morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Stafford Notch Camp Site

To: Stafford, ME
Miles today: 10.3

Got underway by 0600, but as there were multiple peaks to cross, took it easy, just hoping to get to town by mid afternoon. Atop Avery Peak had a perfet day with unlimited visibility, and an unbelievable view, and met a hanglider about to take off. I talked to him a bit, and then videoed his take off. The rest of the hike was exhausting, but great views until the final long downhill. Unbelievably after exhausting myself going down the mountain with only 10 miles on the day, the trail went up for the last mile. I got to the highway to find almost no traffic and 5 miles left to town. Luckily I had a signal on the phone, and the Stafford Motel sent out a car which picked me up in about 15 minutes, so I was in the shower by 3:00pm which was exactly according to plan. I hadn't planned to be so worn out by 10 miles of hiking, but I made it. The 60 miles the previous 3 days certainly took a lot out of me considering the terrain. Don't have a plan yet for the rest of Maine, but think I'll try to resupply somewhere half way between here and Gorham NH where Dave will be sending me the next set of maps. The only thing I can think to add is that I found some wild rasberrys along the way (they only had less than 10 balls per cluster), but very tastey in the wild kind of natural trail magic.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Stafford, ME

To: Crocker Cirque, Maine
Miles today: 7.3

Spock got ride back to trailhead at about 9:30 after stay in Stratton. Soon after attacked Crocker Mountain, which has a double peak, named North and South, both above 4000 feet. After steep descent he saw a beautiful campsite and decided to call it a day. Every day in Maine is a challenge, the mountain slopes quite steep and one following the other.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Crocker Cirque, Maine

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to, Maine
Miles today: 14.2

Today's challenge was a very steep ascent to top of Sugarloaf Mountain, then a few miles later came Spaulding Mountain. Had lunch at a nice stream. Spock heard an ominous noise during the afternoon and it turned out to be a fast approaching thunderstorm. He called me while he was drying out from it. He has another tough uphill to reach the shelter. Tomorrow comes a triple-peak climb, but after that things look pretty good on into Andover, his next planned town stop. Ran into another southbounder by the name of Coffee.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to, Maine

To: Rangeley, Maine (Route 4)
Miles today: 10.7

Spock described the mountainous terrain today as "nice." Saw a moose, the most recent of several spotted. Reached route 4 and went on into the town of Rangely, 9 miles away. Ate at the Red Onion and is staying at the Gulf Pond Lodge, which sounds like a very nice hostel. Only sixty more miles to the Maine border. Thanks to cousin Joe for checking in.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Rangeley, Maine (Route 4)

To: Bemis Mtn Lean-to, Maine
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Spock is having good luck getting a phone signal from the many mountain tops he crosses. He called me from the second peak of the Bemis Range. The owner of the hostel gave him a ride back to the trailhead and he set off about 7:30. He has a six-day food supply with him, the most he's ever carried, because he wants to stay on the trail until Gorham, NH, where his map drop is. He has four southbound hikers he sees, but hopes to get ahead of them. (Not all hikers are fun to be with) Hasn't seen any familiar Northbounders lately. He reports he's on his fifth pair of reading glasses.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Bemis Mtn Lean-to, Maine

To: South Arm Road to Andover
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Started raining around 10:30 am, which made for a tough hike up Old Blue Mountain. Long, hard downhill afterward to South Mountain Road. Because of the steady rain, Spock decided to get off the trail head into Andover. After hiking along the road for about a mile, a motorist was kind enough to take him the remaining 8 miles into town, where he's staying at the Pine Ellis Hiking Lodge. Forecast for tomorrow looks good, with more showers due on Wed. This will be the last town he can stay at until Gorham, so he might need to get used to being wet.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: South Arm Road to Andover

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Had ride to trailhead from owner of hostel and set off about 9:30. Had nasty slip and fall, but no injury. Heard there were quite a few Northbounders in Gorham, so he should start running into them soon. Three significant ascents today. Stayed at Frye Notch Lean-to.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Speck Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

