morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-02
From: manchester 

To: peru peak shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Left our room early only to get sidetracked on the way out of town by the local donut coffee shop. Had breakfast and then hitched a ride up to the trailhead. Although my leg felt better it still hurts. y our first break it was apparent that I was going really slow...about 5 miles in 4 hours. Greg started talking about me possibly getting off the trail to rest while he went on and meeting back up. At first I got really upset, thinking that none of the other couples we have met would split up if one were hurt. But as the day wore on and I had time to think and the downclimbs became harder and harder I decided that maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Actually Greg rethought it too and didn't want to split up at the trail but suggersted we go to the next town together and then we'd find a ride for me to the next town and he would hike to that town and we would meet up. Logically it made sense and as the thunder rumbled and I had to pick up the pace, my leg hurt more so I was sold. We got to the shelter before the storm and met some southbounders (who were actaully flip flopping) and a sounthbounder Mortikei and a family from PA. We got comfortable in the shelter (i.e. claimed some space, made drinks and dinner). Probably will be an early evening.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: peru peak shelter

To: greenwall shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke very stiff and rough. Only had 7 miles to go to the road then a few more to Danby. I was pretty sore all day so didn't really enjoy the scenery or the weather. It was actually pretty cool and cloudy with a nice breeze which made hiking comfortable. We got close to Danby and luckily got a hitch to town with a couple and their kids. Danby is a slice a small town America and very enticing. After lunch at the caf©, a stop at the PO, we stopped at the general store and started moving stuff between bags. Greg giving me all the stuff he would not need for the next two days. I was going to take a bus to Rutland but a section hiker being picked up by her husband offered me a ride to town. I took them up on it and off we went while Greg went back to the trail. They dropped me off at the Back Home Hostel in Rutland where there were still beds available. After showering, Dinosaur and Hellbender walked in. I went out for a short walk as I was stiffening up then stopped in a the local pub for a couple Long Trails and some calamari. Back at 9 and its really hot.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: greenwall shelter

To: governor clement shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Had breakfast at the Hostel (Back Home cafe). Offered to do some work for stay and food and wrapped some breads and cleaned the ladies hostel bathroom. Not too bad. They close the caf© at 3 today as the community members observe the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Sat. All the hikers were invited to one of the members house this evening for dinner (and then the group does some sort of celebration). I'm thinking of going for the food at least. My leg feels better today but still not 100 %. I'm still gonna take it easy...I'd love to nap but it is so hot upstairs in the hostel...I might go up the street to the library instead. Hope Greg is having a good hike I suspect he is since he can go faster without me and I have some of the stuff he was carrying. Well the Sabbath celebration was kind of odd at first. Kind of like an AA meeting with circle dancing. Once we got past a few bible references, it was mainly just music dancing and singing. Then came dinner which was an awesome salad with fresh greens from their garden, homemade pesto pasta, and homemade bread. Dessert was homemade strawberry shortcake. Neeedless to say we all came back to the hostel very satisified and very stuffed. Interesting "community." It's like a hippie commune with Jewish overtones. But the fact that they sustain themselves with their own caf©, bakery and store. They are in the busy downtown merchant district of Rutland and by the amount of customers, they do very good business and are accepted by Rutland. Takimg the bus tomorrow to the Long Trail Inn to meet Greg. My leg is much better than yesterday. Hopefully it will be even better tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: governor clement shelter

To: US 4 Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 10.6

While waiting for The bus to meet up with Greg...who gets off the incoming bus but him! He came to meet me and hang out alittle while in Rutland. We found a great little bar anad enjoyed the local beer (Long Trail) outside on a deck. A hiker Greg had met (Stampede ?) joined us for a few. We caught the Bus to the Inn and had a wonderful night in their Irish pub listening to live music and drinking pints. The Inn was really comfortable and I didn't want to leave!
Date: 2006-08-06
From: rutland

