morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain and pancakes and coffee courtesy of Deborah, the caretaker. I helped wash up and headed out. It was a pretty easy hike, but there was a fine mist that combined with my sweat. I ended up passing up trail magic beer (whaaaat?!?) because I was a bit bitter the beer had come after I actually wanted it (at the cabin on the 4th) and I didn't feel like lugging beer 16 miles. I had a lunch break and spent the afternoon listening to various podcasts. I met up with Big Foot, Ninja Hoops, Mountain Goat, Starter Tab, and Greg (renamed Tinkerbell). I had an interesting conversation with Ninja Hoops and Big Foot about polyamory. I ended up rigging my tent in the hunk die to the Walking Dead mosquitos, which buzzed outside the mesh much like zombies at a fence.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

I hiked into town with Ninja Hoops and enjoyed the continued convo about polyamory as well as other "girl stuff." In Dalton, I had a breakfast sandwich at the Java & Juice (yum!), bought some smokes and (surprisingly) a few mini bottles of liquor at 9am. I grew very fond of MA at this point. Onward and upward I went, stopping in Cheshire for my first ice cream of the hike at Diane's Twist under a shade tree out of the 90 degree heat. Afterwards, I stopped by the Shell to sit in some AC before beginning the ascent towards Mt. Greylock, running into Big Foot, who said he was also planning to head for the shelter before the summit. After cooling off and taking a poo (oh, and I bought tampons after bleeding heavily all morning) I headed up the hill, taking my time and taking one break to dry off in the cool breeze at the shelter, I met Charlie, an awesome guy from Marion, AL who started his thru- hike in 1979 and has continued to do various sections over the years. Tea Time grabbed water before heading out, leaving the shelter to Charlie and I (Big Foot was MIA). Just as I was getting ready to crawl in my tent (that I had again rigged up in the shelter), another hiker showed up and set up her shit loudly in the bunk above me for 30 minutes....hiker etiquette holds if you show up at a shelter after everyone had gone to bed, you set your shit up elsewhere.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Bascom Lodge 
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to discover yet another hiker had snuck in after hours. I packed up and headed out for MA's highest peak. It was a bit muggy, but I think the added moisture intensified the scent of the Spruce Pine, making the air smell like Christmas. When I arrived at the lodge, I dropped my lack and prepared to hitch to the Visitors Center, where my drop box was located rather than the lodge... where it had been addressed... A nice couple politely declined to hide me a lift, but soon had a change of heart and turned around. They drove me up to the lodge after I got my box and I spent time reassessing and reorganizing my food and gear. I became emotional when I hadn't heard from my wife, as we had scheduled to have a Skype date that AM, so I busied myself with updating my journal. I quickly grew tired of that, so I switched to my next favorite coping skill: alcohol and food. The burger at the lodge was not nearly as good as the breakfast, but I ate it all just the same. I finished up OITNB, began my new book, and chatted with some other hikers before I finally heard from my wife, who had been at a beach in Oregon with no service. We chatted as I watched the sun set and on into the night before I had to let her go for the sake of sleep.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Bascom Lodge 

