morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-24
From: Stealth Camp Mile

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

Last night I woke to wood being tore apart. I thought that a bear might have been trying to get my food bag out of the tree so I started to yell as I got out my light. Didn't see anything so I went back to sleep. Got up and was packed up and on the trail at 5:50 am. I saw the log that was being ripped up so I am thinking, by the looks of it, that it was a porcupine. I hiked into Salisbury, CT to the PO at 8:30 as they opened. I stuffed everything in my pack and went to a coffee shop for breakfast and a couple of real ginger ales also. They were so good. I left at 10:00 and started to hike again until I got to a huge field. I unpacked everything and laid it out in the sun to dry. This gave me time to let Passionflower and Elise to catch up. I waited until 2:00 pm and started to pack up when I turned around and 3 turkey hens crossed the trail not 10 ft from me. I then left and climbed to the Lions Head which had a great view. I decided to have dinner there and as soon as I got packed up Passionflower and Elise showed up so we hiked the .8 to here which also has a view. Will have to make my push to Dalton, MA to see my cousin Sheila. I am really looking forward to seeing her. It's been a few years now. Time to call it a night.
Date: 2012-07-25
From: Riga Shelter

To: Stealth Camp 
Miles today: 16.7

Late start at 8 am. With Elise being with us we took it slow and easy. I stayed with the girls until we hit the state line to get pics and then I took off. The terrain was challenging and steep. There were 3 climbs today, Bear Mt, Mt Race and Mt Everett which was steepest. The ridgelines were beautiful especially Mt Race where we were on the edge with a view for about 6 miles. I can't get over the vistas I seen today. Hiked until 6 PM. I hiked with Falls for the last 4.5 miles most of it through mosquito infested swamp. I dared not stop to keep from being swarmed. There are mosquitos here but nowhere near as bad. Will start early tomorrow and get breakfast outside of Great Barrington, MA to charge my phone. Our group is all spread out now but hopefully we will reconnect in Dalton next week. We will see.
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Stealth Camp 

To: Mt Wilcox, North Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Before going to sleep last night I could hear a whole pack of coyotes in the cornfield not too far off. They were heading in the other direction which made me feel at ease. Woke to rain at 4 am and after putting my tent fly on it stopped. Woke again at 5:30 and was on the trail at 6:15. Went to a roadside grill near Great Barrington, Mass. but it was more of a bar and didn't open until 5 pm. I did find Cheesy Turtle and Screamer tented there. The owner allowed them to stay. I plugged my phone in and got water to eat breakfast. I was back on the trail at 8:30 and got some trail magic in the way of a banana, grapes, Gatorade and Oreo cookies. Water is a little scarce so I have been filling up every chance I get. Learned that Ginder Snap contracted Lyme Disease which is pretty common among us hikers. She was treated and I think she is back on the trail. I got to the shelter before this one and filled all of my bottles with water which was a great idea as when I got here the water source is bone dry. Expecting heavy thunderstorms with large hail and we are under a tornado watch also. I wanted to go 4 more miles to a campsite but stayed here to be safe. Got a fire going, have had dinner and have my tent set up in the shelter to keep the bugs off of me. No one else here yet so I might have to camp alone again.
Date: 2012-07-27
From: Mt Wilcox, North Shelter

To: October Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 22.8

Up and out at 6:05 am. The terrible storm never materialized. Things are wet though as it did rain throughout the night. Wet and misty all day but did walk through a lush forest floor where I could see the trail wind through it from up top. Really was an incredible path. Ginder Snap is back on the trail but moving slow. I got to Upper Goose Pond and found Falls, Slim Pilgrim and Oliver Twist taking a break. It was only 1:00 pm and I had already gone 14 miles. No sense in stopping early so I pushed on. I ran into Mom, who is slackpacking her son Tank, as she waits for him she hands out soda and water to the other hikers. What a trail angel. Pushed on to here where it looks pretty packed. Had dinner and plan on an even earlier start to get to Dalton before noon to get my mail drop and have my cousin Sheila pick me up. Can't wait.
Date: 2012-07-28
From: October Mt. Shelter

