morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-21
From: US Rt 4

To: Campsite near creek
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to leave the Inn this morning. I took one more shower and started packing up, then went down for breakfast. It was after 9 by the time I started the mile road walk back to the trail. There was an uphill to start. Pretty soon I came to the junction where the Long Trail and AT diverge. They have followed the same trail since the Vermont/Mass border. Now the Long Trail heads north to Canada and the AT goes east northeast to New Hampshire. Hiked through Gifford Woods State Park and stopped at the park HQ for ice cream and a Coke. I then hiked along side Kent Pond, by Thundering Falls. There were lots of day hikers and several of them had questions about thru-hiking.I saw Mittens and Flagstaff again today. New thru-hikers were Savage Beast, Handstand and Frick & Frack(twins). The afternoon hike was mostly small ups and downs. At one point there was an 8 to 10 foot drop with an aluminum ladder cabled in place for me to climb down.I got to this little stream about 6:15. I set up my tent then built a small fire and started dinner. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. I have lousy cell service, so I won't be able to check radar.  No rain, no pain, no Maine!Fitbit steps 42001   floors 438
Date: 2018-07-22
From: Campsite near creek

To: Unnamed Peak
Miles today: 13.6

It wasn't raining when I woke up, so I got my tent packed up dry. I put the rain cover on my pack before I started hiking. It soon started sprinkling, but I hiked without rain gear for a couple hours. Eventually the rain picked up, and I put on my rain gear. I slowed my pace, so I didn't get too hot. When I came to a pasture with waist high vegetation that was bent over the trail, I was glad I had my rain pants on. About noon I came to a road crossing with a store 0.2 miles away. They had pie but didn't sell it by the slice, so I was forced to buy a whole raspberry pie and a pint of ice cream to go with it. I ate it all! I'm thinking I don't have too much longer to eat like this. The rain quit this afternoon, but I decided to make it a shorter day. I loaded up with water planning to stealth camp within a mile, but it was over 2 miles before I found a good site. I'm camped on top of a mountain with great views. A guy from India is here also. He's doing a 600 mile section hike. Another section hiker showed up,and I'm afraid he's in over his head. His first question was "Where is the shelter?" The next shelter is 3 miles from here. Next question "Where is the water?" We're on top of the mountain, no water here. Hope he figures things out!Fitbit steps 37977    floors 394
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Unnamed Peak

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 16.7

It poured during the night but wasn't raining when I woke up. I packed up, ate some breakfast, and was hiking by 6:30. It rained off and on all morning-- hard enough one time that I put on my rain gear. I took a break at Thistle Hill Shelter and then hiked out in the rain. By noon the rain stopped, the sun came out and it got hot. I hiked through West Hartford-- there's not much left after Hurricane Irene a few years ago. Once I got back in the woods, I took a lunch break including boots off and wringing socks out. The rain didn't stay away. I heard a boom of thunder, and it started pouring again. I took another break at Happy Hill Shelter then made the last push to Norwich. At the road into Norwich there was a list of trail angels that give hikers housing for free. I called or texted 5 and got no response. It started to rain yet again, so I put my phone away and walked. I got to a gas station with an overhang, took out my phone, and called Norwich Inn. It's far from free but they had a room so I took it. I was so soaked I would have felt bad going to someone's house. I have stuff scattered all around the room drying. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow, but whatever it is, it won't be too early!Fitbit steps 45584    floors 435
Date: 2018-07-24
From: Norwich, VT

To: Mink Brook
Miles today: 10.2

Slow getting out of town this morning but that was mostly planned. I ate the continental breakfast at the Inn then walked to the store next door and resupplied for 3-4 days to my next stop. It was 10:30 when I finally left the hotel. I had a road walk through Norwich, then crossed the Connecticut River. On the bridge in the middle of the river was the Vermont/New Hampshire border. Twelve states done and 2 to go!After crossing the river I was in Hanover, home of Dartmouth College. I stopped and bought lunch before hiking out of town. Once I got back into the woods, the trail was pretty nice. No big climbs and there wasn't much understory in the woods, so I could see a ways.Red Panda passed me late in the day. He's passed me the last 3 days! I also met several new hikers, but they all hiked further.I got to this stream a little after 4 and set up camp. No rain today, so it was a nice evening. I've been seeing some familiar plants when I hike by fields. I've seen black eyed susan, bergamot, goldenrod, and milkweed. I've seen a few monarch butterflies but not nearly enough.  I'm planning another short day tomorrow as rain is back in the forecast. Ben informed me that I've hit 4.8 million steps on this hike. No wonder I'm tired!Fitbit steps 26189   floors 219https://docs.google.com/spread...
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Mink Brook

