morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Crawford Pond campsite

To: Carl A Newhall Memorial Lean-to
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Gorgeous sunrise, clear 55 degWe had lots of condensation in the tent this morning. It was too cold to swim so we reluctantly packed up our gear and headed out. We had nice views over Little Boardman Mt and took an early lunch along the East branch of the Pleasant river. We summitted White Cap Mt (3650') around 3:00 where we met a group of friendly teenagers from Montreal. They were very excited to be able to see Mt Katahdin and asked us several questions about it.We pushed on to the Carl Newhall Memorial L/T. I had been to this shelter once before but had never stayed there overnight.NOTE: Carl A Newhall was the first person I worked for when I graduated from UNH. He was the supervising Mech Eng at CMP in the 1970s, an avid hiker, and Boy Scout leader even though he had no children of his own. Over the 4 years I knew him he introduced me to several hiking areas throughout Maine and the White Mts.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Carl A Newhall Memorial Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear, 57 deg. Before leaving the shelter, I wrote a short tribute to Carl Newhall for all his efforts associated with the MATC in the shelter log book. We then packed up and decided to hike a spur trail to the head of Gulf Hagas and a section along the rim trail. It was fantastic! We took a refreshing swim at the head of the gulf and then proceeded on to the ford across the W branch of the Pleasant river, where we had a relaxing lunch. Next was a difficult climb up Chairback Mt to the L/T for the night.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Long Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.0

Cool damp start after an overnight rain, 58 deg.The rain started as a drizzle about 9:00 with showers following on and off all day. The trail was tough today - slippery, soggy, and very limited visibility (no good views!). We slogged on to Long Pond L/T and made reservations at Shaw's hostel in Monson for the following night.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Long Pond Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Overcast, 62 deg start. It soon started raining very heavily. At times it appeared that it would clear but never really did - on and off heavy rains all day. The trail was difficult - high water, tree roots, boulder fields, and slippery 'slate' rocks. We had to ford (5) streams/rivers today with swift currents and slippery bottoms. We made it to Shaw's hostel by late afternoon.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We took a '0' today to dry out and re-supply. At breakfast we met Nick, a hiker from Essex England, who we had met back in GA. He has averaged over 20 miles per day with only one '0' along the way! We also found Cricket's back frame had broken (again), her new trail sneakers were already de-laminating and my camera had drowned. Trail angels (my brother Kevin and his wife Claire), who had previously planned to come and meet us for lunch, arrived late in the morning and took us to the Greenville outfitters. We found a new pack and sneakers for Cricket. I'll be using my cell phone camera for the time being. We later received some spiritual nourishment at mass and got to meet the local parish priest, Fr Kevin Martin, who was a friend of Kevin & Claire's.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Monson, ME

To: Moxie Bald Mt L/T
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

We had another wonderful breakfast at Shaw's hostel this morning.Beautiful, clear morning - headed out on first shuttle.We got to the trailhead about 9:30. Trail conditions were much better today - it was much smoother and pretty well dried out with (3) easy river fords. The cool Picataquis river water was refreshing and soothing to our sore feet. We had a hot lunch at the first shelter (Horseshoe Canyon L/T) and pushed on to Moxie Bald L/T on Bald Mt pond. We camped with the 'Weatherman', a retired Air Force refueler boom operator from Bangor.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Moxie Bald Mt L/T

To: Pleasant Pond L/T
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Overcast, 60 deg start.We saw (7) loons and a beaver and soaked our feet in the pond before heading out. It soon cleared and turned into an excellent hiking day. The climb up Moxie Bald was steep but the fresh air and smell of pine and spruce wa invigorating. We had a full panoramic view at the summit and feasted on wild blueberries. We had another hot dog lunch at Bald Mt Brook L/T before heading on to Pleasant Mt. Along the next stretch we met trail angel Karen, who gave us some home made blueberry-walnut cookies and Milky Way bars. We continued on to Pleasant Mt which had several false summits over the next 5 miles. Views from the summit were great of the Bigelow range to the North.After a very steep climb down we arrived at the lean-to, immediately dropped off our packs, and went for a swim in Pleasant pond. The water was spectacular, crystal clear and refreshing.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Pleasant Pond L/T

