morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-15
To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to lots of rain, so stayed in the tent awhile waiting for it to stop, but luckily by the time we rolled out at the crack of 9:30 it had mostly stopped and was just dripping off the trees.  Beautiful hiking amongst the mist and moss through these Vermont forests; magical with the verdant green and diffuse foggy sunlight seeping to the forest floor. After a long down hill stretch ran into my first trail magic from the Bennington, VT meals on wheels- consisting of a bag of crackers, which I saved for dinner, and a can of chef Boyardee, which I ate on the spot before the steep uphill climb to the next shelter!
Date: 2018-06-17
To: William B Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed mt Stratton today, not too hard- very beautiful views from the top. On the way up crossed paths with a brown bear- first brown bear sighting for me! Although, luckily uneventful, since as soon as he saw us he was terrified and dashed away.  Took a swim in Stratton pond the way down the mountain, which felt so good after hiking pretty hard for the past 6 day¢s with out a shower. Looking forward to staying in the Green Mountain Hostel in Manchester tomorrow and getting a shower & some fresh food!
Date: 2018-06-18
To: Green Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: few clouds

Fairly easy trail day, several pretty overlooks where we could see Manchester, VT.  It¢s easy to see why these are called the Green Mountains with all the beautiful plants and trees growing here between nicely flowing Brooks. Got to the highway at about 930 and only had to stick out or thumbs for about 15min before a nice Subaru picked us up and drove us into town. After grabbing breakfast at Up for Breakfast- delicious- headed to the outfitter to grab some new fuel and shoes to hopefully solve my toe blister problem, got some nice Solomon¢s so looking forward to putting some miles in with them for the rest of the trail. Ran into the hostel owner while in town so dropped off our packs before heading to the grocery store, followed by a huge bag of popcorn and cup of soda while watching the newly released Incredibles II.  Headed to the hostel, which is really nice and we¢re able to shower, do laundry, and make a meal in the kitchen. Our friend caveman is staying here too which is nice. Perfect day for staying inside with all the wind and rain, and lucky for us looks like perfect hiking weather for the rest of the week. Things are working out beautifully!
Date: 2018-06-19
To: Griffith Lake campsite
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Headed out from the hostel after a tasty breakfast of all the pancakes we could horse down, thanked Jeff immensely for the amazing hospitality & headed up Bromley peak. Near the top, the trail ran along a ski run and opened up into a beautiful view at the summit. Beautiful hiking through some gorgeous Vermont bogs, although my pack heavy with food and trying to break in new shoes slowed me down a little. Beautiful camping area near a like and tons of paper birch for making a quick smoky fire to keep the bugs away.
Date: 2018-06-20
To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful start to the day scrambling up some shear rocks to Bakers Peak. Kept going back and forth passing & getting passed by our friend Hoagie. Had lunch and even a nice swim in Little Rock Pond- so picturesque and quintessentially Vermont. Climbed a few big mountains and came out over a beautiful overlook at the end of the day and watched as a few planes at eye level came in for a landing- amazing. Feet feel a little better today, breaking in and just taping them up to prevent more blisters. Limited water at the shelter tonight but enough for us and it¢s clear and delicious so all¢s well!
Date: 2018-06-21
To: Governor Clement Shelter 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Fairly uneventful day- feet are feeling better at every mile, lots of big climbs and beautiful overlooks heading toward Killington peak tomorrow. Hit our first big mile stone of only 500 miles until Katahdin! That means Brittany¢s gone 1690 miles total and I¢ve gone 160miles so looking forward to all the future adventures! Heading into Rutland, vt tomorrow for a shower and resupply so looking forward to that. Other than that all is well!!!
Date: 2018-06-22
To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early today to get a start on Killington before it got too warm. Really beautiful views of Vermont the whole way up- awesome view of Rutland at the top, plus we were able to go use the bathroom in the heated warmth of the ski lodge. Got down the mountain and to the road at about 12, and just as we were going to catch a hitch into town, a bus pulled up that was going there so we ended up taking that. In Rutland we stopped by the Yellow Deli, a hiker hostel run by the 12 tribes for a free shower, then left our stuff there while we went to buy supplies until our next town stop. We grabbed an awesome lunch at the place called roots, then went back to the deli, changed into our hiking clothes and did another 3 mi to our stop for the night.
Date: 2018-06-23
To: The Lookout Cabin
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started drizzling early this morning, but not too bad. Had a rough climb of Mt Quimby first thing, but beautiful, if a little cloudy, vistas at the top. Came to a beautiful huge waterfall called Thundering Falls that was beautiful. Really started pouring around 2 by the luckily we only hadn¢t to hike another couple hours before we got to the cabin where we were staying; a cool old cabin with a lookout on the roof that the farmers let hikers stay in. There was no water so we just stocked up before getting there, but only one other hiker showed up so we basically had the place to our selves. After dinner, the rain let up and we saw some amazing clouds rolling over the green mountains, so beautiful.
Date: 2018-06-24
To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a little drizzly this morning but not too bad. We stopped at the next shelter to have a coffee, privy, and fill up on water break. After a few more miles came upon a farm stand and had a great stop there, sharing a maple soda, a pickle, and a peach/blueberry pie- it was delicious and excellent fodder for making our way up the next few hills. Hiking through the forest we came upon a barred owl and enjoyed watching it watch us and flit between trees for a while- so cool. As with the rest of Vermont, beautiful overlooks abound, lots cool trees, moss covered rocks, and red Efteling all over the forest floor.
Date: 2018-06-25
To: Bill & BetsyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 14.5

