morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Garield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Miles to Katahdin:   362.4Normally I'd be super pumped to hike the Franconia Ridge but today I wasn't. I woke up to clouds and rain. I sat around for 2.5 hours waiting for guests to finish breakfast until I could enjoy the leftover pancakes at 8:00 am. Then, I swept the bunkhouses. This took approximately 20 minutes.I was finally hiking by 8:45 am. The trail went down to Franconia Notch at a light grade. Plenty of puddles required a rock to rock hop to avoid stepping in standing water. Slippery rocks or wood planks resulted in a cautiously slow pace.After passing beneath I-93, the trail went up Liberty Mountain. But just below the summit, it turns and the AT follows the Franconia Ridge. The greater than 3,000 foot climb up the ridge was steep but this stretch of land was behind me quickly. There really wasn't a part that required the use of hands or arms. I passed a handful of day hikers on the way up.On the Franconia Ridge, you go up and down several times questioning which peak is Little Haystack (4,760'), Mt. Lincoln (5,089'), and Mt. Lafayette (5,249'). The trail is all above treeline and really well maintained. Unfortunately for me it was foggy, rainy, windy, and chilly. I took a photo of myself on top of Mt. Lafayette. For the second year in the row, I was socked in clouds on the most spectacular hike in New England.Going down Lafayette was slow and long. Rock faces along a steep slope lengthened the hike. My rain gear began to fail at this point. I was completely soaked and to stay warm, I needed to keep moving. I stopped at Garfield Pond, which was the bottom of the descent, for a trail mix break before I climbed close to alpine elevation on top of Mt. Garfield (4,488'). I took a quick side trail to the summit since the AT barely misses it. It wasn't worth the 0.1 mile sidetrack, but I can say I've been to the top!A quick jaunt down the mountain brought me to shelter and I was happy to be there. I took off all my soaked gear, put on dry clothes, made a hot dinner, and hid in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Garield Ridge Shelter

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: fog

Miles to Katahdin: 345.0It was tough to motivate my body to move this morning but seeing the sun made it easier. As has been the case all too often on this trip, I was forced to place soaked socks on my feet and then put them into my equally damp boots. I planned a big day so that I could have a bunk and purchase some new crocs.My hike began at 6:20 am after oatmeal and Pop Tarts. The trail down Garfield actually had the water source flowing down it. So I started my day walking down a steep trail with flowing water. My pace was slow, but I eventually reached Garfield Hut at 8:30. Big Boots was outside drying his gear so that was nice to see.Big Boots and I trekked up Twin Mountain and punched through low clouds in the valley. The 1,100 foot climb to 4,902' seemed quick and easy. On top, we were surrounded by lower cloud tops. We had a view of Mount Washington right in front of us!We hiked back down in and out of stratus. There were some awesome views on the way and plenty of mud. The trail took us over Mt. Guyot and down to Zealand Falls Hut. Plenty of sections forced me to sit down or use my upper body to navigate down rock faces.We arrived at Zealand Falls Hut just after noon. Boots and I asked about soup for lunch and the cook gave us a couple bowls of pea medley for lack of a better name. It was really good!Big Boots and I hiked the next 5 miles to Ethan Pond Campsite in two hours. This is a rare flat section of trail. The main problem was red water running down the trail. I'm pretty sure the evergreen trees turned the water blood red.Big Boots stayed at Ethan Pond Shelter, but I pushed another 2.9 miles to Crawford Notch. It was all downhill and not tricky. Once I hit the road, a guy my age picked me up and brought me 4 miles down the road to the General Store and campground. I got a bunk for $22 and a flashy, pink pair of crocs at the General Store. They were largest size in stock and the only color option. They'll do for now!
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lakes of the Clouds
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: fog

Miles to Katahdin:   333.9I heard the forecast and contemplated taking a zero day. The rain was coming down hard when I woke up and the forecast was showers and thunderstorms. I decided against the zero day because the outlook was the same for tomorrow as well.I waited outside the campground around 7:20 am and the traffic was all but absent. There may have been a car every 4 minutes. It took 20 minutes to get a ride.The climb from Crawford Notch was the steepest section of trail I have seen yet! There were tricky rock faces which I slipped upon a couple times. I ripped a second hole in the right leg of my rain pants in the process. Several times, I was forced to throw my hiking stick up the cliff so I could use both hands to climb.The fog was extremely thick all day and it drizzled, but it never really rained. After 2,700' of climbing, I reached a huge rock pile that I assumed was Mt. Webster. On the way to Mt. Jackson, I ran into Big Boots and we hiked the rest of the way to Lake of the Clouds Hut together.The trail went over Mt. Jackson and we had a devil of a time trying to find the trail after the summit. The hike beyond Jackson was below treeline which was comforting to know since the wind was persistent. Bogs along the trail were amazingly deep. Big Boots and I easily had half of our hiking sticks in the mud. Boards cut through the bogs, so we didn't have to slosh through.At Mizpah Hut, Big Boots and I took a two hour siesta. We didn't want to arrive at Lakes of the Clouds Hut too early otherwise we'd be forced to keep moving since hutmasters often reject early arrivals. So we paid $3 dollars for all you can eat soup. I ended up devouring six bowls. Two were vegetable and the other four were dill potatoe soup.The hike to Lake of the Clouds was wet and extremely windy. The wind, sustained at 30 mph, pushed us to the west side of the trail. This was difficult hiking since it was above treeline the entire way.   Near Mt. Franklin, the clouds broke just west of the trail so that we had temporary views.At Lake of the Clouds, Big Boots and I cleaned the stove for our work for stay. Dinner was pasta primavera and dessert was a chocolate, vanilla cake.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Lakes of the Clouds

