morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 26 7/9/15 Mary drove up to resupply me for my Presidential traverse. I told the woman that runs the hostel that Mary and I were not staying and then overheard her say that it pissed her off. The problem with the place is that the place is like a kid's hang out. They're hanging out talking about where they can score pot. Plus there is not much privacy so we decided to stay in town at the Top Notch Inn. Spent the day with my love doing not much of anything, which was a nice break from walking all day. Mary is the best.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Mary brought me back to the trailhead early and I was off by 6:30 a.m. I thought that was enough time to do the 15 miles to Carter but in order to get there for 6 pm dinner. Saw Shredder in the first Leanto from the road 1.7 miles in. He is from New Jersey seems like a normal guy. I did well in the morning but when I got to Imp campsite 8 miles in I realized it was noon and I still had 7.1 miles to go. Imp was my second privy stop, I think I ate too much on my zero. Had a couple big climbs but not too bad. Had some nice views of the Presidentials; it rained the night before and was cloudy in the morning but towards the end of the day it cleared up. I almost stepped on a baby bunny in the trail and then about 3 miles from the hut I stumbled because I was getting tired but the noise seemed too much for me stumbling. When I picked my head up I saw a cow moose coming at me down the trail. She got about 30 feet away and walked into the woods. I tried to get a pic but she trotted into the brush. I then saw the bushes moving about 20 feet away and saw a calf moose hiding in the brush. Took a pic of him but can't make it out in the pic. Made it to the hut with time to spare 17:15 and went for a swim in a pond near the hut. I got out before the leaches jumped on. Good hut dinner as usual and now off to bed.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up at the hut to a great typical hut breakfast. I was late getting out for me - 8:30 a.m. It was a big climb out of the notch. About half way up the climb I passed the guy I met last night from Vernon. He said his screen name was I think I can. He said he thought he knew me and he got pinched for possession in Troop D's area, but I didn't mention what I did in the past. I then met up with the couple day hiker out of Boston that I had crossed paths with the day before. He had also stayed at the hut. The guy was quite squared away and the conversation made the morning go by quickly. We parted ways after the Wildcat viewing tower. By the way, the views of the Whites were amazing today. I took my time coming off Wildcat as it was very steep and my knees don't like the pounding. I made it to Pickham by 1:00, had lunch, and made my campsite at Osgood by 5:00. There were a ton of weekend hikers which was nice to see. Saw a nice 16 inch Brook trout in the river across the road from Pickham but that was about it with the exception of toads and garter snakes. To Lakes of the Clouds in the am
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Lakes of the Clouds
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 29 7/12/15Up early 5 and out of camp by 6 then up the Osgood trail, 4k of elevation in about 2 miles. Summited Madison just as clouds were rolling over and the wind gusts almost knocked me over on several occasions. Found out later at the summit of Washington that the wind gust were between 35 and 45 mphs. Jeff took a pic of the hut you were talking about, see additional pics. Hope everything is well with your family and that you and your kids have many great hikes. The hike was long and slow about 1 mile per hour made it to the summit of Washington but it was on the clouds, I took a pic anyway. Then made it to Lakes of the clouds for the night. At dinner met a guy from south of Boston and a woman from Houston who has aspiritions of doing the trail so I gave her my contact info even though I have a long way to go.Word of wisdom, when nature calls above tree line in 40 mph wind gusts it is more important to watch what your doing rather than watching the trail for other people.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Lakes of the Clouds

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Miles today 11.5 from lakes to rte 302The hike was uneventful to Mizpah hut. I passed Gigs and Geruffello NOBOs. Shredder and America arrived at Mizpah after me but I only stayed for a bit, then on to Jackson and down Webster to RTE 302. The descent was tough on my knees. During the descent I passed a guy that looked like Jesus and he said have a blessed hike. I also passed Moon Watcher, Mouse, and Sunflower. Mouse was listening to Mumford and Sons. I met Mary at about 4:00 but waited one half an hour for Shredder but he never showed. Mary and I went to dinner then stayed at the Bartlett Inn and Cabins for the night.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Crawford Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

302 to Galehead Hut 14.4 milesStarted the day late after Mary dropped me off. It was a climb right out of the gate but then the trail was flat almost all the way to the hut. Covered 7.6 mile in 4 hrs. Had my first personal taste of being treated Iike a second class citizen. I approached a crew member in the hut and asked if I could ask her a series of question. I asked if there had been any cancellations because my wife was trying to make a reservation. In reply the girl said no cancellations they were full. I then asked if I could get work for stay and she said are you a thru hiker and I said yes a SOBO. It appeared that this was of no significance to her. She then said that they do work for stay after 4:00 pm and I stated that I thought that I would just hang around, meaning the Falls and she said that it was not a hanging around place. I hope she meant the hut. This pissed me off so much I just started south. I was so pissed I forged ahead. I got 3 miles from the hut and called Mary and asked if she could get me in at Galehead. She called back and said I was in; who is better then her. I bolted to the hut and got there at 6:03 just before dinner. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Galehead Hut

