morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Glencliff, NH Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Kinsman Notch, Rt 112
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Well today was my first day back after 9 days off for my brothers wedding in Pittsburgh and then being sick. I arrived late last night after Packrat picked me up from Hanover. I will never ride another bus again! Well i asked him who was at the hostel and it turns out Crumbsnatcher was there! I was so glad to have a familiar face. I also met Tubbs, a real nice guy who started march 15th. I slept very poorly and was up around 5am.    Crumb decided to slack the 9 miles to Kinsman over Moosilauke and i was being ambitious on my first day back wanting to make it 17 miles. Tubbs and I started out from the hostel hiking together. Moosilauke is a TOUGH mountain to climb, especially back after a 9 day respite and i was still quite under the weather. I made the first couple miles OK but then I just couldnt keep up. Tubbs was nice enough to sit and wait with me, despite me telling him to go on. He was meeting his uncle at the top so he kept moving.    I hit a sign telling me i had .8 to go which made me very happy. The rest was a gradual climb all above treeline which always makes climbing more fun and easy. I met Tubbs, his uncle Jim and his friend Gus and son. I hiked down to Beaver Brook Shelter and took a break. Got to check up on where people were in the register. We began the very steep climb down Moosilauke which crosses over a flowing waterfall. I was invited to spend the night with them at Gus' resort home near North Woodstock. I accepted as i was promised a July 4th BBQ and celebration. That was hard to pass up. I knew the 17 miles would not be a smart way to ease back to the Trail and i was a little unsure of where to camp since the book listed nothing and the terrain looked difficult.    We ended up having a great night. We watched the town parage thru Woodstock, filled with kids throwing candy from floats and water balloons flying everywhere. We soaked in a hot tub and pool at the resort and when we returned, i met Chicken, Mt Jam, Spork and Train-friends of Tubbs who had skipped up from Hanover to N Woodstock. We had a feast, watched baseball and listened to the sounds of crackling fireworks and chickens backpacker guitar.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: beaver brook shelter

To: eliza brook shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Went into Lincoln to resupply. Ran into Holler who'd hitched in from another road. Had breakfast with her and caught up on trail news and stories. Went to Chets place, an unpublished, unlisted hostel run out of a guy's garage, basement, and back rooms that was awesome, bunks and mattresses everywhere, shelves and shelves of free food, clothes, gear, and books. But chet was the star of the place, totally gracious and fun, a previous hiker who'd been burned in a camp stove explosion and is now confined to a wheelchair. He definitely found a niche where he can still be part of the community and have good times.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: US 3 North Woodstock

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

Got a ride back to the Trail from Bill, who works at Cascade Lodge. Only problem is he dropped me off in the wrong place and I ended walking a mile back to the Trail. Long climb up to Liberty Tentsite and then more climbing up to Franconia Ridge, which is a fantastic section, all above treeline. I was able to see a lot of mountains, as well as people. The Ridge was littered with day hikers and Hut 2 Huters. The top of the ridge is on the summit of Lafayette - a special place for me where I met my first thru hikers five years ago. Short, but steep climb up Galehead - some great views. Met Tuesday Night Norm and Bjorn at Garfield Campsite. Talked with them, then ran into 2 southbounders Coos and Tortoise. Lots of SOBOs but no NOBOs.Up and downs all the way to Galehead Hut. Was able to do work for stay here along with 2 SOBOs Gimpy and Little Moose. Had a great dinner courtesy of the crew and watched the sun go down on the hut roof. Later we were treated to some mandolin - guitar jamming. very good day!
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

