morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Washington Mt Rd (The Cookie Lady Farm), MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiker Monkey, Palzer and I were all up early hitting the trail a little before 7 am. The trail was mild and we were all moving toward town at a brisk pace. We all arrived on the outskirts of town around 10 am. The trail runs over some train tracks and then runs through a neighborhood to the main drag. The motel I reserved a room at was only a few 100 yards from the trail which was very convenient. My mother and her husband came down from New Hampshire to pay me a visit in Dalton (see photo). It was great to see them and after I cleaned up we headed out for some lunch and resupply chores. I was able to exchange my problematic tent poles in town and I also bought some new hiking shoes. The shoes I replaced had about 800 miles on them and were starting to tear around the front face and down into the rubber sole. So it was time for a replacement. After the resupply chores we headed over to Jacob's Sports Bar where we met fellow thru hikers Lunch, Bubba, Looper, M¶bius, Chez- it, Ramen-Shamon, Cowgirl, Calamity and The Priest to watch the USA soccer game (see photo). The game outcome was disappointing but we had a blast cheering team USA on all the same. Although the hiking is hard work, it is moments like this with all your trail friends that make the trek so special.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Stratton Pond Shelter, VT

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

I was up early and feeling refreshed. I ate my breakfast, consisting of my old standby peanut butter and jelly. I am still not sick of P&J after eating it from the start of my AT adventure back in March. That is probably because it was a main staple when growing up. Only one other hiker was stirring when I came down from the loft. She had come to the shelter last night to stay and visit a friend doing the long trail. She was heading up to see Stratton Mt and then back to civilization. I had a short run to state highway VT 11, the main road into the town of Manchester Center, VT, where I would be picked up by my mother and Robin and have a nights stay in town for resupply. I put on some good upbeat tunes from my phones music player and head out at a brisk pace, motivated obviously by the prospect of a shower and hot lunch. As I passed Stratton Pond I could see the sunlight making its way over the mountain behind as it shined down on the pond shoreline (see photo). The trail was generally mild but very muddy from the prior rains. Actually along the pond the trail was completely underwater due to the increased pond water level. So there was a bit of rock hopping and minor detours at these spots. I also crossed over a number of wooden boardwalks where I believe bears were marking their territory by chewing on sections of the 2-inch thick planks (see photos). I had seen similar bear markings back in the southern states on wooden signs and I could not think of another animal that would cause such damage. Pushing on down the trail I met Robin and my mother on trail near the road crossing. I was there before 10 am cruising at about 3 miles an hour on the trail I estimated.   We stayed at the Red Sled Motel which is located on the outskirts of town. There are not many places to stay in town that are close to the stores. Hence having access to wheels was a plus. A couple of places I would recommend eating at include the 2 Hexes (great big lunches) and the Firefly (tapas and tavern, also have salads and burgers). Actually at the Firefly I ran into some of the long trail hikers I met at the shelter the previous night. It is all good. I finished the day resupplying with food. I will hit the trail again tomorrow probably early due to the chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Killington Mt Campsite, VT