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 10.3

I got a fairly early start this morning. I was hiking before 7 and wanted to get some miles in and, hopefully, set up camp before the predicted rain started. First I had a climb up Moose Mt South and then Moose Mt North. There were good views from the south one. Later I climbed to Holt Ledges and had more great views. I got to this campsite about 1, setup my tent then cooked lunch. It started raining about 2:30. I got in my tent and took a nap. When I woke up I started reading a book that I'd been carrying for a rainy day!I've been dragging a bit the last few days, so this much horizontal time is probably a good thing.A couple that are southbound camped here tonight also.Fitbit steps 30008     floors 308
Date: 2018-07-26
From: Stealth Camp

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 9.7

This was a bit of a weird day. I had no cell service, so I couldn't check weather radar. I stayed in my tent, waiting for it to quit raining. I read another chapter in my book then started packing up.  It was after 9 before I started hiking. I had a little downhill to a road crossing, then started a 4 mile 2100 foot climb to Smart Mt. It was steep in spots and the trail was very wet. Some parts of the trail looked like a stream. All this made for slow going. There were some rocky ledges to take a break, admire the view, and eat a few blueberries. It was 1 o'clock when I reached the summit. There is a fire tower and a cabin there. The cabin is left open for hikers to stay in.Spock was there and had climbed the tower to get cell service. Rain was on the way again, in about an hour. Spock hiked on as he was wanting to stay with his group, and they were ahead of him. I decided to stay in the cabin until the rain passed. I cooked my hot meal of the day while I waited. A group of 6 sobo's (southbounders) arrived and were planning to spend the night.I hiked out about 3:30, and the weather kept getting better. By sunset it was mostly sunny. The afternoon hike was down off Smart Mt, then starting up to Mt Cube. By getting to this shelter I've done about half the climb to Mt Cube. The shelter is hexagon-shaped, and there is a fairly full house. I'm tenting nearby.Fitbit steps 27291    floors 335
Date: 2018-07-27
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: HN 25, Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.6

l started hiking about 7:20. The sun was shining which was a nice change. The day started with a climb up Mt Cube, and there were awesome views at the top. I found blueberries along the way, but one patch had a guard. A garter snake was in the patch, catching some early morning sun and waiting for some critter to come eat a blueberry. The rest of the day was in the trees with some good trail, mixed with muddy, wet trail.  As I was finishing lunch, there was thunder. and it started to rain. I packed up, put the rain cover on my pack, and started hiking. That rain didn't last long, and the sun came out again. An hour or so later, the thunder was back and soon so was the rain. It rained on me until I got to this hostel. Now both me and my clothes are clean. It looks like rain again tomorrow, so I'm going to slackpack and stay at this hostel tomorrow night. If I do get wet, I'll be able to dry out at the end of the day. Fitbit steps 42351    floors 314
Date: 2018-07-28
From: Kinsman Notch

