morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-28
From: Happy Hill Shelter 

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter 
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello New Hampshire!!!The trail from the Happy Hill Shelter, where I camped last night, was all down hill for three miles until it left the woods right into an upscale neighborhood on the outskirts of Norwich VT.  After a pleasant two mile walk along Norwich¢s city streets, I crossed the bridge over the Connecticut River and into New Hampshire. A mile after the state line, I entered the town of Hanover NH.  Hanover is the home of Dartmouth University.  Although it is summer, the campus was buzzing with activity.  The trail goes right down Main Street and heads northeast out of town.  Before I left town,  I got a resupply at the Price Chopper, and for five bucks I was able to take a shower and washed my clothes at the towns recreation center.  I decided to stay at the Velvet Rocks Shelter overnight, which was only a little over a mile out of town.
Date: 2019-06-29
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter 

To: Trapper John Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2

Today I saw an abundance of wildlife. In addition to the hundreds of chipmunks, the plethora of birds and several snakes I see on a daily basis, early in my hike I heard a commotion roughly seventy yards up ahead and to the right of the trail.  The terrain was fairly flat and the forest was full of mature trees.  There was a mother bear and three cubs looking at me wondering what they should do.  One cub climbed the nearest tree and the other three bears ran in the opposite direction.  The cub in the tree kept looking at me trying to decide whether to come down and run away or stay in the tree.  I took one step towards the cub in the tree to get a better look at it and that little bear scrambled down from the top of that tall tree in no time flat and ran off to join up with its family. I was  hoping to get a selfie with mom and her cubs, but they wanted no part of that.  Next I came across a grouse which crossed the trail less then ten feet in front of me.  She must have had a nest close to the trail and was trying to lead me away from it.  As I walked on, I could see her in the brush next to the trail making a high pitched sound as if she was injured.  When I was out of sight, she stopped squeaking and went back to her nest.In addition to all the animals I saw, there were several peaks I climbed throughout the day.  First was Moose Mountain - elev 2290 and the second was Holts Ledges - elev 1968.  Both of these provided excellent views of the surrounding New Hampshire countryside. A pic from Holts Ledge is above.
Date: 2019-06-30
From: Trapper John Shelter 

To: Stealth Camp At Brackett Brook - NOBO Mile Marker 1781.8
Miles today: 15.3

When I went to bed last night I had no idea there was a raging thunderstorm on the horizon.  I usually try to get in my hammock by 9:15 pm.  As soon as I crawled into the sack, I heard rumblings of thunder in the distance.  The campsite I was staying at was not on the top of a mountain so I wasn¢t worried about a ferocious storm blowing away my tarp and gear.  Little did I know that a major rain storm was heading directly towards me.  I pulled up the radar on my phone and quickly learned that a huge red patch with a deep crimson interior was just about on top of me.  Minutes later, sheets of rain started to fall.  I laid in my hammock wondering if the tarp would hold down as the rain pelted it and the wind blew.  At one point during the heaviest part of the storm, it hailed dime size ice pellets.  By 10:30 pm the majority of the heavy rain passed and I survived another storm.  It rained on and off the rest of the night, but nothing too heavy again.In the morning, it was still overcast, and the rain had stopped.  I packed up my gear and off I went.I had two peaks to go over before the end of my hike, Smarts Mountain - elev 3229 and Mt. Cube - elev 2911.  One thing I¢ve learned about the peaks in Vermont and New Hampshire, even though they may not be too tall, the trail is usually fairly steep the last mile up to the top and a mile past the peak.  These two peaks were no different.  Smarts Mountain almost did me in because the rain came back as I climbed to the top.  Between the steep terrain and wet slippery boulders I had to climb over, I was exhausted as I made the summit.  On top of the mountain, I ate my lunch and quickly started down the north side of the mountain.  As I reached the lower elevations, the rain subsided and the sun came out again. The trail then led me up to the top of Mt. Cube were I was able to look south to see Smarts Mountain.  The view was outstanding.  I sat on the summit for several minutes taking in the views.  The pic above is looking back towards Smarts Mountain.  It turned out to be a fine day in the woods after all.
Date: 2019-07-01
From: Stealth Camp At Brackett Brook - NOBO Mile Marker 1781.8

