morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-10-03
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to 

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to 
Miles today: 8.1

Before heading out I made one more attempt to convince the trio of novice backpackers to turn around and hike north out of the 100 mile wilderness. I was not successful. (I later found out that the brother/sister pair got a ride out at the midway point. The Pakistani gentleman continued, but only after sending a lot of his gear out with the person who picked up the brother/sister pair.)The day started with a fairly easy climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain at 1520 feet. It was the first time I had cell service for several days so I called my husband to wish him happy anniversary and to let him know I was OK.It was a good thing I called. He had not received any Spots from me for several days and was getting close to reporting me as missing. Every night I faithfully use the Spot device to determine my position and the GPS coordinates are sent via satellite to my husband via email and text to let him know I am OK. Apparently the Spot was not sending the information to my husband. It made us wonder whether the device would have sent out an emergency signal if I had become injured and required help. (My husband later received all the missing Spot messages at one time.)I briefly told my husband about the past few days. He told me that the hurricane was no longer headed to Maine.I also called the AT Lodge in Millinocket and made reservations for tomorrow night.I continued hiking north. For a while the AT ran parallel to a gorge with rushing water. Again I became anxious and my heart raced. Otherwise the trail was fairly easy.I reached the Rainbow Stream Lean-to well before dark and had the place all to myself - except for the red squirrels, which decided to run around the shelter in the middle of the night.The sounds of the brook in front of the shelter made it difficult for me to fall asleep. Someone left part of AWOL's book about his thru hike of the AT in the shelter. I read it to try to put me to sleep. It felt strange to read a book, and I realized how much I missed reading.The AT is calling. This is my last night out on the trail in Maine. Only 15 more miles to Abol Bridge and civilization. Looks like I will make it out of the 100 mile wilderness afterall.
Date: 2015-10-05
From: AT Lodge

To: AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I took a zero. I did the normal town chores: laundry, emptied out my pack, and hung everything in my room to dry.Like many hostels, the AT Lodge provides hikers with "loaner clothes" to wear while we wash our clothes. Otherwise I wear my rain gear, which can be hot, even with absolutely nothing on underneath.The loaner clothes always look like they came from a thrift shop (afterall, they do not want hikers to walk off with them), and sizes and choices are limited. But I am actually getting pretty good at putting outfits together. I also appreciate the loaner clothes so that I can wash my rain gear.During the day I napped and walked up the street to eat breakfast and dinner. When I returned to my room the smell of my pack, boots, and gear just about knocked my socks off.The AT is calling. Tomorrow I hike the last stretch of the AT in Maine before climbing Mt. Katahdin.
Date: 2015-10-08
From: AT Lodge

To: AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The plan was for my husband to meet me at the Norwich Inn in Norwich, VT as soon as I finished Maine. We were going to celebrate our anniversary with a movie (A Walk in the Woods, of course), a nice dinner, and a comfortable room at the Inn. Then my husband was supposed to help me slackpack 177 miles through VT and to Dalton, Mass.Dartmouth College, just across the VT border in Hanover, NH, was having homecoming this weekend.   No rooms were available 10/8, 10/9, or 10/10 anywhere near Norwich, VT. So I had no choice but to hang out in Millinocket for a few more days.The AT is calling. Due to circumstances beyond my control, it will just have to wait.
Date: 2015-10-09
From: AT Lodge

To: AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was able to get a reservation at the Norwich Inn for Sunday and Monday night. I booked a room with a king sized bed, but the Inn gave me a hard time about honoring the hiker rate listed in the AT guide.My husband started driving to VT. I made my travel arrangements and started to pack. The weather on Katahdin continued to deteriorate. (By the time I left Millinocket the summit was covered with snow and ice.)
Date: 2015-10-10
From: AT Lodge

