morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-15
From: White Mountains Lodge and Hostel

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

The breakfast this morning was just as good as it was yesterday. I managed to fit everything in my pack, and set off at 7:45. It was pretty flat for the first few miles, then a climb up Moriah. There was a great view from the top. It feels like I am home hiking in these hills. I went down to Imp Campsite to refill my water, then climbed up North Carter. It was steeper than I thought it would be. Between North and Middle Carder I ran into the Thyngs and Swansons. They say I've turned into a minor celebrity in Hollis.The rest of the day was nice. The summit of Mt. Hight was nice, and had a better view than Carter Dome. I got a work for stay at the hut. I got to wash all of the dishes. I don't know how the croo at Lakes does it. It was a task to do it for only 20 guests. The good part was all of the food there was for dinner. My food bag is not any lighter but my stomach is happy. The hut is only half full so the croo let me sleep in a real bunk. I hope the rest of the crews are this nice. It's almost lights out, so I'm going to brush my teeth and go to bed.
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Osgood Tentsite
Miles today: 10.9

I got up at 6:30, the normal hut wakeup time. I packed up, had a bagel, and was on my way as the crew was picking up the oatmeal bowls. The climb up Wildcat was steep and short. I stopped at the view point to eat an apple. My pack felt sooo much lighter after that. The tower on D peak was really nice- it was being rebuilt last time I was there. I stopped for a while and enjoyed great views of the northern Presidentials. I thought about going people watching at the gondola, but there were no people to watch. On the way down I passed the talkative Lady from the hostel. She had sent her pack up the gondola and was just walking up.There were a lot of camp group down in the notch. The leader of one group I passed was explaining how the trail they were on was part of the AT, and that some people hike it all in one season. One kid in the group just didn't believe him, and I laughed after I went by. The hiker room at the visitors center was nice and coll. I ate lunch and sat around for a while in there. I then had to go back out into the humidity and do the last five miles to the site here. It seems pretty nice, and I managed to get my tarp up on a platform using a combination of stakes, rocks, a tree, and an eye hook I found and screwed into the platform.The weather report in Pinkham Notch said that it will be windy on the summits tomorrow. Hopefully it will also be clear. My goal is a WFS at Lakes. I didn't see many NOBOs today so I think the bubble is still south of the Whites.
Date: 2013-07-20
From: Greanleaf Hut

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at the usual thru-hiker time of 5:15 and lay there for a while. When the three NOBOs began to pack up I did too. The wait for breakfast wasn't as bad as yesterday. There were blueberry pancakes. The climb up Lafayette was pretty quick and I beat most of the paying guests, who had a 30-45 minute head start, to the top. There were some dramatic views with storm clouds rolling in form the west. I took my time up on the ridge, but kept moving because rain was threatening the whole time. In the end it was only a few sprinkles. I said hi to Cam at Liberty Springs on the way down.I thought about going to the Flume visitor center to get some lunch, but I didn't want to walk the extra mile there and back. I took my time up the Cascade Brook Trail. There were lots of signs warning of a washed out bridge, but the ford was easier than some in Maine. I got the Lonesome Lake at 4, right as it started to downpour. It was too early for a WFS, but I got a conciliatory piece of bread. Mark was there and I said bye, since it is unlikely we'll run into each other again. It was a quick (50 min) 1.9 mile hike up the Fishin' Jimmy Trail to the shelter here.The shelter is quite new, and dark inside. They should have added some skylights. The weather report is calling for severe thunderstorms this evening/tonight, so I'm glad I'm inside. It will also make tomorrow and easier day.
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

