morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-29
From: 1845.2 Nauman Camp

To: 1850.0 Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8

Steady rain until about 9pm last night. Overcast and 49 this morning but not raining to pack up. I headed over to Mizpah hut at 8:00 for free thru-hiker leftovers of oatmeal, pancakes and hot coco. I headed out and up to Mt Clinton(4312) under cloudy skies. Predictably the weather degenerated as I climbed higher across the above treeline/alpine zone from Mizpah to Lakes Hut. I could see Mt Eisenhower (4312) from Clinton but once I reached it I was in a cloud cover and light rain. I summated and continued over Franklin and then craggy Monroe (5384). I could see the trail cairns and the wind was light. Occasionally I crossed paths with people. This is one of the stretches in the Whites I was concerned about so was happy to arrive at Lakes hut for lunch. Now pea soup visibility. I have a reservation. Three other thru-hikers WFS¢d last night at Mizpah and were here when I arrived debating whether to go on (over Mt Washington onto Madison ¢ all exposed terrain) and whether to stealth camp which is not legal or safe above treeline. Good luck to them. Today¢s 4000 footers: Mt Clinton, Eisenhower and Monroe. Here in the Lake¢s library is a book by Tom Wessels (author of Forest Forensics as well) about granite domes called The Granite Landscape. Since I am walking on various types of granite, I have been curious about it. It is slow cooling underground magma that becomes intrusive igneous rock characterized by a course crystalline structure of feldspar (50-70%) and quartz (25-40%) plus iron containing minerals mica or hornblend I also like the subtle tapestries of crustose and foliose lichen on the rocks. It is 5:30pm, the sun came out and Mt Washington ¢The Weather maker¢ showed itself. A huge rock pile. It is a good thing that I like observing them and their Lilliputian micro environments.Ascent 782 Descent 558 Duration 03 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-07-30
From: 1850.0 Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: 1857.0 Madison Spring hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

FINALLY! A partly sunny day. I saw the bright moon and stars last night from the Lakes Hut. Clouds moved in about 7:00am so my ascent of Mt Washington (6288) was in the clouds. But the day was great for my hike across the northern Presidentials. What a unique and intriguing landscape. Really spectacular. The footing is challenging and the granite rocks are sharply rough. I took spur trails to summit Mt Jefferson (5712) and Adams(579) which are tedious climbs over rock jumbles but afford great views back to Mt Washington. The clouds blow by and others build. Dark shadows are cast then the sun warms again. It was in the 40¢s last night. The morning hike was in the 50¢s and the afternoon in the 60¢s when the sun emerged. I rounded a corner on Gulfside trail and there about 300 ft below with Madison towering directly behind me was Madison Spring Hut. It was rebuilt last year. I am fortunate to be able to WFS. I washed the windows ¢ new and wonderful views. Additionally ascent/descent today 698 nerve racking feet. Three more 4000 footers, Mt Washington, Jefferson, Adams.Ascent 1958 Descent 2362 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-31
From: 1857.0 Madison Spring hut

To: 1864.8 Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

A fabulous warm clear day to climb Mt Madison from Madison Hut and to view the N.Presidential Range along the long rocky descent. I was greeted by Andy and friends Arnold and Jimmy at pinkham Notch. Later Steve joined us during dinner. I am now getting ready to finish the Whites over the next 3 days. Today¢s 4000 foot summit was Mt Madison (5367).Ascent 1091 Descent 3176 Duration 06 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-08-01
From: 1864.8 Pinkham Notch

To: 1871.0 Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A good day over the Wildcat Ridge starting with some sun and ending with rain. I had dry rocks for the initial, sometimes ledgy 1978 ft ascent out of Pinkham. I met up with folks I last saw out of Zealand Hut ¢ The Lion Killers, Sharing. The Insanity couple, Chicken Feathers, Duffer, MagPie and Duffers cousin. Light drizzle started around 1:00 and we all ended up at the Carter Dome Shelter around 2:00. The rain came down. I ate the lunch I brought and asked about WFS which was my plan. The other hiked on another 7 miles in the rain to the IMP shelter. It worked out for me. Another NOBO hiker and two SOBO¢s were also there eventually. The ¢Croo¢ had only 3 guests this evening two of whom didn¢t come from the trail until almost 9:00pm. Dinner was held for them so as a WFS thru-hiker, I didn¢t eat until after 9:30pm and for various reasons lights out wasn¢t until 11pm. Normally it¢s 9:30 in the huts. The Carter Hut is stone and open in the winter. Two Bunk houses are above it. It is nestled between Carter Dome and Wildcat Mtn, Peak A. The Dome had fallen at some point long ago so there is a boulder (size of cars and houses) jumble nearby and a serene pond. The moon came out. Interesting setting. I could hear tree frogs when I went outside.Ascent 2964 Descent 1116 Duration 04 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-08-02
From: 1871.0 Carter Notch Hut

