morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-02
From: Mark Noepal Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

July 2, Sat, Day 97We broke camp early and ascended Mt. Graylock, stopping at the lodge at the State Park for breakfast. We had a great meal there - biscuits and jam, eggs, sausage links and home fries.I walked up to the top of the WW1 monument, and looked out of the view ports. We passed the MA/VT border around 2:00 pm, and later camped at the Seth Warner Shelter.
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Autumn Inn Motel
Miles today: 11.6

July 03, Sun, Day 98Up early, passed Congdon Shelter and called Autumn Inn Motel for a shuttle ride from the trailhead about 1:00 pm. Got into Bennington and met Kenny, the owner of the motel, who took us to the Full Bellies Cafe in town for their famous blueberry pancakes. We got there 4 minutes before closing time and the pancakes were wonderful.We picked up some groceries and went back to teh motel to do our laundry. After that, we walked back to town and to the Madison Brewing company for a great meal, shephers pie, Blueberry pie, and Old 76 Ale.
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Autumn Inn Motel

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

July 4, Mon, Day 99The owner of the Autumn Inn Motel drove us to the trailhead abut 6:00 am, and we hiked over the brook and over a heavily wooded trail to the Story Spring Shelter. There were many hikers there, both section and day hikers.
Date: 2011-07-05
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Green Mountain House
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

July 5, Tues, Day 100Packed out early and up Stratton Mtn, where I met a trail-maintenance crew, a husband and wife team that were dressed in long pants, long sleeves and heavy gloves. I went past several shelters and I hitched a ride into Manchester Center, and was given a lift by a young man. He told me that both his parents and grandparents had sat for the painter Norman Rockwell, and had appeared on several Saturday Evening Post covers in the 1930's and 1940's. Ian and I had supper at the Sirloin Saloon and dessert at Ben and Jerry's.We stayed at the Green Mountain House, where Jeff was the hostel owner. U-Lee was also at the hostel, and he planned to stay an extra day because of his recent illness. All in all, it was a very good day of hiking and fellowship.
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Green Mountain House

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

July 6, Wed, Day 101We were shuttled to the trailhead by Jeff, and hiked up Peru Peak on a gradual uphill climb. The day was mild and clear. In the afternoon I passed Griffith Lake on a very level and wide trail.Later, we camped at Big Branch Shelter. It was a very easy day of hiking.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

July 8, Fri, Day 103I started out with Timber and left the Governour Clement Shelter at dawn. We hiked to the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail intersection, then took the Sherburne By-pass Trail. Along the way on the by-pass, we encountered a group of a dozen summer camp girls hiking in the opposite direction. As I passed them, they saluted and each said hello, in an increasing tone (as the Three Stooges made famous).Later, we had lunch at the Inn, a very nice hotel and restaurant, which had a wonderful Double Chocolate Irish Soda Bread Pudding.After lunch, I went to the outfitter in Killington to pick up a mail drop from Jean. I left town with a much heavier burden after working the parcel into my pack. We stayed at the Stony Brook Shelter with Mickey D, a southbounder, and shared some of my newly-acquired with him.
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: few clouds

July 9, Sat, Day 104I hiked out through forested woodland, past Winturri Shelter and passed the site of the Cloudland Shelter, a decommissioned AT shelter, and stayed at Thistle Hill Shelter. The privy was quite a work of architecture and had been relocated from the Cloudland Shelter to the Thislte Hill Shelter. We camped with a large group of southbound hikers.
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Dartmouth College Soccer Field
Miles today: 14.6

Jul 10, Sun, Day 105After leaving the shelter early, we hiked down to the West Hartford General Store and had a large breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Walking on further, we came into Norwich, VT, during a town celbration. Later, we hiked into Hanover and stopped at the Canoe Club and had a wonderful lunch.I had my stove repaired at the Mountain Goat Outfitters, where I picked up more fuel and left my pack while I went to Hanover Outdoors, where I bought a mosquito net hat. Near sundown, I went with Timber to the grocery and found White Wolf there, sorting out his food purchases. We camped near the Dartmouth College Soccer Field, setting up our tents in the dark.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Rambler's Rest Campground
Miles today: 16.6

