morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Stealth Camp

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.4

Today I decided to try and hike some bigger miles. By getting to this hut, I may hike over Mt Washington tomorrow --if the weather is good. The middle part of today's hike had about 7 miles of very good trail, so I made good time in that part. The last 6.4 miles were tough-- steep, rocky trail over Mt Webster and Mt Jackson. I did have great views from both. I got to the hut about 7:45pm and asked about work-for-stay. It was available. First I got to eat and then eat again. My work involved defrosting a freezer, and it took an hour. Since it cost $79 per night to stay here, I guess that's pretty good wages. I don't get a bunk though, I'm sleeping in the dining room on a table. It was a long day, and it's time to sleep.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it over Mt Washington today. The hike today was very rocky, but the views were great. Mt Washington has the worst weather in America said the sign on the way up. It has the highest measured sustained wind at 231mph and has fog 318 days a year. The wind wasn't too bad, but the fog did roll in before I headed down. I spent 2 hours on top, seeing the sights, sending journal entries and of course eating. When I started down the mountain it started raining. I put on my rain gear, but the rain stopped in about 15 minutes. The cog train (it takes tourists up and down the mountain) went by as I hiked, but I resisted the thru-hiker tradition of mooning the train. I just took a picture.I decided to pay for my stay at this hut, so I ate with the other guests-- mostly people out for a few days. There are 3 girls here that are doing a southbound thru-hike and 2 of them just graduated from Truman State (that's where my youngest son goes to school). I also talked to 3 men for quite awhile about the trail. I just realized that yesterday was my 5 month anniversary on the trail.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 12.3

Today was a physically tough day for me. I ate breakfast at the hut, so I started hiking later than normal. The trail was rocky, and after a climb up to Mt Madison, there was a fairly steep downhill. I'd rather do a steep up than a steep down. I did have good views of Mt Washington and the presidental range north of Washington. By the time I got to Pinkham Notch, I was tired. I checked on a bunk at the lodge there, but they were full-- so I decided to hike on. I'm currently in the middle of the Wildcat Peaks (there are Wildcat Peaks A thru E). I'm going to sleep now, and then we'll see what tomorrow brings!
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Stealth Camp

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 8.6

Today was a nice day, but the hiking was slow. It became evident early in the day that I couldn't make it to Gorham, NH today, so I decided to take my time and break it into 2 days. I have 8 miles left to Gorham tomorrow. Today's hike started with a steep down to Carter Notch Hut. I stopped there for a break and bought some food. Then the trail went over Carter Dome and Mt Hight with good views. I also hiked over South Carter, Middle Carter, and North Carter Mtns. The decent from North Carter to this campsite was incredibly steep. The Whte Mountains are tough. My boots are more tattered than any of my other pairs were, the tips of my hiking poles are worn away, my pack has many more worn spots, and my knees and feet are sore. I must be having a good time!
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Imp Campsite

To: North Road / US 2
Miles today: 8.1

Today's hike was fairly easy compared to the last few days. I got to the road and hitched into Gorham, NH. I got to town about 1pm, so I had plenty of time to get the town chores done: shower, laundry, resupply food and fuel. Chips showed up later in the afternoon. Falling Rock and I met him our second night out in Georgia, and I hadn't seen him since Virginia. He's contemplating getting off the trail. We had dinner together and enjoyed catching up on each others trail news.Tomorrow I'll head north again. Wednesday I should be in Maine!!
Date: 2007-07-31
From: North Road / US 2

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

I left the hostel this morning a little before 7am and hitched a ride to the trail. The first 1800 ft climb went well, and I thought about going farther today. But as the day wore on, I wore out. I got to this shelter/campsite about 5pm and decided to call it a day. I met a couple college age northbounders who started in Georgia in May! Probably won't see them again. I continue to see southbound hikers also: 6 today. Also camping here tonight are a group of girls from a summer Quaker camp. One of them fell today and is having headaches, so they're not sure where they're headed tomorrow. Second Wind hiked by about 8pm and is going to camp up the hill a bit. Beautiful weather today with a few good views-- could still see Mt Washington. I found several good blueberry bushes, mother nature's trail magic. It's 8:35pm now and I'm ready to sleep!
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: North end of Mahoosuc Notch
Miles today: 12.2

