morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Fri Jun 26, Day 108. [from 1332 audio journal update, click on link at bottom of page to listen] Just crossed over the Connecticut River bridge into the state of New Hampshire. Woohoo! Can¢t wait to experience what this state has to offer. The White Mountain Range looms ahead. Can¢t wait to experience that, for sure. The weather is great, the sun is out, the temperatures are creeping up. Hopefully the rain will hold off. This morning we got an early start from the Happy Hill Shelter and walked into Hanover on Main Street where we found the Dirt Cowboy Caf©, a great little coffee shop. Got some high test in the system and had a lemon cheese danish before we walked on down to see what is going on in the City. We'll hit the Post Office, grab an ATM, and maybe look for someplace to eat. I¢ve got my cold weather gear coming into Hanover. Going to swap out some of my summer gear here. I can¢t imagine what the extra weight is going to feel like but that¢s a different story. We are not going to stay here tonight. We'll push on down the trail a couple of shelters ahead and get prepped up for the Whites. A couple of other messages:Wes Payne: I got your letter in Killington, thank you so much. Interesting facts, you are amazing. Alex Wilkerson, my daughter, I got the Father¢s Day card. Thank you so much, dear. Love you much, hope you and Jeff are doing well.UPDATE from Spokes' Guest Book entry: When I switched out my summer gear for heavier clothes and sleeping bag the load got heavier - YUK! Then I went to the Hanover Co-Op grocery store and got a big ol' hoagie sandwich and one to carry to the next shelter. The climb out of Hanover woke up the legs that's for sure. Moose Mountain Shelter was the destination for the day. Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Sat Jun 27, Day 109. This morning I woke up and my right eye was almost completely swollen shut! There was no drainage, redness, or soreness. My best guess is a spider or other insect bit me during the night. Another hiker, Big Bob, gave me two Benadryl tablets and it seemed to help.On the hike I had another surprise. A local by the name of Don Burrell (aka Longshot) met me on the trail right before Lyme Center, NH. He said he had been following my journal and figured he could intercept me there. Don shuttled me into Lyme Center, NH where I purchased some Benadryl then he hiked with Hot Wheels and me up to the summit of Smarts Mountain (3,230'). Before Don left us he gave us a bag of fresh blueberries and strawberries! I am so happy to have met Don and appreciate him taking time to come visit.Hot Wheels and I then walked to the Hexacuba Shelter and as we were getting our places set up Don appears again! This time carrying a cooler with two six packs of beer, (Long Trail Ale and Magic Hat Ale), crackers, and smoked cheese! Unbelievable! Don you are amazing. Thanks again for the best trail magic yet. Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 14.6

Sun Jun 28, Day 110. [Update from Spokes' Guestbook post] Today I am in Glencliff, NH and staying at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel. I have a maildrop here but since it's Sunday I'll need to wait until tomorrow morning to get it. The Whites loom ahead. Big climbs and hopefully big views are in store. No cell phone service here so no audio updates-DRATS!
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Mon Jun 29, Day 111. What a day. Made it over Mount Moosilauke (4,802'). Got to the other side and guess who shows up - Don Burrell! Yep, he got up at 0300 this morning, drove all the way up here from West Lebanon, NH (over 60 miles away) and parked his truck way down at the next gap (here they call them a "Notch") and hiked back to meet us and walk with us. He pointed out sights along the way and gave us invaluable information on what to expect as we tackle the White Mountains. Then when we got to his truck - the Trail Magic continued! He had watermelon slices, pickles, cheese, soft drinks, and more. What a wonderful experience! Don (aka Longshot) - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for what you did for us. I was stunned them and am still in disbelief, but deeply appreciative of your kindness and generosity. After 17 tough miles we made it to the Eliza Brook Shelter.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Franconia Notch - Carriage Motel, N Woodstock, NH