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up a bit hungover, drank some coffee, and had breakfast before hitting the trail. The clouds had settled in over the valley and I'd forgotten just how beautiful it was to be above the clouds. I yawned all the way down the mountain, tired, hungover, and toting 6 days worth of food. I stopped in Williamstown for 50% off a pizza at Papa Johns and to pick up a few supplies at the grocery store. I again ran into Tea Time, who is still pushing big miles to catch up with his friends, but running into me instead. I met another section hiker, Timber, who ended up sharing the shelter with me that evening. I've now crossed into Vermont and have only 3 states left! The mental game is in full swing now hiking is a job I am ready to quit. Sometimes I become hyper focused on the miles to Katahdin. Is getting harder and header to focus on the beauties of the trail. Today I had two: a Hemlock and a Birch tree wrapped in a lover's embrace and what appeared to be a maple, but with 5 trunks twisting in all directions.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington, VT (Autum's Inn)
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Though it wasn't raining when I left the shelter, the grass soon soaked my shoes and my socks as I walked along the trail. I stopped at Congdon shelter to air out my feet and eat an early lunch. I chatted a hit with Timber and Mariposa, a flip-flopper I had met briefly when leaving the lodge the previous day. I left the shelter to the sound of distant thunder and what began as a sprinkle turned into a full force thunderstorm. The tail became a torrent and I kept thinking "now why can't the water sources be more like the trail?" I soon became completely soaked from the waste down and the pad I was wearing began to chafe my no-no zone. I decided to take off the pad since I was almost through with my period anyway, which resulted in a very uncomfortable burning as I walked. This combined with the squish of my feet through the puddles which were unavoidable led to the decision I would get off trail to dry out before more rain hit. I ran into Mariposa just before the parking lot and she asked if I needed anything since her husband was there with a car (he was slack packing her.) I said I was good unless they happened to be going into town. They seemed to deliberate as I looked at my guide to determine which hotel I'd be visiting and decided to leave without saying a word. I found that to be rather shitty of them. Just as I was preparing to hitch, a man (Mark) pulled up with two hikers who had apparently gotten lost. I asked if he would mind giving me a lift to a motel and he obliged, running me to two other motels before finding one that had vacancy and was in my price range. I got a room and immediately took a hot shower and changed into dry clothes. Though it wasn't that cold (about 60 on the mountain) I was freezing from being so soaked. I washed my clothes in the shower and hung them over the heater to dry. It stopped raining for a bit, so I walked to town to buy some pizza and beer to take back to the room, where I commenced a serious chill session.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Bennington, VT (Autum's Inn)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

With more rain in the forecast, I said "fuck it" and spent the day watching TV, eating, sleeping, and updating my trail journal. I chatted a bit with some German hikers who were also avoiding the rain, but mostly just had a lovely reclusive day.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Bennington, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in until 7:30! Woah! I packed up and headed into town, stopping by Benner's Bagels for breakfast, which had great coffee but only mediocre bagels. I went to the bus station and caught a free lift to the trailhead and hiked about 7 miles before taking a break under a Hemlock. I passed by Goddard Shelter, which had a nice view, before ascending Glastenbury Mountain and getting some great views from the lookout tower. I've definitely fallen in love with these Spruce Pine covered mountains. I started getting a bit tired afterwards, likely because I hadn't eaten lunch, but popped some jolly ranchers and a snickers and pushed on to Kid Gore, where I figured I would eat dinner and assess whether I wanted to hike on to the next shelter. I didn't.PS. Had to pack up and set up my tent at 8:30 after a mouse thought it acceptable to share my bunk with me. Consent is essential in any good relationship. I used my safe word and everything. *sigh*
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was able to get a glimpse of the sunrise this morning, though I didn't wake up quite early enough for the more brilliant colors. Being the first one up and out of the shelter meant I was silk blazing the first 4.6 miles. I don't like silk blazing; I feel like I must look like I'm on meth, constantly picking the strands away from my face, arms, and legs...or perhaps a robot with my hiking poles swinging up and down in front of me in a vein attempt to swat the silk away before it makes contact with my body. I decided to stop by Story Springs Shelter after a major wipeout to regain my self and possibly allow someone to pass me...my desire was eventually actualized and the webs were replaced with mud: large patches and stretches of black mud varying in viscosity. Vermud is much like Rocksylvania; at first you're thinking "This isn't that bad. I don't know what everyone is bitching about." But then you understand and think: "What the fuck is wrong with the people who design and maintain this trail?" I ran into Flash 52 today at lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think he gets funnier the longer I know him. I was also the lucky recipient of a brownie and Annie's Gummies, which I shared with another hiker, California Chrome before heading to the top of Stratton Mountain and up the tower. The views from these towers over pine forests are something to behold. I headed down to Stratton Pond Shelter, shared with Flash 52, Mud Up, Hummingbird, Olivia, Tim?, California Crome, and Something with a C. The sunset over Stratton Pond was something to behold as well. The trail sucks, but the ends most certainly justify the means. PS. Slept in my tent to avoid mice and mosquitos. PPS. Found a Zpacks food bag chewed by mice and separated the food that was fine and the trash. I shared the food with everyone and hiked the trash. Because I'm a Baller Status hiker.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Stratton Pond

