morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 18.3

August 5, 2004 ¢ Clarendon to Sherburne Pass ¢ 18.3 miles        Got company late last night, long after I was asleep. Turns out he¢s an early riser too but not quick about getting going. I have to learn that despite weather predictions, if I want a good night¢s sleep my tent is a better bet. It didn¢t rain a drop last night and today was great for hiking. Cool and mostly cloudy. The day improved quickly. About a mile into my hike I ran into Jack and Roberta. I¢d first met them in the Smokies, stayed with them at Standing Bear Farm, and saw them the last time as they were hiking into Erwin, Tennessee and Mailman and I were hiking out. They¢re flip-flopping the section from Norwich, Vermont to their home in Connecticut, hiking it south. Their trail names are Goodtimes and Blueberry Bert. Two miles or so after I saw Jack and Roberta there were sodas in a little stream courtesy of Hiking Gnome and Outhouse Repairman. A little extra sugar to help with the climb up Killington. I didn¢t go up to Killington Peak. I wasn¢t interested in the gondola or snack bar. I missed a lookout because the guide book had it listed as being north of a shelter. I saw a neat view, but since I hadn¢t passed the shelter yet I didn¢t stop and take out my camera, thinking there was something better coming up. Lost opportunity. At ¢Maine Junction¢ were the Long Trail and AT part ways, I met a lady who hiked the AT about 4 years ago ¢ of course I immediately forgot her name. She took my picture next to the sign. I rolled into the Inn at the Long Trail about 5 pm. The trail, LT and AT went right through the parking lot here until a reroute several years ago that put the trail on more protected land. I had a 12 mile detour. Well worth the shower, great little room and opportunity to do laundry. Had a burger at the bar and apple crisp alamode for dessert. Need to sort through some gear, then it¢s time for bed. I¢m inside 500 miles today without even including the 50% I already did in the Whites.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Sherburne Pass

To: The Lookout
Miles today: 15.6

August 6, 2004 ¢ Sherburne Pass to The Lookout ¢ 15.6 miles        It was nice to be able to lie in bed for a while this morning. Breakfast wasn¢t until 7:30 so I lounged around until 7 and then packed up my gear. I sat with another hiker, Meanderthal, at breakfast. He¢s from Maine and does photos for a weekly newspaper. He¢s on a leave of absence, but is now writing a column for the paper about his hike. The Ellsworth American is the paper. His real name is Mike Riley. Got back to the AT about 9 and had a slow morning. It couldn¢t decide if it was going to rain or not, and it was cool, so I kept stopping to put on or take off my jacket and rain pants. Had a long lunch break today up by the continental divide. Shortly after it decided to clear up for good and we got some sun and blue sky between the clouds. Had a gorgeous view from the Lakota Lake lookout and met two women who are on the 10 year AT plan. They did CT and MA last year and are doing VT and part of NH this summer. I¢m staying at ¢The Lookout¢ tonight. It¢s a cabin on private property that the owners allow hikers to stay in. There¢s no water nearby so I had to fill my water bladder three miles back. There is an observation deck on the roof with a 360 degree view. It¢s spectacular.   I had my dinner up there. Here it is cold and I have my warm hat on for the first time in many months. The cabin is drafty but dry and comfortable. Meanderthal joined me for the night. I was hoping for a really good sunset but the clouds have filled back in. Still a great spot.
Date: 2004-08-07
From: The Lookout

To: Thistle Hill
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

August 7, 2004 ¢ The Lookout to Thistle Hill (tenting) ¢ 14.0 miles        Had a bunch of locals show up about 10 last night and clamber up the ladder to the observation deck on the roof. They were loud and obnoxious. Meanderthal went out to talk to them. Luckily they weren¢t intent on delinquency and after chatting about hiking a bit they went on their way. It was a chilly night. I zipped up my sleeping bag and even wore my gloves to bed. Woke up pretty early and went out to pee.   Crawled back in my bag and pulled in my hiking clothes to warm them up. After Meanderthal left about 7, I fell back to sleep until 8:30! Good think I was planning for today to be shorter than usual. The elevation profile was wrong again today.   Another re-route most likely. Met a family (grandfather, daughter, grandson_ from Texas who are vacationing in the area and wanted to hike a piece of the trail. They offered to lighten my pack by taking my garbage ¢ very nice. Saw Ponderer slack-packing south and met a friend of his from Montpelier, Vermont who is also a trail maintainer for the Vermont Long Trail. He gave me the rest of his water and saved me a stop and a treatment. Had several neat views today of Vermont farmland. We walked across the edges of several fields. Saw three cows and a bunch of tubing for tapping maple trees. Saw milkweed with their pods in several of the fields. I haven¢t seen that in years. Every time I came out into the open I could see rain clouds looming and I¢d heard we were supposed to get showers this afternoon and evening. It doesn¢t seem as dark and foreboding now, though the wind is still blowing strong. I¢m going to tent tonight for the sake of staying warmer. If I do end up with a wet tent fly, I¢ll be able to dry it out tomorrow in Norwich. When I crossed VT Rte 12 today I hiked into the domain of the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC). They maintain the trail from here to up past Moosilauke. Fun to be back in DOC territory as a Dartmouth alum. Now I wish I¢d done more with the cabin and trails division of the DOC when I was an undergrad. Only 400 more miles to go.
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Thistle Hill