To: Liberty Spring Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

I dragged my feet at the hut because it was raining but finally had to go. I headed down the trail and had to watch every foot fall because the rocks were slick. I made it to the top of Lafayette and the clouds broke so you could see MT Washington. The Franconia ridge was cool with the clouds below it. I made to Liberty Spring campsite for the night which was all good until a father and daughter showed up at 9:30 p.m. and tromped on the platform bouncing me around. This was the coldest night so far in the 40s.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Liberty Spring Campsite

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day early and made an extra bit of noise because I was still mad from the night before. I even left the guy a note. I crossed rte 3 and saw Shedder again. I also saw a bunch of NOBOs like Ox. Met up with Coin Toss and his two friends at Lonesome Lake Hut. I also saw Popeye Jr slack packing. That's his thing but not mine. Made it to Eliza Brook shelter where I camped for the night.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

 Out of camp before anyone else was up. I had a 16 mile day up and over Moosilauke. Made it to the base of Moosilauke by 11:30 and started my ascent. I made it over the mountain and to Jeffers lean-to by 16:30 but not until I rolled my ankle on a roadway 1/4 mile from the lean to. It was bad I fell And rolled like a turtle in the road. I pitched my tent because it wasn't expected to rain that night, but it did.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Lake Tarleton Rd., Rt. 25C, Warren, NH
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained during the night so I had to pack up my gear in the rain. As I was doing that the Dartmouth outing club came and set up a tent as they were having an 2 day event hike, from campus to Mount Moosilauke. I headed out in the rain knowing I only had 5.5 miles to meet Mary. The hike was wet and sloppy but I got there in 3 and a half hour and had to wait for Mary for a half an hour. We spent the day together in Fairlee. A great day with my girl. She brought me new boots and I got to dry everything out.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Lake Tarleton Rd., NH Rt. 25C, Warren, NH

To: Smarts Mountain Fire Wardens Cabin
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Mary dropped me at the trail by 7 and I took off. I was feeling recharged but as I climbed Cube Mountain it started to pour. I heard some thunder but kept climbing. When I got to the summit the sky had cleared and the view was excellent. Slippery rocks made the descent slow. I was going to try to push to Bill Ackerlys but I still had to get up and over Smarts Mountain. While passing Hexicube Shelter I met a few Dartmouth Outing Club members who were doing trail work. I followed them to the road, chatting as we went. They told me the Fire Wardens cabin was in rough shape. I summited Smarts just before 5 and had time to make it to Bill's place but the sky got black. I called Mary for a weather report and she told me the storm was headed my way so I should sit tight at the cabin. The cabin was in tough shape and smelled a bit like mice. About 20 minutes later the sky opened up, rain at first then golf ball sized hail. A couple from Ohio came in before the rain and 3 others who got caught coming up the ridge in the storm dribbled in. As I slept that night I swatted 3 spiders from my face but I stayed dry.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Smarts Mountain Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Etna-Hanover Center Rd., Etna, NH
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

I made my way down Smarts Mountain on the slippery wet rocks. I have a new measure of the moisture in the woods, it's the newt-o-meter. I counted 3 red spotted newts on the trail - an indicator that the trail was a bit wet. I made to Bills by 9 for a second breakfast of ice cream. Billwas a very nice gentleman and his helper Ashley was also very pleasant. I took on water and headed on. What I thought would be any easy hike into Hanover gave me a workout. I made to the Hanover/Etna road by 4 and decided to call it quits. I called Tiggers Treehouse and Karen and her husband put me up for the night. I couldn't have asked for better hosts.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Etna-Hanover Center Rd., Etna, NH

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Karen brought me back to the trail head and I powered into Hanover. When I reached the road I walked a half mile in the wrong direction before I got it figured out. Today was a one on the newt-o-meter. When I got to town at about 10 I went to Lou's for the "big green". I stuffed myself and continued on to Vermont. Not a smart thing to do in the middle of the day. I was a bit sluggish as I turned Elm Street and started to climb, but Angels made the climb easier. By 4 p.m. I had made it to Randy's house. I didn't get the bell because his daughter was sleeping but I did get 2 sodas, dinner, and a place to stay for the night. I met SoG who knows my son, PA Trail Runner, Trudge, and Capt. K. I also got to jump in the river from the bridge.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Pomfret Road, Woodstock, VT
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