This is the kind of day you just get over with and forget about. Raining heavily at 4:30 am. When daylight came it was still drizzling. A Northbounder staying at the shelter remembered Spock from the Delaware Water Gap. Spock set off about 8 am in drizzle and rain. On Baldpate Mountain he got above the treeline and the wind was extremely bad. While going down, the path was so slippery he was forced to sit down and crawl his way along in the wind, rain, and heavy fog. Below the treeline conditions improved and he was able to hike normally again. Had lunch at the Baldpate Lean-to. Some hikers got off at route 26 and headed for town, although the nearest one was 17 miles away. Spock pressed on and made the three mile ascent up Old Speck Mountain. It just went up and up and up. When he called me he was about a mile from the shelter and looking forward to stopping. If weather improves he could make Gorham by Friday. Like I said, just one of those days you put one foot in front of the other, unless you can't even do that and are forced to slide along on your butt!
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Speck Pond Lean-to

To: Carlo Col Shelter, Maine
Miles today: 9.5

Endless ups and downs made Spock decide to keep this a fairly short mileage day. He stopped at the last shelter before crossing into New Hampshire. He doesn't have the elevation map for New Hampshire, so doesn't know what awaits him as he heads for Gorham. Mountains wore him down today. He ran into a Northbounder who remembered him from the Standing Bear Hostel (NC?)This range of mountains is called the Mahoosuc Range and has a reputation for being the toughest miles of the entire trail. Spock spent two and a half hours hiking up Mahoosuc Notch, and was rewarded for his effort by finding a dead moose. Much of the hike is boulders you just have to pick your way through, as the path is not well marked. Found ice in several crevices. Above the treeline the views were spectacular and Spock took his time to enjoy them.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: U.S. 2, Gorham, New Hampshire

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Not positive of the name, but Spock said he was staying at the Cardinal Swartz Hostel in Gorham. Picked up his next set of maps and plans to head back to the trail on Sunday morning. Ran into thru-hiker Rodney Dangertrails, who is heading North. They hiked together way back around Damascus. Rodney (John)told Spock he will come across places to snack in the upcoming days, so the food supply is only going to be around 3 days. The resupply will be at a Walmart Superstore. Spock bought a new water filter and may also get a new shirt. A note of congratulations to Carrie on her new car and raise at work.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Gorham

To: Zeta Pass, New Hampshire
Miles today: 12.6

On Saturday night Rodney Dangertrails bought a bottle of wine and picked Spock's room for the party. Dinner was at the KFC. Caught 8 am shuttle back to the trail. Had one big climb today from the Androscoggin River to the top of Mt. Moriah. Stealth camped in the vincinity of Zeta Pass. It rained while he was eating, but was not a problem as camp was already set up.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Zeta Pass, New Hampshire

To: Osgood Campsite, NH
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: fog

Had morning snack of cookies at the Carter Hut. Today ran into four people he knew from the south, including a father and son who remembered him from the Smokies. Lunch today was at Pinkham notch, where the Appalachian Mountain Club headquarters is located. This is the club that maintains all the huts in New Hampshire. These huts are quite large and are like hostels on the trail, where dozens of people can stay. They are very popular and reservations are necessary. There is a staff at every hut that cooks and keeps the place up. This day Spock ended up stealth camping near the Osgood Camping area. His adventure this day was a frustrating one. He hiked for forty or fifty minutes without seeing a single AT blaze on a tree. Finally he backtracked, but it turned out he was on the trail all the time. The second time this happened he ran into some Northbounders who assured him he was okay. You wouldn't think such poor maintenance would occur on a trail like this, but it does.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Osgood Campsite, NH