Jul 12, Tues, Day 107We met Hot Sauce's family early in the morning and borrowed their daypacks for a hike without our heavy backpacks. This is called slackpacking and can offer a welcome break from the burdensome routine of carrying all of one's equipment, providing that you can arrange to have your pack transported ahead. Thankfully, Hot Sauce's parents could do that, since they were in the area for the full week visiting their son.The hike was through dense woods and had some scenic views of the upcoming White Mountains, which we are all looking forward to.At the end of the day, we met up with Dave, Hot Sauce's father and exchanged our packs. There, we met the owner of Rambler's Rest, a newly opened campground. He gave us a lift to his site, and, after setting up our tents, we swam in Pond Brook. Sandwiches and beer from a store in Wentworth were supper.
Date: 2011-07-13
From: Rambler's Rest

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 13, Wed, Day 108A very easy hike today with little change in elevation. A steep descent down Mt Mist, but generally a relatively level trail. We got to Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glenclif, NH, where there were many hikers, both north-bounders and south-bounders. We arrived early in the day and washed clothes, resupplied at the General Store in Warren, and relaxed.We slept in one of the annexes, a large tent with open ends. The weather was mild and partly cloudy.
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Glen Cliff Hostel

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 14, Thur, Day 109Expecting to have a hard climb (almost 4,000 ft) up Mt Moosilauke, we left early in the morning, and were surprised to find that the trail up was gradual and an easy climb. This is the first mountain in the White Mountains that is above treeline, so we took alot of pictures on the peak. The descent from the summit was difficult, on long rock slabs and through dense pine forest, causing a very slow pace.Eliza Brook Shelter is a new log-cabin style shelter that is constructed of large timbers. It has a well-fitted appearance and looks like it will last a long time.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Liberty Springs Campground
Miles today: 11.9

Jul 15, Fri, Day 110This is the day we planned to meet up with Timber's frield Dave at the Franconia Notch State Park. We left the Eliza Brook Shelter and hiked up Kinsman Mtn, first summitting the South Peak, then the North Peak with clear skies and cool weather.Stopping at Lonesome Lake Hut for lunch, we continued on and quickly found that we were on the wrong trail. After backtracking to our point of departure, we walked on to the State Park and met Dave about noon.We went to the Woodstock Inn in North Woodstock for lunch (Thanks, Dave!), then got back on the trail about 4:30 pm. After a tough climb up the Liberty Springs Trail in the fading light of the day, we camped at the Liberty Springs Tentsite at sunset.
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Liberty Springs Campground

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Jul 16, Sat, Day 111We set out on the trail at dawn, and quickly found ourselves above treeline. The weather was clear and cool.I knew this was going to be a spectacular day of hiking and we were not disappointed. This section of trail is almost completely above treeline and the views were breathtaking. We ascended on the trail to cross peak after peak; in order, Mt Liberty, Little Haystack, Mt Lincoln, Mt Lafayette and Mt Garfield. Dave left us as we descended Mt Lafayette, since he had to catch a plane to Chicageo.On the summit of Mt Lafayette, there were about a dozen day hikers and a park ranger, giving a talk on the White Mountain National Forest.We continued on to Galehead Hut, where we met up with Hot Sauce and arranged for a work-for-stay. Upstate, Loophole and several other hikers arrived late in the day to apply for work-for-stay but were refused because work needs had already been filled. We washed pots, pans, dishes and tableware, but had a very filling supper and moved some furniture to sleep on the floor.All in all, it was a day to remember.
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Galehead Hut