To: NH 25, Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.5

This was a good day. I slackpacked today. I got shuttled to Kinsman Notch, and there was a group there doing trail magic. I had eggs, potatoes, bacon, pancakes and coffee. Then it was time to hike. I was headed up to Mt Moosilauke. It was 3.8 miles up to an elevation of 4803 feet. The first 1.5 miles were really steep but followed a stream up-- basically cascades and waterfalls. The forecast called for a chance of rain all day, but it was sunny all during my hike. The views from the top were awesome in all directions, and it was crowded. There were probably 40 people there-- mostly day hikers.I got back to the hostel around 3. They shuttled us to dinner and resupply. There are around 16 hikers here tonight.  Tomorrow I start into the White Mountains-- some of the toughest but most beautiful parts of the entire trail.Fitbit steps 27851    floors 273
Date: 2018-07-29
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the start of some tough hiking but also some amazing views. I woke up and finished loading my pack. I ate breakfast, paid my bill, then drank coffee until it was shuttle time. There were 7 hikers being shuttled-- 4 heading north and 3 slackpacking back south to the hostel.It was 8:45 by the time I was hiking up the mountain. It seemed like a lot of climbing, first up to about 3500 feet with views to the east. Eventually I dropped down to Eliza Brook Shelter and had a late lunch. I was also getting a little rest before climbing South Kinsman Mt. It was a 2000 foot climb (in the afternoon!), and it was very steep. Many times I put both hiking poles in one hand and grabbed trees or rocks to help pull myself up. When I got to the top, Snowshoe was there waiting for his girlfriend who was just a little ways behind me. As she came up she proclaimed "That was f'ing stupid!" It was a tough climb, but there were amazing views including north to Franconia Ridge. I'll be getting there either tomorrow or Tuesday; we'll see how it goes.This campsite is the first one in the Whites where you pay to stay. I paid $10, but then they give thru-hikers a coupon for half price on subsequent campsites. I felt good today, a few short days and finally some sunshine made a big difference. This trail can mess with your head, but when it does you need to change things up and/or take a day off.One other thing that changed is the temperature. It's down right chilly tonight. I had Julie put some warmer clothes in my last mail drop. I just got them and am wearing a long sleeve tee, windbreaker jacket, and I zipped the pant legs on my hiking shorts.Fitbit steps 34773   floors 441
Date: 2018-07-30
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

I am definitely in the White Mountains! I hiked from 7am to 6pm and only did 12.6 miles. The hiking is tough but the scenery is amazing.To start the day, I hiked 1.9 miles to Lonesome Lake Hut. I asked if they had any leftover breakfast, and they did. I had scrambled eggs and sausage. They weren't warm but were still tasty. Next I crossed under I-93 at Franconia Notch. This was the start of a big climb from 1400 feet to 4200 feet. I took a break part way up and 2 women with 2 boys paused to ask me if I was a thru-hiker. Then one woman asked if I wanted some fruit! She gave me an apple and a bag of peanut M&M's. Further up the climb I stopped at Liberty Springs Campsite to get some water from the spring. I had thought about stopping there for the day, but it was only 1 o'clock so I hiked on.I finished the first climb to 4200 feet, then dropped 200, and then climbed to Franconia Ridge. Franconia Ridge is a 5-6 mile stretch of trail above tree line. It's not a level ridge-- there are lots of ups and downs. I first climbed to Little Haystack Mt at 4700 ft, then Mt Lincoln at 5000 ft, then Mt Lafayette at over 5200 ft. This was the first time over 5000 ft since Mt Rogers in southern Virginia (remember that Tang!) The views were amazing. I could see back south to Mt Moosilauke, north to Mt Washington, and over to Bondcliff which I hiked last year with Matt, Gaby, Ben, and Molly.The downhill off Mt Lafayette was tough, but eventually I got below tree line and found this spot. It's not the most level spot, but I won't have any trouble sleeping!Fitbit steps 38377    floors 40
Date: 2018-07-31
From: Stealth Camp

To: Zeacliff Pond Stealth Camp
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in a little this morning, tired after yesterday I guess! It was 7:45 before I started hiking. There were just under 2 miles of smaller ups and downs before I started the climb up Mt Garfield. When I finally got to the top, I was the only one there, and there were great views looking back at Franconia Ridge. The climb down Garfield was tough and slow. At one point the trail and a stream were one and the same. Most of the time I could find a dry boulder to step to-- but not always. I came to the part of the AT that Ben, Molly, Matt, Gaby and I hiked last summer-- the cutoff to 13 Falls Campsite, Galehead Hut, then up and over South Twin Mt. I stopped at Galehead Hut, ate several leftover pancakes, and bought a few more candy bars. While getting ready to hike out, a woman handed me three bags of snacks. She thru-hiked in 2015 and knew what I was in for. Thanks Pompom!After leaving the hut, I headed up South Twin, almost 1200 ft up in only 0.8 miles. It was a rocky climb as well, and it took me an hour. Again the views were amazing. In one direction there were layers and layers of mountain peaks.After South Twin, the hiking was less hard. I hiked the 2 miles to the Bondcliff trail junction in just over an hour. I got to this campsite about 6. A couple from Switzerland, who I've been seeing since mid-Vermont, are camping nearby. They have a big dog and a big tent for the three of them, so it's harder to find stealth spots.Tomorrow rain chances are back. I've got 2 or 3 days until Mt Washington, and I'm hoping for good weather then.Fitbit steps 32062    floors 353
Date: 2018-08-01
From: Zeacliff Pond Stealth Camp