Rained a lot last night, but easy to get up and get going with the though of getting into town later today. Felt really good today and great day for hiking. Got into town at about 2 and pretty much immediately ran into the nice people we¢d called yesterday who let hikers stay at their house. We got our tent dried out, showered, then headed into town for some food. There¢s all these places in hanover that give free food to hikers so went there first- Dan & Whita for a free sandwich, Ramuntos for a slice of pizza, and Lous bakery for a free donut. We also grabbed some Nepali food and a delicious Thai burrito and Nutella shake- I guess our hiker appetites are in full effect! Once we got back to the house one of the other hikers staying there, who¢s from Italy, made us all carbonara- it was so delicious. Then we sat around the table telling stories before falling a sleep on a nice soft bed in the basement. Truly a great day.
Date: 2018-06-26
To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early, had leftover Carbonara for breakfast before Betsy ran us to the general store so I could buy a tent patching kit to fix my critter hole in my food bag. We caught the bus to Hanover, resupply at the co-op and hung out at Starbucks before heading out on the trail. Got to the site early and had a nice fire; looking forward to Mt Smart tomorrow.
Date: 2018-06-27
To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Feeling good today- passed tons of awesome quartzite ledges in the morning. Got up Mount Smart & some awesome views from the fire tower, but it was tough going- plus since we still had 6 more miles to go. Got to the Hexacuba Shelter, which is so named because it¢s a huge 6 sided log shelter, kind of like a big gazebo. Got all set up & it started pouring so going to cozy up for the night.
Date: 2018-06-28
To: Hikers welcome hostel
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After rain all night just got up and got going; slow going hiking up mt cube in the rain but we did it. On the way down ran into a trail angel called the omelette man who had this tent set up with bananas, orange juice, donuts and made us delicious omelettes with fresh onions and peppers. That helped energize us for the rest of the hike before arriving at Glencliff and the hostel where we were staying that night. Got to shower, do laundry & chow down on all the food we¢ve been wanting. So great, and nice to get out of the pouring rain and get cleaned up.
Date: 2018-06-29
To: TerodactylÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs House
Miles today: 9.5

