morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Griffith Lake 

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter 
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19, Monday I left at 0600, one hour earlier than usual because I wanted to hike 19.5 miles to the Minera Hinchey Shelter. I wanted to get there by 4 pm hoping to secure a place in the shelter. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted for this afternoon and tonight. It was a long ¢slog¢ of a hike but i did make it there by 4 pm. At 3 pm it started to rain. I was mentally preparing myself to have to pitch my tent in the rain. I was so hot and tired that when it began to rain I only put on my rain cover for my pack. The rain felt great on my hot and sticky body. The initial rain only lasted one hour. When I arrived at the shelter it was empty. I usually tent but decided to gamble on who would show up. Within 30 minutes 2 female sectional hikers on Long Trail showed up. So far as of 7 pm no one else has arrived. Shortly after the sectional hikers arrived there was another downpour of rain with more rain predicted for tonight. After I had eaten dinner the Long Trail hikers offered me a glass of white wine. We had a toast to women hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have never had wine at a shelter. Not a bad end to a hard day.
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Minerva Hinchey

To: Cooper Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 20, TuesdayI slept in this morning until 0620. I did not want to make too much noise by getting up before 0600. It was a quiet night in the shelter except for the heavy rain. Glad I was in the Shelter for the night. I was hiking by 0730. I had 15 miles which included summitting Mt Killington, a large ski resort in Vermont. I did not begin the climb until 1 pm. It was an elevation gain of 2000 feet in 4 miles. I arrived by 1530. The shelter at the top is an enclosed structure that is very beat up. Just above the shelter are 3 tent platforms. I am camping tonight with a thru hiker, Grumpy, who started hiking from Georgia in March and a female hiker on the Long Trail. The company is appreciated. Tomorrow I have a 6 mile descent to a major road that leads into Rutland, Vermont where I will get my last food drop and take a day off
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Mt Killington 

To: Yellow Deli Hostel 
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 21, Wednesday - Nero I slept well at the top of Mt Killington. I was on the trail by 0630 with 6 Miles to hike to route 4. I got to Route 4 by 9:15. There is a public town bus that drives along Route 4 into Rutland that anyone can flag down. I was lucky as it came along within 10 minutes of my arrival. The bus terminal is located behind the Yellow Deli Hostel making it easy to walk over to the hostel. I have spent the day getting my laundry done, completing my food supply for the next week and generally trying to stay off my feet. I might even go to the movies tonight as the cinema is a 5 minute walk. Tomorrow I will take the public bus back to the trail head. I am 3 days away from crossing into New Hampshire
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Rutland, Vermont 

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 22, Thursday I left my hostel, the Yellow Deli, at 0700. I needed to get the 0715 town bus back to the trailhead. Today all the buses were free to promote public transportation. I was on the trail by 0745 a bit late for me and I had 20 miles to cover. I had not slept well at the hostel so was a little tired. Within a few miles I reached the point  where the Long Trail heads north spilting with the AT. This is called the ¢Maine Junction ¢ not sure why as Maine is approximately 450 miles by the AT measurement. So I followed the AT and soon encountered volunteers with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps doing trail work. It reminded me of my father¢s time with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Part of the trail today involved climbing down a ladder. I arrived at the shelter at 1730 very tired. I decided to sleep in the shelter as only 2 other hikers were there in tents. My chances were strong for having the shelter to myself. I was in my sleeping bag reading my kindle by Hiker¢s midnight, 8 pm.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Winturri Shelter 

To: West Hartford 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 23, Friday I had the shelter to myself and slept okay. My goal for the day was to try to do another 20 mile day. I wasn¢t sure I would be able to make it and my instinct was right. For the past 2 weeks I have had symptoms consistent with Giardia, a parasitic intestinal illness. I have had Giardia many times while living overseas so recognizing the symptoms is easy for me. Today I finally called a physician friend to call in a prescription for me to pick up in Hanover tomorrow. I should have done this sooner but I was hoping I would feel better. Due to the fatigue of this illness I am ending my hike in Hanover. I had intended to hike for 4 more days but will not. However, my hike and last night of camping involved trail magic. Due to hiking slower I knew I would not make the shelter at the 20 mile marker. It was 5 pm when i arrived at West Hartford, Vermont. The trail goes right thru this town which only consists of a library. But there are several homes one of which allows camping in there backyard. So for tonight, my last night I am camped in the backyard by a creek with a picnic table and gazebo with an electrical outlet to charge my phone. I even had a bird bath in the creek. I know I will sleep well and have the energy to complete the 10 miles to the New Hampshire boarder, Hanover.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: West Hartford, Vermont 

