morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-14
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, NH (Hikers Welcome)
Miles today: 20.0

Glad to be typing this from a nice warm and dry environment! Bug and I got an early start this morning to hike down the other side of Smarts Mountain and thank goodness it wasn't as steep headed down today as the climb up was yesterday! Vistas were out of the question since it began to rain just 4 miles into our day. We stopped at South Jacob's Brook when it began to pour buckets. Dandylion, who I have mentioned before is an 18 year old British guy, who is also hiking the trail in a kilt. He got his water from the brook and was quickly on his way. Once we had gotten our water, we did the same. I was a little scared to cross the bridge though because I knew it would be slick and easy to slip. Worse yet, there was no support railing on either side, so if we slipped, down 15' into the creek we would go. Thankfully, we made it across the bridge just fine.We bypassed Hexacuba shelter because it was .3 off the trail, but later heard that it was of a really cool design (perhaps a place to hike later?); the Dartmouth Outing Club had designed and built it and it was a 6-sided shelter and had a pentaprivy with 5 sides....those crazy ivy-league kids! The rain cleared long enough for us to safely climb to the top of Mount Cube and have a bit of lunch, but it was short-lived because just as we were eating our dessert cookies we started to feel the first droplets of rain beginning to hit our heads. Time to pack up and keep going.From this point on, for the next 4 miles we just put our heads down and walked. There was a short respite at Ore Hill shelter for a snack and register reading and since it was only 2pm we decided to continue to walk 7.4 miles into Glencliff, NH.I can't honestly tell you much about the trail this afternoon except that it was cold, wet and rainy. From this point on, I have decided to wear my contacts on trail no matter how much hand sanitizer I have to carry. My glasses were continually dripping wet and fogged over so that I could not see the roots and rocks on the steep downhill into town.Well, here we are at the Hikers Welcome hostel with a number of folks we haven't seen in quite some time: Fig & Just Visiting, Mr. Clean Jr., Just Bob, Pathfnder & Gray Walrus, Mud Pumpkin & Stats and a number of others. As I sit here, we are watching Lion King's movie, "Walking with Freedom". Not sure whether we will zero tomorrow or not yet. Will let you know...
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Glencliff, NH (Hikers Welcome)

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

The decision was made to not zero today. The skies cleared this afternoon so we couldn't justify sitting around although it was tempting. Drifter was kind enough to drive us to breakfast in nearby Warren, NH along with Thunder and Pumpkin. Once we got everything squared away at the post office with summer gear mailed home and winter gear back, I called my Mom and Dad to let them know that my boots arrived safely and that they still fit. Bug called his Mom as well.I had heard dreadful things about the climb up to the top of Mt. Moosilauke and it was quite difficult. The difficulty was a little lost on me though because I was too worried about the fact that there were no white blazes on the trail. I had not seen where the trail could have veered off, but sometimes you get lost in your hiking zone and totally miss it. I was in a frenzy about possibly having taken a blue-blaze side trail, when Bug pointed out a very faint blaze on a tree. With that discovery, the trail suddenly became much more difficult.It was well worth it! Today was our first time above treeline (this means that no trees grow above a ceretain elevation because the conditions are too harsh)! Bug and I reached the top and it was pretty socked in. We waited for about 10 minutes or so and soon we got 360 degree views. They were brief and they were clouded, but incredible just the same!Bug and I started down the mountain since we had just enough time to get to the shelter before dark. Just as the sun began to set, Bug heard some crashing through the trees. We stopped to see what it was, and off to the left in the woods was a humongous cow moose. Somehow, watching Northern Exposure doesn't quite give one an appreciation for the size of how big those animals really are! This thing was GINORMOUS (to quote our friend Hairball) and much larger than a small horse!! Bug and I are so psyched...he actually saw another one as well. We had intended to get a picture, but (a) it was rather dark and (b) a SOBO came up and scared them away before we could get to the camera. So excited, we've been seeing moose poop for miles now!!!We arrived at dark to the shelter to find a ton of people: Clean, Jr., Dandylion, Fig & Just Visiting, Mud Pumpkn & Stats, Bear, Caboose, Shags, Muleskinner, Woodrose, and Bella...along with two section hikers: Revdr Dan and his friend. Luckily, Fig and Just Visiting saved us a couple of spots in the shelter and here we are setting up camp. Since it is already dark out, I will cut this short. Goodnight!
Date: 2005-08-18
From: Franconia Notch (Carriage Motel)

