morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Slept with Pad and Quilt next to Hessian Lake 

To: Tented Next to a Parking Area
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My not seeing a bear finally end today. Not only did I see one bear but two...at the fricking zoo! I got a late start since the AT goes right through the zoo and I had to wait for it to open at 10AM. I wasn't able to get there before they closed at 4:30 last night. They do have a bypass route but being a "purist" (pass every white blaze) I needed to wait.Before the zoo opened I went into town and had a breakfast sandwich and 3 ice coffees. It's been extremely hot and humid, today being the same.After cutting through the zoo the trail crossed the Hudson River then climbed the next mountain. After that there were quite a few ups and downs but the trail surface wasn't too bad.I passed Right Lane (hikes slow, PA) who I first met in Gatlinburg. She had to come off for 5 weeks because of a foot injury and skipped several hundred miles that she'll do in the fall. She was still in good spirits, which boosted my spirits. I felt fortunate that despite foot issues I haven't had to get off trail for an extended period. I wasn't able to cover to many miles because of the late start. I tented next to a parking area with several other hikers. It was a great spot mainly because there was a building that had a water spigot...a lot of streams are dry.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Tented Next to a Parking Area

To: Ruffing Residence in Redding, CT
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had called Matt last night to see if Ben wanted to hike with me tomorrow. I now would be a lot closer to his house so I picked a convenient road crossing for him to pick me.It was very hot and humid, lots of ascents and descents, but the trail surface was pretty good. After covering 23 miles Matt arrived just as I got to the road and I ate a 12" sub he brought me. We stopped at a Dollar General (score!) on the way back to resupply. I showered, did laundry, and ate lots of desert when I got to their place.Ben will hike 15 miles with me tomorrow and Matt will pick him up at a road crossing, then I'll continue on. Not only will I get to spend time with Ben but I'll slack pack for the 15 miles...sweet!
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Ruffing Residence in Redding, CT

To: Tented Next to Ten Mile River
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day hiking with Ben (my godson) for 15 miles. He got to experience quite a variety of what the trail offers (lakes, vistas, marsh, boardwalks, roads, pastures) and meet several hikers. We had a snack at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter (my father was a telephone pioneer) and also had trail magic at the largest oak tree on the AT.At the end of a 15 miles Matt picked us up and we had a great dinner at a diner. They then dropped me off and I hiked a few more miles and tented next to a river with a great view of the near full moon.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Tented Next to Ten Mile River

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 18.8

The beginning of Connecticut was extremely difficult with lots of rocks and ups and downs. Towards the end of the day there was a long, steep, rocky descent then the trail ran adjacent to the Housatonic River for a while. It was nice and flat but the bugs were swarming.I finished the day with a climb to a nice campsite that had a pavilion over the picnic table and a water pump. Good group of people there also.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Tented on the Trail at Billy's View
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

Although there was a fair amount of climbing and descending, the trail surface was pretty good and I was able to cover a fair amount of miles.I'm tenting right on the trail at a spot called Billy's View" which has a great vista. It's a clear night and there's a full moon tonight so I'm sleeping without the fly on my tent.I can't believe that I'll be crossing into Massachusetts tomorrow since I'm less than 10 miles away!
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Tented on the Trail at Billy's View

To: Days Inn in Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 21.0

I'm leaving the trail and going home...for a zero day! I'll be bringing some AT family members, Gnome and Merlot. We head back Saturday afternoon and come back Monday morning. I plan on relaxing, eating, drinking, eating, napping and eating. Midday Sunday I plan to spend at Webster Lake. It's been so hot here all I can think about is swimming.I had a 24 mile day planned today to get to Great Barrington but was only able to do 20 miles because the trail was very rocky and there was a lot of ascending and descending. I needed to hitch from from a different road crossing than planned but got a ride quickly from a couple from NYC that had hiked the Long Trail in VT (on my bucket list).
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Days Inn in Great Barrington, MA

To: North Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

I enjoyed the hiking today with comfortable terrain and trail surface. Met my first two southbound (SOBO) hikers Lavender and Stitch, then several more as the day went on.Mark and Patty Johnson will be picking me, Gnome and Merlot at 2PM on Saturday in Dalton, MA. I plan to grill Saturday night around 6PM and make a big breakfast the next morning. Stop by either time if you want to meet some great people. Please send me a text or a direct email to let me know if you plan to swing by. You can bring something to eat or drink or not.Also, we'll need a ride back to Dalton sometime Monday morning, not sure what time yet. Anyone able and willing to give us a ride please let me know. Thanks.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: North Wilcox Shelter

