morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Route 4 - Inn at the Long Trail

To: Stoney Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

2017 Miles = 10Total AT Miles Completed = 1710.8Percentage of AT Completed = 78.2%The Yellow Deli is run by a group of people who live by a Native American based spirituality and philosophy.  I did not ask about their beliefs, nor did I wish to engage with them.  Men and women live in common community on the premises, and all take a servant¢s attitude toward customers of the restaurant and the hikers who stay at the hostel.  The women dress very modestly with a look of early American pioneer days, with unsettled long hair pulled back, and the men all have beards.  Most notable is their exceeding kindness and gentleness toward each other and their customers, going out of their way to help them.  They are meticulous about everything they do, ensuring the quality of their efforts.  This is reflected in the healthy food they serve in the restaurant, and the caring attitude of the staff.  Hikers are fed a free breakfast in the morning, relying solely on donations.  A hiker cannot leave without feeling good about the place.  Even though there are twelve hikers here, the donations jar in the hostel didn't seem to have much money in it.  I inquired about a shuttle to the trail, only to learn that the regional bus system has a route that will take me for two dollars.  What's more, the bus garage is right out the hostel¢s back door.  So after the driver let me off, I'm standing in the same place I left a year ago. I struggled today, being the first day out.  Only ten miles to Stoney Brook Shelter but I was spent.
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Stoney Brook Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 Miles = 19.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1720.7Percentage of AT Completed = 78.6%Last evening two thru hikers came in. They both are young twenty something and in incredible shape, and are doing 25 to 30 mile days.  That's the main advantage thru hikers have over section hikers, they get and stay in shape the entire hike. Section hikers have to start from scratch every time they start a new section.  I intentionally planed low miles and this is just my second day, and I am struggling.  I awoke this morning to the sound of rain on the metal roof of the shelter.  Still sore from yesterday, I pack up early and am hiking by 5:50am.  North of route 4 where I started, the terrain is noticeably steeper. I am headed for the difficulty of the white mountains of New Hampshire. I finished the 9.9 miles today and am spent again.  I considered going farther but my body won't cooperate.  I am at the Wintturi Shelter alone resting through the afternoon. At 6:30 this evening, a young couple Jiberish and Moonshine, and their dog Nina came in just as the rain started.  They started thru hiking in Georgia on February 3rd, and the dog, a husky, has been with them the entire way. They set up their tent inside the shelter generally a no no, but they said it keeps the dog confined.
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

2017 Miles = 31.5Total AT Miles Completed = 1733.0Percentage of AT Completed = 79.1%This is the second morning I've awoken to rain, which is why I've decided to stay in the shelter rather than tent.  It's just easier to get packed up in the morning. Rain off and on all morning until I got to the top of an open bald (a mountain top that's open, no trees), the sun finally broke out.  I felt a little better today, covering the twelve miles with less effort than yesterday. At mile 1730 I decided to hike up to the Cloudland Market, just two-tenths up from the road crossing, for a pint of chocolate ice cream. O was it welcome.  Thistle Hill Shelter is set in a beautiful woods, and there is excellent cell reception.  I even did a FaceTime call with Yvonne and showed her around the shelter. That make being away much easier.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Thistle Hill Shelter 

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter 
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

2017 Miles = 47.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1748.4Percentage of AT Completed = 79.9%I knew the Zimmerman's Clothing Store in Hanover would be open at noon today and having sent my resupply box there, I wanted to be sure I got there with plenty of time to spare.  I'm up at 4:00am, surprisingly the sky is already getting light. I'm hiking by 5:00am and it's a beautiful calm morning.  It's 14 miles into Hanover from Thistle Hill Shelter so I want to keep moving.  Coming off the trail onto Elm Street in Norwich, the town before Hanover, several residents have left trail magic by their driveways at the road, ice cold cans of Coke, fruit and cookies. It's a two mile road walk to the Connecticut River, the Vermont New Hampshire border. I am excited to finish my twelfth state. Only two states to go.  I walk into Hanover and Dartmouth College is on the left. It is the oldest and one of the most prestigious colleges in America. The streets are filled with young people with a certain air of New England classiness. I walk down the street, looking for Zimmerman's.  I walk in and the store manager is very amicable, and apparently is a hiker himself. We talk while I sort my re-supplies into my pack. He offers to charge my cell phone.  He offers to keep my pack in the store while I look about town and get something to eat.  Runitos Pizzeria offers a free slice of pizza to hikers. I take that and order a Mediterranean style pizza besides.  I collect my pack and head out of town to Velvet Rocks Shelter.  It's been a big day and I am tired. I didn't realize there's no water at the shelter, so I have to make another excursion to find water nearly a mile away.  I retire at 5:30.
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter 

