morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Mile 1820.5

To: mile 1836
Miles today: 15.5

Mile 1820.5- mile 183615.5 milesI am pretty sure things happen for a reason. My choices for enjoying yesterday were such that I did not have time to make it to my intended campsite and so I had stopped at the stealth site for the night. Well, this site was so lovely, I did not start until 8 even though I was up before dawn. The site was perfect for a sunrise viewing as the sun rose above the ridge, it's rays instantly warming through the sparse, stunted spruce trees. So I dawdled in camp, enjoying its warmth. In addition, I found my "lost" mitten -stuffed in my raincoat pocket "so I wouldn't lose it". The trail today-arduous and beautiful. With clear blue skies I got to see what I didn't see yesterday. First I had to climb and climb some more. The path to Garfield pond then over the mountain looks relatively minute compared to yesterday's Mt Lafayette, but it's short spiked elevation profile wasn't lying. Wow was I glad I didn't press on last night!!! I was rewarded w/ views of what I had walked along yesterday, seemingly in another world. The trail took me over to Galehead hut, one of their most remote huts, nestled among beautiful mtn peaks. See pics. After lunch, the next goal was up to South Twin Peak which offered some of the best views of the day. The mountains never ended. 1 gentleman showed me which peaks were the Presidential range. Of course Mt Washington was encased in a cloud, so, I will be needing good vibes for a cloudless day there on the 22nd. He was interested in the hike & called the AT the alternate trail. Another gentleman there, headed to Galehead hut, had section hiked the AT over a 40 year time span, finally completing it in 2008. Trail name-Renaissance man. Throughout this hike in NH, I decided, not all miles are created equally. They go way up or way down here w/ an amazing amount of fancy footwork necessary to complete either task. Estimating time of arrival based on the previous 4 months of walking....out the window. So I kicked back, relaxed & enjoyed the stroll, as much as possible given my labored breathing, pounding heart & aching knees!Onward to Zealand hut, which has a bit of a sluice next to it like Flume Gorge. See pic. After a short break, an amazingly flat, 4.5 mile walk to my camp for the night. See pic en route Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-20
From: mile 1836

To: Mizpah hut mile 1846.3
Miles today: 10.3

Mile 1836 -Mizpah hut mile 1846.310.3 milesNo early morning warming sun in this campsite so on the trail by 7. I had a reservation at the Mizpah hut and wanted to ensure I made it in time for dinner.The trail today led down to Crawford notch, then up in a rather enjoyably steep manner to Webster cliffs, Mt Webster, then Mt Jackson, eventually sidling down to the hut, nestled somewhat south of the ridge line leading to the Presidential Range. It's too bad, my adjective repertoire is lacking for the White Mtns. It is difficult to describe the beauty of these mountains much less take adequate pictures of them, so bear w/ me!At Crawford Notch, I met Drifter, a 1994 & 1999 thru-hiker providing trail magic. I was his first trail magicee of the day. While chatting, Thru-hiker Shuttler extraordinaire, Ms Janet, pulls in as they have been friends since meeting in 1999. This gal, begins with the thru-hikers down south and essentially follows the main bubble all the way to Maine, offering shuttles to where ever. She advised there are @ 50 hikers @ Hanover and she was in this area shuttling those interested in Mt Washington since it was a clear day. See pic of her van. On up the trail I went. See pic of initial hill to climb. The first stop, lunch at Webster cliffs. Yes, it took long enough I was hungry even after trail magic. These cliffs are the tinkers cliffs of NH. See pics. En route, I had met "the speed bumps", 2 gals loop hiking to some of the huts, w/ Mizpah on their list tonight. I continued onto Mt Webster, see pics, w/ the ascent getting more & more fun. See pic. Nice thing is, there are plenty of hand & foot holds for my monkey maneuvers. From there I could see Mt Washington in all its glory. See pic. At that summit, I met 4 limbs and his buddies on their first day of a section hike. His knees were killing him so I offered one of my knee braces to see if if would help. Hope to get it back when he makes it to camp here. The trail continued onto Mt Jackson in much the same manner. See trail pic. Plenty of fun to keep it interesting. The view included the hut 1.5 miles away and the line of mountains I hope to "conquer" tomorrow! Unfortunately, clouds have begun to move in so I suspect this is the best view I will have of Mt Washington. If socked in tomorrow, I will have to determine what plan B should be. Perhaps my AT consultants will have suggestions. I rest my case regarding the inability to determine timing of the hike. Arrived to the hut mid afternoon, in plenty of time for dinner I did see one of the packs the "croo" used to haul huge loads of supplies up. She didn't want her pic taken so this is the best I could do. See pic.Re the hut, it is beautiful & I remembered to take a pic. there are 12 bunks / room which should be interesting for me. Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Mizpah hut mile 1846.3

