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

To: Dalton MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A real zero - although technically I walked the AT through Dalton from Tom Levardi's house to the Shamrock Inn. Still trying to balance my desire for LOTS of food with my stomach's capacity. Went to Old Country Buffet for lunch and stuffed myself but with at least a little restraint. Unfortunately then went to Pricechopper's Market32 (very nice grocery after weeks of basically convenient store resupply) and not only got resupply for next 5 days but food to eat tonight and tomorrow morning. Think I overdid it as I'm stuffed and still have a bunch of food to eat in morning or carry with me. Hope to be smarter next town stop. I continue to really like Massachusetts. Towns are well planned, good public transportation (took bus from Dalton to Pittsfield, about 1.5 miles), sidewalks between towns (walked back - and then walked to and back after getting to motel and realizing I was a resupply bag short), beautiful UCC (Congregational) churches. If the winters weren't so bad this would be a nice part of the country to live in. But for now I'll settle for another day and a half hiking through it before I enter another state I'm excited to visit - Vermont!
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Dalton MA

To: Mt Greylock
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

A magic day. Left Dalton about 8am. Pack felt as heavy as it has since I started - too many food choices at the market! Walked through Dalton to the AT bulletin board and started down trail. Got to intersection about 3/4 mile away and couldn't find white blazes. Started back tracking and realized that although there were plenty of AT "hiking trail only, no motorized vehicle" signs there were no white blazes. Deep in my morning thoughts I'd gotten on the "boundary" trail at the bulletin board instead of the AT. Ah well. Pack was still feeling heavy and weather seemed humid (sweating a lot) when I ran into Boomerang a few miles later. I'd gotten ahead of them for a few days but my zero had me back on their schedule. We had our morning summit and surprisingly my pack was fine the rest of the day. Guess my body/mind made some adjustments there. Had lunch on the Cobbles, rock outcrop overlooking the Hoosic River valley and a check of radar showed a nasty thunderstorm moving our way. Looked like it was going to slide by me but started to expand as it got closer. Finished lunch and headed into lower elevation. Just before it hit I found a nice rock overhang where I was able to hang out nice and dry. Storm wasn't a long one - much of it did slide by- and I made it into Cheshire for ice cream! Then it was up to Mt Greylock at 3491ft the first time I've been over 3000ft since Georgia. Couple steep sections early in the climb but most of the trail was a gradual up. Great to be in a spruce forest again. Got to the top around 6:30pm and took some pictures, - great views- read the signs, and went to investigate the lodge. They have a bunk room for $36/night and I was leaning toward staying when the inn manager offered a free dinner of leftovers. Those "leftovers" were phenomenal!!!!! Great trail magic. So naturally I'm staying at the bunk room. Had shower, got comfortable bed and continental breakfast awaits in morning. Life is good.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Mt Greylock

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Long long day. Up to blueberry muffins and hot chocolate at the lodge. Again, can't emphasize how good that "leftover" dinner was last night. Wow! On the trail a little before 9am. Cloudy and cool on Greylock. I actually started hiking in my fleece for first mile or so. Weather cleared and rest of the day was great - in the 70's with mostly blue skies. Trail was pretty much downhill for first 6 miles into Williamstown/North Adams. Then there was one final steep climb left in Massachusetts before entering into Vermont! First time I've ever been in this state and I've really been looking forward to it. I really enjoyed Massachusetts too. Of course the weather was great but I also enjoyed the trail - northern forest and back climbing mountains - small ones but still more of a mountain feel than the previous states. I was intending to camp somewhere between first and second shelter in Vermont but couldn't find any bare spots so actually did first night hiking of the trip into this shelter probably about 9:30pm. It went okay but doubt I'll be doing that much. Got in, everyone's in tents, poor selection of tent sites, had to set up and cook in dark trying to be extra quiet and using red light. It worked out but hopefully I'll get to next campsite a little earlier. For now it's bed and then my first full day in Vermont.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

