morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-29
From: Mt. Cube

To: Glencliff NH
Miles today: 13.1

As soon as it got dark last night the temperatures really dropped and the stars were beautiful. I was the only one camped in the area and this solitude really added to my experience. I got on the trail about 6:00 am and the terrain allowed me to make good progress,It warmed up quickly today and by lunch the humidity was high. About 1:00 pm the rain started and came down hard until I reached the road crossing.I had a mail drop in Glencliff, NH and also planned to stay at the Hiker¢s Welcome Hostel. After a 12 mile hike up the road I arrived at the hostel and secured a bunk for the night. After picking up my mail, I got a shower and started my laundry. I took the shuttle into town to get a sandwich and snacks and spent the rest of the evening sorting food and preparing mail drops up the line. Tomorrow I will be in the White Mountains
Date: 2008-07-30
From: Glencliff NH

To: Gordon Pond
Miles today: 12.8

Got up to clear skies and cool temperatures. The folks at the hostel recommended that we wait until about 8:00 am before hitting the trail to let the fog burn off around Mt. Moosilauke. The views from Mt. Moosilauke were awesome and you just couldn¢t help but want to spend a lot of time there. With the clear weather today it was definitely consumed with taking photos. We passed a series of waterfalls that had our entire group captivated and every few steps we were stopping to admire the beauty.The climbs today were steep but often had short level stretches that allowed you some recovery time. After several hours of hiking the group decided to camp at Gordon Pond instead of going to the next shelter. We are finding that this tough terrain is really reducing our hiking miles. I¢m hiking with fellow thru hikers; Sojo, Boat, and Conan.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Gordon Pond

To: US 3/ Chet's Place Hostel
Miles today: 13.0

Camped at a beautiful spot near Gordon Pond today. It started raining as I was fixing supper but stopped within a few minutes and the skies cleared. I¢m sharing a camp with Sojo, Boat and Conan. About midnight we had a moose near the camp and a short time later the thunderstorms rolled in. It rained hard the remainder of the night but was down to a drizzle when we got up in the morning. I got my tent as dry and dirt free as I could and hit the trail.With the exception of the last three miles the hike was mentally and physically demanding. The hike consisted of near vertical climbs and descents over rock scrambles and exposed roots. Many times I was forced to abandon my trekking poles and grab hold of rocks and trees to negotiate the trail. Each step you took had to be planned to avoid slipping on the wet rocks. Mud was everywhere on the trail.After stopping at the Lonesome Lake Hut for a thru hikers lunch (leftovers) it was off for the three mile hike to the road crossing. Sojo contacted a shuttle service and we headed to Chet¢s Place, a local hostel. A shower and clean clothes never felt so good after a hard day of hiking.It was unfortunate that the thick fog today did not allow for any views but crossing the 1800 miles hiked mark made up for that. I¢ve got my fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow as we cross the Franconia Notch and hike across some of the highest mountains in the area.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Chet's Place Hostel

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up to a beautiful morning. Got a late start this morning by starting our hike at 10:00 am. Mt. Haystack was a tough climb that lasted about 1 12 hours. Once I got on the ridgeline it was worth all the work to see the spectacular views.As I crossed several mountains it was definitely the time to take photos and soak in all the fantastic views. It was really nice just to have the great weather and the opportunity to take photos.My hip was really bothering me today so I was really hiking slow. Also today Sojo was suffering from a kidney stone so Boat and I slowed our pace to keep him in close proximity.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: AMC Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.7

