morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Today ends my 17th week on trail.Today's hike: 7/1848.1 Lakes of the Clouds to Madison Springs Hut.MtG:327Money spent:$5.60 snacks and postcards at Mt Washington Summit Snack BarToday's Wx:AM-gusty winds, overcast, light rain, 40s. PM-partly cloudy, cool, and very gusty-38 degrees at 9PM.Eased into the office at a relaxed 9:15 and at the summit of Mt Washington at 10:30; then at the Madison Hut at 3:30.The Hut Hustle 05 continues with my fifth tonight!The main event for today was the 1200' climb to the summit of Mt Washington.Delayed the start this morning to see how the weather would go. It is forecast to improve some later in the morning, so I will go to Madison Hut (7 miles) or to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.The weather was better, but Mt Wash was partly obscured. However, the rest of the hike to Madison was gorgeous.In the Whites you actually follow named trails marked by cairns and some trail flashes, but NOT always white blazes. Today was primarily the Gulfside Trail which edges the great Gulf Wilderness and goes beside Mt Clay, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Adams, which are all blue blazed side trails.At 2:15 an F-15 flew a wide circle around Mt Washington (well above any problem altitude), then executed a good climb while turning and proceeding westbound-awesome!I met my second SOBO, BB, who is hiking the Whites with her brother on my descent from Washington. Then, later at the hut, I met #3, Marquis; so I can expect to see more each day or so now-good for info and trail conditions! I also met two young guys-full of exuberance-who asked me to take their picture against the incredibly scenic background. We kidded around a bit and took several pictures-a real laugh of a time, so thanks to Matt and Mark from the "Home of Rock 'n Roll" Bob Seger's very own, Detroit MI!Honorable mention goes to Ted and Teddy Bourny from Blacksburg VA who stayed at three huts with me and gave me a bag of trail snack bars tonight as they leave tomorrow to return home-thanks again Teds!This hike is dedicated to the croo at Madison Springs-Dan, Lynne, Amy, and Luke-thanks for the hospitality and great food!My croo job was to wash some dishes and present my second AT thru hiker presentation.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GANH 05
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike:13.7/1861.8 Madison Spring to Carter Notch HutThis is the last day of my 4th month on the AT. My average daily mileage for the first 4 months: 15.5 for all 120 days or 16.2 for the 115 that I've hiked (with 5 zero days).MtG:314Money spent:$7.95-Pinkham Center lunch 5.95, Carter Notch 2.00Today's Wx: Cool morning (36 degrees) with wind, then warming to sunshine and 60s on the mountain.Up early at 4:55 to get the hut's hot water pot going. A clear, cold, windy morning-it howled all night making the rooftop windpower generator moan all night. Went out to "water the lawn" and came back to get my camera-for some awesome sunrise shots!Leaving the shelter, you immediately climb Mt Madison (5363') and then go down the rocky Osgood Ridge and continue down a very rocky trail to Osgood Tentsite-this took about 3 hours! Eventually, you cross a river swing bridge and ridge run until the 500' climb and 200' descent to arrive at the Mt Washington Auto Road. Then, there is 1.9 miles left down a pretty good old roadbed to the center, which took me 4 hours and 50 minutes, arriving at 1:30.I stopped to weigh my pack, it was 43 pounds with water and a full food bag as I didn't eat my own food over the Whites, except for lunches.In the office at 8:35 and at the hut at 7:30.The main event for today was the 3800 feet of descent to Pinkham and then the 2200 foot climb to the Wildcat Ridge Trail and the 5 peaks of the Wildcat.This hike is dedicated to Stu and Susan Nerenberg from Connecticut who gave me snacks and drinks at the Pinkham Notch Center-great trail magic-thanks!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GANH 05
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: US 2 
Miles today: 15.2