A near disaster today -luckily averted. Up a little later this morning after the long day yesterday. Still on the trail by 8:30am. Had an earlier meeting with Boomerang. Nice view of Bennington from Harmon Hill - plus some red raspberries - and then down a long steep but impressive series of rock stairs to VT route 9. Trail magic there and I had a Gatorade, apple and honey bun. Thanks so much!! Powered and feeling good I started the climb up the other side. Accidents always happen when you're careless and on about the fourth rock step I didn't lift my foot high enough and tripped. Second face plant of the trip only this time my face fell squarely on a flat slab of rock. Luckily my hands got there first. Still I checked my nose to make sure it was on straight and checked my teeth to make sure they were all there. Both were fine. Only damage was slightly bruised lips, scrape of forearm, watering eyes, and slightly sore wrist. I was very very lucky. Climbed several peaks over 3,000 ft today. Great views from the fire tower on top of Glastenbury Mountain at 3,748 the high climb of the day. Got into the tenting area of this shelter around 8pm. Time enough to put up tent in light but, alas, cook again in the dark. Unlike last night nobody else here (all folks at shelter). It's chilly enough to wear fleece while preparing dinner. I'm in sleeping bag now ready to zip it up and call it a day.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Kid Gore shelter

To: Winhall River 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A cool night. I put the fleece on early and later on in the night put my long pants on. Another beautiful weather day. Mostly sunny in the low 70's. I was downright slow getting going today - the result of a couple long days catching up to me. On the trail about 9 am. Pretty easy trail this morning. You can tell why people talk about the muddy trails of Vermont. I'm lucky with this great weather and the trails are fine. You can see, however, that after a couple days of rain one could easily have their boots sucked right off by some sections of trail. Had lunch alongside Black Brook, which like most Vermont streams was actually brown (lots of organics up here). Then it was up 1,700 ft to Statton Mountain ( 3936 ft). It turned out to be a quite gradual climb - nothing like those steep little grinders back in Connecticut. Great views from the lookout tower. Supposedly Benton McKaye first had his idea for the AT while taking in the view from Stratton. (Although in his later years McKaye listed a number of other "first" inspirations for the AT). Trail down the north side of Stratton was even better if that's possible. Gradual with great tread. That was a gentle mountain. Nice views from Stratton Pond too. I'm camping along the Winhall River on the advice of Warren Doyle and the caretaker up at Stratton. Got in about 7:30pm. Nice site, good cell reception so I got to talk with Rebecca and nobody else here - actually someone here as I heard wood being chopped but they must be a distance away. I'm tucked in with fleece and long pants on already. Hopefully it will be just a little warmer tonight. Hard to believe but I'll be looking forward to getting my 3 season bag when Rebecca comes up to visit. Ah Vermont. I love it!!!!
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Winhall River 

To: Peru Peak shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Slightly warmer last night but, again, a rather late 9am start - combination of cool morning and long day yesterday. Ran into Key Chain early on and we played leap frog the rest of the day. Me passing her on breaks, and she zooming by me (all the young ones do) on the trail. Always good to see her. Trail pretty level to VT Highway 11 and 39. Green Mountain hiking club was set up at trailhead with hotdogs, corn, drinks, etc. It was greatly appreciated. Stumbled crossing the bridge just pass magic. It's a rather narrow iron beam with bolts sticking out inside it. Tripped on a bolt and staggered across which was better than the almost alternative of me staggering off bridge into creek. Obviously I need to pay more attention and put more effort into foot placement the rest of the journey.   Fueled by the magical food the climb up Bromley Mountain was good. This is a ski resort in the winter and the last bit of AT was up a ski run. On top was a warming hut and a "space ship" looking gondola. Nice views. Then it was down to Mad Tom Notch for a second lunch (from my food bag) and up over Styles and Peru Peaks to this shelter. Got in about 7:30pm. No tenting nearby so I'm in the shelter. Would like to figure out how to set up my Contrail tent on these platforms that will soon start to dominate scene. For now, dinner is eaten and the pad is calling. Another wonderful day, weather and all, in Vermont.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Peru Peak shelter