Climbed Mt Moosilauke today. Started by having to ford a big stream, then climbing basically straight up this hill. Amazing views from the top, hiking down was slow but so fun; incredible waterfalls cascading next to us and some of the most impressive trail work I¢ve ever seen- rebar and wood steps set directly into the rock face. We set up camp near the bottom an just after we¢d got our tent set up and a fire started, a trail angel named Terodactyl came by saying he was doing trail magic in the parking lot and extended a generous offer for ya to stay at his house that night. We agreed, and had a great time chit chatting while his wife made us a delicious dinner, then swam in their indoor pool and hot tub. It¢s just so amazing to me the generousoty and kindness people have for their brethren on the trail, he¢d through hiked in ¢16 & just wanted to help those coming this year. Felt great getting to sleep in a warm bed and get another shower before a tough climb of Kinsman mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2018-06-30
To: AMC Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked up Mount Wolf first and stopped at the relatively brand new Eliza Brook shelter for lunch (built in 2010). Then started our hike up Kinsman Mountain, which was really steep but awesome- really felt like rock climbing scrambling over the big rocks and using the cracks to pull ourselves up. Once we¢d gotten to the summit we took in then views then headed down the equally steep other side. We were going to stop at the Lonesome lake hut, which if you¢re early you can do work for stay and get dinner & breakfast leftovers, but we just stopped since it was getting late. I guess this is what the whites are going to be like so looking forward to more beautiful mountains, tough climbs, and awesome vistas.
Date: 2018-07-01
To: Autumn Breeze Motel
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: clear sky

Rained and stormed a lot last night, but headed out on a beautiful misty morning. Got to the hut at about 9 and was able to use the bathroom, fill up our water bottles, and finish their leftover coffee from breakfast. That energized us for the rest of the walk into town, where we walked to the visitors center and our hotel shuttle picked us up from there. The women was really nice, stocked our fridge with complementary cold drinks, welcomed us to town, and even did our laundry. Me and Brittany went to grab several meals: Chinese food, nachos, and fried pickles and settled in with some ice cream to watch UP on tv feeling clean, fat, and happy!
Date: 2018-07-03
To: AMC Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

AMC Garfield Ridge ShelterAfter a very relaxing day in town we got dropped off at the trail head by the excellent motel host. We climbed up the foot of Mount Liberty, then walked above tree line along the ridge between little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, & Mount Lafeyette. The views were absolutely spectacular, as well as being really cool with the clouds blowing right over us. Climbed down a bit then up Mount Garfield before settling into the shelter. Ran into our old friend caveman there so that was fun catching up since we hadn¢t seen him since Manchester, VT. Feeling good and looking forward to the rest of the peaks!
Date: 2018-07-04
To: Stealth site off Pemigawassett River
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Fun trail heading out of camp down some steep rocks, then got to the Zeacliff Shelter at about 9 to have some free breakfast leftovers. After that it was actually really smooth (flat) along this old rail bed before we found a great little spot to set up our tent by the river. Took a nice swim in the river & all in all a great Fourth of July!
Date: 2018-07-05
To: Lake of the clouds hut
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: haze

Climbe Mount Webster, Jackson, Pierce, Franklin, and Monroe. Were planning on stopping at the Mizpah hut since you can get to stay there for free and eat free food for through hikers, but we got denied since we¢re technically not through hiking- kind of a bummer- but pushed on and got to the lake of clouds but right at the base of Mount Washington; looking forward to the climb tomorrow though!
Date: 2018-07-06
From: Lake of the clouds hut

To: The Barn Hostel Gotham, NH
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: light rain

Quite an eventful day today! Under pummeling wind and completely socked in cloud conditions, we struggled to the top of Mount Washington, with the pouring rain & 50 mph gusts starting just after we got into the visitor¢s center. We layed low, eating at the snack bar and checking out the museum, but unfortunately by the time we got ready to go it was 60 mph gusts and almost no visibility; there was just no way we were hiking in that. We managed to get a ride down the mountain, then into Gotham to hostel. So resting tonight, hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and we¢ll hike Mount Washington & try to continue on again! What a great adventure!
Date: 2018-07-07
From: The Barn Hostel Gotham, NH

