morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-20
From: New Hampshire

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, everything is packed and airline ready. Now if the TSA will just keep there fingers off of it. We head out in the morning and should arrive in Conway tomorrow night. Really looking forward to the cooler temps. Hope the weather holds out. Seems they change the forecast everyday!Ready to get up high and in the Alpine Zone again. The views should be fantastic if the clouds don't get in the way.Keep your fingers crossed for us and when we return I will get some stories and pictures up. Don't know how we are going to find Pockets chevy but it is tops on the list of things to do!
Date: 2011-08-22
From: Rt. 302

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After an uneventful airline ride we where finally ready to start the trip. #1's friend Kenny dropped us off Monday morning on Rt. 302 and we started the Webster Cliff trail out of Crawford Notch. We knew we would have quite a climb right at the start but we didn't know that we would need ropes and pitons. This is a serious uphill stretch that required alot of breaks and some tough bolder climbing. For three or so miles this so called hiking trail went mostly straight up and gained about 3000 ft in altitude. On getting up top we found ourselves tip toeing around the edge of the cliffs with about a 40 mph wind gusting around. Good thing that the wind was blowing into the cliffs or we would have had to turn around. It was one thing to walk the edge of a 3000 foot drop off, but something else to walk it with the winds that were gusting on this cliff. We finally got around Mt. Webster and continued on to Mt. Jackson with some more winds and cliffs thrown in for fun. After we summited Jackson we turned north and reentered the woods. Here the trail jumped up and down changing between bolders and bogs. The trail has been maintained here quite well and there were board walks over all the bogs. As usual we were starting to drag a bit late in the day and had to really push to make the tentsites at the Mizpah huts. This area is known as the Nauman tent site. There are several 10x15 tent pads for rent and we were fortuanate enough to grab one.   The weather was starting to get damp and cold so we pitched camp and tried to relax a little before dark. Unusual for us, but it was cold enough with the wind and we were tired enough that we did'nt even enjoy the night as we Amigos normally do. I am sorry to say that not only did we tote 3 bottles of liquor and a box of cigars but we didn't even touch them the whole trip! While we were having a ton of fun we where just too tired to stay up and play. We turned in early every night and pretended to be good boys......
Date: 2011-08-23
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Lakes of the Cloud Hut
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After a nice sleep we were once again ready to hit the trail for the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Almost immediately we were hit with a severe climb from the hut to Mt. Pierce that included ladders and large bolder climbs for the first mile or so.At the top of Pierce we finally got to see what we had come to see and that was the Alpine Zone of the Southern Presidentials. The weather was starting to improve and we could see for quite a distance and it is something worth seeing. The wind of course was blowing as it almost always does up here but the skies began to clear as the day went on.In the distance as we walked this ridge we can see all of the tops ahead of us such as Eisenhower, Franklin, Monroe and a cloud covered Washington. On either side you had great vistas to look out upon and it was clear enough to see for 70 miles in either direction. While all of the pictures I had seen of this path looked fairley benign do not believe it. You never have the opportunity to walk on anything flat or level, it is all rock and either up or down. This puts alot of wear and tear on the old body and it all adds up to quite the walk.Early in the afternoon we arrive at the hut and were rewarded with a fantastic view. Not only were the valleys below clear but Mt. Washington's top had cleared as well. Let me say that this area in the clear is one of those places that you could just sit for hours and not say a word. Words just don't describe it and aren't necessary.Our original plans had us dropping our packs and climbing to the top of Washington light and then returning to the hut for supper. This just didn't happen. Not only were we too tired to really go on but there were 60 to 70 mph winds at the top. We had fought the wind enough that day and just decided to hang around the hut and fraternize with all of the day hikers and other residents.The meals in the hut as usual were simple but top notch and the young staff was very friendly. I say simple but we did have split peas soup and lasanga for supper! We enjoyed talking to the thru hikers that wondered in and exchanged stories with the many other people we met.We turned in at lights out and I went to sleep hoping that my snorring didn't keep too many people awake!
Date: 2011-08-24
From: Lakes in the Clouds Hut

