morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-04
From: Moose Mtn. Shelter

To: Fire Warden's Cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It went like this, 7:00 K-2 was first back on the trail, then Pokey, myself at 7:30 and Snowman was the last to leave. In about an hour, Snowman caught up and hiked on. Smart Mountain was the big climb today from 900' to 3240'in about 5.8 miles. My thoughts were "come on cabin" and about 5:30 was arrival time. The cabin was built by the Hew Hampshire Forest Service and there is an abandoned fire tower about 50 yds. up from the cabin. I couldn't resist the climb to the top of the tower and the views were fantastic of the countryside. In the cabin tonight are Pokey and myself accompanied by two adults and four youth, they were headed south to Hanover. There was another youth group tenting in the area below the cabin. I met Grey Goose and Flatlander heading south. See you in the morning, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Fire Warden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 20.0

Twenty miles today, seems like a long way. It was. Pokey and I left the shelter at 7:00 and we arrived at the Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff at 7:00. The original plan was to hike to Ore Hill Shelter, a 12.6 mile day. But we arrived at the shelter at 3:00 and the bugs were bad and blood thirsy. Not the wild life you want to photo, so we moved on. Mt. Cube was the major climb from 1445' to 2911' in 6.8 miles. The climb out from Ore Hill shelter was 900' to 1800', this was a small challenge but a challenge, especially with the bugs on your tail. I passes six South Bounders today, all thru hiking. Today was a nice day to be on the trail. The trail was great, easy on the feet and the weather was obliging, not hot. The evening are starting to cool down. It was 50 degrees last night at the cabin and at the Hostel it is 60. Now at the Hostel are Sojourner, K-2, Snowman, Recon and 5 other hikers. Tomorrow morning, Pokey's husband will be here to take us to Otisfield, Maine. This is a two hour drive from her home. Pokey's children's birthday are two days apart and she wants to celebrate with them and Jared. They, also, plan to attend a pig roast with their friends - seems this is an annual event. I never have heard anyone in Illinois having a pig roast. I guess mom's fried chicken is the closest thing to it. Who knowns? Well whatever it is a big deal and a 100 people are expected. They all camp. This is another new item on my "I didn't know that", I'm learning alot about how others celebrate and socialize. OKay Value City employees, pig roast in the parking lot at 7:00, it's BYOP (Bring Your Own Pig). Sorta like AYCE. Well, it really sound like alot of fun, but I'll stay at the house with Welsh Nomad. I'm not into camping. Tomorrow, which is Sunday, not easy keeping track of the date, Jared will drive us back to Glencliff and Welsh Nomad gets a ride to Andover. See you over the next hill, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Otisfield, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

I'm writing from Otisfield, Maine, in a real house. Pokey's husband picked us up at 9:30. So Welsh Nomad and myself are travelling with Pokey and Jared to a real house in Western Maine. On the way stopped for lunch and when we arrived parked the pack, took a shower and went grocery shopping. You might say "an easy day". Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-07
From: Otisfield, Maine

To: Otisfield, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Rest and relaxation, catching up on the World's News and Sport's World, that's the plan. You don't hear much about the News on the trail and somedays I couldn't even tell you the date. I like that! It's like a reprive from reality or maybe this is how the world should be. Well, that my philosphical discourse for today, maybe for the whole trip. Tomorrow is Sunday, back to the trail in Glencliff. I can't believe it only 398.5 miles to the end of the tunnel. That still sounds like a long way,so let's rework the mileage. Let's say you have 5 nickles, you have already spent 4 and one more nickle to go. That doesn't take long, see almost there. What's really on my mind are the White Mountains, I'll be there in a couple of days. Another interesting geological challenge and I bet every step will be interesting. I'm really looking forward to the experience. That's the report for today, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Otisfield, Maine

To: Jeffer's Brook Shelter
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: light rain