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 17, Sun, Day 112This is one of those days that will stay in my memory forever. As in previous days, it started out before dawn, as I quietly rolled up my sleeping bag and pad so as not to disturb the other hikers. Timber and I left in near darkness, and proceeded up the Twinway trail to South Twin Mountain, with clear skies, cool weather and the moon sinking to the west. Hot Sauce caught up with us along the the trail around 9:00 am. From there, the trail descends over up-and-down terrain to Zealand Falls Hut, where we took a short break, and later, ate lunch by one of the many waterfalls on the Pemigewassett River. The AT follows the Ethan Pond Trail from the Zealand Falls Hut down to Rt 302 in Crawford Notch, a descent of almost 2,000 feet. We filled up with water at the Saco River in Crawford Notch and passed the memorial to the founder of the 4,000 footer Club, and started our climb up the Webster Cliffs Trail. This is really steep climb going up to Mt Webster and Mt Jackson, about 2,000 feet over two miles of trail.We came to Mizpah Hut about 7:30 pm, where I encountered Bill Degutis, a fraternity brother that met me with a beer at the Hut. It was much appreciated as weary as I was. Thanks, Bill.We arranged for work-for-stay there and had a nice supper, finally getting to bed long after sunset and at the end to a memorable day.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

Jul 18, Mon, Day 113Predictions for the day's weather are for cool temperatures, overcast skies, thunderstorms and high winds, so we decided to make it a short day. Timber and I left Mizpah Hut in the fog, about daybreak, and walked over Mt Eisenhower and Mt Franklin, with only short breaks in the fog. As we neared Lakes of the Clounds Hut, the wind increased and the temperature decreased, probably due to the higher elevation. The last mile was cold and my glasses were continually misted.We checked in at the Hut about 10:00 am, and once again arranged for work-for-stay. We spent the rest of the day working and relaxing, with more and more hikers coming in out of the weather, until there were about ninety hikers in the Hut. Bill Degutis and his wife came to stay for the night and we had a good talk as they shared some snacks with us. Once again, "Thanks, Bill". Interestingly, the hut crews from all eight White Mountain Huts had planned a party that night, and relied on volunteers to fill in their duties, so there were about twelve veteran crew members serving us dinner that night. They told stories of their experiences in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. It was a very enjoyable time.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: White Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 15.3

Jul 19, Tues, Day 114Once again, the day started out in the fog of the lowering cloud layer, as Timber and I ascended Mt Washington from Lakes of the Clouds Hut. By about seven o'clock, there were some breaks in the fog and we could see Mt Jefferson nearby, and had fine views of the ravines on the mountain sides. We passed the Cog Railroad hours before the start of the daily trips up Mt Washington and so, missed the chance to see the steam locomotive chug its way up the mountain. About ten o'clock we came to Madison Spring Hut and enjoyed a quick break with hot chocolate and biscuits. The weather cleared and it became quite warm. After ascending Mt Madison, I carefully walked down the Osgood Trail on what I consider to be one of the most dangerous descents in the White Mountains, with long, steeply-tilted rock slabs and very rough surfaces. Hiking poles didn't seem to help much and I had to resort to "crab-walking" often, which slowed the hike considerably. Taking to the treeline, I crossed the Mt Washington Auto Road and finally got to Pinkham Notch and Rt 16. From there I hitchhiked into Gorham and met up with Timber at the Walmart there. After resupplying, we caught a ride with a local resident who gave us a ride to the White Mountain Hostel in Gorham, where we spent the night.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: White Mountain Hostel

To: Imp Campground
Miles today: 14.8

Jul 20, Wed, Day 115In the morning, we were given a lift to Pinkham Notch, with Upstate and Loophole. They had decided to slackpack the 20 miles or so back to the Hostel. However, Timber and I had our full packs (47 and 49 pounds!) because we thought it prudent to stop for the night at a shelter before the Hostel.Taking the trail through dense pine and hardwood forest, we ascended Wildcat Mtn and its many peaks, passing by the ski-lift tramway. Then over the Carter peaks to Imp Shelter where we spent the night.
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Imp Campground