To: Stair Mt.
Miles today: 10.4

We awoke refreshed and had a good breakfast at the hut and started the trail at a decent time. We headed out on the Camel trail and headed for Davis Path. The Camel trail proved a little more difficult then we thought as it is mostly loose bolders and such with very little good footing.We got on Davis Path and headed toward Boott Spur as we passsed Tuckermans ravine and enjoyed the view. At Boott Spur we turned downhill and headed back into the woods. It was here that the trail began to deteriorate some. This trail is not as well maintained as the others and has a little of everything on it from rocks to trees to mud.It slowly turned into the trail that would never end before the day was over but we did finally get to Mt. Isolation and get #1 his final 4000 footer. After having a toast and a taking couple of photos we headed on out towards our campsite on Stair Mt.We struggled on the rest of the day as fast as we could as we knew we had 10 miles to go to camp. Now normally 10 miles is nothing but today on this trail it was lot tougher. We did notice something new to us today in the form of fresh Moose tracks and droppings. The tracks were bigger than a horse and the dropping looked like they had beeen made by a 2000 lb rabbit. Kinda wanted to see it and then again was glad to not see it. As we went on we discovered why this mountain was called Stair Mt. You would round over what you thought was the top only to go a short ways and start up again. This seemed to go on forever until finally we made it to the campsite just before sunset.The campsite turned out to be probably the best we had seen but was very exposed to the wind. We set up and tried to find a place to cook and finally succeded. This campsite is on a ledge overlooking a nice valley with a sheer drop off. We were so tired by the time we arrive that we pretty much just turned in at dark after eating so you wouldn't have to stay in the wind.
Date: 2011-08-25
From: Stair Mt.

To: Rt. 302
Miles today: 5.0

The wind never did die that night but we rested well because we were so tired. We broke camp early and headed for the road. We counted on an easy downhill 5 miles to the road but of course this was not to be. Coming down Stair was worse then climbing up it! We did most of the descent on our rear ends as the trail was steep and slippery with large rocks.After we got down the mountain the trail passed thru areas of huge granite domed slabs that were really unique and then the trail begain a steep descent on loose rock and gravel. Once again the trail just seemed to go on and on but we eventually reached the cable bridge over the Saco river and our vehicle.We really enjoyed this hike and the unusual terrain but it really beat us up. We wouldn't trade the experience for nothing but I don't know if any of us would do it again with full packs. Day hikes yes but not 40 lbers.Now it was time to head for the condo and recoup for tomorrows sightseeing, but first a good burger and fries! As we were headed back to North Conway we saw the sign for Burger King and someone mentioned that they had not had a Whopper in a while. Of course we were hungry and the burger on the sign looked good so Burger King it was and we didn't care what we looked or smelled like!. After we found it and went inside were we surprized. I have never seen a burger joint that looked like this. Yes it was on the large side but dang if it didn't have a sunken eating area in the middle of it complete with a free standing fireplace,couches,cushioned chairs and of course the large screen LED TV. Man talk about class. Even the drink machine took us aback as it vended about 60 different drinks that you could choose thru a LCD touch screen. Talk about culture shock coming out of the mountains. I have never been a big Whopper man but that burger,fries and gallon of Coke Zero sure did hit the spot.
Date: 2011-08-26
From: Rt. 302

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 100.0

Today was the day we got to see a lot a beautiful sights without having to work for them! We climbed in the car and headed for Mt. Washington. We went into Maine and passed thru Evans Notch and actually got a glimpse of a Peregrin Falcon at the cliff. A rare sight we were told and we enjoyed it.We proceeded on to the road up Mt. Washington hoping for good weather and I believe we caught it on the best day of the year. That morning at 6 they had 70 mph winds, but on our arrival it was 11 mph and clearing!The road up and down was quite a trip as it has a grade of 12 degrees and you could smell burning transmission fluid and brakes going up and down. The views were spectacular and well worthy of their reputation. We got to the top and enjoyed the museum and observation deck. There were alot of people up top enjoying the view as we were and alot of hikers making the climb. #1 got a surprize as we were leaving in the form of running into his sister and children who neither had any idea the other was around. Talk about a small world.After staying on top for about 2 hours and enjoying a good lunch we then departed and headed for Franconia Notch and the Basin. This was one of my favorite areas from two years ago and # 2 got to see it for the first time. We then headed to Lincoln and hit the Kancamangus Hwy (never did find Pockets car) and saw Sabbaday Falls then headed back to a home cooked meal by Kenny which we really enjoyed.This trip goes down as one of our most memorable ones and the last day added more in the nature of hurrican Irene. Delta called and told us they had cancelled our flight out! Great, we spent most of the night trying to get ahold of Delta and after 2 hours on hold finally got someone only to have the cell phone drop the call before we could schedule new flights!Netherless #1 woke up at 5 am after 2 hours of sleep and finally got ahold of them and arranged for us to take the redeye out at Midnight. Good thing we did as this ended up being the last flight out of Manchester for at least the next 2 days. We got very little sleep on the plane even though we had plenty of room. It was a MD88 which seats about 180 and only about 50 were on it. Alot of these were stewardesses. We arrived in Atlanta at about 3 in the morning after a bumpy flight and got to try to sleep for 5 hours in the terminal.Neverless we survived and all got home by 10 am that morning. A great trip in all and I can't wait to go agin.........After much rest!
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Durango, CO