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Overcast, 62 deg start. With 60% rain forecast today we decided to head into town, stay at a hostel, and have lunch at the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery. I've been struggling with my hiking boots so I ordered a replacement pair of Brooks Cascadia running shoes. It rained on and off throughout the afternoon. We had a very relaxing day shuttling between the hostel and pub.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Caratunk, ME

To: W Branch L/T
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Clear, cool morning. We crossed the Kennebec river first thing this morning. A ferryman shuttled us across in a canoe, then we headed on to the Bigelows!Excellent hiking day - cool & breezy all day. We hiked most of the day with 'Weatherman'. We passed several pristine ponds - Pierce, E & W Carry. We saw 2 deer crazing by the shore along Pierce pond and had lunch at Pierce pond L/T. The winds picked up late in the afternoon creating white caps on W Carry pond. We were very tired and stayed at the L/T there instead of continuing on to Little Bigelow. The local spring was dry so we waited until the next morning when it was calm enough to get water directly from the pond without getting soaked.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: W Branch L/T

To: Safford Notch campsite
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear and cool, 55 degThe W Branch L/T had a unique feature we hadn't seen before: a trash disposal bucket! It doesn't sound like much, the weight is usually insignificant, but there's a real psychological lift getting rid of one's garbage. Thanks MATC!We hiked along Flagstaff lake and up over Little Bigelow Mt, where there were excellent views and thousands of ripe blueberries. We had lunch at the L/T there and took a dip in the Tubs - pools in the adjacent stream. We ran out of gas late in the afternoon and camped at the Safford campsite, which is just N of Avery peak.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Safford Notch campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 10.5

Cloudy, 58 deg start.We started out with a steep climb up to Avery peak, which is named after Myron Avery - the 'project guy' that saw the AT thru to completion.We had beautiful views of the Bigelow Ridge, Flagstaff lake, and Sugarloaf Mt.We then continued on over West Peak and the South Horn. The trail was very steep today which made it difficult and tiring carrying full packs.We had lunch at the Horn Pond L/Ts - this is the first time we've seen two side by side, another MATC first. Again the local water source was dry. Fortunately we had enough to carry us to the Rt 27 trailhead, where we caught a shuttle ride into town.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Stratton, ME

To: Campsite along S Branch of Carabasset river 
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

Clear & sunny, 53 deg. Gear changes: We've gone back to rain jackets because of the colder rain in ME. The 'Norley' ponchos, which breath much better, are more suited to the VA heat and worked great there.I've also switched back to Cascadia running shoes - this time in 'Bus' blue. Hopefully they'll hold up on the rocks of New England - several thru-hikers report wearing sneakers the whole trail without problems.We had to go to the PO first thing and didn't get to the trail until 10:45. We hiked up and over the Crockers, just North of the area where the lady from TN was last seen.It was a beautiful hiking day. After a steep descent from S Crocker at 4:30, we decided to camp along the river with NO-BOs 'O B' and 'The Kid'. We had originally planned to go on to Spaulding Mt L/T but wanted fresh legs before starting the next climb.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Campsite along S Branch of Carabasset river 

To: Poplar Ridge L/T
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Clear and cold, 48 deg start.The climb up Sugarloaf was steep and rocky. I kept thinking of the missing lady from TN, hoping I might catch some glimpse some of evidence that could help find her.By late morning the sky became overcast and we saw our first autumn color - orange. We had a hot lunch at the Spaulding Mt L/T, which is located ~.1 mile from the AT, and noted the main trail markers were confusing - wondering if the missing lady may have turned the wrong way in bad weather.We continued up another steep section to the Poplar Ridge L/T and camped with 'Riley' and 3 young men from MI. We all enjoyed a great campfire tonight.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Poplar Ridge L/T

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Clear, 53 deg start.Beautiful hike over Little Saddleback, the Horn, and Saddleback Mts today. It was very windy (25 knot from the West) above treeline but refreshing. At times we had to lean sideways into the wind to keep from getting blown over.My brother and his wife were at the trail head to pick us up at 4:00 and brought us into town.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Sabbath Day Pond L/T
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