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: fog

Miles to Katahin:   326.8My first event of the day was to look at the anemometer reading since I slept right next to it. The wind slowed to 10 to 20 mph compared to the 40 mph winds from yesterday. Big Boots and I stayed inside the hut for breakfast. We had leftover scrambled eggs and cake. Big Boots told the crew that it was my birthday, so they brought out last night's cake. Boots and I zip locked three pieces each.We left the hut around 8:30 am in pouring rain. Luckily, it was only a mile and a half to the summit of Mt. Washington. The route up wasn't that bad via the Crawford Path. Other routes I've used in the past were much worse in terms of rocks.The rain came at us horizontally on the summit and it came down in bucket loads. We took a few pictures with the summit sign and then scurried inside to the visitor's center. It was really nice to be out of the elements. We set our packs down and relaxed before I asked the ranger to see if Brian Clark was working in the observatory. He and I share several mutual friends and graduated together. Now, Brian is a meteorologist for the MWO. The ranger informed me that Brian would meet me at the entrance.Big Boots and I got the special treatment! We had a tour of the facility and even climbed to the top of the observatory (the man made summit that holds all the instruments). We thanked Brian for the tour and were back in the visitor's center. The birthday celebration continued with the cake. This energized us for the 5.7 mile hike to Madison Hut.I need to confess that it took a lot of balls to head back into that weather. The wind knocked us sideways and the rain left us soaked. The gusts were near 50 mph!   The highlight of the hike was passing the cog railroad in time to carry out a thru-hiker tradition. Boots and I had perfect timing to get a double moon out for the passengers!I arrived at Madison Hut around 3:00 pm. The trail was in terrible shape and so was I! I was cold, wet, and tired from a "simple" ridge walk. The rocks were slick and the water pooled all along the trail. One portion had water thigh high that I just marched straight through without hesitation. I'm glad today is over. The crew here at Madison was a blast and did a little celebrating with me tonight!
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Carter Notch 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: fog

Today's highlight is getting off of the horrid mountain range known as the Presidents. The hike started up Mt. Madison with a complete rock scramble. I passed a bunch of people on the way. The sun was out early but dark clouds loomed and arrived once I summited. From Mt. Madison (5366') it was downhill to the Osgood campsite via the Osgood Trail (the AT).The Osgood Trail is treacherous and not recommended by me. Although, you have to do it to be a true AT thru hiker. The rocks are sharp, slick, and pointed sharp side up. I took a nasty fall: first my right knee hit the rock, then my left, followed by both hands and a little momentum was left for my head. I got up quickly but in an abundance of pain. I made it down the worst portion and then below treeline. The hiking from here was better and worse at the same time. On the one hand I was no longer exposed to the elements. The bad news was the trail was no longer blazed (due to a wilderness protection act...thanks congress) and all the water (2.25" fell yesterday) is collecting in the rivers and brooks. This meant paying close attention to signs for trail direction. The tricky part was that the trail names are something other than the "Appalachian Trail". The flooded brooks could not be crossed by normal stepping stone routes so I tried to find other ways across. One of which made me land stomach first on a flat rock in the middle of the brook. That was a really rough landing but the worst outcome was a wet lower half of my body. At 1, I finally arrived at Pinkham Notch. I ate lunch and relaxed for an hour.Leaving Pinkham Notch was difficult mentally and physically. You know that you have to climb Wildcat Mountain next. This is a 2000 foot climb over 2 miles. It took a while to get up since my right knee was sore and tight from the fall going down the Osgood Trail. Plus, my boots and feet were wet from crossing the rivers.On top of Wildcat Mountain, I had a great view of most of the Presidential Range. There were some other people who took the ski lift to the top so I asked them to snap a photo of me. Afterward, I had some more climbs since there are 3 or 4 peaks for Wildcat.The descent into Carter Notch was really tough with my knee. The pain throbbed. T'storms were in the area and I tried to make it down as quickly as possible. Once in the Notch, I went to the hut where 5 SOBOs (south bounders) and Big Boots were outside. Boots and another SOBO got work for stays. The rest of us were forced to camp.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Carter Notch 