To: valley way tent site mile 1858.1
Miles today: 11.8

Mizpah hut mile 1846.3 - valley way campsite below Madison hut mile 1858.111.8 milesSee pics eventuallyDo you know how difficult it is to stay quiet in your hut bunk until 6:30 w/ the anticipation of Mt Washington summit and the rest of the Presidential range? The nice thing is, their wake up call today was a song sung & played on guitar by one of the croo. At Lonesome Lake Hut, it was a Scottish song played on a fiddle (although I missed it as I was moose watching).7:00 am Summit weather report: 49 degrees, 8 mph winds, partly cloudy & 100 mile visibility! Hurray! So off I scurried the 5.9 miles to the summit. The hike plan for the day - up mt pierce, then see pic. I did take the Mt Eisenhower summit loop instead of circumventing it on the AT. See pics. The route up seemed a breeze in comparison to the previous mountains or maybe I was energized. The boulders were somehow well positioned, solid and flat allowing for a good flow up. See pics along the way. I said I wasn't going to rush the Whites but I did push this section to make sure of good visibility at the top. I made it in 3+ hrs.The summit. A photo op w/ the summit sign first off. Then milling around the megalopolis w/ the auto crowd, being asked about & congratulated on my hike. There is the weather station, the original hotel - now a museum, an observation deck, the old stage company station, cog railway, auto road, and snack bar. See pics. I finally gazed north into the Great Gulf Wilderness. What does one say? See pics for starters. This is a beautifully rugged, austere crescent of the remaining barren, rocky, Presidential peaks-Clay, Jefferson, Adams & Madison, surrounding this "Great Gulf" of a beautiful, conifer carpeted steep ravine. Nice symbolism. I headed into the Great Gulf Wilderness an hour later, concerned w/ the building clouds. This route down Mt Washington was more treacherous as the rocks were wobbly, upturned on edge and irregularly placed so a smooth walking flow was not feasible for much of the way. Whining. I did not summit the peaks (another time). Suffice it to say, the mountains and gulf were all the more beautiful as you neared them. You cannot fathom the volumetric jumble of crumble! You cannot imagine how well carpeted the gulf is. You cannot imagine how insignificant I feel. See pics.Along the way, I bumped into Weezy - he had made the 800 mile sign & was always heading south. Well, he has flip flopped & so is still heading south! Walking along the gulf, I remembered a bumper sticker my sister saw - "I am lost in the white mountains, don't try to find me"!I nestled in a site down valley way trail south of Madison Hut. An amazing number of people came & went to the hut on this trail, as there is trail head parking 3.8 miles down! I now understand why NHians can drive around with such a daunting license plate...they are able to hike these mountains!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-22
From: valley way tent site mile 1858.1