To: Glencliff - NOBO Mile Marker 1793.3
Miles today: 11.5

Today I had a short hike into Glencliff, NH to get a few days rest at the Hikers Welcome Hostel.  There were a few elevation changes but nothing too tough. On my way to Glencliff, I saw my first moose.  It was standing very still near the entrance of Camp Moosilauke - a summer camp for kids.  I noticed the ferocious beast across the road as I came out of the woods.  I thought I had a chance to sneak up and get a selfie with a real moose.  The pic above is as close as I could get without letting the moose know I was there.  What an unexpected treat for me...
Date: 2019-07-02
From: Glencliff - NOBO Mile Marker 1793.3

To: Glencliff - NOBO Mile Marker 1793.3
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero today and just hung out at the Hikers Welcome Hostel all day.  A pic of the hostel is above.  Other than the normal resupply activities and washing my clothes, I did very little.  I figured a day of complete rest was in order.  Tomorrow I start my hike into the White Mountains, which by most accounts is the toughest part of the AT.
Date: 2019-07-03
From: Glencliff - NOBO Mile Marker 1793.3

To: Kinsman Notch - NOBO Mile Marker 1802.6
Miles today: 9.3

Into the White Mountains I go...Mt. Moosilauke - elev 4802, is the first peak I tackle as the trail heads north into the White¢s.  Staying at the Hikers Welcome Hostel allowed me the opportunity to slack pack over Moosilauke starting at Kinsman Notch and hiking south back to the hostel.  After a thirty five minute ride up to Kinsmen Notch, I started the steep assent to the top of the mountain.  The trail was rocky and very steep for one and a half miles.  Next to the trail was a beautiful water cascade most of the way up.  Once the trail broke through the tree line, the full view of the surrounding country was amazing.  A pic of the view from the summit is above.  The sun was out and except for a little summer time haze, I could see at least forty miles in all directions.  At one time there was a lodge at the top of the mountain but it was long gone and only the remnants of the stone foundation are left.  The summit was quite crowded with day hikers due to the Independence Day Holiday.  Everyone was enjoying the views and warm sunshine.  If this is a taste of what the White Mountains have to offer, I cannot wait to summit the rest of the peaks the AT crosses over the next one hundred miles.
Date: 2019-07-04
From: Kinsman Notch - NOBO Mile Marker 1802.6

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 11.5

Happy Independence Day!!!With Mt Moosilauke behind me, today I summited Mt Wolf - elev 3478, South Kinsman Mountain- elev 5358 and North Kinsman Mountain - elev 4293.  I knew the hiking would get more challenging the deeper into the White Mountains I got but I had no ideal it would be this tough.  Mt Wolf wasn¢t too difficult because the elevation gain was manageable, but going up to the summit of South Kinsman Mountain was nearly impossible.  The last mile and a half before the top was nearly straight up. At several points in the climb, I put my hiking poles away and only used my hands to scramble up the steep bolder fields.  It was the most technical upward climb I¢ve experienced so far anywhere on my hike in any state.  Once I climbed above the trees, the view to the east were worth all the sweat and exhaustion.  The pic above is from the top of South Kinsman. I spend a good deal of time at the top just taking in the views before pushing on to Kinsman Pond Shelter where I spent the night.
Date: 2019-07-05
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter 

