morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-06
From: wallingford

To: us4 rutland
Miles today: 24.7

We did a slack pack today, the family we stayed with had day packs so we all agreed to do the 24. We started at around 6:00 and had to climb bear mtn. It was a perfect day to hike bc the temp was only in the low 70's. The trail was wet and muddy due to the storms that had hit the area the past two days. We past a trail crew, we can't say enough about all the people who work on the trail so everyone can enjoy the trail without climbing over trees and wading in mud and water all the time. We made it to the clarendon gorge where u cross a suspension bridge. This is where we first witnessed the damage that hurricane Irene caused. They say the water was 6 ft over this bridge. We then continued hiking until we made it to cold river rd where they had a detour sign and a trail closed sign. They said the hurricane washed the bridge out so the trail was closed. We decided to take the trail and Ford the rivers. It turned out that someone had placed a ladder across at one point and a log at another point so we had no problem crossing. We stopped at governor clement shelter for lunch before climbing up killington mt. Killington mt is where all the famous people come to ski. They said it is the best place to ski this side of vale Colorado. It was a 2000 ft climb and when we finally arrived at the top it was getting pretty cold. We didn't stay long before heading down to us4 to meet our friends for the ride back to their home. When we arrived they had chicken,pasta salad and corn on cob for supper. We crossed the line where we have less than 500 to go. Also 4 more miles until we reach 1700 walked. We are seeing signs of moose but have not seen one yet. God bless to all.
Date: 2012-08-08
From: us4 rutland

To: campsite at chateauguy rd
Miles today: 13.5

We started hiking around 6:30 and about a mile in the AT and long trail split. The long trail and AT are one trail the first 105 miles. We then hiked to gifford woods state park where                           we used the washroom facilities. We then hiked around Kent pond where we witnessed more destruction caused by hurricane Irene. We stopped at mt meadows lodge and had breakfast. After leaving the lodge we made it to thundering falls where we found out the boardwalk was gone over the swamp so we had to bypass on a gravel road. We then went up quimby mtn at 2525ft. We then continued until we reached stony brook shelter for a break. We then hiked 4.5 to the road where we waited on spirit for 2hrs. While we were waiting on her we heard alot of splashing in a pond near by and thought it might be a moose. Ratman went down to the pond at found out it was 2 beavers playing. We took pics and filmed them playing. When spirit made it to the road she had hurt her hip and could go no further so we made camp. We ask that everyone pray for spirit, this is her 5th attempt at a thru-hike and we are going to help her get to the end.god bless.
Date: 2012-08-09
From: campsite at chateauguy rd

To: thistle hill shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left camp around 7:00 heading up the mtn to 2384ft but it was cool and rainy so it was an easy climb. We passed winturri shelter, which was our destination yesterday but spirit got hurt and we were not leaving her alone. We then went down to VT 12 and went to on the edge farm where we had cold drinks and fresh pastries. We waited until spirit made it off the mtn around 12:00 to make sure she did make it down. Spirit decided to go see a Dr and told us to continue on ahead. We headed up Dana hill which is a climb of 700ft in .7 miles. We then went up and down the rest of the day until we made it to thistle hill shelter. We caught back up to y's guy and he surprised us with a smoked sausage sandwich fresh from the grill. Today killed both of us bc of the continuous up and downs. People say you are in shape after 1725 miles but I say I'm also very tired and weak from those same 1725 miles. We are heading into Hanover tomorrow which means two states to go. Hanover is first town in new hampshire. God bless and keep praying for spirit.
Date: 2012-08-10
From: thistle hill shelter

