morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Guest Blog

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 21.0

Hot, humid and storms of mossies today. I met loads of Southbounders with enthusasium and good body weight, well they have only done 400 miles.I went under 400 miles today wha-hoo.I came to NH 25 at the village of Glencliff and walked to The Hiker's Welcome hostel. It was fullish, hot and not very inviting, so I hitched to the village of Warren to the Village Inn, which was oddly closed. I picked up a tri-fold which indicated that a Brewery Tavern (har-har, worth the wait?) was "just down from the Inn." It wasn't, now a private residence, huge bummer. Next thing I know two older ladies stop ahead, turn around and drive back towards me. The window rolls down and Mary asks me if I'm thru-hiking and where I'm going because there is nothing down the road for sometime. I explained what I just wrote above and Mary said she had attempted a thru-hike in 1995 and would put me up for the night- get in, she said. Well they were off to Plymouth State University, part of the NH Festival Choir...preforming two Mozart choral pieces. Mary and Marian said I could get a meal in Plymouth and come back and listen to the rehearsal, which was fantastic. What a gas. I ended up going to Marian's house as Mary was just back from California. In the morning Marion cooked me scrambled eggs along with fresh blueberries. She gave me some wonderful peaches and took me back to the Trail to face Mt. Moosilauke. Thank you very much ladies!
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Franconia Notch, NH
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: few clouds

It rained overnight which led to a nice cool morning. Marian provided me a good feed and dropped me back to the Trail. Many thanks! Mt. Moosilauke was a tough but fun climb. It is the first mountain above treeline and the views of the White Mountains were the best so far. The temp climbed back up without the humidity--but was HOT! The mossies were back out in attack formation and really aggressive. I moved along the east peak of Mt. Wolf and the Kinsman peaks quite nicely, rolling into Franconia Notch where I'll meet my sister Jennifer and son Darren in the morning. My feet are killing me for some reason. Only 372 miles to go...can't wait to get back home.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Franconia Notch, NH

To: Garfield Campsite
Miles today: 10.4

Jennifer brought Darren to the Trail this morning. It was great to see the young fella as he has grown into a young man over the last four months. Tough place to start the Trail with lots of tough ups with loads of rocks. We climbed Franconia Ridge trail leading to Little Haystack Mt. (4,800), Mt Lincoln (5,089) and Mt. Lafayette (5,249) then onto Mt. Garfield (4,488) trail where we planned to make camp. Well the rocks and ups and downs would not quit. Darren was doing very well but our water ran out and darkness was closing in as we searched for Garfield Ridge campsite. We ending up having to summit Mt. Garfield first for the view and then rolled into the campsite. Of course Darren had not set up the tent before so we went through all possible configurations in the dark before getting him to sleep.Oh the joy of it all!
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Garfield Campsite

To: Zealand Hut
Miles today: 10.0

My first work for stay at an AMC hut. It is a rustic like cabin that sleeps about 40 seasonal hikers and provides them dinner and breakfast. There is a staff of five. They offer thru-hikers the work for stay option, which means washing dishes and other dogs body work-saving 80 bucks.Darren woke up this morning with no complains and ready to go. Another day of great temps and sunshine. The Trail proved itself just as challenging as yesterday. Treat of the day, upon arrival at the Zealand hut we jumped into the icy cold waters of Zealand Falls and cooled down nicely. Met up with Catchup and Skiman again and after dinner Catchup gave a presentation to those interested on her experiences on the AT.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Zealand Hut