Well I've hiked in some rain, and had some pain, and now I'm in Maine! The 14th, and final, state. Another beautiful weather day, but the hiking was fairly tough. I actually ended up going farther than planned. I got to the shelter, where I was planning on staying, at 3:30pm. I took an hour break and talked to Tea Sip who is section hiking with her husband Java Man. They're in their 60's and are finding the going tough. I'd met them in Vermont-- they skipped the Whites. After my break, I decided to hike on through Mahoosuc Notch-- the hardest mile on the trail. It took me an hour to hike the 1.5 miles to the notch and 2 hours to get through the notch. In several places, the trail went through small openings between boulders. I had to take my pack off and shove it through before I went. I got to this campsite at 7:30pm, and by the time I filtered water, cooked, ate, and put the tent up, it was dark. It's now past hiker midnight (9pm) and I'm ready to sleep.Update: The dead moose in Mahoosuc Notch is still dead. Also. . . a dead moose smells pretty bad!
Date: 2007-08-02
From: North end of Mahoosuc Notch

To: Grafton Notch / ME 26
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a shorter day. I'm planning on staying at this hostel and slackpacking for 3 days. That should get me through most of the toughest trail left.I had two pretty good climbs today: Mahoosuc Arm and Speck Mtn. I got a picture of a partridge. It was sitting on the trail, maybe 20 ft in front of me, and stayed long enough for me to get the camera out.Flyaway, Mr Fred, and Engine are also here tonight but trail-wise they are 10 miles ahead of me.I'd better get ready for tomorrow, the shuttle van leaves at 6am.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Grafton Notch / ME 26

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.3

Not carrying a big pack makes this hiking thing a whole lot easier. David dropped me off at about 6:30am this morning and picked me up at 2:30pm. Eight hours to do 10.3 miles made for a leasurely day. I took several breaks, the longest being on the East Peak of Baldpate Mtn-- which had good views. About 1 pm the clouds rolled in, and I heard thunder. I got about 2 drops of rain and then the sun was back out. When David picked me up, he said that Andover got 2 inches of rain in a half hour and was without electricity. It rained here again this evening but is supposed to clear by morning. I'm the only hiker here this evening, and they invited me to their family barbeque.Earlier in the evening, I had a one hour massage, what a treat! Tomorrow I'll slack another 10 miles, after that I'm going to have to get back to work!
Date: 2007-08-04
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Another good day on the AT. It was foggy this morning but no rain. The sun soon burned through the fog. I actually hiked today going south. That got the biggest climbs out of the way while it was still cool. I met Flyaway and Mr Fred headed the other direction. I got done hiking about 2:30pm, and David picked me up shortly after that. Tea Sip and Java Man were here as well as Truffles. Mooseburger and Grasshopper showed up later, so we have quite the crowd. Today was the Andover Olde Home Days, so I walked down and listened to some karyoke and had some kettle corn. Truffles and I went to the fireman's dance for a while this evening; the band was pretty good. Now it's way past hiker midnight, and I've got an early morning, again, tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My slackpacking is over, for a while anyway. David drove me to South Arm Road trail crossing, and I slackpacked the 13.3 miles to ME17. Another guy met me there with my pack a little before 4pm, and then I hiked the 3.7 miles to this campsite. Man that pack felt heavy after carrying a day pack for 3 days! There were several good views and lots of blueberries! I went over Old Blue and the section of trail maintained by Dman. Thanks Dman! I met Dman in Virginia when he was doing a section hike.There are probably 20 people here tonight including a group of girls speaking French. There's also 3 southbounders from Wisconsin. I'm the only northbounder.Tomorrow, it's all day carrying a full pack. We'll see how far I get!
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