To: Garfield Ridge campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to meeee. Happy birthday to Buggie...Today was an awesome day to be hiking, and one that I will always remember. We had prearranged a shuttle back to the trailhead for 6am (not very typical of us), but we weren't packed & ready to go (QUITE typical of us) so we had to get up super early and get our things together. We reached the trailhead at the Flume visitors center well before 7am, but we had to hike an extra 0.9 miles back to the AT...bummer. The climb up to the Liberty Springs tentsite wasn't too terribly difficult for the terrain, just long and consisted of hundreds of rock steps up the mountainside. As the name of the campsite would suggest, there was a wonderful spring where we stopped for a break and ate pistachios that Mr. Clean, Jr. had given us. After stopping for about 30 minutes we continued our journey up the mountainside to the Fanconia ridge. Most of this ridgeline is above or just below 5000' and consequently due to the harsh weather conditions of the general area, most plantlife cannot survive in this alpine environment. I know that my words cannot capture the stark beauty of the Franconia ridge, but it was truly an experience beyond description. For months now we have been building this moment up in our minds, and we were blessed with the most perfect weather for our day on the ridge. It was very windy once we stepped out of the protection of the evergreen trees into the open spaces of the trail. We had beautiful views from the top of Little Haystack mountain, and it was cool to look back to see the mountains of the last 2-3 days...the mountains that had already claimed our blood, sweat, and tears. In the openness of the ridge distances can be very deceiving. The next mountain top, Mount Lincoln, looked so close to where we stopped on Haystack for lunch. We were thinking it looked about 10 minutes away, but it was another 0.7 miles and 30 minutes or so before we reached its peak. Then it was another mile to Mt. Lafayette, the highest peak of this range at 5249 feet. It was on top of! this peak where we stopped and talked with a family from Gorham, the Newfields, and they shared some wonderful ginger cookies. The last peak of the day was Garfield, and we took in wonderful panoramic views from the exposed ridge.After a short break it was off to find our campsite for the night, but we still had a few miles to cover. We'd planned to camp at Garfield ridge campsite, and we made it there around 6pm. As we were setting up our sleeping bags and preparing dinner, we were greeted by some unexpected dinner guests, Hairball and Snowbunny. It was great sharing our experiences since we last saw each other, the pancake trail magic in the Shenendoahs. Well, everybody is getting settled in for the night, and there is a beautiful full moon casting its glow in the shelter. Goodnight!
Date: 2005-08-20
From: Crawford Notch/US 302

To: Crawford Notch/US 302
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Bug and I were trying to motivate ourselves to get moving this morning when we heard Mr. Clean Jr. "wooo" at us from the nearby parking lot. Bug walked over to see what the commotion was, and he along with Clean, Florida, Rabbit, Walrus, and Pathfinder decided because of the nasty weather that has been predicted and is now upon us that it would be best to take cover for the next couple of days rather than try to cross Washington. Mt. Washington has arguably the worst weather in the world. People have died in the middle of July from hypothermia on top of this mountain. The weather is highly unpredictable and has the highest recorded wind speeds in history in the entire world (231 mph).Needless to say, we didn't care to go up the mountain and pay $77/pp per night to stay in a hut sharing a bunkroom with countless others in cold, wet weather. We called the AMC shuttle service and got a ride into Twin Mountain, NH. Looks like an unexpected zero or possibly 2 here. We are staying at the lovely Shakespeare's Inn, where Bug and I were lucky enough to get the honeymoon suite. Plans for the day are to do some laundry, make a few phone calls (since our room actually has a phone), and relax. I don't think there is much else to tell you about, but be rest assured that if something big happens....I'll let you know.
Date: 2005-08-24
From: USFS Osgood tentsite