Today's hike:15.2/1877 Carter Notch Hut to US 2 (Gorham)MtG:298Today's Wx:Mostly sunny with some cloud-temps mid-70s.In the office at 7:45 and at US 2 to hitch to Gorham at 6:05, then in Gorham at 6:30.The main event for today was the 1500' immediate climb up to Carter Dome (4832'); which was a pretty easy up-it took just under an hour to go the 1.2 miles. It was actually a trail with dirt as well as the rock scrambles. The spring listed in the data book has a white "Water" sign and you take a left turn off trail to reach it. Then you also scale Mt Hight at 4675'.The ridge walk over the three Carter's-South (4458'), Middle (4600'), and North (4539') had some minor ups and downs, but mostly it was a nice walk under a pine forest, with some large boulder faces to walk up. Finally, the climb up Mt Moriah (4049') ends your climb and then you descend down to and follow Rattle River on a real nice trail, mostly an old road that crosses the river three times. The walk was on a very good trail all day today-the best trail section in New Hampshire. However, all the descents were still tough on the knees.Last night at Carter Notch we had two sectioners, one SOBO, the caretaker-Beth on temp duty from Lakes, and two NOBOs-Bassmaster (started 6 March) and myself. This hut was self-serve meaning no prepared meals. You cooked your own food on their stove, but they had hot drinks and some snack items.My "Hut Hustle" tour ended with Carter Notch. I really enjoyed all of them-Lonesome Lake, Galehead, Zealand Falls, Lakes of the Clouds, Madison Springs, and Carter Notch. The bread at the first five was homemade daily and it was wonderful!!This hike is dedicated to Michael D who picked me up at North Road and gave me a ride into Gorham-thanks a lot!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GANH 05
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Trident Col Tentsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

It is so wonderful to be in Maine-one of the fifty best places on earth AND the last state of my AT thru-hike!Today's hike:14.4/1898.4 Trident Col Tentsite to Full Goose ShelterMtG:277Today's Wx:The three Hs, with 83 for the high.In the office at 7:30 and at the shelter at 7:15.Sick today with runny nose , cough, mucus-so I took it easy. The main event for today was passing into Maine!!Leaving Trident Col, you descend slightly so the initial climb up to Wocket Ledge is almost 1000'; but you pass the tranquil beauty of Page Pond on the way up and on the descent, Dream Lake.Gentian Pond Shelter was not very buggy. It overlooks a valley just east of the lake and faced south with a wonderful view. It is a nice, deep log building. I stopped for lunch and met Dan, who's hiking Maine and is on his last full day and and Jim a SOBO sectioner who will go to the Long Trail off the AT to return to his home area-good hiking guys.Today's section featured several water areas: Page Pond-full of grasshoppers and croaking frogs, Dream Lake, Upper (aka Moss Pond) and Lower Gentian Ponds. They ALL beckoned me for a swim, but alas, I needed to hike onward!Past Gentian, I met three SOBOs-Little Debbie, Tugboat, and Bewildered. Great young guys, full of excitement over their hike. I gave them a few items for AT magic to check out on their way south.The afternoon featured several climbs: the 1300' assault of Mt Success (3565'), the 500' amble up Mt Carlo (3565) just after the stateline, and the climbs to the three peaks of the Goose Eye Mountain-East (3794'), North (3675')-which has the best maintained trail for the descent on the AT and goes down to a beautiful high meadow in the saddle to the South (3550').Tonight, there are at least 7 tents and a full shelter (The "goose is full!) approx 30 people, including a teen outdoor group of 10 who arrived right at dusk! I can't imagine a worse nightmare-I have to tent right beside the privy and the three "compost" screens that have "product" on them!! Fortunately, there is NO odor!Tomorrow, I go over 1900 miles and get to weave through the Mahoosuc Notch-a one mile boulder scramble that is quite ledgendary, perhaps that is why all these tourist hikers are out here.Big Daddy D's Definitions:1) Zoomer-A long, flat ridge run-generally N/A for the AT!2) Leapfrogger-A thru hiker who, begins at a terminus intending to complete the AT, but for time, tender, or tedium constraints skips-"leaps over" large sections of the trail. Technically, this means that they have become section hikers, although many have walked over 1000 miles.3) Go pill-The mini Snickers bars-they "get you going". This hike is dedicated to Dot and Martha.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAME 05
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike:12/1910.4 Full Goose Shelter to Baldpate Lean-toMtG:265Today's Wx:The 3Hs with PM thunderboomers but no rain, 85 for the high.In the office at 6:30 and at the lean-to at 6:30.The main event for today was the weave and climb through the Mahoosuc Notch, followed by the 1300' climb up Mahoosuc Arm (3700').The notch took an hour and a half, with temps down to the low 50s-a very refreshing icebox. I had to take my pack off three times.Stopped at Speck Pond and had a wonderful swim-very refreshing! Then stopped at the shelter and met 5 SOBOs-Midnight, Samoa & Gills, SuperT & Don King. All going strong and ready for the Notch!Then, Webb and Mountain Dewd showed up who are NOBOs that knew of me due to all my shelter logs. They left the trail today to go to Andover because they were OUT of food, even though they were in Gorham two days ago!!The 2500' descent to Grafton Notch was relatively easy, with some actual trail dirt to walk on! This trail dirt continues for the 1100' climb out of the notch to Baldpate-WOW imagine that, an actual trail without Class IV rock climbing skills!Tonight with XCaver, Adirondack, two sectioners; and Blaze and Mechanical Man both SOBOs.This hike is dedicated to Choo Choo-the very image of myself on his birthday.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAME 05
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 8.0

