morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-24
To: Day 37 Southbound
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Stealth camp below Madison hut to nauman campsite distance of 11.2 miles, 339 miles from katadin. Today we hiked over Mt Washington, at 6288 feet it's the highest peak in the Whites and 3rd highest on the AT. The weather wasn't stellar, temp was in the low 40s, the peak was shrouded in clouds most of the day and the wind was blowing about 40mph. I found it interesting that the trail access to the summit is quite remote and it's a difficult climb. However road and cog wheel train access is also available and heavily used. Even on a day with bad weather. There was a mall sized crowd in top. When Jeff and I reached the summit the trains had just unloaded and there was about a hundred people waiting to take their picture on the summit. We actually saw some beautiful views walking down to lake in the clouds hut after we left the summit. We decided to hike on to nauman since it was only 4 more miles and we hah plenty of daylight.
Date: 2017-08-25
To: Day 38 Southbound
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Nauman campsite to stealth site by the Pemigasset River distance of 11.2 miles. Distance from katadin 350.6 miles A good day of hiking with some steep climbs, one huge, steep descent and several miles of fast trail. We are out of the presidential mountain range and are in another part of the White mountains. We climbed over Mt Jackson and Mt Webster and then descended the Webster Cliff 2500 feet at Crawford notch a very steep and difficult descent. The trail then climbs 1600 feet to climb back to the ridge line. Once I got back on to the trail was pretty level for about 4 miles to our camp sight.
Date: 2017-08-26
To: Day 39 Southbound
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Stealth camp to Garfield ridge shelter and campground 12.4 miles hiked today, 362 miles from Mt katadin. I felt better on the trail today than I believe I have since I started hiking south. Maybe my trail legs are back? We'll see! This was a hard day with many tough, technical climbs and descents. We climbed nearly 5000 feet and descended about 3000 feet. We stopped at two huts and got some breakfast and some soup later in the day. Both are really nice breaks and good food that I didn't have to carry with me.One thing that has been different recently is the number of section and day hikers were encountering. We crossed paths with about 80 people today and at least 70 were section hikers. People from New Hampshire definitely like their White mountains.Also I was able to get some nice pictures today.
Date: 2017-08-27
To: Day 40 Southbound
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Garfield ridge campsite to Lincoln NH 11 miles today, 373.2 miles from katadin. Total miles hiked on the AT 1101 miles, over half way done! Today's hike, borrowing a phrase I used a few weeks ago, was epic. The climb up to Mt Lafayette summit were really steep and rocky (boulder scrambling). The hike along the Franconia ridge was really beautiful. Some areas were steep and rocky, but most of it was not overly difficult. The weather couldn't have been better, not a cloud in the sky, cool temperatures. There were a lot of people up on the ridge. Last weekend before school starts and beautiful weather really got folks out. There are shorter trails that are less difficult than the AT so access does not have to be super tough.I took many pictures...Jeff and I are in Lincoln tonight, we're taking tomorrow off. We are in need of a break, we're within 30 miles of getting out of the White mountains. We're all ready for some easier terrain, our average pace for more than a week is slightly over 1 mile per hour.
Date: 2017-08-28
To: Day 41 Southbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in Woodstock and Lincoln New Hampshire. We're staying at the Woodstock inn, awesome place to stay. Reasonable rates and a great breakfast included in price of the room. I replaced my sleeping bag at a great shop today. I've been freezing every night for the past week. I need to put a stop to that quick. We'll be headed back out tomorrow and we should be out of the Whites in about 3 days.
Date: 2017-08-29
To: Day 42 Southbound
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

I 93 at West wood stock NH to Eliza Brook shelter 8.7 miles. 381.9 miles from Mt katadin. We hiked over the Kinsman mountains today. Another steep, rocky set of mountains. The good news is we've got one more mountain to climb and we're out of the Whites. I am so ready for that. We should be about to put the toughest sections of the AT in our rear view mirrors!