To: Galehead Hut (AMC)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Wed Jul 1, Day 113. The Hiker Connection Shuttle took Hot Wheels and me to the trailhead this morning. I am not looking forward to today's hike. From a starting elevation of 1,450', The trail goes over Little Haystack Mountain (4,760') and Mt. Lafayette (5,249'), both boogers of a climb. Besides, the weather forecast calls for torrential rain. Not good. The going is slow and I decide to start in my rain jacket. The conditions continue to get worse as the elevation climbs. The trail is a creek today. By the time I reach the summit of Mt. Lafayette I'm almost blown down by high winds. At one point Hot Wheels pack cover is almost torn off his backpack. I swear there are pellets of sleet hitting me! By now I have my rain pants on, thank goodness. I'm still chilled. All I want to do is get off this mountaintop. The hike down is pretty hairy. Slick rocks make me nervous.Once on the other side the weather cleared for just a moment. We took a quick video and some pics. View from Mt. LafayetteClick on picture to see full sizeHot Wheels catches up to me and we hike down the rest of the way together. Our plan is to stop at the Galehead Hut and ask for Work for Stay.On the trail to the Hut I reached a steep waterfall stream that went down to the left. I stood there looking for a blaze on the other side but couldn't spot one. Then I looked down the waterfall and spotted one. No, I'm not kidding, the trail went down the waterfall! Imagine water gushing down craggy rocks and you having to navigate down a steep incline with a fully loaded backpack. Somehow I made it to the bottom without having a complete disaster. Luckily, the hut wasn't far away. I later saw there were 40 mph gusts on the hut's wind meter (aka anemometer). Thank goodness I was inside. The Galehead Hut is maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). I'm tired, wet, and hungry.Assistant Hutmaster Nick welcomes us and allows us to stay. After a while Carolina, and old hiking partner, and Allgood show up for Work for Stay. Work For Stay is usually offered to the first two thru-hikers who request it. It involves an hour or two of light chores, instead of paying the $94 (Yikes!) overnight cost. My Work For Stay is giving a talk on hiking the AT to the paying guests! Should be fun... In the Galehead HutL to R: Hot Wheels, Allgood, Spokes, Carolina Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Crawford Notch (then into Concord, NH)

To: Concord NH
Miles today: 0.0

Fri Jul 3, Day 115. Zero day in Concord. Hightop fixed blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Boy were they good! We spent the day driving around Concord and shopping. The sun came out and I laid all my stuff outside to dry. I even got a haircut! Spokes gets a trim Click on picture to see full sizeThe rest of the day was spent relaxing. Tomorrow is back to hiking. Mt. Washington is in my sights. NH State Capital At least they spelled his name right Downtown Concord Prophetic Magic Ale Bottle Cap Spokes and Hot Wheels enjoying the Hot Tub Tidbits and Observations:T&O One: A cut on my left knee appears to be infected. Trying iodine, peroxide, Neosporin, and a bandage. We'll see...
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Concord NH

To: Lakes of Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Sat Jul 4, Day 116. Tom and Sue Ann (Hightop and his wife) drove us to the Crawford Notch Trail Head and we were on the AT by 0800 hours. Moose on the trailClick on picture to see full size Rocky trail out of Crawford NotchSteep climb up the mountain but on Mt. Webster the clouds broke enough for pics and a video. It sure was windy! Spokes atop Mt. Webster, Crawford Notch behind him Views down into Crawford Notch from Mt. Webster Mt. Webster Views from Mt. Webster Once on the ridgeline things started to change. It was bad, bad, bad. Brutal. At one point I saw a cloud bank approaching me and before long it completely enveloped me. The rain came in droves, soaking my clothes. Then the wind picks up. I'm cold but my body generates enough heat to keep me from shivering. That changes as I go around Mt Eisenhower (4,754') and Mt Monroe (5,305') and over top of Mt Franklin (5,004'). There are thunderstorms now with claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. Then the hail starts. It's driven by 40-50 mph winds - it hurt! Everybody was almost hypothermic. Scaredest (most scared? scardiest? whatever...) I've ever been since I've been on the trail. I endure somehowThis goes on for about 30-45 minutes, but it seems an eternity. The rain subsides then starts again. The only consolation is the trail is somewhat level but still rocky. Just when I'm about to have my fill of it all I see the Lakes of the Clouds Hut come bursting out of the fog. I arrive at 1445 hours and just stand in the hut dripping wet trying to compose myself. The hut was packed with Fourth of July holiday weekend hikers. The croo member asks me, finally, if I'm checking in. I tell her I'm a thru adn apologize for being here early. He says "Wait a minute" and Betsy comes to me saying I can stay here since it's too bad outside. Thank goodness they took all of us thru-hikers in. I eventually decide to pay $10 to get out of Work for Stay.The wind tomorrow is supposed to be 45-70 mph on the summit of Mt. Washington. That puts the chill factor down around 20 degrees. Brrrr! Wet clothes won't help.Today was the first day I was really concerned about safety on the AT. I hope this weather breaks soon!My knee appears to be infected. I'll go into Gorham for medical help tomorrow if it doesn't improve by then. About the Hut: Lakes Of The Clouds Hut is the highest of the huts, and also the largest and most popular. Given its spectacular setting on the southern shoulder of Mount Washington, the latter is hardly surprising. It sleeps 90 people a night in several bunkrooms and has a crew of 10. All food and supplies are carried in (and trash packed out) on wooden platform packs on the backs of the staff who hike to/from the summit of Mt. Washington, 1.4 miles and 1200+ vertical feet each way. The massive day traffic has earned the hut the nickname "Lakes of the Crowds." The original structure was built in 1915. Most nights during the summer are full for dinner, especially on the weekends.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: Mt. Washington, then into Gorham NH

