morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Welcome Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I ain't supposed to wanna do alotta drinkin''Least that's what a lot of folks keep thinkin'I ain't supposed to stay out till all hours of the mornin'I'm supposed to be a young ladyBut I like my music loud and a real big crowd with a cooler close byI like a pint'a crown and a country sound and stayin' out all nightAnd I like dirt roads and river banks and something cold to drinkYeah some say that ain't what my life's aboutand one day im gonna have to settle downbut not right nowno I ain't got to right nowSo what if I like the bar and dancin'?Well what do you care if you don't mind me askin'?I like being a little wild and havin' fun,Now don't tell me you forgot about all the things you've doneYeah, I like my music loud and a real big crowd with a cooler close byI like a pint'a crown and a country sound and stayin' out all nightAnd I like dirt roads and river banks and something cold to drinkYeah some say that ain't what my life's aboutand one day im gonna have to settle downbut not right nowYeah, I like my music loud and a real big crowd with a cooler close byI like a pint'a crown and a country sound and stayin' out all nightAnd I like them dirt roads and river banks and something cold to drinkYeah some say that ain't what life's aboutand one day im gonna have to settle downbut not right nowNo I got to right nowAnd y'all I aint gonna settle down-Ashton Shepard
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Welcome Hiker Hostel

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 9.5

We had a great time at the Welcome Hiker Hostel in Glencliff! The folks there were awesome, and all the necessary amenities were handy. We hit the trail early, excited for our first adventure above treeline.Now, for those of you who are not familiar with the AT, the Whites are dubbed the hardest, most-rewarding section of the entire trail. They run from just north of Glencliff (where we started this morning) and go a little ways into Maine. There is extreme weather, and lots of sections that are above treeline. Basically, the Whites are the crem-de-la-crem of the AT. We were pumped to get started.The hike up Moosilauke was awesome. It wasn't too hard, but lasted for about 4 miles. On the way up, we met a great SOBOing couple - Lakota and T.T. (Tenacious Turtle). When you're about a mile from the summit, the trail flattens out and you can see the summit off in the distance. It was gorgeous. The weather wasn't the greatest, but it was nice enough for some deent views. Wags took a break in the middle of the climb, so we did the summit separately. It was so exciting to climb above treeline, and to see how gorgeous and expansive the Whites were in the distance. Wags reached the summit a few minutes after I did, and we enjoyed a nice little break on top.We headed to Beaver Brook Shelter, and then decided to head the 1.5 miles down the mountain because we had heard terrible things about the descent, and that it's very slippery when wet...the forcast called for rain within the next 12 hours. It took us almost TWO hours to go the 1.5 miles. The descent was INSANE! Wags and I stealth camped (which means you camp where you're not suppose to) and finished cooking our dinners right before it started raining.We're planning on summiting 4 weeks from today!!
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Kinsman Pond
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

7/30 Stealth Campsite to Kinsman Pond Shelter 11.5 miles shelterSo it started raining last night right before bed, and it rained ALLnight long. And by rained, I mean poured. Torrential showers.Excessive runoff. DOWNPOUR. We pitched our tents next to a babblingbrook that was silent, but by midnight it was rushing and roaring.Insanity! Thankfully, the rain quit by dawn. We packed up and werefixing to head out when Loon, Mr. Right, and Plunger came by - we wereso excited! We thought they spent the night at the hiker hostel, andthat we wouldn't see them for a while. Luck would have it, we did!Within .1 mile of the shelter we came to another rushing river. Afterassessing the situation, we realized there was no easy way to cross -no point in taking off the boots. So, we waltzed across, boots on andall. My feet were soaked the ENTIRE day. The trail was basically acreek in lots of sections. It was muddy, difficult, wet, and verymentally challenging. I have never been so nervous for such a longperiod of time. Oblivious (another thru-hiker) said, "15 is the new20" in terms of mileage. I have to agree. We had an extremely slowday, but the weather improved as the day went on, and we got somegreat views from Kinsman Mountain.However, my confidence was totally busted at the end of the day. Wehit 1800 miles today, but I felt like a weekend warrior. We squeakedout the 11.5 miles in almost as many hours (include breaks and whatnot). I guess the important thing is, we made it without injury. Afall, slip, and near-death experience, but we survived. I have newfound respest for SOBOers though. I don't know that I could havestuck with it had I just started hiking. Oh well. Like my favoritecharacter says, "Tomorrow is another day..."The shelter is gorgeous, and we're sharing it with Shenanigans and theHulk (a thru-hiker who goes to University of Florida (booo!)).Looking forward to a better day tomorrow!Happy birthday Boss!
Date: 2009-07-31
From: Kinsman Pond

