morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Much Needed Zero Day!

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

Finally on the "road" again. Decided on a shorter day. Sometimes it is very hard to get motivated for Pixie after a day off. Recouping is so vital to us which is why neither Led nor Pixie have had (knock on wood) a blister or really and foot skin related ailments. Nothing really exciting to note today...decent shorter hike...to camp and enjoying the evening together.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: Bemis Stream Campsite
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

So, somehow we failed to keep up with our journal. Now I am looking back from August 18th. I'll try to note the highlights. Nice hiking overall. Several nice ponds. We stopped at Sabbath Day Lean to for lunch and met some nice people. A young couple from the Northwest and a guy from the south hiking to raise awareness of Lyme Disease. The shelter where we all met had an innertube hanging from the ceiling but it was a little to chilly for a swim. We said goodbye or see you when we see you and hiked on. Soon we crossed over Route 17 near Oquossoc, ME. On the other side of the road was a small bench to enjoy a beautiful view and a candy bar. Next, we hiked down a steep descent to a small clearing where we would set up camp. Pixie went to get and filter water as I started to set up the tent. Just as the tent was up the skies opened up and it down poured for about an hour. Eh, no big deal. Tomorrow is another day.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Bemis Stream Campsite

To: South Arm Campground
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Tough hike to make it to South Arm Rd where we had another few miles to walk to make it to a campground where we had a package waiting. The last descent from the Bemis Mountain Range was down "Old Blue Mountain" very steep and wet. At times it looked like the Appalachian Stream, not trail. Several spots along the rock faces had rebar inserted to use as a foot/hand hold. Long crazy climb down. At one place along the trail someone had taken the time to carve, carry and hang a sign that read "ol bitch". Well said. I wanted to get a picture but was afraid Pixie had lost her sense of humor. We made it to the road with weak knees wondered across the road and almost got run over. Not really that close, just a reminder, look both ways. We started walking to the campground quickly realizing that there was not much traffic to hitch a ride. After walking about 2 of the 4 miles a lady pulled over and offered us a ride. As it turns out she owned the campground. We helped unload her van of groceries to thank her for the ride.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: South Arm Campground

To: Campground Relaxing Beach Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day. Today we realized we have a problem. Too little food!!! A couple at the campground gave us some chili and fluorescent pink hotdogs! We didn't ask for it, we must have looked hungry. The hotdogs they gave us were unique, bright pink casings. Tasted good to us and we ate it all. The couple even invited us to have breakfast the next day with them. Just another example of the random kindness we see in people almost every day.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: South Arm Campground

To: The Cabin
Miles today: 10.1

Lucky enough to hitch a ride with some ladies who were going our direction. When they dropped us off they picked up another couple hikers. We talked to some folks before the climb up Moody Mountain. Only one other southbounder whom we would see several times over the next few days. Midday we stopped for lunch and ran into the couple from Washington again. They went on and onabout a great night and meal at a hostel. Good food you say? We're in. Burgers by the truck load, fresh corn on the cob, tomatoes, potato salad and for dessert...brownies and ice cream...all you can eat! No room in the hostel but the owners had a motorhome they offered to us. After a nice meal with some nice people we sat around and talked about a hiker's favorite topic, food. It was a strange setup with campers and the motorhome all parked in their front yard. Our lovely motorhome had bedbugs and we got bit up all night long. Eh, just added to the adventure! Overall, it was a fun experience to have nearing the closure of our Maine travels.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 3.5

Heavy rain started overnight and lasted until about 11:00 am. By lunch we decided to make a go for it as the weather appeared to be clearing. Steep wet climb to 3800 feet. As we approached the top a light rain started again. Quickly the weather turned nasty! As we cleared the tree line we had 0 visibility, hard rain and extreme winds. So much for waiting out the weather. Without too many details to scare our folks, let's just say "oh shit". We made it over the top, alive, and started the descent. We found our friends had decided to take the day off and spend it in the shelter. Pixie and I were wet and cold and needed to take a break. We both quickly stripped off our wet clothes and put on something warm and dry. After we had lunch we decided to stay and enjoy the rest of the rainy day for inside the lean-to with our new friends. A guy stopped in to the lean to late in the day, He was out for an overnight hike looking for trails to take his kids hiking. He had hiked the Appalachian Trail several years ago so he knew how to make friends, with Snickers and Pringles.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 2.3

We were once again running out of food. Geez, figuring out the right amounts for each of us is super difficult and we aren't getting it correct yet! So, to Grafton Notch we decided to go in order to resupply. Sick of these short days, but there is nothing else to do since food is a priority and we are really feeling the repercussions of not eating enough.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Grafton Notch

