morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-19
From: West Hartford, Vermont

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Had some rain last night, so tent was nice and damp.  Linda prepared breakfast for the hikers staying at the Hart house:  eggs, sausage and muffins.  Still overcast this morning, but as we hiked the sun came out.  Turned out to be a beautiful day. We were warned earlier about a hornet's nest near Happy Hill shelter, but that did not help Disciple as he was stung twice.  Turns out the nest was near the warning sign, so as he stopped to read it...Bam he got hit.  We gave the nest a wide berth to get around.Rolling up and downs into Hanover, so a new state!  We had lunch at Molly's then went by CVS for some supplies. We had made arrangements to stay with Trail Angels Rob and Allison so Rob picked us up at CVS.  He first took us by the Norwich Inn for some refreshments before taking us to his house.  We met Allison, then were given a tour of the house.  Disciple and I had our own room with 2 beds and a bathroom right next door.  After showering,  we dried out some equipment and took advantage of the WiFi that Allison graciously shared.  They invited us to share dinner with them and Disciple had the opportunity to grill the beef.  He was in his element and seemed to really enjoy it.  The homemade meal was fantastic since it also included fresh vegetables which are rare on the trail and for town food.  We are truly blessed to have this experience since meeting new people was one of my objectives for this journey.
Date: 2017-08-20
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Rob prepared us a hearty breakfast wrap with eggs, sausage and bacon.  On the way back to the trail in Hanover, we stopped at Dan and Whit's so I could resupply.  That store is a landmark in Norwich,  so I am glad we had the opportunity to stop.Got to Hanover about 7:30 am and said our goodbyes to Rob.  Before hiking, we went by Lou's for our free thru hiker doughnut.  It was great.  Short, but challenging climb once we left Hanover then rolling ups and downs until the base of Moose Mountain. I had lunch at Mink brook then started the climb.  There were some steep sections at the beginning,  but gradual uphill as you approached the south peak.  The view from there was OK since it was fairly clear.  Headed over the north peak (no view) then started the decent which was steep with roots in some areas.  The climb up Holt's Ledges seemed to go on forever,  but finally got there.  Views were OK.  Arrived at shelter about 5 pm.  Large group here including Van Man and his son, Jax Dad and  Brave Heart.
Date: 2017-08-21
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: NH 25A, Mile 1781.3
Miles today: 17.0

Nice walk to the base of Smarts Mountain then started the climb.  Trail was not bad, some steep sections,  but overall a nice grade.  I do prefer doing these climbs in the morning.No view on top unless you climb the tower....which I did not due to my fear of heights.  Folks who did go up the tower said the view was great.  From the summit, headed down where I ate a late lunch at South Jacobs Brook.Climb up Cube Mountain was another one of those afternoon climbs that seem to take forever.  There were good views here,  I did not have to climb a tower!  Did get to see the partial eclipse since Van Man had a pair of eclipse glasses he had given Disciple. Stocked up on water after the decent and got to camp about 6:30 pm at a steath site near NH25A.
Date: 2017-08-22
From: NH 25A, Mile 1781.3

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Not much breakfast this morning because we were planning to go to the Omelette Man, but he wasn't there.  However he did have bananas and orange drink for hikers.  Gradual uphill to start the day, with some decent climbs to NH 25 in Glencliff.  I was in a bit of a hurry since I needed to get to the post office before it closed at 2 pm.I did get my package of cold weather gear including my 32 degree bag, fleece, gloves, stocking cap and base layer.  I also sent my summer bag and clothing home.  Got to the hostel and showered,  did laundry and just relaxed.  Later,  took the town shuttle to the burger joint and to resupply.  Will do a SoBo slackpack of Moosilauke tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-23
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: moderate rain