Today's hike:8/1923 Baldpate Lean-to to East B Hill RoadToday's Wx: Nice-sunny and warm, highs in the 70s.In the office at 6:15 and at East B Road at 11:45.Hiking with Adirondack and then we caught X-Caver on the climb to Baldpate Mountain East Peak (3810'). The climb on the east peak is a 400' up which has a long bare, rock face and scramble to the summit-fun to climb!Prior to this, is the 1000' ascent up the West Peak (3662') which begins immediately after the lean-to.We arrived at the East B Hill Road and Earle was there waiting for us beacuse Adirondack had called on his cell on East Peak-super timing!I am in East Andover tonight at The Cabin-a hostel run by Earle and Margie Towne. We got our re-supply and now are showered, washing clothes, and arranging our foodstuffs. So far, it is only Adirondack and myself here at the hostel.The main event for today was getting to the road to Andover, an 8-mile leg to get to the hostel.This hike is dedicated to Earle and Margie for their fine support of hikers at The Cabin-many thanks indeed!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAME 05
Date: 2005-06-29
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

18th week on trailToday's hike:10.1/1928.5 East B Hill road to South Arm RoadA "slackpack" day or as Earle describes it, a "freedom hike" day.Adirondack and I route surveyed and trail maintained the entire length of our walk today.My "lightweight" pack was 31 pounds (without my sleeping bag, mattress, or entire food bag), while Adirondack toted 21 pounds!MtG: 247 Money spent:$103.46-Hostel lodging and meals 60.00, Andover General Store 23.46, the Other Store 20.00 Today's Wx:Overcast, 70s.In the office at 8:00 and at the road at 2:30.I did a lot of trail maintenance through the visit to Hall Mountain Lean-to (6 miles). It began to lightly sprinkle about 1/4 mile from the lean-to, and is continuing right now as I compose this at noon.We have 4.1 miles to go, which is a 1600' down to Sawyer Notch and then an immediately 1300' climb up Moody Mountain (2440'), followed by an immediate 1000' descent down to South Arm Road for our scheduled 3PM pick up by Earle Towne. At the hostel we have a SOBO-High Mountain and two NOBOs Icebound and myself, along with a Maine sectioner-Adirondack.I have enjoyed my two nights at The Cabin-the hospitality and food here are wonderful!This hike is dedicated to Pocketmail which allows me to keep my daily journals and send them to an email account that I can then cut 'n paste onto Trail Journals.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-06-30
From: South Arm Road