To: elm street, norwich, vt
Miles today: 12.2

Left camp at 7am. We headed out with Y's Guy. It was a humid morning there was no breeze at all. By the time we got to the top of the mountain we were pouring the sweat. We stopprd at The Full Belly Deli in West HArtford for breakfast. We sat and talked to the GA Boy's a few minutes and continued on. We had a couple of tough climbs today but it was mostly ups and downs. Those are what tires us out the most. We were about 3.5 miles from Elm St and it started thundering. We had been in slow motion all day until then. We kicked it into high gear and almost ran. We did not want to get caught in the rain. It came a bad storm last night. It was not fun at all. We were in our tent and the lightening was all around and the thunder was so loud and the rain was splattering into our tent. We finally reached Elm St and headed to the trail angels house that we were to stay with. We got there and Ratman took his shower and as I got in the storm really hit. We had missed the rain but now it was coming a downpour. Thank God that we were safe and dry. Our friends from Waynesboro church hostel picked us up and took us to Hanover for dinner and to Wal-Mart to resupply. It was good to see them again. We had great time. Later back at the house we all sat around and watched the Olympics. We have 2 states to go. Time is winding down fast now. Thank each and everyone that has been following us on our great journey. God Bless you all.
Date: 2012-08-12
From: elm st, norwich, vt

To: moose mtn shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

It gets harder and harder to leave town. We were ready around 8:30 but didn't leave until 10:30. We had bf with spirit at subway, then went to the store for last minute supplies. Todays hike was easy and the weather was great. We hiked thru pine forest and boardwalked thru a couple swamps. At one road crossing a van of high school kids were there and when we arrived asked about our hike. We spent 1hr with a question and answer session. We then made our way up moosetn to the shelter. The shelter was packed which is the case when u leave town. God bless
Date: 2012-08-13
From: moose mtn shelter

To: south jacobs brook
Miles today: 16.3

We left camp around 7:00. We hiked up to holts ledge with steep drop offs then made our way down to dorchester rd. We hitched a ride into lyme nh for sandwiches and drinks. As we were about to hitch back to the trail a man offered us a ride. We stopped by the ice cream man's home but he wasn't home but he left a cooler full of cold drinks for the hikers. We hiked up to lamberts ridge, then started our steep climb which consisted of rocks,roots,iron rods and ladders to reach the summit of smarts mtn. Ratman climbed up into the fire tower for some great 360 degree views. Then we hiked down to south Jacobs brook where we set up camp. Ratman caught a nice brook trout before it got dark. God bless.
Date: 2012-08-14
From: south jacobs brook

To: nh25
Miles today: 16.2

We left camp at 7:00. We made our way up to the summit of mt cube at 2911. As we were near the top a man going south gave us two chess bars. We then made our way to nh25 where we had lunch. Then we went to ore hill campsite and seen where someone had burned the shelter to the ground in 2011. We continued on to nh25c then up to mt mist before finally reaching nh25 where we made camp. Had planned on hiking one more mile but Ratman got stung on the calf for the second straight day by a black hornet then by two yellow jackets. So we decided to stop and make camp.
Date: 2012-08-15
From: nh25

To: nh112 kinsman notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

We left camp at 6:45 to a light rain. We were excited bc we were climbing up to first mtn above tree line. We started at 1060ft and climbed to 4802. It was rocky,roots and water on the trail up mt moosilauke. As u reach the summit you walk thru a Christmas tree alley. Around every corner you think santas house will be sitting there. We made it to the summit with cheese water,tally,Georgia boys,gypsy sole and muckfichigan. We all took pics and had a good time. Then it started getting chilly so we headed the 4.3 back down the mtn into Lincoln. As we made our way down the last 1.9 miles is very steep and dangerous. The trail workers had to cement wood blocks into rock facings in some places so hikers can get down. The cool thing was on your left coming down is a waterfall that gets bigger as you make your way down. We made it to the road around 12:30 and caught a ride to town. We had lunch and washed clothes before heading back to the trail. God bless to all and disregard the last two words its hard sometimes with a touch phone. was rocky
Date: 2012-08-16
From: nh112 kinsman notch

To: eliza brook shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First off to our friend borden, I wouldn't carry a rock up or down that mtn. Coming off beaver brook is down right scary but also fun. We started hiking about 10:30 and climbed all day. It was cool and overcast with a breeze. We first climbed 800ft up to mt wolf at 3478ft. The climbing was tough with rocks,roots and mud. We then dropped 1000ft to the shelter. We arrived around 3:30 and was going to go 1.5 more up to harrington pond but the rocks and roots wore us out. It rained for about 10 minutes before we reached the shelter. We saw maybe 10 hikers all day but as evening came the camping area became crowded. We camped with the Georgia boys and a few other hikers going north. I feel like this 16.3 miles is one of the toughest stretches on the trail. God bless.
Date: 2012-08-17
From: eliza brook shelter

