morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-13
From: @ Lincoln, NH

To: @ Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Started with a French toast breakfast before getting picked up and dropped at the trailhead by Tom and Ann, the two angels who provided dinner last night.The hike began well enough and getting up the Liberty Springs Trail wasn¢t any more difficult than the first few days in the Whites. As we joined the Franconia Ridge Trail, the rain started. Wen entered a 2 - mile stretch of trail above treeline as the weather worsened. Cloudy skies, wind-blown rain, and cold chill stuck with us the whole way. It was an amazing walk, but there were points where I though about what could go wrong.Once back below treeline, the trail was submerged. I couldn¢t take more than a few steps without stepping in water. Progress was hampered, but the promise of shelter made the whole day bearable.The shelter is over capacity, but we were all willing to sacrifice a little comfort for everyone¢s overall safety (rain and cold at altitude can be dangerous). Tomorrow looks better, sun and warmth, so I might have some time to dry some gear out.Despite today¢s challenging terrain and character building weather, I was more optimistic about my hike in general. Perhaps my expectations were tempered by the first few days. Or maybe the forecast is giving me hope for the week. Either way, I¢m back to enjoying myself, despite the wet.362.8 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: @ Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: @ Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

The forecast was not accurate. I spent the first half of the day battling cold rain and wet paths, this time actually hiking down through a waterfall. No views, so it was good day to put my head down and hike.I have yet to do a work-for-stay (a few hours work for lodging and food at the huts), but have made out well with leftovers. 10 AM breakfast was French toast, eggs and oatmeal. 3 PM lunch was lasagna, stuffed peppers and ginger chicken. The staff has been very kind, too, and I¢m thankful for those moments of respite amidst the wearying hike.The last 5 miles today were ¢flat¢, but I felt like I hit a wall halfway through. I¢m really glad to be in my hammock (with new underquilt) as the temperature might drop into the 30¢s tonight.Spirit wavers throughout the day, but is generally good. Mount Washington is 2 ¢ 3 days away and this time I hope the forecast holds true.348.3 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: @ Ethan Pond Shelter

To: @ Lake of the Clouds
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Waking to chilly weather, the clear sky offered a promising outlook for the day. The easy terrain continued for some miles past the shelter, the trail descending into Crawford Notch.From there, the hard hiking began, but the views made the trek rewarding, though only at occasional overlooks. The scenery was so good, in fact, that euphoria often overwhelmed my tiredness. I was unsure how far I would make it, but when I arrived at the first hut at 2 PM, after a short break and some leftover dessert, I started for lake of the Clouds, the hut 4.8 miles away, located at the base of Mount Washington.The southern Presidential's were, relative to some of the trail prior, a nice walk. Footing was good; elevation change modest and the sunshine put me in such a good mood that even some nagging knee tendon pain wasn¢t enough to discourage me. The slow change in perspective was an added bonus, and looking back over what I had just traveled often provided me with memorable sights.Once at Lake of the Clouds hut, I asked for work-for-stay, and got it. My stint included helping to scrub down a bunkroom, eating leftovers and doing the dishes that we (there were three other thru-hikers) used. It was a very good deal.Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow at the summit was awful. They are calling for highs in the 30¢s, mixed precipitation, winds between 40-50 mph, and 75-foot visibility. It¢s the kind of day I¢d rather spend under a blanket, by a fire, and with a book. I¢ll have to settle for sleeping in the dining room tonight.334.2 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: @ Ethan Pond Shelter