To: Hanover
Miles today: 10.0

Day 24, Saturday After a wonderful sleep next to the creek I hiked the 10 miles to Hanover, New Hampshire. The trail goes thru downtown Hanover, Home of Dartmouth College. I had decided to end my hike here having reached New Hampshire. My Goal was the New Hampshire boarder. Hiking 4 more days to Franconia Notch would have been bonus days. So I am happy with the 347 miles of hiking. Once in Hanover I went to CVS to pick up my prescription. Then had a lovely brunch at The Skinny Pancake. After eating I called the hotel to reserve a room and have them pick me up. I also made arrangements to take the bus back to Maine on Sunday. I had an unexpected invitation to dinner by a physician colleague who lives locally. She picked me up to Dine at a Turkish restaurant. She worked as a physician in New Zealand for 2 years so I was eager to hear of her overseas experience. I am hoping to pick up the AT in Hanover in early October for 2 weeks.  So another section of the Appalachian Trail has been completed.
Date: 2018-10-04
From: Hanover, New Hampshire 

To: Trapper John Shelter 
Miles today: 16.7

Day One, October 4. I arrived in Hanover, New Hampshire on October 3rd. A friend connected me with a woman who lives within walking distance of the Appalachian Trail. I spent the night with her. Thank you Mora for your hospitality. The trail goes thru downtown Hanover which includes a Starbucks. I had breakfast there at 0630. I was hiking by 0700. I climbed over south and north Moose Mountains. It was perfect weather. When I was hiking in June the heat really fatigued me. Today it was dry until the last 2 hours. It was a light rain. By the time I arrived at my shelter the rain had stopped. I am the only one at the shelter so I decided to put my tent up in the shelter because the ground was so wet. I am also hoping that the addition of my tent will keep me warmer. As I write this it is 6:30 pm and the sun has set. Welcome Fall weather. The forecast looks good thru next week but that can change. Tomorrow I climb Smart Mountain. I only have 12 miles. Today I hiked 16.7. First day out with a full pack (32 pound) that is a lot of mileage for me but I did it
Date: 2018-10-05
From: Trapper John Shelter 

To: Hexcuba 
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

Day two, October 5th. My first night out was a bit scary. I was alone at the shelter. I dozed off and on throughout the night. I was plenty warm in my zero degree bag. I was hiking by 0745. The sun did not rise until 0630. I was 1.5 miles from Dorchester road in Lyme, New Hampshire. I walked an extra mile trying to find the trailhead on the other side of the road. I eventually flagged down a car to ask for help. Eventually I found the trailhead. Climbing Smart Mountain was tough. At the top is a fire tower.  I climbed to the top but couldn¢t open the trap door. It was too heavy for me. I gave up, climbed back down and ate lunch. I met my first thru hiker at lunch. She is a 36 year old British woman. Tonight I am at my second Shelter. Yeah. I have company. 2 south bound hikers and one is from the mid coast of Maine. Tonight will be cold. 35 F. I am in my tent and not the shelter because the 2 other hikers snore. Tomorrow I climb Mt Cube.
Date: 2018-10-06
From: Hexcuba

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 3, October 6I slept well. It is more enjoyable to have company at a shelter. I left the shelter at 0730. I had 16 miles. Immediately out of the shelter I began the 1.6 ascent of Mt Cube. I was on top by 0900. I had several view point and enjoyed the foliage. I met more south bound thru hikers: Sidequest, Elevation and Mason. Now I arrived at my shelter At 5 pm. Long day. I am not used to the short autumn days. One more night out then I am at the Notch Hostel. I need to re-evaluate my mileage thru the White Mountains and especially the weather.
Date: 2018-10-07
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter 