To: pinkham notch mile 1865.9
Miles today: 7.8

Mile 1858.1-Pinkham Notch Center mile 1865.97.8 milesSo, it is a good thing I bored you w/ repeated view after repeated view of endless mountain ranges in every direction over the last 3 days as there was to be none of that today. Up Mt Madison (above tree line) I went, wind gusting, & Mr. Cold Cloud swirling for the 1st 2.5 miles of the day. See pics. Having both mittens, it was much more enjoyable this time. Even w/ the large size of the cairns marking the way, the smaller ones blended a bit w/ the background crumble. During the descent, small groves of spruce & fir were present. What a blessed wind break these stunted little trees provide! Once at tree line- complete eerie calm, as though nothing was going on above. I picked my way down the trail, then along the easy traverse in a portion of the Great Gulf Wilderness again. Down at this level, it was a deciduous forest w/ moderately large trees. Odd to see after a few days at higher altitude. The trail meandered to the Pinkham Notch visitor center where my re supply awaited (new raincoat & new umbrella, along w/ all the regular stuff). I figured, I lucked out in the whites but may not be so lucky in Maine w/ the weather. Unfortunately, Joe Dodge Lodge was booked but an employee gave me a ride to Gorham, NH. Good thing, as the shuttle back out the next day was $50.00. Ouch. Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-23
From: pinkham notch mile 1865.9

To: mile 1877.8
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Pinkham notch visitor center mile 1865.9.   - mile 1877.810.9 milesWildcat Mtn - MEEOOWSA!, what a wicked wild climb. A 10 am start didn't bode well for my intended day's hike plan but so far the rugged looking mountain was still in the clear, visibility wise. The humbling began at breakfast, when my waitress advised that as a trail runner, she had completed the 26 miles of presidential range in 12 hours! So how was it I wasn't going to complete my 13 mile hike plan? My excuses are: 30 lb pack (just added the last of the cold weather gear), late start, bum knees, not a runner....we can always come up w/ excuses can't we?The initial climb was steep, w/ irregular boulders, where at times I would wonder why did they think a trail should go here? And yet in looking at each tricky site, there would be the right footstep sites and hand holds cleverly available for a successful climb. Problem was, it took awhile in my toddler manner of ascending on all fours. See pics. In school, our mascot was a wildcat & as I climbed, all I could hear in my head was the mountain taunting me from above, just as competitors did from other schools- here kitty kitty kitty!The second peak (there are 4 on Wildcat) had a gondola the trail sneaked past...cheaters! When I finally reached the last peak, my treat was a fine lunch rock view. See pic. Meow. Then, down a steep to Carter notch hut, nestled way below near its pond. This is the oldest of the huts and is so quaint inside!On the way up South peak Carter Mtn, a guide was advising quite a large group of kids and adults that when they came to the "steep part" they needed to wait for her. Well, as I climbed, I wondered what she was talking about as being from NJ, I thought the whole thing was steep I guess there was one area that was steepest. The top rewarded beautiful, panoramic, expansive views hazing out in the distance. see pics. Of course the day wasn't done as there was still Mt Height, middle carter and north peak of carter Mtn, all affording phenomenal views. A group of hikers I passed suggested there would be a stealth camp site just north of north peak but nada for hammockers! Down the steep I went - backwards 80% of the time I settled on a slight open spot previously trampled for a stealth site and the group joined me later as darkness fell. Awesome Mtns! Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-24
From: mile 1877.8

To: Trident col campsite, mile 1893.9
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Mile 1877.8-trident Col Campsite mile 1893.916.1 milesEnvision the sun rising as an orange globe over the distant ridge, barely perceptible through the grove of mostly spruce trees. It's rays which penetrate the forest cast a beautiful burnt orange hue on the surrounding trees. Yep, it's a rough life out here! Even the birds are singing, one in particular in the tree next to mine. I suspect he is envious of my nest. The forest was an active one today, birds sang throughout the day, the breeze rustled the treetops, a small brook trickled its way down the mountain and the little red tailed squirrels chattered a line of expletives whenever I entered their domain, no doubt it was about me or directed at me. The trail led up Mt Moriah (see pics) then down to Rattle River in time for a leisurely lunch. There, a swimming hole! A numbingly, refreshing dip (my first in NH), see pic. I didn't have much staying power that's for sure.After Rattle River, it was obvious the White Mtns were behind me. They were replaced by terrain similar to that in the northern section of VT. Nothing dramatic w/ no thought of how to ascend or descend safely needed. The positive - I could cover the miles more rapidly, actually making it to my intended campsite.. The last mtns of the day were Mt. Hayes & Cascade Mtn. See afternoon pics. In camp, I met a Tufts university freshman orientation group, enjoying their bonding time. Funny to see how these groups sleep under a low set tarp, on a heavy duty tarp/ground cloth. Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Trident col campsite, mile 1893.9