I have walked 1776.7 miles, Springer Mountain is a "distance" memory. Jared had the car ready and at 1:00 we dropped off Welsh Nomad at the Cabin in Andover, Maine. The next stop, Glencliff, NH and we arrived at 4:45 and started hiking. At 5:05 arrived at the shelter and was greeted by two youth groups. One group of ten and the other of seven. Gandaff and Gimli are staying the night. It's a tenting night as the shelter is packed to the raffers. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: Jeffer's Brook Shelter

To: Kinsman's Notch
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

Tonight camping in the woods. Today Mt. Moosilauke at 4202', it was a big one, started at 1350' and topped off at 4802'. That's 3452' in 4.6 miles and a real treat at the top. This is the first mountain above the tree line for North Bounders. The ascent was tough but the descent was even tougher. This was a tough day. A 2987 descent in 3.8 miles over boulders and rocks and rocks. At the summit were some really great, I mean really great views. On one side you could see the valleys, towns and countryside and on the other mountains on mountains. Huge mountains reaching all the way to the sky. Those mountains are the Whites. A helluva hike but one I'll never forget. For a minute I thought I was Daniel Boone. Now that was exciting and a memory never to forget, but the good part is to come. On NH 112, about 1/2 mile down the road is The Society For Protection of the New Hampshire Forest's Lost River Reservation. Yes, you are right, there is a visitors center with a snack bar. The snack bar seemed to be the more important aspect of the whole show. Gandaff, Gimli, Pokey and myself had some good eats. I'm not sure what the Society... is but the food was wonderful. A man can take in just so much information at a time so the menu was about all that I digested. Firefly and Hawk walked in while we were eating, they are bouncing from place to place doing short hikes on the A.T. Alot of others on the trail today as I met 6 South Bounders and 4 dayhikers. I bet they visited the "Society" as well. What do you think? That's it for today, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Kinsman's Notch

To: Kinsman's Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I departed the campsite at 7:30 and started climbing 1815' up to the East Peak of Mt. Wolf, topping off at 3480' in 5.4 miles. The second climb was from 2495' up South Kinsman at 4358' in 2.5 miles, this was the bigger challenge than Mt. Wolf. It was hard hiking as the trail involved a rock scramble, which was tiring and challenging. The reward was scenic, something you would never see in Illinois. I met 6 South Bounders thru hiking. I arrived at the campsite at 6:00, this place also has a shelter that sleeps 12 and tent pads. Not free here, they charge you $8, but a lot of hikers here tonight. Gandaff, Gimli, Pokey, myself plus others. There were ten girls and their leader staying as well. A very, very crowded place. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Kinsman

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 11.2

At 7:30 departed the campsite. A major climb today from 1450' to 5249' up Mt. Lafayette in 6.4 miles, a colossal climb, one that you might think does not end. It was steady uphill, no views and cloudy. We were above tree line and hiked a ridge for about a mile on the Franconia Range. If it had been a clear day we could have watch the Cardinals ballgame, I've never thought you could be so high. I guess being above the tree line makes it seem that a person could see forever on a clear day. But, no clear day today. But, the views behind those clouds had to be a wonder to behold. Pokey and I decided that we would hike onto Greenleaf Hut and work for our stay. The Huts are managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club and they are operated by a Croo. Yes, I spelled crew right "Croo". How did the Croo get to be called and spelled "Croo"? I have the least of ideas. But a Croo is a Croo, something like "a Rose is a Rose". I don't know what that means either. But there are times that the croo will let you work for stay. It seems to work like this: after all the guest have gone to bed, you can sleep on the floor in the hut and eat the left overs. If a good deal considering the other option, which is sleep outside and fix your own Ramam Noodles. The asking price to stay in a Hut is $75 per person, which includes your supper and breakfast. Usually the Huts are reserved for day hikers, tourist , etc. but the Croo takes good care of thru hikers. They ought to make Croo T-shirts. Greenleaf Hut is a mile off the A.T., but the detour was well worth the effort. When we were about 10 minutes from the Hut it started storming. So, a tent not the best option considering the choices. I did get wet but the hopes of being in a Hut lessoned the concern and I'm dry now, so I had my bath for today. I met 6 South Bounders today, all headed to Springer Mountain. That's the report. Hut boy signing off, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

