morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Green Mountain House

To: Griffith Lake
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up around 5:00 and saw someone up and in the kitchen. I still had some catching up to do on my journal. I had a couple cups of coffee and enjoyed the goings on as people got themselves ready for the trail. Some were going to zero here so their morning was leisurely. I debated another night but went for the 8:30 shuttle back to the trail. Croft cooked up to many eggs and bacon so I became a recipient of a nice breakfast. Other hikers busing themselves this morning was SOBO Peaches, Ghost Walker and Quickstep. Staying and doing a zero was Hoze and Lil Bear. Going north with me was only Rabid. The beginning of the day was uphill up and over Bromley Mountain. It wax a nice gradual climb until the top section where it was a little steeper. The trail eventually left the woods and followed one of the ski slopes to the top. Others were mulling around up there as a chair lift is operating and bringing tourist up from the bottom. Good idea. After taking some pictures from the observation deck I noticed Rabid approaching the top. She had just bought some new shoes in Manchester Center and they were absolutly killing her. She was trying to get the store on the line and rectify the problem. I hope to see her back out here soon as getting the right footware is crucial. I stopped to take my lunch and get some well water from a pump. As I was getting ready to leave 4 women out for a couple day hike stopped by to get some water also. We talked for awhile about the thru hike and as always it's nice to hear how intrigued people are about what it is I am doing. I left feeling good and ready to attach the next mountain. I have really been enjoying Vermonts mountains. At the next shelter I met San Gabral. He is slowing down a little so Ladybird can catch up to him. They are both capable of the 30 mile hiking day. There are steeper and increasingly higher slopes to contend with. The climbs are continuous but not the sort of difficulty I have coming up in the White Mountains ( The Whites). Hopefully they will get me ready as I'll be in the Presidential Range next week. It has been warm and the chance to swim in the Griffith Pond has me only doing 10+ miles today. I met Betty and her dog today. She is a local and was itching to have someone to talk to. After a couple of attempts to move on and a nice little chat about the thru hike I did move on. I got to the tenting area just after 2pm and set my tent up before going for a swim in Griffith Pond. I laid out in the sun on the shore and tried to work on my beach tan. After preparing a bite to eat I laid down for a little rest. When I next woke it was after midnight. It was a nice warm with a starry sky and the light of the moon filtering through the pine trees. I felt awake so I wrote in my journal and listened to my music. Finally got tired after awhile and fell back asleep.
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Griffith Lake

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It was quiet on the lake as made my way across the board walk that skirted the edge of the lake. The trails here are well maintained considering the often muddy conditions. The maintenance crews on certain projects are young people who come out here to put in a couple weeks of time and effort to improve the trails. It's all done pretty much with hand tools. The shovel, pick, saw, sledge hammer and pry bars ard used to shape and shore up the trail where use and erosion creates unsafe areas. Thanks for all their good work. Early on Fig, Supermax and Just visitig passed me and we met again later at a lunch break. A foot bridge was washed away this past spring so a detour was set up. The new route wax to be 3 miles longer. Instead of doing the reroute everyone was just stone stepping across. After a couple days of hard rain the river might swell but right mow it's very low and no reaso to get wet. Unless your me. My foot slipped and I dropped into enough water ri get both my shoes wet, my butt and some of my bag. A very clumsy move witnessed by the 3 I had lunch with. I took some time and changed socks before moving on. The hike to the river was down hill from camp but from here the trail wound upwards. I love the end of the high hard climbs. The sun could not penetrate the cool forest but I was sweating lIke a pig all the way up. Near the top the breeze began to blow and the trees narly and stunted unable to block the wind, the cool high mountain breeze is not slowed by the vegitation as it all lies low trying to avoid the damaging winds. In no time I was cooled off and the winds were drying my soaking wet clothes. At these higher elevations the floor is a thick moss type vegitation much like the arctic tundra. I've been seeing alot of moose sign but no moose. This area one would not expect to see moose but I know they like to stay high where it is cool. I've heard some branch snapping but no sightings. The 8 mile hikeup from the detour was part gradual and part steep. These mountains are getting me ready sooner than later. The past few days have provided many small Brooks, streams and springs with nice cold water and today was no exception. It's nice not carrying a full 2 liters of water. Going up over 3000 ft again has it's advantages. More of that again tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