To: Pinkham Notch, Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Mon Jul 6, Day 118. The trick now is getting from Gorham back to the summit of Mt. Washington. Atom and Flexible, sectioners we met at the hostel last night, took us to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. There we caught a very expensive ($25/person) shuttle to the top. We were going to hitch at the auto road but two other thru's said they were run off by staff. Seems the auto road is a private road! What a day. Clear skies and 48 degrees on top. After pics and video the trek begins. Summit of Mt. Washington.L to R: Tabasco, Spokes, AllgoodClick on picture to see full size Spokes on the summit of Mt. Washington Views from the summit of Mt. Washington Going down the other side was slow but fun. What views! Descending Mt. Washington I reach the Madison Hut and talk to the croo about the trail to Pinkham Notch. They're helpful. Madison HutHot Wheels is behind me by about 20 minutes. He's cautious on the downs. After a break at the Madison Hut the journey continues. It's only a half-mile to the summit of Mt. Madison. Steep but dry. On top I survey the panorama. Stunning! Mt. Madison Views from Mt. Madison I also see approaching thunderstorms off in the distance. Time to go.For the next three to four miles the AT was above treeline. I scurry down but don't outrun the rain. No lightning, good! My handbook guide says blazes are scarce during the next several miles. That makes me mad since it shouldn't happen. The entire trail should be well blazed. They weren't kidding. At each trail junction I study the signs to be certain I stay on course. I pass a section hiker who tells me a moose and a cow are about a mile up the trail eating leaves - actually blocking the trail. They were gone by the time I got there. Cut my left leg - again!The rain stops for the last two miles of the day and this leads me directly into the Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center. Hot Wheels and I have reserved a double bunk room in the Joe Dodge Lodge, a dormitory style hut that includes linens, dinner, and breakfast. Not cheap but worth it.I must commend the staff here. Without fail every time I've talked to them they have been wonderful. Thanks for the superior customer service!Now off to bed. Rain is forecast for tomorrow...I can't wait.p.s. Thanks to the Charlotte Running Ladies for the care package - took a few pics... Looks like the eye swelling moved to my lips! Would YOU hike with this man? What Santa Claus looks like during July If this rain doesn't stop I'll go crazy! Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Pinkham Notch, Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Tue Jul 7, Day 119. Well guess what? I woke up to rain today. A cold rain too and here it is the end of the first week in July! Go figure.Hot Wheels and I left the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center this morning after staying at the Joe Dodge Lodge. It was a little pricey but worth the money. The AMC staff went out of their way to accommodate us since we got in late and almost missed dinner. Low miles today, trail and weather are just too tough. We hiked out in rainy cold conditions and battled the Wildcats, a series of mountains. We had been warned about them. The trail went up and over six peaks - Wildcat Peak E (4,041'), Peak D (4,063'), Wildcat Col (3,780'), Peak C (4,270'), Peak B (4,270'), and Peak A (4,380'). We were told they would brutalize us and they did. Slick rocks made the going slow. Hot Wheels and I were supposed to try and make the Imp Campsite but fate would prove otherwise. After only 6 miles we were whipped. The trail kicked my butt today. Made it to Carter Notch Hut about 1300 hours, Hot Wheels rolled in at 1330 hours. Each hut has an info board with trail distances and time estimates. From here to Imp Hut is estimated at six hours, then I was told to add 45 min-1 hour due to the weather. Yikes! That meant we'd be getting to camp around dark. Not smart.This is another AMC full service hut. Lindsey the hutmaster and her "croo" welcomed us in. The weather was just too bad to turn us away. I asked Lindsey if I could rent a room but she said a Work for Stay was possible. Thank goodness! Hot Wheels and I washed dishes, then organized the library and game box. Thanks to all at the Carter Notch Hut for your fantastic hospitality and all you do for the thru's!The miles are just SO hard now. We are going to try for Imp Campsite tomorrow (Wed) but everyone tells us we will be lucky to make one mile per hour between here and there. If we make it to Imp, then our goal for Thursday 7/9 is Gorham, NH where we'll take another Zero Day.It continues to rain and remains cold. This terrain is proving to be a challenge and has blown any time estimates for completion. I can see there's an end in sight but the challenge is overwhelming.Oh yeah - the knee is improving. Side effect of the antibiotics is a noticeable increase in thirst. I'm having to drink lots more![Transcriber's Note: just got off the phone with Spokes, he is trying to describe how hard this section is and words fail him. Ricky and I saw first hand how well he moved over the peaks in Vermont just a couple of weeks ago, he is in great shape. If this terrain is hammering him, it must be really brutal. Just the fact that he is considering another Zero Day so soon speaks volumes for the difficulty of what he is going through. Keep those Guest Book posts coming, they are like energy rejuvenation pills for him.]Where oh where is the sunshine??Can we just go back to 1973 and listen to the Partridge Family?I've got the sunshine in my handsYou've got the sunshine in your handsWe've got the sunshine in our handsNow let it shine all over this land Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: fog