Date: 2017-08-30
To: Day 43 Southbound
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Eliza Brook shelter to Beaver Creek shelter 9.2 miles, Mt katadin is 390.9 miles to the North. The first half of today was fairly easy by the White mountain standard. We climbed Mt Wolf a mere 1200 ft climb over 2 miles. Little rocky but not too bad. This afternoon we climbed the first 1800 feet of Mt Moosilsuke in about half a mile. Pretty nearly straight up all the way. We go over this bad boy tomorrow and descend from 4800 feet to 1080 feet at NH 25 and we're out of the White mountains! Yay!The scenery up Mt Moosilsuke is spectacular! Check out the pics. From our campsite, the Franconia ridge, Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette are all visible. We went over them about 4 days ago.
Date: 2017-08-31
To: Day 44 Southbound
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Beaver Brook shelter to hikers welcome hostel about 8 miles. We're out of the White mountains, about 45 miles from bring out of New Hampshire. We are planning to make it out in 3 days going up on mileage with the better terrain. Today we finished climbing Mt Moosiluke. Very cold and windy on the summit. The trail was much less steep coming down the mountain. We're staying at the hikers welcome hostel tonight. Getting a ride to town this afternoon to resupply and eat a burger. Back in the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2017-09-01
To: Day 45 Southbound
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiker friendly hostel to hexacuba shelter 15.5 miles hiked today, 413.5 from katadin. Seeing fewer North bound hikers each day, they need at least 35 days to get to katadin its getting too late to make it before Winter arrives in Maine. We spent the morning making miles hiking for the first time in a while where we aren't in the White mountains. We actually averaged 2.5 miles per hour though morning. Great terrain and rolling hills. It got a lot steeper and slower this afternoon.About 8 miles into this mornings hike, we received reports that the Omelet Guy was just ahead. Omelet guy is famous on the AT, he sets up along the trail and makes omelets for the thru hikers only. His first name is Carl, he's a really nice guy. He'll make any size omelet you want. He made me a 4 egg one and Jeff had a 5 egg one. While we were there, two other hikers, Astro and Not Yet showed up. Astro had an 8 egg omelet. I got a picture of him eating it. Not Yet got his name because every time some one asked him if he had a trail name he answered 'not yet'. He did that one too many times and it became his trail name.Carl says the biggest one he's made was a 30 egg omelet. If Carl makes you an omelet you gotta eat it, no wasting food is allowed. Carl said the guy ate the 30 egg omelet but then sat in one of Carl's chairs all afternoon. Carl said he looked a little green too. He said when he got ready to leave he coaxed the omelet eater to his truck and took him to a Hostel so he could sleep off the affects. Carl says the guy stayed at the hostel an additional day and was very close to the privy all day. I think that's probably the last 30 egg omelet someone orders from Carl.Meeting the omelet guy was a definite highlight of the day.
Date: 2017-09-02
To: Day 46 Southbound
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: moderate rain

Hexacuba shelter to stealth camp at Mink Brook hiking distance 20.5 miles, 433.6 miles from katadin. Longest hiking day since beginning south bound, both in mileage and time. We began hiking at 645 am and finished at 730 pm. We climbed over 3 major mountains and about 6 peaks. The mountains were smarts, holts, and moose. We climbed nearly 6000 feet today, I'm pretty whipped. We only have 9 miles to go to get to Norwich, VT. It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow so we needed as short a day as possible.
Date: 2017-09-03
To: Day 47 Southbound
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Mink stream campsite to Norwich VT 9.8 miles 443.6 miles from katadin. Walked in the rain to town, remains of hurricane Harvey caused the rain. Steady rain all day and cold probably in the 40s. Harvey should be gone by morning. We've made it to another state, Vermont. It always feels good to cross another state line. We're at lower elevation now, the forest is loaded with many more trees and plants than what we were used to at higher elevations. The maples are all starting to change color. There's also plants in bloom and some sort of wild apple. There's also a type of native blackberry that the berries are very sweet.I walked thru Hanover, NH just before I crossed into Vermont. The Appalachian trail runs right by Dartmouth college. It has a beautiful campus.We're staying at the Norwich inn tonight and tomorrow. It's a beautiful place, established in 1792. They also make their on beer, the one I had at lunch may be the best beer I've ever tasted.