There was quite a party last night. A few people walked in a cooler with beer and vodka. I went to bed way past hiker midnight, probably not until 10. Sadly I still woke up early. It was an easy mile to the post office and I got my package. I then went across the street to the hostel where I took a shower and did laundry. Thus cleaned, I lounged around all morning. I had some frozen pizzas and an ice cream bar for lunch, then headed out at noon to do the remaining 14.8 miles. The first ten were easy. It is amazing how few rocks there are on the treadway. The climb up Mt. Cube was tough because there were so many false summits. The clouds were fairly low so there was no view.This shelter is neat- it is hexagonal. The front two walls are missing so you can get in and out. The water is .3 downhill on the AT, but there was a sign so I got some before heading up. My Aquamira drops are nearly empty, I really hope the last to Hanover. Only two others here tonight so I sholud be able to go to bed early and catch up on some sleep. I'm doing a 12 mile day tomorrow, and the NOBOs say there is a guy who gives out ice cream. I'm excited. Still a day behind the SOBO group, I'll catch them sooner or later.
Date: 2013-07-27
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Vt. 4
Miles today: 19.9

I am at the Yellow Deli and Hikers Hostel in Rutland. It is run by some sort of religious group, and most of the thrus are calling it a cult. The hostel is pretty nice, and it is right by the grocery store.I left around seven this morning and quickly got to the Lookout, a cabin on top of a hill with a platform on the roof. There was an incredible view from the top and not a cloud in the sky. At the road at the bottom of the hill was a cooler with coke and cookies left by two young girls. All they asked was that you sign their log with a fun fact about yourself. I told them what my favorite color is. All the NOBOs have been talking about a cooler full of beer at the road after that, and the promise of a cold one drew me up and down Quimby Mountain. Sadly there was nothing left when I got to the road. Last time I'll trust a NOBO. The trail was a lot more built up and busy after that road. It went by a lake, then through a state park. There were a lot of day trippers.The trail then climbed up a hill to Maine Junction, where for SOBOs we join the Long Trail. My original plan was to stay at the shelter near there, but I decided that real food and a real bed in Rutland would be better, so I ran the last mile to the road. It wasn't too hard getting a hitch into town. The fellow who picked me up dropped be a few blocks from the Yellow Deli. I missed a turn walking over and inadvertently got a walking tour of downtown Rutland. After a shower and some dinner I am felling pretty good. I did my small reupply, and will probably walk back over to the Walmart for some Ben & Jerry's. Tomorrow I'll do a 6.3 mile day to the shelter near the top of Killington. I can then got tag the summit and get my last New England 4000 footer. It will also be the last time above 4000 feet until Virginia.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another great Vermont day. I left the shelter at 7 and went up Bear Mountain. From there I dropped to the road then climbed the next hill. There were two spots where people had built hundreds of small cairns. From there it was a quick drop to Little Rock Pond. I had lunch there and then pushed on. I entered a Wilderness Area, the second of the trip. I passed three shelters in 1.7 miles on the climb up Baker peak. At the top was the best (and only) view today. I called the hostel and reserved myself a bunk for tomorrow. I hear its a really nice hostel. I hung out at the viewpoint for a while then came down to here. There were a lot of bog bridges around Griffith Lake, a nice way to end a 20 mile day.Tomorrow is a quick 10 miles into Manchester Center for a resupply and some lunch. It looks like it will take 3-4 days after that to get to Massachusetts. I'm really starting to move now. There are only two other hikers at the shelter this evening, a NOBO LT hiker and a guy doing a SOBO section of the AT. Numbers stopped by to refill his water, and pushed on. He is the first SOBO to catch me so far. I'll probably be seeing a lot more of him down south.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Vt 11/30
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Dad (the section hiker) woke up early, so I got up fairly early- at 5:30ish. I packed up and ate breakfast, finishing both my peanut butter and Nutella. I left at 6:30 and quickly got up to Peru Peak, then the other peak on the ridge. It was down to Mad Tom Notch where I had a snack. The trail then went up Bromley Mountain, and there were some views at the top. It was down a ski trail briefly, then back in the woods. I thought I saw the shelter, so I thought I'd sign the register, but it was just the privy.It took about 30 minutes to get a hitch into town. I got a now pair of shorts, some food, and new tips for my poles. I ate a large pizza for lunch. I called the hostel and Jeff came and picked me up. I took a shower and did some laundry. It's been a relaxing afternoon. I ate my pint of Ben & Jerry's while watching a documentary on the PCT. Some other hikers made a good dinner which they shared, and there was some good conversation. There may be a movie later, then sleep. Back to the trail tomorrow!
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a short day and I didn't get out of my bag until 6:45. I hit the trail by 7:30 and quickly got to the road. The climb up the other side wasn't too steep. I signed the register at the top of the hill and then went to the shelter. Since my parents weren't home yesterday evening I called home and talked for a while. It sounds like everyone is doing well.From there the trail goes over a couple of hills. Some of them were nice, and I had lunch on top of Consultation Hill. I wonder how it got its name. This shelter is the last one in Vermont. Tomorrow morning I'll cross into Massachusetts. I have to do a small resupply in North Adams, then I'll start climbing Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.Quiver showed up a bit later. His "pack" is is stuff wrapped in his sleeping pad. He is a super ultralight hiker if there ever was one. River Song also got in at dark. Chickenman spent his last Long Trail night here too. He said he has some extra days, so he plans to do Greylock.
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