There is a shelter just over the top of Killington and I expect to be there tonight. It's only a 13 mile day so I was a little slow getting started. Supermax on her way by said that a porcupine is in the shelter eating the wood. Seems that they like th salty residue left from the palm of hikers hands. I have seen many teeth marks in most shelters. Some day hiker up early out hiking stopped by and began to talk very loudly. There were still people around sleeping in tents as he chatted away. I never heard anyone talk so loud. I began with a nice little climb that brought me up to a nice vista where I could see to the west. After tomorrow the Long Trail and the Appalachian split. Until now since the Massachusetts/Vermont border the trail has been shared by both trails. The Appalachian now turns a little to the east and the Long Trail continues north to the Canadian border. The pine forest are my favorite especially in the higher elevations. Down in the lower sections the pine needles make a nice soft cushiony trail. Very nice to walk on and very easy on the feet. Which by the way have been doing much better since changing my boots and insoles. Hiking is more fun when your feet cooperate. The climb was at first very gradual going up Killington and then it got very rocky and steep. A good test of the legs late in the day. I took it slow as usual. Periodically I could see mountains close by and off to my right. I was getting high but knew I had a way to go as I was not yet above the other surrounding mountains. Again the upper elevations brought cool winds and the vegitation was bent, twisted, stunted and narly. The unrelenting severe weather up here forces the vegitation to hunker down and dig in to the rocky soil for survival. There were not any panoramic views from this section of trail but it was nice to reach the shelter as t-storms could be seen approaching. There was a side trail to the top but I didn't take it. I had enough walking for this day. The ice cold water that came out of the nearby spring made thus an easy stay. It was Nesta, Supermax, Fig, Just Visiting and myself. Just before dark the father and young son From yesterday came through the door. It rained a little and the wind blew all night. The shelter was mostly made of rock and was much like the Blood Mountain shelter back in Georgia. Which was more of an icebox in the colder months than a shelter. Tonight it worked just fine.
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Mountain Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 10.3

Today was going to be another short day so I took my time getting going. Besides I had a very long downhill that turned out to be a nice grade and not to rough on the knees. The morning began with the top of the mountain being blanketed by thick fog. The sun wasn't penetrating the overcast so it was hard to tell what was above the fog. Soon into the days hike it began to rain. I had my pack cover on but elected to forgo the raingear. The thick cover provided by the trees kept most of the rain from reaching me. Only when a gust of wind shook the leaves did a substantial amount of water rain down on me. I had planned on stopping at the 5 mile shelter for a break but it came to soon. I was making real good time and decided to take my break at the 8 mile shelter. When I got to the junction of the Maine Branch where the AT and Long Trail seperate I found that the shelter was .04 miles down the Long Trail. I elected to move on. Soon after it stopped raining and when I got to the top of a small climb I found a suitable place to sit down and get a bite to eat. Nesta came by and said he was heading to the next shelter. I decided to get a room at the lodge where I could catch up on my journal, charge my phone, do laundry, relax and take a shower. The trail crosses the property of the lodge and is located in a beautiful spot. This lodge is mostly used for weddings and vacancies are usually only available during the week. The propert sits on Kent Pond and has nice grounds for vollyball, baseball, horseshoes and they have row boats and fishing poles for the use of guest. It is a real nice spot and when I saw it my first thought was family reunion. It also has a pool, hottub, sauna and gameroom. It's a great little place. I had a few beers and fell asleep way to early.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Winturri Shelter

To: West Hartford
Miles today: 16.4

Probably the hottest night yet. I could not believe how warm and still the air was when I woke up. It would be a hot, sticky and humid day. The terrain didn't show much in the elevation profile but the hills were one after another and steep. I took a short break early but the skies were indicating rain so I pushed on for the 11 mile shelter. Talk about sweat pouring off of me. It's amazing how crazy wet my clothes get and stay. My initial intention was to try and do 20 miles but after about 9 miles I was already drained and was seriously thinking about stopping after the 11. When I got to the shelter it began to rain. I hiked down to get some much needed water and sitting in the stream was some nice cold cokes. I filled my water and took 2 cokes back up to the shelter. Everyone there at the shelter stopped for lunch and equally complained about the draining humidity that has sapped the energy out of us all. The SOBO's talked about a free place to stay in West Hartford just another 5 miles mostly downhill. After a long drawn out lunch I decided to do the extra miles. Glad I did. At the base of the mountain and along the trail that followed the road was a super deli that had all a hungry and thirsty hiker could want and they were open till 9. I grabbed a drink and headed down the road a short ways before finding the property to set up my tent. Everyone that I met over the last few days were already set up. The property has a small creek running through and the owner had made a nice swimming hole out of it. It was only big enough to submerge myself in but it was ice cold and felt absolutly wonderful. Had a sandwich at the deli and and chilled under a clear and cooler night skies.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: West Hartford