I said good bye to the Croo about 9:00, had to fulfil my work duties, basically cleaning for the next arrivals. But, I had a good supper last night and hearty breakfast this morning. The Croo, whoever is behind this "croo concept" is smart. Just think your'e the Croo, you would think the croo is responsible for cleaning, cooking and whatever task on demand. So, why not hire concessionaires to do the work, like thru hikers. Works for all concerned. Well at least it worked for me. Back on the trail, that mile from the A.T. was down hill so up hill this morning. Well being on Mt. Lafayette, I believe the 2nd highest peak in the White's holds the promise that today's hike will not include any major climbs and there were no big climbs to Galehead. But, this was no walk in the park, the trail was slippery from the rain last night and the trail was rocky. These conditions made the ascents and descent slow going. At 4:00 reached Galehead Hut. It took 7 hours to do 6.6 miles. Galehead Hut is busy tonight with 15 thru hikers applying for work stay. But only two work stay positions available and the applicates are well qualified. But there is a "god" and us less qualified only had to pay $5. I really appreciate AMC. As you know trail names can be interesting and tonight guests are Just Do It, Mad Hatter. Patrick, Uncle Ben, Grass, Cotton, Goldfish, Timber, Tumbleweed, Corey, Tapeworm, 30-30, Giggles and some others. Today was another no view day, very cloudy and no rain until about 6:00. I wished 4 South Bounders good hiking today. I saw a spruce grouse. I almost walked up to it. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

It rained last night, but at 7:15 this morning no rain so left the Hut. The trail was wet, slippery, muddy with standing puddles of water. Well all this with being a cloudy day, no views makes an interesting hike. My feet were the major view, watching my step, at least until I reached Zealand Falls Hut. At 1:00 reached the Hut, a beautiful setting with a cascading stream and expansive vistas. Even though it was cloudy the views were there looking down into a Notch. Our original plan for today was to hike to Ethan Pond Campsite and the next day hike into Crawford Notch. Pokey's husband would meet us there and take us to Maine (Pokey's home). We had heard the news that Hurricane Charley was moving up the coast so we decided to get off the trail and wait it out. We were hoping for good weather hiking through the Presidential Range. We had lunch at the Hut and pushed on to Ethan Pond Campsite. We arrived at 4:30 and decided to hike on to Crawford Notch. We made it to Crawford Notch at 6:00, but we were soaked as it had been raining for about 30 minutes. We were able to hitch a ride from a lady, who had hiked from Springer Mountain to Pennsyvania. She dropped us off at a restaurant where we were allowed to change into dry clothes. Pokey called Jared and he picked us up in two hours and back to Otisfield. Mushroom signing off for tonight.
Date: 2004-08-16
From: Otisfield, Maine