Date: 2017-09-04
To: Day 48 Southbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Norwich inn, Norwich, VT zero day. Getting ready to hike today, had to travel some distance to find an outfitter. We did get some of what we needed but we had to scramble some. We're also having a very wet week with rain in the forecast day and night until the weekend. We do have shelters available so we'll likely be staying in them rather than our tents. I took a few pictures of the Norwich inn this evening. It's a beautiful place very old but comfortable and friendly place to stay.
Date: 2017-09-05
To: Day 49 Southbound
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Norwich VT to thistle Hill shelter 13 miles 456.8 miles from katadin.We hiked until mid afternoon thru rolling hiked on Eastern Vermont. It was supposed to rain all day but didn't. It was however humid and warm all day. The scenery here is quite beautiful, and the trails are very well maintained. We got trail magic in the village of West Hartford from a nice lady at the blue barn. She fed is scrambled eggs for breakfast.   West Hartford was heavily damaged by hurricane Irene some years ago. It's never recovered only about 7 families live there now. There are a number of historic buildings that I took pictures of in the town.Ok it just started raining... Hard! Glad I'm in a shelter.
Date: 2017-09-06
To: Day 50 Southbound
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

Thistle Hill shelter to lookout cabin 16 miles hiking today. 471.6 miles from katadin, 1200 miles total distance hiked on the AT. We were looking at a long difficult day today due to wanting to make it to Killington tomorrow. We also had to contend with nearly continuous rain that started last night and didn't complete stop until this evening. We climbed and descended over 4000 feet today. Typically this amount of climbing and descending would have really tired is out. We averaged over 2 miles an hour today in the rain and we completed our hike around 330.  The Vermont trail, even in the rain, is vastly better than Maine's or New Hampshire. The lookout cabin is not part of the AT shelter system but is privately owned. There is a sign on the door it is available to ask hikers as long as they take care of the place. So far everyone has complied with the owner's wishes because it's been available for at least 10 years and we'll do our part. There's about 8 hikers sharing it tonight, all of us are glad to be out of the rain and cold. There's not a spring here so we caught rain water off a tarp, which worked pretty well. We'll need water for tomorrow but there's springs a couple of miles south on the trail. I took a few pics today..a couple we of old stone fences that we see multiple times per day. Many pre-date the American revolution. In Vermont it is a thousand dollar fine to dismantle one. Apparently people were using the rocks from the fences for fireplaces in their homes and the old fences are disappearing. Hence this stiff fine was put in place to preserve the historic fences.
Date: 2017-09-07
To: Day 51 Southbound
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Lookout cabin to Killington VT 14 miles, 485.7 miles from katadin. We were very glad to spend the night in the cabin, it rained nearly all night. It was also cold and windy. I was really glad not to be out in my tent last night.Jeff and I left the cabin about 7 this morning, just as the rain was ending. We hiked 14 miles today over fairly rough, sloppy terrain. It started raining again shortly after we arrived in Killington about 400 pm. We're at the Killington motel tonight.We're doing a short hike to Rutland tomorrow, we'll be staying at the yellow deli hostel. We'll resupply and wash out very wet nasty clothes tomorrow. We're planning to slack pack on Saturday.
Date: 2017-09-08
To: Day 52 Southbound
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Killington to Rutland, VT 3 miles. Staying at the yellow deli hostel in Rutland. The yellow deli is ran by the 12 tribes religious group, some refer to them as a cult. So far they've been extremely nice to us, the thru hikers we've talked with all seem to enjoy their stays here. Per Wikipedia, they are a fundamentalist Christian group originally founded in Chattanooga, TN. They moved up here in the 80s I think. They seem to get along well in the Vermont community. Also their deli food is first rate, we really enjoyed our lunch today. They also don't charge hikers for using their facility. They do accept donations... We're going to slack pack tomorrow, 18 miles over the tallest mountain in Vermont. We've got a guy lined up to pick us up tomorrow evening and bring us back here.
Date: 2017-09-09
To: Day 53 Southbound
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

US 3 to VT 103 18 miles slack pack 506.7 miles from katadin. We slack packed over the highest mountain on the AT in Vermont today, Mt Killington. The trail doesn't go over the peak however there is a side trail to the summit. Killington is a ski mountain in the winter and there's a restaurant at the summit. I doubt that it's open now. On the AT there is a shelter near the summit, see the picture of Cooper lodge shelter. We made really good time, we finished our slack pack by about 4 pm. That's about 8 hours to hike 18 miles over a pretty steep, rocky trail, not bad for an old man.