To: Darren Blog I
Miles today: 0.0

Just joined the trail yesterday (1 Aug) and already feeling the strains. I flew to America from the UK to join my Dad who is almost four months into the hike and a real machine. My Aunt Jennifer picked me up in Boston and helped me get ready for a few days. She then drove me from Rhode Island to meet Dad at Franconia Notch, NH. We then proceeded to walk 10 tough miles to Garfield Campsite. The hike down from the Franconia ridgeline was one of the hardest I've experienced. We made ok time but it was already dark by the time we made it to camp. All there was time for was to set up the tents in the dark and fall asleep as soon as we crawled inside. We slept for a few hours but were woken up by a fox rummaging in our neighbors food sack. The fox was soon dealt with and we slept till morning. Next morning we woke at 8 and left by 9 embarking on a strenuous hike taking us to the Galehead hut were we planed to stay the night but that changed as we met Dads former trail companions Catchup and Skiman.My Dad, whose Trail name is RainCheck, has given me the trail name of three peaks for the first three peaks we summited as I did it without complaint. -Three Peaks
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Darren Blog I

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got up at 0545 at the Hut and it took Darren almost an hour to get it together so we could hit the Trail. He moved quickly along the mostly flat treadway for the first seven miles. We stopped on the northern side of US 302/Crawford Notch to cook up some lunch on the Saco River. Then as we hit the Trail again and after about 25 feet from where were sitting-- bam--Trail magic consisting of fresh brownies, candy bars and soda, many thanks to Pilot and her mom! Darren has been suffering from a bleeding nose off and on all day. However he has soldiered on without complaint so far. We were 2.9 miles from our destination of Mizpah Hut and out of water--it was hot but, not humid. The ups and downs of the Webster Cliffs, Mts.Webster & Jackson were fun and challenging--we often had to resort to hand over hand rock climbing. The views were the best so far. Upon arrival at Mizpah we caught back up with Catchup & Skiman who had been in front all day. No luck at a work for stay as they already had six thru-hikers, fortunately there was a tentsite nearby or we would have had to continue on to Mt. Washington. Only 338 miles to go.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Backtracking... Minus 14 miles
Miles today: 0.0

Disaster last night. I asked Darren if he had brushed his teeth and put in his retainers...deer in the headlights look. "I can't find my retainers", says he. Needless to say I insisted on a through search against Darren's wishes--he was too tire--aaahh. Nothing. After intensive interrogation I determined he left them at the Zealand Hut. I could tell it was gonna be a long day. We would have to backtrack 14 miles to recover the gear. I decided to ask the Croo at Mizpah Hut if there was a shorter way and indeed there is, we took the Crawford trail to 302 and were gonna hitch. Biggest stoke of luck this week was running into Lynn and Andy who were out hiking and heading back to their van. I asked if they were familiar with Zealand Hut and Lynn said she stayed there last year. So we looked at her roadmap and found the road that would leave only 2.9 miles to the Hut. They offered us a ride which saved us untold hours and it is HOT today. This cooled me off a bit as the old sarcasm monster was awakened. Half way to the hut I figured it was safe enough for Darren to carry on alone so I sat down and started this entry. When he returns we have a long journey to get back, hopefully we'll get a hitch...
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Backtracking... Minus 14 miles