To: West Hartford
Miles today: 0.0

Something I haven't mentioned in awhile is the food drive that is associated with my hike. For those new to this page I have been not only hiking the entire appalachian Trail but I am also trying to collect 1 can of food for every 100 miles that I walk. The way that it works is this. For every 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail I hike those donors that have signed on donate 1 can of food to a local charity of their choice. Many of my readers have signed on but I have at this point no idea of how many people are involved or how many cans of food have been collected. This is also another attempt for those who are reading my journal to jump on board and help me increase the amount of food that goes to the needy. The Appalachian Trail is 2175 miles long which comes out to 21 cans of food upon completion. To get a updated list and donated can amount I am asking that everyone that has joined on to go to the" guest book" and once again sign on. Tell me if you've been on board all along or are new to the food drive. Give me some words of incouragement, a funny joke or just a hello. I am in the middle of New Hampshire now and getting ready to tackle the natorious Presidential Range and the toughest part of the Appalachian Trail. Thank you to all who follow me and have accepted this challenge. Your involvement has helped me get this far and makes this adventure more than just a walk in the woods. I look forward to reading the guest book entries(found in the left margin. Your involvement is much appreciated. Thanks again Strider
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

This is about the latest that I have slept in since being on the trail. Except for the day of solstice to where I got smashed the night before and was lucky to get up at all. All 3 of us were not in any hurry but once up I got moving. I ran into the 2 hikers that had the fire tower locked down for themselves and shared my opinion of atleast waiting until darkness settles in before keeping people out. The 2 gals I spent the night with tried to get into the tower earlier in the day but were also denied. The backside of Smarts Mountain going down was rather gradual and not nearly as demanding as coming up last night. It was a nice 4 miles downhill to start the day. Crossed a couple of nice brooks with nice water and then the climbs began. At 2911 Mt Cube was the highest elevation of the day and at first not to steep but it seemed to go on forever. After a couple false summits the rocky face of the mountain was visible. Much of the peaks in the whites are covered by granite and very steep sections are common. This sort of terrain is rough on my knees and I do notice an increase in pain and soreness. From the summit of Mt Cube I could see back to where I began my day as the fire tower looked tiny off in the distance. I met a couple who were day hiking and they asked the 3 of us taking a break if we knew thru hikers Dethmarch or Sugarbush. I was delighted to hear that they are doing fine and are about ready to summit Katahdin. Soon after a SOBO came by and his name was Picker. He said he met the other Picker and Flow Easy somewhere in Maine. It was a cool stop and nice to get information about those on the trail. I enjoy being on top of the mountains, peaks and summits but the time up there doesn't last to long. Usually a short visit and then its down we go again. Only to rise up again on another mountain. My goal was to get within striking distance of RTE 25 for the morning. I stopped at the shelter with only 7.5 miles remaining. I set up my tent then went after water. There was some down the trail but not very good water could be found. If I still had my filter I could have collected enough but without it I was out of luck. I went to bed early and thirsty and woke up the same way.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff Rte 25
Miles today: 7.5

Long time since I have put in an entry. Time flies when one is wandering the steep and rocky slopes of the White Mountains. I had a nice easy hike down to the road. I waited a short while before Kathy and Dot drove up. It would be a little more exciting to say that I was hitching into town and got picked up by these 2 chicks in a Lexus. They then took me into Lincoln where I did a resupply. Then they brought me up to their chalet across from the slopes of Loon Mnt. Most is true. Not the hitching part. Kathy and Dot drove from RI to make this happen. We sat around and chatted about my life on the trail as we sipped martini's, ate ribs and watched the top of Loon Mnt go from nice and sunny to a darkened sky which brought a nice lightning and thunder display. Another great day to be off the trail. We talked about where I have been and where I am going next on the trail. They had already gone over the top to provide a nice relaxing day but was also hoping to contact others that could help me further down the trail. Thank you Kathy and Dot. I had a great time and I appreciate your effort and hospitality. I went to bed(real bed) clean, fat and full.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Glencliff Rte 25

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel Rte 25
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Early afternoon Kathy and Dot dropped me off at the hiker hostel. The place is in various stages of repair as a renovation is in progress. When I was dropped off and after the hugs, pictures and goodbyes the Lexus drove off. I wandered around the premises trying to decipher the place. It was a combination of tents, coverings and a section of building. It was unlike any hostel yet and the longer I was there the more sense it all made. I found a bunk in the upstairs loft. Later as I was talking to some of the other hikers one mentioned that I was the hiker that got dropped off by a couple of chicks in a Lexus. That's right I said and didn't elaborate any further. Later in the night a large group of hikers came in and the place all of a sudden got crowded. Later I heard one of the other Striders were there but we didn't meet. It did feel weird to have 2 striders in the same place. Kathy had given me the left over ribs from last night which was a nice meal the 2nd time around. Also out of concern for my ever decreasing frame they bought me some whoopie pies which carry about 1000 calories each. Good hiker food.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel Rte 25

