morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-12
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Mountain Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

Slept well up at 6 cool morning. Quick packup and breakfast. Decided to wear my long sleeve shirt. On the trail at 6:55.Significant morning climb with the trail smooth but very steep. 1600' in 3 miles. It just kept going up and up and up. Got to Shrewsbury Peak at 8:30 at 3512' but still had another 400' to go. The trail then became nasty with very rocky, rooots and very narrow. Very slow going. Passed 2 SOBOs. The trail got a little smoother till the final uphill. Got to Cooper Lodge Shelter at 9:10. Chevy Chafe and 2 others were there.Left my pack and poles at the shelter to climb to the top of Killington Peak. Very steep rock scrambel for 1/4 mile. Had to use my hands to climb up. But the top had great views. Actually I think I saw this peak this morning from the other mountain. Called home about my mail drops. On the way down I passed a ridge runner on the way up. He was then going to take the gondola down.Left at 9:50 for the usual rocky descent. Lots of evergreens some of which were blown down. Continued on down the mountain passing many day hikers and past both the next shelter since they were well off the trail. Got to route 4 where there were drinks from the Yellow Deli in Rutland. Had a couple of juices.Pushed on the the Maine Junction which has the side trail to Inn of the Long Trail. Got there at 1:50. Called the Mt. Meadow Lodge which is on the trail and 2 miles further. They had availabilty and there rate was only $5 more than the Inn which was 1/2 mile off the trail. Decided to go to Mt Meadow since it got me closer for tomorrow. Passed the 1700 mile mark then the trail went down to the Gifford Woods State Park. Walked on the park road and then crossed Rt. 100. The trail then ran along Kent Pond. Passed many people returning to their cars.Arrived at the Lodge at 3, Checked in and had a nice room with a queen bed plus a twin. Very nice facility with computer, game room, bar, big longue, and movie room. It is busy on the weekends as a wedding venue.Did my laundry and showered. Had a cheese and pepperoni sandwich. Checked my email and lodging in Maine. Called my friend Harry about the possibility of joining me. It will not be possible. Called home.Dinner was at 7:30 of Mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, ribs, and chicken. I ate alot - 3 ears of corn ribs and chicken.Did some more online journaling and in bed by 10.A tough day with a heavy pack and steep uphills. Great views from the top of the mountains. Hiked alone for the 2nd day. There are 7 others here at the lodge. Not sure about tomorrow. Supposed to be heavy rains all day into the night. May take a zero to catch up on my journal and stay dry. I'll check with my Hanover hostel about switching days and may take a 2nd zero in Hanover to be able to mail home my box on Monday.
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Mountain Meadow Lodge

To: Mountain Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at the usual 6:30. Checked the weather. Rain to begin at 9 with heavy rains in afternoon. Will call Hanover hostel about switching.Breakfast at 7:45. Great selection of waffle, bagels, blueberry bread, cereal and yogurt. The other 5 hikers are deciding what to do. There is the bunkhouse for $10 which is not a bad option. I will be staying in my room. Called Hanover and it was okay to switch so I have confirm a zero today.10 o'clock the rains started and continued all day with very heavy rain and winds in the afternoon. Good day not to be hiking.Spent most of the day on the computer updating my journal, checking on lodging option in Maine post hike. Reviewed my schedule thur the Whites with some modification of distances.Made one of my ramen rice dinners for lunch so my pack will be a little lighter. If they don't serve dinner I can always have a lunch option.The others are watching movies or just relaxing. It was a wise choice to stay indoors. Tomorrow will be a wet and soaky day.Order pizza for dinner with everyone else. Had the Basil Pesto Chicken pizza with root beer.Final computer work is to check the resupply options after Hanover.Again I have been lucky to be indoors during the major rain. Not sure I'll be this lucky in the next month.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Mountain Meadow Lodge