To: Somewhere in Northern VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Getting to Norwich VT from Millinocket is a little challenging. First I took a shuttle from Millinocket to Medway, ME, where I caught a bus at a gas station. I took the bus to Bangor, ME, where I was able to rent a car. Then I started driving towards Norwich, VT.I stopped at a Maine visitors center along the interstate. The lovely lady who helped me suggested I drive through northern NH. I agreed. It was fun passing through or near some of the towns I visited while I was hiking north on the AT. It was also nice seeing the White Mountains again - from a distance, without a pack, in a nice warm car.I stopped for the night in northern VT thinking I was far enough away from Dartmouth that I would be able to find a room. I was wrong. There were no rooms available anywhere. I ended up sleeping in the rental car in my sleeping bag.The AT is calling. But first I need to have that date with my husband.
Date: 2015-10-11
From: Somewhere in Northern VT

To: Norwich Inn, Norwich VT 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My husband, Rod, met me in White River Junction, VT at the rental car place. After dropping off my rental car, we had breakfast.We searched the Internet for a movie theater within reasonable driving distance showing A Walk in the Woods. We came up empty handed.We went to a Vermont Country Store. It was expensive and crowded, so we left.We went to the Norwich Inn to check in. They finally agreed to honor the hiker rate, but gave us a room with twin beds (like Ozzie and Harriet). They claimed there were no other rooms available and denied that I ever booked the room with the king size bed.We had an early dinner at the Inn, which is the only part of our date that went as planned. Our meals were delicious and beautifully presented. My meal was garnished with an orchid, one of my favorite flowers.The date that I planned and so looked forward to while I was battling the storm in the 100 mile wilderness did not go as planned. But I was so happy to see my husband, it really did not matter.The AT is calling. It will just have to be patient. I need a little quality time with my husband before hitting the trail again.
Date: 2015-10-13
From: Cloudland Road

To: VT 12, Barnard Gulf Road
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: mist

Today was supposed to be about 14 miles, but it did not work out that way.The climb out of the gap from the road was really tough, even with just a daypack. The trail was steep and very rocky. The rocks hidden under the leaves made hiking particularly tedious because the rocks frequently caused my ankles to roll. I never knew for certain what I was stepping on, or in (a hole, water, mud). However, once I was up on the ridge, I was rewarded with a lovely hike along an old dirt road, with beautiful rock walls. Obviously whoever cleared the road stacked the rocks alongside to make the walls - a double treat for me, smooth tread and beautiful walls. THANK YOU!!! With the spectacular fall foliage, I was truly enjoying this portion of the trail. The old John Denver song, Country Roads, came to mind. I was surprised I still remembered the words. I softly sang as I hiked along.Unfortunately, the AT did not stay on the dirt road for long. Instead the trail went up and down, over and over, and the rocks were again hidden in the thick blanket of leaves   Dana Hill, at 1551 feet was really tough. And of course I constantly had to search for the trail.My husband was waiting for me at VT 12 and wondered why my pace was so slow today. I explained that terrain and trail tread, and the ability to even find the trail, all affect "productivity." (He is in manufacturing, and anyone who knows him knows he is very goal oriented and focused on productivity.)It was starting to rain, the temperature was dropping, and the logistics of road access to the AT, combined with the amount of daylight left, made us conclude it was time to quit for the day.Rod was all excited because he found the Inn at Long Trail, which seemed like a nice place to stay. They even offered a hiker discount. Who knew you had to ask if a room included things like a TV, or heat??? The room was also on the 3rd floor, too far from the sketchy wifi. (I think for an additional $30 we could have had a room with heat. But I am now a tough hiker who is used to living in the woods - so I sucked it up, but took a very long hot shower.)The AT is calling. Hopefully my daily mileage (productivity) will increase, and the next accommodations will include heat.
Date: 2015-10-14
From: VT 12, Barnard Gulf Road