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge, VT
Miles today: 10.2

After a very stormy night on Killington Mt I started stirring around 6:30. I woke up a number of times during the night as blasts of rain and very high winds shook my little tent. The wind gusts had to be on the order of 40-50 mph whipping the trees from side to side and tossing branches everywhere. It was exciting to say the least! The tent held up well and I had only a little water come in near the tent entrance area. I need to do a little more seam sealing there and it should be good to go. Others that camped out on the mountain were also stirring that morning surveying their gear and the aftermath of the storm. The winds were still strong on the mountain this morning but the rain had stopped. I headed off the mountain by 7:30 am looking forward to a short day and a stay at a lodge located on the trail about 10 miles north. I would also be able to dry out my gear. The trek was pretty much all down hill off the mountain toward a road crossing (US 4) and then a small climb over a hill to the lodge. Heading down the mountain some rays of sunlight would penetrate the clouds and trees (see photo). The top 500 feet or so of the mountain was in the clouds making it a misty trek at first. On the way down I met two brothers (2/3rds and Wally-eye) who were taking 2 months off to trek from Mass to Maine. Once down off the mountain the days appearance was completely different. The winds were mild and there was plenty of sun. I headed up and over the hill to the lodge stopping once to visit with a local couple and their dog. We discussed the AT and other hiking in the area. I reached the lodge around noon and settled in for the day. I ordered pizza and ate it on the scenic lodge grounds as I dried out my gear. I also was able to catch some World Cup action that evening with thru hikers Coconut, Spice Kit, Seabuscuit and Paltzer. Only 43 miles more to make it to Hanover, NH. I should be there in 2 days if all goes well. Oh and today I also hit the 1700 mile mark... Less than 500 miles to go.
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Mountain Meadows Lodge, VT

To: Campsite Near Totman Hill Rd, VT
Miles today: 22.1

I woke up early even though breakfast at the lodge was not until a little before 8 am (another 3 hours away). I slept well and went ahead and busied myself packing up gear and catching up with my journal entries (something you may have noticed I have been behind on the last few weeks). I make notes each day but I often fall asleep before converting the notes into something legible so I get behind at times. If I have cell signal I do try to keep the photos up to date on my journal site. I had breakfast at the lodge, dawned my pack and headed out to the trail by 9 am. To my surprise the air was still very cool even in the sun and it stayed unseasonably cool all day. Also to my surprise I was not assaulted by bugs. Essentially the days conditions were the best I could remember since starting this trek in March. The day was a perfect hiking day!So northbound I went first down to Thundering Falls (see photos) and then up and over Quimby Mountain. The day consisted of lots of small to moderate ups and downs but the forest had changed notably since the trail turned easterly out of the Green Mountains.   There were more areas of large pine trees and the undergrowth was not as thick as the Green's. Also there were signs of farming both current (walked through hay fields and small hamlets - see photos) and past (old rock walls running beneath the forest canopy. The highlight of the day was when I came to what is called the Lookout. It is a cabin with a tower on the roof located just off the AT. I ventured up to it and noticed a couple on top taking in the views. I went up and was taken back at how clear and how far I could see. The couple who had been to the Lookout before and knew the mountains in the distance proceeded to show me the White Mountain ranges that I will be climbing in the next two weeks (see photos). It was incredible how far we could see. They pointed out Mt Moosilauke (the first of the White Mts I will climb) and then the Franconia Ridge. These mountains were almost 100 "trail" miles away or about 70 miles as the crow flies.   Seeing these mountains was a real thrill. I realized how close I am getting to the final, but hardest section of the AT. At the Lookout I also ran into the first southbound thru hikers who had started in Maine and heading to Georgia. They have been on the trail for about 6 weeks. I hung out at the Lookout for almost an hour and then hit the trail again. My goal for the day was to get within about 20 miles of Hanover, NH so I could roll in to town tomorrow. I finished up the day slightly over 20 miles from town on top of a small ridge. I set up camp and called it a day. Tomorrow I should be in town by mid-afternoon and I was already looking at places in town I wanted to eat....
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Campsite Near Totman Hill Rd, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 20.2

