morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-20
To: training
Miles today: 0.0

It is April 20 2017, and I am in the training mode for me to finish the last 400 miles of the trail that I did not complete in 2015. I will be starting again in mid June in VT, I will be hiking with Special Ed. it has been a tough winter to hike, we still have ice on the trails (see photo). I will be going north. In 2015 I had to exit the trail, because my body gave out on me. In Sept of 2016 I had a new hip installed. NO PAIN
Date: 2017-06-13
From: home

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

It's great to be back on the trail. After a 22 months off, to have a right new hip installed.It was great to hike with Special ED. Started hiking at about 1145 at VT 140 in Wallingford.The weather was warm, in the upper 80's. The first climb was Bear Mt. We arrived at the shelter at 1645. Total climbs for the day were 1470, and descends 1410. left great By the photo today, you can tell that we had some nice weather, had shots of the Rutland Airport, a great suspension bridge with views, and a great shot of Special ED at the shelter
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Left camp at 0655, great weather for hiking mid 70's. Had lunch at the Governor Clemet Shelter. Then went up over Killington, a 2000 foot climb in 4.3 miles. Took break at the Copper Shelter, the side trail to the peak of Killington was .2 miles and steep, declined. Arrived at Churchill Shelter at 1715. Total ascends were 3100 and descends were 1680. Met SOBO and NOBO hikers on the LT and AT, which run together. Along the way today we had to go in a cow pasture, no cows, had to climb stairs.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Churchill Shelter

To: Stony Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Left camp at 0710 and continued down the rest of Killington, crossed Rte 4. Stopped for lunch at Gifford State Park, the staff was very helpful, plenty of fresh water. Then we went by Kent Pond (see top 2 photos)Then we did Quimby Mt. a 1660 foot climb in .5 miles. The weather was in the mid 70's. Arrived at the shelter at 1630. Total ascends were 2770 and descends were 1860.  We had 1 quite view and saw some nice flowers.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Stony Creek Shelter

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

It rained all night, and all day. The hiking was wet. Left camp at 0800. Reached shelter at 1400, put on dry clothes, felt great. There were no views today. Total climbs were 1280, and descends were 1130. While at the shelter this bunny came over to visit
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Winturri Shelter

To: VT Rte 112
Miles today: 4.0

It rained all night again, it stopped before leaved camp at 0810, everything was wet. Arrived at VT Rte 112 at 1010, stopped at farm stand for food, total descends were 1030, it was cloudy today no views. I will be getting off trail now for awhile. Hitched a ride to Woodstock to call and get a ride home. It was great hiking the past 5 days with Special Ed. Todays photo is as you approach VT Rte 112.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: home

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 10.8

I have started my 2018 hike to finish the AT trail. Started hiking at Etna-Hanover Rd. and finish today at Trapper John Shelter 10.8 miles today. Went over Moose Mt. no real views. The weather was very humid and buggy. Total gain was 2425 and loss was 1923. Started at 0820 and finished at 1545. at the shelter was also a NOBO thru hiker an 2 other section hikers. The photos are of some flowers and the view from Moose Mt and of Mink Brook. It would have been great to have Woody an Special Ed with me.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

It rained a little over night, but woke to dry air, less humid. Left camp at 0557 today and hikes 12 miles to the Hexacuba Shelter on Mt Cube arrived at 1700. Went over Smarts Mt, went up the fire tower to get some views, very windy. Total climbs were 2990 and loss of 2255. Overcast all day, and cooler with no bugs. The photos are of the Hexacuba Shelter which is 6 sided, also of the Jacob Brook, and views from the fire tower.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 14.6

Spent the night at the Hexacuba Shelter. There was no one else around, very windy and chilly. Left camp at 0600 and hiked 14.6 miles to Rte 25. spent the night at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Great place, layed back. Finish Mt Cube and did Mt Mist. Some of the trails marking need to be worked on. arrived at hostel at 1630. The weather was great for hiking. The photos are of different views. Total gain s for the day were 2531 and losses were 3011.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Rte 25
Miles today: 9.5