To: Bromley Mtn. Ski Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got a pretty early start and quickly covered the 7 miles to town, despite the ever present mud pits. I decided I should take a mud bath. Fuck it. When Vermont gives you mud, you take a bath. Of course I didn't do that at the time because I was hiking into town. I got a ride to the post office from a chick who was about to leave her job so she could go to concerts across the country. Her car also smelled like pot; or at least, I think it was her. The lady at the post office was super stingy on the tape and was exasperated by the smaller post offices that gave it away for free despite explicit instructions not to; think of the costs! Shipped my shit, then went in search of food and landed in a McDonalds, where they featured a lobster sandwich. Only in the northeast. I ordered everything they had on the "Pick 2 for $2.50" and a coke and sat to "plan" out the next few days. I may be in The Whites in a week. The Whites. A week. Shit got a little real. The epic ending to my most exciting adventure is about to commence. Wow. I finally just had to stop looking at the guide book and went to the store for a few things before heading out of town. A guy asked if I needed a lift at a red light, and I accepted the offer. I was in the middle of a minivan that had its seats removed wearing my pack while this guy zoomed up and around the mountain to the parking lot, into which he skidded to a screeching stop, sending my face into the headrest of the seat in front of my and my phone from me. A bit dazed, but thankful nonetheless, I started up the trail, chatting briefly with some day hikers about my flight into the parking lot and my hike. I quickly downed a soda left by the Green Mountain Hostel, a hostel in town, and chatted with a SOBO LT hiker. Oh yeah, so that's a thing now. In addition to the "Are you NOBO/SOBO/Section/Thru" you also ask what trail- AT/LT. Of those at my shelter last night, 4 were NOBO AT, 1 SOBO LT, 3 NOBO LT. So many letters. I stopped at the shelter on the way up and got some water and good company. A couple passed and said that the ski hut was trashed and smelled, but I decided I'd make whatever work somehow. Toting 3 liters of water was a bit difficult up what seemed to be pretty steep inclines, one of which I stopped and turned around for the most magnificent view. Bromley Mountain is pretty sweet; there's two ski lifts, a ski warming hut (that did have a particular odor but was by no means trashed), and amazing 360 views, though you could see storm clouds brewing. At one point, a very tall thunderhead rolled passed Peru Peak, but dissipated into a brilliant sunset. I was concerned for a bit I was not going to see a sunset, but instead had one made more colorful by the clouds in the sky.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Bromley Mtn. Ski Hut

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

The mountain was cloaked in a cloud when I woke, so no sunrise. I felt pretty slow and tired since my Hutmates were night owls and someone had an alarm go off at 3am. Twice. I stopped at Peru Peak Shelter, which has a cool creek, for an early lunch and felt much more energized afterwards. I passed two groups of 11-13 y/o kids and interacted with one while taking a break at Big Branch River, which has a cool river. About a mile from my end destination, the rain began to fall and the thunder began to roll as I strolled into the shelter. I hung out with Cavalier, Olivia, and Mariposa while the sky exploded with lightning and rain. After it cleared up, I took a dip in the pond in full Vermont style: in the buff. Catfish, Bambi, and an LT hiker also shared refuge from the rain. Eventually, the caretaker came by to collect the $5 fee. He was a super cool guy. One of the kids told me there were leeches in the pond, and I'm happy to report I am leech free.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Rutland, VT (Yellow Deli)
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