To: Norwich, Vermont
Miles today: 13.1

August 8, 2004 ¢ Thistle Hill to Norwich, Vermont ¢ 13.1 miles        I was plenty warm in my tent last night but didn¢t sleep well. Looked like I was the only one there ¢ no one else signed the register. Everyone must have made the push to Hanover for Saturday Post Office hours and some trail catering I saw signs for. Really dragged all day though my time/mileage wasn¢t bad. Just before I hit Elm Street there was a trail magic cooler. I had a root beer and an oatmeal pie and took a Nestle¢s Crunch for later. I got to Shirley¢s about 2:30. Shirley has house in Durham (NC) and one in Norwich. We have mutual family friends, we dance at the same studio and she¢s in a quilting group with my mom. Months ago when I mentioned my hike she invited me to stay with her. I got to meet one of her daughters and her son and his wife. I showered and did laundry and then we all went to a pot luck dinner at the Norwich Historical Society. I still think Shirley¢s dish was the best ¢ chicken and potatoes and onions and I¢m not sure what else. There were drinks, cheeses and dips, tomato salad, broccoli casserole, zucchini casserole, lasagna, chicken salad, etc. I ate well and it was fun. Several people asked about my hike. It was good to be with Shirley and also to be able to mention my connection to the college when people asked why I was there. Checked e-mail, socialized a bit, and made it an early night. Tomorrow I¢m going to take the day off, reacquaint myself with Hanover, run some errands, and just rest and relax.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: Norwich, Vermont

To: Norwich, Vermont - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

August 9, 2004 ¢ Zero Day Norwich, Vermont and Hanover, New Hampshire        Had Shirley¢s homemade oatmeal with raisins and blueberries and peaches for breakfast along with a cup of tea. I went to the post office and then to Dan & Whit¢s to supplement my food bag. I headed for Hanover mid-day and met family for lunch. My grandmother has a summer place about an hour¢s drive from Hanover. Two of my uncles, aunts and one cousin were there visiting and decided to make the trip up to say hello. We had lunch at Molly¢s and visited and took pictures on the green. I stopped in at the post office in Hanover to say hello to the postmaster, but the line was really long and I wasn¢t sure a social call was appropriate. Sorry I missed you Beth! I stopped in at the alumni office to say hello to some folks I¢ve worked with there in my role with my local Dartmouth alumni club. Had a great chat with Chris Coleman who helped me from the college side with an alumni seminar we put on last year. Also got to check out the updates to my website, especially the pictures. Back in Norwich, Shirley made lemon sole, corn on the cob, green beans and tomato salad for dinner. Had a shower and I¢m off to bed.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Norwich, Vermont

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

August 10, 2004 ¢ Norwich, Vermont to Trapper John Shelter ¢ 18.2 miles        I¢m in the shelter tonight. I¢m tired and too lazy to set up my tent. Had another good breakfast with Shirley and her family. Shirley makes great oatmeal. I stopped in at the music department at Dartmouth on my way out of town and left notes for my old oboe teacher and band director. I¢m sure they¢ll be a little surprised when they get their mail. Hiked up past Velvet Rocks just past campus and went up over Moose Mountain this afternoon. Had a long walk for water past an old shelter, but I¢m glad I went. Things have been pretty dry since then. Carried about 4 extra pounds to make sure I¢d have enough for dinner. After Moose Mountain the trail goes down into the valley again and up the back side of the Dartmouth Ski Hill. It follows some ledges with good views (a little too hazy for pictures) and goes by a peregrine falcon rookery. Meanderthal has hung his hammock nearby. Saw a half dozen southbound hikers today and a camp group. Register entries make it look like we¢re in a bit of a gap between groups which is not a bad thing. A month from today if I have a view I should be able to see Katahdin.
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Brackett Brook
Miles today: 15.1