I was up at 5 am and walking towards town by 6 am. The trail for this section has some ups and downs similar to the day prior, but it had a lot more sections through open fields (mostly hay fields or tall uncut grasses with wildflowers). There were many eye catching scenes particularly in the morning. First since I was up so early the sun was just rising over the hills casting shadows and colors on the valleys I was walking through. I caught a cool photo of the sun as it was shaded by a lone cloud (see photos) and then later in the morning I came upon a small ravine where the rocks glistened blue under the faint sunlight that snuck through the tree canopy (see photo). These were all really cool sights. The day before I had not run into any northbound thru hikers but today I ran into many I had been shadowing the past week, including Sea Biscuit, Coconut, Spice Kit, Boomer and Smudge. All of us were cruising toward town with a renewed determination and a serious brisk pace.   I reached the outskirts of Norwich,VT a little after 1:00 in the afternoon. At this point the trail departs the woods and it consisted of street walking all the way to Hanover, NH (about 2.5 miles). Some of the residents had left trail magic along the road (iced sodas and watermelon slices). I hiked through the quaint well manicured neighborhoods of Norwich and then down Main Street toward the Connecticut River. I reached the river valley and crossed the bridge to New Hampshire. The river looked so inviting with many folks swimming and canoeing but I kept pushing on toward Hanover, with my hunger trumping my urge to cool and clean off... I was in town by 2 pm and I had already selected the food establishment where I would quench my thirst and quell my hunger.... Boloco Burritos... I ate with a passion and went back for seconds.   As I finished up the feast, I was joined by my mother and Robin. They had come to pick me up but not before we headed over for some gelato.... Mmmmm.   Smoked after the 20 mile hike but full we headed to their home in Warner, NH (about a 45 minutes drive away). I plan to zero tomorrow, visiting with friends and family and getting back out on the trail Sunday afternoon where I will be heading for the White Mountains.
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH (stayed at mothers house)
Miles today: 0.0

It was a nice break from the trail staying at my mothers house in Warner, NH. The most important thing was I got off my feet for a day. The day consisted of various hiking chores (tent sealing, buying food, drying out gear, etc), visiting some friends, touring around on motorcycles (this was a real treat) and eating. Tomorrow I will hit the trail again on my way to the Whites. I spent some time planning the trek through NH and if all goes well I hope to finish the state in about 10 days (weather and body permitting). In this upcoming section there are more uncertainties because of the White Mountain range ruggedness and unpredictable weather.
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Hanover, NH (stayed at mothers house)

To: Moose Mountain Shelter, NH
Miles today: 10.9

It was a late start today getting back on the trail. Before hitting the trail we had All You Can Eat Indian buffet in Hanover. The trail goes right by the restaurant and it so happened this was where I got off the trail two days prior (pretty convenient isn't it?). So we ate vindaloo and curries and washed it down with some Kingfishers. Great stuff. After lunch I said my goodbyes to my mother and Robin off I went. The trail heads back into the woods after the Coop shopping center store. The trail is mild with minor ascents until reaching the base of Moose Mt. I have to admit the first two hours out of town I was one slow puppy with the Indian food and beer bubbling around in my tummy. Then I settled in and picked up the pace. I came upon some wonderful trail magic at Three Mile Rd provided by Kate Harrison (see photo). The cold Gatorade hit the spot (thanks so much!). I headed up towards the top of Moose Mt and about halfway up I came across a large bear. He was just coming onto the trail when he saw me. He immediately turned around and bolted back into the woods. He was too fast for me to get a photo. That makes a total of 10 bear sighting for me since starting this thru hike. I am still hoping to see a moose before completing this adventure. I made it to Moose Mt Shelter by 5 pm and called it a day. This was not because of the Indian food but rather the weather. It rained some on my way today and the radar showed some heavy rains heading my way. Ahead of me are some formidable slopes as I trek closer to the White Mts. So there is no need to push into these so late in the day. I settled into the shelter with three AT section hikers.   We ate, visited and kept dry as the rain started.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Moose Mountain Shelter, NH