To: Trapper John Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

2017 Miles = 63.5Total AT Miles Completed = 1764.3Percentage of AT Completed = 80.6%As you can see above, I've now completed 80% of the AT¢s total length.  It has been suggested by many others that the first 80% requires only 20% of the effort, and the last 20% requires 80% of the effort. Now that I've been out here for five days, I firmly believe that.  Today I had two 1500¢ climbs. That may not sound bad but the difference here is the steepness.   The trails run straight up the mountains.  Do the people of New Hampshire know what a switchback is?  Just after I left Velvet Rocks shelter this morning, I happened upon Astro, who was getting water from a stream. Astro is a fellow Whiteblazer, a hikers forum.  He had written that I might run across him on the trail.  I pulled into Trapper John shelter at two o'clock.  I set up my tent and crawled in for much needed rest.
Date: 2017-06-27
From: Trapper John Shelter 

To: Hexacuba Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

2017 Miles = 74.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1775.6Percentage of AT Completed = 81.1%Each year I tryout a different pair of shoes.  This year I went with Altra Lone Peak 3.5¢s, which are very light weight trail running shoes. Of all the shoes I've tried, these have the best grip on smooth rocks.  I am please with their performance so far.  That said, I took my first fall today on Holts Ledges, an area of large slabs of smooth rock.  No damage done except for a skinned right knee. It definitely drew blood, but just. Leaned it of with hand sanitizer.  Hexacuba is a unique shelter. As it name implies, it's six sided about 24¢ across, and constructed of logs. its quite large, capable of housing eight hikers. That's a good feature because the terrain is very sloped. There are six in the shelter arranged in a semi circular fashion.  All the talk is about Mt. Moosilauke, a steep 4000¢ climb coming up the day after tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Hexacuba Shelter 

To: NH25 - Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 Miles = 90.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1791.1Percentage of AT Completed = 81.8% This morning I encountered the most amazing example of trail magic I've seen on the entire trail.  At Cape Moonshine Road at mile 1783.1, a trail angel named Carl The Omelette Guy has set up a small haven consisting of several tarps, under which is a Coleman stove, a table holding a variety of cookies, donuts, another with gallons of orange juice, tea, and water. And then there is a cabinet holding dozens and more dozens of eggs.  On top of the stove is a kettle of hot coffee and a frying pan ready for cooking.  As I approached this little respite in the woods, I see a sign that says, Welcome to the Whites, in reference to the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  Under the sign there is a vase of flowers, Carl is seated in a chase lounge reading. Soft music emanates from under the tarp.  Carl looks up and greets me with a big welcome.  I've just hiked for five miles and am ready for a break.  He asks if I'd like a hot cup of coffee, or orange juice.  Then asks if I'd like an omelette with peppers onions cheese, and as many eggs as I'd like. He's not kidding. He said the record number of eggs he's made for a hiker is 28!  Do I want to try breaking that record?  I settle for three eggs, and a pancake.  Carl insists he will not take a donation.  He just wants to help hikers.  That afternoon I make it to the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Pack rat has converted a 1832 house into his residence, with an attached addition that house eight bunks upstairs an a community room below.  He's also built a fabulous separate bunkhouse next door in rustic style.  There six of us here this evening and we order sandwiches from a local 7-11 store. I turn in early. Also, as I don't have a good cell signal, I can't add photos at this time.
Date: 2017-06-29
From: NH25 - Hikers Welcome Hostel 