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Up at 6:30 finished packing and went to breakfast. Bagel, tea, quiche and juice. Was not ready to leave so I laid in bed for 1/2 hour. not anxious to get back on the trail.Checked out and left at 8:45. Had a 2 mile warm up on flat train before the usual morning climb. Trail is actually in good condition quite dry considering the amount of rain.   Had a steady 1200' climb n 1.3 miles then flat and down to the shelter. Passed 2 SOBOs and 2 section hikers. Lonely hiking day.Got to Stony Brook Shelter at 11:20 for lunch of pepperoni and cheese sandwich and left at 11:50. Had climbs and descents on a somewhat muddy and rocky trail. Arrived at the Cabin at 3. An awesome cabin/shelter. It is a fully enclosed cabin with window and door and a lookout tower on the roof. Unbelievable views from the tower since it was an overcast cool clear day. Tempted to stay but that would make a longer day tomorrow. Left at 3:30 with the trail again flat and smooth. Made excellent time to the Winturri Shelter arriving at 4:25. There was 1 NOBO in the shelter. Thought about going another 2 1/2 miles and camping but decided to stay.Got water and set up camp and made my usual dinner at 5:30. Due to the mosquitos I was in my tent by 6. Laid down and fell asleep at 6:30. Awoke about 8:30 with other hikers coming into camp but I didn't see them.This was a hard day not physically but mentally. Not anxious to get going then a very lonely day without people on the trail. I may be worrying about the Whites both hiking them and resupplying. Tomorrow will either be short or long.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well. Can't believe I fell asleep at 6:30. Many more people arrived last night. I was up at 5:45 to do yesterday's journal. Out of bed at 6:30. Packed up and had breakfast. Between 7 and 7:30 Lots of hikers came in from the cabin to get water. Mad Jac was among them. We chatted before I headed out at 7:50.A quick downhill trail for 3 miles. At VT 12 there was trail magic by the Von Trapps (trail name not real names) who were serving coffee and Tacos. They were supporting a thru hiker. Had 2 tacos and then started my 1st climb of the day. It was short and steep then downhill.   This was the theme of the day. Short 200-600 foot uphills in 1/2 to 3/4 miles followed by either downhills or long flat smooth sections. Despite the uphills I made good time. Got to Cloudland Road at 12:45 and went to the market. Mainly a meat market but I had a great Roast Beef Sandwich and soda. Very filling and good. Back on the trail at 1:15. for more ups and downs.Arrived at Thistle Hill shelter trailhead at 2 but I was headed on. Passed lots of SOBOS but only 2 NOBOs. Got to West Hartford and crossed the bridge to find the General Store closed. Had a long road walk thru town and under I890. Had 1 final climb of 600' in about 2 miles. Again steady and steep. Arrived at Happy Hill shelter at 5:50 which wasn't bad for a day of 20+ miles in 10 hours with 1 hour food break.There was no one here but I found a tent spot. Had my lunch for dinner and was in my tent by 7:30. I did hear some people coming in but didn't look out.The trail was different. It went thru many fields as well as pine forest with flat pine covered trail. I also saw trees with plastic tubing around it that were then connected to other trees. I finally realized that these were maple trees and this was the sap collection system. Also 2 NOBO told me about the pie lady in West Hartford which I missed. I saw the house but it looked like it was under repair. I felt good today and almost went further but wasn't sure of my options. I also only had 6 miles to Hanover. Mentally felt better but it is strange not seeing many hikers.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Stray Cat's AT Hilton
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6 but stayed in my bag till 6:30. Night wasn't cold and I was in my shorts and short sleeve t shirt in my bag. It appeared there were others at the shelter but I didn't go there since my tent was up the hill. Packed up and had breakfast and on the trail by 7:25.Trail was smooth and downhill. Making good time. Got to Elm St in Norwich, VT and there was 2 trail magic - sodas, and the list of trail angel housing in the Hanover area. I then started a 3 mile road walk thru Norwich, under I 89 and finally over the CT. River into NH. The trail continued on the sidewalk up the hill to Hanover. Got to the Dartmouth Outdoor Center at 9:30. Used their computer to check email, read journals. Frankie the sleeper took a zero at the Inn of Long Trail so