A very good day, although I didn't seep well. Guess the hut bed was too soft! Helped the crew a bit this morning and got going around 8:30. Stiff climb up South Twin but the rest of the day was cake. Great view of the Presidentials from Zeacliff. I stared off into the future, alone up on a cliff. What a great feeling. Today was overcast but it stayed cool. I have been sweating a lot with the climbs and the heat, and drinking tons of water as a result. Stopped in at Zealand Hut for lunch. I do enjoy the huts but they are littered with people and it's a bit overwhelming. The five miles to here was smooth sailing. A definite change from the past few days. I got here at 2:20 but decided to stay. There's nowhere to stay until Mizpah hut, 9 miles away and over the notorious Webster Cliffs. I thought a 21 mile day wouldn't be the wisest. tomorrow I'll tackle the Cliffs and hopefully work for stay at Lakes Hut. Tomorrow's my birthday! Good company tonite. Tuesday Night Norm and Bjorn (Greenhorn) who are section hikers. Hopefully I'll stick with them for a couple of days since the NOBOs have disappeared. I really enjoyed hanging near the Pond and soaking in the scenery. To rush through this section would be a big mistake.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lake of the Clouds
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept very poorly last night. The bugs were bad and my winter bag is making me sweat to death. Got up and on the Trail by 7:10. Easy 3 down to Crawford Notch. Then the climb up Webster Cliffs and Webster and Jackson Mountains. Lots of hand over had climbing. It was fun until I ran out of water a mile south of Mizpah Hut. So quite dehyrdrated. Made it to the hut at noon and rested for an hour and barraged the AYCE bread and cake. Chugged lots of water. I've hiked Mizpah to Lakes before and its a gem on a nice day. The sun was out and the ridge walking coudn't be better. I had visibility of the whole Presidential range. I was in the groove all day and truly loving it. I turned around every 2 or 3 minutes to see what I had covered. The view seems to change to a new perspective every couple of yards you walk. Made it to the Hut at 3 p.m. CoCo from Germany was there as well as Tuesday Night Norm. Cannoli was also there! Great to see him again. Greenhorn and Demon Deacon showed up soon after.   Greenhorn, CoCo and I ran up Washington and back down. The main purpose was to try and reach my folks since today is my 20th birthday. Happy birthday to me! As well as my stepmom's birthday. Well, no one was home and I was out of luck. But Washington was sunny and clear from the top - a rare treat!After the side trip it's a 17 mile day and my legs are feeling the effects. The croo fed us a great dinner of ham, potatoes and greens and soup. What a treat. It rained for a bit but we ended up with a great sunset in the distance. This is truly one of my favorite spots in the world. Just wish it wasn't so crowded.What a great day for a birthday!
Date: 2013-08-10
From: mitzpah spring hut 

To: osgood tent site
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

Summitted mt washington, epic amazing day that went from cloudy to bluebird as I came over the crest to lakes of the clouds hut. Got eggs, blueberry cake, and coffee, and chatted up the hut girls. The rest of the crew had put on crazy costumes to go pick up their food drop from mt washington. Wind was 70-85mph sustained and temps were in the low 30s. Tried to do work for stay at madison spring hut but they were really full and it was really windy so didn't want to risk being denied so hiked on. Next two campsites were really full and it was way past dark so gave up and tossed the tent in a communal campfire area.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Lake of the Clouds

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed Washington again this morning with great clear weather again. What luck. I was up and thru early enough to beat the hoards of tourists. The northern ridge of "Presi's" was awesome. It wasn't sunny, but most importantly clear and cool. Hiked this magnificent ridge over Mt. Clay, Jefferson, Adams and Madison with Bjorn and CoCo. As I stared at the views they spoke rapid-fire german to one another. Tons of fine food left at Madison Spring Hut, the only one I had never been at previously. After the refuel we climbed steeply up Madison then dropped 3000 feet feet which killed the knees. Long crawl to Pinkham Visitor's Notch. Cheddar, Bjorn, Norm and I got picked up and spent the night at Hiker's Paradise.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: osgood tent site

