morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Hiker's Welcome Hostel

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

1 CPR. A few words about Mt Moosilauke....  This a the first 4000ft mtn in the area, just over 4800 ft with a 3700 ft climb. There are several trails to he summit. However, these are marked by original trail names, e.g., pre-AT and notwell blazed. Lucky missed the trail near the summit and ended up walking down to a rural area. This is not uncommon in the near zero visibility conditions.  We had rain climbing up, sleet on top and more rain on the way down. 2. Report. .Used To Could and I liked a hiking option proposed ny Fat Chap. This bad us slackpacking from Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch, shuttling to Chet's Hostel for the nite, then confining NOBO from Franconia Notch. Note the Southern part of AT has Hollers, the middle part has Gaps and here the Northern part has Notches.    Most of the hikers at the hostel went to N Haverhill for dinner. Used To Could, major and I left later for Warren. After dinner, I started packing my gear andnthen retired for the evening. I slept  wry hard all niteWe were up early this am and left for breakfast at Peg's. There were UTC and me slackpacking; BAM, Stilletto and Shimmee NOBO; and Major and Bear Bait leaving the trail for home. We got to the trailhead parking lot and saw Long Shot who came out for a day hike. He hiked wit UTC and me tongue first shelter and henhad brought some trail magic. Mrs LS had made some fresh blueberry muffins. I could have been a pig and bogged all the muffins, but asked that some be savedFor BAM, Stilletto and Shimmee.  These were the best blueberry muffins I've ever had and I had 2 from the secret recipe 2nd batch.  After our break, UTC and I continued hiking the trail up S Kinsman Mtn. Thisq was a real challenge.  Steep, 2000 ft climb over some rough terrain. The descent wasn't much easier we finally got to Franconia Notch, called a shuttle  for Ted's hostel, ordered pizza and now getting cleaned up, ready for bed and preparing for tomorrow. Were sharing the hostel with a filyWe met at Hikers Welcome:      Flameboy, Wildflower Child,  Firecracker, Klutz, Gena, and Walkie TalkieLife is Great!
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Franconia Notch

To: Liberty Springs Tentsite
Miles today: 3.5

2. Report. Last night was a late night. It was almost midnight before I got all my nightly chores completed and although I went to sleep almost immediately, I didn't sleep all that well. A taxi showed up at 0600 to pick up a fare.  Flame boy was up and asked if I had ordered a taxi.  I said negative and went back to sleep. He and Klutz were going to continue NOBO, while the rest of family was going to bus back to Oberlin.  They had an 0645 shuttle reservation.  I got up a bit later, and finally just before 0900, Used To Could started stirring. We went down to restaurant for breakfast and I mailed a couple of SD cards to my photo editor.  We really enjoyed pur stay at Chet's Hostel and id recommend it for any hikers om the area  There also is a very reasonable Shuttle Connection serving the area  We returned to hostel, packed up and then took a surprisingly late start and shuttle back to the trail. We are now officially in the White Mtns, generally rearded as some of the prettiest and uet most rugged sections of the AT  My daily part of current nearterm plan was to hike about 10 miles to a shelter. However, I had no real energy today, we got a late start, wx wasn't  looking all that great, and here was a tent site only 3 miles and 2400 ft climb from the trailhead. I decided to settle down here and UTC joined me. We set up our tents on the platform in a light, but cold sprinkle. I got out of my wet clothes, climbed into my sleeping bag and was immediately asleep.  Around 1700, the caretaker showed up to collect the site fees and I got up. It was still cold and I finally broke out my long johns and brand new down parka. I may be carrying 50+ lbs, but I'm not going to be cold, hungry or thirsty, and I'm not giving up my electronic toys. I fixed dinner and it continued a light rain. I've starting replanning my near term schedule and will be going to bed early, hoping tomorrow is a better, stronger day.  UTC is sound asleep and snoring and I can hardly wait to put on those wet clothes tomorrow am at probably 50 deg or less.  6 Green House Restaurant, Warren NH.  2 Greasy Spoon this was open mic night and I can only say two things: they were loud and really enjoying themselves.  The salads were very good and quiet large. I ordered the shrimp Alfredo. The pasta was gummy,  the sauce rather bland, shrimp very very good and the portions again generous the garlic toast was very good. Dining parter Major had the chicken broccolli Alfredo with similar review and other partner UTC had a very goodhamburger on a chiabatta roll with excellent onion rings. Presentation was excellent and service rather lackingPeg's Place,  N Woodstock NH. 2 Greasy Spoons very good breakfast. Generous portions but not hiker worthy. If you order a special breakfast, the served small cups of maple syrup. Otherwise these is a glass jar of maple FLAVORED syrup. With the exception of what looked/tasted like frozen homefries, the breakfast was very good.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Liberty Springs Tentsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