we may actually catch up. 10:30 walked around the town looking for locations to eat. The noodle shop wasn't open so I ended up with a pulled pork sandwich at Subway. Then I had a yogurt. Went to the library to send some emails but I couldn't connect. Did some shopping at CVS then call the Stray Cat Hostel. Steve's wife will pick me up in an hour at the DOC. So I finished my online journal and emails from there.Arrived at the hostel at 2:15. Showered. Laundry in for wash. Dried my tent. Went thru my mail drop and my pack to decide what I am sending home. Repacked my food and discovered I had 7 days of food since I came into town with food. Decided to Mail Drop 3 days of food ahead to Lincoln. I really wanted to send it to Glencliff but there were enough days. Weather was good today. A little cool and overcast.Not sure about restocking thru the Whites. I may have to carry 4-5 days of food up the mountains.Hawkeye, who was slack packing, and Rowdy, are staying the night. I had met Hawkeye a ways back. Discussed the next couple of weeks thru the Whites.Dinner was at 7:30. Chicken pot pie, veggies and salad. Very filling. Visited with Steve and his wife. Steve runs many little businesses in addition to his car service. Back to the room and in bed by 9.A good day into town with town food and home cooked food. Ran into 10-12 NOBOs in town and at the DOC. The Hostel is about 30 mins out of Hanover but is quite with good beds, good shower, and a TV room. I'm still concerned about the next week. I hope I can meet up with other hikers. I will be zeroing in Hanover since I need to mail my boxes out on Monday. I'm going to try to stay with one of the trail angels if not I may be back at Stray Cats
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Stray Cat's AT Hilton

To: Stray Cat's AT Hilton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hawkeye was up at 4 reading. I got up at 6:30 to breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, and home fries. Rowdy was zeroing here. Hawkeye was slack packing from Grafton to Glencliff. Left at 8:45, dropped Hawkeye off. Rod n Reel was starting the trail at Grafton. Arrived in Hanover at 9. Went to Dartmouth Outdoor Club and went on the computer. Called lots of the trail angels for possible lodging. They were either not home or full. Updated Journal and checked trail journals for others locations. Affirmed stopped by. He had to wait a week in Rutland for a mail drop.Lots and Lots of hikers in town. Went to the Noodle shop for lunch then went to the library to print out my labels. But I had to go back to the DOC to check which labels went where. I printed out the labels but somehow the same label was printed twice. So back to the library to print out the second label.Called Steve back to stay the night. Got some yogurt and sat at the green watching people. He picked me up at 3. Have been a crazy zero day, should have left my stuff at hostel.Had pasta and salad for dinner. There were 4 of us at the Hostel for the night.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Stray Cat's AT Hilton

To: Bill Ackerly's House
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 5 by the others but I stayed in bed till 6:30. Packed up and had my cereal then checked on the weather on TV. Packed the car and left at 8:15 for Hanover with Rowdy. To post office to mail my packages, Rowdy went to the ATM. Left Hanover at 9. The trail went down the street past the COOP and the stadium then into the woods. There were quite a few tents in the woods at the start of the trail.We then had our morning climb of 400' to the trail of Velvet Rocks shelter. Trail was smooth but steep but we made good progress. The trail was favorable with smooth dirt and pine needles. Had a small 200' climb then arrived at a pond with cattails and boardwalk. Stopped at Mink Brook for lunch from 12:30 to 12:50. Had my usual tuna sandwiches. Slayer and Moses came by then we passed them again later. We then started our big climb of the day 1000' in 1 1/2 miles. It was a steady uphill with short flat breaks about every 100' feet. No significant rocks. Got to the Moose Mt. Shelter trailhead at 1:50 but kept going. Again the trail was smooth with some flat rocks present. The descent of 1300' in 1 1/2 miles. We had one final climb to Holts Ledge. 