To: Liberty Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 7.5

With all good intentions, I planned on hiking up and over Little Haystacks Mountain - elev 4800, Mt Lincoln - elev 5089, Mt Lafayette - elev 5254, and Mt Garfield - elev 4453, today but a few minor diversions got in my way.  First, I stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut, which was only a mile and a half from the Kinsman Lake Shelter at about 9:00 am. There are several ¢Huts¢ scattered along the ridges of the White Mountains.  They are mainly for day hikers who want to experience the great outdoors. A stay at one of the huts usually cost between $115 and $150 per person per bunk, which includes dinner and breakfast.  The well maintained huts were built in the 1930¢s and are staffed by a ¢croo¢ of up to six college age staff.  It is a tradition to feed the AT through hikers breakfast and dinner leftovers.  They also let a few through hikers stay for one evening on the floor of the dining area, free of cost, if they do minor chores.  The stay includes dinner leftovers.  I was lucky because there were breakfast leftovers to be had at the Lonesome Lake Hut this morning.  The last few days I had been hiking with Shade Hunter (he is a retired Air Force Master Sargent who wears a large brimmed hat to shade his face so he doesn¢t have anymore dermatology issues).  Shade Hunter got to the Hut a few minutes after I did and we both chowed down on several stacks of chocolate chip pancakes with real NH maple syrup, several helpings of scrambled eggs and a few cups of coffee.  What a treat.  Our impromptu breakfast lasted almost an hour.  After we finished, we continued to hike down towards Franconia Notch and then up to the variously peaks.  The pic above is from Lonesome Lake in front of the Hut.The next obstacle was a cool stream with a large pool just waiting for someone to take a swim. By late morning it was already eighty plus degrees and both Shade Hunter and I were sweating profusely so a quick dip in the cool mountain stream seemed just the ticket.  After another hour of enjoying the water, we were back on the trail.  At this point it was noontime and we both agreed that it would be nearly impossible to summit all those mountains in front of us with the remaining time left in the day and the fact we were both still exhausted from our hike over the North and South Kinsman Mountains.Not letting another good diversion go to waste, at Franconia Notch there is a visitor center that serves hamburgers, beer and ice cream.  After a short mile walk, off trail, to the visitor center, we were enjoying all the delectable items we were craving.  By this time it was 2:00 pm and back on the trail we went. By the time we hike up the two and a half mile steep climb from Franconia Notch to the Liberty Spring Campsite, it was 5:30 pm.  Although I didn¢t get to where I thought I would starting out this morning, I had a great day enjoying the opportunities right in front of me.
Date: 2019-07-06
From: Liberty Spring Campsite 

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.3

Because I did not attempt to summit Little Haystacks Mountain - elev 4800, Mt Lincoln - elev 5089, Mt Lafayette - elev 5254, and Mt Garfield - elev 4453 yesterday, I had a big day ahead of me.  The forecast for the day was overcast skies with a very good chance of thunderstorm storms by 2:00 pm.  Knowing this, I got on the trail early.  Little Haystacks Mountain was only two miles away and a thousand feet above Liberty Springs Campsite, where I stayed last night.  The hike up to the summit was not too tough except for the last one quarter of a mile.  Once I was over the top of Little Haystacks Mountain, Mt Lincoln and the Franconia Ridge, which connects Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette, were fairly easy to navigate.  The assent to the top of Mt Lafayette was a good deal more effort but not impossible.  Unfortunately all of these peaks were in the clouds due to the impending rain storm.  I was able to catch a few glimpses of the surrounding mountains and valleys as the clouds passed.  The pic above is from the top of Mt Lafayette during the passing clouds.The trail between Mt Lafayette and Mt Garfield was almost four miles apart with a fifteen hundred foot down and back up again.  By the time I summited Mt Garfield the clouds broke up a bit and I could see the views I had missed from the other three mountains.  Unfortunately, when I checked the radar for the impending rain storm, it was moving quickly in my direction and I had about forty five minutes to get off the Garfield¢s peak.  As predicted, the rains came quickly as I continued on my walk.  The Galehead Hut was a little under three miles away and I was going to try and get a work for stay spot there.  The work is typically sweeping the floor and maybe cleaning dishes.  Just my luck, when I arrived at the Hut, there was an opening.  I changed into dry clothes and waited until dinner was over to feast on the leftovers.
Date: 2019-07-07
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite 
Miles today: 11.8

Wow - what a great day it was.  The rains from yesterday ushered in a high pressure front which made for a very sunny clear day.  The temperature only got to the low sixties with a slight breeze - what a day to hike.I spent the night in the Galehead Hut and hung around for breakfast.  A pic of the hut is in the photo gallery.  The pancakes, eggs, oatmeal and coffee were just what I needed to get the day off to a good start.  Shade Hunter also spent the night at the hut so we split the sweeping up and light dish washing choirs in the morning.  We ended up sleeping on the benches in the dining hall so I did sleep too well.  The trail leaving the hut shot straight up to South Twin Mountain - elev 4902. From the hut to the top of the mountain it was about a thousand foot climb in under a mile.  I managed to keep all those pancakes, eggs and oatmeal down on that huge climb.  Once I was on the top the 360 degrees views were unbelievable. With the super clear air and bright sunshine I could see peaks seventy mile away.  The pic above is of Little Haystacks Mountain on the left,  then Mt Lincoln, Mt Lafayette, and Mt Garfield on the right.  These are the peaks I crossed yesterday.  I also have a pic of Mt Washington in the photo gallery.  I stayed on top of South Twin Mountain for almost an hour taking in the views.From South Twin Mountain the trail dropped down Mt Guyot - elev 4578 and than quickly down to the Zealand Falls.  The falls are more of a very long cascade.  They are a great place to sit and relax for a few minutes.  Because it was Sunday there were a large number of day hikers out enjoying the falls area.  The trail continued down to my final stop at the Ethan Pond Campsite where I spend m the night.  Hopefully the rest of my days in the White¢s are as beautiful as this one was.
Date: 2019-07-08
From: Ethan Pond Campsite 