To: @ Lake of the Clouds
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Waking to chilly weather, the clear sky offered a promising outlook for the day. The easy terrain continued for some miles past the shelter, the trail descending into Crawford Notch.From there, the hard hiking began, but the views made the trek rewarding, though only at occasional overlooks. The scenery was so good, in fact, that euphoria often overwhelmed my tiredness. I was unsure how far I would make it, but when I arrived at the first hut at 2 PM, after a short break and some leftover dessert, I started for lake of the Clouds, the hut 4.8 miles away, located at the base of Mount Washington.The southern Presidentials were, relative to some of the trail prior, a nice walk. Footing was good; elevation change modest and the sunshine put me in such a good mood that even some nagging knee tendon pain wasn¢t enough to discourage me. The slow change in perspective was an added bonus, and looking back over what I had just traveled often provided me with memorable sights.Once at Lake of the Clouds hut, I asked for work-for-stay, and got it. My stint included helping to scrub down a bunkroom, eating leftovers and doing the dishes that we (there were three other thru-hikers) used. It was a very good deal.Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow at the summit was awful. They are calling for highs in the 30¢s, mixed precipitation, winds between 40-50 mph, and 75-foot visibility. It¢s the kind of day I¢d rather spend under a blanket, by a fire, and with a book. I¢ll have to settle for sleeping in the dining room tonight.334.2 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-16
From: @ Lake of the Clouds

To: @ Lake of the Clouds
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I never imagined that I would zero in the Whites, let alone at Lake of the Clouds, but the weather forecast was spot-on this time. It¢s been cloudy, rainy and cold all day, though the clouds seem to be dispersing slowly now (6:30 PM).The ¢croo¢ here at the hut has been accommodating and it has been a good restful, day. There has been a lot of good food pushed our way as well, such as chicken, soups, and even fresh-baked, cheesy garlic bread. We had to clean bunks and scrub walls, but I had no complaints. I even feel I came out ahead and I got know some nice AMC staff.I tried doing some calculations on remaining mileage, but the uncertainty of coming mileage made it a futile and frustrating exercise, so I gave up. I did discern that finishing by October 8 will be significantly tougher that finishing by October 15. I¢m glad to have the cushion, but if temps stay low, I will very strongly consider purchasing a tent for warmth. I am going to do whatever it takes to finish this hike.Sunny tomorrow, but still cold with several days of sun n expected. Finally!
Date: 2013-09-17
From: @ Lake of the Clouds

To: @ Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.5

Reported temperature at the hut last night was 19 degrees Farenheit. And despite that snap of cold, the sky cleared and the sun was out all day.After a short stint of dishwashing, I ate early and said farewell to the ¢Croo¢ at Lake of the Clouds hut.Stepping outside, I was met with an air temperature in the 20¢s, brought even lower by windchill. Moving was my only option. The Mount Washington ascent was quick, just over an hour, but the northern Presidential mountains were a more interesting hike.The day warmed slowly, and depending on my position on the ridge, I had to shed layers or add them. It took me a few tries to get it right, to the point that I wouldn¢t sweat, even when climbing.Coming out of the alpine zone, the Presidentials left behind, there is only one more big range to tackle. ¢ the Wildcats. For now, I¢ll stroll to a lodge tomorrow, eat lunch, and embark on the last big climb in New Hampshire. The progress is motivating.324.1 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-18
From: @ Osgood Tent Site

To: @ Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and over the Wildcats, and not nearly as tired as I thought I¢d be. I put my poles away a few minutes into the first ascent and it made my hike/climb so much easier. Views offered a look back at the Presidential Range, but the best memories have been made at the huts.At Lake of the Clouds hut, we got along really well. I worked hard for them and in return was treated well, even beyond the point of hiker/croo status. I felt like we were all of the same ilk, out to have fun in a beautiful region n of the country. We traded stories, ragged on the shortcut hikers, and even took some ¢whiskey slap¢ shots.Tonight, I¢m at another hut, recommendation letter in hand. The croo here is smaller but they seem just as chill. As soon as we walked in, we started doing dishes and eating ribs, a small price to pay for room and board. And rather than sleeping in the dining room, I got my own large bunkroom, the full moon illuminating the mountains. I was also allowed to eat dinner with the guests and was able to share my hike experiences, so far.Tomorrow¢s goal is to get into town, but it¢s a long day considering I¢m still in the Whites.
Date: 2013-09-19
From: @ Carter Notch Hut

