morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Yellow Deli Hostel, Rutland Vt.
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 114. Mission for today is the hike up and over Killington. I've skied here a bunch and have hiked here some before. It went rather smoothly as it was cooler this morning. Found Moose at the Cooper Lodge Shelter and then we were hiking downhill towards Rt 4. I knew that a few pints and good food awaited me at the Inn at Long Trail and McGrath's Irish Pub! Mmmm that was good. Brogan McGrath served us and we talked about my friend Dan and his family that know the McGraths pretty well. There is a bus stop in front of the pub and soon Grasshopper and I were on it heading to Rutland, Vt for a resupply, shower and laundry. It cost 2 bucks for the bus and it stops right behind the Yellow Deli where there is a most awesome hostel and restaurant. This is a must stay location folks! The Walmart is also just across the street and there are a lot of restaurants and bars close by. Showered, shopped and did laundry. It turned into another hot and humid day. The clouds were building and the skies looked ominous. Grasshopper and I were eating dinner in the Yellow Deli when the skies unleashed all their fury. The rain was coming down hard and sideways. Then the winds picked up and the hailstorm came. The power flickered and sirens were soon heard. The rain and wind changed direction several times, but the tomato basil soup and turkey sandwich were keeping me warm inside! It soon slowed, but the sirens continued. I heard several locals talking about hail damage and trees being blown down. So glad I was inside when this one hit. Only hiked 10.6 miles today and I may take a zero tomorrow to visit my friend Kevin and maybe watch the Rutland fireworks for the 4th of July.
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Yellow Deli Hostel, Rutland Vt.

To: Yellow Deli
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 115. Zero day in Rutland. My friend Kevin came to town and we had lunch at the Vermont Tap Room. He took us to EMS Store for shoe inserts and fuel. It was a great visit, but too short. Later in the evening we went to Two Shays for drinks and a few games of pool. I went in front and watched the Rutland fireworks display at about 9:45. Pretty nice show! Made it back to the hostel before the 10:30 curfew.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Yellow Deli

To: The Lookout Cabin, mile 1714.3
Miles today: 17.3

Day 116. Took the bus back to the trail. The driver dropped me off right at the trail head. Hiked up out of the valley to the Maine Junction which is where the Long Trail and AT go their separate ways. I met Beowolf here. The rain the other night pushed in cooler and drier air and the hiking was great! It was hard too as this section has a lot of ups and downs. Went by Kent Pond, Thundering Falls and a long climb up and over Quimby Mountain. Decided to stay at a private cabin opened to hikers at mile 1714.3 called the Lookout. There is not any water up at the cabin, so I hiked in 64oz extra for 2 miles. Now the pack is really heavy! The views from an observation deck atop the cabin were the best in Vt so far. Saw Chef, Bean Dip, Val, Dinosaur. Girl Moose, DaVinci, Driveway and a few others. We all watched the sunset and it was beautiful. This was a real nice place to stay, but definitely bring water. Grasshopper and I were the only ones that hiked up enough. The others were parched! Total miles today were 17.3.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: The Lookout Cabin, mile 1714.3

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 117. Today started with a long downhill section where i descended Ascutney Mtn. We decided to try to hitch to South Pomfret for lunch and got a ride from the first vehicle, a pickup, and road in the back a mile to town. I got a large roast beef sub, potato salad, large cookie and a soda at Teago's Deli. That hit the spot! Well worth the 1 mile hitch. Grasshopper bought a six pack and we hung out by the stream and enjoyed the great day. The hitch back to the trail took 5.5 minutes. we were soon in the back of another pickup to the trail. Thank you for the rides! The trail continued with the straight ups and straight downs most of the day. We hiked 14.2 miles to the Thistle Hill Shelter where a Muggle had collected a bunch of firewood. I also met my first SOBO hiker earlier in the day yesterday named "Spoons"! We spoke about the trail and what to expect and took a pic.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover NH at Warren Thayers
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 118. Today's hike was 14.7 miles into the 13th state of this adventure. Hanover NH! Today was a magical day. We literally received 7 doses of trail magic. First was Randy and Linda. Their house is right on Vt 14 by the trail. A bell was rung from the front porch and soon we were there having coffee, OJ, bacon, eggs and toast! It really helped with the climb up from the road. Next was a soda from a cooler on Elm St left by Warren. Further down Elm St was another cooler with watermelon. After that a gentleman at Mollies Tavern bought us a a round of drinks. Then another patron bought us a round and an appetizer. On to Ramuntos for a free slice if pizza. The best was calling Trail Angel, Warren Thayer, who picked us up and brought us to his house for burgers, dogs, shower, laundry and a bed to sleep on. This was the same house we got the soda from, so magic twice from the same person! Thank you to everyone and double thanks to Warren!
Date: 2014-07-08
From: Hanover NH at Warren Thayers

