased until there were no more trees. Interestingly small white wild flowers grew on the path in this harsh environment. Despite the cold temps, views obscured by the fog and strong winds blowing, the summit had its own beauty. On top of the mountain their were a number of "rock sculptures" and structures intended to protect you from the wind. We huddled in one that was like a dry hot tub and had a snack. The cold winds quickly chilled us and we began our six mile descent. The weather warmed as we went down, the wind calmed and the lower elevation sunny skies became overcast. We went quickly down the rocky steep terrain and arrived back at the hostel at the same time. Overhead clouds grew thicker and the threat of rain materialized shortly after we arrived. Unfortunately there was a problem with a pump and there was no available water for a shower of washing. A big disappointment. Despite this we made the best of it. We watched movies from the hostel's extensive DVD collection, had dinner and enjoyed the company of our fellow hikers.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: hiker welcome Hostel

To: Lincoln, NH - Chet's
Miles today: 16.3

After breakfast we went back to yesterday's slack pack start to now head NoBo. The hostel would take some of our gear to a hostel owned by Chet in Lincoln, NH our destination. We would get another opportunity to slack pack. The weather was overcast, cool, foggy and windy. We had challenging consecutive ascents. Mt. Wolf was a 1600 ft climb and South and North Kinsman Mountain at 1900 ft climb. The trail had steep ascents and rock scrambles. The terrain required abandoning my poles and reaching over my head to pull me up with my hands. It was strenuous, difficult, technical and rewarding to reach the top. We stopped at Lonesome lake Hut were Disco and Rue took a chilly swim. Rue was surprised to find hitch hiking leaches on her feet which were quickly removed. At the hut we bought baked goods and relaxed before moving on. We ended our hike at a trail head ~ five miles outside of Lincoln. We were able to get a taxi to the hostel. It was a long day. We didn't arrive at the hostel until ~ 7pm The hostel is not marked on a map nor is it advertised. It is the home of a kind man named Chet. He opens his home to thru hikers and only accepts donations. We were introduced but I did not have an opportunity to chat with him. He is a kind and gentle soul who has helped many a hiker including me. Thank you for you hospitality Chet. We tented in Chet's back yard as the garage was full of hikers. We quickly cleaned up and collected a full load of laundry from three other hikers. Now it was time to eat. Obsolete and I had dinner at a brewery close by. I enjoyed one of the best burgers that I have ever had. Cooked to perfection it was topped off with pork belly, Gouda, grilled onions, pickle on a delicious roll. Along with the Pilsner it was delicious meal. We arrived back at the host late. Happy but tired and ready for a good night sleep.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Lincoln, NH - Chet's

To: Garfield Ridfe Shelter 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

We rose early, packed up and resupplied at the local grocery store. We then went to Flap Jacks a local eatery for breakfast. Flap Jacks is a family run restaurant and they are very proud of their business. And they should be. The food quality was excellent and it included local maple syrup. The service was exceptional. We all had a filling breakfasts to fuel us for our hike.After breakfast Obsolete, Rue, Disco and I took a taxi back to the trail head. The day was beautiful. Cool and sunny, perfect for a strenuous day in the White Mountains. Our first climb was up Little Haystack Mountain, a 3300 ft climb, Mt Lincoln was another ~300 ft and Mt Lafayette another ~300 ft to an elevation of 5291. You can see all of the peaks from Little Haystack. The trail runs along a ridge line and connects them all. It is really an incredible view to see the peaks and surrounding terrain. The summits were spectacular with 360 degree views. The landscape and scenery were the most enjoyable I've experienced yet on the AT. It was simply magnificent. Rue and Disco went ahead of us They are strong hikers and have a goal to meet friends and family at Mt Washington on Saturday. Obsolete and I took our time. It was great day, clear and sunny.We had a relaxing lunch on the summit. The strong winds and cool temperatures required me to put on my cold weather clothes. Happy that I got them back in Hanover. The top of the mountain was crowded with day hikers enjoying the beauty of the area. After lunch it was difficult to get moving again. The summit is a place to spend time on a clear warm day. We still had a long way to go to get to camp. We left the summit and did a long steep descent followed by a final climb to Mt Garfield at 4500 ft. Another steep 600 ft descent got us to our camp site.We made it to the shelter after 6pm tired from our day. Our ten mile hike took us twice as long due to the difficulty of the terrain, ascents and descents. Progress in the White Mountains is measured in effort not distance. I gave all the effort I could muster today. Camp was crowded and Obsolete and I shared a tent platform. The temperatures were dropping as we set up camp and finished dinner. I went into my tent at 7pm to write my daily journal. After a few sentences I grew sleepy from the exhausting day's effort and feel asleep.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: lake of the clouds hut
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain that started late last night continued through the morning. Obsolete and I got on the trail just after 7am. Our hike would take us up a ~2700 ft ascent to Mt Webster and another ~ 150 to Mt Jackson. Obsolete moved ahead. He is a faster hiker and keeps a strong pace. The solitude of the ascent and still air enveloped me. It was a comfortable feeling in an isolated place.The climb up Webster was one of my most difficult and challenging yet. The steep rocks, boulders and roots were wet from the rain. Everything was slick. Each step and pole plant required a thoughtful placement to avoid slipping. A fall on the steep ascent would result in injury. I slowed my pace and took my time. The trail was not well marked and I checked my AT Map App frequently. Several trails run over the mountains and it is easy to take a wrong turn. I managed to stay on the correct path today. The trail took me by views that would have been spectacular if not for the heavy fog. Despite this I felt a sense of accomplishment in the climb and reaching the summit. At the top Mt Jackson I had lunch with a father and his two older children. It is warming to see families hiking together. This father started hiking with his kids when they were six. Now they hike with him in their twenties. We had a pleasant discussion and lunch pass quickly. I met Obsolete at Mitzpah Hut our intended destination. It was only 1 pm and we contemplated hiking another five miles to Lake of the Clouds hut. This would put us within 1.3 miles of Mt. Washington. Lake of the Clouds is a popular hut that holds 90 guests. Unfortunately there were no vacancies. Our option would be a "work for stay" that the huts offer to a limited number of thru hikers. There is no camping at the hut. It was a risk to go and we decided to take it. We arrived at the hut in good time at 4pm. Olivia welcomed U.S. and offered us work for stay. We would clean up following breakfast in the morning. In return we could eat dinner after the guests, sleep on the floor and have breakfast in the morning. Food is basic and plentiful. The hard part is not the work. It is the waiting. Dinner was at 8pm and lights out is after 9:30p. A number of other thru hikers arrived and the "croo"were kind enough to give us all work for stay. I appreciate their hospitality and welcome as working visitors. The hikers congregated at a table in the lounge. We passed the time discussing our travels and comfort of the hut. We had our late dinner. plentiful and tasty. Lights out at 9:30pm. Late for me but grateful for the shelter and meals. The hut is a busy day lace at night. The guests must go through our path to use the restroom. It was a poor nights sleep for me as guests went in and out with their head lamps. None the less I am thankful for the croo's hospitality and warm welcome.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Mt. Washington