It was a cold night, but I stayed warm enough in my bag. I did pack up and eat breakfast quickly, however. Once I hit the trail I warmed up. The trail was mostly flat to the border and I made good time. After some pictures and sighting the register I was on my way in Massachusetts. There was a descent with some big rocks near the top, to make me feel at home, then a pleasant stream side walk to the road.At MA 2 I walk half a mile to the Stop & Shop. I got my resupply food, then decided to have an early lunch, so I got some hummus and crackers. I ate them under some trees in the parking lot. Very tasty. I walked back to the trail, walked up the roadwalk, and got back into the woods. It was kind of steep up the first part of Greylock, then there was a long boring ridgewalk, then a final climb to the summit. There are tourists up there. As a thru hiker I was practically a rockstar. It started raining, then hailing while I was inside having a snack. I left once it stopped. About a quarter mile down the trail it started raining and hailing again. What fun. The weather made it a quick three miles to the shelter. There are a bunch of NOBOs here, and they're all nice.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was really nice. It was cold this morning as I ate and packed up. The trail down Greylock is very nicely graded and parts seemed almost flat. There is a short roadwalk through Cheshire, which looked like a nice town. There is a monument there for a >1000 pound cheese the town gave to president Jefferson. I guess that's something to be proud of. About one mile south of town is an outlook, where I took a break and admired the view. The trail is on a fairly flat ridge until it drops into Dalton.Partway along the ridge I realized I'd get to Dalton around noon. This was very exciting. Real food for lunch. In fact, I got to the north end of High Street just before 12. The trail is on that road for a mile to down town Dalton, where I stopped at Angelinas and got 2 veggie burgers and a large fries. The liquor store was next door, so I stopped by. The lady at the counter didn't card me. I must look older with this beard on. On my way out I stopped by Tom Levardi's to fill up my water.At was a pleasant climb to Kay Wood Shelter. At the side trail I called Mr Lowrance to see what time he thought he'd get there. Since he was planning on being there earlier and today was so nice, I decided to go another 8.8 to here. It wasn't bad, the trail was mostly flat. I sang songs the last 2.5 miles. There was no one here when I arrived just before 6, and only one NOBO is here now. Its going to be a quiet night. Tomorrow I only have to do 7.2 to the road, so there's no rush. It will be night to see Mr Lowrance, and to get rid of all the extra stuff I have. Onward to Georgia!
Date: 2013-08-06
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Lowrance wasn't getting there until noon, so I took my time. I sat around in my bag for two hours, but it was still cold when I got out. The hike to the road was pretty quick. I got to the road at 11. At 12, he arrived and we drove into Lee. We went to a Peruvian restaurant. I got a rice dish that tasted a lot like fried rice. It was good. After a quick stop at the grocery store so I could resupply I was back on the trail.Crossing interstate 90 was very exciting. I've driven under the trail enough times on my way to or from Rochester; it was nice to finally be on the bridge. Over a hill and I was at the cabin. I checked in and got a bunk. I spent the afternoon hanging out by the lake and with the NOBOs here. It was fun. When the real caretaker gets here I'll make sure its OK to zero tomorrow. He'll also be able to unlock the canoes so I can go out in those tomorrow.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up when my bladder was full. I went downstairs and a few minutes later discovered that the pancakes were ready. If only all shelters had pancakes in the morning. I ate my fill and watched the NOBOs pack up and head out. The caretaker, Pete, found the keys to the canoes, so I went out. I was the only one here for most of the day. The pond is really nice. After canoeing I sat on the porch and read and ate. A very relaxing day.This afternoon the NOBOs started arriving. Danger Dave got here first. Baloo said that she had started in Damascus, VA, so I might see her again down south. I like this group mare than those last night. One section hiker has a guitar so we had music all evening. It rained a bit, but the cabin is very comfortable. Tomorrow I have to pack up and go. I haven't looked at the guide, but I think I'll do around 20. It will be nice to be moving again. I feel rested after today.
Date: 2013-08-08
To: Mount Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