To: 1877.9 Imp Campsite
Miles today: 6.9

7:30PM I am sitting in my tent with the sides open looking west at the lowering sun ¢ it¢s sunny! The day threatened thunderstorms. I caught some views over to the presidential¢s but clouds kept moving over as I crossed the carters mostly at 4600 feet. I started late having ¢swabbed down¢ the Carter Hut floor with Willey (NOBO) before leaving. So as the day progressed, the threat of thunderstorms increased and I ended up hurrying over the 3 Carters and Mt Hight. The descent was very steep and ledgey ¢ not to be rushed. I was well below treeline in time but fortunately no lightening or rain made it over N. Carter Mountain and I was able to pitch my tent on a platform and cook dinner in a more relaxed manner. There in a nice bench where the shelter (log lean-to) is with views. The caretaker here is knowledgeable and great to talk to- Garrett ¢ just as Joe (Doc) and Dan(Custom Foot) were at Garfield and Guyot. I guess it was packed last night with 16 in the shelter. That holds 10 and all of the tent platforms overflowing. I was dry at the hut last night and dry now ¢ with no one camping near me! (only tent sites) ¢ very happy..Ascent 1702 Descent 2252 Duration 05 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-08-03
From: 1877.9 Imp Campsite

To: 1885.9 US2 Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

I hiked out of the Whites today with only 300 miles remaining. 13 days in the White Mtn¢s allowed me to experience this unique environment as I envisioned. I camped at four wonderful campsites, stayed in six of the eight huts as a guest or WFS, hiked 27 of the 48 NH 4000 footers, I have made new friends, I was met by friends, and by Andy, and was able to rejuvenate in the comfort of our friends home... An outstanding way to travel thru the Whites.Ascent 848 Descent 3412 Duration 05 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-04
From: 1885.9 US2 Gorham

To: 1885.9 US2 Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero Day. A beautiful sunny day and my first zero day since Damascus Virginia! It was tempting to try to slack through the difficult Mahoosuc Notch and up the arm in perfect dry weather conditions but after consulting the weather forecast and knowing that the time is needed to plan for Maine, I decided to stick to the planned zero day. It was a still, low 80¢s day ¢ perfect for getting the gear ready. (I summited Mt W on 7/30 ¢ a much different day today)Ascent 0 Descent 0 Duration 0 hr 0 Mins
Date: 2012-08-05
From: 1885.9 US2 Gorham

To: 1897.7 Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.9

Well, it¢s 8:30PM and I have made the mistake of deciding to sleep in the shelter. A very nice clean shelter with a terrific view. It was sprinkling when I got here and since the forecast was for thunderstorms, I didn¢t set up the tent. Now there are mosquitoes galore ¢ a first for me. There is a SOBO and her dog at the camp ¢ Green Bean and Fern; Wally; Lady Forward; Bandaid and Lacey, All new people to me. The hike today was reasonable which is good since my pack was heavy ¢ four days of food and some winter gear. I was too lazy to set the tent up in the dark ¢ time to bring out the DEET. Ok, it is 9:15pm, and mosquito bewitching hour has passed. All is back to normal, no DEET and I am the solo sleeper here.Ascent 2507 Descent 1396 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-06
From: 1897.7 Gentian Pond Shelter

To: 1907.3 Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained heavily last night. I packed up dry and climbed 1384 ft up Mt Success (3565). Beautiful views. From there I said goodbye again to the Whites. 1.3 miles later I bid farewell to state number 13 as I crossed the Maine border. Now to get through some rough terrain and build up my daily mileage again..Ascent 2209 Descent 1637 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-07
From: 1907.3 Full Goose Shelter