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.5

1893.9 trident col shelter - full goose shelter mile 1908.414.5 milesI was in withdrawal from the White Mtns still as I headed out for what looked per the elevation profile, a moderate day of ups and downs. I had added 4+ miles to the plan to optimize the 26th- meeting up w/ the Goose & Jack the terrier for our 14th wedding anniversary.The initial 4 miles went so well, I envisioned getting to camp early. Ha! Was to be otherwise The next climb was Mt Success, the longest climb of the day but perhaps the kindest w/ it's well placed stair step stones, at times almost to building code for height & spacing. After the stone steps dispersed, even the roots made the climb easier, w/ only a few notable areas. See pics. Finally at the top- rewards of views all around. See pics. I was so glad I had added in the rest of my cold weather gear so I could lug it up these mountains in this balmy weather! I approached the Maine border w/ trepidation as we all know what that means. The last state of the trail for a NoBo. See pic. I continued on and then saw why there is the saying, 80% of the work remains. The 4 peaks to climb were Mt Carlo, Goose eye peak west, goose eye peak east and goose eye Mtn north peak. What a workout! I had eaten all of my snacks and even dipped into the next day's stash to maintain the energy level needed for the ups & downs. They even provided quite a bit of man-made help. See a couple of pics as I kept running out of storage. The rewards were amazing. See pics. The beautiful layering of mountains, lush greens in stark contrast to their rock slabbed tops just seemed surreal. None of my pics could capture the feeling though.I do have to admit to getting a bit bogged down in Maine. see pics. I was walking & gawking, stepped on a bog board, right foot slipped right off & down, almost knee deep in the muck. Problem was, couldn't pull back up & out w/ out losing my shoe, so had to reach down along my leg & hold onto my shoe as I extracted my leg. What a hoot! Finally reached camp after quite a seemingly arduous, beautiful day - no longer in White Mtn withdrawal!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch mile 1918.1
Miles today: 9.7

Full goose shelter mile 1908.4 - Grafton Notch ME 26 mile 1918.19.7 milesAnother bright beautiful start to the day. Remember the sunrise the other day? Ditto Along the trail, I kept pinching myself not believing the morning views. See pics.I had headed out @7 for the big day of traversing the infamous Mahoosuc notch and climbing the Mahoosuc Arm. The notch is a notorious 1 mile stretch of boulders that hikers either dread or love. The stroll down to it I suppose was just the warm-up. See pic. Suddenly, the temperature dropped 15 degrees. We were in the Notch. Of course not having seen pictures, I had a completely different image in my head than what lay before me. Instead of big old grey rocks out in the blazing sun, these large tumbled boulders, I was right about the grey, were in an extremely deep ravine, many areas covered by moss, small plants and trees. It was like a jungle. See pics. Truck had advised to pack my poles away and play like a kid today. Boy was he spot on! I figured I could do that since I crawled up Wildcat Mtn like a toddler. It appears that an iconic thing to do is to time how long it takes you to traverse the 1 mile Notch. So, obligingly, I set my stopwatch but made sure I didn't rush the experience & even took time for a snack. I leapfrogged w/ Hydro, Salty & OK and met Shellback and his buddy ( didn't catch his name). Muttie, it is a good thing you weren't witness to some of my monkey maneuvers! What fun it was. I enjoyed it so much, I ran back and did it again - just kidding. Fortunately my routes didn't necessitate removal of my pack. My time - 1 hr 20 minutes. Next up, the climb up Mahoosuc Arm. Of course it didn't like the Notch getting all the press so it has several of its own ideas about what the Appalachian Trail should entail. See pics. This is a 1500 ' climb over 1.5 miles. It feels steep. At the top, you can see the hike plan for the next 2 miles-awesome. See pic. En route to the next up, was Speck pond. See pic. Of course I had to stop for a quick dip. I then took the spur trail over to Old Speck Summit and climbed the observation tower. See pics even though they didn't turn out. Seeing the windmills in the distance was cool. Not sure if the big mountain way beyond them could possibly be of The Bigelows? After a very slow 3.5 mile walk down to Grafton Notch, I met the Goose & Terrier! Well, eventually- while waiting, a super nice couple (Doug & Skylar I think) from Harpers Ferry stopped to chat, they then drove back w/ a wonderful bit of trail magic, maple cream filled cookie made locally! What a treat! See pic. Not sure trail angels ever know how wonderful those acts of kindness are!!!!! Back to the Goose & Terrier, they arrived so late, we cowboy camped in the woods. Gooses' comment-"I never dreamed we would spend our 14th anniversary cowboy camping in Maine"! See pic of the boys. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Grafton Notch mile 1918.1