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 119. Going up the trail first thing this morning we went over Velvet Rocks. It was real pretty with moss covering all the boulders. Hiked with Grasshopper and overall a very nice day. One fairly easy climb over Moose Mountain, but no Moose was observed only scat. Later we went over Holts Ledge, which was steep both up and down. We hiked 16.6 miles to Trapper John Shelter named after the guy from MASH who I believe was from or went to school in the area. Lots of folks at the shelter including Chef, Survivorman, Grasshopper, H2O, Senator and a few others. This might be my last time seeing these friends who I've hiked with many times. This is because tomorrow my family arrives and picks me up for a vacation in N. Conway NH. I can't wait to seeing my family and I'll miss hiking with these awesome people! Who knows though...I may see a couple again if they take some zero days.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Wentworth NH 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Day 120. I got up first because I was excited to see my family and I had 17 miles to hike before 4PM in order to time their arrival in Wentworth NH. Smarts Mountain stood in the way and it really smarted! I saw Chef take a spill at the granite faces at the top and a little later I was on the ground too! My third fall of the trip, but a minor one and no injuries thankfully! Grasshopper witnessed them. Took a lunch break at the top of Smarts by the fire tower, but it was locked. Really nice views from the top and the mountains in the distance are BIG! They are the Whites and are very difficult, steep and the weather can get bad up there. Soon we descended Smarts and then had Mt Cube to climb with about 1400 ft of elevation gain. Minor compared to the 2400 ft gain of Smarts. After descending Mt Cube I was at the road 25A. I said my goodbyes to Grasshopper and Chef and started hitching towards Wentworth. A college aged Gal going the opposite direction turned around and gave me a ride the 5 miles to Wentworth and dropped me off at Shawnee's General Store where my family was waiting. They got there only 10 minutes prior. Perfect timing! Soon we were driving to Bartlett NH where we had a house rented. As we went along the road the Whites grew larger. Then there it was....Mt Washington! Holy cow that is way up there!
Date: 2014-07-12
From: N Conway NH

To: N Conway NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 123. Zero day. Went swimming and had a picnic at Echo Lake State Park. Changed lodging and now staying at the White Mtn Resort. We went to the woods right behind the resort and watched people climb and rappel down Cathedral Ledge. It was huge and long! Not for the faint of heart! Also, today marks my 4th month of being on the trail!
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Wentworth NH 

To: Glencliff NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 125.Got dropped off at the trail by the family, but after going by the Hikers Welcome Hostel and taking a bunch of gear outta the backpack in order to slack pack. Slack packing is hiking with a light pack with only necessary items. I got back on trail where I left off and hiked 9.8 miles to NH 25 and then to the hostel. The trail was muddy and wet, but I managed to stay dry. It was hot and humid. Made quick work of the mileage and met everyone at the hostel, which was packed. It was really great getting to visit with my family! It was hard saying goodbye, but I know the rest of the trip will go by fast. We had a great time!
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Glencliff NH

To: Lost River Rd NH12 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 126. With afternoon thunder storms forecasted, I decided to slack pack Mt Moosilauke. I got dropped off at NH112 and hiked south back to NH 25 and then back to the hostel. I'll stay here again tonight and the head out tomorrow. Yesterday and today were my only slack packs so far and they make for easy hiking. Today's hike was only 9.3 miles, but went up to about 4800 ft and above tree line. No views as the entire top of the mountain was in a cloud bank. The trail was wet and the wind was blowing and cold on top of Mt Moosilauke. I was soon descending and it warmed up considerably as I went down in elevation. Killing time at the hostel by completing some journal entries.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Lost River Rd NH12 