The trail cooperated for a long day, but the weather didn't. I started hiking a little before 7am with the sun shining. By 9am it was cloudy, and about 11am it started raining. By noon it was pouring with thunder and lightning. I got to this shelter about 1pm and waited for the rain to stop. It poured until 5 and then let up-- but by then, I knew there wasn't any point hiking more today. The trail was nice today with just small ups and downs. I also hiked by several nice ponds/lakes.There's a couple from Montreal here tonight, as well as a group of boy scouts. Hopefully the sun is back out tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Today the weather cooperated, but the trail was tougher than yesterday. The first part of today's hike was over Saddleback Mtn, The Horn, and Saddleback Junior. It was foggy and windy as I crossed Saddleback and at The Horn, I had no views. By the time I got to Saddleback Junior, the fog was lifting and I could see where I'd been. There was a steep descent this afternoon, I waded a stream, and then had a 1800 ft climb. I thought I would be the only one at this shelter, but Ragoon showed up just before dark-- after a 28 mile day. Tomorrow I head into Stratton to resupply, but there are a couple 4000 ft peaks between here and there.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to

To: ME 27
Miles today: 13.5

Rain, thunder, lightning, 40 mph wind gusts, and throw in a little hail. Sounds like a good day for a hike.I woke up to rain, but was headed to town-- so who cares if you get a little wet. When I came around the exposed ridge of Sugarloaf Mtn and was hit with the wind and the hail, I was questioning that decision. The trail was a stream today, so it was wet feet all day. When it came time to ford a stream I didn't have stop and change into sandals, since the boots couldn't get any wetter. The hike went faster than I thought, and I was in town before 3pm. The sun actually came out about that time also. The weather forecast looks good for the next week (can we make that for 2 plus weeks please)!Also here tonight are Eden Express and Downhill Phil. FYI from Twofer's wife: Journals updated with photos 7/70-8/9 -- with more pictures under the photo tab! Enjoy!!
Date: 2007-08-09
From: ME 27

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 13.4

Today was a beautiful day with great views. I didn't leave town until after 9am, so I could mail a picture memory stick home (more exciting pictures are on the way!). There were lots of ups and downs today, but starting tomorrow the terrain gets much flatter until Katahdin. The trail head today was at 1400 feet, and I went over South Horn (3805ft), West Peak of Bigelow Mtn (4145ft), and Avery Peak (4088ft). There were amazing views all day. I could see many lakes, a ski resort, and from West Peak, I got my first look at Katahdin. Katahdin is still 170 trail miles away but it's been spotted! I saw Rangoon on the trail today, but he hiked further than me. He wanted to hit the 2000 mile mark today. I'll hit it early tomorrow morning. I'm camping near Little Bigelow Mtn. Well it's hiker midnight, so time to get to sleep. Tomorrow I think I'll hike some more!
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Stealth Camp

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today the terrain did get easier, and I can still hike! The Whites and southern Maine had made me wonder.The hike today went by several lakes, Flagstaff, West Carry, East Carry, and Pierce. I saw loons on the last three. I passed one north bound section hiker, and then Rangoon passed me (he slept in). I saw two southbound section hikers this afternoon, not a very busy trail. Rangoon and I are the only people at this shelter, and it's a beautiful spot. The shelter looks out over the lake, and we had a great sunset. Rangoon built a fire, and we had a good conversation. He's planning bigger miles than me, so I probably won't be camping with him again. Tomorrow we cross the Kennebec River on the canoe ferry: the offical AT route.Today's highlights include passing the 2000 mile mark, this shelter, watching the fire, and listening to the loon's call. The weather today was great, as well, with highs probably in the low 70's. Eight days and 110 miles until I meet my kids at White House Landing then they'll escort me the last 45 miles. It's starting to feel like I'm getting there!
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Baker Stream
Miles today: 15.9