To: US 302, Crawford Notch
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

I wasn't sure what my plan should be for today, but last night I found a White Mountains Travel Guide at my campsite. I picked it up to carry out. I looked at it this morning and decided that the town of North Conway might be a good place to take a zero day. It would take a fairly long hitch, but that became my plan.First, though, I had some hiking to do. The first 1.7 miles were mostly downhill to Zealand Falls Shelter. I stopped in for breakfast leftovers-- that's a nice thing the huts do for hikers. After the hut was some of the nicest trail anywhere. Am I still in the Whites? There were some nice views of the valley back to the hut and some rock cliffs.I got to the road crossing and cleaned up the best I could, including putting on my less stinky shirt! Then I went to the road and stuck out a thumb. Quite a few cars went by with no one stopping. Then a car came from the other direction, turned into the lot, and waved me over. Don and a friend had been day hiking, and they saw me when the friend was driving Don back to his car. Don came back to get me!  He drove me the 40 minutes into North Conway and gave me a tour. We then went to his house where I got a shower, did laundry, and then I searched/called to get a motel room for the next two nights. Don drove me to Wal-Mart to resupply, to the motel to check in, and then we ate dinner at a local brew pub. Don also said he'd drive me back to the trail on Friday! Weather wise, it rained this evening, but I'm inside! It's supposed to rain tomorrow. I'll hike out Friday, so hopefully the rain is done by then!Fitbit steps 25641   floors 55
Date: 2018-08-02
From: North Conway, NH

To: North Conway, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Lazy day today.I walked to Dunkin Donuts for coffee and breakfast. Later, I did go watch the new Mission Impossible movie in the afternoon. The rest of the day was laying around and getting food & gear organized and in the pack. I also got to talk with Julie, and she made reservations for her to fly out and both of us to fly home after I finish this hike!Fitbit steps 8671   floors 5 (yep, five is correct)
Date: 2018-08-03
From: US 302, Crawford Notch

To: Mizpah Spring Hut and Nauman Tentsites
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Don picked me up at the motel a little before 6. We stopped and ate breakfast before leaving town. Thanks a lot Don! It was close to 8 when I started up the trail. I wasn't in a hurry since I'd already decided that I'd do a short day today. There was a lot of very steep trail. The road elevation was 1200 ft., and I first climbed to Webster Cliffs. There were a couple places with great views and good places to take a break. The first was about elevation 2400 ft and the second 2900 ft.From there I kept going up to Mt Webster at 3900 ft. I had a great view of Mt Washington and could see the weather towers on top. The final climb of the day was Mt Jackson at just over 4000 ft. I'm pretty sure I had more elevation gain than I did yesterday!I briefly thought about hiking further, but I didn't. I got to this campsite about 2:30, checked in with the caretaker, then setup my tent on one of the wooden platforms. It had sprinkled a couple times in the morning, and it was sprinkling again before I got my tent set-up. Eventually it became a fairly steady rain. I laid in my tent and read. I might have snuck a little nap in there also.Now I've eaten, stored my food bag in the bear box they have here, and am ready to sleep!Fitbit steps 19268     floors 285
Date: 2018-08-04
From: Mizpah Spring Hut and Nauman Tentsites

To: Mizpah Spring Hut and Nauman Tentsites
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Change of plans today. It rained all night and all morning. I decided I didn't want to go over Mt Washington on a rainy day. There is a flash flood warning until 6 tonight. So I stayed put.The tentsite is right next to the hut, so I spent the day between the two. I walked over to the hut this morning and had coffee and leftover breakfast. Then I hung out in the library.Had a nap in my tent, listened to music, and ate lunch. Then it was back to the hut to hang out in the library. I finished my book this morning. so I donated it to the library and lightened my pack!It turned in to a nice evening. I cooked dinner and just hung out around my tent platform. They say one more storm is coming through tonight, but tomorrow is suppose to be a good day.After 2 zero days plus a 6.4 mile day, I may have to pick up the pace!Fitbit steps 1448     floors 6
Date: 2018-08-05
From: Mizpah Spring Hut and Nauman Tentsites

