morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Buck Mountain Road

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 18.1

Met 10-k at Walgreens at 6:30 and made the trip up to Indian Grave Gap to drop my vehicle, then off to Buck Mtn Road. I'm picking up where I was forced off last October due to Hurricane Sandy rotating around and dropping buckets of snow throughout TN. I awoke that morning to snow, ice and sleet and was fortunate to get a signal and able to reach 10-k who brought a Jeep up to pluck me off. BTW I would highly recommend 10-k's shuttle services. We've become friends over the past year and he is very professional as well as an accomplished hiker. A little different this morning however with blue skies and pleasant temperatures. We made the hour drive and I was pushing down the trail around 7:40. Of course as always was starting with a long grind up the back side of Hump Mtn which took me most of the morning to climb. The view on top however was spectacular and I took a lunch break and called Beth to share my excitement. The afternoon weather continued to be grand and I soon came to the opening where I could see Overmountain Shelter down in the valley. It is actually a converted barn turned into a shelter. It turned out to be in much better condition than what I had imagined after looking at so many pictures over the years and can accommodate a bunch of hikers. Took a quick break here and had the barn all to myself. Was feeling good and thinking I wanted to make at least Stan Murray shelter but the miles starting melting away and I soon breezed by Stan Murray and decided to push on to Carver's Gap. Pulled in around 6pm and set up a ways off from the parking area. Bing'd Beth with the Spot and settled in. Another great day!
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Carvers Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Camping behind the parking lot turned out to be a mistake as there was lots more vehicles coming and going than I'd ever imagined. Several small groups of hikers arrived between 3-4:00 am!! I could only assume they were heading up to the top of Roan? Regardless awoke to a surprisingly beautiful morning, had a quick cold breakfast and headed up the back side of Roan, reached the blue blaze heading to the shelter (highest shelter on the entire AT at 6,194') a bit before 9, thought I'd slip by to get a quick picture thinking there would be numerous hikers around (from the parking lot the night before) - Not a soul anywhere! Snapped a picture and headed down going by an old chimney right on the trail - still in great shape! Pulled into the Clyde Smith shelter shortly after 1pm to grab lunch and pick up some water. Bunch of PUD's the next 6 miles, late afternoon I was thinking I'd have the Cherry Gap shelter to myself since I'd seen only a couple folks the entire day but alas as I approach I see 8-9 tents!! Turns out they are an outdoors leadership class from a small college in TN,(7th Day Adventist) out for a 4-5 day class. No problem as there were numerous spots to pitch, nice group, answered a bunch of questions on long distance hiking etc. Made a quick supper as it was starting to sprinkle - binged my Spot to let Beth know all was good and turned in. Tired but another great day!
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Drizzled off n on during the night, heard the college outdoors class rustling around 6:00, dozed a bit before packing up but on trail at 7:20 in a light drizzle. Just one steady pull up the back side of Unaka Mountain and then smooth sailing the rest of the way. Rained a few times rest of the morning but cleared shortly before reaching my vehicle at Indian Grave Gap. I did a quick cleanup, changed clothes and was back in Erwin at 12:00 noon....went through the Wendy's drive thru and headed back to Ohio. Pulled into my driveway about 8:30 that evening. Great trip and glad to have the final section done in the South. Next month heading to Mass!!!!
Date: 2013-09-13
From: NH25A- west of Wentworth NH

To: Smarts Mtn-Fire Wardens Cabin
Miles today: 10.3

Shuttle picked me up on time in Manchester Center, drive took a bit longer than I anticipated. Drove through heavy rains a good bit of the time. I began getting a little optimistic as we got closer and the rain stopped. It was not to be however as it started in again about 30 minutes into the climb up Mt Cube. I soon met nobo section hiker Little Bit from Wisconsin. The rain intensified and the granite slabs on top were slick as a whistle, no visibility, and the trail was 2-4 inches deep in most place from the two previous days. I slipped and fell hard half way. Not a good way to start right out of the gate. I stopped for a very quick lunch and power bar at Hexacuba Shelter as the temps were dropping and no let up in the rain. The forecast called for clearing late afternoon and I was surprised how steady and sark it stayed. I made a slow steady long climb up Smarts Mtn arriving after 6 on. Emily from New Zealand and her friend Shannon were already in the cabin. They were recent MD grads out for 5 days before starting their new work contracts. We all three quickly ate and turned in as it gets dark here shortly after 7. Soon after a knock on the cabin door and in comes a nobo thru trail name Gump who is from Japan. It was a tough first day out but am thankful to have the dry cabin.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Smarts Mtn-Fire Warden's Cabin