1200' in less 2 miles. Steep, smooth and steady up hill. Grea.t views of the mountains. Met up with Slayer and Moses. A section hiker told us about Bill Ackerly's house where we may be able to came. Bill wasn't home but Miss Janet was there. We decided to go the extra mile to his house.We arrived at 5 and already there were 5 others there. Bill wasn't home and the cokes and ice cream was gone. Bill is called the Ice Cream Man since he gives all hikers ice cream. He used to be on the faculty of Harvard Med School. He has a very good record of hikers who have gotten ice cream.We set up our tents on the screened porch to keep our tents dry. We had our dinner and Bill arrived at 7. He had ice cream and cokes. Visited with Bill and Moses and Slayer. Discussed food, meal choices, and the Whites and resupplying. Interesting place with a back patio with a table, beautiful wild flowers, front porch. Journaled and talked with Rowdy about the next couple of days.   In tent by 9.A good 17.5 mile day with a favorable trail with even the climbs weren't bad. I'm in a small bubble of about 8 people. Found out Bypass and Songbird had flip flopped and are headed to Harpers Ferry. Missed them by about 2 days.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Bill Ackerly's House

To: Ore Hill Campsite
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of people stayed at Bill's. There were 5-6 tents, 3 people on the patio and 3 on the porch. Up at 6 but stayed in bed till 6;30 then had some coffee.Packed up and was on the trail at 7:20. Cool morning with heavy dew on the grass and fog. Trail started fairly flat and smooth but at the 2 mile mark we had our first climb of the day. It was gradual but rocky. Got to Rocky Ridge at 9:45 slow and hard effort. Trail was level for a while then short and steep climb to the fire warden's cabin. The lookout tower was closed. Took a short break at the cabin. Then we had a long descent which was a gain rocky and slow. Had lunch at South Jacobs brook. Very pleasant creek. Weather had warmed and was sunny. Had lunch from 12:30 to 1:15. We then head for Eastman Ledges which gave us great views of the mountains including Mt. Cube which was our next climb. The trail was on the smooth rocks similar to NJ and NY. Then we has our 2nd climb of the day. Much more challenging with rock scrambles so it was very slow. Got to the top of the Mountain at 3:15 3:30 left for a major descent of 2000' in 3.3 miles. Very rocky and rooty to slow us down. Got to Brackett Brook which was a good water source so we filled up. Arrived at Route 25a at 5. There was a nice campsite here but had lots of mosquitos. We decided to head for Ore Hill Campsite. The trail went up the road then into a swampy area before starting the climb. Trail was very muddy with slippery rocks. Got to the Ore Hill Campsite at 6:20 to see it taken over by 12-14 people who were Harvard Freshman orientation. They had a large tent which took up the entire area around the fire pit. There were limited tent sites but we found 2 small ones. Bear bagged my food and cooked dinner with a recovery drink.Visited with a section hiker, Dancing Bear, from Asheville. Discussed with Rowdy our plans for the next week. We agreed to go thru the Whites together.A very challenging day with major climbs and downs. Weather was cool to start but warmed up. No rain again.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Ore Hill Campsite

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:30. The Harvard group was not at problem. On the trail at 7:35. Trail was rocky but flat with downhill. Made good time. Trail had one up and then down to the road. Arrived at Hiker's Welcome Hostel at 11:30. Short morning.Checked in and found a bunk in the house. Had 2 pizzas and sodas for lunch. Used the computer to update. Hostel has a TV room and table for eating. Outside is a covered picnic tables with a grill. There is an outside bunk room and the shower and laundry area. Did laundry and showered. 3:00 shuttled to Warren and the small store. Got dinner food of steak, veggies, and potato and trail snacks. Got a new charger cable since I discovered mine broken. Review our plans for the next couple of days. Realized I have to go to Lincoln tomorrow to get my mail drop since we would be getting into Lincoln on Saturday on the next opportunity. So we will resupply and pick up my mail drop. Redid my food bag. Grilled my steak and had dinner at 6.Checked on the weather on the computer. Had my ice cream with Rowdy and did paperwork. A quick hike to a nice relaxing Hostel. Good food. Looks like a challenging day coming up