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 127. Wow is New Hampshire tough! It seems like a mile equals two. Put away those hiking poles in sections because you'll need those hands to help you climb, slide and drop down. South and North Kinsman were very hard especially considering the wet conditions. It was raining when I left the road crossing. It was a light rain, but the trail was wet and the rocks were slick. The rain did stop later in the day. This made for a slow hike. I hiked 11.3 miles to Kinsman Pond Shelter. The water source there is a pond with a lot of tannins in the water. This clogged my filter and the water was still the color of ice tea. A lot of "Muggles" here. They are day hikers. The shelter was nice and the caretaker was great. It costs 8 dollars to stay at most shelters in NH with the money going to the AMC.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 128. Entered the Presidentials today. Got served breakfast at a hut for sweeping the dining room. Good deal for me! Liberty Springs, Little Haystack Mtn, Mt Lincoln, Mt Lafayette and Mt Garfield were all conquered! The weather was nice for hiking and the terrain was tough again. Still some slippery areas. I ran into Sisyfus at the top of Garfield. Hadn't seen her in a while as she got off trail for a bit. Also met Haiku, Mr Jingles and PG-14 at the Garfield Ridge Shelter. Real nice shelter and great water from the spring that is at the bottom of the hill prior to the shelter. I was telling Sisyfus that describing the trail in this area to folks is like climbing up and down cascading waterfalls without the water. Very steep. Today's hike was 15.1 miles.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Crawford Notch US302 - stealth site - Shhh!
Miles today: 17.4

Day 129. Today started out with a good climb up South Twin Mtn and then down, down, down to Ethan Pond Trail, which was a welcomed easy section. Shortly after the shelter I'm actually climbing down an actual waterfall! I ran into Sisyfus and she was like...really? You just described this yesterday! Weird! Got a little wet and it was very slippery. Ethan Pond section was fairly flat and no boulder/rock fields. I ran into Hyperbole and Sassafras by the Ethan Pond Campsite. I checked out the area, but continued hiking as it was fairly early to stop and tomorrow will be a big day. I made it to Crawford Notch US 302 just in time as Hyperbole and Sassafras were getting a ride to Crawford Notch Camp Store. I was in! 3.3 miles to the store where cold drinks and soda were crushed! I hitched back to the trail solo and got a ride from a section hiker. Thank you Sir! I stealth camped by the Saco River along with Haiku, Mr Jingles, PG-14, Sassafras and Hyperbole. Nice spot to pitch a tent.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Crawford Notch US302 - stealth site - Shhh!

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Day 130. Mt Washington looms high in the sky! From 1200 ft to over 6200 ft is the gain today. Luckily it was a nice cool and pretty day. I really didn't have a planned stopping location for today and just hiked to Mt Washington. Very tough above tree line with rock/scree fields. Made it to Mt Washington by about 2PM. Sensory overload with all the people! Cog Railroad and cars full of people made it to the top. Had to wait in line to get a photo with the sign. Ate in the cafe and decided to try for Madison Spring Hut. Made it there and scored a work for stay. Basically you work around the hut and get to sleep on the dining room floor. In addition, any extra food that guests don't eat you are welcome to consume. Yum! Haiku also got to stay. I washed the windows and swept the hut. Today's hike was 18 miles! You gotta understand the terrain here...that's big miles. Zman can understand. The "Croo" at Madison were awesome! They did skits for the guests and were really nice to us. Thank y'all very much. Possibility for rain tomorrow and I have Wildcat Mtn in the way. The guide describes it as,"Rocky crevasse, stairs." It is apparently best done in dry conditions.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut - Awesome!
Miles today: 13.7

Day 131. Down, down, down the rocky Presidentials. Tough descent here added more so by the misty rain that started soon after I left the hut. Luckily it would soon stop so the hiking was moderately slippery to light slippery. My quads were screaming from the beating they took yesterday. Made it down to Pinkham Notch and ate. Now for Wildcat Mtn! Wow! That was a climb and a half. Yeah, wet would be bad there! I decided to try my luck with work for stay at the Carter Notch Hut. Good call as I got to stay! Hiked 13.7 miles today, but again another tough terrain day. Met a guy from Woodstock who knows Dan's Fam. This Hut is in the most beautiful spot by two ponds and mountains with unique rock formations. Mr Jingles, PG-14 and Haiku also got work for stay. I think they base it on how much food is leftover so they don't have to pack it out. We swept the camp and left the place spotless! Good deal except you end up with a later start in the morning.
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Carter Notch Hut - Awesome!