To: The cabin inn maine
Miles today: 0.0

Zeroing at The CabinA quiet peaceful day was spent at the cabin w/ The Goose. We stayed in one of the campers that is near the garden, well shaded & has an awning w/ table/ chairs outside. See pic. Backpacking chores done, an afternoon nap and a spaghetti & meatball dinner w/ salad corn on the cob, bread and dessert of carrot cake & ice cream. This after we had partaken of the divine chocolate imported from Ireland. See pic having lost 10 lb since the beginning of the hike, I wouldn't mind keeping it off but not looking like I will given how I ate today!!! It was fun catching up w/ the other hikers. I hadn't seen Keep er walking since the Shenandoah's, met Flat here & had leapfrogged w/ stitch through the course of yesterday. Honey & Bear are such wonderful hosts. We felt immediately at home in theirs! Eventually will snag a pic of them.All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Grafton Notch mile 1918.1

To: east B road mile 1928.4
Miles today: 10.3

Grafton notch mile 1918.1-East B hill rd mile 1928.410.3   MilesBear & Honey were up before 5 preparing for 7am breakfast. Wow did their efforts pay off! What a feast. I don't dare admit to how much I indulged I will admit to not eating any of my snacks today though!Finally organized, I bid The Goose & Terrier farewell at the trailhead & headed toward the Baldpate Peaks. With a very light load I felt rather guilty as I have joined the ranks of the resort packers. As Shortstop describes, one hikes through an area, getting dropped off then picked up at predetermined trail heads, staying at the hostel each night. In my case, I will have stayed at the cabin for 3 nights! Distance between each road crossing is @10 miles. As Bear says-far enough! Makes for a wonderful respite! Today I have been given a mission by Bear. See pic. Yes, TP delivery to the 2 shelters and haul a bit of trash out from Frye Notch Shelter. Shame on those hikers! Anyway, The Baldpates are beautiful. The stroll up the first section was gentle. The next section is called stairway to heaven. Maybe not so gentle but the stairs were well placed and you just have to have the stamina to put 1 foot in front of the other. See pics. Once on top, the view of the east peak and surrounding view is just magnificent. The windmills are beginning to become more visible and the clouds come & go above rolling mountains that disperse into the horizon.As I was marveling in Maine's beauty, & eating lunch, Mother Nature began to flex her ire w/ icy gusts of wind and low threatening clouds, shooing me off the west peak of Baldpate. Mittens were a must the duration of time above tree line. The rugged appearing east peak lay .9 miles away. See picThe walk up the east peak I felt was even more so the route to heaven. See pics. The winds continued and based on the appearance of plant life, probably doesn't stop. See pic. Still shy of adjectives, how about I just say see more pics!If the route up was the stairway to heaven, then I am calling the descent, the devil's descent. Not that it was horribly treacherous but the sheer strain on the knees was a force to be reckoned w/. See pics. The trail dipped down to Dunn Notch w/ a blue blaze trail leading to the upper falls. Beautiful! See pics of the areas I had access. 2 other drops are huge but inaccessible for me. The pools would have made for fun swimming had it been warmer. Hike complete, There was a whole different gang of hikers present for dinner. Gizmo, Salty, OK, Hydro, Sprout, Yak, Apple, crop duster, & Stevie Wander. As Bear said - only 1 had a dinner reservation, me of course & yet Honey was able to provide for all. Then Bear said to me "aren't you glad they came to help you eat this all up?" what fun!Til later, Red Robin