To: NH25 - Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

2017 Miles = 99.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1800.4Percentage of AT Completed = 82.2%This morning four of us decide to slack pack Mt. Mossilauke, the first of very formidable mountains in ¢the Whites¢. Slackpacking is not carrying everything in your pack, but only what is needed for the day, such as snacks and water.  Mossilauke is definitely one to slack pack. Both sides of the mountain is very steep, so much so one has to hang onto rebar set into the rock ledge in order to climb.  The mountain does moderate after a mile or so.  It climbs quickly up through deciduous forest, changing over to alpine spruce.  The trees become shorter and shorter from towering to head height, then eventually two feet high.  Suddenly there are no trees at all, only grassed slopes. There are no more trees to mark blazes upon, and now the trail is blaze with rock cairns. Cairns are unmistakable man made piles of stones in pyramid shape to mark the way.  The last thousand feet of mountain offers a full 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains, the majesty of which stirs the soul.  The moment the trees disappear the wind howls ferociously and the temperature drops noticeably.  The summer tee shirt is quickly covered with a winter jacket and hood.  At the summit safety wells created by the forest service provide refuge for hikers caught in adverse conditions.  I check my phone for cell service and as usual, is very good at high elevations. I am able to FaceTime with my wife back home, and shoe her the mountain in real time as I walk.  Hostels are the most interesting places to stay.  Around the community table are hikers from Florida, Michigan, Indiana, Germany, and France. We trade stories from the AT as well as abroad.
Date: 2017-06-30
From: NH25 - Hikers Welcome Hostel 

To: NH25 - Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

2017 Miles = 99.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1800.4Percentage of AT Completed = 82.2%It's a lazy day today, I am taking a zero. That's a non-hiking day to rest my legs.  My legs are so sore at night, I have trouble sleeping.  I nap through the day and plan my days ahead.
Date: 2017-07-01
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

2017 Miles = 107.1Total AT Miles Completed = 1807.9Percentage of AT Completed = 82.6%I've made such good friends at the Hikers Welcome Hostel the last three days, it's difficult to say goodbye.  Packrat drove five of us to Kinsman Notch, from which I will continue north.  It is only 7.5 miles from The notch to Eliza Brook Shelter, my next planned stop. I intentionality reduced mileage because I've heard the Whites are quite difficult.  I found out today they are difficult indeed.  I always timed my mileage to be between 2.25 to 2.75 mph, but this terrain cuts that drastically.  Today I averaged 1.25 mph.  Halfway through today's hike, the rain began lightly, just enough to make the rocks slippery.  I finally got to Eliza Brook, stepped into the stream, filled my water containers, and walked to the shelter at 1:00pm. Over the next two hours the rain intensifies.  Two southbound era come in, and 3 northbounders as well.  As the afternoon progresses, we begin to hear a roaring sound. We thought at first it was thunder, but was too constant.  The Brook had turned into a raging river, rising 6 to eight feet.  Some other tenters have to move as the rising waters threaten their sites at the rivers edge. If the water does not recede tonight, I will not be able to continue tomorrow.   In the shelter two of the northbounders are from France.  One is Froggie, whom I met at the Hikers Welcome Hostel, and the other is a young lean fellow. The two of them laugh, review trail maps, and converse in French through the evening.
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Franconia Notch - Notch Hostel 

To: Liberty Spring Tent Site
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: scattered clouds

2017 Miles = 126.2Total AT Miles Completed = 1827.0Percentage of AT Completed = 83.5%Last evening a few of us hikers were discussing strategy for walking the Whites. The 10.3 miles from Franconia Notch to the Garfield Shelter, based on previous days hikes, seemed too aggressive. So this morning, I climbed out of the notch to the Liberty Springs Tent site. From the drop off point this is only four miles, but the remaining seven miles tomorrow will be much more enjoyable.  Halfway up the trail out of the Notch, I had still another stream to ford.  This time I took off my socks and forded with just my shoes.  When I checked in with Rachael the caretaker, she did not charge me the fee, since I bought AMC¢s orange card. You pay $10 for the card at the first pay site, then it's only $5 for the next time one stays at a pay site.  Additionally, the card is good for free soup and cookies at the Huts.  The ten tent sites are all wood platforms, as it would be impossible to pitch a tent on the steep terrain. Before I left to hike, I bought six little screw eyes, and they have proved useful for holding lines such as on a platform.  Rachel tells me all platforms will be full tonight since this is the holiday.
Date: 2017-07-04
From: Liberty Spring Tent Site