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: moderate rain

7/31 Kinsman Pond Shelter to Lincoln, NH 4.8 milesWags and I planned to do 15 miles today. Obviously, we didn't evenaccomplish 1/3 of that goal. We made it to the Lonesome Lake Hut by8:30 where we ran back into Loon, Plunger and Mr. Right who had donework-for-stay. As I asked them, "Ok, I have to know - was yesterday'shike a killer for ya'll too?" I teared up. I didn't realize I was insuch a stressed mental state, but apparently I was. I was so relievedto hear that no one had an easy hike yesterday. When you have a daylike that, and know that 100+ miles of similar terrain are stretchedout in front of you, it becomes daunting. I just have to learn totake it one day at a time.We sat in the hut and it started pouring. Wags and I looked at eachother, totally disconcerted. What to do? Then someone mentionedhiking to Lincoln and getting a hotel room. I was struck with suchjoy, that I knew at that instant that's what we HAD to do. The rain,coupled with summit weather advisory's and my not-so-goodstate-of-mind sealed the deal. To Lincoln!We did the easiest 3 miles of the AT in the Whites so far in just overan hour - a great improvement on yesterday's mph. We crossed thisAWESOME roaring river that was bridge and stepping-stone-less, andthat made me feel even cooler. Now the five of us are rocking a greathotel room, and my childhood friend Bethany is coming to visit tonight- apparently she's working at a camp this summer and is only 20minutes away!
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a BLAST last night! Bethany came to visit, and we all went out to dinner. It was great to see somebody from home again. On the hike into town, I told Mr. Right that I would just absolutely LOVE to watch Top Gun. When we got back from dinner, we turned the tv on and guess what was playing?!! TOP GUN! OMG, I'm so spoiled, it's unbelieveable. So we rocked out some TG, chatted and had a great sleep. Today solidified our last minute plan to go to town as quite possibly the best decision I've made on the trail yet. I definitely needed the mental health day. Add to that the fact that today was gorgeous. Further still, we hiked across Franconia Ridge in BEAUTIFUL weather.   We were above treeline for the first time. The trail was much more forgiving. We watched gliders (the planes without engines) as the flew up and down the ridge. And we were surronded by "weekend warriors," which is always an indication that you are hiking in a place that is both breath-taking and fairly un-technical. I'm not exactly sure how to describe Franconia Ridge - maybe googling it and checking out a picture would be a better way to get a feel for how gorgeous it is there. The only problem today was the descent down Garfield Mountain (yes, the Whites are mostly named after presidents). It was terrible and frankly, very dangerous. I'm not sure what the AMC trail crew folks are thinking half the time, but I defninitely have some beef with them. There is also some controversey between hikers and the AMC in terms of huts - there are 8 huts spread throughout the Whites. Each hut has a bunkroom for guests, a dining room, and all the backstage things necessary to feed folks who stay overnight. It costs about $90 to stay at the huts. The AMC also has a few pay campsites throughout the Whites, but stealth camping is prohibited, and it's very hard to find a place to stealth even if you wanted to. Basically, you either have to pay to stay at one of the few campsites, gamble that you'll find a stealth camp, or try to get work-for-stay at one of the huts. We've heard all sorts of things regarding the huts and how croo (I know, they spell crew wrong to be cutsey or something. Gag.) members can be annoying, etc. Well, I decided I'd head into the hut tonight with a good attitude and hopefully the attitude would be recipricated. No, it wasn't. We won't get into the details, except to say a 20 year old dude in a dress was really looking to get decked. I'm gonna give the huts one more chance, and if they're all like this one then I'm gonna stealth camp my way through these mountains.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