To: Captain's Log II - What I've been thinking about
Miles today: 0.0

Today marks four months on the AT and I've covered 1,835 miles. I'm still feeling strong and moving well, now with my 15 yo son Darren. The Trail still makes me feel small and exceptionally lucky to have enjoyed this much time hiking in America's backyard. I have peeled a layer of skin off and really like the result. It's not the weight loss or mountain hardened muscles (nice side bennies) but the knowledge I've taken on one on the toughest personal challenges I know of and am almost finished. It seems to me an elite accomplishment that few even attempt, still fewer achieve.My wife, four children, brother and two sisters have provided incredible support for this quest. Thank you.For my many friends around the planet, thanks for all your physical and emotional support-it worked!I'm also thankful that I got past many issues that were clouding my vision, judgment and well being, you know personal stuff... I've been blessed to have a job. I've worked hard for the US Government for the past 27 years and still believe I have much to offer. I truly hope (which is not a course of action) that I can return to the work place and contribute to the mission without suffering the disappointment of poor leadership and lack of focus. I remain hopeful. A few other things on my mind...In 16 years I'll be 60.I now understand the old saying- "youth is wasted on the young."Of all the things I could wish for or want, it is to be healthy.I am in my best physical shape since Officer Candidate School in 1988.The knee surgery I had in March 2006 worked so well I should be a poster boy for the procedure. I also did my physical therapy as directed! I'm on no medication.The great outdoors is beyond imagination, being in the middle of the mountains defies imagination.When I think of tomorrow on the Trail I hope it never comes, when it arrives I hope it never ends.Of all the things I've learned during my life, I now know how little I know. Nothing surprises me but many things on the Trail have restored my sense of wonder.I'm scared to death of going back to work and not being able to think.While this journey has been incredibly selfish I truly believe the impact on my life and those around me will be profound for a long time.I really like not shaving and my hair is the longest it's been since I was a teenager, not bad if I do say so.It's great to wear shorts everyday.I'm very proud and humbled that I was able to raise awareness and a few bucks for those in need of medical attention to restore their sight via Orbis International.Gravity is bringing me back down to earth.My short walk is almost complete and I'll be home soon, yeah really.Peace-
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Captain's Log II - What I've been thinking about

To: Off the Trail in Bartlett, NH
Miles today: 0.0

We recovered Darren's dental retainers and could not get a ride back to Crawford Notch. So we stopped at Bretton Wood Lodge and took a room for the night, at the foot of Mt. Washington. The lodge had a pool and pizza place so the night was very enjoyable for two weary hikers. The 5th of August was a long planned rendezvous with my brother Mark, who is a chef in real life, along with the owners of the restaurant he works at in Brookline, Mass right next Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox). Aengus and Grainne own O'Leary's Irish Bar and Restaurant and invited Darren and I to stay for the night and have dinner at their home in NH. What a great night and meal cooked by my brother--thank you very much. Monday morning and it is pouring rain. The temperature yesterday was 92F in town, this morning it is 60F. a mere drop of 32 degrees, I imagine it was a bit cooler on Mt. Washington (it was 47F). Aengus is a bit of a hiker and advised me not to attempt the summit today and offered us another day or relaxation at the Casa, which I accepted. (This proves wise as it rained all day and Mt. Washington was completely socked it all day). Aengus took his son Daniel, myself and Darren to their condo complex for a bit of swimming, pool and table tennis. Lots of laughs, smiles and fun had by all. The weather forecast is much improved for tomorrow, fingers crossed. Thanks for your continued support to me and Orbis International. I miss you all.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Off the Trail in Bartlett, NH

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: fog

Darren and I returned to the Trail after a great time and some good food with my brother and the O'Leary family. We were dropped off at the Crawford Path and made our way back towards Mizpah Hut. The temp and conditions were perfect for climbing Mt. Washington, which at the end of the day was not that tough. I wanted to get up and over as soon as possible as it is one of the most dangerous mountains in the US, and possibly the world. Mt. Washington still holds the record for the highest wind speed ever recorded--231 mph--and it can snow/storm anytime. Great views along the way and I'm ready for Maine. The White Mountains were much harder and beautiful than anticipated.From a friend who knows:from Ruth & KP Miller < to michael.redding@gmail.com date Aug 13, 2007 12:11 PM subject Mt Washington Mike;Hate to disappoint you. but Super Typhoon Paka broke the wind speed record December 16, 1997 on the island of Guam with the eye wall blowing at 236mph. Good luck on the last 250 miles, look forward to seeing you back here.KP Miller
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Gorham
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We are whipped after Darren's first twenty miler. The rain hit last night and lasted most of the day. The Wildcat mountains were very scary both up and down and the most difficult hiking/climbing I've done to date. We made a decision to go for it and get to Gorham to get off the Trail for a warm shower and to dry out...I promised Darren pizza and he moved without complaint. Went under 300 miles today---yahoo. ONLY 297 miles to go.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Gorham