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

2017 Miles = 135.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1836.6Percentage of AT Completed = 83.9%The morning is cool so I put on my long sleeve silk top under my wool tee, and my polypropylene long underwear, under my shorts.  This is summer, right?  Today I climb Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Lafayette. As soon as I got above tree line, dark clouds hit the mountains and the wind surely was 100 mph. Of course cell phone reception is excellent at 5800¢ so I FaceTime Yvonne at 7:30 in the morning. She is still in bed but takes the call.  She is amazed at the mountains and the wind blowing so hard. FaceTime is a wonderful way to share the moment.  I realize I am getting close to Galehead Hut and it is close to 3:00 pm, the earliest the Hut ¢croo¢ will accept hikers who wish to work for stay.  I timed my arrival for 3:05, hoping I wouldn't be turned down. Arrive too early, and the hiker will be refused.  The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) runs eight huts across the White Mountains, and this is the first I've seen.  The Huts operate on solar electric lighting which keeps batteries charged. In the event of several cloudy days, there USA propane generator.  The restrooms are very nice, though the toilets are composting type. They are clean enough I didn't mind sitting on them.  They have a full kitchen capable of preparing dinner and breakfast for all guests.  A helicopter lifts propane tanks in the spring each year.  Meals are served at long picnic style tables. Sleeping arrangements are bunk beds.  For all this the guest will pay approximately $140 for the evening. As a work for stay hiker, I am obligated to perform some task the croo chooses, usually lasting 30 minutes. My task tonite is to wash some pots and pans from the evening meal.  Dinner is served at seven for the guests, but the three of us hikers have to wait until all the guests are finished, so we eat at 8:00.  Neither do we get a bunk to sleep in. 9:30 is ¢lights out¢.  Just before we lay out our mats and sleeping bags on the floor under the dining tables.  I didn't mind the floor at all; it gave me room to sprawl.  Not a bad deal for hikers.
Date: 2017-07-05
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 Miles = 150.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1850.8Percentage of AT Completed = 84.5%We also are entitled to a free breakfast, but the guests are served at seven, and the hikers have to wait around until 8:00 am to eat.  I need to make some miles today so I choose to leave early, at 6:00am.  The hiker assigned the morning chore must wait around.  I am planning my way through the Whites, and I need to get to Crawford Notch.  I make it by 4:00.  I plan to stealth camp near the highway. One of the other hikers at the Hut, a southbounder, told me about this site. I am near the highway but the traffic sounds don't bother me.
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Crawford Notch 

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 Miles = 161.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1862.6Percentage of AT Completed = 85.1%I almost dread today because it will be eleven miles uphill. I hope to make it to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut.  The first two hours up from Crawford Notch were brutal but the rest of the day was above tree line and was so spectacular, it was truly enjoyable.  The alpine region reminds me of a moonscape, and the open view of the mountains have an ecosystem of their own.  The naturalist at the Hut explained that tiny low growing plants survive in high winds.  The climate at Crawford Notch this morning was much like Ohio, warm and muggy.  The higher I climbed, the humidity left the air and the temperature dropped.  On the high summits, temps were in the low 60¢s. Thankfully the winds today were very light.  I arrived at the Hut around 2:00 wet from sweat, and I chilled very quickly. None of my clothes seemed enough, nor did the two bowls of bean soup I bought.  As do most Hikers do, I asked to do a work for stay. But feeling the need to lie down, I decided to spring for a bunk, which also gets me hot dinner and breakfast, and I don't have to work.  As I was eating dinner, I felt sorry for the Hikers sitting in the corner waiting for their turn to eat the leftovers. I retire early, and glad to be in safe from the wicked weather that can turn at any moment.  The sun is setting beautifully but there is a heavy black cloud over Mt. Washington.  I'm headed up there tomorrow morning.
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: fog