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The first part of the day was nice and I had lunch and swam at Upper Goose Pond. The trail then crossed over the Mass Pike which is 83 miles from my house. I knew this because when I hiked Mt. Marcy (high point in NY) on March 30th I went under this pedestrian bridge that said Appalachian Trail and I checked the milage to home on my GPS.The end of the day was a little tougher since the terrain and trail surface was rougher and there were no decent water sources. It was dark when I got to the shelter so I just had some Fritos for dinner since it was too buggy to cook. I didn't sleep to well listening to mosquitoes buzzing near my head.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Home
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a short day of hiking since we were meeting Mark and Patty about 12 miles ahead in Dalton. Gnome was tenting a couple miles ahead of me but he had a rough night. He left his fly off his tent since it was a clear night but there was a downpour around 2AM and most of his stuff got soaked before he could get his fly on.We got to Dalton a little after noon and had a great lunch and some micro brews at a pub in town.The Johnsons arrived with sandwiches for us (they rock!) which we devoured. Merlot was about 25 miles ahead on the trail so we headed to North Adams to pick her up.We then stopped in Sherburne Falls and walked the Bridge of Flowers which was spectacular.It felt very odd but awesome to be home after being away for 3 months. Friends were there to meet my AT family and we had fun having dinner and dessert. The Johnsons left to drop off their dogs but returned to make 3 chocolate cheese cakes! Did I mention they rock?!!!
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

THANK YOU!!!...for the rides, food, drinks, hospitality, cleaning up, medical advice, phone calls, texts, emails, journal posts and photos. It was such a great zero day and I'm blessed to have you all in my life. To spend it with my trail family, Merlot and Gnome, made it that more special. They agreed how fortunate I am and gave thanks to each of you. Relaxing at Webster Lake with great people was physically and mentally a great diversion from the trail.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Home

To: Mark Noepel Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Martha was all set to drop us off back at the trail but I spoke to Dave Isenberg (aka Heisenberg) and he said he would bring us. I thought it would be great for Dave to bring us since he thru-hiked the AT in 1990 with his girlfriend, now wife, Andrea.Today we went up over Mount Greylock. At the top I called Matt and he said they were on the AT in NH yesterday. They were looking at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH for Ben and the trail goes right through the campus. Matt also said I should change my trail name from GAME Time to BATH Time. When I last saw him he told me my personal stench was just as bad after one day on the trail as it was after four.
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Mark Noepel Shelter 

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

We stopped in Williamstown to resupply. There I met a young couple from Utah that had just finished the Long Trail. It is 273 miles long and runs down the middle of VT, the lower 105 miles is on the AT.After resuppling, eating a pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerrys, I then crossed into VT, my 12th state! Maine, here I come! My "zero day angel" was Carol, a gifted orthopedic surgeon. While I was floating on the relaxation station in Webster Lake she assessed my foot situation and determined the ailment, cause, and remedy. I've been hiking pain free since I've returned to the trail so I'm so grateful to her!
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Tented Next to Winhall River Adjacent to the Trail
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

There are quite a few SOBO hikers now. When I told some of them my trail name they asked if I had seen any bears. I then realized Gnome who's ahead of me had told them to ask. We hiked up over Stratton Mountain today and there was a lookout tower at the top. The views were spectacular.At the end of day the last shelter I passed didn't have any good water sources so I keep going until I reached a river and set up my tent next to it. When I checked the milage marker I realized I'm 3/4 done!
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Yellow Deli Hostel
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Lots of good things today, most notably the trail magic at 11 miles in. My stomach was in pain when leaving since I had eaten so much and had a lengthy climb. I even packed out a huge woopie pie which probably weighed about a pound.The terrain and trail surface was pretty good all day and my destination was the Yellow Deli Hostel in Rutland, VT. It was an 8 mile hitch from the trail. As I was getting close to the road a hiker (Drop Out) was coming the other way. He had thru-hiked the AT in 2012 and was in the area was planning to hike a small portion...he really missed the trail. He asked if I wanted a ride into town since he needed to pick up food for the night...score! The Yellow Deli was awesome. It was clean, comfortable, and Merlot was there. They fed us dinner and I had 3 helpings. It was the first time I got to shower and do laundry since leaving Worcester...pretty gross, huh?
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Yellow Deli Hostel

To: Yellow Deli Hostel
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

After having breakfast at the shelter, Merlot and I took a shuttle to the trail head. It was the first time hiking with here since Delaware Water Gap. We were staying at the hostel again that night so we got to slack pack today up over Killington Mountain. The terrain wasn't too steep and the trail surface was pretty good so we moved along. During the hike we passed a sign that said Katahdin 500 miles...sweet!When we finished we got a hitch back to the hostel and had a great dinner at the deli. I then resupplied at the Walmart and picked up a Ben and Jerrys for dessert...good day.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Yellow Deli Hostel