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

All the talk has been about the upcoming climbs of White Mnts. Today was going to be the start of a physically grueling stretch real estate. Mt Moosalaukee is not part of the White Mnts but it does begin the series of climbing the massive granite chunks of earth that rise above 3000 - 4000 - 5000 and 6000ft above sealevel. The elevation at Rte 25 is 1140ft and the top of Moosalaukee tops out at 4802. It's slow and hard climbing but being early in the day helps. It took me 3 hours to get ovef the top on a nice sunny morning. There was plenty of nice cold water in the way of small streams coming down as I was going up. The forest smells do fresh and clean io high and the pine hold the moisture from the dew making it nice and cool. I could see forever once I Reached the summit. The summit provided a good stretch of level terrain which helped me get my breathing and legs back in sync. Off in the distance to the north was some of the other mountains I would be getting to know soon enough with the signature mountain looming as a backdrop to the others. The daddy of them all and the 2md highest on the trail is Mt Washington only a couple days away. Then it was back down to 1800 then back up to 3400ft. Beaver brook followed me down and was a classic mountain brook as the water cascaded down the steep sides. It's neat to see the water collecting more and more volume as one decends. The water falls and pounds the rocky but smooth surface as it falls. It gets louder and larger as it moves down the mountain. The trail followed the brook most of the way down. There were many places that I had to use hand holds to get down or move across the steepest of sections. On the trail I ran into an older man (Bloodhound)who I thought I recognized. We said hi and introduced myself and then I moved on. The shelters around these parts are spred out and further than I would like under these tough conditions but I moved on. As I hiked I thought about the guy I just met and I soon realized I had slept in the same shelter as he back in Delaware Water Gap. I stopped for a break after awhile and Bloodhound caught up. We hiked together for a little while and I reminded him of our meeting once before. It was Bloodhound, Poundhound, Susan, Gofish and myself at the Church of the Mountain hostel. After some thought he remembered. It's funny how hikers disappear and then months later reappear. I made it to the shelter area but elected to set up my tent as the weather was expected to be nice for the next few days. Eliza Brook was just over the bank where I found a tent spot and provided some sweet mountain music as I fell asleep after a long and strenuous day hiking.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Liberty Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

It was a comfortable night sleep alongside the brook. I filled my water and began another long hard climb up Kinsman Mt. The trail followed Eliza Brook for awhile until it became just a trickle coming out of the side of the mountain. The climb continued from there in a straight up the side of the mountain fashion. I put my trekking poles away and used my hands to scale up the very difficult rock face. I used my hands to grasp roots, rocks, trees and branches as I very slowly made my way up. It was nice and cool at the top with great views. Short lived because soon enough I was on my way back down. I stopped at Lonesome Kake Hut and got a couple bowls of soup and some bread. The huts are a good way to extend your food supply as there are many such huts throughout the Whites. The Hut system is run by the AMC which is the organization that maintains and is the steward of preserving the integraty of the trail system. Many visitors use these trails and stay at these Huts. It cost about $100 per person per night to stay. It allows for less than seasoned hikers and families with younger kids to get into these mountains. A small pack is all that is needed so it makes accessability possible. The AMC controls the entire system and although they do a good job in making it possible for the day or section hiker to enjoy these mountains it also makes it nearly impossible for the through hiker. There is no reasonable place for us to find a place to camp as it is forbidden. There are no tent sites or shelters for us to use without hiking more than a mile off the trail. There can be work for stay if there is room but often hikers are turned away. I could go on and on about the complaints against the AMC but I won't. The mountains of New Hampshire are rough and rugged and beautiful but I will be glad to get away from the AMC controls and attempts at turning these mountains into a financial bonanza for there organization at the expense of the long distance hiker especially the thru who must travel these trails. It was a long and very steep hike down to Franconia Notch. I was going to resupply here but I was carrying most of the food I started with and had options for purchase at the huts. I went from 1450 up to 3800 on my way to Mt Haystack today and Lincoln and up to Lafayette at 5249ft tomorrow. On my way up the mountain I met a couple Russ and Rose from England over here on a visit. They were interested in the thru hike and we chatted for awhile. They followed me for awhile to get the feel of the trail and had mentioned how they were enjoying there first visit to America. I made it to the Liberty Falls campsite and paid my $8 fee. I had a nice spot near the piped spring. Later in the night I sat outside and watched for the meteor shower. I only saw a few.