The pancakes this morning were good. And there were fewer people, so I didn't have to wait in line to get them. I packed up and hit the trail. It was not a great hike. Most of it was in the long green tunnel, with a few fields. Nothing exciting. I was going to go another 5.3 today, but I was tired, and my leg hurt, so I stopped. The water source for the shelter is well hidden. It took me about 20 minutes to find, and I nearly got lost. They should label it better. As I'm writing this the wind is picking up and its getting ominously dark. I think it will rain before I leave tomorrow morning. I also think I need a shower and laundry. Even I think my shirt and socks smell bad.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: The Hemlocks Shelter

To: US 44
Miles today: 14.1

What a beautiful day. I left before the others had packed up, and got up Mt. Everett. There were still a lot of low clouds around the summit, so there was no view. On Mt. Race, however, the view was great. Below the summit the trail walks along a cliff for half a mile, and it was a great day to be up there. Next was Sages Ravine, and the MA-CT border. Last New England state! The ravine was pretty, but the rocks were wet and slippery.On my way up Bear Mountain I passed a lot of day hikers and weekenders. The summit was pretty busy. There is a "tower", and a nice view. I flew down the mountain and made it to Salisbury in about two hours. I did a resupply and got some ice cream. I called the Bearded Woods hostel, and they had a free bunk. He couldn't pick me up for an hour, so I went to the library to type some blog entries up.The hostel is really nice. Hudson did all of the interior woodwork and it is beautiful. The attention to detail is incredible. I hung out all afternoon. Four NOBOs got in later. There was a family style dinner with really good food. We sat around talking for a long time afterwards. Its way past hiker midnight, and time for bed.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 17.3

I woke up earlier than usual because the mosquitoes woke up and began to attack. They weren't bad on the trail- I must hike faster than they can fly. There were a bunch of ups and downs this morning, then a few very flat miles along the Housatonic River. The trail goes up St. Johns Ledges, which have a good view, the down to Kent. I got to the road and walked into town, getting there around 2.I resupplied at the grocery store, then went to the library to use the computer. After my time was up I got some more denatured alcohol, then went to the pizza place to have an early dinner. As I was walking out of town, a van pulled over and the guy offered me a ride. I opened the back door and was about to put my ack in when his foot slipped off the brake and knocked me down onto the sidewalk. I got a few cuts and scrapes. As I was picking myself up a truck pulled over and a guy got out. He started yelling at the van driver. Its nice to know there are random people looking out for my well being. I decided to just walk back to the trailhead. It was then .3 to the shelter.No one else is here. The NOBOs are probably in Kent instead, and I don't think there are any SOBOs close behind me. The shelter has an open area in front with a stream. There aren't too many bugs which is even better. I'm sitting here munching on starbursts that I carried from town. On to New York tomorrow!
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Graymoor Ballfield