To: franconia notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We started out from camp this morning at 7:30 to blue skies. We had north and south kinsman to climb first thing this morning. We were looking forward to the summit bc it was a clear morning with great views. It was a very tough 2.5 mile climb with boulders to climb up and over roots to climb over which were wet and slippery. We summitted around 10:00 and were rewarded with great views from all around us on top of south kinsman. We then wanted to hurry down to the first hut in the whites for coffee and cookies. On the way down we met a group of around 30 kids with parents who asked if we were thru-hikers. We answered all their questions about a thru-hike and all the things we see while hiking. They had some great questions and we were happy to talk to them for 30 minutes. We then made it to the hut and had drinks with snacks. Then we hiked 2.9 to the road and caught a ride into town
Date: 2012-08-18
From: franconia notch

To: garfield pond
Miles today: 9.2

This morning Ken and Anne picked us up and took us to breakfast before taking us back to the trail. Thank you guys for all that you have done for us. You all are the best. We got to the trail at 9am with a climb up to little haystack mtn which was a 3400ft climb. It took us 3 hours to get there. At the top we had lunch with Y's Guy and Spirit. This was our first day the 4 of us had hiked together in several days. From there we made our way to Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette which was 5259ft. On our way up we probably passed 300 people. It was a perfect day in the Whites. The weather was great with great views all around. From there we made our way to garfield pond where we found a nice place to camp. The GA boys and dewy camped with us. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-19
From: garfield pond

To: campsite near zeacliff trail
Miles today: 12.2

We left camp around 7am and made our way up Mt. Garfield where we had great views back to lincoln and lafayette. From there we made our way to galehead hut where we stopped and had brownies and coffee cake. We then climbed up south twin mtn at 4902ft where we had lunch with Y's Guy and Spirit. We then made our way down to Zealand Falls Hut hoping to get work for stay. However 6 hikers had beat us there so we had to keep hiking. We made our way to our campsite close to zeacliff. We had our tents so close that they were all touching. We all had dinner and went to bed. Hiking in the whites is tough. After just a few miles you are so tired. There is alot of rock climbing. You basically average 1 mile per hour. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-20
From: campsite near zeacliff trail

To: mizpah spring hut
Miles today: 12.7

We left camp around 7:30 and headed to crawford notch where we hitched a ride to crawford notch general store for some resupply. Back at the trail we made our way up to webster cliffs at 3280ft. On the way up we met 2 day hikers who were supper nice. At the top we sat and talked for several minutes. We then climbed up to Mt webster and Mt Jackson. From the top of these 2 mtns we could see the hut which looked miles away however it was only 1.7. We finally got to mizpah spring hut around 4 which is perfect for work for stay. We had to wash dishes and Y's Guy and Spirit had to clean a freezer and after dinner Ratman gave a speech on the trail. All that attended were very interested. The kids loved it and had several questions. Our free meal consisted of split pea soup, mashed potatoes, salad and bbq chicken with a double chocolate brownie for dessert. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-21
From: mizpah spring hut

To: madison hut
Miles today: 11.8

We left the hut around 7am and climbed up to MT Pierce (Mt. Clinton) then Mt Eisenhower. We then made it over Mt Franklin and Mt monroe before reaching Lakes of the Cloud Hut. There we had a small snack and stared at Mt Washington looming 1.5 miles away. The mtn was in the clouds but every once in awhile we would get a glimpse. We then made it to Mt Washington around 11:15. There we had lunch with the GA Boy's, Dewy, Y's Guy and Spirit. We took a group picture at the summit and then started our descent off the mtn. The temp on Mt Washington was 42 degrees. On our way to Madison Hut we went by Mt Clay and Mt Jefferson. At the hut we got work for stay again. There were 8 hikers that got work for stay so we did not have to do alot of work. Basically all we had to do was set the tables. Our meal consisted of lasagna, salad, mushroom soup and brownies for dessert. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-22
From: madison hut