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: thunderstorm with rain

Left at 5:45 am to cloudy skies. My first stop was at the "Cookie Lady's" house to get water. It was early so I didn't expect to meet her, but her deaf dog Rufus let her know I was there and she gave me my cookies. She has been giving out cookies for years. She also sells hard boiled eggs, soda, ice cream and pick your own blueberries. I moved on and just kept walking into Dalton where I stopped at the Cumberland Farms convenience store and bought 2 sandwiches and a quart of chocolate milk. Went to the PO next got my packages and called Sheila to pick me up. She showed up just after it started to rain. Got to the house where I took a shower and just relaxed. Found out she lives closer to Chesire than Dalton so I will slack pack the 8 miles on Monday. Nice to be with family, especially family that I haven't seen in a long time.
Date: 2012-07-29
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A big fat zero day. I slept in until 7:30. It has been a while since I slept so late. Did a bunch of shopping today and I am still under budget. It is supposed to rain through Wednesday. Lord knows it is needed up here. Will go through my gear today and tomorrow and get everything updated like the new ziplocks for everything and to send my warm weather gear home. Don't know what we are going to do later but I am sure it will involve food. Sheila and her boyfriend Don love to eat as much as hikers love to eat. Easy 8 miles tomorrow then another zero day.
Date: 2012-07-30
From: Dalton, MA

To: Chesire, MA
Miles today: 9.4

Took a quick walk today to help break in my new shoes. I started at 7:30 and was done at 11:30. Didn't see but 3 hikers, 2 northbounders and 1 southbounder. It has been a great day with the sun finally coming out, When I got back to the house I took the hose to my backpack to get some of the stench out of it along with my rain jacket. We then went to Applebees for dinner then a stop at the mall. I can recognize a thru-hiker right away. Beards and Crocs give it away. I have run into them just about everywhere. Watched some of the Olympics the last couple of days. More TV in the last 3 days than the last 4 months combined. Go USA.
Date: 2012-07-31
From: Chesire, MA

To: Chesire, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in until 8:00 am. Spent the morning watching the Olympics. Sheila and Don are both working. Going to put my gear together and get ready to leave in the morning. Will run to the post office later and hit the store 1 more time. Finally found some Nido which is a whole dry milk. Taste really good. Sheila and Don took me to a Chinese buffet and we chowed down. Watched some more of the Olympics and am off to bed.
Date: 2012-08-01
From: Chesire, MA