To: Nauman Campsite 
Miles today: 9.3

1000 total miles completed!!!Most of the day was spent climbing up from Crawford Notch to the top of Mt Webster - elev 3910 via Webster Cliffs.  The view from the cliffs over Crawford¢s Notch and beyond was outstanding.  Another clear sunny day allowed me to see great distances.  From the bottom of the Notch to the the top of Mt Webster is just under three miles and over two thousand feet in elevation.  Needless to say, I took a long break at the top of Mt Webster to rest and enjoy the views.  The pic above is from Mt Webster looking north towards Mt Washington.As I continued down the trail, I summited Mt Jackson - elev 4052.  Mt Jackson is at the south end of the Presidential Range.  I ended my day at the Nauman Campsite which is right next to the Mizpah Spring Hut.  Not wanting to miss another opportunity to get some tasty dinner leftovers from the hut, Shade Hunter and I did a work for leftovers which was just washing a few dishes and sweeping up the small kitchen area.  I could not take another night sleeping on the hard bench in a hut, so I set up my hammock at the Nauman Campsite for the night.Tomorrow I summit Mt Washington.
Date: 2019-07-09
From: Nauman Campsite 

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8

Today is the day every AT hiker looks forward to - summiting Mt Washington - elev 6288.  Although it is the second highest peak on the AT next to Clingman¢s Dome  - elev 6658 in the Smoky Mountains, because of the highly unpredictable weather of the White Mountains and Mt Washington specifically, it holds a mostique unlike any other peak on the trail.  Mt Washington has the record for the highest recorded wind speed on the continental US speed of 231 mph.  The hike from Nauman Campsite took me past the Lake Of The Clouds Hut which is in the shadow of Mt Washington. Shade Hunter and I had to stop and see if there were any leftovers from breakfast, and luckily there was a large platter of pancakes and a bowl of scrambled eggs just waiting for us.  After a quick second breakfast, onwards to Mt Washington. The summit was only a mile and a half from the hut, but straight up and over very rocky terrain.  As a matter of fact the majority of the hike for the day was in the Alpine Zone which is above the tree line. The Alpine Zone is very stark and moonscape like.  The only vegetation is  very short spruce shrubs, some wild flowers, grasses and plenty of lichen covered boulders and sharp rocks.  I like hiking in this terrain because of the constant views.  The only downside are the winds and on this day the constant winds were roughly 15 - 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.  The temperature was in the upper fifties but with the wind it felt more like the upper forties.Because the Mt Washington summit is very accessible by both car and a cog railroad, there were plenty of tourists. There is a snack bar where I got a few chili dogs, a bowl of clam chowder and was able to recharge my power bank and cell phone.  After an hour of eating and relaxing, I stood inline to get the picture above next to the Mt Washington elevation sign.  The views from the top were just ok.  Apparently there are wildfires in Manitoba, Canada and the smoke and particulates have make their way to northern NH causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.  Even with all that, I could still see thirty plus miles.  I can only imagine on a clear day the views must be spectacular.The trail from the summit leads down past Mt Clay - elev 5533, Mt Jefferson - elev 5712, and Mt Adam¢s - elev 5712 and I finally stopped at the Madison Spring Hut where Shade Hunter and I secured a spot for work for stay.  Even though the distance from where I started my hike in the morning at Nauman Campsite to the Madison Spring Hut was only a little under twelve miles, the elevation changes and hiking over rocks all day wore me out.After several large helpings of enchiladas and chocolate chip cookies at the hut and helping clean out the freezer and refrigerator as my chores, I fell fast asleep on the hard benches just after hiker midnight (9:00 pm).
Date: 2019-07-10
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8