I'm camping out tonight in my tent, so I should get a better night's sleep. The mice were quite active in the shelter. About 1am I heard one on my foodbag that was hanging from a mouse proof hanger. I wacked it with my sandal-- it won't mess with any hiker's food again. About 4am Rangoon nailed one on his foodbag. So we killed two, but others were still scurrying about throughout the night. Today was another good weather day. I ate breakfast by the lake and watched the loons. They can sure stay under water a long time. I got to the canoe ferry just after 9 and Steve Longley ferried me across the Kennebec River. There's a hydroelectric plant upstream that discharges water whenever they need more power, so the river can rise rapidly at anytime. I talked to a southbound couple from New Zealand, Weka and Kea, who told me about this camp site. I stopped at Pleasant Pond Lean-to were someone had left some chocolate chip cookies. In the register there was a note about Sundance hurting a knee and going home to get it taken care of. The note said he's still hoping to come back and finish. It must be pretty bad to get him off the trail at this point. I saw a moose late this afternoon, but it took off before I could get a picture. It's time to sleep, tucked it my tent, safe from all the mice!
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Baker Stream

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I couldn't get out of the sleeping bag this morning, and I didn't start hiking until after 8am. There was one climb today up to Moxie Bald Mtn. There were good views, and I was able to call Julie to discuss the plans for meeting the kids at White House Landing. This afternoon two guys passed me; one of them was Woodstock. Falling Rock and I met him our first day on the trail back in Georgia. He moves fast but had taken a month, or so, off. About a half hour before I got to this shelter, it started pouring. I was soaked when I got here, but changed into dry clothes and had a relaxing evening. So far I'm the only one here. Tomorrow I head into Monson, ME, the last trail town.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: ME 15
Miles today: 9.0

In rained most of the night and some this morning. By the time I started hiking it had stopped. I had to ford one stream, and the rest of the hike was fairly easy.I'm in Monson, ME tonight, the last trail town of this journey. I've resupplied for the next few days. Tomorrow I head into the 100 mile wilderness, which isn't as remote as it use to be. I'll meet Matt (Knobs) and Ben (Shaggy) at White House Landing on Saturday which is a wilderness camp 70 miles in. If things go as planned, I'll hike Aug 19, 20, 21 with my kids and then we'll summit either the 22nd or 23rd. Julie comes out the 20th and I'll see her on the 21st.Dent is here along with a couple heading south. I heard that Five String and Grasshopper are at the other hostel in town.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: ME 15

To: Long Pond Stream
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I stayed at Lake Shore House last night, but went to Shaw's for breakfast. They started me off with 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links, and hashbrowns. Then I had seconds! I don't have much longer to be able to eat like this. I then hitched the 3.5 miles to the trail, my last hitchhike of the trip.The trail today was really pretty. I went by several lakes, streams, ridges with views, and a couple waterfalls. I forded Big Wilson stream-- but the water levels are fairly low. Two other streams which are often fords, I crossed on rocks. I'm camped next to Long Pond Stream and had a fire this evening. I saw 6 southbound hikers today and one northbounder. The northbounder, Moogili, started in May so, I won't see him again!I missed Stumpknocker. One kid at breakfast said he stayed in another town last night. Julie and I met Stumpknocker and Mrs Gorp in Damascus near the start of their Virginia to Oregon to Maine bicycle trip. Now Stumpknocker is doing a southbound thru-hike!
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Long Pond Stream

To: West Branch of Pleasant River
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a cool and cloudy day with intermittent showers. The hiking was tougher than yesterday, also, as I went over Barren Mtn, Fourth Mtn, Third Mtn, Columbus Mtn, and Chairback Mtn. The tallest of these was 2672 ft, but when you start at 570 ft that still makes a pretty good climb. I almost stopped for the night at Chairback Gap Lean-to. I got there at 4pm, and it was still cloudy. I debated until almost 5, then decided to hike on. The shelter was old with no view, and there was a very bold squirrel there. The squirrel came into the shelter to within about 5 ft of me. I told it that I had recently killed a member of the rodent family, but he was unimpressed. About that time the sky got lighter, so off I went. Within an hour the sky was mostly clear, so it was a good decision.I caught a glimpse of a moose as it went into the woods from the trail in front of me. I also saw a partridge. Some people have complained about no-see-ums, but I haven't seen any.This is a nice campsite, but by the time I got all the evening chores done it was dark. 84.1 miles to go on this amazing trip!
Date: 2007-08-16
From: West Branch of Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