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Merlot and I took the 7:15 bus from the hostel and were on the trail by 7:40. Unfortunately it was pouring rain but we've been lucky with the weather for a while. It was pretty cool so we moved along quickly but we had to be careful on the slippery rocks and roots. It did clear for a bit but started raining again and was a downpour by the time we got to the shelter. Fortunately there were only 7 of us in the shelter which was comfortable as we fell asleep to the rain tapping on the metal roof.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Linda's (Trail Angel) House in West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 16.6

Fortunately the rain had stop in the morning and the weather was comfortable all day.I really like the trail in Vermont. There are quite a few ups and downs but the trail surface is nice and there's a lot of variety with wooded areas and fields.We passed quite a few trail magic coolers with sodas, water, and one had homemade cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rice crispy treats and bananas. Four of us were camp out there for a while.We finished the day in West Hartford, VT at Linda's house. She's a trail angel that feeds you hot dogs, hamburgers, soup and soda let's you stay in a bunk room above her garage or tent in her yard. She's been doing it for 20 years.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Linda's (Trail Angel) House in West Hartford, VT

To: Tented Next to Trail
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Good day today. Merlot and I hiked to Norwich, VT to resupply then crossed the Connecticut River into Hanover, NH to have lunch. I really liked VT since most of the trail surface was smooth and the terrain was fairly moderate. Two more states left!I had pizza and beer for lunch, then some Ben and Jerrys of course. We then headed back into the woods for another 6 miles and found nice flat spots next to the trail to set up our tents.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Tented Next to Trail

To: Tented Next to River
Miles today: 21.1

There was a lot of ascending and descending today with quite a few rocks but we covered a good distance since we hiked until dark. There was a vista pointed out by SOBO hikers showing us a tower off in the distance that we'd pass later in the day. It looked very far away!We tented next to a nice river (my favorite location) and made dinner on the bridge since it was a little brighter there.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Tented Next to River

To: Fran's Condo
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

The day started with a steep rocky climb over Mt. Cube...definitely got the heart pumping and the sweat flowing. There were some great views from the top. The rest of the day was fairly moderate.A few days ago I got an offer from my friend Fran to stay at his condo in Lincoln which was only 6 miles from the trail. I feel so blessed to have such great friends! Merlot's husband John was coming up and also Nancy Roberts was planning to hike a couple of days with me so the timing was perfect.John met us on the trail near a road crossing when we had about 5 miles left in our hike then picked us up when we finished. Nancy arrived later that night and we planned to slack pack the next two days since we had two vehicles...sweet!Thanks again Fran!
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Fran's Condo

To: Fran's Condo
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

We hiked over Mt. Moosilauke today with John (Merlot's husband) and Nancy which was about a 3,800 foot elevation gain. We were fortunate to have great weather and views at the top since it was above tree-line. It was a steep rocky climb going up and even steeper on the way down which was tough on the knees (and even tougher on my ankle). We all fared well so it was a good day.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Fran's Condo

To: Fran's Condo
Miles today: 16.4

The four of us had a long day as we went up over Mt. Wolf and South and North Kinsman Mountains. It was fairly slow going since a good portion of the trail had rocks and roots. We started at 8:30 and finished after 7:30. We had a little rain off and on but it was clear at the top of Kinsman and we had spectacular views which included Mt. Washington. Another great day for the group.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Fran's Condo

To: Tented Next to the Trail
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Spectacular! Today we went up over the Franconia Ridge which included the peaks of Lititle Haystack, Lincoln, Lafayette and Garfield. Midday I started not feeling well so Merlot and I cut our planned distance short. We found a nice spot to tent next to the trail.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Lake in the Clouds Hut

To: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

This was my most stressful and frustrating day. It was perfect weather and we hiked over Mt. Washington, Clay, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison. We were above tree-line and trail surface was mostly boulders going over the mountains. It became very evident that my ankle is still weak and my balance is off (fell 7 times) so my pace was extremely slow. The views were amazing but I was just intent on getting the hike done without hurting myself. Once we were below tree-line the trail surface was much more manageable for me for the rest of the day. Merlot and I finished at Pinkham Notch and booked a Hostel in Gorham.
Date: 2016-08-12
From: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel

To: Tented Next to Trail
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We got dropped off at Pinkham Notch and planned to hike back to the same hostel in two days. There was a very steep initial climb as we hiked over Wildcat Mountain, peaks E, D, C and A. We then went over Carter Dome, Mt. Hight, and Middle and North Carter Mountains. Needless to say there was a lot of ascending and descending. The last descent was difficult and we spent a lot of time on our butts. We hoped to get to a shelter at the end of the day but we got rained on several times and ran out of daylight so we pitched tents next to the trail in between downpours. It was tough day so I was glad to be in my somewhat dry tent.
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Tented Next to Trail