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flying today to Denver, Atlanta, Asheville, then a shuttle to Hot Springs, NC, and a chance to experience the renowned hiker hospitality at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. I was not able to stay here in 2007, but heard many stories later on the trail about how much folks enjoyed their stays here. So, I'm looking forward to personally experiencing this long-standing trail hostel I've heard so much about, with its reputation for organic hospitality.Then Tomorrow, it will be time to follow the white blazed northbound again!My ride from Asheville to Hot Springs was by Harry Siegel of Asheville Airport Shuttle. Harry is a 2000 miler himself, having completed the trail in 1998. His was more than just a ride, he was a familiar companion by the time we got to Hot Springs.Harry dropped me off at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn and I went into the kitchen to register with Elmer. Turns out it is his birthday so he has the day off.What a surprise though when into the kitchen walked Buffalo Bobby! I had first met Bobby at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega the night befoe starting my '07 thru-hike. That nught, I had a wonderful sendoff dinner with Bobby, Wizzard, and Wishbone. I was to see Bobby on and off all the way into southern Maine. Now, here I was about to start another walk on the AT and who do I meet the night before, Bobby! This is Bobby's 3rd thru-hike. He seems very excited to be back on the trail doing what he loves and meeting new people. He had both his knees redone in 2008 and is finally able to walk again, pain free. A wonderfully curious man with a warm outgoing personality who seems to be an instant friend to everyone.I had dinner across the street with Bobby, Trolly Stop, Guardian, Gail (herself a repeat offender - 2nd time AT thru-hiker), Silver, Purple Haze, Box Elder, and another 7 hikers whose names I can't remember.Great evening with an old friend and many new friends. A typical day on the Trail!
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a wonderful breakfast with Elmer and a full house of hikers. Seems I am the only section hiker in the bunch, all the rest (13) were through hikers. It was immediately clear that Elmer truly loves getting to know each and every one of his guests. A big part of the meal, which was an amazing organic feast of pancakes and fruit, was listening to each person tell a little about themself, incliding Elmer. Quickly I saw why he has earned a reputation for making friends of all his guests.After breakfast Buffalo Bobby and I called Ice Man and talked with him for a while. I hadn't heard his voice since I last saw him at Shaws in Monson. It was so much fun to be on the trail with Bobby and talking to Ice Man, a good friend and hiking companion from '07.I left Elmers about 10:30, after a final goodbye to Bobby, then went to Bluff Mt Outfitters to get stove fuel and retrieve my box. At the post office I jammed the duffle bag in that had held my pack on the flight here then bounced it to Erwin, TN.By 11:30 I was on the white blazes headed northbound again!I thoroughly enjoyed following the river out of town a short distance, the beginning the climb up to the ridges.The leaves appear to be nearly fully out here in the valley, and the Mt Laurel flower bud within a week or so of popping. However, by the time I got to Rich Mt Firetower I was back nearly two weeks in time with leaves just beginning to pop on most of the trees.Saw a lot of familiar eastern birds that of course were new to me since I was on the Trail last. Had a great crested flycatcher from the bridge leaving town. Heard pileated woodpeckers several times on my way up the ridge out of town. Found a slate colored junco nest on a steep slope just uphill from the trail. The only way I found it was after the female flushed from the nest (5 eggs). At a small old mill pond, on Mill Ridge of all places, saw indigo buntings and heatd a chestnut sided warbler, along with a hundred bull frogs and their closest friends. I missed the bull snake that several hikers saw there but enjoyed the white dogwoods in bloom along the edges of the old farm fields around the long ago abandoned little community.Am now tenting (my normal trail accomodations) along with about 20 others at the Spring Mt Shelter. The only ones I recognize are 3 gals, all MIT grads who are thru-hiking together, and a couple from Fla, who were also guests at Elmers.I got a bit sunburned today as it was probably the first day Iv'e spent in shorts since October! The temp was 77 when I left town but cooled to 72 under the forest canopy. Looks like it could rain tonight and there is a stiff breeze blowing across the high ridge we are camped on.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Jones Meadow