When you stay in a hut, you have to stay up until the guests go to sleep. The reason behind this? You sleep in the dining room, and the guests are allowed to hang out until they feel like going to bed. Great. Lights out and quiet time do begin at 9:30, but that doesn't actually assure you of anything. The lights went out on time last night, but the croo partied until 11 (some guests thought it was us thru-hikers being loud). And then at 6am we were woken up. Cranky thru-hikers abounded. We waited until 8 to get the leftovers of breakfast - cold oatmeal. Gangsta was not happy at all. A writer was at the hut, and he's doing a piece for Backpacker magazine on this particular hut. I'm curious to see what he thought of his experience with those folks. Thumbs down, Galehead.Oh well. Moving on to bigger and better things. We hiked up Twin Mountain and saw some breath-taking views. It was a gorgeous morning! The hiking was really nice, and we made it to Zealand hut in record time. However, Mr. Right got sick on the way, and we were all fairly worried about him. Wags, Loon and I left Mr. Right and Plunger at the hut unsure of whether they'd make it to the campsite. The hike between Zealand Hut and Ethan Pond is apparently the easiest in the Whites. That fact, coupled with the approaching rain sent me flying! I was back to my 2.75mph speed, and it felt great! We got to the shelter in time for the drizzles. Then, Plunger and Mr. Right showed up! It was so exciting to see them, and I'm glad Mr. Right was feeling better.The caretaker didn't really add anything to my bad attitude towards the AMC so far, but he did say a moose comes out at night. I sat by the pond for about 45 minutes in the pouring rain waiting for the moose. No luck. Hopefully soon though!I really and truly enjoy the community out on the trail, and I'm convinced that's what I'll miss the most when it's all said and done. However, I am really looking forward to having my own space and privacy.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.3

We had a super easy hike into Crawford Notch (apparently notch is another word for gap). Wags and I hitched to the general store to resupply. We hitched back to the trail, and the couple that gave us a ride also gave each of us an anklet, and said "no meeting is by chance." Wags and I are rocking these cut anklets! When we got back to the trail, Mr. Right, Plunger, Loon and Dom were standing by the road. We had a nice, challenging hike up to a cliff where we hung out for over an hour, enjoying the beautiful views (once again, GREAT weather!). We had a blast just chatting and what not. Then we hiked on to the hut. "G, have a good attitude," I told myself. And I did. The croo was a lot cooler, and we enjoyed talking and hanging out with them. My work-for-stay job? Washing dishes. No biggie at all. And dinner was delicious. I'm glad I gave the hut system a second chance!Tomorrow, Mt. Washington awaits! We hear the weather is suppose to be nice, so I'm really excited!
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 11.8

We woke up early again, but this time our hard work of sweeping out the hut was rewarded by a ginormous pile of pancakes! I was totally excited to chow down on those babies, even though I grew up on my mom's crepes. I wanted to get an earlier start because I was a little nervous about the weather on Mt. Washington. We had gorgeous views as we went up Mt. Pierce and Mt. Franklin. I hiked with Plunger a lot during that part of the day. At one point, I realized how badly I had to pee, so I set my poles aside and started doing my thing. I've grown so accustomed to going wherever, whenever that I didn't even bother checking up and down the trail for day hikers. Sure enough, mid-stream, I happened to glance up at a father and son 30 yards away, uncomfortably looking at their shoes. "Oh, uh, sorry, I didn't see you." "Uh, that's ok." The most uncomfortable exchange I've had on the trail so far.We made it to Lake of the Clouds hut by mid-morning. Right before we got there, we looked up a peak and noticed Loon's day-glo shirt as her and Dom summited yet another 4000 foot peak. If you ask her, she'll tell you about how bad it STINKS! Hahaha. Oh, Loon.The summit of Mt. Washington was GORGEOUS. We had perfect weather; I couldn't have asked for better. The crowds of people who had ridden the cog railroad to the summit were a bit much for me, so I started my descent early. Plunger and I hiked this section together - it was super rocky, and I can't imagine how terrible of a hike it would have been with bad weather. The croo was awesome, again. Once again, we did work-for-stay, which was great. My assignment: read two chapters of the BFG to the croo at bedtime. While waiting for lights out, we drank some wine from a bladder that a guest offered us and chatted about the trail back in North Carolina.
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Madison Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: fog