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Got to Pinkham Notch without a hitch where we started our climb up Mt Washington. Busiest trail with day hikers but beautiful going along Tuckerman¢s ravine- plus got some trail magic at the top which was delicious corn & soda! Finished the rest of the presidential today which were hard but beautiful.
Date: 2018-07-08
From: Osgood Campsite

To: Stealth site near carter notch hut
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Got back to Pinkham Notch an got a delicious sandwich and bowl of vegetarian chili before the tough climb up the Wildcats. Crossed the gondola for the wildcats ski area and passed the other wildcats before descending into Carter notch. We wanted to push on but felt too pooped so we just stealth camped and got to bed early.
Date: 2018-07-09
From: Stealth site near carter notch hut

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Awesome start to the morning- saw a mama moose & her calf! Our first moose sighting so that was super exciting. Hot day hiking across quite a few rocky outcropping a, but overall easier than some days we¢ve had recently. Had a really easy last 2 miles to the campsite which was a very welcome reprieve. Best part about the campsite though- it was right next to the rattle river so we went swimming in a beautiful little swimming hole! The water was cold but felt amazing!
Date: 2018-07-10
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: Rattle River Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: few clouds

Took a refreshing swim this morning in the rattle river before we headed out for our beautiful, easy 1.9 mile walk to the hostel. The hostel is in a beautiful big house, we have our own room- that even has a tv with Netflix! We caught the shuttle to wal-mart to resupply on food, and get tater tots and pizza for dinner. Looking forward to eating lots of food and watching tv before continuing on tomorrow!
Date: 2018-07-11
From: Rattle River Lodge & Hostel

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

After eating as much waffles as we could this morning headed out. Not a hard day of hiking but just feeling kind of lethargic from the full bellies. Brittany passed her 1900 miles today- very exciting- then got to our really nice campsite by the pond.
Date: 2018-07-12
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: AMC Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

Still moving kinda slow today but very exciting to cross over into Maine! After lunch made our way through the (infamous) Mahoosec Notch- a valley between too mountains filled with big boulders you had to crawl under or over. It was really fun- there was even still some snow under some of the Boulders- slow going but very cool, literally.
Date: 2018-07-13
From: AMC Speck Pond Campsite

To: East B Hill Rd. Andover, ME
Miles today: 14.9

Climbed Old Speck and Baldpate today- above tree line but nothing too terrible. Saw a moose carcass off trail, so that was cool. Headed into Andover and got into the rental that Brittany¢s parents had gotten. Got all cleaned up then ate dinner with her parents. They brought so much fresh fruit and desserts it was all amazing and so nice to see them and relax inside doors for a while.
Date: 2018-07-14
From: East B Hill Rd. Andover, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in then ate a delicious huge breakfast with tons of fresh fruit that Brittany¢s parents had brought. Lounges around then went to Walmart to resupply. Ate a nice big lunch of a tuna melt and Cheetos then went to Ellis Pond to lounge in the sun while Brittany¢s parents kayaked. After going home and getting cleaned up, we headed to the only restaurant in town which happened to have an Italian Buffet- it was amazing and everything I could have asked for.
Date: 2018-07-15
From: Andover, ME

To: Black Brook Campsite
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a delicious breakfast of chocolate/blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and all the fruits Brittany¢s parents had brought (watermelon, pineapple, golden honeydew, mango, nectarines, blueberries, strawberries & cherries.) We said our goodbyes- so appreciative for all the assistance Brittany¢s parents provided- and headed back on the trail. Saw a moose & her calf on the way to the trail head so that makes 4 moose we¢ve now seen in Maine! Saw some awesome iron trail work and loving being back on the trail!
Date: 2018-07-16
From: Black Brook Campsite

To: Stealth spot by Long Pond
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

Stealth Spot by Long Pond Good day of hiking- got some trail magic at about 5pm of some soda, burgers & hotdogs- which helped energize us for the next several miles. Got a great stealth spot right next to a sandy beach on Long Pond- took a very refreshing swim & tucked in for the night.
Date: 2018-07-18
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Perham Stream Stealth Site
Miles today: 13.6