To: 1919.3 Bald Plate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

It cleared during the night. The moon was bright and the wind disappeared. Quiet. This morning ¢ 50 degrees in the tent. Perfect cloudless day ¢ 60¢s. I tackled the Mahoosuc Notch in 1:40hrs. It is a mile of jumbled boulders in a steep canyon. I had to take the pack off about 4 times. It is a ¢All hands on deck¢ affair with poles stowed on the pack. There are several crawls under huge slabs too. I had a good strategy and could follow the trail pretty well. The next challenge was the ascent of the Mahoosuc Arm. This time the same exercise only 2000 ft and 1.4 miles up ¢ minus crawling under. I found the ascent to be easy, but I had the luxury of dry rocks and walked up them. Speck pond and camps were inviting. I stopped for a snack then ascended Old Speck (4170) ¢ Maine¢s 4th highest peak and one of Maine¢s 14 4000 footers. There were ledgy steep climbs again ¢ I was beginning to like it. About halfway down the 3.5 mile and 2800 foot descent I was getting tired. I wanted to get to Baldplate Lean-to (Lean-to¢s and shelters are the same 3 sided). So up another 1200 ft and 3 miles after Grafton Notch. There are plaques at the notch, The AT ¢ In French and English, it must be Maine Now! Just my-self and ¢Wild-Bill¢ here tonight. I bet the speck pond camp is packed. There are groups doing multi-day hikes ¢ one about 10 girls starting out this morning like me from Full Goose. Another of French speaking boys, Canadian Camps in Maine.Ascent 3837 Descent 3223 Duration 10 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-08-08
From: 1919.3 Bald Plate Lean-to

To: 1933.3 Hall Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

Another beautiful warmer day. The Baldplate west (3662) and East (3810) peaks afforded spectacular views! I saw some sort of grouse on the way up. He had red comb eye liners, black with white flecks and wasn¢t concerned about me. A brisk wind on the ledgy peaks. The terrain then started to ¢ease¢ a bit. I have left the challenging Mahoosuc Mtn range. Perhaps the Bemis range starting tomorrow will be kinder and gentler? Hitched into and over for a late lunch and resupply at the very good and friendly Little Red Hens. I was lucky and met an interesting woman at the Hen. A two hour turn around. Currently tenting with a group of 12 French speaking girls from Canada.Ascent 2697 Descent 2734 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-08-09
From: 1933.3 Hall Mtn Lean-to

To: 1944.4 Bemis Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Clear night. Mostly cloudy and 70 degree start ¢ sweaty. So much for kinder gentler terrain ¢ just different. I had hoped to hike 4.5 miles further today but called it quits at 4:00 and the shelter. Just as well since round two of the thunderstorms started at 6pm. By then I was done with everything. Round 1 of the thunderstorms happened as I summated ¢Old Blue¢ (3600) around noon. It sure was ¢Blue¢ to the west just on the other side of the notch. The descent was steep but easier footing than the ascent (some rebar assists) which was good now that it was wet. The shower passed ¢ didn¢t continue to rain. ¢Stingray¢ pitched his tent nearby. Haven¢t seen him since the Blue Ridge Mtns. He¢s doing well and his beard is much longer ¢ we¢ve been on the trail too long!.Ascent 3136 Descent 4078 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-10
From: 1944.4 Bemis Mtn Lean-to

To: 1963.8 Rangeley Me.
Miles today: 19.4

Rain Heavy at times, like last night with thunderstorms and all afternoon. Fortunately the trail was not as steep after getting off of the Bemis Mtns. Passed about 3 large ponds (lake sized), lots of 50 ft ups and downs thru fir woods. You go along fairly easily, then up, then cross a high bog with wood logs which are dubious but the alternative is worse ¢ dark peat bog pudding with no end when you stick your pole into it; then down, then form a stream. Squish Squish go the feet all day. When I came out on ME4 at 5pm, I was ready to overnight in a dry bead. I was extremely lucky to have two sisters on their way to a family dinner actually turn around to pick me up, bring me into Rangely and drive me to several places to stay before I found one. Full House this weekend with Shrinners and a Blue Grass festival. Thank You Holley and Maureen! Hitching 8 miles in the rain with no place to stay yet was made a pleasant experience because of you! Then the North Country B and B keeper Ana took my wet cloths and washed and dried them. A new me! If only AT and T service worked here. But no, usually poor or no service most of the time. A note to others reading these journals, use Verizon on the AT. No AT and T service since Gorham. It is hard to connect with Andy but managed by borrowing a Verizon phone. Still rain in the forecast.Ascent 2077 Descent 1903 Duration 9 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-08-11
From: 1963.8 Rangeley Me.