We had a shelter all to our selves last night, and I was sure glad to be inside when the rain came. I woke up to cool temperatures that required my jacket.I got on the trail about 7:45 am and had good terrain through out the day. Yes, there were mountains to climb but nothing that lasted more than an hour before reaching a ridgeline. Lots of great views and photo opportunities again today. Sojo was doing much better today and my hip wasn¢t bothering me too bad either so the pace was much faster.After hiking for a couple of hours we stopped at Galehead Hut for a hiker¢s breakfast (leftover eggs and oatmeal). We all chipped in some money to partake of the all you can eat chocolate cake and brownies. After that meal there was no need for a lunch break.As we passed a couple of Sobos (south bounders) today they told us about the Zealand Falls Hut and the possibility of a work for stay. This would allow us to stay out of the weather and get two meals. We decided this was our best option, so we headed that way.About 2:30 pm the rain came and due to being at a higher elevation I soon became chilled. I put on my rain jacket to warm up and about 4:00 pm Sojo and I made it to the Zealand Falls Hut. Luckily, the hut master was going to let us work for stay.My part of the work for stay was to do a presentation about an AT Thru Hike to the hut guests. I really enjoyed relating my experiences and answering the many questions.
Date: 2008-08-03
From: AMC Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

It rained hard all afternoon and night. I¢m so thankful that we were able to do work for stay and are inside. We decided to do another short day to time our arrival for the Presidential Range on Tuesday. It looks like it¢s going to be our best weather day.After a great breakfast we got started on the trail about 9:00 am. The first hour or so trail conditions were good and I covered distance quickly. Then it was back to very muddy conditions and hopping from one rock or root to the next.We got down to the road crossing about 12:30 pm but with no phone service we had to walk about a mile down the road to the Wiley House to use the pay phone. We contacted Dutch who agreed to pick us up and take us to Chet¢s Place. They had a snack bar at Wiley House so while were waiting for our ride we took care of lunch.We got to Chet¢s Place about 2:30 pm and took care of the usual chores. I¢m sure glad I found a bunk and didn¢t have to resort to sleeping on the floor again. I went to the local outfitter to get new tips for my trekking poles and a bandana. All the rocks had completely worn down the tips of my poles.The weather was crazy all day long. The sun would pop out and then within minutes it would begin to rain. This pattern repeated it¢s self several times today. Boy, could we use some dry days!
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Another messy weather day on the AT. We got started about 7:30am and within an hour it began raining. The only landscape photos I was able to take was when I reached Mt. Webster. Once I reached the ridgeline the wind gusts reached about 30mph and the rain stung my face. Often the wind would knock me off balance and off the trail.Our first stop today was Mizpah Hut where we got some hot soup. After drying out and warming up a little, we hit the trail again. I was walking behind Sojo when he walked right into a rock face striking his head. I commented that I had done that before. I didn¢t think it would be so soon but within moments I struck my head on the very same rock face. I know, how could that happen? On the AT anything is possible.The weather worsened in the afternoon and with very few blazes and thick fog it was really hard to follow the trail. Cairns were present but often hard to see, so I often had to resort to following footprints.I arrived at Lakes of the Clouds Hut about 4:00 pm. The fog was so thick at this point I thought I was looking at a rock outcropping at first. It was great being inside and I paid for a spot in the dining room to sleep. The weather forecast looks promising for tomorrow but who knows.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

We woke up to thick fog this morning. We got started about 6:30 am and luckily stayed on the ridgelines most of the day. The weather again only allowed for a couple of photos of the mountains. As we crossed one ridgeline today we encountered a fox and actually saw him catch a bird. After eating the bird, he walked within a few feet of us. It made for some great photos but also made you feel a little uneasy. As we began to hike again we realized that the fox was following us. After about an hour of hiking we stopped for a lunch break and the fox reappeared again. It was obvious that he had been receiving handouts from people because he showed little fear of us. But it was good that he was still hunting for his food.The last couple hours of our hike the terrain was a steep downhill and yes, it¢s raining again. This type of terrain and weather requires intense concentration and effort and we all arrived at our destination mentally and physically exhausted.
Date: 2008-08-06
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: fog