Date: 2017-09-10
To: Day 54 Southbound
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

VT 103 to Little Rock Pond shelter 12.5 miles 519.3 miles from katadin. We got a late start hiking today, didn't make it back to the trail until about 10. We did cross over 2 big mountains today in addition to crossing Clarendon gorge. We climbed Bear Mountain and White Rocks Cliff. We are hiking on both the AT and the Vermont Long Trail. The Long trail is the oldest trail in the US and is likely the inspiration for the AT. There is an area on White Rocks called the "Rock Garden". I took a picture, people have been practicing their Rock carrion building skills for a long time here.
Date: 2017-09-11
To: Day 55 Southbound
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Little Rock Pond campsite to Bromley shelter about 18 miles, 537.1 miles from katadin. We hiked another day under clear skies thru more of Vermont's ski country. We climbed 3 major mountains today, Mt Baker, Peru peak, and Mt Bromley. Beautiful scenery and the Vermont trails are among the best maintained that I've seen on the AT. Little Rock Pond had mist rising off of it this morning as we were leaving the camp site about 700am. It was a beautiful sight in the early morning light. We keep hoping that we'll see a moose in a pond in the early morning, but so far none have been out.
Date: 2017-09-11
To: Day 56 Southbound
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: clear sky

Bromley shelter campsite to Manchester Central. About 2 miles. Jeff had a package to pick up at the post office and we needed to resupply. Also we needed a shower and to wash clothes. We'll be back hiking tomorrow morning.We've found one of the absolute best hostels on the entire AT, the Green Mountain Hostel. The place is really clean, Jeff and I have our own bunk room and there's a full kitchen for our use. The cost is 35 dollars a night each, laundry is included, as are trips to town and to and from the trail head. Breakfast food is included, but we do our own cooking, which is fine with us. The owner and his assistants couldn't be nicer. The owner stocks Ben and Jerry's ice cream. When he found out I am lactose intolerant he bought two pints of non dairy B & J ice cream, that blew me away!
Date: 2017-09-13
To: Day 57 Southbound
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Manchester Center to USFS 71 road (stealth camp). 17.5 miles hiked today, 558.6 miles from katadin. We began hiking about 8 this morning from the trail head at VT 11 & 30 heading south. We went over a couple of minor peaks before climbing Mt Stratton. Stratton is famous because it inspired first the Vermont long trail and later the Appalachian trail. There is a monument on top of the mountain explaining this. Also there is the old Fire tower with a fabulous view and the caretakers cabin is there as well. Check out the photos... The weather has turned warmer today, probably in the low 80s this afternoon. Almost seems like summer is trying to hang on a little longer. The trees are changing color rapidly, I think Fall is coming soon up here. On the weird things that happen on the AT front, we had one today. We'd hiked about 10 miles this morning and were looking for a good place to stop for lunch. We came to Stratton pond, a very beautiful place. We planned to stop shortly. We came around a bend and there's a rather large, naked guy setting on a boulder sunning himself by the pond. He didn't seem the least troubled by our arrival. He did explain that he was a nudist and in Vermont running around the forest without ones clothes is absolutely legal. We took his word for that and decided we'd eat lunch some where else... Wasn't hungry anymore anyway!
Date: 2017-09-14
To: Day 58 Southbound
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stealth camp mile 558 to Goddard shelter at mile 569.7 for my katadin. Stopped early today, Irma has been dumping on us since last night. Trail really sucks today. We're going to Bennington about 10 miles on down the trail to resupply tomorrow and take a zero day. We haven't zeroed in nearly 2 weeks I think we need a day off. We'll cross into Massachusetts on Sunday.
Date: 2017-09-16
To: Day 59 & 60 Southbound
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

Sept 15/16Goddard campsite to Bennington VT 9.8 miles hiked today, currently 579 miles from katadin. I've hiked 1307 miles on the AT, 882 miles left to hike.We hiked the 10 miles from Goddard to the hwy 9 parking outside of Bennington. We're at the Catamount motel, plan on being here today and tomorrow. Very nice New England town, I'll get some pictures this afternoon. We already found a really good Mexican restaurant, Celantro, great lunch!Saturday, the motel manager let us use his truck to go to Walmart this morning. Really nice of him, we filled it up with gas for him as a thank you. Again, you meet the nicest folks on the trail!