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was a spectacular day hiking the last portion of the Presidential Range of the Whites. A group of eight of us left the hostel and shuttled back to the Mt. Washington summit. It was a clear day with light clouds high in the sky. The shuttle ride up the Auto Road provided excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At times it was uncomfortable as there are no guard rails and the terrain is often straight down. It's more comfortable to walk! Once on top of the mountain it became obvious why Mt. Washington is so special. Powerful weather currents converge here. One of the volunteers described it as "the tail pipe" that concentrates the weather. The wind was blowing at 50 mph with clouds moving over the summit. Today it was clear enough to see the buildings through the fog. This was a good weather day on Mt. Washington. This was not the case yesterday. I took photos through any break in the clouds and prepared to descend. The trail down takes you around Mt. Jefferson, Adams and Madison. The winds grew stronger and fog rolled in. The only view was an occasional break in the clouds. The trail crossed over the cog rail line. I could hear the train but not see it through the dense fog. As we descended the sky cleared and there were terrific views of the surrounding mountains. Descending is down steep rocky terrain. There are challenging climbs up or around the Presidential Peaks. It was a strenuous day but very rewarding. There were terrific views all day Mt Washington and the other peaks were in sight for most of the hike. There were also layered views of the surrounding mountains many deep into the horizon. The clear sky and bright sun combined with constant strong winds made for a glorious day. This was one of the most rewarding hikes that I've had this far. It was along day and gratifying. We reached Pinkham Notch at 5pm. The White Mountains Hostel shuttled picked us up. We immediately went to the store to resupply and back to the hostel by 7pm. We relaxed with excellent Italian delivery from a local restaurant and a nice red wine. There was a pleasant surprise waiting for Obsolete and me. Rue left a box of baked goods, grapes and ginger beer for us. She had picked up Ox earlier to assist with his transportation home and left us the "trail magic" at the hostel. It was very kind of her. Thank you Rue. We enjoyed it. The day came to a close. I was exhausted and grateful for such a spectacular day.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Pinkham Notch

To: IMP shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Following an excellent breakfast at the White Mountains Hostel and Lodge we returned to Pinkham Notch to resume our hike. It was a beautiful morning. Sunny, high clouds and cool temps. Our first ascent was a long and challenging 2372 ft climb up Wildcat Mountain. It was steep rocky terrain of boulders and rock slab. The terrain required climbing and concentration to coordinate foot and hand holds. The trail rewarded you with views of Mts Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison. We dropped down a steep descent to Carter Notch Hut. There is beautiful pond with sheer rock cliff walls close the hut. It is a tranquil place with the contrast of the hard rock, calm water and flowering Lilly pads. Carter Notch Hut is smaller than the others but has its own unique charm. Their warm hospitality is oversized. Scott, one of the Croo heated up pork tenderloin leftovers for lunch. In exchange I did light work of cleaning up around the buildings. It was a fair barter. We enjoyed our lunch and helping around the hut. Thanks Scott for your hospitality. Lunch was great. The ascents and descents were extremely challenging for me today. I quickly grew fatigued as the day went on. Clouds gathered, the wind picked up and it started to rain two miles from my destination. I got very wet as the rocks and granite slabs on the steep descent grew slick. It was difficult hiking but I made it safely arriving at 5pm. A long day. I set up camp, got water and made dinner in the common area. The rain let up and the sun returned. There were friendly hikers at the common area for cooking. One group was a family of five with twin daughters 12 yrs and a son 6 yrs. They were a delightful family and strong hikers. One of the girls was kind enough to make me a s'more. A great ending to dinner. Thank you! The White Mountains challenged me and exhausted me. Total ascents was over 4600 ft.   In return I had another hike with breath taking views and the satisfaction of successfully ascending and descending challenging mountains.