After a reasonable night sleep on the hard bench at the Madison Spring Hut, I got on the trail early for the hike down to Pinkham Notch. Right out of the gate, the trail goes up and over the summit of Mt Madison - elev 5367.  The elevation gain from the front door of hut to the top of Mt Madison is five hundred feet in just a half a mile.  What a way to get your blood pumping at 7:00 am.From the summit of Mt Madison, the trail descends over three thousand feet of knee crushing downhill elevation change in just two and a half miles.  The pic above shows the rough downhill trail from the top of Mt Madison.  Because there are no trees in the Alpine Zone, stone cairns mark the trail.  The trail eventual levels out for the rest of the walk to the Notch.  At the Notch is the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where I ran into Crusher (destroyed a lawn chairs upon getting up from it- and he is not a big guy) who I met at the Hikers Welcome Hostel a few days ago.  Crusher was waiting for a lift to the Rattle River Hostel where I also had a reservation for the night.   Shade Hunter was right behind me coming off the mountain, so the three of us piled into Crusher¢s hiking buddy¢s (Russ) car and off we went to the hostel for the evening.
Date: 2019-07-11
From: Wildcat Mountain Peak E

To: US 2 - NOBO Mile Marker 1893.7
Miles today: 18.4

For the last section of the White Mountains, Shade Hunter and I decided to slack pack.  Starting from the top of the Wildcat Mountain - elev 4066, we hiked past the Carter Notch Hut, up and over Carter Dome - elev 4832, Carter North Mountain - elev 4539 and Mt Moriah - elev 3976.  The last six miles of the eighteen plus mile hike was an easy downhill stroll.  The trail exits the woods at US 2 which is just a short walk from the Rattle River Hostel.  Unfortunately for us, the rain they predicted for the afternoon came down as planned and we hiked in the rain for the last seven miles.
Date: 2019-07-12
From: US 2 - NOBO Mile Marker 1893.7

To: US 2 - NOBO Mile Marker 1893.7
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After the long and strenuously trek through the White Mountains, I decided to take a zero day at the Rattle River Hostel. My day consisted of the usual resupply activities, washing clothes, checking gear and taking a nap...
Date: 2019-07-13
From: US 2 - NOBO Mile Marker 1893.7

To: Gentian Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8

I took my time packing up my gear and leaving the hostel.  They provide a nice pancake and coffee breakfast every morning.  So nice you really don¢t want to leave.  When I finally got my act together it was 8:00 am and back on the trail I went. The rain which fell a good deal of yesterday was gone and the morning blue skies were full of big fluffy clouds with plenty of sunshine.  I started to feel a summer cold coming on so I knew I would have a short day today.  The trail quickly rose up from the wide valley which Gorham calls home, and over Mt Hayes - elev 2555 and Cascade Mountain - elev 2631.  The pic above is of Page Pond - elev 2220, which is nestled in between Cascade Mountain and Wocket Ledge.  If it was a little warmer I would have gone for a swim, but not today. I decided to stay at Gentian Pond Shelter for the evening.  Because I was feeling a little under the weather I ended up going to bed by 7:00 pm.
Date: 2019-07-14
From: Gentian Pond Shelter 

To: Full Goose Shelter 
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Welcome to Maine!!!Leaving New Hampshire makes the seventh state (GA, NC, TN, CT, MA, VT, NH) I¢ve finished.  Only seven (VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY and ME) more to go.  The trail through Maine is two hundred and eighty two miles long.Still feeling poorly, I managed to put in just under ten miles today.  The trail did its usual up and over several peaks including Mt Success - elev 3565, Mt Carlo - elev 3565, Goose Eye East Peak - elev 3790, West Peak - elev 3823 and North Peak - elev 3678. Because the air was so clear, I spent at least thirty minutes on each peak looking at the tremendous views.For some reason I thought once I was out of NH and past the White Mountains, the rest of the terrain to Katahdin would be relatively easy.  Based on the last two days, I need to readjust my thinking. The mountains in Maine are just as challenging as they were in NH.  I was hoping to up my mileage back to around fifteen miles per day, like I was doing just before the White¢s.  According to the trail map, it looks like I have a little over one hundred miles of strenuous hiking before it levels out a bit with the big finish at Katahdin.