Had a big breakfast at the hostel, called the best $5.00 breakfast on the trail.  Doing a SoBo slackpack of Moosilauke today, starting at Kinsman Notch and hiking back to the hostel. Very steep trail to begin out of the notch following the creek/waterfall.  The climb was not too bad since there were steps and hand rails that really helped.  Past the Beaver Brook Shelter, the climb became "normal" with some ridge walking and reasonable climbs.  Saw Giggles and Many Miles on their decent who I last saw in Connecticut. As soon as I broke treeline the cold wind was strong.  On the summit, the rain jacket came on to break the wind.  There were some clouds around the summit, but they would clear occasionally for some nice views.  I met Minnie and her husband Kona on top.  Minnie recognized my name since she reads trailjournals.com. The decent was challenging in places because of the slippery roots and rocks.  Additionally,  my left foot is a bit sore after twisting it yesterday.  Back to the hostel got a shower, then to town for another burger with fries.  Much cooler temperatures today so hopefully good sleeping weather.
Date: 2017-08-24
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was my welcome to The Whites moment. Another good breakfast at Hikers Welcome hostel, then caught the first shuttle to Kinsman Notch.  Going NoBo today with full pack.  Steep climb out of the notch, then rolling up and downs to the base of Wolf Mountain. Several steep climbs up Wolf which made for slow going,  but the decent really was slow.  My left foot is still sore, so I was very careful not to twist it on the decent.The climb up Kinsman was very, very challenging; by far the toughest climb I have had on the AT (to date).  I have had steep rock scrambles before, but none that were as long as this.  They say the trail trains you for what is ahead, and I believe that!  There is no doubt the previous shorter rock climbing helped.  There were great views from the south summit so I stopped to "smell the roses" and let it all sink in.  I moved on to the North summit with another view, then down to the shelter.  I met the caretaker and got a tent platform.  It took me a solid day to do this section, but I expected shorter miles in The Whites.   Got very cold while preparing supper, so quickly got my food to the bear box after I ate.  Out of my damp clothing and socks, then put I my newly arrived base layer and crawled into my newly arrived 32 degree bag.  I am warm and toasty.  Living the dream.
Date: 2017-08-25
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Franconia Notch 
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: few clouds

Slept late this morning.  It was nice and cool outside and I was nice and warm in my tent.  Couple that with a short hike to do a nearo in town, that is a recipe for late sleeping.  Started hiking after 8 am which may not late to some, but it is for me.Steep decent down to Lonesome Lake Hut, then the trail was manageable to the road.  The last 1.5 miles was like a highway, so made good time there.  Got to Franconia Notch,  then took bike path to trailhead and road.  Caught a hitch fairly quick and they dropped me off at the Inn 32 where I would share a room with Disciple.  He did the 16 miles the day before so he could zero today.The folks at Inn 32 are very hiker friendly and welcomed me when I arrived.  Ate lunch at Wayne's market across the street, then shower and laundry.  Later hit Wayne's again to resupply,  then over to Woodstock Inn and Brewery for dinner.  The hotel will shuttle us back to the trailhead in the morning.
Date: 2017-08-26
From: Franconia Notch 

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

What a wonderful day on the AT with best views on trail to date. Up about 6 am and had breakfast sandwich from Wayne's.  John, the hotel owner, took Disciple, Purple Rain and myself up to the trailhead.  Nice climb to begin with, grade and tread of the trail was not bad.  It was steep in a few sections but I took my time to not over do it.  My right knee has been sore, so went easy.  Stopped at Liberty Springs to camel up on water, then finished the climb up Little Haystack.  Great views from here,  Lincoln and Lafayette since it was above treeline.  It was very crowded with dayhikers since it was Saturday.  Continued on to Mt. Garfield which was a tough climb.  It was steep and the end of the day so I was really tested.  View on top was spectacular of the Franconia Ridge.  Got to camp early, so early to bed tonight.
Date: 2017-08-27
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter 