To: Chateauguay. Road/Mink Brook
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Breakfast was included with the room, so instead of a bag of cold oatmeal I had a nice, but very time consuming, breakfast with my husband.Then we had a long drive back out to the trail. From the road, the AT went over a stile and through a cow pasture. The cows paid me no attention, but I had to walk carefully to avoid the cow patties. Then I began a slow and steady climb out of the gap. Just as before, the trail was full of rocks covered in a thick blanket of leaves. I was glad when I finally reached the summit of Ascutney Mountain at 1497 feet. I skipped stopping at Wintturi shelter because it is .2 miles off the AT. But I did take the side trail to The Lookout, where there is a privately owned primitive cabin left open for hikers to use. It has 4 walls, a door, and windows with glass - MUCH more upscale than the typical AT shelter! It also has a ladder to the roof where there is a small widow's walk. I put on my big girl granny panties and climbed the ladder, despite the stiff wind. The view was worth the climb.I had one more mountain to get over, then started the relatively easy hike down into the gap. Rod hiked up the mountain and met me.Once again, weather, the amount of daylight left, and the logistics of getting to the next road crossing brought us to the conclusion it was time to call it a day.We found another place to stay for the night - heat included. Life is good.The AT is calling. I have been told "productivity" must improve.
Date: 2015-10-15
From: Chateauguay. Road

To: US-4
Miles today: 14.5

The day again started with a long steady climb from the road and out of the gap. Fortunately there were switchbacks, and occassionally stone steps. Unfortunately problems finding the trail continued.The AT guide mentioned a boulder at the powerline on Quimby Mtn. (2527 feet) which was nice to sit on. It was. I took a brief break and had a great view of the ski slopes on Mt. Pico, which I would soon be climbing.The descent from Quimby Mtn was very long and steady. When the trail finally leveled off I enjoyed an easy stretch with a beautiful waterfall and lake. Then the trail began to climb again.Before reaching the road I passed the point where the AT joins the Long Trail southbound. (I hope to come back and complete the northbound portion of the Long Trail before I lose my trail legs.)From this point to the VT border I would occassionally run into AT thru hikers and Long Trail thru hikers. I had to remember to ask which trail they were thru hiking.The descent into the gap and to US-4 was relatively easy. The AT is calling. Everyone is now happy that "productivity" has increased.
Date: 2015-10-16
From: US-4/Rutland

To: US-4/Rutland
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The weather forecast called for cold rain all day. A cold front was coming through.I needed to return some things to REI, and I needed to buy a few things. It was also my birthday - yes, the AT is definitely aging me.So we decided to take a zero. We visited a few places in the Rutland area, including the famous Yellow Deli, where you can get great food, a place to stay (there is a hiker hostel upstairs), and if you are so inclined, join their cult. We picked up a couple of sandwiches to go, took a look at the hostel, sampled their tea, then headed to Boston and REI. The REI was about 100 miles away as the crow flies, but because of the roads in VT, it took us over 3 hours, one way. I returned my sleeping pad, which seemed to be leaking, and bought a warmer 4 season replacement. I also returned my pack rain cover, which failed to keep anything dry and instead collected water, which I constantly had to stop and dump out as I hiked. Instead of buying another rain pack cover I decided to buy more dry bags. Everything in my pack should now stay dry and organized.I also bought some smaller size light weight long underwear tops and bottoms. But this time I bought Ice Breaker rather than Smart Wool. They were less expensive and seemed to be more durable.I also bought a new pair of boots. This is my 4th pair on the AT.We had a long drive back to Rutland, but I was glad I got my gear issues resolved. The AT is calling. The cold front is bringing freezing rain and snow. The next few days hiking will be cccccold! At least I will be warm, dry, well fed, and sleeping indoors at the end of the day.
Date: 2015-10-17
From: US-4/Rutland

