morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Manchester VT

To: Little Rock Pond
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

What's really cool at the Green Mountain House (hostel) is they provide everything you need to fix breakfast! Coffee, eggs, toast, pancake mix, cereal, etc. Also good ole Vermont maple syrup! You just make your own and make as much as you want! We all "pigged out" of course. We were dropped at the trailhead about 9 o'clock. I don't understand getting started so late though. It was a beautiful day with a little coolness in the air. What a relief. It turned out to be a pretty enjoyable day although I was hit with thunderstorms twice during the day. I've grown to kinda like hiking in thunderstorms (as long as it's not too cold). I summited Bromley Mountain which has a ski slope and chair lifts on one side of it. From the top I could see several more ski slopes on adjacent mountains. I did about 20 miles today. I actually think I'm getting stronger. These steep climbs and high mileage is not wiping me out like it used to. Way cool! Tonight I'm camped near Little Rock Pond Shelter. There's a beautiful lake here and I'm camped right beside it! ) Only 518 miles to go
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Little Rock Pond

To: Gov Clement Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It stormed most of the night but my little tent kept me dry and cozy. I was going to take a swim in the lake when I got up but it was a tad too cold. I ate breakfast and packed everything up and was off by 7 o'clock. I slept in a little since I was still a little tired from yesterday. I summited several peaks today including Bear Mountain. It included a 300 foot nearly vertical "rock scramble" which was quite a challenge. It was generally a nice day. It began to rain this afternoon but I didn't bother to put on my rain gear. It was light rain and felt pretty good. All my clothes are fast dry. I did nearly 20 miles again today. I'm pretty tuckered out. Tomorrow should be easy. I only need to do about 10 miles. I'll stop at a town for resupply. I'm camping near Governor Clement Shelter. Only 498 miles to go
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Gov Clement Shelter

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It took me nearly 7 hours to do 9 1/2 miles which included a 2800 ft climb over Killington Peak. When I reached the road crossing I had to hitch-hike the 9 miles into town. I'm in Rutland, VT. The guy that gave me the ride took me all the way to the hostel I'm staying at..."The Hikers Hostel at the Yellow Deli". It's right down town. It's actually a cult. But they are extremely nice and accommodating. They include a shower w/soap, laundry, bunk with clean sheets and a full breakfast in the morning. They make a point of letting you know not to pay if you can't afford a donation! Really amazing. They fund all this by making and selling soap, growing vegetables, building furniture, etc. Of course you can work for stay too if you can't pay but not required. They also have a great restaurant next door that is open 24hrs. Members do all the work in order to live in their spiritual community. It's called The Twelve Tribes Spiritual Center.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Rutland, VT

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I took a zero day today to catch up on some business and also resupply for the next leg. Of course town day is always good for catching up on much needed calories. I had for supper, a half pound burger, 20 buffalo wings (hot), french fries, 3 cokes, 2 glasses of water and a piece of cream cheese pie. By the way, I've lost 5 more pounds
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Hanover NH

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 21.0

I got dropped off at the trail head at about 9. It was a beautiful day with no chance for rain. The condition of the trail was the best I've seen in a long time. Even though there was quite a bit of climbing I managed to average about 2 miles an hour and did 21 miles in about 10 hours. I'm really feeling good. I had planned on it taking me 4 days to get to Hanover, NH but because I had such a good start today I'll get there in 3 days. I can't believe I'm almost in New Hampshire!Only 468 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Hanover NH