2. Report.  It was a nice sleep last nite. It rained lightly most of the nite. My Airmat has a leak and won't hold air. I can't find the leak.  Used To Could and I were up early and out hiking. The trail is still in pretty bad shape. The wx was fair, e.g.  No rain today but generaly socked in by clouds.  We climbed up to 2. Report.  It was a nice sleep last nite. It rained lightly most of the nite. My Airmat has a leak and won't hold air. I can't find the leak.  Used To Could and I were up early and out hiking. The trail is still in pretty bad shape. The wx was fair, e.g.  No rain today but socked in ny clouds.  We climbed up to Mt Lincoln and Lafayette, peaking at 5249 ft. The route was rather rocky and I've had one fall each of the last two days. I've had several slips each day, catching myself several times with one hand and once with two hands. I know in Olympic figure skating these would be considered a fall, but not by my standards on the AT. The maps and guidebooks indicate a couple of climbs, one major and one minor. However, we climbed much harder than what is projected inthe maps. One part of the trail was all rocks down the middle of a good size stream.  UTC and I arrived at our first AMC hut - Galehead. These huts are run by the Appalachian Mtn Club for the AT. They charge a healthy fee for guests and will let first 2 thru hikers "work for stay" as generally 2nd class citizens. Hikers eat leftover after the guests have eaten, sleep on the tables and then perform an hour or two of work. I'll provide more in next reportLife is Great!
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Galehead Hut

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 7.0

1. CPR. During yesterday's descent from Mt Lafayette, we ran into Trouble, a day hiker.  She had brought some snacks for a group who were doing a 32 mile trail loop, but was unable to find hem. She asked if I wanted some and I said I'd take anything she could give. Used To Could accused me of yogi-ing on the trail. Didn't bother me a bit and I ate it all during the long hard day2. Report. UTC and I were the 1st two thru hikers at Glenhead Hut for "work for stay".  Later Banadana Man and his son Speed Racer were also allowed work for stay and later still another father/son duo were allowed leftovers from the leftovers from the thru-hikers.  There was plenty of food. I ate 3 plates of shells stuffed with cheese and spinach, covered in red sauce; 2 plates of some kind of stir-fry peanut stuff; a small bowl of salads for those readers concerned about me getting scurvy;  probably the equivalent of 2 loaves of a cinnamon raisin bread; and a couple of squares of something crunchy on the bottom and covered with a chocolate fudge sauce on top. Lights out were at 0930 it started raining shortly after that and the wind started howling. Us hikers got up a little after 0600 for the "croo" to start fixing breakfast for the guests. We hikers got leftovers again, filing but nothing special.  For our work, UTC and I changed bunk linens and swept the floors.  It was raining and wind was 20 gusting to 30. Most all the guests were in reprogramming mode, changing hut reservations and making shuttle reservations. UTC and I left about 1000. It was cool, raining and a nice uphill climb. At the ridgeline, we came across a boulder field above treelike with winds gusting 50 kt that made hiking really interesting. We also had a short fording and did our good turn by waiting for two other groups of guests and helping them across the stream. Overall, I'd rate this section as the most gentle so far in 'NH, notingthe trail conditions still poor and the wx manageable at best.We got to Zealand Hut and were allowed another work for stay. Our work assignment was to stack firewood in a shed forover an hour. We're waiting for the guests to finish dinner so we can leftovers again. There another thru hiker, Woodchuck with us hereLife is Great!
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