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Day 132. Beautiful day for hiking! A climb up Carter Dome to 4800 ft started it off. The reward was awesome views of the Presidentials that I had just hiked day before. A "Peak Bagger" gave me a Hershey's Bar at the top of the Dome. I ate lunch on North Carter Mountain and descended some steep and slippery spots. Glad it wasn't raining. Hiked 13.3 miles to Rattle River Shelter and was soon joined by Haiku. Also met two gals from Austin, Magellan and her best friend. Later Mr. Jingles and PG14 strolled in. I gathered a bunch of wood and had a nice fire. The last two miles were nice. As I'm sitting watching the fire, who should come walking by? Grasshopper! Slacking 22 miles back to Gorham! Nice deal. I'll actually catch him in a few days then. Good to see him. Due to late start, I made it to the shelter at 5:00PM and decided a Nero tomorrow would be better than a Zero because it would only be one night cost vs two of a hostel stay.
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: The Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 1.9

Day 133. Nero day into Gorham for town chores and resupply. My wife sent me a food drop to "The Barn Hostel" which is where I'm staying the night. Good restaurant food to get calories! The Barn has been doing this for 29 years. It is run by Doc and it is great! It was an easy hitch about 3.6 miles to the west. I only hiked a mere 1.9 miles. That's OK, my legs need a break. Haiku is here too. Shower, laundry, breakfast, nap, lunch, snack, dinner/drinks and then bed!
Date: 2014-07-23
From: The Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day 134. Saw my first Moose today while hiking up Mt Hayes. It was a medium sized male. I got my phone out, turned it on and went to take a picture when he spotted me. He turned and ran off. The photos are bad. Oh well. I was climbing a rock that was slightly damp, slipped, fell and broke the middle section of one hiking pole. Luckily I'm alright. I also saw two young grouse by the trail, so cute. My goal was to make it to Maine today, but hard terrain, hot & humid weather and then a thunderstorm caused a change of plans. I hiked 11.8 miles to the Gentian Pond Shelter and got inside just as the rain hit. I was dry inside and calling it a day. Supposed to be big storms tonight. Outback and Big Mac came in shortly after me and were also dry. Sometime later PG14, Mr Jingles and Haiku came in soaked. Long Haul Trucker also just showed up wet too. The trail is gonna be a mess tomorrow! Also met Goat and Iron Will.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Day 135. I reached the 1900 mile mark today, which was marked by sticks on a rock in the form of 1900. I took a picture and got my pack on and headed down the trail. Unfortunately I walked South right back the trail I just hiked. Hey, it looks different going the opposite direction! I hiked a little more than a mile until I saw the sign for the shelter I had just left! Turned around and kept on going North this time. That took the wind out of my sail for the day. It was pretty tough terrain, but a beautiful cool day for hiking. I also stepped into a mud bog up to my knee. 9.6 miles was all I could muster today and made it to Full Goose Shelter. On arrival. PG14, Mr Jingles and Haiku were laid out claiming done for the day. I quickly agreed. Later in the evening Goat and Iron Will followed suit. I met a hiker named Lint who was on his way to Mt K for his 3rd thru-hike. In fact, he will be a triple crown triple times. That means he also hiked the PCT and CDT 3 times. Nice guy too! The biggest accomplishment for the day was reaching the 14th and final state for this journey....Maine!!!! Tonight I sleep in Maine.
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to - Camp sit
Miles today: 15.5

Day 136. A long day today. It started out by going through the Mahoosuc Notch which is said to be the most difficult mile of the AT or the most fun. It was both! Mahoosuc Arm 1600 ft steep climb was next. Tough hiking all day. Baldpate West and then East and finally to Frye Notch where I set up a tent. 15.5 long miles today.
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Frye Notch Lean-to - Camp sit