To: Lottery Road
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

The weather forecast sounded brutal - freezing rain at lower elevations and snow at the higher elevations, with a stiff wind everywhere. I have to admit, I was not exactly chomping at the bit to get out on the AT and start hiking.When I started hiking it was just cold. Then the wind picked up and the rain started. As I climbed higher the rain turned to sleet, then to snow. I had a long, long, long steady climb up, first to Pico and then Mt. Killington, at 3928 feet. I knew it was going to be a tough day. It definitely was.I saw about 12 people all day, mostly day hikers. One guy was a trail runner dressed just in little running shorts and a tank top. I have no idea what he was thinking, but I thought he was nuts!Fortunately the climb was relatively easy. I skipped stopping at the Churchill Scott shelter. With the cold and snow, I just wanted to keep moving. I likewise skipped the side trail to Pico Summit. With the snow, visibility was limited. There would be no view at the summit.The ridgeline between Pico and Killington was quiet and somewhat protected from the wind by the trees. I was cold and wet, and kept going to stay warm. My hands in particular were very cold. The rain and snow soaked my gloves. Moving was the only way to generate enough body heat to stay warm.Cooper Shelter is just short of Killington summit. It is a lovely structure with 4 walls, a door, and windows but no glass. Inside are bunk beds and a picnic table. And there was snow - drifts of snow on the table, benches, and even the ends of the bunks. Boy was I glad I was not sleeping there tonight!I popped into the shelter briefly to take a break and have a snack. A few day hikers popped in too, but we all quickly became chilled and had to move on.I skipped the side trail to the summit. The snow was really coming down at this point and there would be no view. (Some of the ski slopes on Killington opened this weekend.) I was also worried about the descent with snow accumulating on the ground. All day I saw very little wildlife, only a few grouse and squirrels. I always feel somewhat stupid hiking in bad weather when the animals who live in the woods know to hunker down and wait out the weather. They are probably laughing at me as I hike past them, hidden in their warm and protected dens and tree holes.I stopped briefly at the Governor Clement shelter just to check it out. It was a very nice rock structure with a fireplace. Rod was waiting for me at Cold River Road/Lower Road. With the weather he was getting worried about me. The snow had kicked up to a blizzard, and it would soon be dark. We decided that I would hike another 2 miles to the next road crossing, for a total of 15.6 miles, and then call it a day.At Lottery Road it was nice to get into a warm car, peel off my wet clothes, and know I would have a good meal, hot shower, and warm bed. Three cheers for slackpacking with my husband!!!The AT is calling. I sure hope tomorrow is warmer and drier.
Date: 2015-10-18
From: Lottery Road

To: VT 140/Wallingford
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Although it was not snowing, it was still very cold and windy. The wind blew snow out of the trees and down on me along with wet leaves. And my feet soon became very cold from hiking through the wet snow on the ground.The day started with a very steep descent over rock rubble, made more treacherous because the rocks were wet and covered with slippery wet leaves and snow. I took my time and carefully picked my way down the rocks to avoid falling.I skipped stopping at the Clarendon shelter, but stopped briefly at the Minerva Hinckley Shelter. Like yesterday, I had to keep moving to stay warm.At Clarendon Gorge, as I went over the suspension bridge and could hear the water rushing over the rocks beneath me, I felt my heart pounding in my chest. That experience during the storm in the 100 mile wilderness is still haunting me.Rod was waiting for me at VT 140. My feet were freezing, and the wind and snow blowing down on me from the trees made for a very tough day. The next road crossing was another 8.5 miles. I just did not have it in me. I called it a day. Again, I was very grateful to be able to spend a nice warm evening with my husband rather than sleeping outdoors in the wind and cold.The AT is calling. I do not mind the miles, but I really could do without the wind and cold.
Date: 2015-10-19
From: VT 140

To: Danby-Landgrove Road
Miles today: 8.5

We woke to another very cold day. The sky was beautiful and clear, but the air was bone chilling cold.I had a long steady climb out of the gap. The sun melted most of the snow at the lower elevations, but there was still snow at the higher elevations. To keep warm I kept moving. I skipped stopping at the Greenwall shelter. I also skipped the side trail to White Rocks Cliff.I ran into a mom and daughter pair heading north who have been hiking the AT for 19 months. The daughter is a soldier recovering from war injuries and her mom is keeping her company on the trail. They had to go home several times for extended periods, but they are now close to finishing. I enjoyed chatting with them, but we all had to move on to keep from freezing.Rod hiked in to meet me. The descent into the gap was gentle, but noisy. The wet leaves were frozen and made a tremendous amount of noise as we headed down the trail. When we reached the road we decided to call it a day. It was too darn cold, and the next road access was 12.1 miles away. I just could not do it.The AT is calling. Oh, I really wish it would warm up!
Date: 2015-10-20
From: VT 11 & 30