To: Carter Notch
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day! It began with coffee shared with Clean and Team Hairbunny. It was smooth sailing past beautiful waterfalls and cascades. There were a few ups and down bumps, but for the most part easy going into Pinkham Notch where we met up with our compadres. About 15 minutes before we arrived, the rain began to come down so we spent the morning in the notch waiting for some of the weather to pass through. While feasting on 12" turkey subs, we talked about the impending climb over Wildcat: Peaks A-E. At this point, Clean announced his plan to shuttle to Gorham, NH to get out of the rain. Sure enough, that is what he did. The rest of us made some phone calls and did some resupplying.Finally, it was time to tackle the 2,000' climb in front of us. It was still cloudy on top of the mountain, but at least the rain had subsided. The climb was very technical and tricky, but not nearly as brutal as what had been described to us.On the way to the top, we met a couple hiking down the mountain with their toddler grandchildren. Now, on the one hand, I think it is great to introduce kids to hiking early on, but picking one of the toughest climbs on the AT is a bit extreme.We finally reached the top of E peak and somewhere on the way down, I, Ms. Priss had a bit of a spill. I am fine, but have quite a scrape on my left thigh. Just call me grace. It began to cloud over a bit, so Team Hairbunny and Team P-Bug (as we were so dubbed by Hairball) decided to kick up the pace along the ridge. As I have said before, hiking with friends makes big mountains seem smaller, because the afternoon flew by.We finally arrived at the vista on Peak A that looks down into Carter Notch, and although cold, windy, and cloudy we got an occasional view, and it was well worth the wait! It did eventually get so cold that we were ready to end the day's hike.It was a steep 1,000' descent over .8 mile, but again, not that horrific. It was cold however, and I began to daydream in order to make the time go faster. Visions of a lodge with fire roaring in the fireplace and leather sofa ran through my mind, along with me sitting cuddled up right in front of the fire, in my comfy "7" jeans and a big, thick, cushy cotton sweatshirt with a cup of hot peppermint cocoa in hand. It amazingly made the downhill go much quicker and I was surprisingly less chilled by the time I reached the tentsite.After setting up our tents and talking with a southbounder camped across the way, we walked down to the Carter Notch Hut. We had been planning to get water and cook down there, maybe hang out for a bit, but the caretaker was extremely rude to us. Not only was she cold, but outright belligerent as well. That being the case, we just got our water and hiked back up to our campsite.Even though it is colder than anything, it has been a pleasant evening spent in good company with Team Hairbunny. We are saying goodnight early this evening as we have 16 miles over the Carters tomorrow. Lightning Rod just walked up and I think he plans to camp up here as well. More to come tomorrow...
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Gorham, NH (North Peaks Motor Inn)

To: Gorham, NH (North Peaks Motor Inn)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Not much to write about on this zero day. We are sharing a room with Snowbunny and Hairball, and managed to convince Pumpkin to zero with us! After a lazy morning, we all grabbed a hardy breakfast at J's restaurant. Then it was time for everyone to split up. Snowbunny and I went to take care of laundry and all the usual town errands, while Bug and Hairball took a shuttle to different places. Hairball headed for North Conway to find shoes that would fit him, while Bug decided to do 10 extra miles on his day off from hiking...he's such an over-achiever, can't get enough hiking! He hiked up the Stony Brook Trail and back down the Carter-Moriah Trail all to find our camera. And find it he did, right in the bushes of the "Spruce Room" where he left it yesterday. My Bug is my hero!!! The camera was retrieved unscathed and with pictures intact.This evening, MJ,D-Bird, and Timmy Hairball's family, drove up to meet Hairball and Snowbunny for dinner and we along with Pumpkin were invited to come along. They refused to let us pay for dinner which was delicious. Thank you soo much! They were really great and we had a fun time meeting and getting to know them.Everyone is tucked away in bed and I am watching Law and Order: SVU as I write. I am getting sleepy though and tomorrow we cannot afford another zero, so I will sign off now.
Date: 2005-08-27
From: Gorham, NH (North Peaks Motor Inn)

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Guest writer: Snow BunnyI rolled over and eyed Bug and Miss Priss in the bed next to us, they were still. This could go on for a half an hour, at least. They look at us while we play dead and vice versa so neither pair feels they have to get up. Eventually we look at the same time and the game is over we get up, grumbling. Pumpkin knocked on the door before we were packed, she seemed surprised we weren't ready, obviously this was her first experience with "Team Tardy". We did eventually leave our odorific hotel room and hit Gorham's hottest breakfast eatery: Dunkin' Donuts. We met up with the other half of "Team Tardy", Train and Raindrop.I was chock full of sugar and caffiene when we finally hit the trail around 10:30 and the misery ensued. It was in the 80's, humid and our packs were weighted down with such neccessities as Star Wars M&M's. We formed a sluggish train of sweat and unpleasantness as we climbed. Fortunately the mountain had a top and we reached it. Miss Priss surprised us with gourmet chocolate and we trudged on.It was pleasant walking and we reached the shelter by 6. We all set our tents up and were happy for the early night, UNTIL a group of orientation students arrived from a certain college in Mass. that I won't mention. They didn't rush to set up but we weren't too worried yet.At dusk we saw our first moose! At least we were told it was a moose, there were two large mammals swishing around in the pond. As it got darker I squinted more but the moose didn't get any clearer so we headed back to the tent and back to the goofy college kids. Hairball spoke with them because it was hiker midnight and they were still rowdy. The noise continued but we did fall asleep. 3:30am "AH AH AH!!!!" We woke with a start expecting to see a freshman being dragged off by a bear. Apparently one of the boys was having a nightmare and they all woke up. Hairball yelled at them and Bug was fixing to give them something to scream about but slowly they fell asleep and we had an excuse to sleep in a little and be tardy again.
Date: 2005-08-28
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

