morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-05-16
From: Mtn Algo Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

we started at 6:30 AM, but had to detour around the river. Conditions have been very wet, and it rained again shortly after lunch. Rick fell on the trail with the wet conditions, but the overall day was a good day.  We had fun hiking through Rogers ramp, which was a narrow crevice and a fun scramble. At the shelter we met several new people. Two through hikers, (Maui and Red Dawn) and a large group of Yale college students who were out training to do freshman orientation. We had a really good discussion with the Yale students about goals in life and where they stood in their spiritual life. Both Maui and Hardway opened up the discussion with the students. Maui hikes each day with a Bible verse posted on the back of his backpack and enjoy talking to the students. The rain started again at about 5:30 PM and rain most of the night.
Date: 2022-05-17
From: Pine Swamp Shelter CT

To: Maria McCabeÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

The trail was easy walking today as we had to long River stretches. We averaged over 2.6 miles an hour for the entire day which was by far our best rate so far. The temperature did drop below 50° which was not expected. Even going 15 miles today we arrived in Salisbury Connecticut by 130 in the afternoon. We paid for two nights at Maria¢s home and will take a first zero day tomorrow. It is nice though to be at the Hostel where we can do our laundry, shower, and get some town food.  Mike and I walked from Maria¢s house into town for dinner at a restaurant called NEO.  We also decided to buy food during a resupply to cook a hot breakfast in the morning. This was our first zero opportunity and we will be taking tomorrow to catch up with some needed activities and journaling.
Date: 2022-05-18
From: Maria McCabeÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House

To: Maria MaCabeÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is our first zero mile day. We are on day 34. We stopped last night in Salsbury CT and are staying with 93 year old Maria McCabe.  Yesterday was probably our our best day hiking as we covered over 16 miles in 6.5 hours time.  We have had four straight nights of rain before last night but only got caught in the rain once during those four rain showers since we had been at shelters before the rain started most of the time.  We enjoyed two long flat river walk sections in the last two days which was a relief from a day on the 16th where we did over 4200 feet ascent. Our total mileage is now at 478 miles and it was time to take a zero day to rest and sleep in a real bed again.  Things are going well overall and I enjoy the conversations we have had the last week with fellow hikers Onion, Bubbles, Red Dawn, Maui, Monk, and a group of Yale college students out for four days of leadership training.  This is the second time that I have stayed at Maria¢s house, when we hiked with Larry Ward in 2019 he had this is one of his stops. Back in 2019 Maria was still able to shuttle hikers around town. Unfortunately, last year she got into an accident with her car and her kids decided it was time to give up driving. It is always interesting when you decide to take your driving privileges away from your parents! Maria is still renting out rooms in her house to hikers and she is a great lady to sit down with and talk to about all her memories and visitors.  Today she is allowed to do this with the help of her nephew. Mike and I walked around town to get our chores done and I resupply.
Date: 2022-05-19
From: Maria McCabeÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel

To: Hemlock Shelter MA
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

We left Maria McCabe¢s at 7:26 AM, even though it was raining. The forecast called for rain in the morning and we decided that we wanted to hit the trail. The trail was very wet and we had no sun or visible tea all heWe left Maria McCabe¢s at 7:26 AM, even though it was raining. The forecast called for raining morning and we decided that we wanted to hit the trail. The trail was very wet and we had no sun or clear visibility all day. We saw a deer near Lions Head peak, and the wet conditions caused Rick to have two falls coming down Bear Mountain. Bear mountain is generally a fun hike but not when it¢s wet. We crossed over into Massachusetts today, and made it to Hemlock shelter by 3:30 PM. It¢s a newer shelter, has a loft, and bucks. It even had toilet paper in the privy, which is really a rarity. Mike and I were the only two at the shelter for the night. I tested out my rain vest for the day and I¢m pretty happy with how that is functioning.
Date: 2022-05-20
From: Hemlocks Shelter