To: Danby-Landgrove Road
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

The pressure is on. My husband will need to return to work soon, and I still have LOTS of VT and Mass. AT miles to hike. I have to get more miles done each day despite the weather.Since I do climbs better in the morning, I decided to hike northbound today so I could get up and over Bromley Mtn whole i still had pLenty of energy. Thankfully today was a little warmer. Although long and steady, the climb was not that bad. I stopped briefly at the Bromley shelter and again when I reached the peak.Going down the other side of the mountain was a totally different story. The trail went almost straight down over boulders, which were in the shade and still icy and very slippery. I was not expecting the trail to be so treacherous. Eventually the trail improved, and I made it to Mad Tom Notch.The climb back out of the gap was relatively easy, and I was rewarded with beautiful views from Styles Peak. Then the AT followed a ridge, with several climbs and declines, which reminded me of the Little Bigalows in Maine. Just when you think you climbed the last up, there always seemed to be another one just ahead.According to the profile in the AT guide, the ridge sort of blended into Peru Peak, but that was not the case at all. Instead there was a tough climb up exposed rock. And the peak was very cold and windy. Again, it was not what I was expecting. I did not linger at the peak.I did, however, stop briefly at Peru Peak shelter. The shelter was built by the CCC back when the AT was first constructed. It was interesting to see the craftmanship and how yhe original shelters were designed. Then I began the long descent. The trail was not well marked. In addition, the trail was full of leaves, roots, and rocks, and occassionally water. My ankles, knees, and feet were screaming with pain. I stopped briefly to take breaks at the Old Job and Big Branch shelters.It was a long tough day, and I was really glad to see my husband waiting for me at the road. Productivity has finally improved.The AT is calling. I hope the warming weather trend continues.
Date: 2015-10-21
From: USFS 71

To: VT 11 & 30
Miles today: 19.5

Once again I decided to hike northbound. I wanted to get up and over Stratton mountain in the morning. We had a long drive to the trailhead, so I did not hit the trail until 8 a.m.There are some folks who are AT "purists." They always carry a full pack, always hike northbound, and hike every inch of the trail. I guess I am a semi-purist. I slackpack if I have the chance to do so. If I have the opportunity to switch direction to make the hiking a little easier, I do it. But I do make sure I hike the entire trail.The first 2 miles were pretty muddy, but went quickly. I ran into a day hiker who asked me how far I was hiking. I proudly explained that I had already hiked most of the AT, and I just had 2 sections left to complete and then I would be done - Vermont to Dalton Mass, and Harper's Ferry to Davenport Gap. She looked at me very strangely, and then asked if I realized I was hiking north? AT hikers sometimes get turned around and go the wrong direction. Thankfully, so far, I have not made this mistake myself. I quickly explained that I was just hiking northbound today so I could get the climb out of the way in the morning. I have to admit it sounded a little silly, especially coming from someone who has already tackled the Whites and Maine. To my surprise Rod hiked in to meet me. The next road crossing was just 2 miles in and he just wanted to make sure I was OK.Then I started the long steady climb up Stratton Mountain. Fortunately this was probably the easiest climb up a mountain on the entire AT. I met a SOBO thru hiker named Gypsy and her dog (Rod had previously met her at one of the road crossings.) I also met a nice young man, another SOBO thru hiker, who I suggested should take Fiddle Head as his trail name. And I ran into Mountain Man, an older SOBO thru hiker Rod and I had previously ran into a few times. I am amazed at the number of southbound thru hikers starting so late in the season. At least when I started in March I knew the weather would eventually improve and the days would get longer if I just hung in there. These poor folks are facing weather which will only get worse and days which will only get shorter. And they are almost guaranteed to see snow when they hit the Smokies.The descent down the mountain was just as easy as the climb. To save time I did not stop at any of the shelters. Fortunately the weather cooperated. It spit a few times but never really rained.The trail smoothed out and I continued to make good time. I stopped briefly at Prospect Rock to take a few pictures. The trail did not become difficult until the last 2 to 3 miles, when it became rocky and rooty.I finished at about 6:45 p.m. It was a long day, but overall the trail was great today. Productivity has definitely increased. Everyone is happy.The AT is calling. I hope the rest of the trail in VT & Mass is as easy as today.