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.7

Day 4, Sunday I was alone again at my shelter which I did not enjoy. I decided to sleep out of the shelter to avoid animals coming into the shelter. It rained during the night. I woke up early and was hiking by 0700. I had a big day ahead of me. I needed to hike over Mt  Moosilauke, 4802 feet. I reached the top in total fog at 10:30 am. Then I had to descend. It took me 3.5 hours. Descending was terrible.  It was all rock and wet from the night before. Towards the end I fell and hit my left forehead by my eye. There was some bleeding but it stopped. I was down from the mountain by 2 pm and still had eight miles to go. I should have gotten off trail at this point but foolishly pressed on. I did not make the Eliza Brook Shelter. It was dark by 6:30 and I was afraid of getting lost on the trail in the dark. Needless to say I was feeling exhausted and frightened. I came across some power lines on the trail which allowed some space for my tent. So at 7 pm in the dark I set up my tent. It was a long and scary night for me.  But I got through it.
Date: 2018-10-08
From: Power Lines on AT

To: Franconia Notch 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 5 October 8I managed to get a few hours of sleep in my tent beneath the power lines. Once the sun was up I packed up my pack and started hiking at 0700. I had to summit both South and North Kinsmen, both 4000 footers before beginning my descent. It was the most difficult day of hiking I have ever experienced. I had 9 miles to the Flume parking lot where I would be picked up. Once again the rocks were slippery. After falling and hitting my head on Mt Moosilauke I was moving very slowly. Somehow I made it over both peaks. Descending was easier but still slippery. I had lunch at Lonesome Lake hut.  I have not been there since I was a teenager. From the hut it was 3 miles to the road. I knew I would make it. As I write this I am at a hostel in N. Woodstock. I have decided to end my hike. I had 10 more days planned. More rain is predicted and I am feeling pretty beat up from the last 5 days. But I am at mile marker 1816, which is 373 miles from Katahdin. I will get there eventually.
Date: 2019-08-23
From: Liberty Springs

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1, August 23I am returning to the AT with a bit of trepidation. Last fall I fell, hitting my head and ending my hike on day 5 of 15. Falling knocked my confidence down a few notches. I also developed chronic right hip pain due to a probable partial tendon tear. For the first week I asked my husband to join me for a confidence booster. Our first day was tough and spectacular. We started out at Liberty Springs trail head.  We hiked 10 miles over Little Haystack, Mt Lincoln, Layfayette and Garfield. The visibility was within ? miles. A bit windy but dry and warm. We arrived at the Garfield Ridge Shelter at 5:30. We got the last tent platform. It was a very windy night. The temperature dropped to just below 40 F.
Date: 2019-08-24
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter 

To: Ethan Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Day 2, August 24I did not sleep well due to the wind howling all night. I usually sleep with ear plugs when I camp just to block out the sound of nature. I forgot to put them in the tent. When I remembered it the earplugs were in the bearbox with our food. We were late starting, leaving at 0800 with 14.5 miles planned for the day. Our first summit was South Twin Mountain, 4902 feet. It was really hard for the both of us. When we summited we still had 11 miles to go. I wasn¢t sure we would make our next shelter, Ethan Pond. Thankfully the last 5 miles were fairly flat and we could pick up the pace. We arrived at the shelter at 6:30 pm.  We didn¢t dinner until 8 pm. We both slept well that night. I didn¢t forget my earplugs.
Date: 2019-08-25
From: Ethan Pond Shelter 

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.0

Day 3, August 25 We left the shelter at 0700. We had another 14 miler day to Lakes of the Cloud hut (with reservations) but it also included meeting up with my twin sister, Dierdre, and her husband,Mike on the summit of Mt Webster at 11am. We were 30 minutes late but thankfully they waited and we were able to communicate via texting. We were very low on water. Dierdre and Mike gave us a liter of water. So grateful for the gift of water. Again the weather continued to be perfect. We pushed on but I could tell that all the climbing of boulders was taking a toll on my husband. He has never hiked the White Mountains or any significant distance in 5 years. Unfortunately he took a bad fall about 2 miles before the Lakes of the Cloud hut. When we arrived at the hut he discovered that the sole of his boot had torn away from fabric of the boot. He tried to duck tape it together which he did but it was clear  he couldn¢t hike any significant distance despite his repair job. So we made the decision for him to get off trail and end his hike. I decided to keep going and would meet up with him the next day after he got our car. The other complicating factor was that we decided to have him hike out with our 2 person tent due to it¢s weight. I would try to stay at the next hut, Madison or make the 15 mile trek to Pinkham Notch. We went to bed with heavy hearts but knew it would not be safe for him to continue with duck tape holding his boot together.
Date: 2019-08-26
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut 