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and gone by 7:30am. Hey, Rebecca is waiting at road less than 8 miles away. Unexpected great view from Bakers Peak. The weather is again super - blue skies and low humidity. Some folks say this is typical Vermont weather, others shake their head and say we're getting lucky. Regardless, I'll take it. It's been great so far. Bid adieu to Key Chain, Warren, and Bommerang today. I've been seeing them, particular Boomerang since the Mason Dixon line. Now I'm meeting Rebecca for two much anticipated and needed zeroes. You never know on the AT but it will be a different combination of hikers when I resume my northward journey. At trailhead by 11:30am. Great to see Rebecca and great to go to lunch with her. Time to rest this body a little and explore a little of Vermont off the AT.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Woodstock VT

To: Minerva Hinchey shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Back on the trail. After a final very nice breakfast in the Lincoln Inn, it was back to Rutland for a Pricechopper resupply, a 12" sub from Subway, a 20oz Cherry Coke and, finally, back to the trail. Rebecca had me hiking by noon. Had such a great two days didn't know how the hiking would go today but it was a beautiful day and a pretty easy trail so all was good. Coming down to the road that goes to Wallingford I ran into some great trail magic. A former Long Trail hiker had baked some chocolate chip cookies and left a bunch of bags of them. They were delicious!! Got into camp a little after 6 pm, normally too early to stop but the skies were rumbling and the next shelter probably 2 hours away. Since I'm on vacation I decided to shut down early. Cooked at the shelter as the thunder continued to crackle. I'm in the tent now and after a hard initial rain it's just very lightly raining now. Carrying my 3 season bag now so I'm not worried about temperatures. In fact, I'm hoping for cool weather tonight. Dark a little early, a sign to hit the hay. Hopefully a good night sleep awaits.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Minerva Hinchey shelter

To: Churchill Scott shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Got a good nights sleep. It rained a little during the night so things were still pretty wet this morning. Slept later than I intended but guess I needed it. Weather was cloudy most of the day. Every once in awhile there would be a patch of blue sky. Some drizzle in the afternoon. Enough to put on a packcover but not enough for any rain gear. The highlight of the trail today was Mt Killington. Like all Vermont climbs it was well graded. Beautiful spruce - fir on top. From shelter it's a 0.2 mile rock scramble to the top. Brisk wind blowing but some of the best weather of the day. Too bad all the communication towers are up there. Ah well, you just have to look the other way and pretend they don't exist. Couldn't spend as much time as I wanted up there as I wanted to get as close to the Long Trail Inn as possible. Got to this campsite around 8pm. I'm 2 miles south of the Inn so will go in for an omelette - if I don't sleep too late!!! All good, it's nearly 10pm so time for me to crawl into this nice warm bag and get some rest. Looking forward to another day on the AT!
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Churchill Scott shelter

To: The Lookout cabin
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up a little earlier today. Guess it was the thought of an omelette! On the trail by 7:30am. Easy 2 miles to Route 4 then 0.8m to the Long Trail Inn. I had always heard that the Inn was right on the trail but recent relocations have changed that. Great that the AT corridor is now permanently protected but too bad the Inn is not on the trail. Anyhoot got my Cheddar cheese omelette, home fries, toast and several Cokes and was ready to hike. Shortly later the Long Trail and the AT parted ways with the LT heading north toward Canada and the AT east toward New Hampshire. After splitting it seemed to me that the AT became a little less gentle in its trail grades. In fact Quimby Mountain (2527 ft) seemed like the hardest climb in Vermont. Probably didn't help that we finally had some summer in Vermont with temperatures in the 80's. The rest of the day seemed like a bunch of ups and downs as we searched for a mountain to run along. Weather warm but sunny until late when the clouds and thunder moved in. Last couple miles I was sure it was going to rain but luckily the storm held off until after I reached this nice cabin (it's quite motivating to walk fast when the thunder starts to advance). Pretty big crowd here - maybe 15 folks. Nice sunset from poop deck before the rain started. Long miles but good day. Everyone else has turned in so I'll do likewise.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: The Lookout cabin