To: South Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

We had a slow start this morning not leaving camp until about 6:40 AM. The first 3 miles took us over two hours as we hiked over through some tough climbs.  Our total miles reach the 500 mile mark today, and we walked a lot of the day in bug nets, due to the heavy mosquito population. It was probably the worst mosquito area that we walk-through on the trip. Once we got to the shelter area we actually started to set up at the existing South Wilcox shelter. To our surprise they built a brand new one in the same area but about 300 yards down the trail. The new shelter was needed and very nice. We were joined at the shelter by Hot Moose who brought his guitar.
Date: 2022-05-21
From: South Wilcox Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: mist

After leaving Salsbury we are now in our 7th state and have completely hike 5 of them MD, PA, NJ, NY, and CT.  CT was a lot of rain, luckily mostly at night.  It made the rock scrambles very challenging.  The shelters in MA have been great.  Large, newer, and the trail is also been good for the most part.  Highlites include having a guitar (Hiker - Hot  Moose) the last two nights.  Finally we made it to Goose Pond Shelter today.  Unfortunately it is closed for another week so no free pancakes tomorrow morning but since the temperatures were in the mid 80s it was really good to get in a swim at the end of our day. With the shelter closed we spent the evening sleeping on the front porch with five other hikers.  Several additional hikers set up tents around the shelter.  The atmosphere around the shelter has changed as the peaceful lake had a couple of pontoon boats blaring music late into the evening.  We saw chipmunks everywhere today. We also enjoyed a roadside trail stand where there was a fridge and several different snacks to purchase at a reasonable price.  A cold beverage on a hot days really hit the spot and we enjoyed the stand supplies! There was very erratic cell phone coverage at Goose Pond today.
Date: 2022-05-22
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

we were on trail before 6 AM, and had a climb first thing. We passed the road that I stopped at when hiking with Larry Ward in 2019.We also met the new ¢Cookie Lady¢ who is still working as a school teacher and only available on weekends until the school year is finished.  Good thing for us it was a Sunday, because the weather was in the 80s and lemonade and cookies were a nice treat and true trail magic. Due to the weather, we arrived at the shelter around 2:30 PM and called it a day. Like several shelters in Massachusetts, the shelter was nice and we enjoyed the picnic table. Today¢s walk included several ridge views, and we met hikers Moonlight and Sweet Baby during the day. Being at the shelter was a great decision since rain started around 6:30 PM and we were able to stay dry. There was no cell coverage again at the shelter.
Date: 2022-05-23
From: Kay Wood Shelter 

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We start hiking at 6:20 AM, intending to hike into Dalton Vermont. Once in town we headed to a breakfast spot named Juice and Java for breakfast. I had a breakfast bowl which was very tasty. In the afternoon, we hiked to Father Tom¢s campsite which provided a spot to charge our electronics, chairs and water resupply. Before leaving town we also stopped at the Dollar General for basic food resupply. After we got out of town we had a serious climb through an area called the Rock Garden but were able to enjoy a nice day. We met GG at the shelter, but did not have cell coverage.
Date: 2022-05-24
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday we left MA and made it into Vermont.  We have enjoyed the MA shelters which were roomy, had good water supplies and even privies with toilet paper.  MA trails were good and now we are dealing with wet trails.  Overall looking forward to the Whites coming in a couple of weeks. Today we get to climb Mtn Greylock, part of over 4300 feet of climbing today. We hiked into North Adams today and a food resupply. On the trail we met two hikers, Moron and Compton.We also met two new through hiker, GG and Cricket.  We also met a young hiker Kevin who is attempting the Long Trail. Cell coverage has been very erratic, therefore it was hard to talk to folks on my 64th birthday.
Date: 2022-05-25
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Mel Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