To: Ethan Pond
Miles today: 14.5

Cool this morning and hiking about 7:15 am.  Long day today and my right knee is really sore.  The steep, rocky decent to begin day was not fun and rough on both knees.  Got to Galehead Hut and saw Giggles,  Many Miles, PR, Aspirations and GQ.  Had some of the left over oatmeal at the hut; the Croo there was really nice.  Steep climb up South Twin, but views were great on top.  The decent from there was not as bad as Garfield,  but still hard on the knees.  Got to Zealand Falls Hut and had a bowl of soup.  The Ethan Pond trail was not bad, the first half was very nice.  The second half was mostly flat, but had rocks, roots and mud.  Got to camp and set up tent on a platform.  Good day on the trail.
Date: 2017-08-28
From: Ethan Pond

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided last night to do a short day today to rest my right knee.  It felt OK this morning, still sore and swollen, but I am able to hike.  Level section to start the day, then a nice decent into Crawford Notch.  Filled up with water at a spring, then started the climb up Webster.  The trail to Webster Cliffs was steep, but manageable.  The climb up Webster Mountain was a different story.  The hand over hand climbing was back,  but nothing close to Kinsman.  Great views from here and later on Jackson.Got to Mizpah Springs hut and had some bread.  Decided to tent rather than do work for stay.  Since it was a short day, had dinner early and was in sleeping bag by 7 pm.  Cool temperatures tonight!
Date: 2017-08-29
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: moderate rain

Doing a very short day.  I want to rest my right knee, so just heading to Lake of the Clouds.  If I go past that hut,  I would need to go extra miles to get to a campsite.  Also, really wanted to experience a WFS at Lake of the Clouds.Hung around and ate breakfast at Mispah before I left.  To "pay" for breakfast, I swept out the bunkrooms.  Started hiking about 10 am.  Took my time and enjoyed the views along the way.  It was overcast, but a high ceiling, so views were good.  A bit windy and cold, so found a wind break to eat lunch.  Got to Lake of the Clouds about 2 pm and had a bowl of soup.  Had a good signal, so was able to update my trailjournals.com blog.  Later, asked and got a WFS,  but it turned out that all hikers who wanted WFS got it.  Staff there was really nice.Did the nature walk with the naturalist,  then waited until the guests finished eating, then we ate with the Croo.  Our chore was polishing some of the pots and pans with steel wool.  After lights out, the hikers set up for the night in the dining room.  Sleeping warm tonight.
Date: 2017-08-30
From: Lake of the Clouds

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Noisy night.  Staying in the Dining area of Lake of the Clouds after a WFS where guests were walking to the restrooms seemed like all night.  Probably did not get as much sleep as I needed.  We did our WFS chores last night, so I ate a trail breakfast and started for Mt. Washington a little after 7 am.  The trail up was not bad and got to summit around 8 am.  Weather was very calm with little or no wind.  There were only hikers at the summit.  Stayed on summit about 2.5 hours and had a 2nd breakfast and early lunch.Continued hiking, weather remained great with partly cloudy sky.  Trail to Madison Spring Hut not bad, trail down Madison tough steep downhill going through a thick Balsalm Fir growth.  Got to camp about 6:15 pm.
Date: 2017-08-31
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: NH 16 Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: clear sky

Short day today as I head to Pinkham Notch to stay at Joe Dodge Lodge.  Still taking some short days to rest my knee, plus wanted to shower and resupply.Trail today had some rocks and roots to begin with, but the last part very nice.  Got to Pinkham Notch and met back with Disciple where we had lunch and dinner at the visitor center.  Both meals were good.  Hostel is a bit pricey, but very clean and nice.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Norwich VT

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

Great start! Had a great ride to VT with my Dad.  Had lunch at s BBQ place that just might be his new favorite restaurant! Thankfully, he was up for an adventure & was willing to wait with me so that I could hit the trail between thunderstorms! Spent the night in a cool stone shelter, safe from the storm that lasted pretty much all night.  Did probably the worst job ever of hanging my food in a tree, but it's the firstbnight & it was down pouring...
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Well, food was still in the tree this am, so life is good!  I also redeemed myself tonight by a much better performance at tying a bear bag!Had an amazing day of georgeous weather and amazing views of mountains and fields filled with wildflowers and ripe wild strawberries. I'm officially in love with Vermont!
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Wintruri Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5