To: Big Flat Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

What a series of thunderstorms last night! At least 5-6 separate storms passed by, all with very strong winds. At one point the lightning was so frequent that the sky was constantly lit for at least a full 20 to 30 minute period. It was without doubt the longest continuous lightning display I have ever seen. There wasn't as much rain with it as I expedted, for all the wind and ligtning, but there was enough to get everything good and wet.I was told by 2 dayhikers I past in mid morning that the storms killed 22 people in a town not far away. All things considered, I fared quite well in comparison to some folks living nearby.Found a 2nd junco nest today under an overhanging root wad near the top of the trail cutbank. As with the first nest, the female flushed from it as I went past, otherwise I would never have found it. Both nests had 4 white eggs. Since 5 eggs is normal, both had yet to lay their last egg to complete the clutch before beginning incubation.I got great looks at a very close male black-throated blue warbler singing in a small pine tree alongside the trail. I've been hearing a lot of them but this was the first one I got to see. A very nice bird indeed! Also had fun watching a male and female black-headed grosbeak chasing each other all around the area in front of the Jerry Cabin Shelter. I've been hearing a lot of grosbeaks singing but hadn't seen a male yet. The best songster of the day however was a winter wren very close to camp this morning. That is truly an amazing song from such a tiny bird!Stopped for a break at the Shelton Graves. I remembered this spot well from my last trip. They were well cared for and many hikers stop for a break and to read the markers. I also stopped briefly at the same 2 graves just beyond Rector Laurel Road that I wrote about in my TJ in '07. The woman (Dorothy Hensley) was born less than a month after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House to end the Civil War. She died less than a month before her 100th birthday, in 1965. Her life spanned from just past the Civil War to the Apollo space program near to putting a man on the moon. Wow, what changes she saw in her lifetime!Was foggy and cold, 44°, for the first hour or so of the day but the clouds began to lift and it turned out to be a comfortable day for hiking. High for the day was 61°. These cooler temps are much more like what I remember here on my hike. The mid 80's I've had until today seems much hotter than anything I had until later into VA.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Trail magic for breakfast, what a great way to start the day! Fresh made to order scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, and apple pie, courtesy of Hoover and his family!Hit the trail about 9:30; destination Erwin, TN. The day was mostly rolling terrain on gently graded trail, until the final drop down to the Nolichucky River just south of Erwin. Weather was fine for hiking; clear and cool (50°) with gentle breezes all day. Mid day temp got only up to 65 along mostly shady trails thru mature hardwood forests and rhododendron thickets. The trail was often contouring along very steep slopes tht dropped into deep wooded ravines.The final drop down to the Nolichucky River was a series of switchbacks down a remarkably steep canyon wall. At an overlook I stopped for a few minutes to watch a raft come down a section of river, under a railroad bridge, then pass out of sight downstream. Looked like a great way to spend a warm Saturday afternoon!I arrived at Uncle Johhny's Hostel about 3:30, far too late to retrieve my bounce box since the P.O. closed at noon. I'll now have to wait until Monday morning to get it.Not long after I arrived, Buffalo Bobby and Trolley Stop walked in. They had been trying to catch me all day when they heard I'd left the trail Magic at Spivey Gap only about 1/2 hour ahead of them. We decided to share a load of laundry together and stay here tonight. The bunkhouse is full with thru-hikers so I am tenting in the yard along with about a dozen other hikers. Bobby and Trolley Stop each got bunks in the Hostel. Had another enjoyable dinner and evening with Bobby, Trolley Stop, and a mixture of other thru-hikers. Uncle Johhny's is a very busy place and requires a shuttle for the 6 mile trip to Erwin stores and places to eat. But, a shower and clean clothes makes you feel almost human!
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a zero day in Erwin because I made a strategic error and arrived in town about 3:00 pm on Saturday, after the post office had closed. That meant I had to stay until Monday morning to resupply out of my bounce box and mail it on to my next stop, in Hampton, TN. So, I made the most of a zero day; greased my boots, washed all my dishes, completed my journal entries and updated the web, called home and to Mom and Dad, went to the supermarket for a few items, and last but not least, ate 3 good meals of town food.I'm camped out behind Uncle Johnny's Hostel in my tent, its reasonably comfortable and not too noisy. At least I managed to stay off my feet most of the day. Buffalo Bobby and Trolley Stop decided to hike out about noon after having a less then restful night in the full bunkroom. I was guessing that might be the case so had decided to camp outside instead. However, I had been hoping to visit with Bobby a bit today since they had originally planned to zero today too.