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut, NH
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I really hate when I spend ten minutes typing in a journal entry, and I lose my internet connection. Well, here goes again. Spock reported that above the ridgeline the hiking was hand-over-hand with strong winds. His big climb today was from Osgood campsite to Madison mountain, over 2,000 feet. He had lunch at the Madison Hut. He ran into an old friend, Stealth, who was delighted to see him. After a few miles of ups and downs he ascended Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet. Surprisingly, the wind was light and the temp 65 degrees (Mt. Washington has a reputation for having the year-round worst weather in the US) He celebrated by stuffing himself with Chile dogs at a snack stand. Staying tonight at the Lake of the Clouds hut. Not having a reservation, Spock is staying by helping out at the place. He'll eat when the other guests are done and help out cleaning up breakfast in the morning before setting off.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut, NH

To: Zealand Falls Hut, NH
Miles today: 18.9

Spock said there were 7 thru-hikers staying at the hut while he was there. His job was to move composting. He could have had breakfast the next morning after everyone else was done, but decided to leave early. Stayed with Bloody Nose, whom he had run into often earlier in his hike. Also mentioned running into Eagle Eye and someone named Jim in the woods this day. Jim asked how Bones was doing, so I got an honorable mention. Spock also mentioned another thru-hiker, one who shuttled him around Port Clinton. After long hike down to US route 302, he walked one mile to the Willey House, which had a snack bar. Spock feasted on a Chicken salad sandwich, soup, ice cream, fudge, and bought a couple candy bars to go. At Ethen Pond the shelter was full, so he kept going and found a nice stealth tent site near the Zealand Falls Hut.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Zealand Falls Hut, NH

To: Liberty Springs Tentsite, NH
Miles today: 17.4

Hiked across Mt. Layfayette and Mt. Lincoln today. Found stealth campsite near Liberty Spring Campground, which is just before a major descent to US 3 and Franconia Notch. Believe Spock may head into town tomorrow at Franconia Notch. Currently he's hiking in an area called the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Liberty Springs Tentsite, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good mileage yesterday considering the terrain. Halfway up the third mountain of the day broke up above the treeline, and had fantastic vistas for the next few miles along the ridgeline including Lafayette, and Lincoln Mountains as the most spectacular. It was getting late, so I decided to eat a GU (high energy gel) to tackle the last 750 feet to the top. I had been saving the "GU's" for MT Washington, but ended up summiting without needing them, so had them in reserve, and I zoomed up to the top. As evening approached, storm clouds loomed, so I set a torrid pace across the ridgeline bolder hopping, as I leaned into the fierce wind on the mountain top. The landscape took on a strange aspect up there, with the cairns which mark the trail (piles of rocks) above the treeline reminicent of ancient times. I was reminded of Frodo at Weathertop as I raced the coming storm. Ended up beating the rain to the shelter of the trees, and got the tent set up (stealth site in the woods off the trail) and myself and my stuff inside before the rain increased to a deluge. Decided not to cook, but just eat whatever was left in the food bag inside the tent, and call it a day, but the rain was just a passing shower, and I could have cooked before dark if I had wanted. Today, I had only 4 miles mostly downhill to the road, US 3, and then hitchiked to the town of Lincoln. Most of the hikers stayed at a Hostel, Chet's and raved about his hospitality (He's turned his house over to hikers), but I wanted some private time so opted to a motel instead. Hope I didn't miss any friends in the process, as I timingwise, I am crossing pathes with many old acquaintances from the trail north just now. On the way down to town met a section hiker from East Brunswick NJ and we spent some time talking about Riddle and Martin subs (My favorite sub in the world, and I have been around the world). Also met John who I recognized from Shenandoah and who remembered me and asked about Bones (Brother Dave) my partner back then. Well that brings us up to date. I have restocked my food, and am enjoying an old John Wayne movie on TCM, and plan to be back on the trail in the morning. Next town call (liberty port to you squids out there) will be Hanover NH which is home to an Ivy league college which I would name if I could remember how to spell it, and is very near the border with Vermont. I am enjoying things more and more now that I have Mt Washington, the last big challenge, behind me. I was more emotional than I had expected to be as I approached the summit, and I'm not sure why. The only time constraint I have is not to arrive in Great Barringron Mass on the 5th of Sept to visit my friend Nancy, as that would complicate things for her. Thanx for your support, it means a lot when my supply of gumption gets low. (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maint) Expect to be in Hanover in about five to six days (72 miles), and then on to the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