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.7

Got a ride back to the trail and had a longer day of hiking...tremendous elevation changes and challenges galore. Rewarding views since the weather was cooperative, although quite chilly. Pixie needed to bust out the gloves for the first time and wore her fleece hat hiking for a bit on the descent. It did warm back up and it was time to de-layer. This shelter was packed since we arrived later than normal, around 7 pm. One open platform was available and we took it! Luckily, no rain in sight since we had issues the time before with our tent leaking when set up on a wooden platform.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter - NH!
Miles today: 9.6

Woo hoo! Doin' the happy dance! Out of ME and into NH! Fairly easy walking today too which made the day even better. One small rock scramble up, other than that, smooth sailing into the first campsite in NH. Lots of kids set up everywhere and space was tight, but we made our spot work. Very nice view while we ate dinner and relaxed, elated to be out of the first and only state we had hiked (really climbed and did rock gymnastics) in for the beginning almost 300 miles of our journey together.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Gentian Pond Shelter - NH!

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 11.8

Had to hustle out of the campsite early to beat the rain into Gorham, left by 7 am. A longer mileage day, it began to rain around 10:30 when we stopped to have a bite to eat. Lots of ups and downs, no major climbs. We needed to return one of our hiker friend's lost and then recovered ID, credit cards, phone to him. A caretaker from a couple of days ago had told us the story and we said we could get him his stuff back. Met up with him and another couple we had been hiking with for the past week and had dinner and drinks. It was nice to feel somewhat "normal" and go out with people.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Gorham 

To: Rattle Run Shelter
Miles today: 1.9

Unfortunately, with lots of heavy discussions with Led, Pixie decided it was necessary to go home. She has been losing too much weight and had been sick most days. Her body wasn't adjusting well to the lack of food/eating more food on zero days. After 6 weeks of the roughest terrain, both Led and Pixie felt she was putting herself at risk of going to a medical facility. Led was constantly worried about her and she, herself was worried too. Pixie may join Led again in the future since he decided to continue on. Continue to follow his progress and Pixie will be helping him keep the journal going. Go Led, go! I love you and am super proud of you...continue what I consider to still be "our adventure". We'll be meeting up again soon if you can hike faster, Love always, your forever partner in everything, PixieAfter getting Pixie on the bus this morning, I went back to our room and finished packing my backpack, I didn't leave until almost 11:00. Walked less than a mile down the road before someone offered me a ride. My first successful hitch hike without Pixie!!! I was afraid nobody would pull over, now I'm just some weird guy, not part of a couple. The guy dropped me off at the trailhead and onward I went, for all of 1.9 miles. That's it. That's when I decided to stop for the day. There were natural pools in a nearby stream, so I sat around and contemplated this hike. Early to bed early rise.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Rattle Run Shelter

To: Stealth Spot mm. 314
Miles today: 13.8

Great hike today. Several good climbs over the Carter Mountains, high elevation of 4610 ft. Made the steep descent down to the Carter Hut, in the Carter Notch. The huts are run by the AMCmand are cabins with a crew that cooks and provides some entertainment. As I made my climb down, I could hear kids screaming and playing, great for families, not for me. I walked on about 1/4 mile went into the woods and found a spot to set up my tent. My first backwoods campsite. The weather today was perfect, I have really been lucky.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Stealth Spot - mm 314

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 5.4

Short climb up Wildcat Mountain to 4220 ft. Very steep 3 mile descent down into Pinkham Notch. Today I passed more people than I have seen in the last month. I passed them as they were climbing up, most looked like they were in over their heads as it was a tough climb. I stopped at Pinkham Notch and had lunch at the AMC center. After I ate, I looked at my food bag and realized I didn't have enough food. I have been eating a lot! So, I hitched a ride to the trail and back to Gorham to resupply. It was getting late, so I decided to spend the night again.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Osgood Tentsite

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 14.8

Wow, what a day. First thing in the morning, I climbed Mount Madison. As soon as I neared the summit, the winds were howling and the temperature quickly dropped. I continued on as the views were not great due to the heavy fog. The trail followed a ridge above treeline heading to Mt. Washington. I had been able to see the mountain in the distance during the past week, so I was excited to finally get there! Lots of hikers again today, most out for the day or hiking from hut to hut. Strange bunch. Made it to Mt. Washington just as the Cog, a train that goes to the summit, unloaded its passengers. What a circus!!! A beautiful mountain ruined by turning it into a tourist trap. I didn't spend much time, it was too much for me. I pushed on to Nauman Campsite, 14.8 miles into the White Mountains. It was tough, but I felt good.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Stealth camp. mm. 345
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