To: 1974.5 Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Pea-soup- another gray in the clouds day for climbing the Saddleback Mtn range. I know from hiking them before (Saddleback and the Horn) that the views are fantastic. Today I was lucky to follow the blazes over more that 2 miles of trail above tree line. Success in that I summated two more of Maine¢s 14 highest ¢ Saddleback (4120) and the Horn (4037). Fortunately the wind was not blowing and I was very lucky to have the INN keeoers husband bring me to the grocery and trail heah 8 miles away so that I was hiking by 9AM. It is so wet and still drizzling that I decided to sleep in the lean-to. Built in 1961 ¢ old style floor of rows of small logs (baseball bat style). I¢ll se ehow it feels. A NOO from England Chase11 is here too. Hopefully no one also comes along which happens even after dark (hiking this terrain in the dark is treacherous at best). Passed another group of young men from Canada today. A thru-hiker who flipped- Nomad, and 2 sets of what looked like day hikers. Now two women (possibly Canadian) setting up a tent. It¢s always strange to come upon people out of the mist. Occasionally I heard the Blue Grass Festival from down below somewhere.Ascent 2868 Descent 1635 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-12
From: 1974.5 Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: 1985.5 Sugarloaf Mtn
Miles today: 11.0

Sleep location: Abandoned Ski LodgeI awoke to another gray drippy day after an ok sleep on the ¢baseball bats¢. No one else came to the shelter. Where to begin? There are lots of firsts today. I¢ll start with the weird one, It is 6:48 and I am camped in the abandoned summit ski lodge on Sugarloaf at 4237 ft.(Maine¢s second highest mtn and third highest peak ¢ the other two are on Katadin). I¢m watching grey clouds consume the Mtn top and blow through the open doorway. Suffice it to say ¢ strange digs but warm and dry. Logistically this was the best stop for the day. I could summit, get water on the .6 mile climb up and get a jump on tomorrows mileage into Stratton. So first, #1 ¢ sleeping in an abandoned building on top of a Mtn.(a large building) where last winter Andy Arnold and I were getting off the ski lift. First #2: I passed the 200 miles to go mark! First #3: I am the first hiker to sign the 75th Anniversary Registration book at the Bronze Plaque commemorating the August 14th 1937 completion of the last section of the AT just below Sugarloaf (the trail used to go over Sugarloaf on the spur that I took) I met three members of the Maine AT club who were doing trail work and posting signs for the celebration next Saturday. One club member now 94 was part of putting the plaque up and the first anniversary. Wow! I received a nice stick pin too. First #4, I summited 3 of Maine¢s 14 4000 footers today. Mt Abraham (4043), Sugarloaf, and Spaulding Mtn. The extra mileage and elevation gain/loss was 4.2 miles for a total of 15.2 and 1400. Now to get comfy here before it gets dark.Ascent 2679 Descent 1978 Duration 9 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-13
From: 1985.5 Sugarloaf Mtn

To: 1996.0 Stratton
Miles today: 10.5

A raging thunderstorm came through about 8 last night. I saw it approaching the caribou valley and went back in just as it hit. A good thing I did not set up the tent. And the roof leaked, the building creaked, I was dry¢¦ At 1:30AM the stars were out, a great display. I saw several meteors but not the shower.. A mostly cloudy day to hike over the Crocker¢s ¢ 2 more Maine 4000 footers. I was at ME27 at 3pm. The two women who were tenting in the rain at Poplar Ridge lean-to (from Rangeley not Canada) picked me up. I had a nice stay at the White Wolf Inn and visit with the owner Sandi..Ascent 2070 Descent 4279 Duration 7 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-08-14
From: 1996.0 Stratton

To: 2011.3 Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3

AHH yes, the Bigelow Mtn Range. Really enchanting and my favorite stretch in Mmaine so far. The 7 mile approach/initial ascent included seeing moss and lichen covered boulders the size of cars. Green textured. The Horns and West Peak and Avery Peaks cut a dramatic profile. The latter two are 4000 footers 2 more completed! Great views as well, hampered a bit today by showers and high overcast skies. I think wood fairies caught a ride on my Magic Carpet today. OH ¢ I passed the 2000 mile mark today!Ascent 4025 Descent 3583 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-08-15
From: : 2011.3 Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: 2029.0 Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

A beautiful setting overlooking the pond at the shelter. Thunder clouds and sunset. A half day of rain, now off and on rain again so I¢m in the shelter with Night Walker who is GPS measuring the trail; a Belgium SOBO, Waffles and Red Ranger who is finishing his NOBO section having already thru-hiked in 06. Now kinder, gentler terrain. I¢ll be off early tomorrow to make the 9am ferry across the Kennebac and to finish a planned 18.7 mile day. (PS Days of wet feet do not make for a pleasant group shelter experience!)Ascent 648 Descent 294 Duration 8 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-16
From: 2029.0 Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: 2047.7 Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