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I only have 28 miles to go to get to Hanover so I am doing about half today and will finish up the other half tomorrow. Susan sent my Winter gear to Hanover. I'll be picking it up on Monday (day after tomorrow). I also have my third pair of shoes waiting for me in Hanover. The trail continues to be in really good condition with some exceptions. Today was full of "puds". I didn't really care. I continue to make really good time. I hope I'll be saying that after I hit the formidable White Mountains of New Hampshire. They are right around the corner now. They say everything I've done up till now doesn't compare to what I'm about to experience in the "Whites".In fact they say everything I've done so far has only gotten me prepped for the "Whites". My mileage is supposed to drop to about half what the daily average has been. I was talking to a AT South bounder the other day who just finished the Whites. He said he nearly froze to death (I'm sure he didn't mean that literally). And he got hit so hard with wind on top of Mount Washington that he said he was nearly blown off the ridge!That gives me something to think about...I'm camping near Thistle Hill Shelter.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Hanover NH

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 14.0

It's was beautiful day today for a hike. About halfway through my days hike I crossed a bridge over a river. On the other side about a hundred yards away a man started yelling from his front porch, do I want some coffee. Of course I wanted coffee so I went right over. Then he asked if I wanted breakfast!Of course I did! Another trail angel!He fixed me, scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. His name was Randy. Well Randy sits on his porch all day everyday during the hiker season and calls every hiker that comes by to stop for a free meal! He has been doing this for several years. Last year he fed over 1100 hikers and so far this year he has fed more than 900! He says by the time the season is over he will beat last years record. Can you believe it! He takes every hikers picture and asks them to sign his log book. I don't know how he does it. He lives in a small little wooden house and obviously doesn't have much. We had a great time sitting on his porch and talking about all sorts of things. What a generous soul. I insisted he take a $20 donation to help offset some of the cost of food. He told me he just started a new job driving a forklift loading trucks at night between 11PM and 7AM. Unbelievable. I met another hiker named "old school " on the trail and we hiked into Hanover about 3 this afternoon. Since there are no hotels except one very expensive one in Hanover, there is a list of people who offer there homes to thru-hikers who need a place to stay. I made some calls and me and "Old School" were invited to stay at Beth and Andy's house. Andy came right over and picked us up and took us "home".They have a beautiful house and they gave me my own room! I expected to have to sleep in their basement or something on my sleeping pad but no, I got a real bed!They fed us a fabulous meal for supper and we will get a full breakfast before we leave in the morning. We washed our clothes and of course showered there. Beth has to wash our sheets and towels after we're gone. They do this almost every day through the hiker season. Again I offered a donation toward cost but she refused. She said, just pay it forward. The generosity on the trail never ceases to amaze me!I'll need to get some things done in town tomorrow but I expect to hike out later in the day. By the way, I left Vermont today. I'm now in my 13th state, New Hampshire! Next is Maine! Yahoo!
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Hanover NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After bidding farewell to Deb and Andy we headed to downtown Hanover. This is the home of Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school... beautiful school. My winter gear had arrived as planned. The shoes I ordered did not. Crap! I'll have to hobble along for another 50 miles to the next mail drop opportunity. I packed up my summer gear and sent it home. I got everything done including finding the library and downloading a document and printing it... signing it and walking back to the post office and express mailing it. Isn't modern technology grand!By the time I had some lunch and resupplied I finally hiked out about 2:30 this afternoon. After a 2000 ft climb I ran out of light and am camped by Moose Mountain Shelter. Only 431 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Fire Warden Cabin
Miles today: 12.0

I woke up to rain. Breaking camp in rain is always a challenge. As the morning wore on the rain intensified. This was no ordinary storm. When I hiked out onto ledges the wind was blowing at gale force. Also the temperature was dropping. I'm definitely getting cold. I finally had to find shelter by diverting to a side shelter a little way off the trail to warm up and eat something. I considered staying there the rest of the day but the storm finally quieted down to a light rain. I hiked on. I crossed a road and shortly after I came to a sign saying: "take the path left to Bill Ackerly's home for free ice cream and clean water". Cool! I think I will!I met Bill and his daughter "Ashley". What a great ole guy!We sat on his porch chatting away. I noticed he had Buddhist prayer flags hanging. It turned out that his son belongs to a Washington group that heads up the "free Tibet" organization. Ashely studied Chinese in college and spent almost a year living in China. She also of course visited Tibet. I also spent time in China and also visited Tibet so I thoroughly enjoyed talking about our common experiences. Spending time in Tibet was my most moving experience of my life. I will always cherish that memory. I only managed 12 miles today with about 3200 ft of elevation gain. I'm definitely in New Hampshire. It's only going to get worse. I set up my tent in the dark on top of Smarts Mountain, still in light rain near Fire Warden Cabin.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Fire Warden Cabin