August 11, 2004 ¢ Trapper John Shelter to Brackett Brook (tenting) ¢ 15.1 miles        Rained a bit last night. I was up pretty early and left the shelter at 7:15. Once I got down to the base of the ski hill the trail went through fields and brush for about mile. I was soaked from brushing up against the wet plants and I¢m covered with scrapes from raspberry bushes and briars. I dried pretty quick ¢ it was a warm humid day. I stopped at the old ranger cabin on top of Smarts Mountain for an early lunch. I checked my phone for messages and had one from my brother-in-law. My sister had her second baby this morning ¢ James Ivan, 10 lbs 2 oz! I can¢t wait to see him. Everyone is doing well. I¢m hoping to spend some time with my nephews after my hike. I climbed the fire tower to get better reception so I could call and check in. Unfortunately, I was just looking into the fog. Hiked in the clouds most of today. After lunch I was headed over to Mt. Cube. The Hexacuba shelter was too close so I hiked over the summit and planned to camp. It cleared a little, but only long enough for the thunderclouds to build. Luckily I was down off the summit before it hit. My pack cover and rain poncho did their job. I did have to set my tent up in the rain.   I suppose I could have waited a couple of hours (it¢s done raining now) but I was tired and hungry when I got to Brackett Brook. So I crawled in my tent with all my gear and listened to it thunder and rain for a few hours while I changed clothes, got organized and had dinner. Broke the don¢t eat in your tent rule. I hope the bears don¢t get me. That¢s one nice thing about having MREs (military rations, Meals Ready to Eat). They don¢t need to be cooked or even heated if you don¢t mind them cold. I don¢t. It would have been a little hard to cook tonight. Met some southbounders at the Smarts Mountain ranger cabin. Ghost is keeping a photo journal of all the hikers he meets. He took my picture on the cabin porch. Silly me ¢ I forgot to ask for a copy. Only picture I took today was of a mileage marker I don¢t know the significance of. It said 412, but I think this year it¢s closer to the 422 mile mark. I have about 360 to go.
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Brackett Brook

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

August 12, 2004 ¢ Brackett Brook to Jeffers Brook Shelter ¢ 12.7 miles        Kept waking up and going back to sleep this morning. The babbling of the brook was relaxing. When I finally decided to get up I couldn¢t bear to put my hiking clothes on because they smelled so bad. I¢d only hiked in them two days, but I guess being sweaty and trapped under my rain poncho just encouraged the bacteria to breed, and of course nothing dried out last night. So I rinsed my clothes out in the brook and rung them dry as best I could and hung them from my pack. I wore my ¢clean¢ clothes until lunch time and then changed back into my damp but not quite so smelly hiking clothes. I also cut my finger and toe nails and puttered about this morning so I didn¢t start hiking until 9:30! That¢s the latest I¢ve ever started except on a 12 town day. It was sprinkly and rainy all day but I really didn¢t get very wet. I crossed Routes 25A, 25C and 25. Passed up the hostel in Glenn Cliff and headed for the shelter 1 mile later. I was there by 3:30, and considered moving on but yesterday the T-boomers didn¢t start until after 4 and I didn¢t want to be halfway up the side of Moosilauke if the weather got bad. Three section hikers were already here (Peter, Lucas and Dan) and they had a fire going to I decided to stay. I can¢t resist a fire. Of course it hasn¢t rained since. It hasn¢t cleared up either. Oh well, I¢ll be well rested and dry for the 4000 foot climb up Moosilauke in the morning. Oh, BTW (by the way) I went over Mist Mountain today ¢ how appropriate. Peter, Lucas and Dan were supposed to be a foursome, but one of their party didn¢t come. Hence they have too much food. So in addition to my regular dinner of Country Captain Chicken and chocolate chip cookies, I also had a big serving of Curry Ginger Couscous with Cashews. Very yummy. Smoked some of my clothes over the fire. Wood smoke smells way better than old sweat. We¢ve also been joined by River Rat and California, two SOBOs. There was enough couscous for them to have some too. I have the recipe now.
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