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Today's hike: 8.7/1937.9 South Arm Road to Bemis Mountain Lean-toMtG:237Today's Wx: Overnight a lot of rain. AM initially overcast, but cleared as I approached the Old Blue summit.Then darkening skies and rain drops began as I reached Bemis Lean-to, temps around 68, with haze.In the office at 7:45 and at the lean-to at 1:15!The main event for today was the 2-hour, 2.7 mile, 2200 foot climb up of Old Blue Mountain (3600').When I arrived at Bemis, I decided to blow off the rest of the day. I made a fire, ate lunch, and just made it a camping day-I pretended to be a weekend section hiker!Tonight we have Tim and Erica-my leapfrogger NOBO friends and his cousin Sean, X-Caver, Adirondack, and a SOBO couple-Chris and Amanda.This hike is dedicated to Kay and Louise.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike: 19.5/19 Bemis Mountain to Piazza Rock Lean-toToday's Wx: Overcast, foggy, or misty, temps mid-60s, with light winds. Light rain began at 7 PM.In the office at 6:00 and at the lean-to at 4:45.A very good hike today on mostly a soil trail. Hopefully, tomorrow will be clear after the rains tonight.The main event for today was getting back to the 20/day mileage after too many very relaxing, but poor mileage days starting with the 5.9 weather day into Lonesome Lake Hut two weeks ago.Hostel Slackers: Just past Bemis Stream, I met six NOBOs on a SOBO slack from the hostels at Andover: four from the Cabin-Icebound, Odyssa, and two others and two from Pine Ellis-Bogey and McCall, a sectioner couple I met in the Mahoosuc Notch.SOBOs: I met Micah at Route 17, Peanut Butter near Little Swift River Pond Campsight, Paaga just past Maine 4, and The Trail Snails-Rob and Tess are camped here at Piazza Rock tonight. I also met Keith and Peggy Grant from PA today as I neared the Piazza Rock area. We had a nice chat-they are vacationing up in the Rangely area.Tonight, we have Greenstar-a section hiker I have run into several days recently, and originally met back at Madison Springs Hut, and the SOBO couple, Rob and Tess.This hike is dedicated to our North American friends on Canada Day.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

Today's hike:16.9/1973.6 Piazza Rock to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to Today's Wx:AM-Cold, overcast, fog, and mist, with increasing winds and low 50s. Around 10AM, NW high winds brought clearing skies with partly cloudy, sunny PM, temps 55-63.In the office at 6:40 and at the lean-to at 5:45.The main event for today was the 2.5 hour, 4-mile, 2100' climb up to Saddleback Mtn (4120').Right after the foggy climb to Saddleback, the winds really picked up, 25 to 35 with much larger gusts, estimated 45 knots. This brought good visibility that improved as I made the 600' descent to the high valley and then 500' ascent up to the Horn. What a beautiful day! It blew so hard that I had to use my Leki poles as outriggers lest I get blown off the trail by the left quartering winds.After the Horn, the 900' descent to get across to the climb up Saddleback Junior (3655') is quite a rock 'n rooty affair.Next, I visited Poplar Ridge Lean-to and ate lunch and dried my gear in the warm sunshine (in a windless area). The trail pops up to Poplar Ridge and then descends 1500' to the Orbeton Stream, before beginning the 3-mile, 1600' climb up to Lone Mountain. Then, it is an easy two mile forest walk to the lean-to.At the summit, I was passed by Diesel and Sippi, two NOBOs I met at the Gorham Post Office, but I saw them later at the lean-to. Diesel-thanks for the bite of that candy bar, it was sweet! I'll see them tomorrow as they are staying up at Sugarloaf tonight.Tonight, we have Jim and Kyle, a father-son team. Jim works for the Sugarloaf Resort. Also, an outdoorsy couple from Indiana-Em'Rynn and Jane-nice folks who shared some great soup with me! We also have a 12-pack outdoor adventure group for girls here tenting.   Additionally, I met Brad and Lady approaching the crest of The Horn. Brad and his dog are working south-what a friendly good dog Lady is!This hike is dedicated to JanSport-the makers of my awesome external frame backpack.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Maine 27
Miles today: 13.5

Today's hike:13.5/1987.1 Spaulding Mountain Lean-to to Maine 27 (Stratton)Today's Wx:Partly cloudy, warm 60s.In the office at 7:00 and at Maine 27 at 3:00.Leaving Spaulding Mtn Lean-to there is a climb up to Spaulding Mtn but you don't actually cross the crest-that is a side trail. The same goes for Sugarloaf Mtn where there is another blue blaze to that peak and its old radio station house that now serves as a hiker shelter. Then, you make the 1500' rocky descent to the river.Special thanks to Luke, Daryl, and Chrissy from the Gardner area near Augusta-thanks for the breakfast sandwich! They were camped right beside the South Branch of the Carrabassett River-I met them as I passed, butthen sat and ate breakfast with them. The main event for today was the double pump climb of the two Crocker Mountain Peaks. After crossing the Carrabassett branch at 1950', you begin the slow climb up the South Peak (4040'),then descend 600' crossing the gap, and climb 700' up to the North Peak (4228').Lastly, the 5 mile hike down from the Crockers to the road is a good forest trail with some rocks, but relatively easy on the legs. Tonight, I will stay at the Stratton Motel Hiker Hostel.A very special thanks goes to Sou, the nice lady and her friends, who stopped and picked me up and dropped me right at the motel-thanks again!This hike is dedicated to the Appalachian Trail Conference because today is the last day they will be known as such. Tomorrow (4 Jul 05), they will change the last word to Conservancy.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Maine 27