To: Moose Mtn
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Woke to rain hitting the roof, had thought sure it would blow through during the night, put wet clothes back on , had a quick breakfast and headed out. It finally stopped raining mid day but continued overcast so I left my pack cover on. Trail still extremely muddy and slick from past couple of days so it was slow going, tough climb at the end of the day going up Moose Mtn, pulled in about 6:30, quickly set up and cooked supper via headlamp and in bed by 8.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Moose Mtn

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed up and walked up to the shelter, 3 nobo thrus and a couple from Ohio, turned out they are familiar with my small home town and live about 60 miles south of me and we know some of the same people! Small world . They have completed almost the identical miles of the trail as I . Beautiful day to hike and miles came easier as the trail had dried quite a bit . Rolled into Hanover and stopped at Molly's for a burger and a couple Long Trail Ales. Checked weather fcst which called for overnight showers so I decided to push a bit and make it to the shelter, had it all to myself. Glad I did as it began raining about 2 AM,
Date: 2013-09-16
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to the office by 8:00, another gorgeous day, made it into West Hartford VT by 10:30 to the Full Belly Deli/ general store and post office where I had a mail drop to pick up. Turns out I just missed breakfast but they had an unbelievable selection of great sandwiches, I had a large Thru Hiker special and a couple of iced teas. Still looked pretty overcast so I put my pack cover back on and left about 11:3'0. Cleared up soon after and the miles came pretty easy. Found a nice stealth spot and called it a day. Another great day!
Date: 2013-09-17
From: Stealth camp

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

In the office by 7:45, bunch of PUD's today (pointless ups and downs) but another perfect day for hiking!. Had hoped to stop at the On the Edge Farm at VT 12 which is just .2 from the trail crossing for ice cream and fresh pie but turns out they switched to fall hours and are only open Fri-Mob! Just my luck, stopped in at Winturri Shelter for water and a quick lunch. Had an interesting conversation with an elderly hiker from Germany , his English was marginal but enjoyed talking with him, easy trail this afternoon , stopped at the Look Out which had an incredible view. Tomorrow I will be stopping at a bed n breakfast for a much needed shower. I will be posting more pictures tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-18
From: Stealth camp

To: Mountain Meadows Bed n Breakfast
Miles today: 10.4

Into the office at 7:30, awoke to another spectacular sunrise, a great hike, highlight was seeing this 20ft extension ladder! Absolutely needed it to get up this rock slab. Staying at a nice bed n breakfast, the AT goes right across their back yard. They have a beautiful setting for outdoor weddings with a lovely pond. Kind of reminds me of the Bob Newhart show! Clothes washed, showered and resting the feet.
Date: 2013-09-19
From: Mountain Meadows Bed n Breakfast

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was one of the most delightful hiking days I've ever had! Blue sky with nary a cloud from sunup to sundown. I'm so thankful to God for giving me the body, the time and resources to hike and marvel at his creation. Left the bed n breakfast at 8:30 after a delicious breakfast and proceeded through Gifford Forest with one magnificent view after another. Talked to a few day hikers early in the day and then saw not a single soul the rest of the day! Miles were a bit low today as I stopped to take many pictures and unfortunately made a silly mistake at the Main Junction where the Vermont Long Trail breaks off and hiked a bit before realizing my mistake. Both trail are marked with identical white blazes but I should have known better. Camped high up at Cooper Lodge, the shelter was a bit rough but they had nice tent platforms so I pitched there. Another great day!
Date: 2013-09-20
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Stealth camp, Bully Brook
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day weather wise, I'm the office at 7:30, out at 6:50. Ran into a number of hikers this morning, a couple guys from Denver, shortly after a college aged hiker, most everyone doing the Long Trail (LT). dropped into Governor Clement Shelter mid morning and tales with a college aged female doing the LT, she advised she had no trouble traversing the river where the bridge was washed out to to Irene (they currently have a trail relo taking you around on a road walk). I thanked her and went straight over with no issues, they had a couple trees/ logs lashed together that you could navigate across. Saw a number of LT hikers again latter this pm. Stopped in at Minerva Hinchey Shelter for water mid afternoon then pressed on. Definitely warmer today.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: Stealth camp, Bully Brook