Spent the night at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. They gave me a ride around Mt Moosilauke, so a could do a south bound slack pack over the Mt. Left NH Rte 112 at 0725. i hiked 9.5 miles with gins of 2932 and losses of 3802. While going up the Beaver Brook trail, there were still pockets of snow and ice, next the cascades (ref top 2 right photos. When I made it to the top the fog was very thick (ref photo lower left). About 10 minutes after leaving the top it cleared off. Middle bottom photo. The bottom photo is looking back at the top of Moosilauke. While going down I met a female NOBO thru hikes her trail name is Power House. I arrived back at Rte 25 at about 1600.
Date: 2018-07-01
From: home

To: Grafield Pond
Miles today: 9.2

My wife drove to me the starting point in Franconia Notch. I started hiking at 0820 It was mid 80's bright sun and very humid. I hiked the 3.5 miles to Liberty Springs campsite. Had a great lunch at 1110 and filled up with 3 litters of water. Hiked over Liberty, Little Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette 3 of these are over 4000 feet. This ridge is above treeline, there were a lot of persons around, a lot without water. I have been hear may times, and always found a breeze, non today. I finishes the day just short of Garfield pond for the night, arrived at 1815 to stealth camp near a stream. Hiked a total of 9.2 miles, while climbing 3,800 ft and going down 1,400 ft. The photos from today are from the tops, of different views
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Grafield Pond

To: Zealand Pond
Miles today: 9.0

The night was pleasant, it did cool off a little, When I left came at 0600 this morning I was in the clouds, this lasted until 1230. Arrived at Galehead hut for lunch at 1145. Arrived at Zealand pond at 1840 after hiking 9 miles. Went over Garfield, South Twin and Zealand 3 more over 4000. Stealth camped tonight total climbs were 2,249 and went down 2,212. The photos are of Zealand Pond, a rock scramble and some views.
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Zealand Pond

To: Crawford Notch Rte 302
Miles today: 9.4

Woke to clear skies today, saw some lighting in the distance during the night, no rain or thunder.  stayed clear all day. hiked 9.4 miles, starting hiking at 0550. No big climbs today, went up 0 ft and went down 2,525. easy hike. ended up at Crawford Notch, Rte 302 at 1600. Went to the Wiley house for some ICE CREAM and a cold drink. The views are of some streams crossing and views.
Date: 2018-08-13
From: home

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 6.4

Started today at Crawford Notch Rte 302, at 1100. The weather was humid with low clouds with a bit of a mist in them. The only photo today was from Webster Cliff. Arrived at Mizpah Spring Hut at 1625. The only 4000 mountain today was Mt Jackson.  Hiked 6.4 miles with toal gain of 2777 and downs of 252, the worst climb was 1600 in 1.7 miles
Date: 2018-08-14
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Started today at Mizpah Spring Hut at 0742, it rained a lot of the night and still raining when I left. Hiked all morning in the rain, I stopped at the The Lakes of the Clouds Hut, for a brief break, still raining. It stopped shortly after leaving, about 1115 still in the clouds, with no view. Passed under the Cog Rail way. Shortly after that the sun started to shine. Hiked 11.8 miles to the Madison Springs Hut, arriving at 1735. The sun came out and also the bit of a breeze started, great hiking weather. The photo at left show some of the views and some little red flowers. Total climbs today were 3050 and downs were 961, the worst was a 1100 foot climb in 1.4 miles. Went over 5 of the 4000 foot mountains.
Date: 2018-08-15
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 7.8

Started today at the Madison Springs Hut at 0745, the weather was bit cloudy and the temp was 55. The sun came out bright with a few light clouds, see photo at left and ended at Joe Dodge Lodge/ Pinkham Notch at 1455, after passing over a great brook see photo. Total climbs today were 1051 and downs were 3635, the worst climb was up Mt Madison with 500 feet in a half mile
Date: 2018-08-16
From: Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9

Had some great thunder Storms overnight, glad to be inside at Joe Dodge Lodge. Waited for the rain to stop this morning before leaving at 0815, only had to hike 5.9 miles today. Started by hiking next to lost pond (see photo) Then started up Wild cat, a steep climb, 1000 feet in 0.8 miles, stopped at the top of the first of 5 peaks to Wild Cat for a 2 hour lunch. The weather turned out great, a bit of a breeze with high puffy clouds, (see photos at left) I ended at Carter Notch Hut (the smaller of the high huts) at 1615. Total ups were 2452 and downs were 1152.
Date: 2018-08-17
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2