To: Thistle Hill shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

A good night to stay in the cabin. Rained last evening and rained this morning. Not sure who owns this cabin but it certainly is a nice one. By 8am the rain had stopped so I was back on the trail. First couple miles were downhill but then it started. I suspected yesterday that the AT minus the Long Trail wasn't as well designed or constructed. Today confirmed it. Part of the reason is the AT is heading east in search of a mountain - a bunch of little ups and downs today. The problem is the trail tends to go up and down at too steep an angle - I suspect this might have to do with a narrow corridor. Erosion issues, thick vegetation encroaching on trail, disturbed vegetation, even poison ivy. Thought I was in Connecticut instead of Vermont!!! I forgive you Vermont. One bad day out of a bunch of beautiful ones. Highlight of day was stop at Cloudland restaurant and market for some homemade ice cream - very creamy. Again the skies started rumbling - even earlier today. Got to this shelter before 5pm but one look at the radar said "stay". Surprisingly had time to pitch tent and get water before rains started. Had steady rain for long enough time that I had to cook and eat in vestibule/tent. Just drizzling now so I'll brave it to brush teeth and then enjoy my last night's sleep in Vermont!!!
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Thistle Hill shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

A good last day in Vermont. Rained last evening but things cleared out over night and the tent was pretty dry this morning. On the trail a little before 8:30am after checking in with Rebecca. Weather warm and humid. Trail still searching for a mountain (instead it found New Hampshire!). Crossed the White River at West Hartford. Watched two folks jump 20+ feet from bridge into river - I elected not to be the third. Waved down by a wonderful lady in house near bridge who was inviting all thru hikers for a pancake and sausage breakfast. She and her husband have been doing this since 2001!!!! It was delicious. After some road walking to get under the interstate it was back into the woods up and down Happy Hill and back onto the roads of Norwich, VT and then Hanover, NH. The folks in Norwich had several magic coolers along the road with sodas, etc. I strolled into New Hampshire feeling great. Hanover was one of "No Pants" favorite towns and it's easy to see why. Free food at several of the local restaurants, free camping at the edge of town, great or maybe GREAT coop food market. Plus beautiful, New England, wealthy, college town. I'm camping next to trail behind soccer field, went to Molly's Pub for very filling meal - burger, fries, loaf of delicious bread and pint. (Already had my healthy quart of milk, banana, and plums from coop). Tomorrow am I'll shower,etc before heading off into New Hampshire to try and find a mountain.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mountain shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get much sleep last night. Just too hot up here in New Hampshire! Slept on top of sleeping bag and sometime during the night had to get rid of that and sleep on my pad alone. Up to the Coop for breakfast (again, what a great place) and then to the community center for a shower and laundry. Admittedly I knew that approximately 2 hours after leaving the center I was going to be drenched in sweat ( weather hot and humid today) but it did feel good to be clean for a little while. Back to the Coop for lunch and out of town by 12:15pm. Typical for a trail town, it's packed with hikers, some of which I hadn't seen since passing close to NYC. I loved Hanover, could have stayed longer but really was ready to get into New Hampshire. As predicted I was hot and sweaty before too longer. Like the last few days in Vermont, the trail is still looking for a mountain. Fairly gentle ups and downs today which was good considering the weather. Finally found sort of a mountain - Moose Mountain - at the end of the day. Got here a little after 5 pm but next camping area 6+ miles away so I decided to stay. Found nice campsite, cooked supper, did all the chores and a little before 8pm I'm ready for bed (guess my night at Molly's Pub just wore me out). Campsite is a little over 2,000 ft so hopefully it will be cooler tonight. Seems cooler now but I'm not going to need sleeping bag for at least awhile. Looking forward to another day in New Hampshire. White Mountains here I come!!! (In a couple days)
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Moose Mountain shelter

To: North Jacobs Brook
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: moderate rain