- saw beaver in am -cool rock garden - amazing hemlock forest, then spruce forest, then maple forest -met condescending asshole who said smoking was what took me so long- passed fucker on Bear Mtn. -walked over Clarendon Gorge (beautiful!) - walked .5 to Qu's Whistle Stop Restaurant; good people & fries; don't get fried chicken, it's a let down -hitched into Rutland -saw some familiar faces at Yellow Deli -cleaned everything and went to resupply at Walmart -joined in on Sabbath celebration with 12 Tribes Community: loads of singing and corresponding dancing -individual members give reflections - ate wonderful dinner
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Rutland, VT (Yellow Deli)

To: US 4
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

- ate yummy breakfast, then went to bus station to slack pack back to the Whistle Stop - passed some LT trail maintainers building stairs - saw a guy who had been in Erwin, TN when I was doing make up miles; he finished VA in just under 2 weeks; he was also hiking on a sprained foot - summited Killington Peak (tough rock vertical climb) - had lunch and deliberated to continue on or just turn back - said "fuck it" and walked back to the trail head to catch the bus - got to see the ski resorts around Killington - joined the 12 Tribes again for service and supper Reflections on 12 Tribes:I would like to go on record by saying these people are some of the most genuine and nicest I have ever met. Do I agree with all of their practices and teachings? No. Do I think they are actually just trying to live the way "God" intended? Yes. So many people call the 12 Tribes a cult. That is a bunch of shit. I drank the Yerba Matte, but did not feel at all as though they were attempting to indoctrinate me or brain wash me. They provided a place for me to rest and relax, fed me, invited me to their services, explained things to me, and didn't pass judgement on me. They welcomed me with open arms and asked for nothing in return (except a monetary donation to keep the place going if I could). I'm not religious; I'm spiritual. I pass no judgements on any belief system. If it works for you, I'm glad. I do become upset when people use religion as an excuse to be bigoted assholes and focus entirely on negative interpretations of scripture. If I did believe in God and was a Christian, I'd want to be like these folks (though they are not Christian; they are nondenominational). I'd want to belong to a community of loving and supportive individuals who wanted to share their love and good fortune with others without any strings attached. Please, if you ever decide to thru hike, suspend your judgement of these people until you meet them. You don't have to have the same religious beliefs, only the commonality of being decent human beings and you'll get along fabulously.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Basecamp Outfitters

To: The Lookout Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The laziness (or energy efficiency, as I prefer to consider it) continued today as I took the bus to Basecamp Outfitters and took a blue blaze behind the store to Kent Pond, saving me about 4 miles. Kent Po d was breathtaking! I passed by Thundering Falls before heading up a big ass mountain, the name of which escapes me. Some more things probably happened, but the middle of this day is a blur. I'm sure sweaty hiking occurred during much of it, which is why my mind had blocked it out. I arrived at The Lookout with plenty of time to set up and cook dinner before taking my mashed potatoes to the observation deck on top of the shelter to watch the most amazing sunset with 360 views of the mountains around me, including the distant Whites. A SOBO played his guitar and serenaded the smiling sunset to sleep. (there was a light smiley face in the clouds!!)
Date: 2016-07-18
From: The Lookout Shelter

To: Cloudland Rd. 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up a bit groggy but caught the sun just as it created over the White Mountains (I think) in the distance. Before heading out, I checked the weather and discovered a severe thunderstorm with strong winds and hail predicted for that afternoon. This, coupled with my lack of luster for hiking recently, prompted me to search for ways to get to the shelter faster. My legs have not been willing to go much more than 2 mph for quite some time, so I knew I'd be cutting it close. I decided to hike to route 12, then hitch a ride to a trailhead further north. On the way to the trailhead, I was finally able to munch on some wild raspberries (yum!) and got a hitch on the first car. The woman dropped me off at River Road, which lead to Cloudland Road and the next shelter. It was a gravel road, so I wasn't too optimistic about catching a hitch, but I stuck my thumb out anyway. I was picked up after a bit of road walking by Lydia in her new electric BMW. WORD. She offered to take me back to her place and give me a bed and a shower. Why not? We stopped on the way to get the local paper and I was able to get an apple and an avocado. When we arrived at her place, I was nearly in tears. She had a great spread with views of the mountains, a solar panel array, and a studio apartment above her garage. She left me to "make myself at home," so I showered, ate, and took a nap on their hammock. She came by to check in on me twice, once bringing me blueberries and cherry tomatoes, and once apologizing for not inviting me to dinner. I assured her I was in heaven (for I felt I was) and was able to chat with my wife and watch some TV before passing out. The thunderstorms never arrived and I didn't give two fucks.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Cloudland Rd. 