To: carter notch stealth camp
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Still alive. Cell reception has been nonexistant in the white mountains wilderness. Sitting on top of a ski resort tower to get this out. Did mount washington yesterday in 85mph winds and 29*F temps.   Will be in a town hopefully in the next couple days to backfill entries and mileages. Someone just handed me a sack lunch with sandwich, chips, cookie, and water. O_O Day=made. Off to carter dome.Made it to carter notch but the hut was small and full. Found a stealth site with Tru and villiedog. Talked politics and watched the meteor shower.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Norm took a zero and Bjorn and Cheddar were slacking so I was back on my own. Long morning climb over the Wildcat Range. Steep drop innto Carter Notch which killled my knees. Lunched it there and met Tuxedo and Demon Deacon. Then straight up Carter's Dome. The rest of the day was tough but stunning. I could see the whole Northern Presidentials as well as the Carter-Moriah range ans the Wildcat's which I had traversed earlier. The AT takes a pointless horseshoe roundabout way, simlpy circling Mt Washington. It's a bit disconcerting to be working so hard and continue to see ole' Washington right there, right where you left it. Yep, so the Trail from Pinkham notch to Gorham is a very hard 21 mile unecessary section. Gotta love the AT! It is afterall a stunning section, and I had many of these peaks to myself. Its a part of the Whites that aren't talked about much. Got down to Imp Shelter, another nice almost-enclosed one with a sleeping platform. Looks like just me and Deamon Deac tonight. The caretaker, a early 20something guy, an ex-thru hiker couldn't find anything for me to do, as I attemped another work for stay to supplement the 8 buck fee the AMC charges. Even being the only thru here he still wasn't too into giving me a break. The back of the shelter has a great view as well as a hand made wooden couch. No I'm not kidding! The caretaker, two other guys and myself sat out back looking out over Gorham and the surrounding ranges. The caretaker gave a leave no trace speech which was pretty boring, but albeit a wee bit educational for those keeping score at home. The best part of the evening was the screech owl that flew onto a branch 5 feet from us. Sat quietly admiring the bird and the wonderful scenary around me.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: carter notch stealth camp

To: gorham, NH
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Last two peaks, carter mtn and mt moriah, and I'm done with the whites. Got great breakfast and chats from the hut girls and headed out hoping to get to gorham. Made it just in time to get a ride from Trus friend into town, get dinner, and got taken by some sobos to a great little hostel in an rv park. Kicking it here for a few days to heal up my knee and wait for friends to catch up.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Imp Shelter 

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

Today was a miserable day, one of my very worst on the Trail. The Trail for the most part is a dream, but every once in awhile you get a day like today that makes me wonder is this really worth it? (it is!).    Last nights beautiful evening was gone and i awoke at 7 to find rain pouring down, high winds and very low temperature. It was the type of day that would be better spent curled up in my bag with some hot tea and a good book, but alas it was town day and Gorham called. I ate a quick breakfast and on the Trail about 720am. It was very uncomfortable walking. I climbed Mt Moriah a little beast in itself. I could see barely anything as my glasses fogged/soaked as they tend to do on days like this.   The kicker was the above treeline cliff walking/climbing i had to do. I literally was almost blown off the top of Moriah. At around 4500 ft its not where you wanna be on a day like this. I was so uncomfortable all i wanted to do was sit down and cry. I kept telling myself to keep going and to get thru this, but things seemed to not be improving. I also had a fear i wouldn;t get a hitch in this horrible weather. I almost blue-blazed it on the Carter-Moriah Trail the old AT, which goes right into town. My Purism won out eventually and i kept going. The last 4 miles were downhill, very steep at times. I skated down one mud patch and landed on my butt, my white frogg togg jacket caked in mudd. Stopped for a quick pitstop at Rattle River shelter where 3 SOBOs seemed to be taking a zero day. Started to shake and kept going.   I've never felt more pathetic as when i stood on route 2 waiting for a ride. One guy with an AT sticker on his car rolled out of the parking lot and said "sorry id give you a lift but i got no room". Thanks, thats the spirit. After 30 minutes of shivering in the rain a angel named scott picked me up and dropped me at the super market. THere i met Train and Tuesday who had his car with him. I've never been so happy. I got a ride back to Hikers Paradise and sat around eating and staying warm with Team Iowa. Tomorrow on to Maine!
Date: 2013-08-13
From: gorham, NH