To: Ore Hil Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was quite cold this morning when I woke. I had a hard time climbing out of my sleeping bag. I'm sure glad Susan sent me my Winter bag!The conditions were gnarly, very rocky and there was mud and mud bogs everywhere after all the rain yesterday. I summited Mt Cube this afternoon. All the creeks and streams are all running fast and high due to all the rain we've been having. When I crossed a stream today the rocks that you generally used to cross were mostly underwater. When trying to cross I used the wrong rock which shifted when I put my weight on it and I fell in the creek. I'm glad my phone is in a waterproof case. That's the only thing that mattered. I'll have to be more careful. My destination is the "Hikers Welcome Hostel" but it's too far to do in one day. I'll hold up and camp at the "Ore Hill Campsite" which is about 7 miles from the Hostel. I'll go on in, in the morning. Only 406 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Ore Hil Campsite

To: The Happy Hostel
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My little camp at Ore Hill Campsite was a good one. It was secluded and remote and I really enjoyed my surroundings. I made myself breakfast, packed up and headed down the mountain. It's only 7 miles to the road and only 3 tenths down the road to the hostel. I'll take a "nero" today. A guy named "Legion" (that's his hiker name) runs the place. It's called the "The Happy Hostel"... far from it. All the other hostels I've been to have impressed me for one reason or another. Nearly all have been great! But this one, is a dump. For example, the shower was just a piece of tarp for privacy in the back yard and you stood on the dirt and showered. There was no drain... just water flowing on the ground. Legion is rude, crude, sarcastic, loud, and loves to hear himself talk. It's going to be difficult not confronting him at some point. I relaxed the rest of the day and stayed away from Legion. One thing I thought was interesting here was after it turned dark, the place out back where the garbage bins were, they were raided by little skunks! They are so cute! You wanted to go pick one up and pet it. But of course you can't. Tomorrow begins my first days trek through the White Mountains. My first climb will be over Mt Moosilauke. My planning over the next 100 miles must be precise. The chance for severe weather is high and I must not make any mistakes. I'm certain to lose several days while waiting for weather "windows". Every day I will most likely summit a mountain and will have to wait in the next "notch" (sort of like a valley or low place) before starting the next ascent the following day. I must avoid staying overnight at or near the top where the weather can turn violent. Only 399 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: The Happy Hostel

To: Lincoln NH
Miles today: 10.5

I am a little nervous today.Mt Moosilauke is a 4,000 ft climb and descent and extremely rocky and steep.There is no use for my trekking poles due to needing both hands much of the time. I have secured them permanently to my pack.The absolute beauty of these mountains is you emerge above tree line and are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view. Moosilauke was certainly no exception.The weather was perfect and the view seemed to go on forever. I didn't want to go back down!I stayed at the summitfor about a half an hour but then reluctantly headed down the mountain... besides I was getting pretty cold.It was so steep on the descent that I think if I had slipped or tripped I could of fallen hundreds of feet. I really couldn't hurry.One reward I experienced was for perhaps a thousand feet or so the trail followed a cascading waterfall. That was way cool!When I refilled my water bottle here, this water was probably the best tasting of the trip.I ended near the town of North Woodstock and the town of Lincoln where I stayed the night at "The Notch Hostel". I must take advantage of these whenever the opportunity presents itself.Hostel personnel picked me up and several other hikers at the prescribed rendezvous spot and drove us to the hostel a mile or so out of town.After I showered and changed I was able to "rent" a bicycle and ride it into town and get a little supper.It's really a cool little town. I think I like New Hampshire.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Lincoln NY

