morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Mizpah Hut (Awesome croo)

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

FridayThe best hiking weather in a long time. Mt. Washington was clear and sunny. Spectacular views. The hike was a gradual up and down. Smooth hiking to Mt. Washington. 360 degree views. Lake of the Clouds Hut was nice (1100). Too early to stop. I got a t-shirt at Mt. Washington at least 1,000 people were there. Train ride/drive ups. It brought back memories from last year with the Greeneville Hiking Club Trip. However, the weather was foggy, cold and wet. The Presidential Range was great. The sun was hot and baking. Roots(?) and rocks. Before dark I arrived at Madison Spring Hut. The Laugh Factory, Buttah, Proteus and others were there. I slept on two benches put together. However I had a ¢mattress¢ to sleep on.
Date: 2005-08-27
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch, NH (Joe Dodge Lodge)
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Thourgh out the night major twisting and turning. Too many thur-hiker sleeping in the common area, but very cozy. We all had a mattress to sleep on. My goal was to get to Pinkham Notch and get a room at the Joe Dodge Lodge. The Mt. Madison. was very rocky. The broken type rocks, like on another planet. It amazes me how these rocks got like that. I have come far to hike above the treeline. I saw Fido again, a very quite person. I met a Trail Angel again, he was giving out sodas at the road. Well I made it to the Notch. The Laugh Factory, Buttah, Proteaus, Forever North/Woody, and many day hikers were there. I was glad to get a room to myself. I took a hot shower and had a wonderful dinner, that was included in the price of the room.About a year ago, I was visitig the same place with the Greeneville Hiking Club. We hiked the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Mt. Washington. During dinner I saw so many weekend hikers. This place is very popular. People come from everywhere to hike Mt. Washington.
Date: 2005-08-28
From: Pinkham Notch, NH (Joe Dodge Lodge)

To: AMC Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: moderate rain

I just wanted to sleep in and enjoy the nice soft bed, but I did not want to miss breakfast. I went to eat. It was a good breakfast. I knew it was going to rain today. ALL DAY. I decided to hike any. While sitting outside, I met Charlie Brown. He was very nice. I started my hike for the day. The Wild CATs Peak E,Col,C,B,A. The First Wild Cat Peak, I wanted to turn around in go back. It was wet, cold, windy. The rocks were slippery and wet. This peak was very dangerous. There was a section that was so worn out that, I had to close my eyes and pray as I steped over the gap in the rock. I thought to myself how much of this can I take. While doing the other peaks, I bruised my knees, elbows, and my whole body. I was pushing my body up over those huge borders in the rain. When I got to the Wildcat Mountain Chair Lift, I wanted to stay in the abandon ski resort building. I met up with DA and Pokey. We had a snack and put another layer of clothing. I thought it would be nice to catch that ski lift back down to Pinkham Notch, and than what. So I decided to keep on trekking. I was wet, I mean really wet. SOCKS/BOOTS wet. This part of the trail was not well marked with white blazes.I made it to Carter Notch Hut the last hut going northbound. The caretaker was very nice. I wanted a bunk, but he said the hut was full. There was a 4 diamond star resturant owner and workers there for the weekend. They carried gourmet food, wine, snacks for their retreat weekend. The group was very awake. The caretaker offered us the extras bunks that was avail. There was no going to bed early at this Hut. This was going to be the Partying HUT. Most of the people were up drinking until about 0300 in the morning.
Date: 2005-08-29
From: AMC Carter Notch Hut

To: IMP campsite (fee)
Miles today: 7.2

Trying my yogi-ing skills for a hot breakfast.umm umm good. What day if was going to be. Very lonely and tired, but who isn't. Slippery, Slippery, ROCKS.I made it to the next shelter. I met 4 guys from Tenneessee near my hometown. They were very nice. I had an early dinner and went to sleep. It rained all night with lightening/thunder.
Date: 2005-08-30
From: IMP campsite (fee)

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

Mostly down hill. Trail Town here I come. I hope I see the Tenneesseeans again. It was an over cast day. I almost fell on a major slippery rock. Gorham was a hiker paradise town. I met Cpt. America,Frog,
Date: 2005-09-01
From: Gorham,NH