Started today at Carter Notch Hut, under sunny blue skies, the rain in the forecast later in the day. Overnight temps were about 50. Started hiking at 0730, with a long day in front of me. First  climb of the day was a 1500 in 2 miles, total climbs were 2850 and downs were 5720, hiked 15.2 miles, passing the 2000 mile mark for my AT hike. Arrived in Gorham at 1630, The rain held off. The photos at left are of Carter Notch Pond, a nice stream.
Date: 2019-06-23
From: Monson ME

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0

Today was the start of the last 184 mile section of the AT to complete the trail. I met Special Ed to do this section with me.We started our hike in Monson ME on June 23. It was 0845 on a bright sunny day. We hiked 9 miles to the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to  Arrived at 1529,. We had 2 rivers to ford.We had company at the shelter. A chipmunk eating an ant.Also in the photos is Ex crossing one of the two crossings.Also a nice board walk
Date: 2019-06-24
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Bald Mt Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today started at 0650, after a great night, hiked a total of 13 miles today, ending at Bald Mt Lean-to ending at 1545Stopped for lunch a swim at Moxie Pond. Had to do one river ford today.The photos are of Moxie Pond, a river crossing and views and a rock cover
Date: 2019-06-25
From: Bald Mt Brook Lean-to

To: Caratunk B&B
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started at 0605 from Bald Mt Lean-to, ending at 1645 at the Caratunk B&B after 14.7miles, with the last hour in a very light rain Once we arrived we both arrived we both had milkshake, make my coffee, then off to an AYCE taco's.The photos today are of some of the views
Date: 2019-06-26
From: Caratunk B&B

To: West Carry Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 14.7

Today we left the hostel at 0830, made it to the Kenedec River a short time later.See photo of Special Ed helping row the canoe. Then hiked 14 miles to the West Carry Pond Lean-To at 1845. Some views, flowers and water falls
Date: 2019-06-30
From: Hiker Hostel of Maine

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: broken clouds

After another great night at the hostel and a great breakfast the next morning, we started hiking at 0750. It was cloudy. Rain started at about 1130, on and off for a while. Had a 2,600-foot climb over North and South Crocker and Sugarloaf Mountains.  It rained very hard going down South Crocker, and the hike was steep, slippery, and slow-going. I stealth camped partway up Sugarloaf after hiking 8.4 miles. The only photo for today is of Special Ed and I at the hostel.
Date: 2019-07-01
From: stealth camp

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 11.7

The weather cleared during the night, and we left camp at 0645. It was sunny most of the day, and I hiked 11.7 miles. Stealth camped again today. I finished climbing Spaulding Mountain, the only major climb of the day. Had one river crossing today. The photos are of some of the views, and a bronze plaque on top of Sugarloaf thanking the Maine CCC for the work done back in the 1930¢s.
Date: 2019-07-02
From: stealth camp

To: Rangeley ME
Miles today: 11.7

Started today at 0555 and hiked 11.7 miles. Hitched a ride to Rangeley at 1930. The weather today was great for hiking--sunny and a little cool.  Had some major climbs over Saddleback Junior, Horn, and Saddleback Mountains. Got my left boot jammed between two large boulders and had to cut the laces and remove my foot before freeing the boot. The photos today are just a few of the great views and the beautiful flowers.
Date: 2019-07-03
From: Rangeley ME

To: Rangeley ME
Miles today: 0.0

Took a ZERO day in Rangeley, which was a good call as they were celebrating the 4th of July. We did laundry early, watched the parade in town, then had lunch. In the evening we enjoyed a great chicken BBQ hosted by a local church. At dusk we watched fireworks. The pictures show a local pond near an ice cream shop--mmm good.  Also notice the sign showing that Rangeley is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator.
Date: 2019-07-04
From: Rangeley ME

To: Sabbath Day Pond 
Miles today: 9.4

After getting a ride back to the trail with Staci, the hostel owner, we started hiking at 0930.  Arrived at Sabbath Day Pond lean-to at 1600 after hiking 9.4 miles. It was hot and humid, so I went for a swim. No major PUDS today. The pictures today are of the lean-to and a couple views of the pond and a pretty waterfall.
Date: 2019-07-05
From: Sabbath Day Pond 