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

In the office at 7@0, out at 4:15. Weather forecast had finally turned a bit downward (after 6 beautiful days!) calling for rain tonight and Sunday so decided to head for Peru Peaks shelter and avoid a wet pack-up before heading into Manchester Center. I saw a handful of hikers throughout the day with most of them again hiking the LT. The highlight of the day was climbing Baxter Peak which reminded me a lot like some of the peaks in NY and the Smokeys. They have a bad weather route to bypass the steep descent. It was pretty wild especially due to the system moving in and the winds were picking up, subsequently I only snapped a couple pictures and began making my way down. Reached the shelter just as it started to sprinkle. A thru hiker couple were just leaving and having a debate to move on or stay there for the night- the guy won out and they took off. I cooked supper and began to think I'd have the shelter to myself when a couple guys from Connecticut out for a couple days my age showed up, had a nice conversation - reminded me a lot of when Boxman and I are out together. A young recently wed couple showed up right at dusk but decided to pitch next to the shelter. Rained off n on and was glad to be under roof
Date: 2013-09-22
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: VT 11 & 30 (near Manchester Center)
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Listened to the rain hitting the shelter most of the night and glad I did not have to pack up a wet tent. Forecast had called for steady rain throughout the day Sunday so wanted to be up and out early to make it to the road crossing by noon if possible. Surprisingly enough overcast skies gradually gave way to hints of sunshine and did not rain a drop. Trail was muddy from overnight, pretty decent pull up and over Bromley Mtn and the ski slope. Hit the road crossing at 12:10, hitched a ride with the 7th car and into town doing laundry, resupply etc.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Saw a bear today!Shuttle picked me up on time (7:00) and I was in the office at 8:15, out at 3:35. A great day weather wise and a really nice hike, met a couple day hikers and one long distance section hiker like myself.Now for the bear story, about midway between Dalton and Chesire I heard a small noise but honestly thought it nothing more than a chipmunk, however when I came round some large rocks there was a medium size bear about 50 yards away, he was looking at me- I started to slowly reach for my camera but he turned and disappeared into the vegettation . It was exciting , it had been 6-7 years since I'd seen one. I went through Chesire around noon and picked up my final food drop without incident (thanks Beth!) and then headed up Mt Greylock with a heavy pack (5 days of food). Arrived at Mark Noepel shelter around 3:30 which was a bit earlier than what I planned for but shelter spacing and water are a bit awkward here and I decided to stay, it was also nice they had a bear box, there are two ladies (Twink and Hermit the Crab) tenting and I'm sharing the shelter with 3 younger folks out for an overnight. They have a fire going outside- going to be a cold one tonight.
Date: 2013-09-24
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

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

In the office at 7:40, out a 6:10. It was chilly last night- guessing around 34-35. Made I up o the summit of Mt Greylock about 9:15 but unfortunately no views, cloud cover was so low had I wait a few minutes to even get a picture of the monument. Very cold and windy so I scampered on down the other side. I had good views on both Mt Williams and Mt Propect. Met Gumby and his partner on Mt Williams- they have flip flopped are are heading back to Harpers Ferry to complete their thru, turns out they started at Springer just one day before Boxman and I did. Saw a number of day hikers mid day and then not a soul until arriving at the shelter- a crowd here tonight ... 5 in the shelter and at least 7 of us tenting nearby. Going to be chilly again tonight although the forecast calls for a gradual warm up towards the weekend. Another great day!
Date: 2013-09-25
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Hell Hollow Brook
Miles today: 14.7