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Chet's Place One Step at a Time, Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of people came in last nite including one guy at 10:30. Up at 6:15 Packed up and had my potato and steak for breakfast. Checked out and on trail at 7:30.Weather was cool and overcast. Started up with some rocky areas. Got to the Jeffers Brook shelter at 8:10 and then we started the climb up Mt. Moosilauke. Slow and steady dirt trail with some steep spots. Occasional rocky boulders but mostly smooth until the last mile when it became rocky. Summited at 10:30. Very windy and cool. Put on my fleece and rain jacket. Great views of the mountains we will be climbing including Mt. Washington. Headed down at 11:15. Trail was narrow and rocky with a steady downhill. Arrived at Beaver Brook Shelter at 12:35. The trail then became very, very rocky with steep boulders. The trail also ran along a beautiful cascading creek. Very slow going with some areas having big blocks of wood for steps and hand holds. Passed 5-6 SOBOs going up the mountain. The last 1/2 mile was smooth but still a steep descent. Got to Rt 112, Kinsman Notch at 2:40. Tried to hitch from the trailhead but no success. Walked down to the Lost River Campground hoping for better luck. Finally got picked up at 3:10 with Bam. Got to the post office and picked up my mail drop. Then we walked with Bam to Chet's Place.Interesting place. First, Chet asks you questions to see if you qualify to stay. Basically its his garage and another room with 6 bunks, 2 matterases, and some over stuffed chairs. We were able to get the matterases. He had posters on the walls signed by all the hikers coming thru. There is also a back porch and the yard for tenting. Showers and Laundry area in the basement.We walked to town to get dinner and Rowdy needed gloves from the outfitters. Tried 3 restaurants but they were closed. Ended up having ribs and poppers at an Italian Restaurant. Stopped at the Price Chopper for some ice cream.Got back at 5:30. Sorted my food. Have 5 days of food for all meals. Weather calls for rain tomorrow, have to wait and see.At 7:45 a friend of Chet's came by and offered to take some hikers to his condo for the Hot Tub, pizza and beer. I was reluctant to go but ended up going. I had a beer but didn't use the hot tub so I came back before the others. It was a very nice trail magic but I just wasn't in the mood. Had my ice cream basically the 1/2 gallon less some for Rowdy. Bed by 10.A good day over the first challenge of New Hampshire. Nice views from the top. Going up was not difficult but the down was hard. Lots of people at the Hostel which was an interesting place.Feeling good about hiking with Rowdy. We are on the same pace. Not doing long days but they are challenging. Hopefully the weather will hold up and be nice.
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Chet's Place One Step at a Time, Lincoln, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

Up at 6:30 and had a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast. Checked the weather forecast which has dropped from 60% to 40%. It is overcast but not raining. Called Shuttle connection for a ride who said they will be there in 5 minutes. $10 per person for the shuttle to Kinsman Notch. On the trail at 8:20 and had an immediate up hill climb for 1/2 mile. Weather was misty and overcast but no rain. Trail then was smooth for about 2 miles then the major climbs started. Also lots boulder and steep. Started to drizzle just enough to make it messy. Lots of big rock steps to go up.Got the summit of Wolf Mt. at 1. 20 minute lunch break then headed down. Still very rocky. Got to Eliza Brook Shelter at 2 but decided to continue to Kinsman Shelter 4 miles away. Trail was extremely steep and rocky with place you had to use your hands to climb up. Got to Kinsman Peak at 3 then the downhill was equally difficult. Steep smooth rocks so we were going very very slow. Also it was getting colder.Arrived at the Kinsman Pond Shelter at 5:45. Another Harvard Frosh group tenting. This shelter had a caretaker and was $8 to stay. We decided to stay in the shelter with 6 others. Made dinner and chatted with the others. The pond was the water source which wasn't very good.The rain held off today so we were glad to get on the trail. A difficult climb up and down. Probably a preview of what is to come. Hard steep rocky trail. Did 11 miles in 9 hours. Hopefully the trail will be kinder to us.Feeling good despite the cloudy weather. Staying in the shelter was probably a good idea until the Tuft orientation group made dinner at 8:30 and was talking and flashing their head lamps into the shelter.