Well the weather forecast was correct, torrential rain. Luckily we were able to get packed up this morning before the heavy rains came. Again today we were climbing and descending near vertical rock faces and we were forced to grab anything within reach to negotiate the (trail?). The last few days have really been frustrating for me. I have been so use to hiking several miles each day and this terrain and weather has reduced me to a snails pace. Also, all the rain has put a real damper on my experience in the White Mountains. No pun intended. The 3 states that I really wanted to experience have been nothing but rain, mud, and fog so far. I really hope the weather changes by the time I reach Maine.We arrived at Carter Notch Hut about 5:00 pm and for the first time received a real cold reception. The Hut Master even suggested that we wait on a covered porch area outside while dinner was being served. With temperatures in the 40¢s and soaking wet, that wasn¢t going to happen. All of us remained in a 5¢ x 8¢ foyer area and rotated to the one seat that was available. At least it was warm and dry.At 9:30 pm it was lights out for the guests and we were able to spread out our sleeping bags in the dinning room. Unfortunately the hut crew continued to socialize in the kitchen for the next 2-3 hours, so it was little sleep for us. I had 3 nasty falls on the trail today and I am really sore. Sojo had the worst fall as he slid completely off the trail and tumbled into some downed trees. At this point we are just trying to get through the White Mountains without a serious injury.
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: fog

I woke up to no rain this morning. What a relief! It was still overcast and foggy but this will certainly make hiking easier. We got out of Carter Notch Hut as soon as we could and hit the trail. The terrain was much easier today and thank goodness since we have over 15 miles to hike. I¢m really looking forward to being out of the White Mountains and in Gorham, NH which is only about 12 miles from Maine, the last state. What an awesome feeling!I fell twice today, and the last time was in a bog. With my pack I felt like a turtle that was on its back. Sojo had to help me get on my feet.We got to the road crossing about 5:30 pm and called the hostel for a shuttle. Man, a hot shower and dry clothes never felt so good. We¢re going into town tomorrow to resupply.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Gorham NH

To: Trident Col Tent Site
Miles today: 6.9

I got up at 5:00 am and took a shower. Not to disturb anyone, I went downstairs to work on my journal and photo log. It¢s impossible to sleep in a hostel so I¢m really looking forward to being in a tent tonight. It¢s still really overcast and the news report on TV showed flooding in the New England states. I can sure attest to that. We are all hoping for good weather as we cross into Maine. At this point I¢m so excited to be entering the last state on my journey,I don¢t think anything could dampen my spirits. With the prospect of continued wet weather I tried to get some ridge runner shoes that would dry faster and be lighter when wet, but my shoe size (13) killed that plan. I will just have to deal with it for about 3 more weeks. It¢s hard to believe I¢m that close to finishing my journey. We got a ride into town and the rest of the gang is at the Wal-Mart while I¢m picking up a mail drop.It was a short day today but typical of resupply stops. We got to the campsite about 6:00 pm and a light rain forced me to snack in my tent awhile. Finally, I got to fix a meal and then it was off to my sleeping bag.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Trident Col Tent Site

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

It rained steadily throughout the night but by morning it has stopped. We were on the trail by 7:30 am and it looked like the skies were starting to clear. Our first stop of the day was Gentian Pond Shelter where we had an early lunch. While we were there it started to rain heavily. This lasted for about 15 minutes then the sun popped out. I can¢t tell you what a joy it was to see sunshine after so many rain and fog filled days. The hiking continued to be tough with a lot of very steep climbs and descents, but there were also periods where we were able to stretch our legs and actually hike, although briefly. I had a couple of falls today but nothing serious.The last couple hours of the hike were frustrating as the terrain had reduced us to a snails pace. I finally got to camp about 8:00 pm and had to use a headlamp to set camp and eat.The temperature really dropped once it got dark and it felt good to get into my sleeping bag.I am really excited to be in Maine and the good weather has really boosted my spirits. Currently we are 3/10 of a mile from 1900 miles hiked and 276 miles from Mt. Katahdin. Wow!
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldplate Lean To
Miles today: 12.0