To: Dream Lake area
Miles today: 9.6

Woke up still in shock regarding the Hurricane Katrina. It has been raining the last four days. I went to the post office and burger king. I did not want to get back on the trail today. I checked out of the room @ 1130. I met up with the Laugh Factory, Leniox, and Chef Boyardee (whom gave up a ride to the trail head). He had gotten a rental car to go visit his family Maine. His sister was from New Orleans. I managed to keep up with giggles. We later met Wild Cat. We finally made it to the Dream Lake area where we tented.
Date: 2005-09-02
To: Goose Eye Mtn (north peak)
Miles today: 10.8

Everything was wet from the dew and previous rain. Today I will reach my last state (Maine). Today hike felt like a war battle between New Hampshire and Maine. Gentian Pond Shelter was on top of boudler with a breathe taking views. Todays hike consisted of slippery rocks and slate rocks. Should I hike down the rocks or slide down the rocks. I felt like I did more sliding than hiking. Welcome to Maine "the way things should be". I wonder what they are really trying to say. I the sign I met up with the Laugh Factory, Patch. We took pictures and had a snack. When one sees a description with the word Peak in it look out. West/East/North Peak of Goose Eye Mtns. were cold and windy, like blow you over windy. Oh, don't forget to stay on the log-plank walkways or sink in the muddy quick mud. The border of Maine was a pistol. The rocks in this area had wooden/medal ladders and many log-planks. One area I had to paint myself on the rock, but first I had to toss my pack up the rock. I was scared, alone, and freightened. I wish I could clap my hands in disappear. So far this was the longest wooden ladder on the side of a mountain to climb up. I had to take baby steps and pray. I wonder if this wind is from hurricane Katrina. It was getting DARK. Where is that shelter. I see an SOS light. I stopped to get my headlight out and did an SOS light back. I hope that is the Laugh Factory, and it was. We camped on North Peak of Goose Eye Mtn. (all ROCK). This peak was all rock and above the treeline. It was very dark. We used rocks to keep the tent from blowing away and our bodies/pack as well.The wind blew all night. I must say welcome to Maine, no pain, no gain.
Date: 2005-09-03
From: Goose Eye Mtn (north peak)

To: Speck Pond Shelter (fee)
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

We wanted to get an early start today, because of the Mahoosuc Notch a 1.5 mile rock scramble or boulder scramble. I was relieved to get at the beginning of this in see the Laugh Factory, Patch, Leniox, Wild Cat, ____, _____. It took us along time to complete this area at least couple of hours. I really needed the extra support. I'm a very slow hiker. The whole gang was very helpful and caring. We took picture and had fun. It was very challenging for me. Before the Mahoosuc Arm, I had a hot meal. We all said goodbyes until the next shelter or road. The Mahoosuc Arm was difficult, because of the slates of rock. It make you wonder why and how they could make this part a trail. This really hard work. I wish, I could get paid for this. Beat up and busted up, I could no longer move on. I stayed at the Speck Pond Shelter, it was a $6.00 fee. The shelter was full of thur-hikers. We all were tired. I felt bad for the Laugh Factory who had to move on to the next road to met their uncle.
Date: 2005-09-04
From: Speck Pond Shelter (fee)

To: Grafton Notch/ME26 parking area
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain, rain go away come back another day. I don't anyone who likes to start out hiking in the rain. Speck Mtn. was draining. I was beyond tired and worn out. The mtn. was cold,wet, and foggy. It was Labor day weekend and a lot of day hikers were out. Later on the sun did come out and attempted to brighten up my day. I guess these rocks are not going anywhere. I met some nice people on the trail and was given some trail magic.(fresh fruit/snacks). "The Eyebows" huge rocks and open spaces., with awesome views. Today, I was just hiking no real plans. After crossing Grafton Notch towards the Table Rock Trail, I decided to turn around. I saw a couple and their dog. I asked if they were going towards Bethel,ME (17 miles away). Karen and David. They said they were with 3 car loads of other people. When we got back to the parking lot the whole group offered me to go with them to where they were staying for the Labor Day Weekend. They had 3 cottages on a pond. I had my own room, shower, clean clothes, and a long nap. Had a wonderful dinner and the 3rd annual kids talent show. Come to find out the four family I was staying with were all Doctors of some sort. Very nice people with caring hearts. I believe my guardian angles sent these people to get me out of my Funk! At bedtime I felt good.
Date: 2005-09-05
From: Grafton Notch/ME26 parking area

