morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Pattison Road (house)

To: Roaring Branch Pond (tenting)
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 126, July 5, 2014 Today start out with me missing my wallet. Everyone looked everywhere trying to help me find it. I was pretty stressed out and thinking what a pain it was going to be to replace everything and borrowing money. Well, I found it! It was in my boot. Sometimes I am just a dingbat!! We got all packed up, said our goodbyes and headed to McDonalds. For a final snack, an ice mocha and to meet April and Luana who were bringing Cooper back to the trail for me. It is so great to have him with me again and he is doing great. April said he was eating her out of house and home. Boy do I believe her. He about knocked me over trying to get a Scooby snack. Finally we were back on the trail. The last week or so has been definitely different. With Coop getting sick, bad weather and seeing great friends. It feels good and normal to be carrying that pack, being in the woods and sleeping in my little tent. And having TLM by my side. Today I crossed out of Massachusetts and am now in Vermont!! I couldn't be more stoked. As we entered Vermont we also started a walking a portion of the Long Trail. The AT and Long Trail share about 105 miles of trail. About a mile into the day we were walking thru North Adams, MA and an ice cream truck came by. So Raman Shaman, Cheese It and I all had a popsicle. Right after we finished our treats and man came out and offered us a popsicle. I thought that was funny. The trail today was very muddy. I made a few missteps and ended up with dirty pants and muddy shoes. At one point today the trail also went right up someone's driveway. That was a first. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I am camped with the Priest. Fiver is about .2 of a mile back stealther in some bushes. I have a few thank yous I need to make. Thank you Mom and Sharon for my packages and for sending extra Scooby Snacks for TLM. I loved all my special snacks and treats too. Thank you April and Luana for watching Coop and nursing him back to health. And you were right, he did miss the trail. He was so happy and funny today. He was practically pulling me down the trail. Thank you Michele and Dee for opening up your hearts and home to not just me, but 4 other weary travelers. It was so relaxing and you have a beautiful place. Thank you Raman Shaman, Cheese It, Priest and Fiver for joining me. Enjoying the Green Mountain State, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 10.9 Completed: 1598.5 Remaining: 586.8 Start Point: Pattison Road End point: Roaring Branch Pond (tenting) States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (10 photos)
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Roaring Branch Pond (tenting)

To: Near Little Pond Mountain (tenting)
Miles today: 16.5

Day 127, July 6, 2014Was lounging around in the tent about 7:30 this morning when I hear Raman Shaman and Cheese Its! They had already walked a couple of miles. Not a lot to report today. We walked by three ponds, dealt with a little more mud and did a lot of uphill. After crossing a road near Bennington, VT we went from 1367 feet and reached a max elevation of 3313. It was over a few miles so not bad. I had a few more miles in me but didn't want to push Cooper. He is still doing great and ate like his min pig self all day today. The weather was great today. I hear more rain is on the way. But as I write this I have no reception to verify. Enjoying the Green Mountain State, Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 16.5 Completed: ~1615 Remaining: ~570.3 Start Point: Roaring Branch Pond End point: Near Little Pond Mountain (tenting)States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2),States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Manchester Central (Hotel) 

To: Lost Pond Shelter (Tenting) 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Day 130, July 9, 2014So last night when I went to take a shower there were little creepy hands on the shower curtain!! It was a frog. I didn't want to touch it. For some reason it gave me the hibbie gibbies. So I did what any good damsel in distress would do; I woke April up and she removed it!! I like losing things. Today I misplaced by buff. April drove me around and I did find a bandana that I can use until I get a replacement buff. Oh, she also got me an ice mocha So, I was back on the trail. Today's hike was great. It started with a hike up Bromely Mountain. So far this is my favorite mountain in VT. The last little bit takes you right up a snow ski slope. As I approached the summit the ski lift appeared, looking like a giant alien spaceship. We did go by a lake. Yes today it was a lake. And walked a beautiful pine tree filled ridge with sunlight streaming in. There was not as much mud today. But many more board walks. Which were rather slippery. So we went nice and slow. We had a nice rocky climb up to Baker Peak. MyRadar showed a storm but had us on the southern tip. Before going up the peak we SIP and waited out the small rain storm. I came to shelter and the sky was dark. I would have liked to waddle a little further but didn't like the forecast. So, I set up camp and called it a day, I didn't want another fiasco like the other night. . Glad I did as it has been raining ever since. And right now I am hearing lots of thunder. And I think more storms will roll in over the next few hours. The forecast did show that starting tomorrow we should get a reprieve from all this rain. Let's hope so!!! Hi from the Very Green State, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 14.8 Completed: 1662.0 Remaining: 523.3 Start Point: Manchester Central End point: Lost Pond Shelter (Tenting) States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2),States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Lost Pond Shelter (Tenting) 