The morning started very early. 3:30 came early when some kid from Tufts University let out a blood-curdling scream. Apparently he had a bad dream, which of course he couldn't help, but for the next 30 minutes all of his fellow collegemates out for the weekend giggled loudly. Finally, we got a little more sleep before starting the day.I woke up around 6 and crawled out of the tent to go see if the moose were still at the pond this morning. They were! And this time there were two more. In all, there were 2 cows and 2 calves swimming out in the pond. Apparently they had kept the poor couple camped there up all night. I got a few pictures and then headed back up to the tentsite to let Pumpkin, Hairball & Snowbunny, and Bug know that they were down there. While everyone headed down, I packed up our tent. When they got back, we all sat on the tent platform eating our breakfast before heading out.Our first climb of the day was up Mt. Success, a 1400' climb. We were in good company, however and it didn't take long at all. At the Maine border we all celebrated and took pictures to mark the momentous occasion of reaching our last state. Bug and I celebrated with a special edition chocolate-chocolate Almond Joy as well. As the rain began to fall, all seven of us trekked up the mountain: Fig & Just Visiting, Snowbunny & Hairball, Pumpkin, and Bug & myself.We were welcomed into Maine with a crazy downhill rock scramble where we chucked our poles 30' down the trail and did some fancy footwork and hand over hand climbing down. The decision was made to bypass Carlo Col shelter completely since it was .3 off the trail downhill.We thought the worst was over, but little did we know that we still had quite a few climbs ahead of us. Not only were they ups, but ups that went straight up rock faces....lots of scrambling, lots of wet wooden ladders leading both up and down the mountains.We had all debated going through the notch today, but after the rain started in we decided it probably would be best to wait until morning. The prediction was that there would be rain tomorrow as well, but at least we would be fresh and well rested. Captain Patagonia headed out while the rest of us set up in ths shelter and tried to dry out. That was around 2:30 and somewhere around 6:30, Train and Raindrop rolled in as well. A southbounder came in at some point and reaffirmed our decision to stay. The "notch" took her 4 hours to climb through. Bug has had his nap to recover from the tough stuff we had today, and we are about to throw down on some tuna & rice. Later....
Date: 2005-08-29
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Campsite & Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

Guest journal writer: Train. Commune Tardy awoke this morning to the sound of persistent rain dripping off the roof of Full Goose Shelter, an early reminder that our day would be like many others we've had through the last two states of the trail: exceedingly moist. Naturally, Raindrop and I waited for signs that the others were moving before we began crawling out of our sleeping bags, especially since today we were to face the Mahoosuc Notch, considered to be the most difficult mile on the AT. Much of the talk last night dwelled on the Notch and what it would throw at us; those who had been there before offered horror stories about the section while newbies like us tried to discern who was worth listening to and who was just trying to scare us. Once we gathered up enough energy to head out under bleary skies, Raindrop and I headed out in front of the others, expecting them to catch up to us after a short while. As we began walking the rain almost stopped completely, but the break in precipitation proved to be merely a taunt, as the drizzle resumed shortly after we entered the Notch. It was more of an obstacle course than anything - strategery involved choosing the easist path over, under, around, or through the channel of house and car-sized boulders, then doing our best not to fall into the hiker-eating spaces between the rocks. That the chunks of granite we tread upon were wet meant that traction was tenuous at best, but Raindrop and I managed to cross the entire Notch without succumbing to any falls. Not that our traverse went without difficulty, though. The highlight of our struggle came when Raindrop decided to crawl through a space between two rocks to avoid a scramble over a particularly daunting section. Having made good progress on her hands and knees through most of the bypass, Raindrop found that the end of her chosen passage left little room for her to maneuver. In fact, she was so tightly squeezed that I had to come around and literally drag her out of the hole by her arms, which left her with a healthy amount of the mud-soaked ground remaining on her face and clothing. Poor Raindrop. We both had a good laugh about it though, and now Raindrop's pants will always remind her of her tangle with the Notch. The rest of the crew caught up to us a short while later, and we all exited the Notch just in time for the rain to cease. We had successfully completed our slowest mile on the trail, having taken nearly three hours to pick our way through. When we stopped for a break at the shelter a short while later, it was easy for us to talk ourselves into taking the rest of the day off. Did we enjoy sitting on our bums the rest of the afternoon? You better believe it.