After pouring rain last night, the sun came out and mostly dried out the tent before heading up the saddlebacks. The Saddlebacks were really pretty, with about 3 miles above tree line but nothing too strenuous and crazy. Found a beautiful stealth spot for the night on an old rail bed next to a stream. Even found some wild strawberries and had an awesome dessert of those with some Nutella- excellent and a great day all around!
Date: 2018-07-19
From: Perham Stream Stealth Site

To: Stealth Site on North Crocker
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Saw so many stars last night from our great spot- the Milky Way was super clear- picked some strawberries to eat with our breakfast oatmeal. Had a couple of big climbs- the shoulders of Mt Spaulding & Sugarloaf- then a good climb over Mt Crocker. Leapfrogged our friend Caveman all day- it¢s always nice seeing a familiar face- then found a good spot to camp on the way down North Crocker. Excited to head into town tomorrow morning and resupply & eat town food!
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Stealth Site on North Crocker

To: Stealth Spot outside Stratton
Miles today: 3.8

Had a nice short hike to the road then got into town really fast with a ride from a women who works at one of the hotels in town. Grabbed a delicious full breakfast of 4 pieces of toast, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and 2 big blueberry pancakes. Headed over to the hotel to shower, then head to the grocery store to resupply. We headed to the White Wolf Inn to eat some fried fiddleheads (really good!) then shared a fried fish platter. All fueled up we headed back to the trail and found an awesome stealth spot starting up the Bigelows by a beaver pond and set up camp for the night. Feeling very fresh & rejuvenated for the Bigelows tomorrow!
Date: 2018-07-21
From: Stealth Spot outside Stratton

To: East Flagstaff Lake Campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got going really quick and started our climb up the Bigelows. Nothing too crazy about the climbs- really pretty and amazing views from the top. Once we got down, got some trail magic from someone¢s mom that we last saw in Vermont- he summited yesterday- so that was cool. Tons of blueberries on the hike down slowed us down a little stopping to pick it all but it was delicious. Found an awesome camping spot right by the lake and had a great time watching the sunset. Maine has been so beautiful!
Date: 2018-07-22
From: East Flagstaff Lake Campsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Did a cool 15 miles before lunch today trying to beat the rain. Got some tasty truffles as trail magic on the way and beautiful hiking passing some gorgeous ponds. I passed my 500 miles today & still feeling great so that¢s exciting.  Looking forward to crossing Kennebec River tomorrow morning!
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk House
Miles today: 4.0

Poured rain all night but had mostly stopped by the time we headed out. We weren¢t really in any hurry since the ferry didn¢t start running until 9 but we wanted to get a good spot in line anyway. Nice hike to the river, then waited in line for about an hour before it was our turn to hop in the canoe and help paddle the 400 fit across the Kennebec River. Once back on land, headed straight to hostel up the road, got checked in and had one of their famous pulled pork sandwiches and milkshakes; delicious! The hostel was in a super cool old house with awesome antiques all over so it felt so cool being able to relax and spend time there.
Date: 2018-07-24
From: Caratunk House

To: Bald Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 14.6

had an amazing breakfast made by the hostel owner Paul and good conversation with the other guests. Headed back on the trail to sunny skies, although The bug spray came in handy with the clouds of mosquitos as soon as we headed out. Picked tons of blueberries coming over the bald mountains- even enough so have extra in our oatmeal tomorrow morning. Overall uneventful and very good day.
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Bald Mountain Lean-to

To: Tent spot near Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: moderate rain

Super cloudy this morning and all up in the clouds climbing to the top of Moxie Bald Mountain, but not nearly as bad as some conditions we¢ve encountered. Had to Ford a river today; west branch of the Picataquis then found a nice camp spot farther down next to it. Went swimming in a great little swimming hole then made dinner- really nice day and rain still holding off!