Today started out with sunshine-- but by noon had clouded up. I went over Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn, and White Cap Mtn. White Cap is 3654 ft and the last big climb until Katahdin.Going over White Cap was very windy. I'd be walking straight ahead and then a gust would hit, and I'd be blown a couple steps sideways. I didn't stay long on top.I got to this shelter a little before 6pm and debated about tenting, but the shelter is nice and it still looked like it could rain. Good decision, right now it's pouring. There's a couple tenting nearby, a couple in the shelter, and two guys just showed up to stay in the shelter. First time for company in awhile. Hopefully tonight will get the rain out of the way for the next few days.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day. Sunshine and no wind. The hike was equally good. There was a decent climb over Little Boardman Mtn, but then the 8 miles after that were level and smooth-- the best trail I've seen in a long time. I went by several nice lakes. Cooper Brook Falls were pretty, and I had lunch there. This campsite is on a lake, and I'm camped out on a point among white pines with the lake on three sides. A pontoon plane circled the lake and then landed. It taxied around a point where I couldn't see it any more. Around 7pm dark clouds rolled over the hill to the west and now we're having a good old thunderstorm.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Nahmakanta Lake
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

When I woke up the wind was really blowing. I finally got out of the tent and packed up. I had 5.9 miles to go to the cutoff for White House Landing where I was to meet my kids. To get to White House Landing from the trail, I hiked a mile to a dock, blew an air horn and waited for the boat to come get me. On the hike to the dock I saw a large bull moose. He stayed around long enough for me to take his picture. When I got across the lake, the kids weren't there yet, but they showed up about 20 minutes later. Their flight and shuttles went great, right on schedule. I ate a 1 lb cheeseburger, we bought a few more supplies, then got the boat ride back across the lake. We hiked 5.1 miles to this campsite and got here about 5pm. It's a pretty lake but the wind is still blowing hard and it's a little chilly. We played 3 games of cribbage, and I won the first game-- my first AT cribbage victory! By hiking some today we'll have two fairly short days before we meet Julie at Abdol Bridge campground on Tuesday.From Twofer's wife:Thanks to all the wonderful trail folks who helped the guys in my family get connected for this final push: Thanks to Buddy Ward, out of Lake Shore House in Monson, ME who met Knobs and Shaggy at the Bangor Airport at 10 pm last night and shuttled them all the way to Millinoket! Thanks to Jaime and Paul at The AT Lodge in Millinoket for leaving a light on for them and providing warm beds for their late night arrival. And more thanks for shuttling Shaggy and Knobs to White House Landing this morning. Thanks to White House Landing for answering the approx 100 'stupid questions' I had when trying to coordinate this hiking reunion!
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Nahmakanta Lake

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

This morning the wind was still blowing. At 8am I mentioned to Knobs and Shaggy that they might want to think about waking up. We started hiking about 9. We walked along Nahmakanta Lake for the first 2 miles. We then climbed Nesuntabunt Mtn, about a 900 ft climb. We had a great view of Mt Katahdin and ate lunch there.We got to this shelter about 5pm, and after all the normal chores, we again played cribbage. I dominated all three games. Tomorrow we're planning 11.5 miles, and right now I have 30.1 miles to finish my AT journey.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Another nice but cool day-- it's hard to get out of the sleeping bag in the mornings. The hike today was nice. We walked along Rainbow Lake and saw a mother moose and calf grazing in the lake. We went over Rainbow Ledges and had a great view of Katahdin. This shelter area is fairly busy, and among the people here are Widowmaker and Breadless Horseman. I met Widowmaker several times, the last being in New York. This is my last night camping on the AT. We'll meet Julie tomorrow, finish the hike to the base of Katahdin then stay in town tomorrow night. Summit day is Wednesday!Shaggy here: Today's hike was by far the longest I've ever done, but I think I'm hanging in there just fine. It's pretty busy at the shelter tonight. It also appears that not all of them are running on the same hiker's time as we are. Looking forward to the hike tomorrow and the climb up Katahdin!