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Considering my recent positive experience with traveling alternate routes, I decided to road walk a bit before joining the trail again. I was able to see more amazing homesteads with breathtaking backyard views as well as some miniature donkeys and a gaggle of geese. I hiked from Joe Ranger Td to VT 14, where a wonderful woman named Linda had coffee, sodas, bananas, raisins, a port-a-potty, and a place to crash for hikers. After a cup of java and a chat, I decided I'd try to hitch my way to Hanover. I was picked up by the first vehicle that passed. Jim had a Ford truck with massaging seats and educated me on the carbon footprint of the Toyota Prius, which made me a bit sad. He also said we would run out of raw materials by 2030. I may have to research this information and do a bit of fact checking. He dropped me off in Hartford, where I caught a free bus to Norwich, VT. The bus driver let me off right before the bridge so I could walk into NH and take a selfie. I walked into Hanover, got my packages from the Post Office (new shoes!!!) and headed for the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) to get the list of trail Angels and plan my next move. I ran into Toasty, Tears, and Big Foot hanging out on the green. I put on my new Altra Okkypics, stowed my gear at the DOC, and went to Ramuntos with the gang for a free slice of pizza and 80 cent PBR. It was great hanging out with hikers I knew and we shared a lot of laughs. Afterwards, Toasty and I caught the bus to EMS so she could get a dress and I could replace my pillow. Turns out EMS didn't have any pillows, but the Eddie Baur did. They didn't have the exact kind I had, but Sea to Summit upgraded me to the large. We stopped by a grocery store, where I picked up a mini Bota of Pino Grigio and headed back to Hanover. I decided I didn't want to have to chat for a free night in someone's house (especially since I had just had a most relaxing stay at Lydia's), so I hiked out to the first shelter out of Hanover, where I drank, chatted with Bambi and Catfish, and crashed.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Smarts Mountain
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: clear sky

Considering my recent positive experiences with yellow blazing, I decided not to break the trend. I hiked until Etna-Hanover Rd and stuck my thumb out. It took awhile, but eventually a mom in a minivan picked me up with her three kids in the back sleeping. She dropped me off at the Ice Cream Man's hour (RIP Bill Ackerly) where I hi out with Adventurer, Doc, Legs, Hawk Girl, and can't remember. Doc approved of my blatant approach to yellow blazing; she felt it was dishonest/annoying to yellow blaze and act as though you had actually hiked all the miles. I, being the blunt person I am, proudly described how I had ingeniously figured ways to skip miles. After having lunch, ice cream, and a soda, I hiked on the road to the next parking lot and headed up Smarts Mountain, which was tough, but not too bad (probably because I hadn't hiked that many miles). There were some damn fine views along the way and a lovely alpine forest on the top. The foursome crew of course passed me by with their quick legs, and I met up with them again at the top. They suggested I should sleep in the tower. I suggested they were insane. Vertigo. Winds. Death. The possibilities abounded. However, I had found a wide-mouth water bottle along the trail on the way up that would make a great piss bottle for my nocturnal urination....lol...that didn't quite sound right, but it's funny nonetheless. So I said fuck it and set up after dinner and after a beautiful sunset and slept in the tower. As a side note: I suck at peeing in bottles.