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I packed up very quickly and got to the convenience store/deli. I had french toast and did a small resupply. From there it was quick to get to the Hudson River. I went across the Bear Mountain Bridge, then walked to Fort Montgomery. At the post office they didn't have my box. I called home to get the tracking number, and the guy printed out the tracking history. My shoes are getting a tour of New England. It turns out Mom wrote the wrong zip code on the box. I tried to get it sorted out, then headed back to the trail.The AT goes through a zoo, and the bear cage is the low point of the trail, 124 feet above sea level. The animals didn't look very happy being cooped up in the cages. The climb up Bear Mountain was easy and I blew by the tourists going up. The top has a view of the NYC skyline. I got a shin splint in my right leg, so the rest of the day was hot and painful. There were some nice views, however. There is now water at this shelter so I had to carry some two miles in from the Palisades Parkway visitor center. It was heavy.This shelter looks nice from the outside, but is very trashy. It's too bad because everything else about the location is great. Tomorrow I need to do 19.6 so I'm close to a resupply, then I think I'll slow down for a day or two to let my leg rest some.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

There was no one else at the shelter last night. It was nice and quiet and I slept great. There were some good views on top of Wawayanda Mountain this morning. The trail then went don to a long swampy section. There was nearly a mile of boardwalk, and lots of bog bridges. I had lunch at a viewpoint on Pochuck Mountain. The trail went around the perimeter of the Wallkill Reserve. It looked like a swamp to me. I went into Unionville to get a few things and take a break. They have a nice little general store. From there it was uphill seven miles to the shelter. Tomorrow morning I'll go by the high point of NJ. If the tower is open I may go up. If not I'll continue on towards Georgia.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: High Point Shelter

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I was the only one at the shelter again last night. Nice and quiet. I left early and missed the unmarked trail to the highest point of NJ. If I ever decide to collect high points I'll have to go back. There was a wooden tower where I got a view however. At the Mashipacong Shelter I took a break. I figured I'd eat half of my goldfish and save the other half for tomorrow. This plan was going well until section hiker Ranger Bob showed up. He liked to talk, so I listened until the Goldfish were gone. At the pavillion on time of Sunrise Mountain I called home to find out where my boots were. I'll get a pair this weekend when I visit my cousins. These ones only have to last 60 more miles.I met some dayhikers on top of Culver Mountain. One of them asked me if I had seen any bears, and I replied "Not since Connecticut." This set off a lot of questions which I answered patiently. They gave me some food. I bought a soda at Culvers Gap then went to the shelter. It looks like a nicer shelter is being built on the other side of the road. Next year's thru hikers will be lucky. I think I'll be alone tonight unless Ranger Bob shows up. Tomorrow is a big day into Delaware Water Gap, PA. When I get there I'll have finished half of the states and 41% of the miles.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

I slept well in the hostel. I woke up late, at 6:30, and had some granola that was left by previous hikers. I got back on the trail at 7:30. It was very humid this morning as I climbed out of Delaware Water Gap, and it was unpleasant. It was the kind of humidity that just sucks away all of your energy. Once I got up, though, it was flat. The infamous Pennsylvania rocks started a few miles in. They ar no fun to walk on, especially with worn out shoes. I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere so I put on some music after lunch. It really helped the miles go by.The trail then dropped into Wind Gap, then climbed to the ridge on the other side. There were more rocks, then the shelter. As I was making dinner a thunderstorm rolled through. It is now cooler and less humid, and much more pleasant. I'm hoping it will cool off more as the sun goes down. Hot nights are not fun for sleeping. There were a lot fewer people on the trail. School is starting up, and I've passed all of the NOBOs so I think there will be fewer people out in general.