To: Rutland
Miles today: 0.0

Well tried hiking but at the trailhead it was apparent that my leg wasn't ready for hiking. I was really upset as I didn't want to go back to Rutland but that was the best thing we could do as there was nothing but the Inn here. We took the bus back to town and hung out but there wasn't much to do and I was really upset. We started talking about all the worse case scenarios (i.e. me not being able to do any more hiking). I drowned my tears in a couple of beers at a hole in the wall bar that even Greg did not feel comfortable hanging out in. A quick dinner and a movie got my mind off my troubles then it was back to the hostel for a not so comfortable night's sleep.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: US 4 Inn at Long Trail

To: wintturi shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Greg caught the early bus back out to the trailhead near the Inn to keep hiking north.I spent the day looking for medical advice first at a walk in clinic where I got some brief advice and mutiple Rxs. The doctor said he was throwing everything he knew at this muscle strain or tear and if I didn't feel better in 48 hours I would probably need a week or 2. Then I hit a therapist that hit me with heat therapy message and laser. I will see her again tomorrow and wed. My spirits were lifted when I saw hikers I knew come into town (Knock Knock, Baldylocks, Little Wing, Bama, IC, Indiana Jones and a few others). We all went out to a pub nearby for a few beers and some food. The company did me good and I felt optimistic as I climbed into bed at the hostel.
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Hanover

To: Hanover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hanover is a very busy little college town. We took advantage of services to resupply and update journals. Staying at a quaint motor inn on the CT river where one of the owners is a woman who LOVES flowers and the entire yard is exploding with color. Saw a few north and south bounders including Curly and Swanson that we met a few days ago at the Long Trail Inn. Even ran into Baltimore Jack! Looks like I may have to get off the trail; for awhile to let my sore leg heal up but Pi is going to continue north and I will meet him farther up the trail. I'll miss doing part of the AT but I'm no purist...I can always return to hike any nice parts that I miss. Now that all our chores are done...its time to go back and relax by the river and wait for the afternoon storm to roll in.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Hanover

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well this is my crack at journaling so let me start by saying I don't have a clue what I am doing. And my grammer sucks, so lets make that clear before I start. Today started after a great sleep at the Sunset motel. I think Kathy and I woke at about the same time. We just laid there for about a minute staring deep into each other's eyes. We knew that she would be getting off the trail today and I would continue on hoping to see her again in 3 weeks in Monson. She will then join me and do the hundred mile wilderness and Katahdin together. Unlike the past week or so, if there are problems, we can't just hop off the trail and hitch to the nearest town since there are really no roads up there. We will just have to wait and see.Ok so here's what I did today: Clear skies and cool, breezy temps prevailed as I had easy hiking most of the day. Saw Otter and Cohiba today heading south. Said they were gonna meet the wives in VT and spend a few days with them. Also saw Little Wing, Bama and Baldylocks getting into town this morning. Coolhand and Tecumseh are apparently not far behind as well as Brainfreeze and others. Gained Moose mountain and got my first glimpse of the White mountains some 40 miles away. They look big. Today I had a first. I stopped for a drink and a snack before the last pull of the day, a 1200' steep climb up to Holts ledge and a peregrine rookery. After about a 2 minute break I slung my pack on and proceded down the trail. Notice I said "down." On the way up about 100' before I stopped, I noticed this odd hunk of scrap metal about 5'X14' off to the side of the trail. I thought it was rather strange seeing this hunk of twisted metal out here in the middle of nowhere. Well after my break I passed another piece that looked exactly like the one I saw before I stopped only this one was on the opposite side of the trail. What-thuh? Yeah, Pi was heading south for a couple hundred feet. I now know why that hunk of metal was there- to let me know I was going the wrong way! Didn't get on the trail till 11:00 this morning but still managed to make it to camp by 7:00. Had a cocktail and way too much couscous for dinner. I put the fly on tonight. No rain in the forcast, just getting chilly and I don't have my K'ache to keep me warm for awhile.
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Heard coyotes and owls last night. It got rather cool. Tonight it is supposed to get down in the mid 30s. I put the fly on and most of my clothes should be ok. Whew, tough one today. Got hiking at 8:30 this morning after a hot breakfast of gravel road granola and instant coffee. Climbed a steep one, this morning. Smarts mtn. Then 4 miles of steep down then back up another 1500' or so up Cube mountain. Awesome views today. Climbed the fire tower on Smarts and got a 360 degree shot. Real nice view of the Presidential Range. While up in the tower, a woman and her daughter came up on a day hike. They filled me up with blueberries, carrots, and swiss chocolate. Saw a bald eagle soaring high around the tower. I ate most of today, was hungry for some reason. I guess the couscous doesn't stay with you too long as I felt tired most of the day. A couple steep climbs today, but I am so very psyched for the whites. Just hope the weather holds. Sleeping in till 8:00 tomorrow, only 8 miles to Glencliff
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.4