Late start today. Feeling yesterday's miles. My right knee is stiff and sore, my first major ache since starting. I started walking around nine o'clock, a late start for me. Started with some gradual climbs, feeling good. While descending my knee started to really bother me. I got to the point that it took major effort to make my knee work. Almost as if it felt locked up. I passed a few hikers going the other direction all of which looked hot and tired, telling me I had a ways to go. Stopped tool a break to ponder my situation. Stretched popped some ibuprofen but still sore. I walked on a little while longer, maybe a mile and looked for a place to camp. Searched around a little while to find a good spot out of sight. Relaxed the rest of the day.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Crazy day today. Beautiful views and perfect weather. This section is very popular so there were a lot of people! Nice to see so many people getting out and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. On the other hand.... Well, I need to remind myself that this isn't really a wilderness trail, it's a park. Sometimes it feels more like one than the other. One thing I will say, the fresh off the couch hikers make me feel fast! I was passing people climbing up hill. I was passing people going down hill. I was passing people on the flat rocky sections. Without really trying. Sometimes I would feel compelled to say something like " man, there is no fast way to get down this section" and then I would say excuse me and pass on by. I finally feel like I have "trail legs".
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Franconia Notch

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Wash and dry laundry. Resupply my food. Eat as much fresh food as possible. And, rest. I crave fresh foods so I always find a grocery store for food. Many hikers prefer the pizza place, burger joint or Chinese buffet. Don't misunderstand I like those places as well. My favorite grocery store lunch; rotisserie chicken, salad, fruit and something sweet from the bakery. And chocolate milk. I can't get enough chocolate milk, an easy way to get a lot of calories.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stopped a little short today. I got to the northside of Mount Moosilauke in good time. There was some trail magic at the trailhead, someone left snacks and drinks in coolers. I had cheese curls and a Coke. Thank you! There was also stuff to make s'mores. There was a trash can as well which is always nice. Carrying all your trash can add up in a few days. I started up the trail and got to an odd trail sign. It stated this is a very challenging trail and accidents would have tragic results. Be prepared and qualified. Something to that effect. I would have taken a picture but it started to rain. I'm sure the rain should help a dangerous climb. The trail followed a series of waterfalls while climbing up the mountain. It reminded me of a place in PA called Rickets Glen, just bigger. The trail wasn't that bad. Just slippery and dangerous. I stopped at the shelter which was about 3/4 of the way up and decided to stay the night. Met a couple of guys who went to F&M College in my hometown. They were out hiking for a couple of days. A girl and her brother also stayed the night in the shelter. Too bad the weather wasn't nicer because there would have been an awesome view here. Early to bed and early to rise tomorrow to finish the last "big" mountain in NH!
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Ore Hill Campsite
Miles today: 15.5

Got up this morning at six and started moving right away. I tried to be quiet since everyone else was still sleeping, but that is easier said than done. Made it to the top of the mountain in no time. In hindsite, I should have done this yesterday. Easy walking after descending Mount Moosilauke. The woods took on a totally different feeling. More rolling hills than steep jagged mountains. Pastures and hardwood forests. Felt like home. Made it to my campsite in good time. Not the nicest spot, but the next official place to camp was a little too far. The shelter that was here burned down a couple of years ago giving the site an odd vibe. They must be planning on rebuilding the shelter because the privy seems new, the nicest one I have seen. Or the newest, least used one I've seen.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Ore Hill Campsite

To: Smarts Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 12.5

Another great day! Easy walking for the most part. Had a little rain right after I ate lunch. Not too bad though. Saw a black bear, or the head of a black bear. I saw his head poke up from behind some brush with that funny curious look they have. I stopped since he wasn't that far away and I couldn't really see him very well. I yelled "HEY BEAR!!" And he took off down the hillside. Found a less than ideal tent site considering the weather. I pitched my tent the best I could expecting rain. Not more than five minutes after I laid down in the tent the rain started. It rained very hard and there was a lot of lightning way too close. After about an hour or so, the rain slowed down a little so I got up and made some adjustments to my tent.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Cool windy night last night. Felt good to be in a tent again. The winds stopped by sunrise and by 8:00 was raining. Luckily I was just finished packing everything and putting it away. The walk started in thick tree cover so the rain wasn't too bad. It, combined with the fog and the still air, made the woods feel very peaceful. The terrain has been nice and the trail has gone across a few nice fields. Nice farm views. The fog had started to lift but the rain continued until about 1:30. I crossed over a bridge that was pretty dry and stopped for about an hour to have lunch and snacks. Arrived at the shelter pretty early 4:30-5. Three other guys here, but I'm staying in the shelter with hopes of an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Gifford State Park
Miles today: 16.8