To: Pine Ellis Hostel 
Miles today: 14.6

Day 137. Trail today was totally different. Nice hiking terrain and great weather. Grasshopper all of a sudden appeared in front of me. Surprise! I would see him again tonight when I decided to stay at Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover. Got to the Rd and hitched a ride down to the town, found the hostel and was greeted by many hikers that I knew. Like a lot! Very nice! Caribou asked if he could sketch my portrait and he did. Very talented artist. He drew and watercolored a painting of a barn in Andover too.
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Pine Ellis Hostel 

To: Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 13.2

Day 138. Old Blue Mtn stood in the way first thing today and was a formidable foe! Rain encroached too and made for slippery and cold hiking. Lots of mushrooms on the trail all over Maine. Bemise Mtn was wet too. Got to the road ME 17 for our shuttle and it wasn't there. Called and basically waited 2 hrs in the cold, wind and rain. I was getting numb fingers when the shuttle finally arrived. It did stop raining towards the end of the wait and spoke to a bunch of bikers. One had a cool lap dog that had biker goggles and leathers on. Iron Will, Grasshopper, Cabo, Trip and I got the shuttle and thawed out. Maine is cold folks! Even in "summer". Hiked 13.2 miles today. Also saw my second moose today on the side of the road during the shuttle ride.
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Pine Ellis Hostel

To: Farmhouse Hostel
Miles today: 13.4

Day 139. Rain again today, but the trail was easier. Slack packed again today for 13.4 miles to ME 4 and the town of Rangeley, Me. We were picked up by the owners of Farmhouse Hostel and the place was great. Nice people too! Lots of slippery roots and rocks in Maine. Met Long Haul Trucker and his wife at the Hostel too. Food, shower, beer and laundry done!
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Farmhouse Hostel

To: Farmhouse Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Day 140. Slack packed southbound today for 13.5 miles from Mile 1978.4 Woods Rd. Started out wet and cold, but slowly cleared throughout the day. Climbs for today were Saddleback Jr, The Horn and Saddleback Mtn. Strong winds today, but the sky cleared just as we went up Saddleback Mtn. Worked out perfectly. Saw everyone I knew on the trail today. It's weird going the opposite direction and seeing all the NOBO's around you while hiking. Nice too! I've also been eating a lot of blueberries since getting to Maine. Yum! They are usually on top of the Mtns.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Farmhouse Hostel

To: Stratton Motel and Hostel 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 141. Hiked 10.4 miles to Caribou Valley Rd where we got a shuttle to Stratton, Me. Staying at the Stratton Motel and hostel. Nice place. Good hiking today as it was cool and overcast. Hiked with Grasshopper, Iron Will, Cabo, Trip, Long Haul Trucker. Cabo was finishing his hike here and bought beer. Toughest part today was the descent from Sugarloaf Mtn to the Carrabassett River.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Stratton Motel and Hostel 

To: Horns Pond Lean-tos
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Day 142. Got a ride back to Caribou Valley Rd and started hiking the trail when we met support people of Carl Meltzer. Carl is attempting to regain his record for fastest hike of the AT. His Dad was one of the support. Soon after on the trail we met him hiking South. Got a few pics and we were all off hiking. Did a 2000 ft climb up South Crocker and North Crocker Mtn. After that a 3000 ft descent to Stratton Brook followed by another 2000 ft ascent to the shelter. It started drizzling and thunder was being heard, so put into high gear and got to the shelter and water before the big stuff hit. Staying at Horns Pond Lean-to. It rained pretty good here with thunder and lightening. At 3100 ft in elevation too. It got cold and I had on my cold weather clothes. Chef was here when I arrived and he shared homemade pumpkin bread with myself, Grasshopper and Iron Will. The big deal for the day is that I've crossed the 2000 mile mark!
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Day 143. Today's hike was over the Bigelows. South Horn to start, Bigelow Mtn West Peak was next at 4100 ft. Avery Peak follows at 4090 Ft. Then downhill for awhile and up to Little Bigelow Mtn. Today's hike was 17.9 miles and ended at West Carry Pond Lean-to. Went swimming in West Carry Pond and it was awesome! The sunset right over the lake and there were Wood Ducks and Loons all over. Great weather for hiking today and the terrain got better as the day wore on. Flossie and Grey Squirrel were also at the shelter. Maine is gorgeous! Lots of blueberries being eaten at the higher elevations. Yum!