Overcast start. Great breakfast at Keeps cafe with Kevin & Claire, then re-supply at IGA - got back on trail about noon. The sky cleared and a light breeze developed. The trail was pretty smooth today. We came upon a UM Farmington global warming project in process at Little Swift River pond. There was a canoe with paddles available pulled up on shore and no one was around - so we decided to go for a little spin around the pond. We then hiked on to Sabbath Day Pond L/T, unloaded our gear, and went for a refreshing swim at a sandy beach on Long pond located .3 miles S along the AT.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Sabbath Day Pond L/T

To: Old Blue Mt campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Sunny and warm 63 deg. We found some trail magic today as we approached Rt 17 - bananas & cokes, nice with lots of calories. Climbing the Bemis Mt ridge, we picked lots of ripe blueberries and enjoyed a cool, refreshing breeze. There were many false peaks along the way up Bemis Mt which tired us out. We pushed on to the top of Old Blue MT and camped with Riley, a remarkable young man from MI. We scavanged around for firewood and Riley built a wonderful bonfire and earned the trail name 'FIREMAN'.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Old Blue Mt camp site

To: Pine Ellis hostel
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Clear and breezy, 60 deg on top at 3600 ft. Hazy, humid conditions today. We had a difficult hike through Sawyer's notch - steep trail on each side with a 1500 ft drop. We were soaking wet with sweat and decided to head to the hostel in Andover for showers. We had a late lunch with FIREMAN at the Hall MT L/T and bid him farewell as he planned to pick up his pace and head on to the next L/T.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Pine Ellis hostel

To: Baldpate L/T
Miles today: 9.0

Clear and cool, 58 deg.The Pine Ellis hostel was wonderful and the small town of Andover, ME a real gem - one of our favorites. The general store had a great selection of food and supplies. We headed out on the 10:00 shuttle and on are to the Mahousuc and Gorham NH.The trail was smooth & easy until Frye notch, then became rocky. Excellent weather, no haze today!Moderate 15 knot wind on E Baldpate, with the clearest, full panoramic views yet.We met a group of Harvard students there on a freshman orientation trip.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Baldpate L/T

To: Bull Branch campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Clear and cool 48 deg. On the way down to Grafton notch, we ran into a P&W trail angel Sue Dunlap with her dog Stevie. She had brought us a wonderful homemade breakfast, so we headed for the picnic tables near the trail head to enjoy. After a nice chat, she gave us some brownies for the long climb up Old Speck Mt.The view at the top was fantastic with ideal hiking conditions. Since the rocks were dry and had good grip, we decided to head down the steep Arm into Mahoosuc notch. We found a campsite by a stream and camped by a couple of guys section hiking through Maine.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Bull Branch campsite

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: few clouds

Clear and dry, 60 deg in the notch.It was amazingly dry and warm with no condensation in the tent this morning. We climbed through the boulder field at the bottom of the notch. It's a random array of various size boulders, as large as buses, which have fallen from the steep slopes of the adjacent rock walls. The paths are varied - over, under, or around them. It's challenging and a bit tricky with several patches of wet slippery moss. There are several deep crevasses with a stream running underneath. We had to take are packs off twice and it took us 2.5 hours to get through. Next the trail climbed quickly over several peaks. We were pretty tired after crossing Goose Eye Mt and headed for the next shelter, which was built by the AMC. It was quite different - more like a log cabin than a conventional shelter. We later met an Outward Bound group who were camping nearby.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Trident Col Tent site
Miles today: 12.2

After an overnight rain, it was overcast but a warm 60 deg. We soon crossed the ME-NH border, where we ran into some old trail friends from down south, Phil ('Navigator') and Amanda ('Coach') Woodbury. We hadn't seen them since Erwin TN. We had a great chat and learned that Phil had accepted a job in CO. We wished them the best and then headed on to the next shelter for lunch. We got a chill going over Mt Success - the wind was blowing clouds over the long broad summit, which sucked the heat right out of us. We later camped in a soft grassy site at the Trident Col site.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Trident Col Tent site