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Real live zero day! Big breakfast with new friends firehands, peaches, and lucy the hiker husky who got adopted on the trail. Grabbed my mail drop to myself, retired my asolo boots and bought new merrels, went shopping at walmart, and ran into gravy part of the awesome bearded clams crew that I had so much fun with a month back. Super good day, rained and kept everyone indoors chatting and chilling. Definitely a close of one chapter and an opening of a new one. Several more folks just getting in late tonight are texting they want to zero tomorrow and meet up so it may be my first doublezero. Knee feels marginally better but still won't flex all the way.Actually have reception so uploaded a handful of new pics.
Date: 2013-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

First double zero. Started off with a big breakfast at the local diner, met up with three groups of hikers, probably 15 or so total. Waitress loves us, keeps telling us to come visit in ski season so she can give us passes at the resort everyone in town works at during the winter. After everyone left for the day, cleaned up a little, then fig and wrangler showed up and we went for dinner in the best costumes we could drum up from the donations box. So I've officially caught everyone I was trying to see again which was a really good feeling. Going out on my own tomorrow and we'll see where the trail takes me now that I'm caught up. Downloaded a ton of new music to use as my motivation.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Baldplate Lean-To

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Its A-Train, and I'm in MAINE! Made it into Maine on the evening of the 12th and now im taking the rest of today off in Andover at the very nice Guest House. Well I made it thru the Whites and they were incredible! Amazing clear views thru Franconia Ridge and the Presidentials. I work-for-stayed at Galehead and Lakes of the Clouds Hut. I got to Lakes on my b-day and ran up the summit of washington, only to hike it again the next morning with a pack on :) Great weather both times and not too many people.   Well the thru-hikers are few and far between since i've been back on. I'm meeting 2-8 southbounders a day, but hardly any northbounders. I've been hiking with Cheddar the past couple days but he'll get off for a wedding in two days. Also hiking with Mt. Jam, Chicken, Spork and Train, a fun group hiking from Connecticut/mass to Katahdin. Might run into them a lot the rest of the way.   It was totally sweet to hit the Maine border. Maine has been spectacular so far. Yes, tough, but the scenary makes up for it. The nights have been cool and the days sunny. We had one miserable cold day but i spent most of that in Gorham. Ran into Poptart in Gorham who had hitched in from a southern point. Still no word from Dimples and Java. I hear they are about 2 days behind as well as Moxie, Jw and shovel. Crumbsnatcher is also not too far behind. I hope to see some of these guys before the end and i'd love to be with familiar faces but i must keep on truckin. The Trail often presents problems in a war between friendship and Katahdin. Being on my own has been pretty interesting. I've enjoyed it a lot at some points but it does get a bit lonely. Its tough after being with the same 5 guys for so long. I would love to be up there with them, but I have to hike my own hike. Many have suggested driving up and finishing with them, but thats not the way i intend to finish this journey. I've hiked everything in order and it would be terribly anti-climatic to end this adventure at a road crossing in Maine.    The Mahoosuc Notch was trying, but fun. It claimed one of my waterbottles while i was squirming thru a tight spot. It truly is a jungle gym for adults. Well thats all for now. 256 miles to go! Hang in there with me and good luck to all the others out there.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: gentian pond shelter