To: Claredon Shelter (Tenting)
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 131, July 10, 2014Well, it did rain for a better part of the night. But today we didn't have a drop of rain. Still plenty of mud though. I met some day hikers who said this was as muddy as they have ever seen it this time of year. I meet an trail maintaineer and 2011 thru hiker today named Turtle. He really liked Coop and was super sweet to him. We went by another pond. It was called Little Rock pond. So Coop and I stopped there for a break and lunch. I thought about my friends and time in Little Rock. I also got water and dropped my d#mn phone in the drink again. I have to be more careful. I don't want to test my luck any further. Oh, I did find my buff this morning. YAY! !A couple of cool things on the trail today. Twice we went by weird cairn built up areas and also thru a stand of trees that had hundreds of young ones. Hi from the Very Green State, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 18.6 Completed: 1680.6 Remaining: 504.7 Start Point: Lost Pond Shelter End point: Claredon Shelter (Tenting) States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4),
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Claredon Shelter (Tenting)

To: Near Deer Leap Trail (Tenting) 
Miles today: 18.2

Day 132, July 11, 2014 Coop and I got an early start today for us, 0730, because we had a rendezvous at Route 4 I wanted to be at by 5 pm. Most of the morning was spent walking up a fairly large mountain that takes one to Killington Peak. Well, actually all of the morning and part of the afternoon. While hiking I ran across a cool trail magic sign. Pointing to sodas in the stream. Alas, it was empty but the set up was still cool. A little later I ran across a bunch of youth conservatory workers busting their butts doing trail maintenance. I thanked each on for their hard work maintaining a very difficult part of the AT. I also had to take a detour today. A part of the AT is still closed do to damage done by Hurricane Irene. If memory serves me that hit in 2004. Something else happened that same year in VT but what escapes me. At the top of the hill was Cooper's Shelter. It was a little run down but obviously very old. Then down the hill we went to Route 4. And waited for...drum roll....DORITO!!! SHE'S HIKING WITH ME FOR A FEW DAYS!!! She rolled in bearing many a gift...BLs, a new buff, a rock shaped like Vermont, a Vermont sticker for my suitcase and a stacked sandwich!!!! We chatted it up for a few and then ran into town for some resupply, mostly dog food and Scooby Snacks. Then we hit the trail to hike a little before dark. We took a blue blaze up to Deer Leap Vista. We saw the last part of a sunset and an almost full moon. We are now cowboy camping near by. The moon is so bright you wouldn't need a flashlight. Great day and super happy to be sharing the AT with Dorito again. We are both missing and thinking of UG though Hi from the Very Green State, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 18.2 Completed: 1698.8 Remaining: 487.1 Start Point: Claredon Shelter End point: Near Deer Leap Trail (Tenting) States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (11 photos)
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Near Deer Leap Trail (Tenting) 

To: Locust Creek (Tenting)
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: haze

Day 133, July 12, 2014 Coop and I hit the 1700 mile marker and shared the moment with Dorito. Today I had my earliest wake-up time on the trail today - 6:30 a.m. Dorito is a morning person and I told her I could suck it up for a few mornings just for her. We had a little bit of a walk back to the AT. Almost immediately upon starting our walk North on the AT Pint Size comes strolling up behind us. A tad later her Boss comes towards us. I mentioned I had to get off at Killington to see if my new pad had made it. The Boss asked if I was hitching. I said, "no, I don't hitch alone per a promise to Aunt Bev". She offered to give me a lift, which I immediately accepted and appreciated. My pad had not made it. once again I miss calculated my arrival time. Back to the trail we went. The Boss walked a couple miles with all of us to Thunderfalls. We stopped there for a few photos and a snack. Then we had a pretty good hike up a mountain. Saw some beautiful streams. One was so clear with a hint of blue/green. Dorito wanted to stop and lay in it. We should have. We hiked on a little more before finally stopping here at Locust Creek. Dorito has some Bonner Soap so we rinsed out and did a little washing on our stinky dirty clothes. When she sweats she likes to say she's glistening. Haha. Both sweat and glisten smell oddly the same July is Dorito's birthday month. She tries to do one thing each day that pleaes her or makes her happy. Such as hiking a section of the AT. Also, today is her Dad's birthday. He would have been 62. We had lugged a few BLs in and this evening did a cheer to her "fa-ja". I am touched by her love. Cooper was up all night. I always leave him a little bowl of water by the tent. Well, I forgot and we also didn't set the tent up. So he was up looking for water. Thankfully Dorito had her water handy and saved the day. He was also a lot more edgy not being in the tent. Dorito figures it to be his safe haven. Well, he is in the tent now and zonked. Dorito is also a little tired and went to bed at eight. Hopefully she sleeps in a little Hi from the Very Green State, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 13.7 Completed: 1711.9 Remaining: 473.4 Start Point: Near Deer Leap Trail End point: Locust Creek (Tenting) States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4), ¢ with Cael Barkman. (7 photos)
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Locust Creek (Tenting)