I believe Spock went a bit longer than seven and a half today, but doing my best to keep the total mileage accurate. Enjoyed his log entry yesterday, as he can supply personal experience that cannot be conveyed over a phone. Weather was a bit crappy, so he stayed at the Comfort Inn in Lincoln until 10:30 am and caught a shuttle to the trail. This was a noticeably cold day in the White Mountain National Forest, despite it being August. Stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut and ran into hiker remembered from PA. Later ran into thru-hiker brothers, Mangrove and Jay Beard(?)Still hoping to run into Flying Turtle. Crossed the Kinsman Ridge Trail and staying tonight at the Eliza Brook Shelter. I forgot to mention that in the White Mountains many of the peaks crossed rise up over 5,000 feet, hence the spectacular views.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Spock is applying a new technique when in town and it's raining. He stays at the hotel until checkout time, then goes to the trailhead. He takes a sandwich with him to have for supper, so then can carry an additional 5 days supply of food. Anyway, that's what he did at the last stop. Today was described as windy with nice views from the mountaintops. Ran into Suko, who I actually saw back in Virginia when Marty and I first picked up Spock and Turtle. He was hiking with three other guys then, but broke off since and is hiking by himself. Today's high peak was Mt. Blue, a 2500 foot ascent. After coming off the mountain, Spock reached Jeffers Brook Shelter to spend the night. He made a log entry, putting Flying Turtle's name in because he's still hoping to meet up with his old hiking pal. Five minutes after finishing the journal entry, who comes walking up but Flying Turtle himself! The boys spent a good half-hour catching up, for they haven't seen each other since PA. Turtle is now slack packing with new shoes, poles, etc. and has two friends he's hiking with. The amazing part is he is now hiking south, so it was just luck he dropped in at the shelter to check the log book.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter, NH

To: Smarts Mtn Tentsite, NH
Miles today: 21.2

The morning hike was wonderfully smooth, a good ol' long hike in the woods. In pm ran into a couple mountains. Atop the first, Mt. Cube, Spock ran into Peter, the slack-packing doctor, whom I met three or four times during my two weeks in Virginia. About to ascend the second mountain, Spock was told that water was scarce, so he replenished before heading up. Made great time covering the final four miles and reached an abandoned ranger station, which is now being used as a shelter. Spock chose to sleep in the nearby fire tower, so hopefully it won't be too cold. He's only 23 miles from the town of Hanover, at the Vermont line, so will be there on Wednesday. By the way, the college name he was trying to think of that is located in Hanover is Dartmouth College.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Smarts Mtn Tentsite, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: few clouds

Ran into old friends, Buffalo Bobby and Iceman, as well as three others. JB from the Smokies was the one who gave Tuna Bag his name. Only had two significant mountains of around 1,000 feet, so made good mileage all the way into Hanover. It seems the reasonably priced motels are all a few miles out of town, so Spock has decided to sleep in the woods behind a soccer field and go to the food store in the morning. He's aiming to get to Rutland Vermont by the 25th, find a motel, and celebrate his 55th birthday in style. I believe Hanover is the small town where Bill Bryson, the author of "A Walk in the Woods," lives.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Hanover, NH

