morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-16
From: MT. Greylock

To: North Adams MA
Miles today: 6.3

It was really cool on top of the mountain. Ate breakfast at the lodge. Took a group picture at the tower. Made a very steep decent down the mountain to North Adams MA where we were picked up. On the way to Jacoby's house we stopped at a McDonalds and while standing there a goat walked up. LOL
Date: 2015-07-18
From: North Adams MA

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 18.4

Got back on the trail and had a long steep climb up to the ridge. A few miles later we came to the MA/VT border. The Long Trail and AT run concurrent for the next 90 miles. The trail was very muddy In some parts. It was a very steep rocky decent down to Bennington VT. Was picked up again and went back to Jacoby's house for the last time. We had a great time while staying there. Thanks to MAU for doing all the cooking.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Bennington VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Started off with a 11 mile uphill climb that got very steep at times. Reached the summit of Glastenbury Mtn. where there is a fire tower you can climb. We had a 3 mile decent to Rex the kid Gore shelter. Started raining so the shelter filled up fast.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Put this picture up because this is everyone in our group except for one section hiker and the hostel owners at the end of the table. We woke to sun at the shelter. Hiked on rolling trail for a while and then made the steep accent to Stratton Mtn. This is where Benton MacKaye was inspired to create the AT. We then made a 3 mile decent to Stratton Pond Shelter. This is a 16 person shelter where you pay $5.00 to stay but you can stay at any of the other pay shelters for the next week for free once you pay for one of them. The trail is still very muddy. We have seen a lot of Moose signs but haven't seen one yet.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the shelter and went down by the lake. What a beautiful place. Continued on pretty flat trail for the next 10 miles. Got to VT -11 and a lady waived us over and gave us a ride to Manchester Center Vt. Resupplied at the grocery store and then went across the street to McDonalds. Left and had a hitch back to the trail within 5 minutes. Hiked an easy two miles and arrived at the Bromley Shelter and tent site. Staying in my tent tonight. 536 miles left to go.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Made a steep climb up the ski slope to the top of Bromley Mtn. There is a warming hut at the top hikers can stay in (see pictures). After several miles of ups and downs we came to the Griffith Lake Tenting area by a big beaver pond. We then followed Big Branch Creek to the Little Rock Pond Shelter And Tenting area. We are tenting tonight and it is starting to rain.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Hiked around the edge of little rock pond. After several miles we came to a vista where hikers stack stones on top of each other. Continued on a very steep climb up Bear Mtn. Then we had a steep decent down to Clarendon George. We crossed over on a suspension bridge. Once we reached the road we walked a half mile to the Whistle Stop Cafe, where we had great food and the owner gave us a ride back to the trail. We hiked a steep one mile trail through a rock cliff to reach the Clarendon Shelter where we are tenting, It's starting to rain again.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Basically today the hike consisted of climbing and decending Mt Killington. It took us about three hours of climbing once we reached it. We took a .2 straight up side trail to the summit where we then walked about a quarter of a mile to the ski lodge restaurant. We ate an expensive hamburger, fries, and coke. We decended down the steep side trail and got back on the AT. We then made the long decent down to the Churchill Scott Shelter where we are spending the night. We could feel the long decents in our knees tonight.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Crossed the 1700 mile mark shortly after leaving the shelter. A little bit later The Long Trail finally branched off from the AT. We then passed through the Gifford Woods State Park before taking a sidetrail into Killington VT. We did a short resupply to get us into Hanover NH next week and ate at the deli before heading back to the outfitter to charge our phones. Got back on the trail and made a couple of big climbs before coming to the Stoney Brook Shelter where we are tenting.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: VT 12
Miles today: 13.3

Woke to rain. Made some up and down climbs for the first six miles. Went up to The Lookout. An enclosed cabin on top of the mountain you can stay in. Hiked on for about 8 more miles to VT 12 where we went .2 miles to the On The Edge Farm. Had drinks, sandwiches, and ice cream. Staying tonight in a barn on the farm next door. (Never hurts to ask). On a side note I have lost about 34lbs. I only weighed about 185 when I started. I am trying to put some weight back on before we hit the difficult White Mountains and Maine. I would also like to thank everyone for the guestbook entries. They really mean a lot to me and are very encouraging. Only 465 miles to go. I will be in NH this Tuesday. Thanks for taking the time to read my journal.
Date: 2015-07-27
From: VT 12

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We left the barn and had a lot of steep climbs and decents for the next 13 miles. It also was very hot today. We were on the road crossing the White River when we were waived over to a house where we were giver cold drinks . It was a nice surprise. Hung out for a while and then continued on the trail making a long climb to the Happy Hill Shelter. The oldest shelter on the AT. We are camping and the rain has started as the sun sets.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 5.9