To: Near Thistle Hill
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Day 134, July 13, 2014 Well, we had a couple of hours of rain last night. Which did not bode well for our laundry we left outside to dry We started the day with a hike up to The Lookout. It was .1 mile off the trail. At the top was this cool little cabin/shelter that was privately owned but available for us by hikers. There was a huge ladder that took you to a little observation platform. We had a lot of quick steep ups and downs today. The profile in the Guide actually looks a like little sharks teeth. We did go by two trail magics today. The first on was a little bucket you could see from accross the stream. I was told Dorito I hoped there was a Mountain Dew in there. There wasn't But there were two Sprits!!!! YAY!!! The second one was a cooler. It was mostly empty except for some chips, a PB sandwich and two s' more packages. The cool part about this magic was you didn't sign the log book you signed the cooler. Dorito taught me a few things about flowers. She said you can put Queen Ann's Lace in water and a couple drops of dye and the white flowers will turn that color thru the stem. She also introduced me to the Vermont state flower, the red clover, which is actually purple. She also informed me it was editable. So we ate one. She also pointed out sap lines to me. Which I would have missed had she not pointed them out. And explained the different grades of maple syrup. She also tried to get me to pronounce syrup the right way to no avail. Wow she taught me a lot today. Who knew. Hi from the Very Green State, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 15.3 Completed: 1727.2 Remaining: 458.1 Start Point: Locusts Creek (Tenting) End point: Near Thistle Hill States Completed: 11 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2) States Remaining: 3 VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4), ¢ with Cael Barkman. (10 photos)
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Near Thistle Hill

To: Hanover, VT (Motel)
Miles today: 16.2

Day 135, July 14, 2014Holy crap!! Do you know where I am!!?? NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!! Thank you Dorito for escorting me thru VT and delivering me safely to New Hampshire Today was one of the best days on the trail. We walked thru pines, maples, meadows and crossed lovely streams. And we had trail magic galore. Six we counted in less then 24 hours. My recollection of reading about the AT lead me to believe the Northeast was anti hiker. That the south had a corner on the market. Well, so far nothing could be farther from the truth!! As we hiked over a bridge into West Hartford a bell rang. Once across a women yelled out, "do you want a cold drink?" Of course. As we walked closer she said, "is that the little dog that went missing?" Papa is right, Cooper/TLM is the most famous human on the trail. I haven't pontificated for a bit, but here I go. Friendship. I have had friends drive hundreds of miles to be part of my journey. I have also had a few that were literally 30 minutes away that could not find the time. Point being........I don't need doo-doos in my life. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 16.2 Completed: 1743.2 Remaining: 442.1 Start Point: Near Thistle Hill End point: Hanover, VT (Motel) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4),
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Hanover, VT (Motel)

To: Hanover, NH (Motel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 136, July 15, 2014Last night Dorito was stressing about how to get back to her car. The shuttle people wanted to charge 125 bucks for the 40 mile drive. I have a good friend that lives in NH so I sent her a text to see if she knew someone around here who could help. She texted back and said, "DUH, ME"!! I was so not yogi'n but super happy. Anyways it was awesome to see my Chief Chitaka. She got Dorito back to her car then took Pooh Bear and I shopping. Oh crap I forgot to tell you Pooh is back! And then we went for lunch. I zero'd because I am waiting for my new pad. As I go to bed it is still not here. Uuuhhhggg and I paid extra for over night service. I can't leave or won't without it. MTF. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 00.0 Completed: 1743.2 Remaining: 442.1Start Point: Hanover, VT (Motel) End point: Hanover, NH (Motel) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Near Thistle Hill

To: Hanover, NH (Motel) 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 137, July 16, 2014Well, this ended up being a wasted zero day. My sleeping pad never arrived. They said it was a wrong address. I will hike out tomorrow without it. It was a bit frustrating and I felt like I should be on the trail, not cooling my heels in a motel room. Pooh Bear told me to quit stressing and just enjoy the rest. It was good advice I really did just lay around all day. It was relaxing. Someone asked me the other day, "how are you? Really!" I like that question. I am doing great. Really!! People that have known me for years say I look and seem happier and more relaxed then they can ever remember. I feel that way too. I love being on the trail. I love walking in the woods. I can not believe I am in New Hampshire (via my feet Dorito). I can already say that the ending of this journey will definitely be bittersweet. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 00.0 Completed: 1743.2 Remaining: 442.1 Start Point: Hanover, NH End point: Hanover, NH (Motel) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9),States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Hanover, NH (Motel) 