To: Brackett Brook, NH
Miles today: 21.0

I was up and out of the shelter by 6 am. I wanted to get over two large mountains today including Smart Mt and Cube Mt. Both mountains have steep 2000 ft climbs. The first climb was Smart Mt and on the way I passed Holt Cliffs.   Along the Cliffs there were some side trails to the edge (see photos). On one of the side trails to the edge I saw two Peregrine falcons. They dashed from the cliffs and flew around below. After the cliffs it was up Smarts Mt. I reached the summit around noon and had lunch at the old cabin that is used as a hikers shelter. I also ventured up to the old fire tower to check out the views (see photos). After lunch it was down the mountain and then back up Cube Mt. Cube Mt was a rocky climb with a lot of sections across large monolithic smooth rock. Some had a steep slope and were wet making them a bit tough to climb. Finally I reached the peak late afternoon. The peak was mostly smooth rock and provided a wide panoramic view of the south and west hills and valleys (see photos). I headed down the mountain with plans to tank up with water when I reach the first brook about 3/4 of the way down and then start looking for a campsite. I reached the brook and found that in addition to being a great water source, there where a number of nearby campsites. I decided there was no need to go any farther. I had already putting in over 20 miles and my guess was the "grass may not be much greener" down the trail. So I settled in for the evening. Today's steep climbs were a good warm up for what is to come in the next couple days in the White Mountains only they will be higher.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Brackett Brook, NH

To: Glencliff, NH (Hikers Welcome Hostel)
Miles today: 11.5

The day started as most morning when I awoke around 5 am. I did wake up around 4:30 am or so when some hikers came down the hill with headlamps on and headed up toward Cube Mt.   I expect they were headed up there to watch the sunrise. I was on the trail a little before 7 am and headed north with the objective of Glencliff, NH and a stay at a hiker hostel. It is a short day of hiking (only a little more that 11 miles), but I felt it better to do this than push up Mt Moosilauke (the start of the White Mts) late in the day. Also the afternoon calls for thunderstorms and I was hoping for some great views when atop the mountain. So in the morning when my legs are fresh I will start the Whites.The section I covered today was mild with only minor ups and downs and there were not many views during the walk. I did run into a few more southbound hikers. Over the last week I have meet many thru hikers heading south. Some of the southbound hikers I met included Spear, Sandals, The Gardener, Blue Velvet and their dog, Padre, Smiles and many more. Today I also met a gent named South Pole. He is doing the AT in a unique means. He drives to a crossroad and hikes up the AT midway to the next crossroad. He then hikes back and drives to the next crossroad further north and hikes back to where he turned around and the hikes back to his car. Essentially he is hiking the trail in sections both Northbound and Southbound. I met him twice today as a result and the second time we met he knew he would see me again and he brought me and apple and cookies.   What a nice guy and a hardcore hiker! I made it to the hostel around noon and settled in. There were a number of northbound thru hikers that I know at the hostel including Sea Biscuit, Cowboy and Cornwall. I also met some new northbound hikers I had not met, including Topo and Longhaul Trucker. The nice thing about the hostel is access to cold drinks and a town run for food. They also have an extensive library of DVDs. I do not watch movies much but I saw a few as I sat in their common room. I look forward to starting the White. Mts tomorrow but know it will be tough since it starts with a 4000 ft climb and then a 3000 ft descent. Well it is what it is and I will make the best of it!
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Eliza Brook Campsite, NH