Date: 2017-09-17
To: Day 61 Southbound
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Bennington VT to North Adams, MA. 19 Miles hiked today, 598 miles from katadin. Long, hot day with humid temps approaching 90 today. Really tired tonight! We're in a new state, Massachusetts now. Yay!Took a few pictures today, please have a look.We've got Mt Graylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts to climb tomorrow.
Date: 2017-09-18
To: Day 62 Southbound
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

North Adams to Cheshire, Mass 15 miles traveled today, 612.3 miles from katadin. We camped last night right on the AT in North Adams. Kinda weird camping in a town, all kinds of city noises. Train went by twice, airplane landed at near by airport, dogs barked, people yelled, etc, etc. We hit the trail about 7 am and began an all morning climb to the top of Mt Greylock. Greylock happens to be the highest peak in Mass. Before getting to Greylock, we climbed over Mts Prospect and Williams. All in all, it was a much harder climb than either Jeff or I expected. We arrived at the top of Greylock completely sweat-soaked. A friend we hiked with in the Maine 100 mile wilderness brought us trail magic at the Mt Greylock summit. Thank you Mama Bear! She brought us breakfast and Gatorade, just what we needed at that point! It was so appreciated. We are spending the night tonight in our tents on the lawn behind the St Mary's Catholic Church in Cheshire. They also let us use their bathroom! We've also not had to filter water in 3 days due to the AT passing thru towns. We've been able to get water in town. We're getting down right civilized! Took several great pictures today, please check them out.
Date: 2017-09-19
To: Day 63 Southbound
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Cheshire to Dalton Mass 8.5 miles today, 621 miles from Katadin. This is a Nero, we're resupplying, washing clothes and ourselves. Two days ago I got overheated hiking. We've been contending with temps in the high 80s or hotter and very high humidity. On Sunday we hiked over 19 miles on pretty tough terrain. I had some trouble getting my energy back but I felt better. Today I'm pretty well back to my old self. I'll have to be more careful as I hike the next few days.The hurricanes in the Atlantic are affecting New England's weather. We're set up to slack pack about 20 miles tomorrow. If it rains, there is an inn we can stay at and be dry. Beyond that, we're going to have to watch the weather and adjust it plans.
Date: 2017-09-20
To: Day 64 Southbound
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dalton Mass to upper goose pond cabin 21 miles hiked today, 641.7 miles from katadin. Slack packed the first 19 miles today, then our shuttle operator met us with our packs and we hiked the last 2 miles fully loaded. The trail was pretty good today, smooth in some sections, others were rocky and steep. Overall we hiked 21 miles in 8 hours including breaks. We're staying at the upper goose pond cabin. Operated by the Appalachian Mountain club, thru hikers can stay for free although donations are appreciated. There is a caretaker too. Nice couple are the caretakers here tonight. There's bunk space for 16 hikers, there's about 8 here tonight. We'll get fed blue berry pancakes in the morning!
Date: 2017-09-21
To: Day 65 Southbound
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Upper goose Pond cabin to Mt Wilcox South shelter, 17 miles hiked, 657.5 from Mt katadin. Pretty interesting hiking day today. As I mentioned yesterday, we did get blueberry pancakes this morning made by fire bug's husband. They were very good and much appreciated! We hiked thru an area that had been apple orchards but were abandoned years ago. So we now have apple trees mixed with forest growth. The apples are ripe and very tasty. There's also a lot of wild flowers blooming, (see image). We also walked by an old Shaker meeting house (image). Apparently in the 1800s they had a thriving community in the area. There was a trail that went to an old Shaker village but I didn't follow it. We ate lunch at an old Shaker camping area. There's a lot a lot of signs warning of bear sightings but so far we've not seen any. We are being extra careful to hang our food or use bear boxes if they're available. Tomorrow we'll be in Great Berrington, we're going to zero there. We should be in Connecticut on Sunday.