To: Carlos Col Shelter, Maine
Miles today: 17.0

Yep, finally crossed into God's country. Great day for hiking after yesterdays all day downpour. Darren did very well today after a slow start (sore feet, legs and back). It was quite poignant that we had to climb Mt. Success to cross from New Hampshire into Maine. We are worn out but happy.zzzzzz
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Carlos Col Shelter, Maine

To: Speck Pond Campsite, Maine
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Butt whooping day. Beautiful temp and sky, though a bit overcast. Four peaks today that were all about the vertical and the treadway was really tough. The highlight was definitely Mahoosuc Notch, an area cut through the side of a mountain that a glacier left strewn with truck sized boulders. It can best be described as a prehistoric playground/jungle gym. It was the most fun, especially for Darren, on the Trail so far. It took a lot out of me and all my leg joints are shot and sore. What a wonderful mile, some say the most difficult--but for me it's been the Wildcat Mts. that were very hard and a lot less fun.There was still ice in the Notch which gave off a nice cold vapor like when one goes to the supermarket freezer section, it was rather nice. A few boulders into the Notch we saw our first moose, a very unfortunate young dead one. I can only imagine its mother saying one day to stay away from that Notch area...Three quarters of the way through we finally got access to the water we could hear running below--it was the coldest and best tasting water to date (with just a hint of moose ).Went over 1900 miles today---eeehaw.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Speck Pond Campsite, Maine

To: The Cabin - Andover, Maine
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a call from Catchup this morning, she and Skiman are a few days ahead of us, extolling the virtues of The Cabin. I made a call and spoke to Earl (aka Bear) and was able to secure reso's and a pickup (The Cabin is 8 miles from the Trail). So far so good, however I detected bit of skepticism in Bear's voice that we could cover the distance, he said ok, call when you get to Dunn's Notch (one mile from the road). It was a hard hike. Baldpate Mt. (both west & east peaks) had lots of up and then some more, it kicked our collective butts. Otherwise a fine cool day that was quite enjoyable. Darren is coming along nicely and able to hike at pace now. Only 256 miles remaining.BTW- anyone out there with some spare American Airlines air miles that you could donate to me? I would dearly love to fly back to the UK in other than economy...my AA account number is: B32E780 Many thanks!
Date: 2007-08-12
From: The Cabin - Andover, Maine

To: South Arm Road, Maine
Miles today: 10.0

Easy day. Wonderful weather. I decided to take and easy day of low mileage and stay another night at The Cabin. Bear dropped us off and said the truck would be waiting at the other end and handed me a key. I was going to take a zero day after yesterday's fall, but I did not want to get stiff. I think we had been doing a bit too much over the past week. What fall say you?I could not bring myself to write about it yesterday, it was awful. Darren and I were hiking along like a well oiled machine and making great time, talking about everything and loving life. However about five miles out from our selected destination, on the north slope of Baldpate Mt., eastern peak going down, I fell like a ton of bricks. This was no ordinary fall of course, this was the sickening, oh my God fall. I was in the groove using my hiking poles as little pole vaults, clearing 2 and 3 foot drops. I've been leading with my right leg to take most of the impact when my trailing left leg caught a root. As I was already heading downward, I felt my body snap back and I came down in full stride on my leg that was now underneath me--whabam. I let out an unholy shriek. My momentum was gonna take me for a long tumble, in a split second I reached out my right arm and hooked a pine tree (and the arm has nice lacerations of course). There I was sitting on my left leg, boot sticking firmly up my buttocks. I was in shock--the look on Darren's face said it all--fear and deathly surprise. He came running up yelling Dad, Dad. I said don't touch me, please. I was running a complete diagnosis on the leg. I managed to leverage myself back using the tree and slide up off the leg. I sat for a long time thinking this was journey's end. Unbelievably no damage so I got up and started slowly back down the mountain. We completed the hike and met Bear to go to The Cabin. Upon reaching The Cabin I sucked down a handful of vitamin I and took a shower and sat around for the rest of the night with my leg up. We had a wonderful family style dinner with six other hikers including Bear and his wife Honey. Come morning my ankle and knee were so very sore and I contemplated a zero. Darren was complaining of a sore back and knees as well. Bear suggested a short slack which I thought best. Darren agreed and went with a small day pack, I kept my full pack figuring the body would have to suck it up. The first two miles were fine but I began to feel very sore in the ankle and knee and a physical sickness came over me. I was moving like a snail and Darren even offered to take my pack. But as ever I was stubborn and stuck it out. I felt every rock, root and part of the mountain like never before. I'm ok now and feeling very lucky.   Looking forward to a nice dinner and shower.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: South Arm Road, Maine