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 16.0

I hit the trail about 7:30. The day certainly lived up to the difficulty expected in the Whites. I did 16 miles which is way too much. I am exhausted. I'll have to scale back tomorrow. I summited Mt Kinsman. It topped out at about 4400 ft. Another beautiful view from the top. One thing I look forward to here in the Whites is the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) manages and maintains 8 "Huts" along the trail within the Whites. These huts have bunkhouses and also feed the guests supper and breakfast. There is no chance for me to stay because they are completely booked weeks ahead. But the good news is I can stop in and purchase food! It's mostly leftovers or soup. I will be able to supplement my food allowing me to carry less food. I stopped at the first one today (Lonesome Lake Hut) and purchased banana nut bread and lemonade. Yummm.... that was good! I look forward to stopping at all the AMC huts along the way if I can time it right! The trail again followed a beautiful mountain stream cascading down the mountain. I followed the stream for at least a mile... beautiful. Only 373 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

The morning started with a big climb. I first topped out at Franconia Ridge. Then summited Little Haystack. Then Mt. Lincoln and then Mt. Lafayette at over 5,000 ft. This by far is the most spectacular portion of the trip. I hiked the mountain ridge for several miles all above tree line! The panoramic views were breathtaking! I was so fortunate to have a perfect day of weather. I stopped on top Mt. Lafayette and took a long break while I had my lunch. I just sat there absorbing the splendor around me. I actually got a little choked up from the magnitude of it all. I am so lucky to be here. I wanted to stop at "Greenleaf Hut" but it turned out to be 1.1 mile hike down a steep side trail. No goodies today. The trail went down again and then I summited Mt. Garfield and then down the other side. I climbed more than a total of 5,000 vertical feet in only 10 miles. I'm pooped. I don't think I could of gone another mile. I'm camping at the Garfield Ridge Campsite. Only 363 miles to go
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Along the trail
Miles today: 15.0

Well, today is August 18th...my birthday. I'm 62 years old. There aren't many better ways to celebrate your birthday than on a summit in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Cool! I left camp about 7:30. I slept in a little since I was so tired from yesterday's climbs. I continued the descent that I started yesterday. It was really really steep! I was actually climbing down a waterfall for a quarter mile or so. Water flowed over the rocks making them very slippery which added to the challenge. I was heading for Galehead Hut to see if I could get some food. It took me almost 3 hours to go the 3 miles. When I got to the hut they said it would be noon before any soup would be ready. But when she saw the disappointment on my face she said she would go ahead and make me a bowl. Yea! That was really nice of her. I relaxed there for awhile since I had already had a tough morning and my next section was a straight up climb 1500 feet in 8 tenths of a mile. That will work you out. I know I'm really in top shape because I did the entire climb without stopping. When I topped out I was treated to another incredible view. For several miles the trail followed the ridge. The next Hut was only 7 miles away so that was my next destination...more food! Much of the terrain has settled down a bit so I was able to make better time. The next hut is called Zealand Falls Hut and it's nestled right up next to the falls. I ate two bowls of soup, a big slice of homemade bread and about 5 glasses of lemonade. They of course charge for all this. The soup is $2 a bowl, bread $1 and lemonade is a $1 a glass. I am so glad to get it. I set out again but this time there is no designated camp or shelter where I wanted to stop for the night. I found a great little spot, very secluded next to a stream. Hmmm...sounds familiar. Today's route took me to the summit of South Twin Mountain and the summit of Mt Guyot.Only 348 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Along the trail