Got out of the shelter early...walking before seven. Warm muggy morning but nice breeze on top of the mountain. The breeze soon stopped and it got hot!!! The posting at the Ranger's Station said it was 92! The hottest weather I had to walk in for awhile. Walked 11 miles before stopping for lunch. Ate a lot of snacks all day. As hot as it was, I was certain it would rain at some point. Thunder and dark clouds as the afternoon went on kept me moving along. Made it to the park and got my tent set up, ate dinner and went to the restroom to wash up. Just as I was walking back to my tent the rain started. It let loose! Pretty intense wind, rain, thunder and lightning for about 45 minutes. Stayed dry and slept well.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Gifford State Park

To: Cooper Lodge/Shelter
Miles today: 9.4

Woke up to a surprisingly dry tent. The weather was pretty clear with a good breeze that was drying my tent pretty well. I took my time getting ready and gave the tent a little time to dry. I had a short day planned to make my maildrop work in North Clarendon. The weather reports 80 percent chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Worked well for my short day as I didn't want to be on top of Mt. Killington in the middle of a severe storm, if possible. The hike took me from 1800 ft to 3900 ft with a few small ups and downs, but overall the trail was pretty easy. Little views due to the looming storm. I arrived at the shelter less than two minutes before the rain started. Second day in a row that I got lucky with the timing of the rain. The shelter was a little rough even by hiker standards. It's on old lodge built in 1939. All stone, walls and floor. The floor was easy to stumble on. The roof leaked very badly. Poured in where there was a chimney going through the roof. Several other leaks over the bunk areas. Someone tried to stop the leaks with duct tape on the inside of the roof...that didn't work! When raining hard, the water ran like a fountain around the chimney. Other spots were just dripping. There were two young ladies from Germany hiking for three weeks and then they were going to NYC and Boston. I admire their courage coming to a foreign country and taking this adventure. I climbed to the top of Mt. Killington on a short steep side trail from the shelter. Beautiful 360 views. The best so far in VT. To my west, the skies were pitch black storm clouds. To my east, the clouds cleared just enough to make the sky beautiful.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Tentsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Up and out early today. I needed to go into town to pick up a supply box. The post office is four miles from where the trail crosses the road. I walked a mile to a general store and had a breakfast sandwich and my favorite chocolate milk. The good stuff made from whole milk. Lots of calories in 8 oz., mostly from fat, just what my body needs. I was able to get a ride from a lady to the post office and she even offered to bring me back to the trail. Thanks Val. She and her husband had been dairy farmers and when they sold their herd the cows went to Lancaster. They got out of the business as things on the farm needed replaced and they couldn't afford the help they needed to keep the farm running. I loaded up my food bag and my backpack felt heavy again, ten pounds of food for five days. May not sound like much but the difference between a thirty pound pack and twenty without food can certainly be felt. It's nice to have a new supply of food though. Pixie packed it for me and did a great job. Easy walking and decent weather made for a nice day. Saw the German girls throughout the day but lost them toward the end of the day. Lots of day hikers out today since it's Saturday. Got some good advice from a guy about upcoming shelters, which to avoid and which are nice. He went on and on about Little Rock Pond Lean To. As it turns out there was a misprint in my guide and I never made it to the the actual shelter but stopped at a group tentsite just before it. My guide said this is where the shelter should be. I walked around a little bit trying to figure it out but was running out of sunlight so I figured I should set up my tent and eat. Shortly after I did, the caretaker walked down. He told me the shelter was up the trail another half mile. The old shelter was where the tentsites are now. He invited me up, but since I was already set up I decided to stay put. Feels like it is going to be a cold night. Beautiful clear sky...blue, pink and red.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Little Rock Pond Tentsite

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another beautiful day hiking in Vermont. The weather is perfect. A little chilly in the morning but it turned out to be a nice day. Walked past quite a few shelters. There seems to be more of them in this area then others. I stopped at Big Branch Shelter for a snack where I saw a kid I had met in Maine. He was hiking just as I remember... Hike a lot of miles per day for more time to party in town. Eh, we all hike our own hike. We talked briefly as he still had 15 miles to go. After he left I sat and enjoyed the quiet. The shelter is close to a big stream that makes for nice background noise.I continued on without a specific destination in mind. Again with so many different shelters and water sources I wasn't too worried. I have some pain in my feet and ankles that is not going away. Feels like the tendons on the top of my foot from my ankle to my toes. Very painful depending on how my foot gets flexed and twisted. I find myself taking my shoes and socks off at every stop. Ibuprofen is helping a little.Decided to stop at Peru Peak Shelter. The shelter was very nice. Clean and a nice location with a stream in front and Griffith Lake about 1/4 mile away. This would be a nice spot in the summer to do some swimming. I stopped earlier than anticipated because of the pain in my foot. Maybe a short easy day is what I need. Had the shelter to myself until about 6:30 when a guy stopped in for the night. He was hiking North on the Long Trail. He was about 30 miles into a 270 mile trip. (not sure on the Long Trail's exact mileage) Nice guy who was also from Pa.