To: @ Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A 15-mile day used to be a standard mileage day. Today, it was grueling. While the profile didn¢t look too bad, the actual terrain was very challenging. And given that today was warmer, the granite face climbs exposed to the sun, it was mostly slow going.Having made it to Gorham, I¢m not sure if the hiking gets easier from here. I hope that I can up my miles again, but the degree by which I¢ll be able to do so is still uncertain. Whatever the case, I hope to be able to reach Katahdin by October 10th at the latest.I¢m planning to mail some resupply packages ahead so that I can just pick up and go. Options are also slim in the small towns in Maine, so there is a dual practicality.I feel good despite today¢s hard push and the zero tomorrow is, as always, a welcome rest.298.2 miles to go (under 300!).
Date: 2013-09-20
From: @ Gorham, NH

To: @ Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Being behind the large bubble if hikers has its advantages. Lodging is more readily available, the shelters, trails and campsites are open and quiet, and people are willing to do a little more for a few people as compared to a numerous group. Such was my experience at White Mountains Lodge and Hostel.Normal policy is to shuttle hikers to town to resupply and give them 30 minutes to do so. As I intended on sending food ahead to several towns, and even for the pre-100 mile wilderness, I needed more time. Since the number of guests was small, we were readily accommodated.Returning to the hostel, I spent an hour or so allotting portions for the remaining miles, packing them up in flat-rate boxes (I saved money!), and deciding on which establishments to send them to. That job done, I was driven to the post office in the afternoon and accomplished my most remaining task, barring walking another 298 miles to Katahdin.I often have to remind myself that even though I¢m hiking alone, the support of many individuals has been vital to my (upcoming) success.So tomorrow I depart for the last miles of New Hampshire and begin my final state of this A. t. thru-hike. I am to finish by October 10th; the five days of cushion are a small relief, but I hope to not need to rely on them. I keep hearing that Maine is beautiful, so I might lose a day at a pristine lakesideI¢m also parting from One-Eye, my hiking partner for the past three weeks. I wish him luck and I¢m sure I¢ll see him out there on the way.And with that, it¢s time for bed.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: @ Gorham, NH

To: @ Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: moderate rain

Trail was noticeably easier than that of a few days ago, but don¢t let the mileage fool you. I¢m feeling beat up today, mainly (due) to the previously mentioned mileage and also due to some contact with the trail.At points I felt like I was rushing, pushing my speed to see how fast I could manage a hike. In some of those cases, a slippery rock or a slanted ledge took advantage of my momentum and humbled me, though not so badly as to end my hike. In one other case, a log that looked solidly placed turned out to be nothing more than balanced on a rock hidden by mud, sending my right leg more than shin deep into trail muck.There were positives as well. I passed 1900 trail miles, a milestone that¢s somewhat hard to grasp. More tangible, however, was my entry into Maine, the last of fourteen states on this hike. I still have several weeks of hiking to do, but I¢m closer than ever and I¢m focused ¢ not just reaching Katahdin, but also enjoying these last days of adventure. It¢s almost scary to think about not having any more miles to hike, nothing but zero days to look forward to.So I won¢t hurry too much, but just enough to complete my goal and make the last miles memorable.281.3 to go.
Date: 2013-09-22
From: @ Carlo Col Shelter

To: @ Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Several frustrations arose today; one of which was completely unavoidable.   Of course, I mean terrain. The other was weather, bad weather, making what might have otherwise been a challenging, but manageable, hike an exercise in exasperation and discomfort.Normally, on a day like today, I would have endured the abuse for few more miles. Today¢s mileage was short by upcoming terrain, the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. It is described in the guidebook as the ¢most difficult, or fun mile, of the AT. Make way through the jumbled pit of boulders.¢ One might make a guess as to when difficult and fun alternate; mine is when wet and dry respectively. Given today¢s knee busting, shoe-slipping, curse-causing mishaps, I stopped short in hopes of having better weather tomorrow.The shorter mileage puts me in a bit of a crunch with food, too. I rationed 3.5 days of supplies, but a 4.4-mile day upsets that plan. I can head into Andover at the first of two roads, if I need to, or I can try to make 30 miles over two days. I think the call is best made at the first road crossing, or somewhat before. I¢m trying to be judicious with my time, but the uncertainty of the mountains here in southern Ma9ine is messing up all chances at estimation.The best I can do is to approach the Notch knowing that it might take a few hours, as many have suggested. I only hope Maine gets a little easier, too.276.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: @ Full Goose Shelter