In the office at 7:30, out at 4:40. Found a nice little spot and pitched close to Hell Hollow Brook- did chores, had a nice relaxing dinner and watched the sun go down - earlier every night and becoming more noticeable for my available hiking time. Listening to the brook as I write this. Saw not a soul until mid afternoon and then chatted with another solitary hiker out doing The AT through Vermont and a pair doing a section on the LT. Not many views today but spectacular weather!
Date: 2013-09-26
From: Hell Hollow Brook

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

In the office at 7:15, out at 6:05. Miles came easy today. Saw a young hiker early, then not a soul until 2:30 when I met a couple and their dog - all LT sobo's. Shortly thereafter met Lord Willing from Ashville NC finishing an AT section sobo.had an absolutely INCREDIBLE view from atop the Glastenbury lookout tower-Awesome! Found a nice site at Black Brook And pitched at dusk. A few moments later was joined by LucyLu, a late starting AT sobo. The fact I made good miles today determined I will plan to make it to Manchester tomorrow. I will be getting off the trail for this section and picking up Beth at the Albany airport Sat afternoon. I'm really miss her - it will be fun taking a couple leisure days driving back to Ohio.
Date: 2013-09-27
From: Black Brook

To: VT 11 & 30 (Manchester Center)
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

In the office at 7:00. out by 4:45. Got a hitch within 5 minutes and was at the Green Mtn hostel a few minutes later.Started the day with a climb up Stratton Mtn. Trail was graded pretty nicely and I felt good...excited and yet sad this was my last trail day for this year. Sky was overcast and a bit foggy so I was hoping it would burn off before I reached the top....twas not to be the case. No view today! I chatted briefly with two weekend hikers at the top for a bit and then headed down the back side as it was chilly on top. Got some nice pictures at Stratton Pond a bit later. Not many views the rest of the day and I just started pounding out the miles. Will pick up Beth Saturday at the Albany airport and I'm excited to see her. This will be my last journal entry for this year.. next year the Whites and pushin on into Maine!
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Lee MA

To: Washington Mtn Road (nobo)
Miles today: 9.5

Arrived at the home of Roy and Marilyn Wiley who live 50 yards off the trail at marker 1555.7 around 11:00, Roy was able to immediately shuttle me to Lee and I was hiking by 11:30. Covered the easy 9.5 miles in a little under 4 hours. Dark and dreary but miraculously stayed dry. Marilyn is affectionately known as "the Cookie Lady" as she often has cookies available to hikers. In addition they also sell sodas and hard boiled eggs! ( they have about 25 chickens. ) They also have a TON of blueberries. A very interesting couple! As I had the unusual occasion of having a vehicle I took advantage and drove back down into Lee for supper.
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Dalton MA (sobo)

To: Washington Mtn Road
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Shuttled into Dalton by 8:30 and did the easy 9.5 miles back by 1:00. Nice and partly sunny day, much nicer than day before. Saw a handful of hikers, also saw some VERY fresh bear scat (like 5 min!) so kept my eyes open but saw nothing. Upon reaching the car thanked Roy and Marilyn for their hospitality and all they do and headed the vehicle towards Monson. Gap in MA now completed!
Date: 2014-09-13
From: travel day

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Drove a couple hours last night getting close to Boston. Tried something new and slept in the back of the Sorento in a Wal-Mart parking lot! Actually pretty uneventful- up early this morning and drove the remaining 4.5 hours arriving in Monson Maine at 12 noon. I am staying in the attic of the Lake Shore Hostel. Monson is located at the southern edge of the 100 mile wilderness. I won't be doing that this leg ( that will hopefully be next summer when I'm summiting). I will shuttle south 73 miles and get on trail near Stratton and work my way back to the car. They have a nice pub and grill downstairs and I believe gets a bit lively especially on Saturday's!
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Stratton