To: campsite at ski gondola
Miles today: 10.8

We left the hut around 7am and made our climb up a steep rocky terrain. At the top as we looked down all we could see were rocks and more rocks. The sun was just coming up and the clouds were below us and the view was beautiful. We then made our way to osgood campsite whice is 2.5 miles of rocky terrain. There we took a short break and then headed for pinkham notch. The terrain was pretty easy. There we took a 2 hour break before starting our climb up wildcat. We made it over peak e and d. We got to the gondola where we were hoping to catch a ride down for dinner but the last ride was at 5 and we got there at 5:15. So we set up our tent and noodles and went to bed. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-23
From: campsite at ski gondola

To: campsite near stream
Miles today: 13.9

We left at 7am and hiked to wildcat peaks c and a before descending down to carter notch hut where the 4 of us had soup, bread and chocolate cake for lunch. We then climbed 1500ft up to carter dome and then made our way over Mount Height. From there we made our way to middle carter and north carter mountains where we had a great view back at the presidentials. From there we hiked 4 miles to moriah summit. There we took a break before making a tough climb to our campsite. The descent was very rocky. Sometimes we had to swing from trees or even sit down and slide. We did not get to camp until 7pm. Everyone was drained and hungry. We all were down to our last food supply. Everyone was ready for town tomorrow. God Bless!
Date: 2012-08-24
From: campsite near stream

To: gorham, nh
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: broken clouds

We left camp at 6:30. Made it to the road by 8am where we got a ride from a hiker who has already completed his hike. The first place we wanted to go was to McD'd. We all were starving. The whole time we hiked in the whites the weather was perfect. Totals:trail magic- 170money found-42.05extra miles walked-121WILDLIFE:deer-124snakes-72turkey-30bear-14grouse-7racoon-6beaver-2wolf-1FALLS:ratman-2tumbler-4SLACKS-10DAILY MILEAGE:0-251-5:65-10:3210-20:8320+: 15LODGINGtenting-98hotel-26house-16hostel-14shelter-2cabin-2hut-2hospital-1
Date: 2012-08-25
From: gorham, nh

To: page pond
Miles today: 7.9

Our friend at troll came to gorham and we had bf with him. He also gave us a ride to wal mart to resupply. We started hiking around 11:30 and started with a climb up to mt Hayes then up to cascade mtn. We then made our way to page pond around 4 then found a nice peaceful place to set up a tent so we stayed. We had the pond to our lonesome selves and right before dusk we seen two huge moose at the pond. We retired around 9:00. God bless
Date: 2012-08-26
From: page pond

To: full goose pond
Miles today: 13.5

We started hiking around 6:30 to blue skies. We our so blessed with perfect weather so far. We first climbed up to wocket ledge even though we didn't want to leave our perfect campsite. We then hiked around dream lake and up mt success. Then we made our way down to nh-me border, finally one state to go. We made our way up to goose eye west and east peaks. We stayed up on the summit and took in the scenic views. We then made our way to the shelter and had dinner. We then sat around with our friends and talked about the trail. God bless.
Date: 2012-08-27
From: full goose pond

To: baldpate shelter
Miles today: 12.0

We started around 6:45 with the toughest mile on the trail in front of us in 1.5 miles. The mile is the mahoosuc notch then u go up the ARM. The notch is a big boulder scramble which we did in 1:45 minutes. We made it up the arm by 11:15. We then made it to speck pond where Ratman caught two trout. We climbed up to grafton loop before making our way down to grafton notch 3.5 miles to the bottom. At the road we met a man who takes care of the shelter we were heading to and he gave us snickers bars. We then met 3 families that were coming down off the mtn and asked us about walking over 1900 miles so far. Then we made our climb up to the shelter where we ate dinner and retired to the sound of rain hitting our tent. God bless and we are summitting on Sept 17 we have 265 miles to go.
Date: 2012-08-28
From: baldpate shelter