To: Trident Campground
Miles today: 15.0

Jul 21, Thur, Day 116Below the treeline once again, I got on the trail early and hiked to Mt Moriah, in clear weather. We passed the White Mountain Hostel and crossed over the Androscoggin River, then slowly ascended Mt Hayes. The trail was entirely in the trees today and it was very warm; we camped at Trident Shelter for the night.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Trident Campground

To: Wright Trail Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Jul 22, Fri, Day 117My sixty-fourth birthday, and a day that I'll remember for a long time. The morning weather was warm and clear, we were at the New Hampshire/Maine border just before 2:00 pm. About two hours later, I slipped going down a slanted rock slab, and trying to catch myself, tore the palm of my left hand on a jagged stump. The resulting cut, I knew, was going to call for some medical attention.Timber helped me put a dressing on the wound, which didn't bleed much but opened up a large hole in the palm. I had to get to an urgent care center. So, after some calling, I arranged for a shuttle driver to pick us up at the nearest road the next morning. We camped at a site on the Wright Trail, not far from the town of Bethel, ME.
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Wright Trail Campsite

To: Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

Jul 23, Sat, Day 118Ken, a shuttle driver, picked us up on Bull Branch Road at 8:30, and gave us a ride into Bethel to the medical care center there. The doctor on duty checked out the wound on my left hand, rebandaged it and prescribed some antibiotics to prevent infection. He suggested that I take at least a day off the trail to promote healing and to go easy on the use of trekking poles. We had lunch in town then he drove us to the Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover, ME, where we checked in for the night. Pine Ellis Hostel is a large comfortable house fitted for hikers. The hostel provides a washing machine, shuttle service and kitchen priveleges.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Pine Ellis Hostel

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 47.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Jul 25, Mon, Day 120After leaving the Hostel this morning, Ken, the shuttle driver, gave us a lift to Rangeley so that I could mail a package home. The post office in Rangeley opened at 9:30 am, so we had to wait for it to open.After starting back on the trail, I hiked up Saddleback Mtn, once again above treeline, with fine views to the north and south. While eating lunch, a family of gray jays came by to beg for food, so we shared a few bites with them.That night we tented at Poplar Ridge Lean-to.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Jul 26, Tue, Day 121The trail today led me down the side of Saddleback Mtn about 1,500 ft and then uphill almost 3,000 feet through dense forest with little oppurtunity for any good views. I crossed the South Branch of the Carrabasset River, and then camped at Crocker Cirque Campsite.
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Horn's Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

Jul 27, Wed, Day 122There were two long uphills today, up Croker Mtn., and up Bigelow Mtn, for a total elevation gain of over 5,000 feet, making for a tiring day. This is what they meant when they said that hiking the AT was like climbing Mt Everst 25 times.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Horn's Pond Shelter

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 28, Thur, Day 123Today started out in a spectacular fashion. This morning, Timber and I hiked up Bigelow Mtn as clouds rolled over the mountains behind us. Further on, the clouds started to break up and beautiful views of the lakes and hillsides could be seen. The ski runs on Sugarloaf Mtn. were visible to the south.We had lunch On West Peak as Hot Sauce joined us and several southbounders passed us in the opposite direction. After climbing, then descending Little Bigelow Mtn, the trail skirted Flagstaff Lake, and then went along the south side of West Carry Pond. At the end of a very tiring day, I tented at the West Carry Pond Lean-to.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: West Carry Pond Shelter