August 13, 2004 ¢ Jeffers Brook to Eliza Brook ¢ 15.9 miles        Had a good morning ¢ up and out by 6:30 am. It was rainy but warm so I was hiking in my sports bra and nylon shorts. When I started to get up to the tree line on Moosalauke, I had to put on more clothes because of the wind. It had stopped raining about 8 but was still dripping from the trees and the brush on the sides of the trail was wet to you could get soaked just walking along. Moosalauke was socked in and very windy. Strong enough to push me around a bit. Never took my raingear off after the summit ¢ it was colder and wetter. Went to Beaver Brook Shelter for an early lunch and saw CNN. I hadn¢t seen them since Waynesboro, Virginia! They¢d been off the trail for a week or so when Charles had a bad insect bite so I¢d gotten ahead of them which is why I hadn¢t seen their names in the registers. They got ahead of me again when I went to hike the Whites from Bennington. I was hoping I¢d see them before I got to Franconia Notch. They were taking a zero day at the shelter. They don¢t like hiking in the rain. I¢d made good time to Beaver Brook, but the going was very slow after that. The descent, about 2000 feet in less that a mile, was rocky and wet. There were rebar hand holds in spots and steps screwed into steep rocks. The trail followed Beaver Brook so it was misty and wet from that in addition to the rain. It took me an hour and a half to go 1.5 miles. From Kinsman Notch it was another 7.5 miles to Eliza Brook. The trail was flooded most of the way. There were places where the bog bridges were 6 inches under water. I made vain efforts to keep from stepping in the deeper puddles only because at least the water already in my shoes was warm. I stopped several times to clear out drainages. Maybe tomorrow a few of the puddles will be smaller. Then again, it¢s been raining and thundering this afternoon and I¢m not sure it¢s going to let up. There are 6 of us in the shelter. I was #6 and at least one other hiker is camped nearby. There is also an AMC group tented here. Looks like Eliza Brook and Cascade Brook will be challenges to cross tomorrow. Debating whether to leave early and push it to make the AMC shuttle tomorrow or to take it easy and improvise when I get there. I guess I¢ll sleep on it.
Date: 2004-08-14
From: Eliza Brook

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

August 14, 2004 ¢ Eliza Brook to Franconia Notch ¢ 8.8 miles        Another tough hike. I was out of the shelter about 6:30. All the gear I¢d worn yesterday was still soggy so I put on my extra set of clothes. Except socks. I knew my feet would be wet almost immediately so I put my soggy socks back on. Forded Eliza Brook once right by the shelter and again about a mile further on. Followed it that whole way. Very pretty but I was tired of wet socks and puddles and stepping over or through all the new creeks. I didn¢t find out until later that Friday I¢d been walking through the remains of Hurricane Bonnie. I stopped for a snack on top of South Kinsman and got my cell phone out to see if I had a signal. I knew at that point I¢d miss the AMC shuttle so I called Dad and Gale to see if they could pick me up near the trailhead. Since it was Saturday and they were planning to come up to see me anyway, they said sure. The Flume Visitor Center at noon. After crossing a flooded creek, safely on the other side, I lost my footing and slipped off the rock I was standing on. Landed on my left hip and hand. I¢ll have some killer bruises but otherwise I¢m fine. Of course it only made me more hesitant on the rocks the rest of the way down. Got to Lonesome Lake Hut about 10:45. Used the bathroom, signed the register and filled my water bottle. There was plenty of water on the trail but it was a little dingy from all the runoff and I would have needed to treat it. When I waded/forded across Cascade Brook the water almost reached my shorts. I¢m glad my shoes were already soaked because it was good to have the extra traction of those on the rocks rather than my sandals. The trail was easier after the ford and I made better time to Route 3. The trail crossed under the road next to the Pemigewasset River. I hit the bike path where I¢d started the trail back on July 25th and headed for the Flume parking lot. Dad and Gale were waiting for me and had snacks and goodies in the car. We drove around the notch to the north to avoid waiting for an accident to clear on the Kancamagus Highway. We got to our friends ¢ Sarah and Mike¢s ¢ in Jackson NH about 2:30. It turned into a beautiful day ¢ sunny, warm and breezy. I got to air out and dry all my gear, not to mention have a shower, do laundry, and eat tons of wonderful food. We had veggies and dip and fruit and cheese and crackers in the afternoon. Roast chicken, potatoes, stuffing, green beans, rolls, salad and gravy for dinner and brownies and ice cream for dessert. Lunch tomorrow will be leftovers. Yumm!   I¢m planning to take a zero day tomorrow and avoid hiking in the remains of Hurricane Charley. Now why, if the B storm was Bonnie, didn¢t they name the C story Clyde? It would have been much more fun.
Date: 2004-08-16
From: Franconia Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