To: White Mt hostel
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

Warm and sunny.My hay fever kicked up during the night and I didn't sleep well - thought it was isolated to southern grasses but apparently not! My eyes were watery and very sensitive to the sun all day. Fortunately, it was an easy hike down to the hostel. My brother Kevin and his wife Claire met us for lunch. They had brought some colder weather gear for the Whites - a great tag team effort by Erica, Harry, Shaun & Kevin. Thanks!
Date: 2013-08-28
From: White Mt hostel

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Overcast and warm.Great breakfast at the hostel.After a trip to the PO, we got to the trail about 10:30.The weather soon cleared and warmed up nicely - had beatiful views from Moriah and saw evidence that 'Fireman' had been there. We saw thunderheads forming so we hightailed it to the shelter and camped with 'Druid' & 'Pup'. It started pouring a half hour later.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Imp Shelter

To: Wildcat Peak D
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Overcast, 58 deg.In the clouds with light rain most of the day. No views over the Carter range. We stopped at Carter notch hut and had lunch with Fireman. We hiked over to Peak D and decided to camp due to slippery conditions. When I saw the observation platform near the ski gondola, I figured it would make a good tent platform and it did. K2 set up next to us later before dark.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Wildcat Peak D

To: Osgood Tent site
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful sunrise, mostly clear, 54 deg.Clouds were drifting East over the peaks of the presidentials. The trail down Wildcat was steep, wet & slippery. We met 'Promise', who we had met back in NC, and Marty, the owner of the White My hostile, on our way down.We had a great lunch at the Joe Dodge lodge in Pinkham notch and got all our gear dried out. We both took a refreshing sponge bath in the Peabody river before arriving at the camp site at 4:30. With a long climb up Mt Madison ahead of us, we decided to stay and go with fresh legs the next morning.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Osgood Tent site

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Partly cloudy & warm 63 deg.Long climb up Mt Madison with beautiful views of the Carter range and Gorham. We stopped at Madison hut for soup and a snack. Hiking conditions were great with a light breeze. We entered the clouds after passing Mt Jefferson and had light rain up to the peak of Mt Washington, where it was 55 deg with a 15 knot wind. After stopping for a snack, we continued on to the hut where we did our first 'Work for Stay'. The visibility was so bad at the summit that we had a hard time finding the trail!We had completed our journey from Mt Katahdin to Mt Washington, the pre-eminent New England mountains, within a month!
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Lake of the Clouds hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 11.2

After a great hut breakfast and completing our chores, we headed out into the clouds with about 50' visibility. It soon cleared while hiking around Mt Monroe and we had excellent views throughout the presidentials and on down into Crawford notch. We hiked with Druid & Pup all day today. We had lunch at Mizpah hut and then made our way down the tricky Webster cliff trail. Along the way we met 'Crispen' & 'Steady Eddy', who we had hiked with back in VA. We got to the Rt 302 trailhead where we had planned to camp at 6:30. There was a flash flood warning in effect that evening, so we hitched a ride up 302 close to the AMC Highland Ctr and camped there for the night.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Crawford Notch

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Rainy and windy. The trail was flooded after heavy rains during the night.We decided to take a '0' today. Kevin & Claire came over this morning to take Cricket home to prepare for a bridal shower later this week. I stayed at the 'Above the Notch' motel with 'Druid' and 'Pup'. They are a young SOBO couple from the midwest who had previously completed a two year stint fighting forest fires in CO while working for Americorps.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Crawford Notch 

To: Guyot Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

It rained during the night, was overcast, then cleared later in the AM.Another P&W trail angel, Jeff Perry, stopped by the motel and brought us to the trail head on Rt 302. He had come to the Whites to hike some 4000 footers along the AT with me between Crawford & Franconia notchs. He treated us to danish, bagels, and cream cheese for breakfast! Good hiking conditions today. We had lunch at Zealand hut and later had good views to the SW and of the Zealand notch from Zeacliff. Along the trail today I met more hikers I knew from the southern trail: 'Cory' and 'Canada' making their way north to Katahdin.Later when we arrived at Mt Guyot, the trail was in the clouds with ~25 knot wind and zero visibility. We went .7 miles off trail and downhill to the shelter and arrived about 5:00.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Guyot Shelter