To: Darren Blog II
Miles today: 0.0

The last few days have been hard but pretty fun. We've managed to get through the bigger mountains in Maine and New Hampshire. We spent the last night at the cabin getting good food, sleep and company. We had an easier day today only doing 10 miles and returning to the cabin. After Dads fall yesterday he found Moody mountain hard but we both made it to the end of the trail where Bear {the owner of the cabin} left his truck and keys. It was a nervous drive back with it being the first time Dad had driven in 4 months. We are all rested and feeling good now.......
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Darren Blog II

To: Serious Zero Day at The Cabin, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I was sore from yesterdays mere ten miles, but felt good we got out on the Trail. Bear and Honey are the consummate hosts and took good care of the two of us during our stay. I wholeheartedly recommend staying there if chance presents. Darren lounged on the couch and channel surfed most of the day and I sat outside reading with my leg up. I can recommend the book I finished and throughly enjoyed called "The Rule of Four" by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. Great riveting novel about trying to decode a Renaissance book at modern day Princeton. It's a fast moving mystery, puzzle, and fun suspense. Ock you would love it.Back on the Trail in the morning.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Serious Zero Dat at the Cabin, Maine

To: Sabbath Day Pond Shelter, Maine
Miles today: 17.0

Cool morning in the low 50s, the temps remained cool all day. Good breakfast and back to the Trail. Darren and I started off sluggishly and moved along enjoying the day. He's Sancho Panza playing along quietly to my Don Quixote still tilting at mountains. The miles came easily in the end. We have nine miles to Rangeley tomorrow where we'll resupply and hopefully meet the Chapman's for the evening. Another lucky link up from old friends (thanks Mrs. Healy). I'm growing weary but will stick it out, looking forward to going home.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Sabbath Day Pond Shelter

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to Rangeley in good time after a rainy start. Joanne, good to her word, was there to collect us. She took me to the post office to pick up our food for the next week and then on to the super market to stock up. This is actually much more (or should I say less) than half a day off--it would have taken us at least a few hours to do what we did in one. Many thanks to Joanne and Ray for sharing their house and time with us. Only 220 miles to go...
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Off the Trail at Rangeley

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Great meal of moose meat chop suey last night at the Chapman's followed by a good breakfast in the morning to see us off. Joanne dropped us back to the Trail at ten (Darren needed his beauty sleep) and we were off. Another sluggish day. Good weather and cool temps so no problems there, just a general malaise. The climbs on Saddleback, The Horn and Saddleback Junior were long and hard for some reason, most likely all that gained elevation. We stopped at the shelter and flirted with eating and setting back out for a few more miles when the rain set in. My tent and me are currently in quite a puddle while Darren is on my air mattress in the Lean-to. Hope there are no leaks tonight... NB- My tent held up but it was the most rain in a while and the puddle was turning into a pool. I went to the shelter. This was a good move to get out of an icebox, but one of the worst night's sleep yet. The Lean-to is (in)famous for it's baseball bat style floor--oh the pain. MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Stratton
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

We hiked better today. Bright clear day to dry out our stuff and the Trail. Nothing too difficult today. We had been looking forward to fording the Carrabassett River, but the water was so low we skipped across with no probs. Dropped under 200 miles remaining and we are gonna try and finish before August is out. Only 187 miles to go...