1 CPR. Re: Anchient and Royal Order of Mardi Gras Hiking Beads.  I had seen the Hoffman Happy Hikers at the AMC Highland Center. I told them I proudly wore the beads for a day; but that I wasn't going to carry them to Maine nor throw them in the trash. I planned to find a pretty young girl to give them. They said no; I had to find someone worthy who had performed a good deed. Used To Could and I met a very nice family on the trail, the S's: Bill, Mercedes and children ( oldest boy I think was Mark, Makella (sp?) and Luke. Luke was a real trooper, very polite and never complained  He was carrying a huge pack and I wonder if his older siblings didn't offload some of their gear onto him. Luke also performed the role of Darth Vader in the Mitzpah Croo skit. I presented him the beads and he seemed quite pleased2. Report. We slept well and woke up to socked in conditions. During the guest breakfast the Croo read mornin wx report. It recorded temp of 33-39 and winds to 69 mph on Mt W, with worsening conditions for today. After guest's breakfast, the hikers had leftover vegetable quiche, oatmeal and cinamon cake. I ate well again. The SOBO cleaned the stoves and UTC and I swept out the hut and folded up the blankets. We were all on the trail just after 0900. We started with a nice climb, heavy mist/light rain and high winds.  after the climb, we had about a 2 hour hike over rocks on the ridgeline. Clothes were soaked and my hands quite numb. It sleeted some andwith the wind fel like being hit with a sandblaster.  I  was warm as lomg as i kept moving; but wasn't very confident this am.  one miss step or pole slip and all I could imagine was a compound fracture. UTC was a mtn goat and hiked well ahead. We finally got to treeline and out of the wind. Hiked down a couple 1000 ft and finally got some comfortable trail. We arrived at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center just before 1800  UTC had a mail drop. Since we had been eating at the huts, he now had 2 weeks of food and I was looking to resuppy. So, I ended up buying 1/2 his food. UTC was going to eat at the center and stay overnight at the lodge. I was looking to hitch a rode to Gorham, take a zero and resupply there. I went to the highway and before I could set up my hiker's hitchhiking sign, The first car stopped and picked me up. Driver was Albert, the Postman. He gave me he driving tour of Gorham and let me out at a motel. I chose the upscale motel, got a large pizza, a 6-pack of favorite beverage, lounged in the hot tub, and then crashed hardLife is Great!
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Gotham NH
Miles today: 0.0

2. Report. I slept extremely well last night. I was up earlyAnd hiked a bit to Welsh'a for breakfast. I walked in and was waiting for my eyes to adjust to the lights and heard his voice:" Hey Tic". There was a table of hikers I knew: Uncle Tom, Lumbar, Go PSU, and Lucky. They had arrived a day earlier and were getting back on trail today. After breakfast I stopped at a sports store for a few supplies.  Back to the motel and I used a bottle of Gorilla glue to shore up my pack and hopefully patch the hole in my air mattress. Went to PO to mail down jacket home, an SD card to Miss P&B, and pickup ME maps that Libra Lady had mailed to me.  The local paper reported the Mt W road was closed yesterday due to snow conditions  Planning and preparing fornext hiking leg. Surprised to learn Short n Sweet and Greybeard are coming to town and planning to hike NOBO.  We'replanning to meet at Italian restaurant for dinner tonite. This will complete today's report.  Digression again, but it's my journal, so...How I (Almost) Got Assigned to New HampshireI was assigned in early 1980s to Los Angeles Air Force Station and participating in one of the never-ending ¢Space Studies¢ .  In my previous assignment, I received an annual efficiency report that was definitely career-limiting.  I didn¢t think I¢d ever get promoted again; but was surprised to get promoted to Major.  Thinking that I¢d never get another promotion, I was looking for a fun and interesting terminal assignment.  During this space study, I discovered the Air Force Satellite Control Network operated a number of radar tracking stations around the world.  I talked to my assignments officer and expressed a lot of interest in the Seychelles; me and everybody else.  However, the site at New Boston, NH looked quite appealing.  It had 3000 acres, 300 civilians, 30 enlisted men and 3 officers:  a Lt admin officer, a Capt/Major Deputy, who would then rotate up to be commander after a couple years, which was a Major/Lt Col position.  This really appealed to me and my assignments officer said he would start working it for me; but, added the ¢needs of the Air Force¢ caveats.  At LAAFS, I played intramural sports with a teammate who was now the deputy at the newly created Space Plans Division at the HQ USAF.  I remember it like yesterday.  I called him on a Thursday and explained my situation, looking for an alternate position in case NH deal fell thru (This 2 fault tolerant is a  inherent trait of all us space cadets).  He said HQ was always looking for good troopers and for me to send up my resume.  I faxed one up on Fri.  Monday, I got a call from Chief Bennett (a real E-9 CMS, not like the Navy where everyone seems to be a chief).  Chief welcomed me to the Pentagon and HQ USAF.  I interrupted him and said he didn¢t understand.  I was working a NH assignment, when the Chief explained to the Major who really didn¢t understand.  Notification of orders to the Pentagon arrived shortly.  So that¢s how I almost got assigned to New Hampshire Radar Tracking Station.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Gotham NH