What a day! Pretty excited that a thru hiker bestowed me with a trail name this am... Farm Girl. Not shocking, huh? It all started with a discussion about bears stealing food (a hot topic here).  He said the worst bear story he has heard was about "a place called Shaker Campsite ".  So of course I had to tell him that was in Tyringham... Side note, according to the story the bear followed a guy for a mile after trying to steal his pack while he was in the privy.More amazing mountain views, beautiful fields, and some very steep climbs.  Hit the wall at about 2:30, but got thru it.  I figure that's about right as far as conditioning at the beginning of the trip.  And, despite dripping in sweat all day, a woman at the shelter tonight said, "You smell incredibly clean, how long have you been out here?"Definitely hilarious! Guess I need to get more stinky!!
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Wintruri Shelter 

To: Stony Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Weather today was perfect for hiking.  Took a side trail to a place called the lookout, which was a cabin on top of a mountain with a observation deck on the roof. Could see the Whites in NH, Killington, and a bunch of other mountains that I don't know the names of. Those of you who know I don't like ladders, would be pretty impressed that I made it up & back down :)Hiked through an amazing pine forest that seemed magical.  Every time I turned the corner on a switchback, I was sure I would see a unicorn!Yesterday's experience of hitting the wall of exhaustion taught me a lot & I made myself a list of things to commit to. Not anything anyone didn't already give me good advice about, but maybe I had to live it to really, really understand.1.  Take a break.  These are the longest days of the year, there is no need to rush.2. Stop at water sources, fill up my Nalgene & drink the whole thing before getting back on the trail.  Only carry water on my back that is absolutely necessary.3. Front load on protein, don't wait until I'm hungry.4. Pack more chocolate!!
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Stony Brook Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's hard to believe how many things you can fit into one day out here!  Dodged a thunderstorm this am & still got an early start. I met a thru hiker this am who had the smallest pack I had ever seen.  He was headed 31 miles today- yep, longer than a marathon. He said base weight on his pack is 7lbs, 14 max on resupply day with food & water. He had a tattoo on his calf that read "Miles to go...". Incredible!The big news of the day, though is that I am ahead of schedule. I made it 17 miles to the top of Killington!!!!  I am sooo excited!  My first 4,000 ft mountain!  My first 17 mile day!Woot, Woot
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Base of Killington
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day- Had an interesting night last night in the shelter on top of Killington.  Leaky roof, broken bunks, snoring Shelter mate, sudden onset of allergies (had to be mold), and a thunderstorm.  Not a lot of sleep, but boy was it amazing to watch the fog and mist just roll into the shelter.  Also met some really amazing people in the Shelter.  We all saw the humor in our sleepless night, which was a great way to start the day.Planned to take the gondola down the mountain to start my zero day, but had to walk back down the access road of the ski resort because contrary to the guidebook, you can only buy a ticket at the base of the mountain Oh well! Garrett & I will ride up it tomorrow to get back on the trail & maybe the weather will be better for seeing the view. This am, the only view was fog.Had a great day in Killington with Bill & Garrett! Ate some amazing food & did my laundry.  Cut stuff from my pack to bring the weight down & got a new sleeping pad.  The z-lite was killing me!Will be great fun to have Garrett hiking with me for the next week!!
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Base of Killington