Hiked about 3m down hill until coming to the road. Headed down the road going thru Norwich VT . Saw several hikers staying at trail angles houses. Hotels are expensive around Hanover. Continued on the road to the VT/NH border half way across the Connecticut River. Entered NH and made our way into Hanover. Ate lunch went to the Post Office and made our way to the Sunset Inn just out of town where Roub and I are sharing room. MAU is at a shelter just out of town. We are taking a zero before entering the White Mountains. Hanover is a hiker friendly town where Dartmouth College is located.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Hanover NH

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a zero day. Caught the bus into town. Walked around and ate lunch. After lunch we caught the bus over to WalMart at the next town. Bought our resupply came back and packed up. Ready to head for the White Mountains. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. May not be a bad thing since there is a heat wave here right now.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Hanover NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

We left Hanover by walking thru part of town. The trail entered the woods and made a couple of steep climbs. We leveled out for a while and then made a steep climb up Moose Mountain. We then had another steep climb up Holts Ledge. On the way down it started to rain. Made it to the shelter just before the heavy rain started. Three other thru hikers are here with Roub and I.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Hiked a little less than a mile and came to Bill Ackery house. He has been doing trail magic for many years. We got there about 6:00 am and he gave us ice cream and coffee. From there we had a long steep climb up Smart Mtn. We are lunch at The Fire Wardens Cabin on the summit. Made the long decent and then back up to Eastman Ledges. A rocky outcropping near the summit. We took the side trail to the Hexacuba Shelter. There is a section hiker here with us . It is already geating cool tonight. We are starting to do a lot more climbing.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Climbed up Mt. Cube first thing. Started raining near the top. Decended and went thru muddy Boggs for a while.climbed on nice trail all the way to Glencliff NH where we are camping at The Hikers Welcome Hostel. About 20 hikers here.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Lost River Road
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

Took a shuttle to Lost River Road and hiked over Mount Moosilauke back to the Hostel. It was A very steep climb up often following along a waterfall. There were wooden blocks bolted to the rock and rebar to assist in the climb. The trail leveled out for a while and then ascended to the bald summit. The view was 360 around. We made the long decent back down to the road and made our way back to the hostel.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Lost River Road

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Made a long climb often using stone steps to the summit of Mount Wolf. On the way down we stopped at the shelter for lunch. Had a very difficult hand over hand climb up Kinsman Mountain. Clouds moved in and it started to rain. Made it to Loneaome Lake Hut when hail, lighting, and heavy rain hit. We ended up staying for the night. They fed us dinner and breakfast and we slept on the dining room floor. In the morning we helped them with some chores as payment.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: US 3 to Lincoln NH
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke to sun. Had to take a detour on the AT because a bridge was washed out and the river was too high. Got to US 3 and hitched a ride to Lincoln where we are staying at Chet's House. A hiker that is disabled and let's thru hikers stay at his house. We resupplied, washed clothes, and went out to eat. Headed out in the morning.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: US 3 to Lincoln NH

To: The Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Ate at McDonald's then got a shuttle back to Franconia Notch. Hiked uphill for 8 miles passing Liberty Springs Campsite. Finally made it up to Franconia Ridge which is above treeline. It was beautiful views as we crossed over Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and see the Greenleaf Hut in the distance. It started raining for about 30 minutes but then cleared up. Made a steep decent and then climbed and decended Mt. Garfield. Arrived at the Garfield shelter very tired.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: The Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

First thing had a very steep decent down the trail which was basically a waterfall. Very slippery. At the bottom came to Galehead Hut. Ate some left over pancakes. Made a steep climb up South Twin Mountain. The decent was steep and rocky. The trail leveled out at Zeland Falls Hut. I had a bowl of potato soup here. We continued on flat trail by a river for 5 more miles before arriving at Etha Pond Shelter. While getting water at the pond we saw two Moose. Great way to end a hard day.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Mizpah Hut Tent Area
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 3 miles to Crawford Notch and hitche'd to the AMC Highland Center. Had the all u can eat breakfast. First car by gave us a ride back to the trail. Climbed up Mt. Webster and Mt. Lincoln. Both were steep with rock scrambles. Both had excellent views and you could see Mt. Washington . Decended down to the Mizpah Tent Area. It filled up fast with about 20 hikers.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Mizpah Hut Tent Area

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8

Left the tent site and hiked by Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Franklin and Mt. Monroe. Beautiful vistas as we hiked today. Got to the Lake of Cloud Hut and had a snack before climbing up Mt. Washington. It was a rocky accent to the top but a nice Lear day. Got in line to have a picture with the sign at the summit. Saw the cog railway and got some food at the snack bar . Decended on a very rocky trail for the rest of the day all the way to Madison Spring Hut. Feet are very sore.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8