To: Andover,ME (Pine Ellis B&B)
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Randy drove me back to the trailhead. He had stated that his brother had hiked the AT and he wanted to give back. I had a wonderful breakfast. It was a nice sunny day. I started where I last off at the day before. I just knew it was going to be a good day. People say when you see something with BALD in it beware. I took a break at Baldpate Lean-to. The West/East/Little Peak of Bladpate Mtns. were huge large boulder. I mean really huge. I'm glad it is not raining, because I would be in trouble. The views were above beautiful. Vistas, Vistas, Vistas. When I got to the Frye Notch Lean-to, there was Doc Norlly. It was good to see a friendly face. We finished the hike onto Andover,ME or the road East Hill Road. Had to hitch 8 miles in to Andover,ME. I had the best burger YET!
Date: 2005-09-06
From: Andover,ME (Pine Ellis B&B)

To: South Arm Road 
Miles today: 10.1

It was nice waking up in a bed. It was very quite last night. I was the only one in the Hostel. I took my time getting ready. I had planned to hike w/o my pack today. I went to the diner and had a wonderful breakfast. It was so many hikers, I forget most their names. After breakfast Moses (from Tenneessee)gave me a ride to the trailhead. I really wanted to take a ZERO day, but there was no time for that, and plus no pack today. My back was beyond tired and sore. It was a lot of ups and downs. I barely finished before dark. Hiked over huge boulders and rocks today. Met a college group from Harvard, it appeares to be difficult for them as a group, but the outcome is priceless. Moody Mtn. and Wyman Mtn. had metal and wooden ladders. When I see those ladders it sSLOWS me down a great deal. A story book picture of views. When I got to the road I was hoping for a hitch back to Andover, but no luck. I waited and waited. I tryed to call Pine Ellis, but phone was busy. (over and over again) It was getting dark. I pulled out my "Wingfoot" and the South Arm Campground. I was surprised that someone answered. She said someone would be there to pick me up. James was there in no time. While enroute to Andover, the Pine Ellis van passed up by, I started waving my arms and Mr. _____, turned around and picked me up. So many gardian angles looking after me. He dropped me off at the Diner. I met up with Longhaul, hariball, woodrose, many others it was a hikers reunion. That night the hostel was PACKED.
Date: 2005-09-07
From: South Arm Road 

To: me 17
Miles today: 13.3

Another slack packing day. I really need the break. Another river to ford. Everytime I see A.T. FORDS STREAMS, WATCH BLAZES CAREFULLY. I usually have nightmares. The lady from pine ellis drove me to ME 17. It was a nice drive. The drop off point was a nice mountain top, looking down in the valley covered in clouds. It was an awesome view. At the stream crossing the water was not that bad. Yesterday, I had help from Skywalker, Moses, and Patch watched drinking his Mt.Dew. I managed to rock hop that one O.K. As I start out my hike today, I think I'm just tired of being by myself. I've got to hold it together. The weather was great. I saw the Laugh Factory, Fido, DA/Pappy Puppy, The Honeymooners, 2 Harvard groups, Doc Knorlly. No pain in the state of Maine. I called KGB several times today. I was feeling lonely and sad. I was tired of hiking by myself. When I got to me 17, it was a hard time getting a hitch back to Pine Ellis Hostel. Two people finally stopped in a red truck. I had to sit in the back of the truck, which was fine for me. It was very cold. The truck stopped on the side of the road. I started to panic. What was going on. The middle aged couple got out of the truck. He stated that the misses had to pee. I was relieved, I thought it was two guys. They offered for me to ride in the front. I said sure. The couple had been fishing and drinking. It was nice to be dropped off in Andover at the cafe. One nice thing about Pine Ellis is that each room had a television.
Date: 2005-09-08
From: me 17