To: White Mountains Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Fortunately in the morning it was not raining, just overcast. We had some climbing to do but it was mostly down to get back to the hostel. The terrain for the most part was fairly gradual and the trail surface not too bad so the pace was good and we got back to the hostel early in the afternoon. That night we resupplied at Walmart to prep for our next journey...the Maine border only 16.5 miles away.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another long tough day and I only covered 9.5 miles. One mile of it was through the Mahoosuc Notch which is considered the toughest mile on the whole trail. It took me over 3 hours...exhausting! The day ended with a steep climb to a campsite next to a beautiful pond.
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: The Cabin in Andover, ME
Miles today: 4.6

I could tell I was getting sick again because I was unable to finish my dinner last night or eat 4 Poptarts in the morning. The morning started with a steep climb and my body was achy and weak, a lot of effort getting to the top. Fortunately the next few miles were down to a road crossing. When I got there Hopper, who shuttles hikers to The Cabin Hostel, was there so I hopped in since all I wanted to do was sleep. Merlot was able to slack pack the next 10 miles then get a ride back to the hostel.The hostel was great. I napped, had some spaghetti and meat sauce in the afternoon, and that night they served steak and lobster...an amazing meal and a great group. After dinner I still wasn't feeling great but better.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: The Cabin in Andover, ME

To: The Cabin in Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tough night since I spent a good part of it on the toilet. I googled my symptoms and was pretty sure I have giardia, which is surprising since I faithfully treated my water with Aquamira.They say the trail provides and it did. Staying at the hostel was doctor and he wrote a prescription for me. I'll pick up the prescription and rest today. He believes I'll be well enough to hike tomorrow after starting the 5 day dose.Unfortunately the drug store wouldn't accept the doctor's prescription since he was no in longer in practice. I had to go to an urgent care and was able to get the medication.
Date: 2016-08-18
From: The Cabin in Andover, ME

To: The Cabin in Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.3

I didn't feel great in the morning but I planned to do 10 miles today. I was fatigued and had abdominal pain but was able to get the hike done. There were some great views as the trail crossed a couple of bald peaks. I was tired at the end of the day but felt a little better.
Date: 2016-08-19
From: The Cabin in Andover, ME

To: The Cabin in Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I still did not feel great in the morning but had another 10 miles planned. I was tired most of the hike, mostly on the climbs, but I got it done. I hope the medicine kicks in soon so I'm able to hike comfortably.
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Tented Next to Trail

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

The terrain and trail surface weren't bad today. I left at 6AM and was able to catch Gnome who had tented on top of the ridge a few miles ahead. We had 2nd breakfast together at the next shelter then lunch at the following one. 10 miles later was the lean-to we stayed at which probably had the nicest setting of all the shelters. It overlooked a pond. I went swimming right after dinner. The water was cool and invigorating.
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Tented Next to a River
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

I was up early and took another dip in the pond. We had made reservations for that morning to have a pancake breakfast at a camp close by. The pancakes were awesome...blueberry, raspberry and apple...13 of them...plus I cleaned the plates of a couple other hikers. We then hiked for a few miles to the Kennebec River and took a canoe across. We were then in the town of Caratunk where we stopped at Paul's B&B for a burger, milkshake and to resupply.A few miles up trail I saw Gnome and knew it was not a good situation. He was trying to wrap his leg. He said it felt like he was hit in the calf with a baseball. Thanks I called my PT, Jackie Shakar, and she assessed that he most likely had torn a muscle. He was able to slowly move forward keeping his foot flat and using his poles like crutches. There was a shelter just up ahead and a road crossing so he was going to stop at the shelter and make an assessment in the morning after talking to his PT. It killed me to leave him but he told me to move on.
Date: 2016-08-26
From: Tented Next to a River

To: Shaw's Hostel in Monson, ME
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today there was mainly one climb up over Moxie Bald. The 360 degree views from the top were amazing but unfortunately it started raining a bit.I got a text from Gnome later in the day and miraculously he's hiking okay again...sweet! He believes it was a severe cramp or a slight pull. He got up early and was able to catch me by the end of the day.We're staying at the Shaw Hostel in Monson and for the first time since we did a zero day at my house Merlot, Gnome and I are all together. Tomorrow we start the 100 mile wilderness. We have a target date of September 2nd to summit Katahdin which may get pushed to the 3rd depending on the trail conditions and the weather.
Date: 2016-09-01
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

A few miles into the hike I stopped at a restaurant for an all-you-can-eat breakfast.It was a short day of hiking since we'd finish the day at Katahdin Stream Campground then do the final 5.2 miles to the summit the next day.
Date: 2016-09-02
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Dianne and Martha gave Other Brother (Darrell) and me a ride back to Katahdin Stream Campground in the morning. Gnome and Merlot were there along with her son Kevin who was planning to summit with her. He had thru-hiked two years ago and Merlot and her husband John had summited with him.When I arrived at the top there were about 30 hikers there, about half thru-hikers. We celebrated with some Poppycock and jelly beans and took some pictures.