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 6.4

Otisfield was two great days of rest and comfort, I appreciate Pokey and Jared hospitality.Pokey's dad drove us back to Crawford Notch and we were back on the trail at noon.There nothing like starting off with a 2772' climb, from 1280' to 4052', hello Mt. Jackson. When I thought the trail was getting easier as I was about to the top, it became a rock scramble, that's enough of thinking. Hey, the descent was quite tricky in places, wet slabs of rock. If you were not careful this was a slide on the old hehind. I was careful and arrived at the Hut at 5:30. The Hut boys , I mean the croo had alot of help tonight as there were 7 thru hikers performing work for stay. So when we left the place it was spik and span. The work force included Pokey, Giggles, Patrick, Uncle Ben, Grass, 30-30 and myself. These guys must have taken a couple days off as well as they were with us at Galehead. It rained this afternoon, but it was light, more like a drizzle. The views were clothed in clouds. I had been hoping the weather would be better this week than last week. Well, I'm still hoping the rest of the week will be improved weather. Today not good. That's it for today, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-17
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After Pokey and I fulfilled our work duties, we started hiking at 9:00. A cloudy day and no views. We started off at the elevation 2685' and when we reached the Lake of the Clouds the elevation was 5040'. The summit of Mt. Washington is 6288', the Hut is about a mile or less to the summit and we planned to hike up to it in the morning. On the way to the Hut, the trail was slippery and wet. It seemed like the trail was all rocks and we were well above tree line environment. As I stated before no views more like walking in the clouds. When we reached Mt. Eisenhower Loop trail, Pokey took the loop. Before she started her Thru hike, she had been hiking the 4000' mountains on day hikes and over-nighters. There are 48 4000' mountains tops in New Hampshire, Mt. Eisenhower is at 4850' and this would be her 10th, 4000' footer. So a little side trip, she had to double back to the A.T. as not to skip part of the trail. I decided this was a trip for her so I continued on. I passed hikers headed for the hut, they had reservations and will be guest at the Hut. The price still $75 per person, includes supper and breakfast. I was hiking above 5000', well above tree line, after about 30 minutes walking by myself I topped part of the mountain and the clouds had parted with a clear blue sky presenting a pictueques view of Mt. Washington. It got better as the clouds drifted away so I took off my pack and sat down to take in the sight. The mountains were a sight to behold. Pokey arrived shortly as she had caught up with me. I pointed up toward the mountains and said this is what makes hiking the A.T. worth all the effort. At the Hut tonight are Giggles, 30-30, Pokey and Gaiter Woman, whom I hadn't seen since Virginia. We all worked for stay. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: mist

We started hiking toward the summit at 7:30, from 5040' to 6288', it was a rocky climb. The views were there. I learned there is am alpine plant community and Mt. Washington has some of the most delicate and easily damaged ecosystems that are encoutered on the A.T. There are signs on the trail to remind hikers of this fragile environment and direct hikers to stay on the trail. At Madison Spring Hut, we both labored for our stay. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-19
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

I left Madison Spring Hut at 9:00, after completing my work for stay duties and breakfast. Today there was one major climb from 4820' to 5363' up Mt. Madison. It was windy and being above tree line no wind breaks. We reached Pinkham Notch at 1:00 and checked into the Joe Dodge Mountain Lodge. The cost $54 which includes supper and breakfast. Pinkham Notch is a big site with the AMC contracting with the Forest Service to provde all kinds of services, lodging , gift shop, resupply, cafeteria and information. This is a major trailhead for Mt. Washington up the famous Tuckerman Ravine Trail. A lot of busy action at Pinkham Notch. Well, this finishes the Presidential Range, A very intersting and challenging hike, I thought the alpine plant community was enlightening. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-20
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

Pinkham Notch was an interesting place, I departed at 8:30 after a breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee (AYCE). It was wonderful. Wildcat Mountain was the big climb from 2040' to 4380' to Peak A and then another from 3290' to 4675' to Mt. Hight. This was a big uphill endeavor today and I reached the Imp campsite at 6:30. You might describe my condition as being tired, very, very tired. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-21
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, Maine
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: mist

It was 7:30 and back on the trail to US 2. I arrived at 12:30. Pokey was already there and her husband met us to take us into Gorham. Did I mention it was raining. Gorham was a busy little town with alot of wet hikers to stay over to see if the rain would move on. I met Wicked Lobster and his dog Buddy down the trail awhile back at the Rattle River Shelter, they were waiting out the rain. In Gorham, NH checked into the Colonial Comfort Inn, cost $15. This gave me time to shower, do laundry and resupply. Hot Rock staying the night, he has been hiking with Pilot and Polar but not today. Cuz arrived and Big tree is here, he is doing a flip. I hiked several days with Big Tree down and around Hot Springs. He stated he was not sure where the others were that we were hiking with down in North Carolina. That's it for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-22
From: Gorham, Maine