To: Bemis Mountain lean-to 
Miles today: 8.3

It was clear and warm all night. In the morning we had trail magic from fellow hiker Bagels. We left camp at 0645. At a road crossing we received more trail magic--cold water and apple juice. A short distance more, more trail magic--Coke and water. Arrived at Bemis Mountain lean-to at 1600 after hiking 8.3 miles. The weather was hot and clear all day. We met an interesting person on the trail today, different from a typical hiker. The major climb today was Bemis Mountain. The photos are of today¢s views.
Date: 2019-07-06
From: Bemis Mountain lean-to 

To: Human Nature Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

It was warm and clear all night. I left camp at 0545. The rain started at 1430, with a strong t-storm. I was soaked at the end of my 8.7-mile hike. The only real climb today was Old Blue Mountain. The 1600 shuttle thankfully arrived early--Thank You! We were taken to the new hostel, Human Nature¢what a wonderful place. Showered, did laundry, and enjoyed homemade pizza. Today¢s photos are of some cloudy views.
Date: 2019-07-07
From: Human Nature Hostel

To: Human Nature Hostel
Miles today: 10.1

Today started with AYCE blueberry pancakes. We slack packed 10.1 miles in great weather over Moody and Wyman Mountains. Arrived at the pick-up location at 1522 for a 1630 shuttle. Back to the hostel for half-pound burgers. The pictures are of the inside and outside of the hostel dome along with other views from today.
Date: 2019-07-10
From: Baldplate Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 6.9

Left Baldplate Shelter at 0615 under sunny skies. Hiked 6.9 miles to the Speck Pond Shelter, arriving at 1430. After finding a place to hang my hammock, I went for a swim. Today¢s hike included passing through Grafton Notch and up over Old Speck Mountain--about a 2,500-foot climb in three miles. The pictures are of the many views from today.
Date: 2019-07-11
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 5.1

It turned foggy during the night and stayed cloudy most of the day. We started our hike at 0600 and only hiked 5.1 miles to the Full Goose Shelter, arriving at 1500. We climbed Fulling Mill Mountain. Today also included the toughest mile on the AT, the Mahoosuc Notch, which took us two hours and 35 minutes to complete. The photos show today¢s views as well as me standing at the sign after completing the Notch. I packed my phone into the middle of my pack during the trek through the Notch to avoid possibly damaging it, so no photos of the Notch.
Date: 2019-07-12
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

It rained gently most of the night and stopped just before I started my day. Left camp at 0550. The rain restarted at 1030, but lightly. Hiked over Goose Eye Mountain--about 800 feet, which was wet and slippery--and also climbed Mt. Carlo. Hiked 9.6 miles to the Gentian Pond Shelter. The photos show the low clouds as well as the stairs and boardwalks encountered today.
Date: 2019-07-13
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 11.8

Started my last day on the trail at 0605 and hiked 11.8 miles. Arrived on Route 2 in Gorham at 1459. The weather was clear and sunny. The photos show a beautiful pond and me celebrating completion of my AT hike, all 2,190 miles.
Date: 2019-07-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This entry is a special one; this will be my last for my AT hike. First and foremost, I want to give a special THANK YOU to my wife NANCY for supporting and encouraging me and keeping everything running smoothly at home. Thank you to my mother and sister for their nonstop backing. Thank you to Special Ed for helping me reach the finish line and celebrating with me. I wish Woody could have been there, too. To everyone who followed me on Trail Journals, thank you for your support and well-wishes.  Thank you to Hennessy Hammock for supplying me with the cozy and always-dry hammock, to Merrill for the rugged and comfortable boots, and to Badger of NH for the handy and much-used product care package. Thanks, too, to those who provided great trail magic along the way.
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Harpers Ferry/ Potomac River

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 1031.8
Weather: broken clouds

5-10-19Back for another section hike with Jenny ¢Turtle Stone¢ Kelly.  Her husband, Tim, drove us to Caledonia State Park in Pa. where we spent the night in their camping trailer before setting off today from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.  After crossing The Potomac River the first  3.5 miles of trail followed the C&O bike path, so was very easy. After turning up into the mountains it was typical AT trekking.  The last hour before arriving at the shelter it rained HARD. It came up so fast we couldn¢t get the rain gear on fast enough.  All was drenched. Shared the very nice Ed Garvey Shelter with  Jackie(Pivot) and her son Joey (Roo) from Michigan. Also with Smoosh and Squish from Maryland and 2 ladies from West Virginia. Had lots of fun with these folks. This first entry starts with total mileage from all of my past years section hikes including a 2.4 mile correction for changes in the years over the AT. Today¢s actual mileage was 6
Date: 2019-05-11
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 9.1