To: Sanford Notch
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

9/14. 10.4Got on the trail MUCH later than I had arranged, but what can you do? Had it set up since April for a 6:30 pick-up and confirmed it again last week, got changed to 9:00 ! Oh well.Anyways got up and had a great breakfast next to the hostel in a new little bakery called Pete's Place, then shuttled down to Stratton and was on trail at 10:45. Had a big climb right off the bat with a very heavy pack loaded with 6 days of food. Climbed South Horn which is just under 4000ft, then up and over Bigelow Mtn West peak and then Avery peak. Cold and very windy... temps in the 40's, views were off and on but got a few nice pictures. It was really blowing on the peaks and very chilly, the clouds were rolling by 500 ft BELOW me. I was aiming for Safford Notch campsite and begun to get worried if I could make it before dusk ( reminded me of a night last month in the Whites with my buddy Dave. I arrived however just as it was getting dark, there were 7-8 other hikers ( all thru's) already set up with a fire going. I quickly setup, got water, cooked supper and out for the night,
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Sanford Notch

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

9/15 15.3Up at 6 but a little slow getting back into my routine... Packed and headed out at 7:20 just as a couple of the other thru's were leaving. Hiked with 4 of them for about 2 hours... Turned out 2 of them, a couple were from Ft Wayne IN. Which is only 30 miles from where I live, small world, today's hike was easier with not nearly the elevation changes so I was able to stretch my legs a bit and put in more miles. Ate lunch on a beach of a very picturesque pond. Campsites were not very aligned with my schedule today so I'm pitched tonight next to an old gravel logging road. Weather was nice and sunny all day.
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Stealth Camp

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9/16. 15.0Main goal for today was getting ferried across the Kennebec River. The Maintenance ATC club has ran the ferry since it became the "official" route of the AT in 1985 after a hiker drowned trying to fjord . There is even a white blaze painted in the bottom of the canoe. The ferry only runs from 9-11 and 2-4. If I wouldn't make it across today I would be under pressure to reach the car on time to pick up Beth, I got up early (by the way it was raining) and made it at 1:30- whew!It did rain most of the morning , I took a short break at Pierce Pond lean-to and heard some loons calling which was pretty neat, It then cleared a bit after lunch and during the ferry, although I mentioned I was there at 1:30, it was 3:15 before I started hiking on the other side due to a line of hikers.Around 4:ok it cut loose and poured for about 45 minutes which was tough after having already hiked 11 miles. The skies then cleared and I hiked another 4 miles deep into the woods where I'm writing this, 8:00 and time for bed.
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Stealth camp

To: Moxie Pond
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a beautiful morning, on trail by 7:10, quickly reached the Pleasant Pond Lean to where I joined a thru and climbed Pleasant Pond Mtn., absolutely gorgeous view on top- had a signal so shared the view from the top with Beth and then made a quick call to confirm all at home was ok and make final connection for our rendezvous on Friday in Bangor. Started my descent down and was happy as could be, beautiful day and right on target where I wanted to be- a couple hours later I began looking for a lunch spot and planned to lay my tent out to dry when BAMM ....my feet slipped out on a very innocent looking granite slab and I went down hard on my butt sliding the 10-12 feet to the bottom. Of course it was in slow motion and when I stopped I thought I was ok... then looked at my left hand which was covered completely in blood- caught it on the log which was running parallel to the slab with many sharp pointy branches... Bleeding like a stuck pig, got my pack off and worked to stop the bleeding realizing this was needing stitches and had bits of bark down in the cut! Bleeding all over my gear thinking SHIT !!! Looked at my guide and saw I had a road in 2.5 miles...thank goodness. Even better I had a signal and called the Lakeshore Hostel who found me a shuttle... Thank you Buddy Ward!!! A long couple hours to the road and then the Greenville hospital who staff were fabulous...cleaning me out and sewing up- even making me a motel reservation for the evening. Required 6 stitches but could have been much much worse. My schedule was so tight to pick up Beth in Bangor that my hike must end for 2014- will just need to tack on a few miles for 2015 and the completion of my HIKE !!