To: 1868 mile marker
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

Day 4, August 26 To my relief I slept well despite our change of plans and the low level of snoring in the bunk room.  Ron didn¢t sleep well because the light from the hallway kept him awake. Ron left by 0715 to take the 2.9 mile Ammonoosuc Ravine trail. He made it down and was able to hire a woman to drive him to our car for $50. I didn¢t have as much good fortune. Madison hut was full which meant I to hike to Pinkham.  Fortunately My day started out great with summits of Washington and Madison. I felt sure I would make it to Pinkham. But at 5:30 I lost an hour of progress by doubting I was on the correct trail. I had not seen a white blaze the marker for the AT in 30 minutes. I retraced my steps only to realize I was on the correct trail, the AT. So at 7 pm with the sun setting I decided to sleep on the trail without a tent and hike the remaining miles to Pinkham in the morning. It was a long night but thankfully it was dry and warm.
Date: 2019-08-27
From: Mile Marker 1868

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 5, August 27 I slept little on the Trail but was warm and there was no rain. I started hiking at 0615 and arrived one hour later. I knew I was close to Pinkham but was unsure of hiking in the dark on these treacherous trails in New Hampshire. Ron picked me up at Pinkham and took me to a local hostel, Rattle River, where he had spent the night. I was able to shower , do laundry and organize my pack including my one person tent that I had mailed to the Rattle River Hostel. The shower revived me and I decided to keep going. Tomorrow is another big day - hiking over the Wildcat Mountains. The first 6 miles are 100% vertical. Then it is 7 miles to the IMP shelter. I am spending the night at the Joe Dodge Lodge (indoors!) so I should sleep well.
Date: 2019-08-28
From: Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Imp Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0

Day 6, August 28I slept great at the Joe Dodge Lodge/Pinkham Notch. I was on the trail by 7 am. I was feeling intimidated by the Wildcat summits- all 5 of them. But I took it one step at a time. I completed the summits by 11 am. Then I had a descent to Carter Notch Hut. Ate lunch at the hut, filled up my water bottles and used the fancy composting bathroom. It was a tough climb out of the Notch. I then summited Carter Dome, Mt Hight, South, Middle and North Carter. Plus Mt Lethe. I was at the Imp Shelter by 5:30. The rain started at 6:30. I was warm and dry in the shelter.
Date: 2019-08-29
From: Imp Shelter 

To: Route 2, Gorham, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 7, August 29Today  I hiked into Gorham, NH to stay at the River Rattle Hostel. It was a 9 mile hike out. I summitted Mt Moriah. I arrived at the hostel by noon. Since I was the first hiker to arrive I received the one left over beer, a Stout. I ordered pizza and salad for lunch. At 5 pm the hostel provides a shuttle to Walmart so I was able to re supply. It was great to sleep again in a bed.
Date: 2019-08-30
From: Rattle River Hostel

To: Gentian Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

Day 8, August 30I woke up at the Hostel to discover that the seam on the back of shorts has ripped 2 inches. I was able to find   A Day 8, August 30I woke up at the Hostel to discover that the seam on the back of shorts has ripped 2 inches. I was able to find   A needle and thread to sew up the rip. I hope my sewing job lasts this section hike. About 2 hours into my hike I slipped and broke my fall with my right wrist. No broken bones but I think I have a significant sprain. When I arrived at the shelter another hiker gave my an ace wrap to help reduce the swelling. I am hoping it heals as I need both hands to crawl thru the Mahoosuc Notch. Tomorrow I cross into Maine¢14   I have hiked 12 of the 13 states on the Appalachian Trail. needle and thread to sew up the rip. I hope my sewing job lasts this section hike. About 2 hours into my hike I slipped and broke my fall with my right wrist. No broken bones but I think I have a significant sprain. When I arrived at the shelter another hiker gave my an ace wrap to help reduce the swelling. I am hoping it heals as I need both hands to crawl thru the Mahoosuc Notch. Tomorrow I cross into Maine¢14   I have hiked 12 of the 13 states on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2019-08-31
From: Gentian Shelter 