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Overcast and windy, 7:30 start.It had rained overnight and the shelter was full in the morning. It was very windy above treeline today. It cleared up mid morning and we had great views from S Twin, Garfield, and Mt Lafayette. I met some more hikers from the southern trail: 'Spider', 'Crystal', and Mary 'Poppins'. We had lunch at the Garfield hut. Late in the afternoon up on the Franconia ridge we could see a storm front approaching from the West, so Jeff & I decided to head down to the safety and warmth of the Greenleaf hut. 'Druid' and 'Pup' continued on over the ridge. The Greenleaf hut crew was led by a previous thru-hiker, Glutten Puff. They needed some extra help that night so I got to do another 'work for stay' with some other hikers including 'No Rush', who I had met way back in April on my 2nd day on the trail.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained during the night. Partly cloudy, 40 deg start.The Lafayette summit was in the clouds as we hiked back up the 1.1 miles from the hut. It later cleared as we crossed the ridge with wonderful views all around. I met several more hikers from the southern trail today: 'Marathon Man', 'Ish', 'Wiz', 'Maps', 'Thumper', 'Skywalker' and 'Tedley'.Down off the ridge, Jeff headed to Franconia notch to catch a shuttle back to his car at Crawford notch and I continued south. I ended up hiking an extra mile down to a AT parking area on Rt 3, where I found the Cascade Brook trail which led back northward to the AT.The temperature was dropping quickly in the late afternoon so I stopped at Lonesome Lake hut. They had plenty of work to do that night and I did my final 'work for stay' with NOBO 'Soul Flute'. It was great to be inside out of the cold.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Mt Wolf stealth campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Clear and cold, 37 deg.Before breakfast, 'Soul Flute' and I both saw our first moose (large bull) grazing on the far shore of Lonesome lake. The hut crew later offered us pancakes for breakfast and a loaf of hut-made bread which was leftover from the night before. Great hiking conditions going over the Kinsmans today - mid 50s with clear views and light winds. After a steep climb down S Kinsman, conditions deteriorated to a wet muck in the bog to the south. I saw two more hikers from the past along the trail: 'Rabbit' and 'Enoch' still working their way north.Late in the afternoon I found a great stealth site on a small knob just south of Mt Wolf and pitched camp.
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Mt Wolf stealth camp site

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear and calm, 48 deg.It was amazingly dry with no condensation in the tent this morning.Hiking down to Rt 112 I didn't pass a soul but met NOBO 'Wonder Boy', who I hadn't seen since Hot Springs NC, at the trail head. We discussed what was ahead of us, congratulated each other, then went our seperate ways.The climb up Mt Mooselauke was very steep for the first 1.5 miles up to the Beaver Brook shelter. After getting some water there, I soon met up with 'Druid' and 'Pup'. I was glad to learn that they had made it safely down off the Franconia ridge a few nights before. We hiked on together up to the summit and had lunch. It was windy and cool (55 deg) with good panoramic views - only light pale clouds in the distance.The trail was much easier on the hike down to Glencliff. At the Rt 25 trail crossing I headed to the Welcome Hiker hostel, which is a half mile off trail along Rt 25.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Warm 58 deg, rainy start. It rained during the night so the trail will be sloppy today. After a great breakfast at the hostel it stopped raining so I headed out and was back on the trail around 9:00. It soon cleared and became breezy with partial clouds - ended up a great hiking day. I met some more old trail mates today who are still heading N: 'Half Life', 'One Eye', 'Oak' and 'Allstate'. I had lunch at the Ore Hill campsite with 'Druid' and 'Pup'. A NOBO at the Glencliff hostel, 'Iona', had mentioned his high regards for the privy there - rated it a 'must poop'. It turned out to be quite above the norm - large, newly constructed and with the scent of knotty pine! The trail was smooth and easy today with a moderate climb up Mt Cube. The mountain granite in this area is a beautiful pink color and extremely hard - my hiking pole tips just bounce off of it. I stayed at the Hexacuba shelter - a unique six sided structure.