Made a very steep hand over hand climb to the top of Mt. Madison. The summit was in the clouds and it was cold. From the top it was mostly down hill over rocks all the way to Pinkham Notch. We got picked up by my friend Guardian that works at White Mountain Hostel right by the trail near Gorham. We will be staying here tonight and tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: White Mountain Hostel

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

Planned on leaving today but severe weather has moved in making it too dangerous to hike in the Alpine Region. The hostel is booked up so we moved to a motel in Gorham. Resting and eating getting ready to head out tomorrow for a difficult two days. Has rained about an inch.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Pinkham Notch

To: IMP Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got a shuttle back to Pickham Notch. Made a long steep climb often hand over hand to the summit of Wildcat Mountain. There are 5 different peaks you have to cross. Made a long decent to Carter Notch Hut. We got some soup and rested. Had a steep accent up Carter Dome and then dropped back down to Zeta Pass. The day has been windy but only light rain. We climbed a steep accent up Carter Mountain and then made a dangerous decent over long slabs that were very slick. Often we had to use trees on the side to slow our decent. We arrived at IMP Shelter just before dark with sore feet and knees from all the rocks.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: IMP Shelter

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was cool this morning as we made a 3 mile accent of Mount Moriah. The climb was gradual as well as the decent. The trail leveled out along the Rattle River. A couple miles later we came out to the road and a couple had a grill setup and fed us hotdogs and soft drinks. From there it was a short walk back to White Mountain Hostel where we are for the night. I now have less than 300 miles to go. We are 18 miles from Maine. Not sure when I will update again since cell service is limited in Maine.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Gorham NH

To: Gentian Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the hostil after a great breakfast. The trail was easier today than the last few days. After a few climbs and decents we came to Dream Lake. This is where we crossed the 1900 mile mark. A couple miles later we came to the Gentian Pond Campsite. We are only 5 miles from Maine.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Gentian Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter to a long steep rock climb. Made it to the Alpine region of Mount Success. We soon crossed into Maine. At Goose Eye mountain we clbed rebar and wooden ladders to get to the summit. Weave a steep decent over rock slabs to finally get to Full Goose Shelter. Thunder is on the background. Southern Maine is very difficult.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1

Rained for several hours last night. Had a climb this morning then we came to Mahoosuc Notch. The hardest or funest mile on the trail. It basically house and car size boulders you have to weave through. It took us about two hours. We then had to climb Mahoosuc Arm. This was very steep and took us several hours to reach the summit. We then made a one mile decent to Speck Pond Shelter where we are camping.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Shelter
Miles today: 10.4

After a short climb we made a 3 mile decent to Grafton Notch. It was then a long climb up Baldplate West Peak above treeline. Baldplate East Peak had a steep 70 degree rock climb for about half a mile. After a long gradual decent we came to Frye Notch Shelter. Still hard to make more than a mile an hour. Northern Maine is a lot flatter.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Started off with a small climb and then went around Surplus Pond. Walked some nice trail down to Sawyer Notch. From there it was a steep climb up Moody Mountain and then a mile decent where we were picked up and taken back to the hostel. The temp was still in the low 90's.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: South Arm Road

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.2

Made a very steep climb up Old Blue Mtn. Where we was a porcupine. Then we followed along a ridge to Bemis Mtn. with rock out croppings along the way. Made a long decent and crossed a creek before making a steep accent back to the road where we were picked up. There was a view of a large lake at the road.
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Maine 17

To: Rangeley Maine
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Got dropped off in the rain and made a small climb before on got on a ridge line for the day. Went by Moxie Pond a very large body of water. The second pond we came to was South Pond. Made a decent to Rangeley where we are staying at The Farm House Inn. They also have the last big grocery store we will see. Still very hot for this time of year in Maine.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: Rangeley Maine

To: Popular Ridg Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

Got a hitch back to the trail with the neighbor. Hiked flat trail for a while. Passed Ethel Pond where we saw our first Moose in Maine. We climbed 3 big peaks; Saddleback Mtn. , The Horn, and Saddleback Jr. Finally got to Popular Ridge Shelter where there are about 10 hikers.
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Popular Ridg Shelter

To: Crocker Cirque Camp Site
Miles today: 14.2

We started off with a steep climb up Loan Mtn. We followed nice trail to the next shelter. We grabbed a snack and water and made a short climb up Spaulding Mtn. A bronze plaque marked the completion of the last section of trail in Maine. From there we crossed the Carrabassett River and continued on to the Crocker Cirque Camp Site. We are camping here with about 8 other thru hikers.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: Crocker Cirque Camp Site