To: full goose shelter 
Miles today: 9.6

Woke up and thankfully all the crisis folks left early and headed out to the closest road so hopefully they won't die out there. Gave them a map of southern maine I was carrying to increase their survivability at least. There was a really odd couple left, a 40ish japanese guy with a 20ish german exchange student that kinda creeped me out so bailed out earlier than usual. Heard what sounded like a horse down in the pond so walked down off trail just in time to see a female moose and her calf swimming around for fun. Totally turned my day around cause seeing a wild moose was one thing I really wanted to do on the trip. Realized after summiting Mt. Success that my knee had failed. Started having real problems with pain so finally gave in and started taking the ibuprofen I've been trying to avoid. Crossed the new hampshire border into maine which should have been a highlight but maine is known as the hardest state so I am kinda worried now. Stopped early at full goose where friends were waiting to cheer me up but a sudden rainstorm chased everyone inside. Met some new folks and learned tomorrow will be the most difficult mile on the AT.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked all day with Poptart. Cold and wet with a steady drizzle. Went up and over Old Blue and the Bemis range. unfortuately not much to see. I slipped numerous times and cut up my arm. Also, i fell into Bemis Stream while attempting to rock hop across. We lunched at Bemis shelter as we both shivered in between bites of bagel and pb.    The last 4 miles were nothing but peaceful. I can't explain, but it was the perfect dark forest, only achieved after a long rain subsides. Exactly what I expected Maine to look like. We stopped at Long Pond and snacked, a mere .3 before the shelter. I think we were a little unsure of where we were, but the sandy beach was a great place to end the day and reflect a bit.   Hikin' Mike was getting water from the pond when we showed up. Team Iowa was all here, good to see them again. Tomorrow into Rangeley to get groceries.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: grafton notch road

To: frye notch leanto
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Everyone took off early so headed out on my own again, at this point the knee is really bad. Hoping to get to andover, but after 1200mg of ibuprofen wasn't cutting the pain, decided to go back to doing 5 mile days until it hopefully recovers. I can stay at shelters for free so I may need to zero at shelters for a while which introduces a new problem of carrying a lot more food to make it between really long resupply sections in rural maine. Will take a nearo tomorrow in andover and try to come up with a solution. HeyWhitey and his pitbull Moose showed up which was fun, got to talk dogs and hiking strategy since whitey has two stress fractures in his foot and so is going through similar issues. Apparently moose sleeps in the hammock with him which was hysterical. Pitties are amazing dogs in the right hands.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

   LONG DAY. Up and on the Trail at 740. Poptart was taking her time packing up, only headed for Rangeley. Flat trail this morning. Small rises and falls, perfect for warming up those trail-weary legs. As i was movin and groovin to my music, I see Spork and CHicken standing next to the Trail with their fingers over their mouths, calling me over. I knew what this was all about. MOOSE! Spork spotted him and he crawled into the bushes. It was a huge bull moose with a full rack. we watched as it slowly walked away. I can die a happy man! Pretty easy walk to rt. 4. The sun pulled thru and a glorious day ensued. I hitched in and out for groceries in an hour and a half. Got 2 quick rides, grabbed a sandwhich and packed my food for the woods. I was so proud of myself for avoiding the vortex of town and all the fun that exists there. I must say i've become SICK of town. After spending two nights in both Gorham and Andover and the great weather, I have this urge to be in the woods.    The woods were alive today. Maine just gets more beautiful every day. Snacked it at Piazza Rock shelter and decided to move on, despite the beautiful location and well maintained site. Going on meant pushing over the Saddlebacks. A tough range albeit beautiful. Spectaular views from Saddleback. We were trying to make out Katahdin in the distance but thats pretty difficult from such a far. Met Team Iowa on the top. Good to keep reuniting with these guys-they're a lot of fun.    Was really worn out the last few miles. Going over the Horn and Saddleback Jr about killed me. Those late afternoon/early evening climbs can really kill you after a long day. Today was my first 20 in Maine and it was tough! Don't expect to do many more like that.    Group of 6 SOBOS here plus 5 NOBOs-very crowded little spot. Train and Jam made vegetarian Quesadillas which were delicious. These guys sure can cook, even in the woods. Sure beats my stove top stuffing. Gotta hang with them more often! Great day