We will pass the 600 mile mark on day 42 which puts us in good shape.  We have had spotty cell coverage lately but the trail has a lot of hikers since there are two popular trails combined.  We hiked with GG over the first major climb today. We arrived at the shelter by 1:50 PM. Hiker mega was leaving camp just as we pulled into camp. We continue to struggle with the markings on the trail which are very infrequent. The trail has been muddy and conditions are not ideal. We did walk past a couple of nice ponds, and have seen several beaver dams.  I watch the snake chase a frog for dinner tonight, not sure if he caught them. We met two Long trail hikers, Lurch and Bella. We taught them how to play spades, and lurch won the first game on zero bid.
Date: 2022-05-26
From: Mel Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

we left camp at 6:20 AM, and had a strong morning climbing two peaks. We struggled with the trail markings which were very erratic and caused us some delays. After lunch we climb to lookout tower, I needed to add our head nets to deal with all the mosquitoes. Trail conditions are very wet rocky and lots of twigs. There is a need for some trail maintenance for sure. Rick had a fall in the mud today, when the rock he was using rolled and caused him to hit the mud. We met three section hikers, (Infinity, Yo, and Donna).  We also met Lurch in Bella at the shelter, who are hiking the Long trail.  I could not talk anyone into playing cards due to the buggy environment.
Date: 2022-05-27
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

We were out of camp by 5:50 AM, rain was forecasted for after supper. We decided to hike an extra 3 miles today to set us up for a resupply tomorrow. We enjoyed hiking over Stratton Peak, and climbed a fire tower to see the views. Unfortunately with the weather coming in so did the fog, not allowing for much to view. We ate lunch with hiker K bar at the pond, which was a mistake with all the bugs. We made very good time in the afternoon arriving at the shelter shortly after 2:30 PM. The shelter was completely enclosed and even had a door. We were able to talk some of the other hikers into playing a game of spades with us, and we¢re joined later by weekenders Rocco, Jay, and Kevin.
Date: 2022-05-28
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

We left the camp at 6 AM, knowing that we needed to get into Manchester for a resupply. Manchester was 5.5 miles off trail, but we were fortunate to hitch a ride both directions. In the afternoon we hiked over three mountain peaks,Bromley, Style, Peru. We did get caught in the rain mid afternoon about an hour before we were able to get to the Peru shelter. Unfortunately we missed Eagle Ike by about 30 minutes has he had it on to the next shelter. There were three weekend hikers at the shelter, Kersten, Jim, and Shellie. Due to the weather ever crashed early, cutting short our view from the shelter which included a creek.
Date: 2022-05-29
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

We were able to leave camp at about 6:30 AM. It¢s the middle of the holiday weekend, and the trails have a lot of day hikers.  The morning started with a scramble across Baker Peak, and we met up with three of the hikers during the Long trail (Bala, Lurch, and Kevin). The hike at several areas we walked along rivers, but the trail was still wet from the rain a couple days ago. Rick slipped and fell twice during the day, once trying to make away for a day hiker, and the result was bending his jet boil stove. The weather was dry for the day, the bringing out many day hikers. We sheltered with only one other person, Eric, from New York. His trail name is ¢Not a Bear¢. He does a lot of work in the Adirondacks in his home area. The shelter was quite a ways off trail, and we had no cell service.
Date: 2022-05-30
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Governor Clemons Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

The weather was good this morning and we left camp at 6:00 a.m.  The interesting part has been the mud and the poor trail maintenance.  We have been hiking with several hikers doing the Long trail and have been spared rain most of the week. Shelters have been good and water plentiful.  Rick did trip and hit the dirt today, it was at least the 9th time that this has happened on our hike. We ate lunch early when we got cell phone coverage combined with a good view of the airport.  We also had several nice views of rivers and walked a suspension bridge today. We met up with ¢Tadpole¢ and ¢Surge¢ at the shelter, two NOBO hikers that are doing big miles each day.
Date: 2022-05-31
From: Governor Clemons Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I have to apologize the cell coverage has been erratic which makes updating the journal has been difficult.  We have been in the Green Mountain of Vermont all week.  The interesting part has been the mud and the poor trail maintenance.  The GMC which maintains the trails discourages hiking before June 1st so they do not start trail maintenance until after that date.  We have been hiking with several hikers doing the Long trail and have been spared rain except for 5/28/22 when we finished the day in a down poor.  We climbed Killington Peak today, including the side trail to the top of the peak.  We criss crossed with ¢Tadpole¢ several times during the day.  We also went past the AT/Long trail divide today. It was good getting to the State Park where we were able to take a coin shower and set up for the night. We decided to walk to The Inn at Long Trail for laundry and a nice Irish Pub meal.  Unfortunately, we needed to walk the entire 2.5 miles without coughing a ride.  I want to end this post Thanking my wife Mary for taking the time the next few days to driver Jim out to Vermont to join us on our hike.  I am looking forward to seeing Mary after 48 days!!!! I with post as often as coverage allows.
Date: 2022-06-01
From: Gifford Woods Campground