To: Happy Hill Shelter, Vermont
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Am in the Hanover NH library checking out the Friends of the Libary used books for sale. They have a like new Tales from Margaritaville for a couple of bucks, but I have it at home, and it's a hard cover so kind of heavy but I sure was tempted. Instead came away with two (I guess I'm not so worried about weight now that I've got the Maine, and the White mountains behind me). I have a volume of Robert Frost Poems, "I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." The other book is Kurt Vonnegut's Hocus Pocus. I have never read any vonnegut, but have heard about him, so it's time. I had a great burger and beer dinner at Molly's on Main St, but was disappointed at the same time. You see, the beer was really cold and hit the spot, but while waiting for my burger, I went to the restroom (Head for you squids out there), and when I came back new people were seated at my table, and my stuff was gone. Well my burger was ready, I got my stuff back, and got a seat at the bar. At first I thought it was outrageous, and then after many apologies, the thought snuck in my head that the least they could do was make it "on the house". Hence my disappointment...it never entered anyone's mind there to do anything like that. So Molly's your beer is cold, and your food is good, but in my opinion, your manners stink. And if you are wondering, I did leave a tip, as I don't think any of it was the waitress' fault...yes she was cute. Will be leaving town in the afternoon, and not going too far into Vt today. I think I was a little cranky and overtired arriving here after 60 miles in 3 days incuding some climbing, so time to take it easy on myself. The old food bag has some neat new stuff in it as the local co-op didn't have some of my standards, but had some new things I can't wait to try. In this case, I think change will be good (for a change). Brother Dave "Bones" will let your know where I end up today. P.S. Bones here as promised. Spock left Hanover around 2 pm and wound up at the Happy Hills shelter after six miles.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Happy Hill Shelter, Vermont

To: vincinity of route 12, Woodstock VT
Miles today: 18.3

The goal this day was the Wintturi Shelter, but it was a bit too far, so Spock tented a couple miles short of it. In West Hartford there was a store practically right on the trail. The potato salad was especially good, and he also had a sandwich. Ran into old friends Loose Bruce, from the Smokies, as well as Cobweb and Mayo from North Carolina. On top of Bunker Hill there was an Adirondack Chair to relax in. Spock discussed poetry with a fellow hiker while there, undoubtedly inspired by his Robert Frost book.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: vincinity of route 12, Woodstock VT

To: Sherbourne pass trail to route 4 to Rutland, VT
Miles today: 20.1

Spock called this morning at 9 am from the Lookout Spur Trail. He says the trail in Vermont so far is not bad at all. Already he has run into Fuzzy Monkey and Tuna Bag (Picture posted). Also there was a guy with a banjo, so they naturally discussed some Blue Grass. His goal is to reach route 4 and catch a bus into Rutland. Tomorrow he will take a zero day in celebration of his birthday and hopefully make a personal log entry. What better place to turn 55 then in Rutland, VT?
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Sherbourne pass trail to route 4 to Rutland, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The town of Rutland is a bit bigger than most of the towns I stop in, so instead of walking miles getting around (which is kind of what I do in life these days) I rented a car for my birthday, so today is very different from most days the last few months. I had planned to stay at the Long Trail Inn, which is of course at one terminus of the famous Long Trail to Canada, but they were all booked up it being their 30th anniversary, and a weekend besides. I'm afraid I'm almost oblivious to weekends anymore, so it didn't cross my mind. Anyway a hiker who had left his car at the Inn and just hitchiked back from the Canadian border, saw me being turned away, and going out to hitch into town, and solved my problem by taking me not into town, but around the place till I found a motel in a place to suit my needs. Today in addition to visiting the library, laundermat, movie theater, and food store, I will be going to eat dinner at Appleby's. Today's photo is the first I've been able to upload from the road, thanx to a tiny drive I picked up at the Wall Mart here. It's atop one of the first mountains in VT, and someone had dragged an Adirondack chair up there with a log for a footstool and a view which is hard to beat. I was joined up there by a scholarly fellow who saw my vol of Robert Frost Poems and decided I was just the fellow to discuss American Poetry with (he was English). Anyway it was a very comfortable chair.My time is about up on this library computer, so thanx for joining me on my birthday.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Rutland, VT

To: Governor Clement Shelter, VT
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

After enjoyable Birthday weekend in Rutland, it was time to get back on the trail. Ran into Jim and Yonder, a married couple from Georgia. The two were as delighted to see Spock again as he was to see them. Obviously, the biggest advantage of hiking a "flip-flop" is running into all these old friends along the way. Jim and Yonder were off the trail for a couple weeks while Yonder recovered from Lyme disease. Also met up with Snowman today. The shelter stayed at was dirty, but there was only Spock there, so he decided to make the best of it.