To: Franconia Notch (North Woodstock, NH)
Miles today: 8.8

I was up early eager to start the hike toward town and the associated shower, food and the lot..... I estimated I could be there by 10 am or so if I started at 6 am. However the start of the trail was much more challenging up and down Kinsman Mt. The challenging part is not the elevation changes but the short sections of very steep rock climbing that popped up. Most of these sections are maybe 15-20 feet in height and usually a solid shear of rock with some cracks that allow foot and hand holds or large boulders precariously located requiring rock hops at height. Sometimes there will be tree roots or a few other smaller rocks to assist with the climbing. Essentially these sections make the hike slow going and often quite interesting. However the nice thing about the White Mountain with it's arduous hikes is the payoff of the spectacular scenery! As I pushed up Kinsman Mt I could look back from the trail at the mountains I had crossed the day before (see photos). And once atop the peak, I could see the ridge and mountains of my next days hike through the morning mist. On this day the steep mountains with their course rocky tops were beautiful and glistened a yellow glow as the sun rose higher breaking through the mist. I descended down Kinsman toward the hut and lake below. Huts are a unique feature to the White Mountains. They are essentially a remote motel for hikers which serves both dinner and breakfasts to those that stay the night. The cost of a stay is steep around $125 a night but they are normally full of folks and you often need a reservation to get a slot to stay. The nice thing for thru hikers is they also have good water and snacks. They are also nice to stop by to sit in their common room and chill out for a while. I came down to Lonesome Lake and the hut. It has a direct view across the lake to Mt Lafayette and Lincoln. After passing the lake the trail is better maintained and generally a mild cruise down to the Franconia Notch.   I arrived around 11 am at the Notch and was greeted by my mother and Robin.   We headed into North Woodstock, NH for the night for a cleanup and resupply. Tomorrow I start a 5-6 day push over all the big White Mountains. The weather looks great for the next couple of days so I should be good to go.
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Carter Notch Hut, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 16.0

I was up early before most of my hut bunk mates. I went ahead and quietly packed up my gear and went down to the common area for some hot chocolate as I waited for breakfast, served at 7 am each morning. The smells of eggs, bacon and homemade cinnamon rolls coming from the kitchen were welcoming. The other hikers began to stir and congregate around the common hall visiting with each other with coffee in hand. As we waited the sun began to shine on the side of the western cliffs. It appeared the day was going to be another beautiful but warm day. Breakfast was served and it was great with very large portions. I had multiple servings eating with purpose and visiting with the section and day hikers. Some folks were simply there for one night, others had a week of hiking going from hut to hut and there were a few other hiking the 4000 foot mountains. After breakfast I said goodbye to my new friends and headed north. Hiker Monkey, another thru hiker, also stayed at the hut last night and hit the trail when I did.   The trail was tough at first with a number of steep climbs and descents. It was not until my final 3 miles did the trail become tame as it ran beside the Rattle River. There were some nice views of the White Mountains that I had crossed the prior days on the last two peaks before descending from the Wildcat Ridge. Also there were lots of camp groups on this section of the trail. When I made it to US 2, the end of the White Mountains and my trail pull off point, I was greeted by the daughters of thru hikers Knitter and Weirman (see photo). They were giving out some fantastic trail magic, cold beer! I visited with them for a while before heading over to the nearby hiker hostel.   I will be pulling off the trail for a few days to visit my family who have come up to New Hampshire. I will be back on the trail Aug 5th headed to Katahdin, ME. I am estimating it will take me about three more weeks to reach Katahdin if all goes well. I am definitely getting close to the end of this adventure. I will be back on the trail shortly.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Gorham, NH - Zero with My Family

To: Carlo Col Shelter, ME
Miles today: 16.2

I said goodbye to the family and headed out of Gorham. The trail runs along the road past a small hydro power plant and river ( see photo). At first the trail was a steady climb but tame up to Mt Hayes where Gorham could be seen below. Then down and up to the rock face of Mt Success which was the last peak I would cross in New Hampshire. This view would be my last view of Mt Washington located to the south (see photo). Then it was down a steep rocky slope to the Maine state line (see photo). Finally I have reached the last state in this trek. After my selfie photo at the sign post it was a short run to the shelter. I arrived at the shelter and thought about going up to the next ridge since I had water but I was beat from the rugged trail so I decided to stay at the shelter. I was glad I did as about 1/2 hr after arriving at the shelter a thunder storm hit dumping buckets of rain. I set up in the shelter not wanting to set up camp in the rain. I had dinner with some south bounders and Right Here, a north bound thru hiker. Later that evening a few more northbound hikers arrived, a bit wet from the rain. It was a tough welcome to Maine. Tomorrow was going to the real welcome as I will be hiking through the Mahoosuc Notch, described as the "toughest or funnest mile of the AT" within the AT guide book. It's going to be interesting tomorrow.