What a day! Good grief. It started with a climb up Mt. Madison which was once again, gorgeous. But it was also really windy. The trail followed an extremely rocky ridge for the next 2.5 miles, and Wags and I had a hard time along that section (Stubbs who thru-hiked last year had warned me about this part, and she was definitely right!). It was Max-Patch-Bald-ish. Once we got past that section, we found some more forgiving terrain, until Wags got stung by a phantom wasp. Ek! The hike into Pinkham notch was super sweet, and then we enjoyed some sandwiches and said bye to Dom and Loon (sad!). I knew the hike up Wildcat Mountain was going to be terrible, and I had been dreading it all day. I was not wrong. It was an awful hike. I hobbled into the hut in very low spirits, with achy knees and felt completely overwhelmed and under-prepared. However, the croo was once again super cool. Dave and Marc were the only members of the croo in for the night, and we had a blast cutting up with them. My work for stay? Polishing "Jeeves," their tip-figurine, and reading a chapter of a book. It was definitely a great way to end our hut experiences!Happy Birthday Jellybean!
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We had planned on stopping a few miles before Gorham, but realized the terrain into town was easy so a hotel stay is in order! Thank goodness!Carter Notch hut is in a gorgeous, yet remote location. I really liked the hike up the notch and along the ridge and through the Carter's. It was a fun hike on a gorgeous day. However, the hike down North Carter was totally insane. Along the way down we encountered some weekend warriors. They graciously stepped aside to allow us to scootch (literally) past. However, they happened to be standing in the best spots for descent. I had to literally hang off of a tree and attempt to find a foothold to get past them. I feared death. As I was down, the father kicked, "You know, Maine is a lot like this." Grimacing, I looked up at him, squinting through the sweat dripping in my eyes, and would have given him the bird had I a free hand. Think before you speak, folks, or you're gonna have a gangsta to answer to.Once we got past the Imp shelter and Mt. MOriah, we sailed to town. We literally did 3 mph the last few. It was AMAZING! Wags did bite the dust right as we rounded the bend and could see the road. It was hilarious. We're enjoying a hotel room with Plunger, Mr. Right and Sir Richard. I've threatened to shank anyone who gets up earlier than 7:30 in the morning. I think I've instilled enough fear to make sure that doesn't happen.I fell asleep to Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in "You've got mail." Another great day on the trail.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Gorham

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Yep, we slept in until 7:45. It was AMAAAAAA-ZING, as Hot Sauce would say. We had a delicious breakfast, resupplied and hung out until around 2:30. I called Dutch to congratulate him on completing his thru-hike. It was great to catch up with him, and it really solidified the notion that this trip will be over before we know it. However, I am also beaten, bruised and my ego is totally deflated. I'm not sure how much of this terrible terrain I can handle. The tears are coming a lot easier now. The strong face is harder and harder to put on. In low spirits, we hiked the relatively easy 7 miles. Wags and I had the tent site mostly to ourselves, and enjoyed a quiet evening after all the hussle and bustle of the huts.Tomorrow we're heading into Maine. I'm not feeling as excited and I would have thought. I'm tired and worn out. HOpefully, when I see the sign tomorrow, welcoming into Maine and OUT of New Hampshire, I'll feel differently.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Trident Col Campsite