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early to say goodbye to Sheila and to finish packing up before Leigh, her daughter, picked me up. I wish I would be here for her wedding but that is still 3 1/2 weeks away so not financially possible. My pack has never been so heavy. I have a ton of food plus the apples Sheila bought for the other hikers. Passionflower wanted me to go further to catch up to her but there was no way with all that weight. Full house here tonight. Spiceman, Rhino, Socks and Ranger Bill have caught up to me. Seeing a lot of southbounders now also. There is also a couple of college students here also. 1 of them is from Norway and her friend speaks Norweigan also so it was cool to listen to them. Time for bed.
Date: 2012-08-02
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warnar Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left at about 7:15. Didn't eat enough food yesterday even though it was around 3 pounds of it. First off was the climb to the summit of Mt. Greylock which is the highest in Mass. It is the first time we have been over 3,000 feet since the Shenendoah. Caught up to Spiceman and Rhino there and hiked with them as far as MA2 where they headed to town to resupply. I hiked the last 7 miles by myself and met up with Passionflower here at the shelter. Busy at this shelter too. Almost forgot I entered Vermont also today so 11 states down 3 to go. The Long Trail starts there also. It will run with the AT for 105 miles before turning more north to go to Canada. Several more Sobo's here tonight along with a couple just starting the Long Trail. It is starting to get dark so I will say goodnight.
Date: 2012-08-03
From: Seth Warnar Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got to sleep in until 7:00. With only 13 miles to do we took it easy. My left ankle was giving me problems early then my right knee, actually the back of the knee started to hurt on the steep descent towards the end of the day. Walked by a pond today that was higher then we were. We were actually walking on a boardwalk next to a beaver dam that was about 300 ft. long. The water level was up to my waist. It was weird too look at the water that high next to us. As usual we had a long steep climb at the end of the day. I am tented by myself away from the shelter so that it will be quieter. There also weren't may tent sites and this one is closer to the water source which is a good small stream. Have a good night.
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Up and on the trail by 5:50. Started early because my right knee is killing me. Today was the most painful day of my whole trip. I hiked continually for 8.5 miles and had my second breakfast of mashed potatoes with Slim Jims. This shelter even had a piped spring which I haven't seen in quite a while. I then hiked to the next shelter 4.3 miles away and had 2 packets of Ramen noodles for lunch. There was a nice view there also. The last 4.6 miles to here was the quickest and easiest. A thunderstorm was moving in but the terrain was the easiest all day. Got here and had turkey tetrazini on tortillas which was really good. This is the first time I had 4 hot meals in one day on the trail. It is getting dark and I have another long day tomorrow so I will say goodnight everyone.
Date: 2012-08-05
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Sprice Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Still moving slow today but knee feeling better. Had our biggest climb in a while of 1,800 feet up and over Straton Mt. where James Taylor came up with the idea of Long Trail in 1909 and Benton McKaye came up with the idea of the Appalachian Trail in 1921. It was very hazy when I went up the tower so I couldn't get any pics. Seeing I didn't take a break all the way there I took an hour break. I then hiked the last 10 miles straight through with no break. Hit some rain but kept going seeing there was no lightining. Calling for a big storm tonight and this shelter has a nice front porch so Passionflower and I set our tents up on it. Hopefully we will stay dry if the wind isn't bad.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Sprice Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: broken clouds

Forgot to mention we hit the 3/4 mark yesterday. It was cool congratulating the Sobo;s and completing the first 1/4 of their journey. Had a good rain for about an hour last night and out tents stayed pretty dry under the porch. We took our time this morning as we only had 2.8 to get to the road to hitch hike into town. Within 5 minutes we had 2 vehicles pull over at the same time and all 4 of us got a ride. We hit breakfast first at the Up for Breakfast Restaurant which was the best breakfast I had since Mountain Harbor B&B and hostel. We then did our shopping and called Jeff the owner of Green Mountain House Hostel and he came to pick up the 4 of us. He couldn't believe how much food we brought. We got here and got our showers and prepped dinner of vegetarian lasagne, grilled squash and zucchini, grilled cubed steak and many appetizers, too many to list. We fed the whole house. 14 people here. I will definitely be back here when I do my section hike. It is after 10 pm so I better get to bed as I have to get up early to cook Honey Bun French Toast for everyone.
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Cooked everyone breakfast this morning and it sounds like everyone was happy. With so many of us Jeff had to make 3 trips. Passionflower, Sparky, Owl (southbound) and myself got the last ride so we didn't get on the trail until 10 am. We made our first stop 45 minutes later and sat there for about 30 minutes then we made our climb up to Bromley Mountain to where the ski lifts are and had an early lunch which took about an hour. As we started down the mountain Sparky fell. It was a funny fall as like when a dog smells something on the ground and just lays on it to get the smell on themselves. We had a good laugh at that one. Our next adventure was the steep rock climb up to Baker Peak. What a great view. Vermont is beautiful. After taking in the beauty we hiked the 2 miles to the shelter. I had my instant mashed potatoes with Slim Jims cut up and am now ready for bed.
Date: 2012-08-08
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in some and started to pack up. Passionflower and Sparky left 20 minutes before I did. Spiceman woke up with vertigo so Rhino and Socks stayed at the shelter with him. I hope he's alright. I hiked the 5 miles to Little Rock Pond. I missed the trail to the shelter so I just sat next to the lake for my first lunch. 4 miles after leaving I ran into Ranger Bill, Roboticus, Croc Hunter and Ranger Bill's friend Dehydrator. It was great to see them again. To see Roboticus and Croc Hunter I had to go off trail to the White Rocks Cliff. Great view from there. By this point I am confused becasue they haven't seen Sparky or Passionflower. I think I might have passed them at Little Rock Pond. I got here to the shelter and they weren't here, so I did pass them. Got camp set up and had dinner when they got here. I am looking at the day count and realize it has been 20 weeks since I have started this adventure. It looks like I only have 6 more weeks to go. Getting dark so you know what that means.
Date: 2012-08-09
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Left this morning to a light rain. 4 of us, Passionflower, Heartfire, Sparky and myself decided to go to the Whistle Stop Restaurant for breakfast. Just before we crossed the suspension bridge before the road Passionflower got stung by a bee. When we got to the restaurant we got ice to put on her ankle and then had a great breakfast. Gyp C Girl and Funny Bone joined us a short time later. It stopped raining by the time we left. When we got to Cold River Road there was a detour because of Hurricane Irene last year but we just ignored it and took our chances on the closed trail as some Sobo's told us we could make it. There was a couple big chunks of trail gone along with the Robinson Brook Bridge and another large chunck of the road. Must have been a lot of rain to do that much damage. We got to this shelter just before the storm hit and of course the roof leaked so I put my tent cover over the top bunk and went down to the bottom bunk with a girl that is southbound. We stayed dry there so I writing this entry. Weather suppose to be wet for a couple of days. We will see.
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 8.1