August 16, 2004 ¢ Pinkham Notch to Imp Shelter ¢ 13.1 milesAnother tough day. 13 miles in 10 hours! Had a really steep climb up Wildcat and Carter Dome and almost equally steep descents. It¢s been raining off and on all day so the trail and rocks are wet and slippery. Easy day to get chilled. I changed into my long sleeved shirt at my first break because I wasn¢t staying warm enough. Have even been wearing my wool hat most of the day. Met Cotton and Tapeworm on top of Wildcat ¢ they were slackpacking from Pinkham to Gorham, 20 miles, killer hike. I sat to have my lunch at the intersection with the nineteen mile brook trail and guess who hiked up? Hobbes! We had lunch together and caught up some. We hiked together off and on this afternoon. It was nice to have someone to hike with since it was a bit treacherous and to have someone to talk to on the easier sections to help pass the time. He has a mail drop in Gorham tomorrow and I¢m going to hike on, but I hope to see him again in Andover. I had packed a sandwich, brownies and an apple at Sarah and Mike¢s for lunch so that was a treat. I also had brownies for dessert tonight. Broke out the stove and had some tea too. Sojourner and Mad Hatter are here tonight too, a section hiker and an overnighter. Not looking forward to putting on wet clothes in the morning. I hope some of the weather forecast is right and it¢s at least going to be warmer tomorrow.
Date: 2004-08-17
From: Imp Shelter

To: Trident Col Tentsite
Miles today: 14.9

August 17, 2004 ¢ Imp to Trident Col Tentsite ¢ 14.9 milesI got a really early start this morning. I left the shelter at 6:10! I wanted to make sure I had the time to get to my destination if I was faced with another grueling day. I was in the clouds and fog until about nine and then it started to clear. That¢s when the hiking started to get a little easier too. Hobbes caught up with me at Rattle River Shelter and we hiked out to the road, US2, together. Hobbes headed in to Gorham to resupply and do laundry, etc. I headed on north. So far the Mahoosics are treating me better than the Whites. When I got to the top of Mt. Hayes it was sunny and warm. I laid out my damp clothes from yesterday, my socks and shoes, and had a long early afternoon break. When I took my fleece out at dinner time it was still warm! My feet got wet again sloshing through the mud, but the tops of my socks are still dry and I think my feet benefited from being able to air and dry out in the middle of the day. Blueberries are ripening up and I had a few today ¢ trying not to get too distracted. The tent site is a busy place tonight. A group of 3, one of 5 and a couple with a dog. There is a privy, a bear box, and a good water source. It¢s cooling off and should be a good sleeping night.
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Trident Col Tentsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

August 18, 2004 ¢ Trident Col to Full Goose Shelter (tenting) ¢ 14.5 milesAnother killer day. I¢m exhausted and sore. The profile looks pretty benign, but there are shear rock faces everywhere, ups and downs. Lots of sliding, crawling, stepping down backward, hanging from trees. The saving grace today was the views. They were beautiful and abundant. I also crossed into Maine! I stopped to let the group of Outward Bound kids I¢d just passed catch me so I could have my picture taken beside the ¢Maine ¢ The Way Life Should Be¢ sign. Passed 7 other thru-hikers, five in a group on Goose Eye Mountain. All headed here. There are also 2 southbounders, a section hiker and two weekenders and the Outward Bound folks haven¢t shown up yet! I opted for my tent even though we¢re supposed to get thunderstorms so I could have my own space and some peace and quiet. Holding my tent fly down with rocks since you can¢t use tent stakes on a platform. I hope they hold if it rains. Saw a heron on one of the ponds I passed today, lots of red squirrels, a rabbit, and a grouse or partridge ¢ not sure which. He had a red spot on his head, he was about the size of a small chicken ¢ he/it ran along the bog bridges ahead of me. By the time I got out my camera it made a right turn into toe brush. Here is a go at the names of folks here tonight: Jeremy (SOBO), the professor (SOBO), LWOP, bear bag hanger, hammock hanger, Wicomico, Pete, Claire, ??? ¢ forgot one. 13 states done, one to go and 276 miles.