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I woke up and my tent was wet with dew. I packed up and was hiking before 7. There was quite a bit of fog around, but the sun was trying to peek though.The fog won the early battle, and for most of the morning, I couldn't see 100 yards ahead. I got to Lake of the Clouds Hut at the base of Mt Washington about 10. I was almost on top of the hut before I could see it. I took a short break then started the 1.5 mile, 1200 foot climb. By the time I got near the top, the fog was coming and going. One minute I'd have a decent view, then 30 seconds later I couldn't see anything. There were huge crowds at the top of Mt Washington. You can drive up or take the cog railway along with hiking up. The line to get a picture at the summit sign was crazy long. I snuck up the backside and took a not very good selfie. I did go to the snack bar and ate lunch.When I started down, the fog became less and less view-blocking, and eventually it was a beautiful clear day. I had great views back to Mt Washington all afternoon as the trail stayed above tree line.I got to this hut about 5 and inquired about work for stay. Ali told me they already had all the hikers they could handle. Then she told me that their naturalist, who normally does their evening program, wasn't available, and if I would be willing to give a half hour talk about the AT -- that could be my work for stay. No problem! So the talk went well, and there were several good questions.  So tonight I'll sleep in the dining room with the other work for stay hikers!Fitbit steps 35697   floors 395
Date: 2018-08-06
From: Madison Hut

To: Wildcat Gondola
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was a good reminder why I like staying in my tent. There were 8 of us sleeping in the dining room. There was noise from people rolling over, snoring, etc. Also the paying customers in the bunkhouse had to walk through the dining room to get to the bathroom, and they all had their headlamps on. On the plus side I got to meet quite a few people, and I didn't have to pack up a tent!When I started hiking, I had the steep rocky climb up Mt Madison and then the equally steep rocky but much longer descent. There were also strong winds up there-- probably 30 mph gusts. All that made for slow hiking. Eventually I dropped below tree line and was out of the wind where the trail wasn't quite as steep. I got to Pinkham Notch around 2. There is a visitor center with a cafeteria, so I ate! I then just hung out in their hiker room, charging my phone, resting, and sitting out some of the heat of the day. About 4, I set out to hike up the Wildcat Mountains. I was only going 3 more miles, but they were tough miles. It was steep, steep uphill for me. I arrived at this location about 7:30, having averaged less than 1 mph. I'm camped near a ski gondola, and I have great views of Mt Washington. The sun was behind Washington by the time I got here, but it was still pretty.I ate a cold dinner as I watched a few clouds roll in around the mountains. When I started seeing some lightning, it was time to hit the sack. I'm the only one camped here, so it should be quiet!Fitbit steps 32379      floors 241
Date: 2018-08-07
From: Wildcat Gondola

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This day was tougher than I thought it would be. I was slow getting going, and it was close to 8 by the time I started hiking.  I started with a short hike up Wildcat Peak. Then a while later, I climbed up to Wildcat Mt. After that there was a steep descent to Carter Hut, the last hut for me in the Whites. I stopped at the hut and ate some breakfast leftovers. Then it was time for the long climb to Carter Dome. It was warm and humid today, and I was dragging.  After Carter Dome there were several ups and downs as I went over Mount Hight, South Carter Mt, Middle Carter Mt, and North Carter Mt. These are all over 4000 feet high.After North Carter, I had probably the toughest descent of this whole hike. It was steep and rocky. It didn't help any when it started to rain! I remember this descent from my first hike-- this is where I decided that they couldn't figure out how to build the trail, so they just put a white blaze at the top and one at the bottom and said, "Let's see what these crazy hikers do." I did make it down with only a couple scrapes.I got to this camp a little after 6. Ten hours to go 10 miles! That's the Whites for me, but they are beautiful!Fitbit steps 32136    floors 340