To: Full Goose
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9, August 31I woke up to contined Swelling and bruising of my right wrist. I tried to put an ace wrap around it which I think helped but then it put more pressure on the tendons at my elbow so I took the wrap off. Amazingly hiking with my poles did not aggravate my wrist for which I¢m grateful. I hiked over Goose mountains both the east and north Peak. Once again we had great weather. I only hiked 10 miles but it took me all day due to the rugged terrain. The highlight of my day was crossing the Maine New Hampshire border. I have now hiked 12 of the 13 states of the Appalachian trail.
Date: 2019-09-01
From: Full Goose Shelter 

To: Baldpate Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 10, September 1Again with same trepidation I had ascending the Wildcat Ridge, I began the descent into Mahoosuc Notch. This famous section on the Appalachian Trail is notorious for its boulders that you have to crawl under or crawl over.I had met three other hikers at the shelter the night before and we all decided to hike through the section together so that we could help each other. We had been told that some of the crevices were so small that you would have to remove your pack to get through. This is exactly what happened and I was so grateful to be with three other hikers so that we could act as a team to go through all of the crevices and climbing the boulders. My right wrist sprain definitely made the bouldering harder but I managed with help from the other hikers. Halfway through the Mahoosuc Notch one of the hikers in my group of four had a rip in his pack. He had a sewing needle but had not threaded a needle or sewn anything in his life. I offered to thread the needle and sew the rip in his pack. It was very funny to be sewing in the bottom of the Mahoosuc Notch. I hiked a total of 12 miles and made it to the next shelter at 6 pm. Very long day. I set up my sleeping pad and bag in the shelter knowing that rain was coming during the night.
Date: 2019-09-03
To: Andover Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 12, September 3The rain stopped overnight. Despite the good weather I took the day off. My section this year will end in Rangely, route 4. I have already hiked 52 miles of the AT north of Rangely. I will pick up the AT after the  Bigelow Range next summer.
Date: 2019-09-04
From: South Arm road, Andover

To: East B Hill Road, Andover 
Miles today: 10.0

Day 13, September 4Little rain was expected so I ¢slack packed¢ 10 miles. A driver from the hostel dropped me off at 0715 to hike 10 miles. During the hike my left foot became caught between 2 rocks. It took me about 2 minutes to yank my foot out. I even tried to untie my boot thinking if I could get my foot out of the boot then I could get the boot out. But the laces were under the rock. So I kept pulling on my boot and it came out hitting my already bruised  right leg. My lower legs have several bruises and scrapes. I made it to the pick up place at 1:45. Now I am back at the diner eating dinner. Tomorrow I hike out of Andover. Rangely is 27 miles away. I hope to hike 17 miles tomorrow so I can make it to Rangely in 2 days.
Date: 2019-09-05
From: South Arm Road

To: Bemis Stream 
Miles today: 12.0

Day 14, September 5I started hiking by 0730. I had 12 miles to my unofficial campsite by Bemis stream. The beginning part of the hike was hiking over Old Blue Mountain (3600 ¢) and then Bemis Mountain (1790¢). It was manageable as I only had to carry one day supply of food. The weather was perfect. I had long stretches above treeline with views of western Maine. As I was descending down to Bemis road just before the stream I heard voices. As I hiked closer I saw a group of people having a barbecue. As I approached the group they introduced themselves as the local trail magic. They sat me down and fed me homemade chili, a hotdog with all the fixings and for dessert homemade cookies. Plus there was plenty of Gatorade to drink. I ate all this food around 4:30 and knew I would not need to make dinner. After filling my belly I hiked the remaining 1/2 mile to my campsite. This would be my last night on the trail. I was snuggled into my tent and sleeping bag by 7 pm.