Well it was a little cooler night so I slept well. Up and out of camp by a little after 8 am. Trail went across Moose Mountain and then down. I have been bemoaning the lack of mountains recently but they are coming quickly - be careful what you wish for! Today the trail went up over Holts Ledge at 1937 ft not much of a mountain but quite a steep climb, up and over Smarts Mountain at 3246 ft more of a mountain and another good climb and finally halfway or so up Mt Cube to this campsite. Compounding the effort of the climbs was the weather - another hot and humid day. By early afternoon both my shirt and shorts were totally drenched. Stopped for an early lunch at Bill Ackerly's house next to the trail. Bill is an AT legend known as the "Ice cream Man" for his generous gifts of ice cream (among other things) to hikers. Unfortunately Bill was traveling but two nice folks were looking after things for him. Had my lunch, bought a couple of Cokes and had a delicious creamsicle curtesy of Bill's supply. Thanks Bill!!! Hopefully we will met one day soon. Got into camp a little after 6 pm which was nice. Getting towards the end of August and the days were getting shorter. It's 8 pm now and essentially dark. At least dark enough for me to hit the hay. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get the base of Mt Moosilauke and then the real fun begins!!!
Date: 2015-08-19
From: North Jacobs Brook

To: Jeffers Brook shelter
Miles today: 16.1

Another good night for sleeping. Could probably have slept a little longer but it was supposed to be another warm one so I was on the trail by 7:45am. Climbed up Mt Cube first thing this morning. Mt Cube is great! A little appetizer before the Whites. Great view, some rock outcrops, and a reminder of how much I don't enjoy the steep rocky downhills! After Mt Cube, the trail remained reasonably level the rest of the day. Good thing too as it was another warm and muggy day. Humidity really taking its toll on the hikers. Very little traffic today. The only NOBO's I talked with both headed into hostels early in the afternoon in search of relief. Got into camp around 5:30pm. I'm down below the shelter tenting. Not many here but I can hear a few more just coming in. Seems a tad hotter tonight than the two previous nights. Hopefully it will cool off, I'm certainly ready to get some sleep. Tomorrow the big mountains begin!
Date: 2015-08-20
From: Jeffers Brook shelter

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Up and on the trail by 7:45am. First order of business was up about 3,500 ft to Mt Moosilauke (4802 ft). I put myself in low gear and it was great. Weather helped in that it was coolish. Was on top by 10 am. Weather on top was cloudy - or rather in the clouds with winds of 35+ mph. Yahoo! A good reminder that it's a different world on top these mountains. Put on some more clothes and lingered for about 30 minutes seeing if the clouds would lift. Wasn't happening so I headed down. For NOBO'ers down Moosilauke is definitely an exciting time. It's long and it's really steep in sections. Not hand over hand but steep enough that I didn't make it down to Kinsman Notch until 1:30pm. The Machine (2014) had trail magic at the parking area so I had a drink and some fruit and a chat before sticking my thumb out on the road. Got a ride from the support team of a group of bikers who are pedaling across country. From there I walked into Lincoln for multiple resupply stops before getting picked up by the folks at the Notch Hostel. I've showered, cooked dinner, and am content. Weather forecast is lousy for tomorrow with 80% chance of thunderstorms. More showers over the next 5 days but tomorrow seems the worst. I'm going to sleep on it and check again in the morning before deciding what to do.
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Kinsman Notch

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The forecast convinced me to zero today. Probably a good decision as the rain started a little after 7am and continued off and on through the afternoon. The Notch is a brand new hostel, opened a month ago. It's a beautiful three story farm house with complete guest kitchen, dining and living areas. Very comfortable. Tie Dye, one of the owners, shuttled us into Lincoln around noon. Spent the rest of the afternoon buying a few items (fleece hat and glove liners) and visiting eating establishments. Saw Key Chain walking down the street. She's a day ahead of me having come off trail at Franconia Notch. Back at the hostel I learned Clean Cut, whom I've seen several times over the last couple weeks is a wicked guitar player. Came downstairs and thought Norman Blake was in the house. Really good. I've fixed dinner and think I'm going to get to bed early tonight. Back on the trail tomorrow and there's some apprehension. I did Kinsman to Pinkham Notch last year with No Pants and came out - well, a wreck! I hope the body can hold up better this year but only time will tell.