Rain is the word of the day modulating between heavy at times (read downpouring) to steady. So at 8:20 AM I had hiked 3.7 miles to the Kennebec River and looked across through the rain. Within 15 minutes Hurricane Dave had taken out the Red Flat bottomed canoe from the opposite shore and was steadily paddling across. No problem making the crossing. I walked down to the Caratunk Post Office and used the courtesy phone to call Eric at the Sterling Inn. Within an hour I was back on the trail with a couple days supply to get me to Monson. I had two small River fords. I couldn¢t have been wetter. I am now in my tentwarm and dry. Thank goodness it had stopped raining t get set up, cook and get in. Tomorrow are two major fords. I am prepared to camp if the water is too high. Water is running everywere here. The trail off Pleasant Pond Mtn was like bonsai waterfalls over the ledges. I can hear Bald Mtn. Brook surging along just below.Ascent 2506 Descent 2301 Duration 9 hr 20 Mins
Date: 2012-08-17
From: 2047.7 Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: 2069.7 Monson
Miles today: 22.0

Adjusted my plan for the day and decided to hike out the 22 miles into Monson vrs overnight at Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to at 13. That way I was able to get a shuttle into Shaws Hostel pre-arranged by Red Ranger who had been on the same schedule since Monday night. It worked out well. I was able to ford the difficult and potentially dangerous East Branch of the Piscataquis River and then the West Branch with hiking companion and then not worry about hitching at the end of the day. Since it had been rainy, then pouring yesterday, the rivers were running strong. Thigh then waist deep was the limit of managing a cross and that¢s where they were at. I packed my pack differently starting out today anticipating a bottom soaking. The first ford has a rope ¢ definitely needed. All in all it went well with nothing wet inside. Just don¢t go in!. The 6 miles between the fords were mostly beautiful ¢ western like. The W. Piscataquais was raging along an increasing canyon type way. The path was high, then low so you were looking down at it. Lots of water sounds. Shaw¢s was very nice and had someone at ME15 lot at 7pm. A nice group of people staying including Sharkey who is Yo-Yoing, meaning he just finished his NOBO and has turned around to do a SOBO! Consequently he has just (within 10 days) passed people I know up ahead, like Old Goose, who is doing well.Ascent 2221 Descent 2305 Duration 11 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-08-18
From: 2069.7 Monson

To: 2069.7 Monson
Miles today: 0.0

A ZERO day! Spent until 10am breakfasting ¢ laundry ¢ drying out and some organizing, will now walk over to Lakeshore House from Shaws to meet Andy (Antelope) coming in from Millinocket to hike the last leg from Monson with me. Our strategy is to have a food drop (Antelope brought the food including tomatoes, cukes and zucchini from the garden ¢ White House Landing cooked up the zucchini for our lunch) 2.5 days out, then stop at White House Landing after 3 more days then Abol Bridge after 2 more days. There is a campstore there at the private campground on the Penobscot river for food/resupply. Weather permitting, we will plan to go into Baxter State Part the next day 10 miles to The Birches shelter (reserved for 12 thru-hikers per day), then summit the next day.Ascent 0 Descent 0 Duration 0 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-08-19
From: 2069.7 Monson

To: 2083.3 Wilber Brook
Miles today: 13.6

5 months on the trail since 3/19. Antelope started out with me on that sunny March day and now we start the 100 mile wilderness together at the 5 month mark. All went like clockwork with Antelope¢s arrival, my zeroday and being on the trail by 9 a.m. this morning. Immediately after getting on the trail from Rs.15, we had to figure out river crossing logistics for our feet. I had soaked shoes already last Friday for the big fords where sturdy shoes were a must in those high water conditions. A tiny crossing here but enough to have soaked shoes ¢ no rock hopping opportunities. ¢A¢ crossed bare foot. Not for me. I was lucky to use a women¢s pair of water shoes who was just starting out with her two sons and dog. She threw them back across to me. Later in the morning we reached Little Wilson Falls and stream ¢ a gorge and medium crossing. Now for serious consideration. I put on my Teva ¢Zilch¢ sandals and Antelope duck taped his $1 flip flops to his feet. Up to my rear in rushing water but all above was dry. The same for the next ford over Big Wilson Stream. We called it a day near Wilber Brook waiting to ford it tomorrow. A good start today through pretty fir woods. Not what I imagined the ¢100 mile¢ to be (all mud and roots in dark Snow White woods¢¦although I had that for about 5 miles into Monson already).4 Fords down!Ascent 1,181 Descent 1,802 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins