morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Etna-Hanover Center Road

To: Lyme-Dorchester Road
Miles today: 13.7

 A good hike today. Upon Moose Mountain South peak, we ran across a fellow who had hiked up the peak with water and candy bars. Trail Magic! He was a house painter by profession and owns his own business. There was a group of Dartmouth College students at the top. We told them that Moto was a constitutional law professor and to look for him on campus. We took a photo of the group with Moto.There were several apple trees along the trail today; just little old crabapples. Simple and I have been talking about going to Bill Ackerly's home to play a game of croquet, and his house was near the AT today. So, we did stop by and played a game; Simple won. Then we got a Coke and an ice cream sandwich. Bill wasn't home, but there were a bunch of hikers there. The road runs pretty close to the trail at Ackerly's. Someone in a car asked us for directions to Ackerly's. We surmised that someone had telephoned for a "medical home delivery." When we got to Lyme-Dorchester Road, Linda was waiting for us. A little excitement at our hotel tonight. The seal on the washing machine agitator gave out and got oil all over our clothes. We ended up hand-wringing them out of the oily muck, and then washing them in the bathtub. Luckily, we got most of the oil out.
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Lyme-Dorchester Road

To: NH 25C, Lake Tarleton Road
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Long hike today. We climbed Smarts Mountain. There is a fire tower at the top, where several hikers were taking a break--a day hiker from Britain, K-Bar, Juke Box. On Mount Cube South Peak, we met a southbound couple as we were taking a break. As Simple was introducing us, they exclaim, "Casper?! We met your wife down in Virginia before we flip-flopped!" I had to take their picture; they were a very nice young couple. At the pick-up point tonight, Yogi, Scout, and Rizza were staying in a camp area close to the road. We hollered at them and they came out to the road for Gatorade. Linda has moved our base of operations to North Lincoln, NH today. She was happy to hear about the young couple who remembered her. It turns out that she had given them a ride back in Virginia.Simple and Moto are staying at the Hikers' Welcome Hostel near Warren, NH. After dropping them off, we encountered Ninja Mike; he said he did not have enough money to stay at the hostel. It was dark and foggy by that time, and he asked us if we would give him a ride to a road close to the next shelter. We did.Linda and I are at the Mt. Coolidge Motel in North Lincoln. I am excited--tomorrow we pick up our son, Daniel, at the Manchester, NH airport. I have not seen him since April, and I am really looking forward to being with him. Tomorrow will be my first Zero Day since Ft. Montgomery, NY. I am tired.
Date: 2014-09-09
From: Mount Washington summit

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

An adventure of a different kind to start this day. Linda drove us to the summit of Mount Washington on the Auto Road. First, we stopped in at the visitors' center to check things out. Then, up the Auto Road, a 7.6 mile drive on a two-lane road with no railings; takes about 25-30 minutes.Mount Washington has about 45 clear days each year. This was one of them...beautiful! The visibility was 105 miles. The weather was little windy and cool. I started to encounter people I had not seen since before my kidney stone episode. At the top of Mt. Washington, we found Tesla and Chewbacca. As you may recall, Tesla is from Scotland, and Chewy is my Marine rifleman friend who carried my pack for me back in Virginia in June (when I got dehydrated). It was really good to see both of them. The reunion did not last long. They were trying to cover as much ground as possible because Tesla's Visa expires October 1st. Also, we needed to make up some ground too.Hiking south, we made it to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. We stopped and ate leftover oatmeal. The weather was beautiful. Before we got to the Mizpah Hut, we ran into Lazer Pussy, Honey Bun, and Raven. They all told me that they thought I had gotten off the trail. I told them I did, but only for a few days. We were happy to see each other. Then we saw Honey Bun's son, Alex. We recognized each other, but both of us had forgotten the other's name. And, right before we reached Mizpah Hut, we ran into the guys who had been recovering at Mountain Harbour. They recovered enough to hike the trail with their dog. One of them had gone to school in Lake Jackson, TX, with Daniel's girlfriend. They were looking for a place to pitch their tents (said the crew at Mizpah were jerks).We went into the Mizpah Hut and used the privy. No one said anything to us. Didn't matter--we weren't looking for lodging. We made it to the Webster Cliffs while the sun was above the mountains, but it quickly got dark on us. It was a rough descent, but we all had our headlamps this time! Crossing the stream before we reached the road at Crawford Notch, I saw a note on the trail about the Thru Tang Gang. I hollered for Jack Attack, but got no response. We made it to Crawford Notch and Linda was waiting for us.We have moved our base of operations to Gorham, NH, at the Top Notch Inn. Sharing a room--Daniel on a day bed, Linda and I in one bed, Simple in the other, Moto on the floor...again.
Date: 2014-09-10
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Parking area on NH 16 for 19 Mile Brook Trail
Miles today: 5.7

 We got breakfast at the White Mountain Cafe this morning. Linda drove us to the parking lot at Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch. Kept looking for the moose.It was a tough climb up the Wildcats--steep, solid-face rock. I just bent over and hustled. When we got to the ski gondola, we ate lunch. Made it to Highway 16 and headed down to Joe Dodge Lodge. Simple, Moto, and Daniel checked in at the lodge--this is the place where Jade Mortimer paid for a room for us. What great Trail Magic!I went down to the hikers' room under the dining room and showered. Came back up and met Linda, Daniel, Simple, and Moto for the family-style dinner that was served. We had salad, corn casserole, brisket, and rolls. A section/day hiker joined us about half-way through our meal. We introduced Daniel as our son, and then he asked, "Are these two your sons too?" Man, I must look old. I think it is just that I have more gray hair.Simple made a "thank you" sign for Jade, and we posed with it for a photo that Simple sent to her in a text message. Jade commented that if she was 20 years younger and straight...."you guys would be in trouble!" Love it!Linda and I are back at the hotel; Daniel and the other two boys are at Joe Dodge Lodge. The weather is supposed to be a little wet tomorrow and we are headed south up Mt. Washington. We will carry full packs, except just food for two days. We'll camp somewhere between Pinkham Notch and the Mt. Washington summit.
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.8

What a day! This had to be the scariest hiking day so far. Daniel, Simple, and Moto had stayed the night at Joe Dodge Lodge at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Linda and I arrived there about 9 am; we helped the others carry to our vehicle some gear they wouldn't need overnight. Moto took me aside and told me that Daniel's feet were pretty torn up, and his knee was hurting a little. We needed to make the decision if we were going to go or not. Daniel was a little apprehensive about the weather, but otherwise he was ready to go. We all assembled in the hikers' room in the basement and prepared our packs and gear. We walked out the bottom doors in a blowing mist. It began to rain as we hit the trail, but wasn't too bad starting out. Met a father and son hiking team that I had not seen since Connecticut. Also met a new hiker -- Dunt. They all said that it was really windy on this side, the north side, of Mt. Madison. We got above the treeline; the temperature had dropped and the wind was blowing a misty rain.I started out leading but it wasn't long before Moto and Simple got ahead. Dan and I were struggling. At one point, I hollered at Dan that Simple and Moto had gone to the right. Dan told me, "Dad, hike your own hike!" Pissed me off a little, but it was true--HYOH. Dan and I struggled from cairn to cairn, dropping behind the leeward side of the cairns to get out of the wind. We could not stop for long though--the wind chill was too low. We had to keep moving. The wind blew me down three times. This was the hardest, scariest, and most exhilarating hiking I have done. We kept going up. A couple of false summits, and then finally started down. My glasses were wet and I could barely see. The conditions were very dangerous going down to Madison Hut.When we got to the hut, Moto and Simple met us. They had talked to the crew chief at the hut and told him that "an older guy (me)" and his son were having a hard time and needed a place to get out of the weather. We did not have reservations. The crew chief met me and asked me some questions. Told me that Dan and I could have a bunk for $20.00 each. Agreed. Moto and Simple were doing the "work for stay."At Madison Hut, the weather was posted for Mount Washington, the next peak to the south. Wind steady at NW 66 mph; peak gust W135 mph. Wind chill factor 21 degrees F. Wrap your head around that!Several other hikers came in from the south side, including Jack Attack and Snuggles. I had not seen these guys since Pennsylvania. At Madison Hut, paying guests ate first, then the thru hikers. We had to sweep up the place after supper.Daniel and I listened to one of the crew members talk about an Englishman who tried to hike down from Mt. Washington in the 1800s. He froze to death. What a nice bedtime story! Dan and I are in the bunks. Three bunks high; Dan is in the top one and I am in the middle. I passed my toe-doctoring supplies up to Dan so he could take care of his feet. The wind rattled and bowed the windows. I stole some extra blankets from some empty bunks. Will try to sleep. What a day!
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Mount Washington
Miles today: 5.7

I learned something last night...on a cold night with temperature in the 20's, with a howling wind, don't sleep next to a window! We got up and waited around for the real "paying guests" to get up. One of the members of the hut crew sang a song to get everyone up. Moto and Simple had slept on the dining room floor. We ate oatmeal for breakfast, then helped sweep out all of the sleeping areas. We hung around the hut waiting for the sun to rise and warm things up. Then we started hiking. Daniel is doing pretty good. I met a lot of hikers I had not seen since Maryland and earlier. They are hiking north and we are hiking south. Saw Raven and Honey Bun; Caboose and Yellow Beard. Saw Ziplock--I had not seen her since Tennessee. She was the one who helped me out by giving me Gatoraid powder when I was dehydrated. The trail here is a rocky son-of-a-gun! Simple and Moto got ahead of Dan and me. We got to watch the cog railway train coming up and going down. The conductor came out on the front of the train and took a picture of us. We hiked a longer route up to the top of Mount Washington. I took a video of Daniel hiking up the last quarter mile. This is what he came for--to summit Mount Washington! 6,288 feet.We arrived at the summit of Mount Washington at about 3:00 pm. Linda arrived shortly thereafter and found us eating chili in the summit house. She had ridden the Cog Railway up this time...no more driving the Auto Road for her! I had heard about the chili at the cafe, so I got myself a bowl! I asked the cafeteria line worker if the 2nd bowl was free; he said yes. When I mentioned this to the cashier, she said she didn't know about that. When I went back, I was charged for the 2nd bowl, but the cashier told me the 3rd would be free! I couldn't do it. While in the cafe, we saw Moose and her hiking partner. Moose is always cheerful.Linda had bought us all tickets, so we rode the train down to where she had the vehicle parked. Pretty nice ride down. A lot of non-hikers on the train. The conductor told us that they still see hikers mooning the train. Looked for "mooners" today but did not see any. I wish I had known about this; I would have mooned the train!Back in Gorham, NH; this is our last night with Dan and Linda. We went to the Salt Pub/Libby's Bistro. Our final plans are starting to firm up; Simple needs to head home by October 9th. Linda plans to come back up for the end of the hike. I really enjoyed hiking with Daniel. His feet are pretty torn up. He has hiked some of the roughest part of the trail. Linda and Daniel will drop us off at Franconia Notch in the morning, and then head to the airport in Albany, NY to fly home. Got to stay focused!
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 9.5

We had a visitor last night. A mouse chewed a hole in Simple's food bag. I think he got into Simple's Top Ramen; a south-bounder was in the shelter and he took the Ramen. Pretty happy-go-lucky guy!The caretaker at the shelter came by this morning and told us the wind chill factor last night was 5 degrees. I knew that wind was cold! One of the Scouts was not being very respectful to his adult leaders--kept calling one of them by the leader's first name. Another leader had to counsel him about his behavior. As we were leaving, I had a chance to speak with this leader and thank him for volunteering to take care of other people's kids. I told him I have been in Scouting as an adult leader for about 20 years. Some organizations just won't work without adult leaders/volunteers.The caretaker did not ask us for any money. Maybe she felt sorry for all of us crammed into that shelter. We hiked on over to the Galehead Hut. It was still misty out and there weren't any views. Got some cake and coffee, and met a nice couple at the hut who were out for the weekend. We hiked on down to the Zealand Falls Hut. It would be another 7.9 miles to Crawford Notch. We did not want to hike that much today, so we sent Simple in to see if we would work for stay. He came out and said everyone could stay except the lawyer--ME! Of course, he was joking. Simple has the Gift of Gab. The crew leader told us to wait until the paying customers ate and then we could come in. Another good meal. I was particularly fond of the turkey soup--big pieces of turkey and vegetables. We were the only thru-hikers there.After supper, they had us scrubbing big cookie sheets--trying to get the baked-on grease off. I didn't get very much off of mine, but we gave it a good effort. The crew chief said "good enough." After the paying guests went to their bunks, we pushed the table and benches back, swept, and put down our mats. Lights out; see you in the morning.
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a beautiful, clear night last night! The temperature got down into the mid-20s. The restrooms are in a separate building at Zealand Falls. I had to get up about 2:30 a.m. I walked out onto the front porch, and there in the sky was Orion rising. So beautiful.We ate breakfast and cleaned up a little. Really enjoyed the crew at Zealand. It was a beautiful day today, and a relatively easy hike. We had to walk on a few planks over wet, muddy areas today.We got down to Crawford Notch, US 302. The AMC shuttle pulled up; our plan was to get back to Gorham and hitch or call for a ride to the Yellow Deli in Lancaster, NH. If you recall, Moto and Simple stayed at the Yellow Deli in Rutland, VT. They kind of liked the place and we could get something to eat and a warm shower. An older gentleman was driving the shuttle; he told us that the regular fee was about $20.00 per person. Simple explained to him that we were thru-hikers and did not have a lot of cash on us. Simple said we would just have to hitchhike. We were the only people at the trailhead, and the driver told us to get on. And, we took off for Gorham! The shuttle stopped at the Highland Center and we got off to get some coffee. Then we waited a few minutes for any other hikers. I think that three hikers got on; not thru-hikers. The shuttle driver was a nice guy. He explained that a lot of people left New Hampshire after World War II and moved west. We arrived in Gorham and called the Yellow Deli. (We gave the shuttle driver about $30.00 between us.) Yellow Deli sent a van over and we loaded up. As we were pulling onto the highway, I saw Yogi walking on the sidewalk. I told the driver to holler at him; we asked Yogi if he wanted to go to the Yellow Deli. He said, "No," so we took off. It seemed like a long drive to Lancaster. When we finally got to the Yellow Deli, it was still early in the afternoon. We asked about doing laundry; one of the members and her son walked us down to the laundry room. The 3 of us washed our clothes together in one machine.I bought the boy a soda, after asking his mother if it was okay to do so. After our clothes were dry, we walked back to the Deli and took showers. Several thru-hikers are here. We sat down and ate our dinner together. There was not enough room for us to stay in the main building, so after dinner one of the Deli leaders took us to another building the Deli owns--offices on the first floor, sleeping quarters on the second floor. Moto is on the floor, Simple has his own room, I am on a sleeping platform with a mattress in the common area. We are leaving the door open for Chosen One, another thru-hiker.The plan for tomorrow is to get a lift back to/near Nineteen Mile Brook Trail near Pinkham Notch. Busy day. Good night.
Date: 2014-10-06
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.2

On the advice of "Ole Man" whom we encountered while in the 100 Mile Wilderness, we decided to summit Katahdin on Monday, October 6th, because the weather forecast was beautiful! So glad we made that decision. It was a crisp 32 degrees when Linda dropped us off at the Katahdin Stream campground area; we began our ascent at 7:15 am. By the time we reached the summit, it was cold, windy, and clouds were settling in. Many hikers summited on this day in order to take advantage of the good weather. Tomorrow, we will hike southbound to cover the 10 miles between Abol Bridge and Katahdin Stream campground. Looking forward to completing the journey!
Date: 2014-10-07
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Linda drove us to the Katahdin Stream campground again; at 11:00 am, we began our final 10 mile trek (southbound) to Abol Bridge. It was an easy, flat walk; the predicted rainstorms held off until we were finished. Linda was there waiting for us. The Journey is complete.
Date: 2014-07-02
To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Greetings family, friends,every one. Ka-kaaaa! After over a year in training the body, and a lifetime in the making. I have set off on what can only be an incredible experience. Thanks to all those for their blessings and motivation. I just landed in Bangor, Maine, and its very chill, so far. Definitely has the small town vibe. I am waiting for Phil, a registered Maine guide, and 100 mile wilderness services owner operator, to pick me up and drive to his place in Monson. Tomorrow is another drive to Baxter State Park, and the weather permitting summit of Katahdin, to start my southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail. I have known about this legendary, 2185 mile footpath, for a long time. At least 15 years. I have spent many nights in its southern reaches, and always enjoy the complete beauty and challenge it brings. Honestly, being here, ready to traverse its entirety, feels natural. I am comfortable alone with the wilderness, and do not take it carelessly. But, I know, the solitude will come and go as over 6 million of the worlds finest visit the trail every year. And most go the opposite way as I, so let the high fives and pack bumps begin.I must say, I am mostly looking forward to the time I can routinely spend exploring the deeper levels within. An orderly connection with nature should provide the setting to cultivate and experience many years of eastern philosophy and theory. The last year has also calmed my mind and put perspective on fleeting emotions, now with the tools and techniques I have with me, I will look to develope myself more into a person of balance and longevity, through meditation and exercises. So yes, Sister, the trail does and possibly will change people. But how, is up to them. This is the QuietFlight of the spirit and the path of Lightened Life. For anyone that would a very good introduction as to what in the world I am talking about. Please give this video an solid chance to relate to you. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5oNHIWbziSsWith new shoes on,Chris "QuietFlight"
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Baxter State Park

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 117.8

Hello everybody. This first entry has been a long time coming. It has been a wild ride for two weeks with only two other chances for connection prior to this one. Both times I was exhausted or moving. I am in Stratton, ME, 188 miles down the trail. I now know that Maine equals Mud plus Paine! No, its not that bad, but definitely muddy and some pretty challenging climbs/scrambling, make for some slower milage days. I have seen, two Moose, two bald eagles, beaver, martin, chipmunks and mini squirrels, snakes and toads, and some people in serious need of a shower and clothing change. So far the body is holding together with a only a strained right calf that I rested for a day and 5# weight loss. Plus an increasingly grizzly face. The next 200 miles are sure to be the hardest, with the high mountains of the Whites. I hope to make more frequent posts now that I am steadily passing near civilization. Tread lightly,      QuietFlight
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Baxter State Park

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 117.8
Weather: light rain

Hello everybody. This first entry has been a long time coming. It has been a wild ride for two weeks with only two other chances for connection prior to this one. Both times I was exhausted or moving. I am in Stratton, ME, 188 miles down the trail. I now know that Maine equals Mud plus Paine! No, its not that bad, but definitely muddy and some pretty challenging climbs/scrambling, make for some slower milage days. I have seen, two Moose, two bald eagles, beaver, martin, chipmunks and mini squirrels, snakes and toads, and some people in serious need of a shower and clothing change. So far the body is holding together with a only a strained right calf that I rested for a day and 5# weight loss. Plus an increasingly grizzly face. The next 200 miles are sure to be the hardest, with the high mountains of the Whites. I hope to make more frequent posts now that I am steadily passing near civilization. Tread lightly,      QuietFlight
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Monson, Maine

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 188.0

Hello everybody. This first entry has been a long time coming. It has been a wild ride for two weeks with only two other chances for connection prior to this one. Both times I was exhausted or moving. I am in Stratton, ME, 188 miles down the trail. I now know that Maine equals Mud plus Paine! No, its not that bad, but definitely muddy and some pretty challenging climbs/scrambling, make for some slower milage days. I have seen, two Moose, two bald eagles, beaver, martin, chipmunks and mini squirrels, snakes and toads, and some people in serious need of a shower and clothing change. So far the body is holding together with a only a strained right calf that I rested for a day and 5# weight loss. Plus an increasingly grizzly face. The next 200 miles are sure to be the hardest, with the high mountains of the Whites. I hope to make more frequent posts now that I am steadily passing near civilization. Tread lightly,      QuietFlight