Lots of tough climbs today starting with Fulling Mt. Then it was the toughest one mile on the AT; Mahoosuc Notch. It took us a couple of hours to get through this area but it was mostly due to taking a lot of photos.The trail conditions continued to be tough with a lot of mud, water, exposed rocks, and roots to negotiate. And yes, by the evening it was raining again.
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Baldplate Lean To

To: Surplus Pond
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

It rained steadily throughout the night. Knowing that I would have some clean up work to do on my tent I got up at 5:00 am. After starting breakfast I got to work on packing up. The area around our campsites was a muddy mess so I know the trail is going to be in bad shape.Our first challenge of the day was Baldpate Mtn. It was quiet a climb but the real problem was the descent. Steep drop offs and shear rock faces that were very slick were the norm for over an hour. Once we got to the bottom you couldn¢t tell if you were walking in a stream bed or on the AT. The mud in these areas was frequently 2¢-3¢ deep but sometimes it would be ankle deep. Walking in these type conditions was both mentally and physically exhausting. After several falls over the past few days this made me extremely careful on the descents and the mud only made water logged boots even heavier We got to the road crossing about 12:30 pm and were met by John and Jenny who were friends of Boat. They had soft drinks and candy bars for us which we quickly devoured. They then gave us a ride into Andover, Maine for lunch and to resupply. They even paid for our lunch! After a great meal, I went to the post office to pickup my mail drop. Unfortunately one package had not arrived. So I completed a forwarding request and then picked up a couple items to get me by for the next couple of days.We had learned that Karl Metzler who was attempting to run the AT in 47 days was due at the road crossing at 3:00pm so we went there in hopes that we might meet him. Luckily we did get a chance to meet with him although it was brief.We reached our first camping opportunity about 5:00 pm and decided to call it a day. It was a short day but that is typical of resupply stop. We¢re going to do a couple 17 mile days and plan to reach Rangeley, ME by Wednesday night.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Surplus Pond

To: Bemis Mtn. Lean To
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another day of really tough climbs and descents that was compounded by the poor trail conditions. With all the rain, the trail continued to be very muddy and there were times that I thought I was walking in a stream due to the flow of water rather than on the AT. It has been since Vermont that I have walked in dry socks and boots and my feet show it. They are red and raw and now the skin is starting to crack and bleed. Not a good situation considering I was walking in muddy water.I had a couple more nasty falls today. Man, I am really sore and the falls have got me so cautious that it is slowing down my hiking speed even more. I had a couple of river crossings today but luckily the current was not too swift and the water was only shin deep.When I was about 2 miles from camp the rain came and in short order I was soaked to the skin. The temperature was in the 40¢s and this not only made me uncomfortable but was cause for concern. I finally made it to the camp and a sleeping bag never felt so good.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Bemis Mtn. Lean To

To: Rangeley ME
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

I woke up to clear skies and no rain. Can you believe it!Even though the trail was still muddy, the water levels in the low areas had gone down considerably. The terrain was also much better and even the mountains we had to climb were not as steep.On my way up Spruce Mt., I saw a Ruffled Grouse perched on a rock. After seeing some young birds nearby I realized that the bird was acting as a sentry. Coming down Bemis Mt. I had another bad fall and cut my leg and bruised up my elbow. Right now I¢m sore all over from all the falls.I saw my first Maine moose today at South Pond. It was a real treat to see this animal.I got to the road crossing about 6:30 pm and luckily caught Sojo and Boat as they secured a ride. They stopped at the grocery store and I went ahead to secure our Hotel room. After a shower, I was starving so I hitched a ride back to the grocery store to get a deli sandwich and of course Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Rangeley ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean To
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