To: hall mtn lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

We slept last night to the sound of rain but got up to partly clear and foggy skies. We started hiking around 7:30 and had to climb up to baldpate west and east peaks at 3662 and 3810. The clubb up was very foggy and the rocks were shear rocks and wet so it was a slow go. We made it up and over to feud notch lean-to then we started hiking faster bc the trail improved and also we were 4.5 miles from hamburgers with fries. It started raining 3 miles from town and it rained for about 45 minutes. We came to dunn notch and falls which were beautiful then up to the road for a 9 mile hitch. There were 3 other hikers there who were hitching for maybe 30 min before we arrived. They said only two cars had past. We were there less than a minute when a truck appeared and picked us up for the ride into town. We had hamburger with fries and also western omelettes we were real hunges. We         then hitched backed to the trail with the first car giving us a ride. The lord blessed everyday we r on the trail just like today. We hiked 6 miles to the shelter where we made camp with a hiker named cheesy turtle he's from Wisconsin and is very nice but doesn't talk much. God bless 20 days until we summit and our 2184 mile journey is complete. We want to thank everyone who has been following us and we will ask u to do something for us on our summit day. We will let u know what it us later. Also we will b posting pictures from walliford VT to here when we find a computer that will let us download. God bless and goodnight.
Date: 2012-08-29
From: hall mtn lean-to

To: bemis mtn lean-to
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

After leaving camp we hiked down sawyer notch and over moody mtn. The weather was great again just a little cool. When we reached south arm rd just before climb up old blue there was a former thru-hiker providing trail magic. We had two sandwiches each two pops and snacks. We also packed snacks and sodas for when we reached summit of old blue. We then hiked to summit of old blue which is at 3600 ft it was a 2200 ft climb. When we reached the top we drank another soda before hiking on due to it was chilly on top. We then continued to hike over bemis mtn with several good views along the way. We reached the shelter around 4 and went to bed, we were wore out. God bless.
Date: 2012-08-30
From: bemis mtn lean-to

To: rangeley
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We left camp around 7:00 and it was chilly. We hiked up and down shear rocks and some paths for 4 miles until we reached Maine17. We met at south bounded from virgin island who told us of a family who let's u tent in backyard for 10 dollars which includes hot shower. We started hiking faster even though it ment doing close to twenty miles today. We hiked over the mtn past moxie pond. Then we stopped at Sabbath day pond lean-to for a break. From there we just started hiking faster to get to rangley. We made it to the road at 4:15. About 20 minutes later a women gave us a ride into town. We had supper and found the house to camp. We will b going to a local school in the morning and giving a talk about hiking the AT. To the nice lady who gave us a ride into andover the hike from 17 to 4 into rangeley is not that bad one 20 to 30 minute up but good trail. I think a two day,hike with the kids with a stop at one of the lean-tos by a lake would be great for the kids. The steep climb was coming up to 17 so u would miss that. God bless.
Date: 2012-08-31
From: rangeley

To: rangely
Miles today: 0.0

We got up and went to the local school at 8:00 and did a talk on the AT. After the talk we went into town for bf then laundry. We started hitching around 11:30 and a sweet lady picked us up. She dropped us off at the iga to resupply then picked us back up 30 minutes later. When we headed back to the trail she suggested we stay at her house tonight so we did. Her family was so nice and they cooked for us along with a hot shower and a nice bed to sleep in tonight. We will start hiking again tomorrow. God bless.
Date: 2012-09-01
From: rangely

To: campsite at falls
Miles today: 13.4

We finally got out of town at 6:30 and started hiking. We first climbed up to saddleback mtn at 4120ft. When we reached the summitt it was sunny but windy,we had to put on our rain coats to keep warm. We then hiked over the horn then to saddleback Jr. We ate and relaxed in the sun for about and hr. We had to remove our coats bc it warmed up and the wind died down. The views were amazing with the town of rangley and the lakes all within site. We then made our way down to the falls where we camped. Ratman fished and caught another trout. We also passed a group of college kids who are out hiking for orientation. This made the 4th group we have passed doing this, we think it is great for the class to b out hiking instead of sitting on campus. God bless.