To: @ Baldplate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke to very cold temperatures, though not freezing. It was cloudy all day despite a forecast of sun. What ultimately mattered was that the rocks had mostly dried out and there was no rain, two of the better options for going through Mahoosuc Notch.Oak caught up last night so we hiked together and prepared before entering by loading up on snacks. We then packed away out trekking poles and began what was to be a very enjoyable mile.I could not have imagined the Notch without having been in it. At the same time, it was nowhere near as challenging as everyone had made it out to be. There were many places that required the use of my entire body, even places where I had to remove my pack or crawl under boulders. But with the right company, it was a blast. It took Oak and me about 90 minutes to make it through.The rest of the day was harder to bear, mostly due to the deep drop in temperature. Summiting Old Speck Mountain exposed me to the worst wind I¢ve faced besides on (since) Mount Washington. The conifer trees were coated with ice and everything was damp. I broke for lunch around 1:30, but moved on quickly for the next shelter and my ultimate destination for today.I underestimated the terrain an am going to have to head to town a day early. At least I have that option and don¢t have to make do with too little food.Very windy right now and quite cold. I¢ve hung my tarp over part of the shelter front to keep the wind down. At the moment (8:15) it¢s just me and a few mice. I wonder if it will freeze tonight?264.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: @ Full Goose Shelter

To: @ Baldplate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke to very cold temperatures, though not freezing. It was cloudy all day despite a forecast of sun. What ultimately mattered was that the rocks had mostly dried out and there was no rain, two of the better options for going through Mahoosuc Notch.Oak caught up last night so we hiked together and prepared before entering by loading up on snacks. We then packed away out trekking poles and began what was to be a very enjoyable mile.I could not have imagined the Notch without having been in it. At the same time, it was nowhere near as challenging as everyone had made it out to be. There were many places that required the use of my entire body, even places where I had to remove my pack or crawl under boulders. But with the right company, it was a blast. It took Oak and me about 90 minutes to make it through.The rest of the day was harder to bear, mostly due to the deep drop in temperature. Summiting Old Speck Mountain exposed me to the worst wind I¢ve faced besides on (since) Mount Washington. The conifer trees were coated with ice and everything was damp. I broke for lunch around 1:30, but moved on quickly for the next shelter and my ultimate destination for today.I underestimated the terrain an am going to have to head to town a day early. At least I have that option and don¢t have to make do with too little food.Very windy right now and quite cold. I¢ve hung my tarp over part of the shelter front to keep the wind down. At the moment (8:15) it¢s just me and a few mice. I wonder if it will freeze tonight?264.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-24
From: @ Baldplate Lean-to