I slept very little last night due to my hip hurting so badly. At 6:00am I was up and headed to the laundry mat. While I waited for it to open, I worked on updating my photo log. I am really pleased with the photos I have taken so far but wished the weather had been better in Vermont and New Hampshire so I could have had more photographs. If all goes well and the weather holds we should be at Katahdin in about 16 days.We started hitching a ride about noon and within a few minutes got one. Due to our start time we have decided to only hike 10 miles today.As soon as we entered the woods there was a large cooler filled with drinks and snacks. Being greeted with trail magic is sure a great way to start your hike.We had 3 mountains to climb today and each offered fantastic views. My favorite was Saddleback Mtn. It had a smooth rock top and a ridgeline that allowed us to hike for a considerable distance. When I reached the summit I called my wife and daughter. One regret I have with hiking the AT is the burden it has placed on my family. I¢ve got a lot of special times to plan to make up for my long absence.I got to Popular Ridge Lean To about 6:00pm and got settled in for the night. Our group is the only one here tonight.Yep, it did rain today but luckily only for a few minutes.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Poplar Ridge Lean To

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I can¢t believe we slept so late! I woke up and looked at my watch and it was 6:30am. I had forgotten to reset the alarm on my watch from the day before. Goes to show you how tired everyone was.Another clear day and trail conditions continue to improve. We had some mountains to climb today but a good portion of the day the terrain was good and we actually got to stretch our legs and hike.I made it to the campsite about 5:00pm and as soon as I started fixing supper it began to rain lightly. But within a few minutes it stopped and I pray it stays stopped.I¢ve got to get to the post office in the morning before 11:30am to pick up a food drop so I¢ve got an early start in the morning. We are currently at mile 1981.1 and 195.1 miles from Katahdin.
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Horns Pond Lean To
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

I got up at 5:00am and was on the trail by 5:30am. Luckily no more rain last night and I was able to pack up dry gear. I had the Crocker Mountains to climb before starting my descent into Stratton ME. The climbs were not too bad and the good terrain going down the mountain allowed me to make good time.I got to the road crossing at 9:30am but there was very little traffic on the road. I decided to start walking towards town and hope I would get a ride. Several vehicles passed me but did not stop and I was starting to get discouraged. Then a van went by and in a minute returned to pick me up. The fellow said that I looked very tired. Which I was....Thank goodness for trail angels like this fellow. The best part of the ride was the Labrador Retriever this fellow had. This dog jump from the front seat and sat down right beside me. The dog leaned as tightly as he could against me and started licking my face. The affection from this dog really made my day!After taking care of my mail drop, I went to the convenience store to buy some sodas for me and my hiking partners. I was able to secure a ride back to the trailhead from a fellow that was getting gas and I was back on the trail within an hour.Again, words can¢t describe the gratitude to the folks that give hikers rides. After walking hundreds of miles every unnecessary mile really gets to you.There were some tough climbs on the way to Horns Pond Lean To. On my way I had spoken to several south bounders and asked if they had seen my hiking partners but they had not. I got to Horns Pond Lean To at 1:30pm and there was no sign of the gang. I had not been there 10 minutes when a violent thunderstorm hit that included hail. Since it looked like my hiking partners were behind me, I sat tight and waited out the storm.About 3:30pm Conan showed up and within another hour Boat and Sojo arrived. Because more storms were predicted, we decided to call it a day and get settled into the shelter. The weather forecast for tomorrow indicated clear skies and cool temperatures. Tomorrow we will reach the 2000 miles hiked mark. Unbelievable!
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Horns Pond Lean To

To: West Carry Pond Lean To
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to clear skies and cool temperatures. Today we have the last of the big mountains to climb with the Bigelow Mountain Range. As I approached the summit the wind was blowing approximately 40 MPH, and at one point the wind blew me completing off the trail and onto the ground. I was finally forced to crawl the last few yards on my hand and knees. But once there all the work was worth it with breathtaking views. I took some video with my camera to record the velocity of the wind. It was a tough hiking day today but also one of my most rewarding. Best of all we passed the 2000 miles hiked point. Lots of photos and celebrating!