0813Ore Hill to Glencliff7.5 MilesSince I only had 8 miles to the hostel I slept in till 8:00. Got up and hung around till almost noon before getting on the trail. It got cold again last night, I think around 35. Got up to pee around 4 and it was 45 in the tent. I had all my clothes on and was barely warm. The hike to the hostel was uneventful. Breezy and cool. Got to the road and walked about a quarter mile to this hostel. 10 Bucks gets you a bunk, and snacks and sodas and laundry and showers and lots of TV. So I am layin low tonight. I have a little food left and the post office is closed, so I'm in for the night. The P.O. opens early tomorrow so I will hit it early. The mountains are getting bigger. Tomorrow I enter the Whites. I am very excited. Hope the weather holds. I plan on staying at the huts most of the time. It costs about $80.00 a night which includes dinner and breakfast, but thru hikers can "work for stay." Wash dishes or talk to boy scouts about hiking the AT, and you can stay for free. I hear (from SOBOs) they feed you well, so I wont need to carry any dinners. I am so stoked for the Whites!
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Glencliff

To: Beaver Brook shelter 
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

0814Glencliff hostel to Beaver brook shelter7.9 milesWell the stay at the hostel last night was very relaxing. There were only 3 other guys there. Blackfoot, Mogul (whom I met the night before) and a southbounder who's name escapes me. I got in around 3:00 in the afternoon, and sat around for the rest of the day drinking up the last of my vodka, and writing postcards (seems some folks are upset we have not sent enough postcards out, but I'm workin on it). However, I didn't sleep too good last night. It was a little warmer in the bunkhaus but I tossed and turned all night. I finally got to sleep only to wake up with a dry mouth and had to pee. So I went outside and had another soda, and watched the Perseids meteor shower. Its not too great since we are coming off a full moon but there was some action in the Northeastern sky.Was out of the sack early since the post office had a mail drop as well as a pair of shoes I bounced forward from Hanover. If you use priority mail, you can forward the package as many times you like so long as you don't open it. Probably could have gotten another 50 or so miles out of my old trail runners, but didn't want to chance a blowout on top of some steep mountain.And steep they are! Granted, by the time I got a shower and picked up my stuff it was after 11:00 before I was back on the trail. It took me over 6 hours to go 8 miles; 6 of them was climbing over Mount Moosilauke. 3800' In 6 miles is not easy even after almost 1800 miles. There is now less than 400 to go. Man it's flying by now. And the White Mountains are the prize. I am lying in my tent at around 3800'; the wind is really kicking up tonight. We'll probably get some weather before sunrise. There are about a dozen or more 13 year olds with Outward Bound staying in the leanto. They built a fire and we swapped sea stories (actually they just sat there and I told most of the stories). Mogul is tenting around here somewhere too. He is planning on heading into Lincoln tomorrow to pick up a heavier sleeping bag. I hope to get an early start in the morning if the weather's not too crappy. It's a solid 15 miles to Lonesome Lake hut so no matter how you slice it, it will be a tough day. But hey: I am in the mountains!
Date: 2006-08-16
From: kinsman pond

To: north woodstock 
Miles today: 4.8

0816Kinsman to north woodstock About 5Can't say much other than I miss my wife. Got a room, met up with River Weasel and FDR. Getting drunk, and wanting this mess to be over, but when you look at the mountains you know you must keep walking. Gonna get drunk, resupply, and get back to my room. Tomorrow going to I don't know. Probably make it to Pinkham Notch on the 21st or 22nd.
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Off the trail