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Hooray for America on our 229th celebration of the Declaration of our Independence!Today's hike:5.1/1992.2 Maine 27 to Horns Pond Lean-toMoney spent:$89.42-lodging 40.00, Stratton Diner dinner 13.20, Fotter's Market 29.40, Stratton Gen Store breakfast 3.57, laundry 2.25, postage 1.00Today's Wx: Sunny, partly cloudy 87 degrees at 3PM.In the office at 3:15 and at the lean-to at 6:15.I had a good overnight at the Stratton Motel-thanks to Don and Susan!I left with Greenstar and will hike as far as I can this afternoon.I updated all my trail journals through July 3rd.The main event for today was 2000' climb up to the Horns Pond area. A good path and an easy climb with some rocky parts. Great view points and signs all the way up.Alice, the site caretaker, is a very nice lady who invited all campers to watch the night's fireworks-a great treat on a beautiful evening!This hike is dedicated to the people of America!The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

THE BIG 2K DAY!!Today's hike:17.5/2009.7 Horns Pond to West Carry Pond Lean-toMtG:165Today's Wx: Overcast and hazy, temps 65-74, with late afternoon (7:15 PM) driving rain and thunderstorm.In the office at 6:45 and at the lean-to at 5:15, not wanting to go further due to the pending bad weather.The main event for today was crossing the Bigelow Range from South Horn (3800'), West Peak (4145'), Avery Peak (4090'), and finally, East End (3010'). Nearing the East End of the Bigelows, I passed the 2000 mile point of my AT thru hike!SOBOs today: On trail-Moose Charmer, Sock, Charlie Tuna. At the shelter-Big Fish, Lady Bug, Ragman, Hannibal, PJ, and Wicket.Good hiking to you all-hope you all reach your hike goal!This hike is dedicated to Alice the caretaker for Horns Pond-thanks for the wonderful hospitality, goodies, and reminding us to watch the fireworks!The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05
Date: 2005-07-06
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: US 201
Miles today: 14.0

Today ends my 19th week on the trail.Today's hike:14/2023.7 West Carry Pond Lean-to to US 201MtG:151Money spent:$ 134.77-lodging 56.82, lunch 17.46, dinner 32.84, supplies 17.50, breakfast 8.15, 2 room tipToday's Wx: It rained most of the night. This morning was overcast and rainy, temps in the 60s. In the office at 4:45 and at the Kennebec River crossing at 10:00.The main event for today was the 13 mile dash to reach the river between 9 and 11 AM!I left West Carry Pond lean-to bright and early, arriving at Pierce Pond Lean-to in 3 hours and 50 minutes.On the way, I scared up a snorting deer, saw many chipmonks, saw a moose browsing in a lake, and had a pair of moose-a bull and a cow-come onto the trail about 100' in front of me! And, of course, the camera battery died at that point after one poor picture!The rains were light but steady so everthing was wet and slippery, making footing tougher. The 3.3 mile trail to the river is a beautiful walk next to a very scenic area with vistas, waterfalls, and river walks. Too bad it was so rainy and I had a deadline to make as this IS a great hike, although it was a little more hilly and rockier than I expected. About one mile from the river, two SOBOs came down a hill and said, "Hello Big Daddy D!" They were two guys I'd met at Pinefield Hut in Shenandoah National Park back on 26 April! They are school teachers up here in Maine out working on the sections of the trail they need to complete-what a neat surprise for me!I arrived to find a youth excursion troop waiting at the ferry point, so I put my weather gear on and ate a PB & J sandwich while I waited my turn. Then, Steve gave me a solo ride back across and a ride down US201 to Northern Outdoors Retreat in The Forks, ME. That's where I am staying as I write this-a kind of treat for the great hike I had today and to dry out a bit.This hike is dedicated to Steve Longley, the Ferryman-thanks for the canoe ride across the river and the ride to Northern Outdoors!The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05