Wed Jul 8, Day 120. The Carter Notch Hut Croo under Hut Master Lindsay were awesome. They really made Hot Wheels, Allgood, Tabasco, and me feel welcome. We were even allowed "special lodging," 'Nuff said. Before I left I told Lindsay she was a True Angel. Her smile was fun to watch.Rain is the norm, it's a cold rain too. Today we went over the Carter Mountains, South (4,458'), Middle (4,600'), and North (4,530'). The climb out of Carter Notch was tough. But even tougher was the descent down the North Carter Range. Yeehaw! It was very bad and slow going. No sense getting cut up more than you have to so it was slow hiking. Once again, everyone hiking out here is miserable, cold, and depressed due to the weather conditions. Another day of hiking low miles makes me unhappy. The Imp Shelter was the destination. It's an AMC fee based shelter, sleeps 16, with a caretaker (Karla). The cost is $8.00 per person, per night, a steal. The shelter has nothing special and is just like all the rest. About 2030 hrs. a group of 10 came in consisting of eight 13 year olds and two camp counselors. One of the young fellows was hypothermic and the counselors worked hard to get him in dry clothes, into a sleeping bag, and began pumping calories in him. He was shivering and crying really bad and I was concerned for the little guy. By morning all was well, thank goodness. Just goes to show you what "wet" will do to you in 30-40 degree temps.It's just bad out here. You gotta be careful and be prepared. Even though it's July, you literally could freeze to death up here in the Presidential Range! Tomorrow the weather forecast is for sun, let's hope so. We are hiking into Gorham tomorrow. Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, NH - Hiker's Paradise Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

Thu Jul 9, Day 121. The sun!!! This morning the sky parted (Yeah!) and the sun shone through partly cloudy skies. It amazes me how the sun can instantly change your mental attitude. It energized me - something I have not experienced in a while. I haven't seen it in so long I forgot what it looked like. A marvelous gaseous orb that warms my body and dries the trail. Rocky staircase on the trail, click on picture to see full sizeGreat hike up and over Mt. Moriah. Views!! Looked at them a long time. We could see the Presidentials jutting above the cloudy valley below. So wonderful. On the summit of Mt. Moriah Views from Mt. Moriah There were only 2 river fordings today across the Rattle River. We were warned by several SOBO's that the fordings were treacherous but by the time we got there the water was down to only ankle deep instead of the knee high waters of late. Still we had to navigate across swift water and submerged rocks. Just waded through since the boots and socks were wet anyway.The last 2 miles into Gorham were nice and flat.Made it to the road crossing at US 2. At the trailhead Allgood, Hot Wheels, and I called Golden Waldo who does shuttles. Then an old hiking buddy, Carabo, pulls up. He lives 26 miles away in Maine and saw us. Yesterday Hot Wheels started complaining of chest pain on the right side of his chest. Vitamin I didn't help. We think it may be a bad muscle strain or a gall bladder. He was in a lot of pain today hiking out of the Imp Shelter and wanted to go to the hospital. Carabo offered to take him. I'm at the Hiker's Paradise (same place we stayed a few days ago) with his pack. Sure hope he's ok.We will most likely take a Zero Day tomorrow.Transciber's Note: Any of you remember the comic strip 'Lil Abner? I think I've found the guy who is hking with Spokes and Hot Wheels. Take a look: Joe Btfsplk Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-07-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Sat Jul 11, Day 123. Up early today. I walk about 0.5 mile to McDonalds for a second breakfast. First was two slices of leftover pizza - yum!My shuttle picks me up at 0630 and takes me to the trail. Weather is cool and partly cloudy - yippee!! Views from Mt. HayesClick on picture to see full size The hike was fairly easy, not anything like what we have been having. Trail still has puddles in spots. Deep ones too! Nice day and lots of moose scat on the trail, but no sightings. I only see two other hikers today but don't stop to talk. My mind is on Maine. Dream Lake Moss Pond View from the trail to Gentian Pond ShelterI make it to the Gentian Pond Shelter just after lunch. It's a little too early in the day to stop but I decide to stay since afternoon thunderstorms are forecast. View from the Gentian Pond ShelterI got some information from Allgood. He said the hike from here up to Full Goose Shelter (10 miles ahead) is back to being fairly hard. Can't wait for that. Next worry is Mahoosuc Notch. Wonder how it will be?Should meet Longshot on the trail tomorrow near the Success Trail Junction (3.4 miles ahead). He plans to hike as much of the state of Maine with me as he can. 1.3 miles past the trail junction, we will cross the Maine border - the last state!