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

Pokey and I left the shelter at 8:30 and reached the shelter at 6:00. Mt. Hayes was a big elevation ascent from 760' to 2555', the views were there but the climb was on a rocky trail and it was slow going. Tomorrow is a big day as I will be in Maine. No more after this one. At the shelter tonight is Gaiter Woman. Gaiter Woman and Pokey are are hiking out at 6:00 tomorrow so they can get through Mahoosuc Notch. They are planning to meet their husbands at Grafton Notch on the 24th. As for myself, I'm headed toward Full Goose Shelter. That's it for now, Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-23
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Gaiter Woman and Pokey out early on their schedule and an hour later I'm headed to the Goose. Mahoosuc Notch here I come, this is a big and difficult stretch. But, I'll tell you about that tomorrow. The Full Goose Shelter is the first shelter in Maine for me. I crossed the State line and I was excited, my last state. I have hiked a long way and now I have 281.4 miles to Katahdin. Today there were several big climbs with as many views. Tomorrow, I will be hiking through Mahoocuc. Tonight's company are Biscuit, Wicked Lobstah and his dog Buddy and Slim. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-24
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter at 7:00, Only one way to go and that is North. Mahoosuc Notch is the challenge today and after that is the Mahoosuc Arm. I'm excited as I have heard many stories about this stretch of the trail. Most of them relates to the difficulty, stories that keep you up at night. You know, it's like the first time you saw the Frankenstein movie. Well, I made it through and it was a tough shot through the "valley" and as challenging up the "hill". Two weeks ago, I talked to a couple and they hiked it last year. They said it took them 3 1/2 hours. Hey, did I tell you that Mahoosuc Notch is only a mile long? I talked to a hiker yesterday who hiked through earlier and it took him 2 1/2 hours. Their hike as well as what other stories I have heard, I knew it was going to take me a loooong time. Well, I made it through in 4 hours. See, I told you it would take me a looong time. Four hours, my mother could have made it in three. As you can tell the Mahoosuc is not a cake walk. The mile long stretch is basically a giant boulder field. Boulders that you have to climb over, under, around, wiggle and at times I though that I would have to do the two-step. I had to take off my pack 4 times to get through, tight queeze. But, I made it and actually as I look back, It was fun. Well, if the Notch wasn't enought of a challenge for today, Mahoosuc Arm is right in front of your face. Why do they call it Mahoosuc Arm? Probably just another geological tease. It was a climb from 2180' to 3765' and to add on to insult it was as rocky as they get. Hello, Maine. Not only was it rocky, but there were wet slabs of rocks that I had to reach out to trees to pull myself up. Oh!, it was an interesting day. Five miles and I was dragging, this section gave me a new meaning for tired. I arrived at the shelter at 5:30 and she was a beautiful site. That's right I'm tired, goodnight. PS Today is my birthday, no cake or ice cream, that's no way to celebrate your 65th. But I'll never have a birthday like today.
Date: 2004-08-25
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

I dreamed of boulders all night, but up and at it at 7:00. Today was a long day not so much in miles but in climbs. First to start off was Speck Mountain from 3440' to 4180'. Then a long descent to 1498' at Grafton Notch. I stopped and took a big break here. Next back up to 3662' on the West Peak of Baldpate Mountain. Two hundred feet descent and back uo to 3812' of the East Peak of Baldpate and finally a rocky descent to 2280' at Frye Notch Lean to. The weather today was outstanding and the views were fantastic. At the higher elevations the views were 360 and you could see the mountains in Maine as far as one could see. Tonight is a first, I'm the only person in the shelter. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-26
From: Frye Notch Lean to

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

As usual I'm on the trail at 7:15 and planned to hike to East B Road. I arrived at 10:30, not much traffic on East B and it looked like it was going to be a long wait for a hitch. But, to my surprise along comes 2 Cents in Margie and Earl's Towne truck. They are the owners of the hostel called the "Cabin". God answered my prayers for a ride, so here I am at the Cabin. Did the routine of showering, laundry and resupply. At the Cabin tonight are Buddy the dog, Wicked Lobstah Bisquit, Slim, 2 Cents, Flip Flop and Uncle Ben. Grass is staying with a friend. Get this, Flip Flop is from Effingham, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois in Edwardsville. He graduated from the School of Nursing and lived in Wood River while attending school. I attended high school in Wood River and Effingham is just down the road from where I live in Bethalto. Small world, goodnight.