To: Zero in Franconia Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

0817Zero in N woodstock0 milesAs you could probably tell from my last entry, I got pretty hammered last night. I had finally gotten a ride into town and hit the post office. I went to get cash and almost forgot to retrieve my card. When I reached for the card the ATM snached it away from me. Lucky for me the lady at the bank was able to get it back for me. I then proceded directly to the liquor store. Not ready to go back to the hotel, I went in to check out the Woodstock brewery and their brown ale. That is where I ran into FDR and River Weasel. I left there after many pints and did my shopping while heavily intoxicated. Needless to say I bought a bunch of junk. Well we picked up a 12 pack of Long Trail and a six of Tuckermans Pale ale and headed back to the room. We stayed up way too late, talking about how tough the trail has gotten and other things. 7:00 came early with a phone call, Danny was supposed to hook up with me and hike some of the Whites. I told him things have slowed and I couldn't tell him where I would be. So things are up in the air with that. As I hung up the head started to pound. That's when I knew I would not be hiking much today and decided to zero with FDR. So we got a room for another day and I laid around and did nothing but watch TV and miss the trail.A note from K'acheWell hello to everyone from "off the trail." Thanks for all the good cheer and support. I must admit that I had several "meltdowns" after deciding to get off the trail. It just didn't seem fair after all that Pi and I endured together to now how to pass up the White Mtns. But like Pi always said "the mountains will always be there...I can always come back to them." Anyways now after a few days of letting the notion and the lifestyle settle in, I am doing better. My leg is even feeling a little bit better each morning when I rise. The doctor I saw confirmed what I thought, a strained hip flexor muscle. He didn't think there was any tear. I start physical therapy Tues the 22nd two to three times a week for the next couple weeks. I told the doc I planned on joining Pi in Maine sometime around the first week of September. So now I am focusing on getting my leg back up to well some kind of speed (probably not what I was hiking before this happened). Oh yeah and enjoying beer and real food (just had to throw that in). Hope you all are enjoying the Whites. I am envious. Be safe and have fun.See you in MaineK'ache
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Zero in Franconia Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

0818Franonia Notch to Galehead Hut13 milesWow, what a difference a day makes. Got up around 6:30 and was on the trail by 8:00. A wicked ascent up Liberty mountain to gain Franonia ridge. The skies were partly cloudy but the wind was calm; temps in the 50s. Some of the best vistas to date! Just great hiking all day. Took lots of pictures. I am hiking with FDR at least to Gorham. From there I think he will be getting off trail to visit his girlfriend for the weekend. We are staying at one of the Appalachian Mountain Club huts. Doing work for stay. They feed you and give you a place to sleep in exchange for an hour of work. Not bad considering there are about 25 paying guests here for the night each paying about $80.00 for the same thing. Tomorrow is a short 7 mile day. At least that is what we're planning. Could turn into a 15 if we feel like we did today. This is truly a great place to hike, these Whites. I am exhausted think i'll turn in early.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

0819Galehead hut to Crawford notch14.7 milesThe stay at Galehead was something. Lots of kids running around. A lot of people staying there were weekenders paying $80.00 per person. I did work for stay, which meant after the guests eat you get what's leftover. Then, after dinner which was a lot of food, I was ready for bed. But you have to wait till the guests go to sleep before you can stretch out on the floor in the common area. Someone was supposed to wake us at 6:00, but a few guests were up at 5:00 making a lot of noise; shining their flashlights around looking at your stuff because they can't sleep. Guess they figure since they paid they don't have to be considerate. After the guests ate breakfast, I got the leftovers and waited for them to leave. My work assignment was sweeping the lodge. Took about 20 minutes. The weather for the next 2 days is not good. A big front coming in bringing lots of wind and rain. FDR and I left the hut around 9:00. It was only 7 miles to the next hut so we took our time climbing over boulders. Got to the hut around 1:00 for their $2.00 bottomless bowl of soup. We were treated rather poorly there, and did not feel very welcome. Since it still had not rained, we decided to huff it another 6 to Crawford Notch and get a room. Caught up with Bama at the Notch and got a ride rather quickly 8 miles to a hotel. After settling in, the rain had started and Bama was able to yogi a ride to a convenience store. She and FDR picked up some beer and pizza and we sat in our room clearing our heads. It seems a lot of people on the trail are feeling sort of down. I am trying hard to keep it together. There is still 345 miles to go, and that is still a lot of miles. I'll just keep walking.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Crawford Notch 