To: Green Briar Storybrook Hotel
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

After camping at Griffin Woods State Park yesterday. We woke up to a light rain while we were in our tents.  However the area provided showers and a walk to a laundry source.  Today we were able to slack pack while we waited to welcome Mary, Gma Patty and Jim.  The plan was to hike 7.5 miles and then have them pick us up and head to a hotel.  Unfortunately,  the ¢No Town Road¢ was no drivable by the normal vehicle and Mike and I spent an extra 90 minutes walking before the road allow us to meet up with Jim and Mary.  I also ended up in an urgent care facility to get a prescription for a sore on by back that does not want to go away.  We took the opportunity to let Mary¢s mother Patty walk a few minutes on the AT trail.  We gave her the trail name of ¢Lipstick¢ as she now has walked the entire width of the trail near Gifford Woods campground.  I have to admit the evening got better as we went out for dinner and then Mary had a belated cake and ice cream for me!  That was nice!!!  We start hiking with Jim tomorrow.
Date: 2022-06-02
From: Green Briar Storybrook Hotel

To: Wintturi Shelter VT
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

We hit trail at 9:35 A.M. after Mary drove us back to Trail. We were smarter today and took a different route back to the trail head after yesterday finding that the trail route we tried yesterday was not meant for a CRV. Mary and Patty are headed back to Michigan today although in a roundabout way. We had breakfast at the hotel, and I enjoyed a hot shower for the third day in a row. We ate lunch at a cabin with a deck on the roof which provided great views. This was Jim¢s first full day of hiking with us and we made it to the shelter by mid afternoon. We had a day where we saw no other hikers. At night we were able to play euchre, And enjoyed having Jim with us on the trail.
Date: 2022-06-03
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Whistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

We started early, around 6:15 AM because the weather was supposed to be raining for most of the day. We also had a day with a couple climbs and wanted to give Jim some extra time.  Jim would struggle on the larger uphills and would make up ground on the downhills.  I tried to time the rain, so we took a late lunch at the shelter.  Once we saw that rain was going to be steady most of the afternoon we decided to stay at that shelter. Several heavy rains came during the afternoon and we were glad we were at the shelter. It took him an extra hour and a half to join us but once we were all there we were able to sit and play cards and stay dry. It was the right decision to call it a short day in order to stay dry. There are three other hikers at the camp, they all decided to tent which later in the day they regretted.
Date: 2022-06-04
From: Whistle Hill Shelter

To: MannistoÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

We crossed the state line into New Hampshire this afternoon.  We have now completed 7 complete states (MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, & VT).  We are also at 726 total miles on this trip after 51 days. The Green Mtn. of Vermont and the muddy trails are now behind us but the White Mtn. of New Hampshire await us.  It was cool seeing the Maple syrup harvesting process along the trails.  We did have fun playing Eurkre a couple times since Jim has joined us.  Unfortunately Jim is leaving us tomorrow and headed back home.  Finally,  I want to Thank John and Lanette Mannisto for picking us up in Hannover, NH and treating us to a great meal, shower, and a bed for the evening.  We stopped at the Hanover Co-op for a resupply before being picked up by John at 2:40 p.m. and took us to their home.  We had a great meal and stayed up late talking with John and Lynette.
Date: 2022-06-05
From: Mannisto House