To: Pleasant Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Jul 29, Fri, Day 124I'm excited about today - only ten days to August 8, when i'll summit Katahdin and finish the AT. Today, I started out in the morning over a very level trail through dense forest until I came to the Kennebec River and took the canoe ferry across. It's the only way to cross the river, since there's the possibility of a dam release upstream. On the other side, we found a couple of coolers of 'trail-magic', with soft drinks and snacks. When the trail crossed Rt 201, I discovered that Kathy was waiting for her daughter, and she offered to give me a ride to Caratunk, where I might be able to find some bandage material for my hand, which still hadn't healed properly.In town, I offered to buy her supper at the Northern Outdoors. After the meal, she gave me a lift to Pleasant Pond Shelter, where she was to meet her daughter.
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Pleasant Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 30, Sat, Day 125Today was another long day on the trail, with another tough mishap.I had started out in the morning by climbing up Pleasant Pond Mtn, then a steep descent before another climb up Moxie Bald Mtn. On the descent from the summit of Moxie Bald, tripped on a steep downhill rocky stretch of trail between two trees, and went head over heels before landing on my back lookng straight up. After assessing my injuries, I found that my left shin was bleeding and my right hand was badly bruised and maybe sprained. Six String came by and asked if I needed any help. I said no, and hobbled along the trail until I came to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to.
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Shaw's Hostel
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Jul 31, Sun, Day 126We got up early this morning and were on the trail by daybreak, looking forward to getting to Shaw's Hostel in Monson in time for breakfast, which Shaw's is famous for. We started out on the trail and quickly came to Pleasant Street in Monson, and were in town by 8:30 am. We did make it for the waffles and sausage (and more!) breakfast. We checked in for the nights lodging and went to buy provisions for the hike through the Hundred-Mile Wilderness. Then we washed laundry, had lunch at the Spring Creek Barbecue, and relaxed the rest of the day.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Shaw's Hostel

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Aug 1, Mon, Day 127Timber and I got a lift to the trailhead after a huge breakfast of bacon, pancakes, fried potatoes, orange juice and coffee at Shaw's in Monson. The trail today was a lot of up-and-down and very tiring. Early this morning, on the trail we encountered the "100-mile wilderness" sign."Don't proceed without at least ten-days of provisions".At one point, we crossed the railroad tracks of the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railroad. We camped for the night at the Long Pond Stream Lean-to.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Campground
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Aug 2, Tue, Day 128After an ascent of about a thousand feet, I walked along Barren Ledges, with good views all around. However, cloudy skies prevented me from seeing any mountains very far off in the distance. The lakes below, howver, gave me a nice perspective on my progress along the trail. The rest of the day's hike was up-and-down across the Barren Chairback Range, until rain started to fall about 2:00 pm. Ian and I stopped just short of the Chairback Gap Lean-to, and set up our tents. We decided to spend the night there and prepared supper after a brief night.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Campground
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Aug 3, Wed, Day 129After breaking camp this morning, the trail was a steep up-and-downhill with intermittant light rain. Around 10:00 am, we came to the West Branch of the Pleasant River, which had to be forded. So, boots and socks off, and sandals on, Ian and I waded across on a very slippery and rocky streambed. This was the most perilous crossing yet, due to the swift current and the large rocks, which made for very uneasy footing. So, with hiking poles for steady support, we made it to the other side dry and there were no slip-ups. After crossing the stream, I began the long ascent up White Cap Mt, a climb of over 3,000 feet and the last big mountain until the final climb up Katahdin. There were some nice views, but because of the obscuring clouds to the east, none of Katahdin.
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Logan Brook Campground

To: Antler's Campground
Miles today: 19.8

Aug 4, Thur, Day 130The day's hike started with a gradual descent down White Cap Mtn, and another stream crossing, this one even more treacherousand with larger rocks, across the East Branch of the Pleasant River. Again, no slips and we crossed the stream dry. However, a south-bounder that appeared just as we were drying our feet and getting back into our boots and socks, wasn't so lucky. Despite our warnings to be careful, he slipped about a third of the way across, and dunked both himself and his pack. I did not envy his condition, now with an even heavier pack than before.After a sharp ascent up Little Boardman Mt with overcast skies and limited views, the rest of the day's hike was downhill to Antler's Campsite on Lower JoMary Lake where we spent the night. This is a large site with a lot of tent spaces and a two-holer privy called Fort Relief. With clearing skies, there was a beautiful sunset to bring color to the lake.