To: @ The Cabin (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

It did not freeze last night, but the distinction between that and very cold was minimal. Getting going in the morning was a slow process, some preparation to hike, mainly psyching myself to get ready for cold clothes and wind.Right out of camp, I started climbing up Baldplate Mountain and it was perhaps one of the most unsafe days I¢ve ever felt that I¢ve hiked. Sustained winds were strong again today and gusts were blowing me sideways, enough to warrant the use of my trekking poles to keep my balance. It was uncomfortably cold as well, and I kept telling myself not to stop hiking lest I cool off too quickly.In contrast to the rough terrain and awful weather conditions, the view (below the clouds) of the valleys was so beautiful. I could see mountains and hills to the north, the leaves changing to their fall colors. Somehow, the sun was shining on those hills while I was enveloped in misty gray. I smiled and delighted in the hike, and once off the peak, I made good time from a shelter to the road where I was met by the owner of The Cabin, who shuttled me to the general store in town, and then off to the hostel. The bunkroom is simple, but the fixings are great ¢ hot shower, laundry, clothes to borrow, and a home-cooked meal of chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, cranberry sauce and gravy, followed by apple cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. And it¢s all made possible by the friendly couple who runs it.The plan for the next couple of days is to tackle two sections of terrain via shuttle. I¢ll get dropped off at one spot, hike to another (with all my gear so I can¢t be accused of cheating), and get picked up for a night away from the cold. And speaking of cold, I think I caught one from an inconsiderate hiker who was hacking away in a shelter a few nights ago, so the nights inside should help me rest up.Mileage is always in the back of my mind, but I think I¢m good on remaining time. I might have to hike the 100-mile (Wilderness) more quickly than I had expected. I¢ll make it, that¢s for sure.256.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-25
From: @ The Cabin (Andover, ME)

To: @ Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: moderate rain

Breakfast call was at 7, but I had eaten so much yesterday at dinner that I wasn¢t hungry. I forced down my usual hiker breakfast in an effort to lighten my load and to have some energy at the ready. Once at the trailhead, it was hard to get going. The cold I have is most certainly taxing me as I make my way over these mountains.   The continual cloud cover and inescapable cold only compound my malaise. I always want to push the mileage, but I know that some shorter days and the subsequent nights back at the Cabin must be better for me than the normal strain I put on myself. Nonetheless, I worry about distance and time while all the great revelations await another day for their fleeting moment of mindfulness.Today¢s hike was a muddy, rooty mess. There were some corridors where pine branches reached so far into the trail as to be unavoidable. Otherwise, the elevation of the trail was nominal until the last few miles. The big climb of the day was Moody Mountain, a 1400-foot ascent over 0.8 miles. Normally, I can grind it out, but the hill at the end of a day with a cold virus in my system slowed me down and wiped me out. And the view on top wasn¢t even better than the one on the other side of the notch. I often wonder who cut some of these trails.I¢m felling worse as the day goes on; will likely develop a bad cough soon. Then stuffy nose which I¢ll irritate by rubbing too much, which the dry, cold air will then further chap. Ah, the delight!Tomorrow starts with a 2200-foot climb and ends with a mandatory ford. Should be fun.246.8 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-26
From: @ Andover, ME

To: @ Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0

I took an unplanned zero day and it was frustrating, knowing that under different circumstances, I could have made some progress.   I knew I wouldn¢t be hiking today because in a dream I had just before waking, I had decided to take the day off. And when I woke, I did just that ¢ stayed in bed and rested and slept.I¢m not sure what I am going to do tomorrow. The current plan is to prepare to hike out, but to make the call in the morning. In an effort to settle my unease about time, I calculated mileage requirements. If I leave tomorrow, I must average 12.9 miles a day; if I (leave) Saturday, it jumps to 13.7 miles a day. And of course, neither of these calculations allows for another day off, or any other hiccup, for that matter.Ignoring mileage worries, I think that the right thing to do is rest another full day before trying to tackle any more of the trail. But I¢m not confident that the terrain will be easily managed ¢ Maine¢s ruggedness has made estimating mileage very hard to do, and at least, full of uncertainty. I know hiking healthy is a better idea than doing so sick.I¢m done for tonight. I¢ll sleep and see how I feel in the morning, and stop the guesswork. (Updated from September 21.)
Date: 2013-09-27
From: @ Andover, ME

To: @ Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Another zero. Throat irritation has subsided but sinus pressure and congestion has kicked in full force. As the day progressed, I was able to get some of the gunk out, which is a good sign.Despite the progress, I am displeased at having yet another day of not moving. I think tomorrow will be a turning point.Finally, I cannot give enough thanks to Earl and Marjorie, Owners of The Cabin, for their help and understanding as I wait this cold out. They have been my lifeline in the woods of southern Maine, and I am ever thankful.