Mary's coming up for my birthday so I am going to try to log some miles early. Today was a 3 on the newt-o-meter. I got almost 9 miles in before meeting her on Pomfret Road where she had the trunk of her car open handing out trail magic, she's the best. Today I stopped at several red raspberry patches and ate my fill as well as passed a spot which appeared to be the resting place of a porcupine. Took a few close ups of a newt for the packaging on the Newt-o-meter. Mary and I drove to Woodstock to spend the rest of my birthday.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Pomfret Road, Woodstock, VT

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Sad morning after a Nero. Mary brought me back to the trail head and I got off at 7. I had a good day except for when I got about 50 feet from the Leanto. I wasn't paying attention and rolled my ankle again sending me to the ground. I could still walk on it but it felt bad. Today I also learned my Newt-o-meter is flawed. The red eft is a juvenile eastern newt and does come out when it is wet but it is in search for a body of water to spend its adult life, so they will only be found near bodies of water. This throws the o-meter theory out the window.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Stopped by a nice waterfall in the morning then to a state park where I met up with Popeye. I followed his lead and took a mid day shower. It felt excellent but for the next hour all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I got it back together, climbed Pico to Killington, and then spent the night at Coopers shelter. A sign stated that Pico was over populated with prickly porcupines but I saw none.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Climbed the summit of Killington in the AM before I started the day. It was excellent. I then started my hike. The day was going well; I met Peter and Louise from NC headed southbound. But things on the trail amaze me every day. Today it was after meeting Pete that I almost stepped in someone's feces right on the trail. No paper, no nothing, just number 2 right dead center on the trail. I tried to think for a better part of the day who it was that did it, and I have some ideas but no proof. I continued on and took a lunch detour to QU's Whistle Stop for lunch, a buffalo burger and a fish sandwich, then back to finish my day. I got to the hut and there were only 4 others there. I was tired and full so I cut out early - 5:30 - but then people started arriving. I think there were about 20, all talking and making noise till about 9:30. Plus the mosquitos were out of control. I think I'm done with leantos.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: near Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

I had big miles to do to meet Mary so I got off early. I think that pissed off a few people but I didn't care. I know the newt-o-meter is flawed but today as I counted my 32nd eft, the sky opened up in a deluge and I got soaked. I continued on in the rain and the sun eventually came out. During the day I kept passing and being passed by Stank, Kenny O, and Little Miss Sunshine. I went for a swim at Griffith Lake and then was going to spend the night at Peru Peak Leanto but there was no phone reception so I hiked to the top of Peru Peak and am now stealth camping. Bad part is I hear thunder in the distance. I hope it doesn't come this way. Today was my first 20 plus day - 21 miles even.
Date: 2015-07-27
From: near Peru Peak Shelter

To: VT Rt. 30 and 11
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early in my stealth campsite and packed up. My stuff was a bit wet because I was in the clouds early in the morning but the sleep on the ridge was awesome. I pushed hard because I told Mary I would be at VT Routes 11/30 between 10:30 and 12:00 and I wanted to be there as early as possible. I ascended Bromley and then down to the road. As I was nearing the road a young girl NOBO asked if I was Plank and I said yes. She said your wife is awesome and I told her I agree. Mary had been giving trail magic again. I made it to the road and hugged my best friend. We did chores, Mary made me eat until I almost burst and spent the night at the Chalet Motor Inn. ( way too short)
Date: 2015-07-28
From: VT Rt. 30 and 11

To: Stratton-Arlington Rd (Grout Pond campground)
Miles today: 17.5

Mary and I went to Bob's Diner for breakfast and I got off at 9:30. No big deal because I was going to do a 10.7 to Stratton Pond. The route was partially the route Christine and I hiked in November. While I was hiking I texted Dave Vincent and asked when he and Bad Cote were going to meet me in VT. Dave said the place they camped was right on the other side of Stratton Mtn and we decided to meet on the Arlington/Stratton road. This meant I needed to push. I made it to the pond by 3:30 and over Stratton and down and met Dave by 6:30. While at the summit of Stratton I met about 50 Jewish kids from a summer camp. They were really interested in my hike and talked my ear off. When I met Dave he took me to Grout Pond, an excellent place that I have to go back to. We went for a swim then out for Chinese for dinner and then crashed.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Stratton-Arlington Rd (Grout Pond campground)

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Dave and I went out for breakfast and then packed up. Dave hiked to the first Leanto about 3.6. I apologized because it was muddy like back in Maine. When we got to the shelter at about noon Dave headed back and I went on to Goddard Leanto for a total of 12.5 miles. Not that far but I was beat, maybe because of the heat, not sure.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Consultation Peak
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