To: US 2, Gorham
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

It rained lightly from 2:30 to 4:30 this morning. I stayed relatively dry inside the tent. I packed out early from my narrow stealth site between two boulders. It was 6 o'clock once I started hiking. I knew it was going to be a rough day with my swollen, bruised, and battered right knee. It hurts the most on downhills and steep rock drop offs.I climbed for an hour up 1500 feet to Carter Dome. The skies were overcast with drizzle. The wind was also gusting well into the 20 knot range. Yet another cold, July day in the Whites. For being the 4th of July it felt more appropriate to actually be April or May. I trudged through huge puddles of water that were knee high in the Carter Mountains. A few areas were exposed but I was mostly below treeline which was appreciated since I was only in a t'shirt.At 10 o'clock I reached IMP shelter. I ate a hot lunch consisting of Ramen Noodles and mashed potatoes. I sat there for an hour before leaving to climb Mt. Moriah. This was a climb up many flat, sloped rocks. I sat a few times to watch the clouds pass. I had a few wonderful glimpses of the surrounding valley.The two thousand plus descent into Gorham wasn't bad. The rocks were fixed into place as steps for the steep sections rather than rock face drop-offs. Unfortunately, the trail crossed three brooks that were well above their average water levels. Each required a walk through the water in my boots. There was no sense in changing into crocs since the water content in my boots was already maxed out. To top off my day, downpours began just before I reached US 2 which is a few miles away from Gorham.It took five or so minutes to get a hitch into town but three young adults my age turned around to get me. I was dropped off at Subway. Where else? I ordered a grilled chicken sub. Within ten minutes I ran into Carolina, Gumby, Mowgly, and Postman. Gumby, Mowgly, and Postman were staying at the White Birches hostel, but I decided to spend the night at the Barn. It is funny how excited I got when I saw all of them. It had been over 1000 miles since I'd seen any of them. They are still miles behind me though. They got into town via Pinkham Notch or the top of Mount Washington.Big Boots, Carolina, Josh, James and I are in a hostel next to the town green where fireworks will go off tonight. I'm looking forward to resting this knee.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: US 2, Gorham

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Well it has taken a while but I entered the fourteenth and final state on the AT (I realize that I reached it faster than the average thru hiker.) My knee is still sore but I left town at 10 am anyway. The second car to drive by me picked me up and dropped me off at the trail. My knee is tight and bruised but I hope the ibuprofen will get me through.   The good news was today was mostly uphill. On a birght note, the sun was out in all of its glory for the majority of the day.I had a road walk until climbing Mt. Hayes. At first I pondered turning back since my knee really bugged me but the more I walked the better it felt.  That does not necessarily mean it is healing. The view on top of the mountain was great and trees were scarce on these rocky top hills.I was up and down most of the day. The trail passed a few ponds and after 12 miles I reached Gentian Pond Shelter. I pondered staying there for the night but since it was only 3 o'clock and it wasn't raining I moved on another 5.2 miles. It is a shame too because the view from the shelter is phenomenal.The clouds grew taller and darker the whole way. I had a long climb on Mt. Success. I was huffing it. The top was well worth it though. I took some amazing photos. The mountains in Maine and New Hampshire are beautiful. Dark clouds overtook the mountain quickly and it started to rain on the way down. Eventually, I did make it to Maine. There is a sign noting the location with the state motto of "The way life should be." The shelter couldn't come soon enough because I was tired and wanted to get out of any damp weather. My boots were actually semi dry to begin the day. The shelter was a ways off trail but I made it a couple hours before dark. I was in my sleeping bag quickly after dinner and the downpours arrived. I'm tired of this damn weather.
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