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

My friend the bear didn't come to see me last night thank goodness. I left my little camp about 7. I only had 3 miles to get to a road. I hitch hiked about another 3 miles to get to a diner. It was actually a buffet which was great. I plan all these stops to limit what I have to carry. I hitched back to the trail and began the long climb up to Mt Webster. A big thunderstorm hit just as I was reaching the top (of course) but all I could do was keep going. The terrain was so steep with huge rocks which became so slippery from the rain I had to slow down to practically a crawl. It took me 5 hours to make the 6 mile climb without a single rest stop. My destination was the Mizpah Spring Hut just past Mt Jackson. I'll get soup and bread for supper. All I was able to hike today was 9 miles due to how difficult it was. Tomorrow won't be any different. Tomorrow I head into the Presidentials and will summit the grand daddy of them all...Mt Washington. I really can hardly wait. Most of the day will be above the tree line. Yippee! I'm camping tonight near the hut at about 4,000 ft...kinda chilly tonight.
Date: 2015-08-22
To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero today. I think I deserve a little rest after the last few days of hiking. I stayed in Gorham, NH. Not really much of a town. The only grocery store was a Walmart outside of town. I tried to hitch a ride but no one would stop. I had to walk almost 7 miles round trip to resupply. I'm supposed to be relaxing!
Date: 2015-08-24
To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

This is my last day in New Hampshire. The weather is nice but tomorrow the rain is coming back. Ugh! I hiked only about 10 miles to the Gentian Pond Shelter. It's a pretty little spot next to the pond. I can see beaver in the pond. I passed the mile marker 1900 today. Only 286 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I leave New Hampshire and finally enter the last state Maine. I'm in Maine! I can't believe I'm finally here! The sky looked ominous this morning for good reason. It wasn't raining when I left but soon after. I stopped at a creek to filter some drinking water and heard a small stick snap to my right. l looked up and there was a bull moose walking near me! I stayed perfectly still and it walked right on past me! He never saw me! It's amazing how such a large animal can move so silently through these thick woods! I was really hoping to see moose on this trip. Yea! Then the cold rain came. The terrain was really tough and there were so many long ascents and descents with huge smooth slabs of rock on extreme angles. No hand holds or toe holds and so slippery from the rain. I fell numerous times. It's a good thing I don't bruise because I would be one giant bruise right now. I really got cold today but there was nothing I could do about it. Nearly no visibility. When I would walk into a clearing the wind would hit me and I would start shaking from the cold. Once again a small bush caught me on one of my falls that prevented me from a very serious fall over a ledge. After only 10 miles I'd had enough. I stopped at Full Goose Shelter. I had to warm up. Tomorrow I go through "The Notch". It is one mile long and it's supposed to be the hardest mile on the AT. I talked to a couple of Sobo's (South-bounders) (I'm a Nobo) and they claimed it took them an hour and forty five minutes to go the one mile. Sounds like fun! Only 276 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-26
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Unfortunately today will be as wet as yesterday. I started early to get a jump on things. Mahoosuc Notch ("The Notch") will be my biggest challenge of the trip. Everyone should google (Mahoosuc Notch of the AT) and look for yourself. You're not going to believe it! I really won't try to describe it other than to say I left some DNA on a number of boulders. Banged myself up pretty good and am walking with a limp. Treacherous comes to mind. I had to stop at 10 miles again after a full day. Only 266 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: Grafton Notch

To: Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I got a ride into Andover, Maine yesterday evening from Grafton Notch. I'm grabbing a bunk at Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel. There isn't much to Andover except a gas station/general store with a diner in back. I will stay here at the Hostel for the next 3 days and use their shuttle services to get back and forth to the trail head through this section. It's always good to take advantage of these opportunities to sleep in a bunk and eat good. They dropped me this morning back at Grafton Notch. It's a beautiful day, clear and cool...a perfect day for hiking. I summited Baldpate East summit and Baldpate West. They both are above the tree line and are huge round peaks of granite. The views we're fantastic and with the cold wind blowing it was invigorating! I really enjoyed this day! Near the end of the ten mile hike I came to Dunn Notch Falls. They too were beautiful! I'm really hiking fast, I'm better than ever at negotiating the rocks and roots, and it feels like fall in New England. It's been a really good day!