To: Above the notch motor inn
Miles today: 0.0

0820Above the notch motor inn0 milesCracked my first beer at 10:30 in true Sunday form. It poured last night. It is such a good feeling being under a roof when it's raining. You just roll over and stretch. Today it's cold windy and 90% chance of rain in the forecast. Lots of clouds and fog. I am at the start of the Presidential Range. If we get a break in the weather we figured we could make it to the next hut. Or if we zero, we can climb the steep up out of the notch and be on the range in clear sunny conditions. We have opted for the latter. We will get an early start tomorrow and make it to the second hut, Lake of the Clouds, and be at a good spot to summit Mount Washington the next day. Since I should be able to make it to the second hut, I am not losing any time by taking a zero.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Above the notch motor inn

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: fog

0821Crawford notch to Lakes of the clouds11.2 milesLast night FDR and I went up the road a little to a steak house. I had a steak, bowl of clam chowder, a big salad and a couple Mount Gay & club sodas. When we went to leave it was pouring, so we decided to have a drink in the bar and see if we could yogi a ride. Ended up talking to the restaurant manager who has hiked the triple crown (AT, Pacific Crest trail, and Continental Divide trail). He gave us a ride back to the hotel. It rained hard all night.This morning the clouds were swirling around the mountains and the wind was blowing and it was cold, but it stopped raining. Got a ride back to the trail and were hiking by 8:00. The climb out of Crawford notch was a steep one. 3800' up in a 2 mile stretch was a hefty one. And right into the clouds. This was the start of the Presidential range. Once on the ridgeline, the wind really kicked up along with fog and a light drizzle. This continued throughout the day. Stopped at Mizpa hut for some hot soup and bread, then kicked out the last few miles to Lakes of the Clouds hut, about 1.5 short of the Mount Washington summit. Decided to work for stay which consisted of washing the dinner dishes. When it was time for bed I set up in the dining area, but when I went outside the stars were out in force. Knowing the common area would be noisy in the morning, FDR and I decided to crash in "the dungeon". This is a dark damp basement room in the hut. It will sleep 6, but everyone else (Bama, Snickers, Monterey, and Comfortably Numb) all slept upstairs. We stayed up late talking about all kinds of stuff as the wind whistled around outside.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Lakes of the clouds Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

0822Lakes of the clouds to Madison springs hut7.7 milesThis morning I got up all excited knowing this would be summit day for Mount Washington. It was clear when I got up, but quickly socked in. After breakfast I put on all my clothes. Temperature was around 45, wind steady 40 with gusts to 55 or so. Wind chill was 30 as I set out into the fog. Went off trail once or twice as it was difficult to see where the trail went in the soup. Topped out around 10:30. There was a post office at the top so I took the opportunity to mail some postcards and get warm. My knees were feeling pretty sore from the day before so I took my time coming down. By the time I had reached Mount Jefferson the wind had really picked up. If I didn't crouch in the gusts, I would probably get knocked down. The trail follows a ridgeline that takes you over several mountains before decending to Madison Springs hut. Feeling quite whooped I decided to stay for the night. My work for stay consisted of scraping the frost off the back if the refrigerator. Delicious vegetable lasagna and german chocolate cookies for dessert. Afterwards, Bama gave a talk to the guests about thru hiking the AT. We all helped out. Tomorrow I hope to hike into Pinkham Notch, pick up my mail drop, and move on, but you know what happens when I try to plan...