To: Rangeley,ME (Gull Pond Lodge)
Miles today: 13.1

The hostel was packed with thru-hikers. I got a late start. I walked down to the corner store, where I asked for a ride back to the Trailhead. This old gentleman and his dog gave me a ride to the next road route. At the crossroad intersection two guys picked me up. They drove a small datsun truck with a dog. They put me in the middle and my pack in the back. It was a tight space. They were nice and offered me some sports drink, but I declined the offer. Because I had enough to carry. They dropped me off at the bottom of the Mountain. I had to get another hitch. It took forever to get my 3rd ride. A construction worker stopped and offered me a ride. You want believe this the trailhead was only about 2 miles up the mountain. The two crew workers were really nice. They had done some hiking in the local area. Upon starting on the trail, I saw a lot of moose droppings. I camp across several ponds and saw some beauty spots. When I got to the shelter, I had lunch and there were a large college group packing up. It was nice to see these college groups come out in as a group. Most of the groups are earning a college credit or requirement. I heard something in the woods, it looked like a wild donkey. It was a young moose or juvenile size. I had seen a moose while visting Yellowstone, but it just did not look like one at first. I tired to take a picture, but it did not come out good. After that I saw two more later on. I wanted to stay at the pond, but I wanted to get to Rangeley before dark. I saw two southbounders, they had just came from town. They are going to stay at the pond with the canoe. I also saw a couple of porcupines. I made it to the road. I hitched a ride into town. A nice gentleman picked me up. He knew of a few hikers from the area, who had hitched the trail. He dropped me off at the supermarkert. I was hungry and wanted to get to the Rangeley hostel. I attempted to get a ride, but no one knew where this place was. I called the hostel owner came to pick me up. Linxus and Gozur was there. The owner had dogs all over the house. The dogs sat in the chairs and on the couch. I cooked my dinner. I went up stairs to unwind. Once up stairs I did not want to come out of my private room. I just wanted to sleep. I got up in took a shower.
Date: 2005-09-09
From: Rangeley,ME (Gull Pond Lodge)

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Up very early. I wanted to stay another night, but the DOGS I could not take, regarding a zero day. So I got back on the trail. I mailed extra food to Monson. I got on the trail again. The mountains are still tough, altough the shelters were well maintained. The trail was very rugged and difficult. The mountains were up and down... The sky was very clear and sunny. Hiking above treeline the wind was very strong. Looking back on Rangeley Lake was awesome. I saw more college groups on the trail. The hike was very rugged. Still hiking above the treeline. I thought, I would never get to the shelter. Linux, Gozer, 1 week hiker Dave, and two others. The shelter was rocking. I got there before dark. The privy was on the trail and the water source was in front of the shelter.
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

How far will I get today. A foggy morning. I had oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast. The hike was up and down. After leaving the shelter, everything was wet, damp, and chilly. Looking over the vistas of Lone Mtn., I was very lonely. I did not see anyone today. Looking at the Sugarloaf Mtn. summit house the view of it was enviting, but to for to hike off the Trail was not in my plans. It would be nice to see the summit house, hiking an extra mile plus would be to much.Hiking towards the valley, it was like cliff hiking and very rocky with broken rocks. I spent to much time attempting fording Carabassett River. The water level was high. The rocks were slippery. I was not planning on hopping any rocks. Up and down the river trying to find a place to ford. I took off my boots and put on my crox. The water icy cold. I finally crossed the river. When I got to the road. There was a section hiker camped out with a huge fire going. He was very talkative, but pushed on. He had stated that Gozer was going to the next camp site. When I finally got to the Crocker Cirque Campsite, there was gozer. We stated on the same tent platform. We talked before I fell asleep.
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton,ME
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up, Up , and away. I got a early start. Hiking up to S/N Crocker Mtns. It was a clear and sunny day. I was eager to get to Stratton, ME and get my new boots. I had to major mtn peaks to climb. I would probably save more money. Trail towns will make you spend. While waiting for a hitch in to town. I saw giggles, box of fun, goat, getting back on the trail heading north. It was good to see them. I finally got a ride into town. A typical NEngland town. I stayed at the White Wolf Hotel.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Stratton,ME