Yesterday I hit 500 miles to go and today I hit 1,700 miles done. Took off early this morning and went on the wrong trail, I ended up on the ski slopes. I was only 15 minutes out when I realized my error and turned around. They were calling for more rain today so I hoped I could get here before it started. Took a break at the Churchill Scott Shelter where Sparky and Passionflower caught up to me. Sparky stopped for water while Passionflower and I kept going. We reached Maine Junction where the Long Trail splits off toward Canada and still no Sparky as they were going a little futher than me. I got my camp set up, a much needed shower and laundry and walked to the Killington Market and Deli. The sandwich I ordered was huge so I will have the other half for dinner. I then went to the PO and walked back here to the campground where it has been raining off and on. Don't know how far I am going tomorrow but plan on being in Hanover, New Hampshire on Monday. Hope the weather cooperates.
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

Didn't rain much last night. I am glad about that. Everything was wet though. Took my time packing up. Got out at 8:00 am. Avoided another Irene reroute but couldn't bypass the next one. I looked for white blazes for 1/2 an hour but all I could find was an AT survey monument so I went on the road bypass which is white blazed. The guide was a little off the last couple of days, I believe I did a couple less miles than stated yesterday but more miles than stated today to make up for yesterday. Had some good climbs today plus many smaller ones. About 2/3 of the way through I found out Sparky and Passionflower were slackpacking and didn't start until 11:30. I think they might catch us tomorrow. One interesting part of the trail today involved an aluminum extention ladder to get down a rock face. I had to get a couple of pics of that. Here at the shelter with Goat, Thumper, Stumbles and a couple of others. We'll get an earlier start tomorrow.
Date: 2012-08-12
From: Winturri Shelter

To: West Hartford, VA
Miles today: 16.4

Hit the trail at 7:10. Several steep climbs today, Ran into several Sobo's today that started in early July. I wonder if there will be any more sobo bubbles. Just a lot of walking today. The blackberries are everywhere the last couple of days and I have been eating my share. Some really good views today also. Camping in the backyard of someone's house in West Hartford, VT. There is a nice brook and they have steps down into a waist deep pool. Irene did a ton of damage here last year. There was 4 feet of water in the house and 6 feet of water in the shop. There was also 18 inches of mud they needed to remove out of their yard. Had a great sandwich at the deli then went back later for a quart of ice cream. Passionflower and Sparky are here now too. Will be heading into New Hampshire tomorrow and staying in Hanover. Might take a zero there also. We will see. Have a good night.
Date: 2012-08-13
From: West Hartford, VA