To: Mt Carlo
Miles today: 14.1

2. Report. Last evening was great as I was treated to dinner by Greybeard and Short n Sweet. I went back to hotel, and found out that Capt Blue was in town and called and left msg.  Slept well, got up early and hiked down for some breakfast.  Surprised to see Greybeard and SnS there, as hey had planned to stop at Dunkin Donuts.  They left and I was joined shortly after by Little Buddha.  Went back to hotel, finished packing and had a shuttle ride to trail head. The wx was great, sunny and slightly warm. The trails were in very good shape and relatively easy after hiking the Presidential Range.  I'm turning into a tour hiker now and am getting anxious to get to Katahdin. Cool Tool passed me around noon. I told him one of his followers was wishing he had updated his journal more frequently. I stopped at Carlo Col shelter early evening for a wager fill. I HD thought about staying there but it would soon be crowded as an AMC youth contingent was about to arrive. Also, I was interested in some sunset photos from a vista and pressed on for a short bitMilestones1. NH is now in the rearview mirror2  Katahdin is less that 300 miles - 180.56    Welsh's Restaurant, Gorham NH.   3 Greasy Spoons. Very good hungry man's breakfast: eggs, sausage, pancakes, toast, homefries and real syrup, with lots of hot coffee. Saladino's Restaurant, Gorham 4 Greasy Spoons. Real Italian family operated restaurant and market. Clam chowder was the best I've had in the NE. Regular menu was quite appealing and specials were outstanding.  Service was superb  Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Speck Pond 

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

2. Report. The chain saw next to me was the first one up this morning - turned out to be Cool Tool. He was out hiking and I followed him soon after. Most others at the campsite were still in the bag. I took some pictures and hiked to my early pickup at Grafton Notch. It was a relative easy hike and I should have hiked it easy. However, I was still whipped, my knees were complaining a bit, and I didn't regret getting the shuttle for a moment. I thought I would arrive at the parking lot at least an hour before pickup and get caught up on my journal entries. where I had been averaging about 1.5 mph for the day, recently it has been less than 1.0 I got to the pickup just before the scheduled 1200 time and was quite glad to see Dave there with a pitcher of ice cold lemonade - it was the best drink I've ever had until my next adult beverage. We took a short ride back ot the hostel, I almost fell asleep. Lucky, GPS and Lumbar were there and just getting ready to head out. i took a quick shower, washed clothes and then went to downtown Andover. There are 2 commercial buildings: a general store/diner and a restaurant that closes at 1400. I had a big chicken dinner at the diner, got a six pack and returned to the hostel. It was a hot one today, maybe up to 90 deg. I completed some on line business, got caught up on my telephone calls and did some map studying. Cool Tool just arrived and we'll going to get dinner after he gets cleaned up. Still don't know whether I'll go back on the trail tomorrow or take a full zero here.3. POD Mea Culpa again! How could I have forgotten July 4th. IHO of Independence Day I recognize our forefathers for their courage, strength and insight in creating this great country that gives us all the freedom to pursue our dreams. God Bless America!!!New Hamphshire - I was expecting beautiful vistas, challenging hikes and unpredictable weather and it exceeded my expectations in all regards. I can see where beautiful weather would make this one of the best hiking sections in the world; conversely poor wx would make it one of the worst. I was also surprised to see a good number of hikers out in areas well beyond their experience and capability base. I enjoyed the hostels that really went out of their way to support my hike. I also enjoyed my stays at the AMC huts. I had heard many negative impressions from thru-hikers about the AMC; but, my interactions were always very positive. I also enjoyed very much hiking with Used To Could and hope to see him again along the AT.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Grafton Notch