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

Once again, it was a gorgeous day. We had a great hike to Gentian Pond Shelter which is a great shelter. It took us a while to get to the Maine border after passing Mount Success, but we finally made it! It was a great feeling to see "Maine, the way life should be." I can't believe I've really made it all the way from Georgia to Maine on foot. I feel like I've accomplished a ton, even though we still have 280 miles left.The rest of the day consisted of more ass-whoopin terrain, but we made it into camp right around dusk. The shelter was PACKED full of folks. Crazyness. We had to pitch our tents in some ganky spots. I headed down for water and past one of the weekend warriors who was sleeping in the shelter. "Oh, you're one of the ones who just got here, huh?" "Yep, that's me." "Gaw, I HATE getting in this late. It's getting dark. It's cold. I just hate it." "Uh....yeah." This time I had my filter and platypus in my hands...I'm super happy to be in my tent, but also super nervous for tomorrow and Mahoosuc Notch (the "hardest" mile on the AT) and Mahoosuc Arm.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 9.7

I didn't sleep too well last night. I woke up nervous, anxious for the day to be over. After I finished packing, I looked at my my trekking poles and noticed dried blood. Yes, the trail is definitely kickin my A.The notch took us the better part of 3 hours. I wouldn't say it's the hardest mile on the trail, just the slowest. Wags and I are strong when it comes to climbing up mountains, but when it comes to rocks/bouldering...let's just say we're a little challenged. We did encounter a 70-year-old woman who was doing the notch, so that gave us some motivation to make it. The arm, the second intimidating section of the day, was tough but not nearly as bad as we feared. Actually, to be honest, I enjoyed the challenge. I really am a fan of climbing up mountains. I guess that's a good thing since, you know, I'm thru-hiking. I just hate the downs!We took a nice break at speck pond shelter where we chatted with the caretaker (Footloose of '08). Then we headed down to Grafton notch where we called it a day, and stealth camped next to the road. Tomorrow - to Andover and the hostel! Thank goodness!
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Stealth Campsite

To: andover
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

8.10 stealth to andover 10.3 miles hosteli woke up this morning with a totally new attitude. The realizationthat i'll be at abol bridge in exacty two weeks coupled with theknowledge that i'm physically capable of doing so helped me to shed mywoah-is-me mentality. As if to prove it, the miles flew by today. Iwas on baldplate mountain by 9. And it was gorgeous! Wags and isashaed across both baldplate peaks and took in all the amazingscenary. The top of the mountain was all granite and the clouds keptburning off and on. We had a nice break at fry notch shelter with agroup of west point alumni from the class of '66. Then we headed toandover and had a great, relaxing afternoon in town. I know tomorrowwe'll be hiking again, but the reward is so close. I got this!
Date: 2009-08-11
From: andover

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 15.1

We had a good time last night at the hostel with Annie, Yak and Manimal. Wags and I watched bad reality tv, as usual, and enjoyed hanging out and replenishing calories.I grugingly left town this morning. We had the option to slack pack 10 miles but decided against it - Wags and I wanted to put in more miles. The first few miles went fairly quickly, and then we started up Moody Mountain. That baby needs some midol. Apparently there was a landslide a few months back, and the MATC (Maine ATC) cut a "trail" up the last part of the mountain. Of course it started raining right before we got to the detour. We grinned and climbed. And we got to the top. And everything was fine.Then came Old Blue. I guess my legs and mind are tired of hiking because I felt Old Blue probably more than I should have. We were aiming for Bemis Mountain lean-to and thought we might be able to make it, but decided to call it a day at an amazingly rooty but gorgeous overlook. Wags and I set up camp, and I don't believe I've ever been more happy to call it a day.Uncle Ray has been sending me very awesome and supportive emails, and he sent me one regarding homesickness. He said to focus on the present and what you'll do when you get home, not necessarily what's going on at home without you. So I've been planning my first few days back in Athens. Besides sitting on the couch with the pups, I've been thinking about food I'd like to eat. Here's a starter menu: breakfast of cereal, fruit, and cottage cheese; morning snack of fruit and cheeses; lunch - chicken salad sandwich and soybeans with hot sauce (thanks to Wags, I discovered my love of chicken salad on the trail, but I don't have any recipes. Any folks out there have a great chicken salad recipe? Less mayo the better - I'm not a fan)