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

At times on the trail we are lost. I woke up not wanting to hike today, but I knew I had to. Time is ticking away. I went to the cafe across the street. I sat alone, but two ladies offered to sit with me. When I ordered 2 breakfast meals from the menu they looked at me like I was crazy. I stated, I could eat another one. I had to explain. I went to the room and repacked my pack. I walked to the post office and then attempted to get a hitch back to the trail head. For some reason it took awhile. A hiking we must go, A hiking we must go.When I got to the Horns Pond Lean-tos, I had a snack and was debating to stay. The weather was great for hiking. I made it to Avery campsite before dark, however I had to get water in the dark. No fun, because the water source was only a drip. There was a weekend hiker on the other tent platform. I did not sleep well, maybe because I did not know the other person. It was a foggy night.
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: West Carry Pond
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Hot chocolate w/marsh, what a nice treat. Trying to stay on point. Up and down we go, watch out for the rocks. Had nice views from the mountain tops, while viewing the ponds from a distance. At the Bigelow lean-to I ran into Milkman, I had not seen him since VA, what a nice surprise. At the road I was given a cold coke. I had about 5 more mile to go. Can I make it before darkness. AThe next road there was a 2,000 mile marker painted on the road. A few up and downs, but mostly hiking around ponds and wet spots. I finally made it to West Carry Pond Lean-to. It was a full house, Santa, and others.
Date: 2005-09-14
From: West Carry Pond

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 13.7

I this time I have been on the AT for 6 months. 200 days WOW! I can't believe I am still hiking. I believe in FAITH! I always have something hot to drink. we all got an early start. Arnold Swamp (log-plank walkways) was a trip. There was one log plank afloat. It was very loooose. I attempted to step on it, but it moved to much. I started getting scared, because I did not want to fall in. It was muddy swampy water, it was beyond muddy. It looked muddy and deep. I had to step in the middle and move very slowly. My knees were shaking, but I made it. I wondered if there was a candid camera there looking at who could make it w/o falling in. I had lunch and a nice break at the Pierce Pond Lean-to, the pond was in front of the shelter.I had about 4.5 miles to the Kennebec River to catch the ferry 2-4p.m.. A dangerous river to ford because of its unpredictability. Across the river is Caratunk,ME. I stayed at Northern Outdoors. The food was great. I also washed clothes.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

I had wonderful breakfast. I left when the shuttled left with 5 other hikers. it was raining. Everything was wet. I was hiking alone. I stopped at the Pleasant Lean-to for a snack. Up and down we go rocks, rocks. I had a bad fall on Pleasant Pond Mtn., I fell really hard. It caught me off gaurd. I fell on my right shoulder. Too many rivers to ford today. My greatest weakness. It takes me forever to ford them. I believe the sun is coming out. WHY DID I NOT STAY AT THE BALD MTN BROOK LEAN-TO. There were three hikers there, they tried to talk me in to it, but I stated I should make it before dark to the next shelter. It was about 5:30. I had 4.1 miles to go. Can I make it. A straight point up and then down. ^^^^^^^^ A peak of peaks! It was tough getting to the top. I had to pull myself up the rocks and slide down the rocks When I got to the top of Moxie Bald Mtn., it was like I was on another planet. All the vegatation had been burnt to a crisp, as if the Mtn had been struck by lightening. I was scared, because it was getting DARK and it could start raining again. At the top of the mtn., the white blazes started to faded and the carins started to disappear. I could not find the blazes. I started to panic and cry. I mean really cry. I started to pray, I did not WANT TO BE ALONE. What should I do? The top was a Bald, all rock. If I attempted to get off the mtn., by guessing I could really get lost. I did not want to go back and take the blue blaze/bypass. It was either stay on the top of Moxie Bald Mtn. or back track to the bypass. I tried to calm myself down. I believe this is the most scariest night on the trail. I knew for a fact no one behind me. It took me forever it seems to get to the Moxie Bald Lean-to. In my mind I had to keep telling myself I can do it over and over again. It was pitch black, I mean really dark. The reflection of my head light on the trees looked like Christmas lights. The dew was like snow. The rocks/rock was slippery, it made the hike extra slow. I was not trying to fall. I must have FAITH. I finally made it the lean-to. Three hikers were sound asleep. It was way past hiker midnight. I was so hungry, but I did not eat. I was out of my mind. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DISCRIBE WHAT I WENT THOURGH TONIGHT. GOOD NIGHT. I THINK I LOST MY MIND!