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail!  Garrett & I had a great ride up the gondola to get back on the trail. The nice man selling tickets gave me & Garrett free tickets! It turns out they should have sold me a ticket at the top :)Garrett learned the finer points of hanging a bear bag & we had some pretty amazing views.  My new 14oz sleeping pad is a dream!Just quick, I want to say something about pack weight.  The day before I headed out my pack was somehow at 38 lbs. I couldn't figure it out, I had been so careful. What did I stuff in there at the last minute?? So I ripped it apart and left fully loaded with water & 7 days of food at 35 lbs.  I was sure I needed everything in there.  After a week, I left yesterday restocked with water and 8 days of food at 32 lbs.  So, I'm making progress!!
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of hiking uphill today!  We arrived at Greenwall Shelter to find it pretty run down & with very poor water source, so we powered on the extra miles to the next Shelter. We made it with literally 7 minutes to set up our tent and gear before a big thunderstorm hit. We stayed dry, but boy did we have a wet tent!!Cold soaked a 2 person meal & took turns standing in the rain eating it.  We thought it was a pretty funny night!  I am always impressed by how independent Garrett is on the trail. I'm thankful for the amazing training from his Boy Scout leaders.  I hiked at about the same pace as a dad-son duo for a couple days last week & suddenly realized just how self sufficient Garrett is!  Speaking of Boy Scouts leaders, I want to be sure to remember to say thank you to Chris J & Damian K when I get back. They taught me about the existence of "the guy who begs for food".  I'm pretty sure I met that guy a few days ago, and their advice worked perfectly!One last thing before I sign off, had a pretty amazing moment today when a young guy with a prosthetic leg was cheering for Garrett from the top of hill, as Garrett was taking his turn hiking up the giant incline.Pretty incredible place loaded with pretty incredible people.
Date: 2017-06-27
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter 

To: Peru Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Started today ahead of schedule because of the extra miles yesterday. Had breakfast with a hiker called Snow White, which I'm guessing has to do with her beautiful white hair.  Said her son gave her a pack for Christmas & suggest she hike the AT. So with no hiking experience, off she went! She was the most joyful person I think I've ever met!  Hiked through the beginning of a section designated as a national wilderness, so not much for cell service or civilization. Hiked Baker Peak, Bear Mointain.  Tomorrow we hike Bromley, which I'm really looking forward to!Interesting night at the shelter.  We met the Loud family, who I'm pretty sure are first cousins to the Camp Run-a-Muckers!Garrett is having some real issues with his feet & may have to call the trip short.  For now, he's learned about the value of vitamin I- that's I for ibuprofen!  He is a trooper, but sometimes those crazy flat feet of his are just not his friends.
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Peru Peak Shelter 

To: Bromley Shelter 
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Short day today- done hiking by around noon to get Garrett off his feet.  Bill & Lucy will be picking up Garrett at a trailhead 2 mi ahead tomorrow am.It's been great to have Garrett- we make a pretty good hiking team.  We've seen some pretty cool things on this trip.  Some favorites have been White Rock Mtn, where hikers have created a sea of cairns from the beautiful white rocks at the peak. Also, got to see the point where northbound thru hikers hit 500mi left.  Saw an adorable trail dog who carried his own mini z-lite sleeping pad on the outside of his doggie pack. Great views from the top of Bromley today, too.It's pretty cool to be hiking where the Long Trail and AT share the same path. Now when people talk, there's so many questions... Are u LT? AT? Thru? It feels like I'm ordering at Starbucks when I explain my official answer... I'm a southbound AT section hiker, VT border to Tyringham, MA.  Whew... a mouthful!
Date: 2017-06-29
From: Bromley Shelter 

To: Stratton Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

Garrett is home safe and sound! Bill & Lucy brought me all sorts of great stuff to resupply, so now I won't need to stop in Bennington.  Next stop in town will be Dalton, MA!  They also brought me a fresh, hot, strong cup of coffee.  It was heaven!Wrapped up a bit early today because the next 2 shelters have been having major bear problems and every thru hiker tells me not to go to them. So that means a 19.6mi day tomorrow to get past them.  Am staying in the shelter tonight because we are getting thunderstorms& will help me get an earlier start to fit in all my miles.Interesting to watch the terrain change over time.  First there was rolling hills and fields for days. Then I transitioned to big rocks and big mountains.  Today, I seemed to transition to a big green tunnel of mud. Folks have been telling me it was coming & ive said, that's ok, I'm from MA and used to mud! Boy am I glad I'm used to it, because there is ALOT!!  And, I loved every minute of the mud slogging! Such an amazing trip!