It rained cats and dogs last night and stuck around for most of today. What else is new? Wet socks and boots are still not comfortable. I knew my day was going to be difficult since my thru hiker book said, "Mahoosuc Notch. Most difficult or most fun mile of the AT?" I had a 4.4 mile hike to get to the shelter before the Notch. The day started with a steady climb and the descents to follow were ridiculous. The fog and drizzle makes everything slick. The mud is everywhere. To tell you the truth the AT is no longer a foot path. A butt path would be more appropriate. I have to sit down on these large drop-offs and slide down a few feet. The trail crew may do you a favor with a ladder or bars in the rocks to get down every once in a while. At the shelter I took a granola bar and trail mix break.After a tricky drop into Mahoosuc Notch it was time for the fun. This mile of trail is just a pit of giant boulders; most of them the size of minivans or larger. I was forced to throw my hiking stick ahead so I could use my arms and legs to climb up, over, and down the rocks. I started the west side of the Notch at 12:00. I passed a few section or day hikers who warned me to be careful since I was alone. Sometimes the gaps between boulders are ten plus feet below. I carefully made my way through the tough terrain. I was forced to take my pack off three times; twice through tunnels underneath boulders where ice still remains even in early July. The other time was so I could climb over a rock. All in all, it took me an hour and 45 minutes to complete the Notch. It was actually pretty fun but I was ready to be through the area about 3/4 of a mile in. Just afterward, northbounders climb the Mahoosuc Arm. Picture a flat rock, sloped at 40 degrees, that has water running down the face and continues for over a thousand feet. That is the Mahoosuc Arm.After a long 9.6 mile day, I called it quits. I was tired, wet, cold (air temperatures are in the low 50s) and my knee was sore. Carolina is in the shelter as well after her short day. Will the rain ever end?
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: East B. Hill Rd, Andover
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

The rain continues. Today I woke up to clouds and drizzle which eventually evolved into rain. Everyone in the shelter stayed in their sleeping bags until 7:20 which is extremely late. As usual, I wasn't anxious to wear wet socks and boots.The hike beyond the shelter was up rocks and flat faces to Old Speck Mountain. The trek back down was fairly easy. There were no real rock faces so I made good time into Grafton Notch. In the notch there was the option of getting picked up by a local hostel but I showed good discipline and hiked 10 miles to the next road crossing. The trail after Grafton Notch was very enjoyable. The drizzle calmed down and the walk was mostly stepping stones for 2 miles to the shelter. Once there, I chowed down on some peanut butter, trail mix, and a couple candy bars. This energy powered me to the summit of Bladpate Mountain (3662'). Baldpate is a cool place. The top is just solid rock for approximately a mile. This proved to be better for going up and down. In the fog, with wet, sloped rock, the hike down was slow and felt dangerous. Eventually the rock became dirt and I increased my pace. I had 6 or 7 miles to East B. Hill road which leads into Andover. I hiked as fast as possible and got to the road around 6. Just before the road was Dunn Falls. This required a ford of the river which is about 50 feet upstream of a 100 foot waterfall. Comforting.I walked down the road to get cellphone service. David, a worker at the hostel, picked me up and took me 8 miles down the road into Andover. The town is really small and concentrated at a four corner intersection with a general store, church, town hall, and green. I ordered a turkey burger, cheeseburger, and potato salad. I supplemented this with Ben and Jerry's.The hostel is in an ordinary home run by David and Eileen. It is definitely a comfortable place to stay. Carolina is here as well but she took a ride in from Grafton Notch.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: East B. Hill Rd, Andover

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

I covered a huge amount of rough terrain today. Two older gentlemen staying at the hostel wanted to leave at 7 this morning so I bummed a ride with them. One of the pleasant aspects of putting wet boots on today was knowing that they may dry a little by the end since the sun was out.The trail was still really muddy so I just sloshed down the middle.   Bushes and trees were all overgrown so I was damp from brushing against them. I had a nice view of the green forests and mountains to the east. At Hall Mountain lean-to I snacked on peanut butter and trail mix. I had 12 miles to Bemis lean-to so I knew I'd need to eat again at some point. These next 12 miles weren't easy either.   The trail went down 1600' in 1.4 miles to Sawyer Brook which is a knee deep ford. The next 0.9 miles is a 1400' climb to the top of Moody Mountain. This section is borderline absurd. Other than the steep climb, a recent mudslide tore up the trail so the Maine Appalachian Trail Crew cut a new path by only chopping brush. The loose dirt made the climb extremely taxing. Once on top, there is no hiking along Moody because the trail heads immediately down 500' to Black Brook which is another knee high ford at the moment. The brook is right before the road so I took a 30 minute break here to dry or at least unsoak my socks and boots.With slightly dryer feet, I started up Old Blue Mountain (3600'). I kept my pace and passed at least 4 southbound hikers on the way. The last uphill section required my upper body strength to get beyond the rock face.After some photos and more food at the summit, I had 6 more miles to get to Bemis Mountain Lean-to. It was already getting late.   Other than mud, ripped rain pants, big climbs and descents, and terrible weather, I have another reason to hate Maine. The hiking stick that I have had since Catawba, VA (1200 miles ago) broke. It got stuck between two roots and snapped. I dropped the half in my hand and kept moving; searching for a new stick in the process. The woods were filled with rotten branches but I found a suitable replacement after 4 miles.My day ended at 7 as the sun was below the horizon of the mountain. It was a long day and one of mourning (stick). I resided to my sleeping bag and listened to some of the Red Sox game on the radio before passing out.