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

I checked my weight this morning before leaving the Mannisto residence, I weighed in at 149.2 pounds with no shoes. We were treated to a great breakfast and returned to Hanover at around 9:45 AM. It took me like two minutes to trip over a root while trying to multi-task and ended up on the ground.  Jim decided to leave us, and return to Grand Rapids after four days.  The weather has been great with temperatures around 65° and we were able to arrive at shelter shortly after 5:30 PM. We met three other hikers at the shelter (JoMama, Grit, and Tick).  Unfortunately, there was no picnic table at the shelter.
Date: 2022-06-06
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter New Hampshire
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Our hike today brought us to the fire tower at Smart¢s peak. After several days of seeing NOBO hiker ¢OMOO¢ in the log books we finally met him in person at the Fire Wardens cabin. Hardway and I had just completed our climb of the fire tower, and decided to head to the cabin for lunch.  The climb to the tower was over a 2000 foot peak, and the break for lunch was a timely start. We were on a schedule because we are going to meet up with Larry Ward later that afternoon. We had agreed to meet at the next shelter. The shelter was asked to Hexacuba, which was build to be a replica of a hexagon.  The shelter was huge and both the shelter and the privy where the shapes of mathematical objects. Larry joined us around 3:45 PM and we also met two other thru hikers, Cast Iron and M&M.
Date: 2022-06-07
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

We are now in New Hampshire and starting tomorrow morning we are starting the White Mtn.  Unfortunately, it is suppose to rain the next two days also.  Larry Ward and his dog Trouble joined us last night at Hexacuba shelter and will be hiking with us until Friday. We are anxious to see how we do in the Whites the next eight days but because of the hostel we will start the first 26 miles without full backpacks.  I don¢t know if the hostel scale is correct but it says my current weight is 139 lbs. (I am convinced the scale is off at least 10 lbs.) I started the trail 54 days ago at 180 lbs.  I might need to try and take in a few more calories but I am already carrying a pack when supplied with 5 days of food and water weighs close to 40lbs.  I still feeling good and while at the hostel and with Larry we have a car so I should eat well the next few suppers at least.  Today we had a mixed day, the start of the day we all hiked together until we got to NH 26 where Larry and Trouble peeled off so that he could head to the Hostel.  He would take our packs with him allowing us to make great time in the afternoon!  Both Trouble and Larry would re-join us for the last 1.5 miles of the day, as we got our first view of Hikers Welcome Hostel. By slack packing we were able to get there by 1:30 in the afternoon. It was good to shower do some laundry and catch up with some folks again. We met Moonlight and Sweet Baby on the trail, and at the hostel we reunited with Cast iron, M&M, and a few section hikers the first night.  We joined a group at Apple Knockers for some pizza and snacks.
Date: 2022-06-08
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had Hikers Welcome Hostel working with Larry Ward set us up for a Slack pack day. The weather was not great so we decided to hike SOBO, Over both the Kingsmen Mtn peaks, and Wolf peak. The good news is that we were able to hike it in a favorable direction, the bad news is the weather was not great. We ended up hiking a solid 12 hours in order to hike 17.1 miles. Our hiking rate was slow to about a mile an hour during the majority of the hike, a rate which might become in the next couple days as we enter the presidential range. We got a very early start, around 6 AM and set up Larry¢s car at one end, and had the Hostel drop us off at the other end. This would allow us to be able to head back to the Hostel at the end of the day without worrying about what time we arrived. We were able to be part of Larry¢s cancer call out at the top of South Kingsmen which he does at the High Point of every state. The downhill section was extremely slippery and slow after it raining for several hours in the morning. I can¢t imagine how much tougher it would¢ve been if we were not slack packing. We were able to stop at the Lonesome lake ATC hut, And get our ATC through hikers card.  This card would get us discounts through the presidential¢s and some discounted food during lunches. Our group was quite the compliment of each other as Larry struggled on the uphills and Mike struggled on the down hills.