To: Grafton Turnpike near Lyme Center, NH - Bill Acker
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 138, July 17, 2014 In Hanover at the Dartmouth college Outdoor Center you can get a list of about 20 trail angels who help hikers. From rides to actually letting hikers stay with them. This morning one of them, Kate, fetched us and took us back to the trail head. I asked her how she got in this trail angel business. She said a couple of years ago she was driving in a horrible storm and her car broke down. Out of nowhere two hikers just appeared. One was a mechanic who got her car running again. She has been helping hikers ever since. I stopped by the Post Office to mail off a few things I don't need. One being my stove. I am just going to eat cold food for the remainder of the journey. Thanks Mom for letting me send all my stuff home and I promise to come get it It was a nice hike today. We had a couple of small climbs and good views. I know that as I move north they will just get better and better. Just before my last climb up to holts ledge and couple named Marsha and Dennis were at an intersection serving up hot dogs and chips. Coop and I stopped and had a nice rest and visit. I ended my hike today by stopping at the ice cream mans place, Bill. This trail never ceases to amaze me. Bill is so nice. He just made me smile. He has a freezer full of ice cream and WiFi. He came home and we all played a game of croquet. He is letting us tent in his yard and said he'd have a pot of coffee for us in the am. Like Luana says,"who does this!" I was reminded of Dorito again. That morning we had breakfast at the bell house she had mentioned how she would always do trail magic if she lived by the trail. Then wham we get breakfast. And now today Dennis, Marsha and the ice cream man. Another great trail day!!! No word on my pad. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 17.5 Completed: 1760.7 Remaining: 424.6 Start Point: Hanover, NH End point: Grafton Turnpike near Lyme Center, NH - Bill Ackerly home (tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (9 photos)
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Grafton Turnpike near Lyme Center, NH - Bill Acker

To: Brackett Brook (tenting)
Miles today: 14.4

Day 139, July 18, 2014 Well, as promised Bill the Ice Cream Man treated us to a hot cup of coffee this morning and the further surprised us with a cold delicious glass of orange juice. What a great way to start the day. I had tented on the lawn and the dew drenched my tent worse then if I had been in a torrential down pour. No worries, I just waited for the sun to come up and hung out for a bit at Bill's. Today we got into some beautiful NH areas. More rock and some great views. The first hike was up Smarts Mountain and the down and then up to Cube Mountain and then back down to Brackett Brook. And we had another great weather day. I had cell signal on Cube Mountain and was able to talk with Big Agnus about my pad. They are going to have it sent up to Pinkhams Notch. I guess the delay was due to a FedEx truck break down. They were extremely nice and apologetic. So only a few more nights of rolling off the pad in the middle of the night to blow it back up. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 14.4 Completed: 1775.1 Remaining: 410.2 Start Point: Grafton Turnpike End point: Brackett Brook (tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), (13 photos)
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Brackett Brook (tenting)

To: NH 25. (tenting)
Miles today: 11.5

Day 140, July 19, 2014 Today's hike was very ordinary. I actually listened to an audible book, Enders Game. WOWWIE What a twist. It was so good I am still thinking about it. I told Pooh I would jump off the trail early at NH 25. I Hit the intersection at 2 in the afternoon and immediately regretted it. I wanted to keep walking. So I got there. I did not want to be there. I wanted to be hiking. Alas, whenever I get to places off the trail I get energized as an extrovert!!! Thanks to Woody I am a huge Myer-briggs fan. I profile as an ENFP. In my last life I was a freak!!! In my new life less so. But here is the stumbling block I have to over come. WE LOVE TO BE ALONE EXCEPT WHEN WE DON'T! !!!!!! So back today. I wanted to keep waddling. I did as a promise I met with Pooh at the Hostel. It dawned on me how much I do isolate on the trail. I love being alone (except when I don't). And so I am glad for hostels and zeros and ice cream men. It allows me to stop and just visit. So, as I sat at the cool hostel thinking I should waddle, who pulls up?!?!... yep my AT loves Raman Shaman and Cheese Its, and the Priest. I may have teared up knowing how short of time I have with these knuckleheads! !!!! Point being the AT, as I have said, is a social trail that demands you grow emotionally. If you so let it. I am not so arrogant to say I've grown, just hopeful. Live Free or Die and a whoopie pie, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 11.5 Completed: 1786.6 Remaining: 398.7 Start Point: Bracket Brook End point: NH 25. (tenting) States Completed: 12 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), States Remaining: 2 NH (160.9), ME (281.4), emotionally.