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 7.3

We had two big climbs today. One up South Crocker Mtn. and one up North Crocker Mtn. It was then a five mile decent to Stratton. We passed the 2000 mile mark just before town. Taking a short day before climbing the last 4000 footers of the trip tomorrow. We are really feeling the effects of 2000 miles on our bodies. Conversations among the hikers are now about what happens after the trail.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Stratton Maine

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today started out with a long climb. Had a good view of Horns Pond before the clouds and rain moved in. We went over Bigelow Mtn and Avery Peak in high wind with rain. Dropped down to Stafford Notch before climbing Little Biigelow. Was picked up at East Flagstaff road and taken back to Stratton for the night. That was the last of the 4000 foot mtns until Baxter State Park.
Date: 2015-08-26
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean to
Miles today: 16.3

Trail was mostly flat as we went around several ponds. We went by West Carey pond and then East Carey Pond. East had a nice beach and you hear the Loons. Shortly thereafter it rained for several hours. We finally arrived at Pierce Pond Lean to. Walked about a quarter of a mile to Harrison's Sport Camp where the first ten hikers can sign up and he will cook breakfast in the morning. 12 pancakes, sausage and eggs. The facility is an old log cabin almost a 100 years old.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: Pierce Pond Lean to

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Ate breakfast at Harrison's and then arrived at the Kennebec river 3 miles later. Due to several hikers drowning at this large river it is now required to take a canoe across from an outfitter that is there for several hours twice a day. Roub and I went together and made it across safely. We then had to climb Plesant Mountain that wasn't so pleasant. From the top it was a five mile decent. We ended up on a road with a sign saying there was trail magic. We followed it to where there was a cabin and a couple of former thru hikers cooking hotdogs and hamburgers, we ate and then had to ford a river. From there it was 2.7 miles to the Bald Mountain Lean to.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To

To: Maine 15 Shaws Hostel
Miles today: 22.0

Made a steep climb up the last high mountain Moxie Bald. After a few miles we had a deep ford across the Piscataquis River using a rope. We also had to ford Bald Mtn Stream. We then followed flat trail all the way to Maine 15 where Shaws Hostel picked the 3 of us up for the night.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: Maine 15 Shaws Hostel

To: Long Pond Stream Lean To
Miles today: 15.1

Got back to the trailhead and entered the 100 mile wilderness where a sign warns you about the lack of areas for help and food for the next 100 miles.zxscx at. During the day we had 3 River fords to do. One was white water and two were deep with medium current. The trail has been a lot of smaller ups and downs with rocks,roots and mud. Still going by a lot of large ponds. Staying at Long Pond Stream Lean to for the night.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Maine 15 Shaws Hostel

To: Pleasant River Camping
Miles today: 15.2

Today was a hard day. We climbed a total of 5 mountains. Several had very steep climbs but they were not real long. The decent down Chairback Mountain was very rocky and steep. A section hiker named Trail Dog gave us some food and snacks and we were very grateful to get. The 3 of us are camping just before the ford of the West branch of the Pleasant River. We will make the crossing in the morning.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Pleasant River Camping

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 16.4

made the ford across the river this morning. Had several smaller mountains to cross. Whitecap mountain was the largest. You can see Mount Kathadin from the summit but it was partially covered by the clouds. Descended and had pretty level trail but still a lot of rocks and roots to deal with. Staying at East Branch Lean to tonight. Arrived fairly late so I am camping cowboy style tonight.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Nahmakanta Lake Camping 
Miles today: 26.7

The trail today was mostly flat. There were some small ups and downs but mostly rocks and roots to deal with. Stopped at Antlers Campsite for some trail magic that was to be delivered by float plane but they were running late so we left (later we learned we missed it by an hour. Lobster and blueberry pie). A short time down the trail I got a good picture of Mount Kathadin. We were able to rock hop the fords today which was nice. We stopped at a road crossing by the lake and set up out tents for the night.
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Nahmakanta Lake Camping 

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 25.7

Today we are crunching miles all the way to Abol Bridge. From there you enter Baxter Park. We had one last small mountain or bump to get over then it was flat trail with only mud roots and rocks. We stopped in at Rainbow Stream Lean to for lunch. It still has the baseball bat style flooring that is rare in shelters now. From there we pushed on to Hurd Shelter and then made the 3 miles to Abol Bridge.. Roub, Penguin, and I had hamburgers and apple pie at the dinner located beside the store. It was late when we left to go across the street to Abol Pines Campground where we stayed in a shelter for the night. I am going all the way to the summit of Kathadin tomorrow. Penguin is meeting her husband here and walking to Baxter and summiting Sunday with family. Roub is going to see how he feels tomorrow to determine his summit date. Our wives are meeting us at Kathadin Stream Campground tomorrow. Our hiking partners, Mau, Jacoby, and Hot Sauce have already made the summit they were a day or two ahead of us.