To: Andover ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Report. I was up early today. Cool Tool slept in late and then we went to the restaurant for breakfast. It was fairly good. Got back to the hostel to find Little Buddha had arrived. I checked my air mattress for leaks, did a little cleaning up and the mailed some stuff to Ms P&B. Then i did some real planning I'm tired, beat and its hot, very hot for hiking. Also, there are a number of items that have buiding up for me on the homefront that I need to start paying some personal attention. There are several things I want to do before I complete this hike and then, the sooner its over the better. There is a saying on the AT about hiking your own hike, and I intend to do that shortly. I'm staying at the Pine Ellis hostel and am planning to get a shuttle tomorrow up to Caratunk. From there, I plan to take the AT "ferry" across the Kennebec River and then on to Monson which is near the southern terminus of the "100 Mile wilderness", a short hike up to Katahdin and then flight reservation for DC and then home.Cell covreage has been spotty lately and I don't expect it to get much better over the next few weeks. Also, I expect battery power charge to become a factor soon as well. So, I'll update on a daily basis as much as I can; otherwise when I'm in town.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Andover ME

To: Pleasant Pond Mtn
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

2. Report. After filing yesterdays journal at the library, I returned to the Pine Ellis Hostel ( grea place to stay for hikers) and David said he was going to pick up Short n Sweet and Greybeard. I asked to go along and we went to the trailhead and waited for themby a small waterfall and pool. i took some photos and Dave played his flute. They arrived shortly and took a quick dip. Dave brought a gallon of lemonade and I had a couple of adult beverages. We went to the hostel and then to the diner for dinner before they closed.  Returning to the hostel, I was tired and crashed hardEveryone was up early. I went downtown for breakfast, but the restaurant didn't open until 0600. So, back over to the diner. I returned to the hostel as Cool Tool, Fred Rat, Lil Buddha, SnS and Greybeard were getting ready to depart for some slackpacking. We took some photos and off they went. I did ask Buddhe to please not pass me before i got to Monson  I got my gear packed and was ready when Dave returned. He then shuttled me to Caratunk. It was a warm day, bank temperature gauge reported 87 deg at 1030. Probably got up to 95 or so.  I hiked a bit south to cath he Kennebec "ferry". Barely got there before the operator (Kenny?) left. We launched the ferry, a.k.a. A canoe, ands took some photos of the official AT ferry. I then started hiking NOBO. It was a good hike despite the blazing heat. At the hostel, I had filled my water bladder with ice, so I had cold water all day. The trail was quite comfortable with a gentle uphill all day. At mid afternoon I came to a pond, took a good swim and filledmy water bladder. Then completed a climb up a nearby mtn.  I wanted this spot to avoid the shelter(bunch of young Fr Canadians boys there, get some cooler conditions and look for photo ops. I found a good spot, fixing dinner and filing my report. Today was goodLife is Great!
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Pleasant Pond Mtn

To: Moxie Pond Lean To
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

2. Report. Lastnightwas not notvery goodforsleeping. I was constantly attacked by bugs. I must have killed a couple dozen sweatbees and several small horseflies. But the worse were these gnats. They bite and fly everywhere, in tour eyes, ears and nose. I had one in my ear and tried to get it out. It didn't die and was trappedinside, buzzing all over the place. I finally managedto silence him.  I had talked to JP IBBG and we made tentative plans to meet at Moxie Bald Lean To on Friday he would arrive on the pondvia canoe and I wouls hike in. My plan was to spend the nite on Moxie Bald Summit, and thenhave a very short hike to the shelter  Todays hike was rather tame, not nearly as hot as yesterday.  I got to the Bald Mtn Brook Lean To and stopped for some lunch. Ended up taking a nice nap as well.  I had about a cup of wild blueberries and 3 raspberries.   I hiked up to Moxie Bald. Wx was threatening and photo ops were nil. I called JP and was disappointed to hear he had vehicle problems and had to cancel out. I hiked to the LeanTo and found 3 young guys set up in the shetler. I had already decided to set up my tent to preclude another bug attack. Took a short dip in the pond  Then fixed dinner,camp set up and recoreded my journal entry. Now if I only had some cell coverage. Another good day on the trailLife is Great!