2017 Miles = 169.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1870.4Percentage of AT Completed = 85.4%As the morning light grew stronger, I looked from my bunk out the window to check the weather.   The high summits have a way of changing quickly.  I grew concerned that I couldn't see anything but fog, and a whistling wind.  I finally got up and walked outside and was surprised to find just a few clouds, and calm winds. Looks like the day will be ok after all.  After a Hut breakfast of oatmeal, bacon and eggs, I was ready to go. The walk up Mt. Washington seemed so dramatic; I've been watching the weather observatory towers for miles as I approached. On reaching the summit, I felt a little let down seeing a restaurant, a parking lot, and of all things today, there were car races on the motor road.  The inaccessibility of the summit, and the accessibility of the road just don't seem to mix.  The White Mountain alpine region is truly a sight to behold, but hiking through it will destroy anyone's knees.  Just 10.3 miles from Lakes of the Clouds Hut to the Osgood Tenting site made me ache to high heaven.  I glad tomorrow is a short five miles to Pinkham Notch and the Joe Dodge Lodge.
Date: 2017-07-08
From: Osgood Tent Site

To: Pinkham Notch Visitors Center 
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: overcast clouds

2017 Miles = 182.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1883.5Percentage of AT Completed = 86.0%A lot of the concern I have during this hike is whether I have the ability to complete what I started. Yesterday was very challenging and this morning I felt extremely worn out, not having enough time to recuperate.  Thankfully from the Osgood Tent Site to Pinkham Notch is only 4.5 miles downhill. I arrived at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center in enough time for their all-you-can-eat breakfast.  So today is really a nero day.  I asked to get into my room early at the Joe Dodge Lodge, but they refused until 3:00 pm.  I sat on the center¢s porch looking at the mountains across the road, and wondered to myself, ¢am I able to do this hike?¢  As I look at my AT Guide, the next section is the Wildcats and Carter Dome.  The elevation change is steep and crazy.  I actually had thoughts of quitting, it was too difficult.  One of the other hikers said she was going to ride the gondola car to the peak B of Wildcat, then go from there. I considered riding up, then slack back down to the lodge, then ride up again with my pack and continue on.  It always help to eat well, and the Lodge provides dinner with the room.  Dinner was baked chicken, root vegetables, saut©ed whole mushrooms, and various breads.  I now have a confession to make.  A week ago at the Eliza Brook Shelter, I left that morning and totally forgot my nice $180 Packa raincoat.  It finally occurred to me halfway up Kinsman Mountain.  Kinsman is so difficult, I said I just can't go back and get it.  At the top of Kinsman I phoned Yvonne and asked her to mail my other rain jacket to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. That means I went four days above tree line with no rain coat. Had I gotten into trouble, the New Hampshire rescue crew would've made me pay for my rescue because I was ill prepared.  Fortunately not a sign of rain during those days.  Went to bed early to recoup my legs.
Date: 2017-07-09
From: Pinkham Notch Visitors Center 

To: Imp Tent Site
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

2017 Miles = 190.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1891.5Percentage of AT Completed = 86.4%At breakfast this morning Stumbles-a-lot said she was still going up on the gondola, but we found out it doesn't start running until 10:00 am. Her husband looked at me and said, ¢come on let's hike it together.  So the two of us crossed the highway and started up Wildcat.  After all the rest I got last night I actually felt good this morning. We worked our way up the mountain and got to the upper gondola platform 15 minutes before it started for the day.  I really felt good about that.  He stayed behind and waited for his wife, and I went on.  After a stop at Carter Notch Hut for a bowl of potato soup and brownies, I continued on, more confident in myself.  My goal today is 13 miles to the Imp Campsite, especially since the last portion of the day¢s hike is downhill.  The last two miles started down, but soon became so steep, I was sliding down rock precipices fearing I might lose footing.  The day¢s hike beat my legs up again.  I got to the campsite at 6:00pm, ate, and retired in the shelter in a cold wind.