I got up at 5:30 but was slow getting started - didn't get going till 7. It was hot today even in the woods. The green towel got some heavy use. Met a NOBO with the name Earth who was not doing well. He said he lost his drive to go on. Said he was going to go into Manchester and take a few zeros to decide if he should go on. Hiked down to the highway with Kev-o. Then climbed the other side and man, did that sap me. I made it to Congdon Leanto just as it started raining, and I beat the thunder. The leanto was packed with people waiting out the rain. I was ok sitting for a bit until a guy came to the front of the leanto and lit a cigarette. He didn't ask if I cared, he just did. This pissed me off so I packed my stuff and headed out as the rain had slowed to a sprinkle. The only problem was as I got about 100 yards down the trail the sky opened up and the trail turned to a river. I sloshed my way to Consultation Peak where I am stealth camping for the night. I have everything in the trees trying to dry out. I'll be in Massachusetts in the morning.??
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Consultation Peak

To: Bascom Lodge, Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

I got up early in order to get to MA and then up and over Mt. Greylock. The hike went well but things were still a bit damp from the night before. I had a couple of ups and downs and the heat really sapped my energy. I passed the Mass border at about 11:00 and continued on. I entered the town of North Adams and man was it hot on the street. I started climbing Greylock and felt like I was back on the Whites. It was a true struggle. I made it to the summit and thought I had another 3 miles to go to the shelter when I realized that I could stay at Bascom Lodge at the summit. I got a room, a shower, and then a meal. During dinner I met some nice folks from Agawam and from Falls River. I had also met NOBOs Freebird and the preacher earlier in the bunk room.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Bascom Lodge, Mt. Greylock

To: Furnace Hill Rd. (south end)
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

I got up normal time at Bascom Lodge but didn't want to wait for the breakfast. I decided I would rather spend the time with the love of my life so I set out at about 7. It was mostly down hill so I pushed doing about 2.5 miles an hour. This pissed off my left shin, the start of another shin splint. I made it to see Mary by 10 and went further to Furnace Hill Rd., 8.9 miles, where she picked me up. While at breakfast she got a call that someone at home was sick so I decided it would be better if we drove the 2.5 hours and went home. I was pretty tired and warn down from the heat so I decided to take a zero on Sunday.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Furnace Hill Rd. (south end)

To: Washington Mountain Rd. 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Mary and I got up early at home and she drove me back to the trail and I started hiking by 9:30. I started at Furnace Hill and went to the cookie lady's house on Washington Mtn Road for a total of 17.8 miles. Wasn't going to go that far but the shelter seemed too close, so I went on even though I heard thunder in the background. My left shin is now bothering me. Hopefully I can walk through it. Roy Wiley, the husband of the cookie lady, was an excellent old gentleman. During the night a thunder storm blew buy just missing us, but we did get rained on. To Upper Goose Pond in the morning.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Washington Mountain Rd. 

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

Early in the morning a thunderstorm passed through. I was glad because Roy, the owner of the blueberry farm, told me to pitch my tent in between two big pine trees. I got up a little late because I was hoping my tent would dry. No such luck, so I packed up a semi-dry tent and headed out. I wished the three vegan 20 something's good luck. These three seemed like three of the most squared away and intelligent kids I have met on the trail so far. One was having a tough time with Warren Doyle so I told him to give Doyle what he gives out. I hiked a short distance to the Upper Goose Shelter which was packed. Way too many people for me but its out of the storm. Today I had to sit under a bridge over the Mass Pike until a thunder storm passed.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Well, last night was interesting; the SOBO band played at the shelter until about 9 and then the members decided to hang out drinking. I fell asleep during the concert so it wasn't too bad until about 3 a.m. when one of the members staggered into the bunk room drunk and woke everyone up. Let me say there were some upset NOBOs in the morning. Hiked 15.8 to the Mt. Wilcox South Shelter where I camped for the night. I spoke to Little C last weekend and am going to set up a new counter instead of the newt-o-meter. The counter - NTS (Newt/Toad/Snake) will record the numbers for the day. Today the NTS was 17/1/0. Two days ago it was 1/6/0. I seem to see a lot of these creatures as I am constantly looking down so that I don't trip and fall. The day was nice today even though it was humid and the newt count would have led me to think it was going to rain. I just heard a barred owl as I was writing this entry and getting ready for sleep. Nothing better than the barred owl, it reminds me of home and makes me feel like I'm being watched after. Who cooks for you.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

There were more people at the campsite when I woke then the night before. I got up and was out by 6:45. I had plans for a big day - 19.6 miles - which I did in 10.5 hrs. Not a bad day. During the day the NTS counter was at 3/1/2 the 2 being garter snake. I also have noticed since entering MA that the chipmunk has taken over as the primary ground rodent, where the red squirrel won the title up north. Will be in CT in the a.m. Yahoo, another state down.