5-11-19Avoided rain today but the trail was a rocky river mess.  We trekked through historical Gathland State Park. Stopped for the view at White Rock Cliffs. Most of the people from the previous night were with us again, plus Lobster, Sam, 2 girls (one with her dog Boone). Started raining hard again at 9pm and didn¢t stop for for 17 hours.  More mud and minnie lakes.
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 10.7

5-12-19Reluctantly started out in the heavy rains. Happy Mothers Day! My socks still weren¢t dry from the first day, but didn¢t really matter.  Got to slackpack for 3 miles starting at Washington Monument State Park where Tim picked up our packs and transported them to I70 for pick up.  What a nice 3 miles!  The rain stopped finally so we could set up our tents at Pogo Memorial Campsite. Nice change of pace from the shelters.  Rain is lightly falling again as I write this. Past camper¢s midnight (8pm) going to sleep....I hope!
Date: 2019-05-13
To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: fog

5-13-19Packed up tents and gear in the rain and got a bit of a late start. Luckily got to slackpack a few miles thanks to Tim. Rained all day creating some interesting hiking. Besides the mud and streaming water on most of the trail we hiked up a waterfall created by the weather and big rock terrain. Had to cross a raging creek scooting across a log with the help of Ginger and Mono, 2 trail angels that were put in our path today.  Little Antietam Creek was the next crossing and was not so little. We had to detour that one due to the danger.  It was uphill to our shelter and the rain finally stopped.
Date: 2019-05-14
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: PA 16
Miles today: 7.5

5-14-19Said our farewells to the couple from Maine that spent the night at the shelter with us and headed out on to less muddy trails. Travelled over a few areas of big rocks and made our way to High Rocks where we finally got to see a panoramic view.  We met up with Tim and Pete (who brought our RV to PA. yesterday). Shared a nice break with them, dropped our backpacks, and slackpacked the last 3 miles of the day. Three tenths of a mile past the park we crossed a RR track then the Mason-Dixon Line. We were done with the state of Maryland and now in Pennsylvania. Had some easy trail , some big rocks, beautiful forest, and a walk over a bridge on the Falls Creek.  The guys picked us up at PA 16 to spend the night in our RVs. It felt great to have a shower, dry out my gear and sleep in a real bed!
Date: 2019-05-16
From: PA 16

To: Swamp Rd. 
Miles today: 10.3

5-16-19Started back at PA16 and after changing our plan 3 times we ended up doing more miles, but all slackpack. Thanks to Tim for being so flexible and accomodating. We were fortunate to have great weather and easy trail for most of the day which is why we altered the plan. The only challenge was the 900¢/ 1.3 mile climb up to Chimney Rocks. We stopped there for a bit and also enjoyed breaks at Deer Lick Shelters and Old Forge Picnic Area. Our final plan was to not stay in a shelter for the night but to come off the trail at Swamp Rd. where our sherpas, Tim and Pete, were waiting to drive us back to their campgrounds for the night.
Date: 2019-05-17
From: Swamp Rd. 

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 5.4

What a wonderful day.  Slackpacked short miles on an easy trail with interesting giant rock formations. Saw more Lady Slipper flowers, this time with little white moths atop. Rained only 2 minutes....just because it¢s the mountains.  Temps mild and perfect for hiking.  Ran into Pivotal at Caledonia and got caught up on the last few days apart.
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Shippensburg Rd. 
Miles today: 10.9

Eighth day of hiking for this section.  We got to slackpack AGAIN.  It was mostly easy trail with a few ups, but not bad.  We had heard so much about Pa. and all of the rocks so have been surprised so far about the easy paths. BUT we know that won¢t last. Just when will it change? Stopped at Quarry Gap Shelter and it was sooo nice. Very well maintained and decorated with flowers etc. I¢d recommend it for future hikers. Milesburn Cabin was another great spot to stop right on a creek, but no camping. We hiked through some interesting dark, pine forests and along side of a ¢mowed¢area where heavy machinery had wiped out all but the larger trees. I¢m guessing some sort of conservation project. Birch Run Shelter was also a nice stop with a creek.  Made great time today with easy paths and super weather.