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Left West Hartford and headed to New Hampshire. The terrain today has been fairly level. A couple of small climbs on a short day. We got to Norwich, VT where we started our road walk. There were a couple of homes with trail magic set up by their mailboxes. When we got to the Conneticut River we said goodbye to Vermont and hello to New Hampshire. We then walked into Hanover which is home to Dartmouth College. We went to the outfitter first where we got a free snickers bar. I then left Sparky and Passionflower and headed to Ramuntos Pizza to get a free slice and to buy a second with a soda. From there I went to the Richard Black Community Center to get a shower and do laundry for $5. I then went shopping at the Co-Op food store and hiked here. I am with Longstride, Silvergirl, Sleepy, Ranger Bill, Dehydrator, and White Wolf.
Date: 2012-08-14
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a fairly early start. The sun is coming up later so I am sleeping later. I am starting to smell ammonia in my pack which is from my sweat which is not good. My body is starting to eat itself so I have increased my protein intake. This should help in a couple of days. Water was a little further apart today but not too bad. Had a couple of climbs over 1000 feet today which I will have to start getting used to again. Today it was Moose Mt and then up to Holts Ledge. It feels good to be up in the higher elevations again and to see some of these stunning views. I haven't seen any moose yet, but I have seen some moose prints and some moose dung (poop). Decided to set my tent up on the shelter since they are calling for rain and no one else is staying in it. It is only 12 miles to the next shelter so I am going to try to go past it and stealth camp somewhere. It all depends on how I feel and the weather.
Date: 2012-08-15
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: A woods road
Miles today: 16.4

Got a late start this morning. Was in no rush as I could do as little as 12 miles if I had to. I had 2 big climbs today of 2,300 and 1,500 feet. The first one was pretty casual as I climbed to the top of Smarts Mt. Which has a firetower we can climb up and into. Got some really nice pics up there. Had lunch in the Fire Wardens Cabin Shelter then made my descent before climbing up Mt Cube. This was a fun rock climb and the views were stupendous. 2 times I had thought I had reached the summit but I just kept climbing. I pushed on to here. I am camped at an old homestead. Nothing left but the rock walls of the storm cellars. It is getting dark earlier so my days are getting shorter. Will be in Glencliff, NH tomorrow for my food drop. Off to bed.
Date: 2012-08-16
From: A woods road

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice early day. Headed into Glencliff to get a mail drop. I camped near a gravel road last night thinking it would be quiet but I could hear and see a couple of people walking down it. Just 1 little mountain to climb Mt. Mist then down into Glencliff. About a mile from the road a couple told me of a bee nest under a rock in the trail, She got stung twice. A little while later Squatch, the one doing the documentary, said he got stung. I then caught up to Head-n-Out and we hiked together as we kept an eye out for the nest. I was in front and the next thing I know he is yelling and I started running. He got stung once, We got here to the hostel where I met Bag of Tricks and Baltimore Jack, a couple of trail celebs. They were running the hostel while the owner was away. Quite a few people here tonight. Solo who I haven't seen since Virginia. I also finally met Trekking Pole, Sunkist, Tater Tot and Pants on Fire who I have been following in the registers. Going to climb our first mountain of the Whites, Mt Moosilauke, tomorrow. I have been hearing horror stories about the terrain. I am looking forward to the challenge. Hope I get up and over before the rain and get a good view.
Date: 2012-08-17
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't sleep very well last night. Went to the fridge at midnight and ate 4 ice cream sandwiches. An hour later I was asleep. Got packed up and left at 8:40. The beginning of the climb was super easy. I took my time and just had fun. It was a 3,750 foot ascent. The last 1,000 feet got pretty steep but the added protein in my diet seems to be giving me more energy as I had no problem making the climb. Above tree line the view was amazing. Longstride pointed out the Franconia Ridge which I will be on in a couple of days as I enter the Presidential Range. It was hazy today but I think the weather is supposed to clear up this weekend. We sat on the summit for about an hour. It's neat seeing the old foundations of the lodge that used to be up here and all of the large rock cairns along the trail. We have a nice view of Franconia Ridge from the shelter I am staying in tonight. The temps are also getting cooler as we see the higher elevations. Can't wait for another day of adventure.