morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Outlook Avenue - Mile 1580.2

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

I was tenting in the backyard at Tom Levardi¢s house in Dalton, Massachusetts. Up at 5:30 to start the day. There were about 8 hikers tenting around the yard. The dew was heavy and our tents were wet as if it had rained overnight. Sunrise did not dry us out so we mostly packed up wet. After breakfast from our food bags, supplemented by Tom with coffee and pastries, we were off to the trailhead. Glider and I got dropped off 7 miles south of the Greylock summit and began our big climb right away. The climb was steep, and very rocky in many places, but we felt good about making it to the summit right around noon. The day was clear and temperatures were under 70 most of the way, but the path was a green tunnel with no views to the outside world the whole way. We were worn out when we got there but were able to rest and refresh with drinks and I had a hot dog in the Bascom Lodge diner. There is a large tower shaped much like a lighthouse at the summit, which I climbed. You can see probably over 50 miles to the horizon, especially on a clear day like today. Also you can see 5 states from there - Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. We had very poor phone service which surprised us. We loaded up to leave, thinking we had an easy 3+ miles downhill to the shelter. Those were the longest 3 miles ever. Steep and rocky (like Pennsylvania rocks) trail and significant ups and downs the whole way. Our progress was way below expectations, making it seem to take forever to get to the Wilbur Clearing Shelter. We are here and set for the night. I am happy to have completed Mount Greylock and also to be nearing the Vermont border. Much to report on today and plans for tomorrow but almost no phone service all day. I did get a message out to Marlene so she is aware that I have made it over Greylock and am safely at the shelter. There is still much to do to get off of this mountain. Hope to sleep well tonite. Thanks to all who prayed for me today. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-27
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 262.8Great night¢s sleep, best since I started. After yesterday I needed it. I woke at 5:00 and no one else was stirring so I quietly got ready and left to climb Prospect Mountain where I found good phone reception. I sent yesterday¢s photos and videos and some from Mount Prospect this morning and Marlene and I traded text messages. I spent an hour at Mount Prospect enjoying the beautiful view. Then down to North Adams where I crossed the Hoosic River on a footbridge and began the trek to the Seth Warner Shelter. About 4 miles into that section I came to the Vermont-Massachusetts border. I got pictures but was unable to send them to Marlene. Always so happy to cross into another state, and so is she. Rain threatened the whole afternoon but we made it over a fairly nice trail with some extreme rocky sections mixed in. One was so extreme that there was a bypass trail - we didn¢t take it. Glider and I are here and there is an older couple here for a short trip on the Long Trail. There are 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. There is a trail called the Long Trail that starts at the Vermont/Massachusetts border and goes generally North thru Vermont to the Canadian border. The AT and the Long Trail share the same path for about 105 miles going north. Then the AT turns east toward New Hampshire for about 50 miles to the VT/NH border. The Long Trail is older than the Appalachian Trail. So it is a rainy evening here at the shelter and we will likely turn in early since there is little else to do. I plan to go to Bennington VT tomorrow for resupply. Goodnight Sweetheart
Date: 2018-06-28
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington, Vermont
Miles today: 11.5

2018 Miles: 274.3Rainy day. Rained all night at the shelter too but I had stayed inside so no wet tent.  Packed up and was gone early. The trail was a flowing stream with generous servings of the famous Vermont mud (Vermud) and a rocky way almost like Pennsylvania. I slugged it out all morning to the Congdon Shelter where I met Wisecracker, my first SOBO (southbound hiker starting in Maine and going to Georgia).  We talked as we ate and as I was ready to leave Glider came in for lunch. We planned to meet at the Summit of Harmon Hill where cell phone service was available to call the motel shuttle in Bennington. Another long wet hike ahead to there and when Glider showed up we made arrangements. Then the monsoon really hit. We had a short hike in regular Vermont woods but ahead lay one of the most difficult descents down a steep cliff-like trail to the road. This was treacherous as we came down in that rain. Rocks were slippery and the rain and humidity made my glasses cloud over. Blind man coming down the cliff. It took a long time with many slips and slides but we got safely down. Whew! The hotel shuttle picked us up and we got right to laundry, resupply and eating.  The plan is to finalize things in the morning and head back to the trail for the hike to Manchester Center, VT, my next resupply stop. Marlene is sending my new shoes there. Need good soles for New Hampshire and the ones I¢m wearing are almost worn to paper thin. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

2018 Miles: 284.4Glider and I were up and ready to get breakfast and then be at the Post Office in Bennington when they opened at 8. I forwarded my bounce box ahead to Manchester Center and also sent my stove ahead to save that weight since my resupply included no food that required cooking or boiling water - save every ounce I can when climbing these big mountains. The shuttle dropped us off at 9 and immediately we had a climb of 1300 feet. The day was warmer but we had a green tunnel with shade most of the way. Lots of big climbs and rocky trail with many steep sections with large rocks fitted into the mountainside as steps. We are at the Goddard Shelter about 3/4 of the way up Glastenbury Mountain, which has a fire tower on top to see tomorrow morning. There are big mountains ahead including Stratton Mountain, Bromley Mountain and Peru Peak, with smaller ones between. No rain today and the trail was well drained with the normal mud pits of Vermont. Temperatures were in the 80¢s but the forecast for record temps in the high 90¢s the next few days has been moderated a little. Cooler is better. We have a full shelter tonight and a good group is here. We are settling in as the birds are having a bird calling competition. No pictures or videos today. Got a text from Marlene confirming my new hiking shoes are on the way to Manchester Center. No other communication today. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Campsite at Stratton-Arlington Road at mile 1634.3
Miles today: 12.5

2018 Miles: 296.9Goddard Shelter is a few tenths of a mile below the summit of Glastenbury Mountain so I was up early and ready to hike up to the summit to climb the fire tower there. Cool and breezy with a good 360 degree view. I got pics and videos and sent them to Marlene. Pretty tall tower so they could see over the tall pine trees there. Hiked ahead and passed the Kid Gore Shelter mid morning and then on to see a beautiful beaver pond in the remote woods just before the climb to Story Spring Shelter where I had lunch. Glider came in while I was there so we made plans to camp at the campsite by Stratton-Arlington Road at mile 1634.3, right at the base of the huge Stratton Mountain. That will be our first 3.5 miles to hike to the summit in the morning. Then about 2 miles ahead from lunch - Trail Magic!! Fresh Ground, a kind of famous roving trail magic provider, was set up off a gravel road we crossed in the woods. He had a grill for hot dogs with all the fixins, grilled cheese sandwiches, various snacks and chips, and lots of fruit. My favorite was fresh sliced watermelon - cool and sweet. We had just eaten lunch but you¢d never know it as Fresh Ground pushes the all you can eat mindset. It was great and I was in a food induced coma. I powered ahead to the campsite. There are many tents here as hikers opted to do the big climb on fresh legs in the morning. We¢ll see how that goes. It is 7:30 pm and someone came in to say more trail magic about 100 yards below our campsite in the gravel parking lot by the stream. So we went down for a late snack - pizza, watermelon, soft drinks and fruit drinks, snacks and candy. What a day. Hope I sleep well. Have had no service, but got one bar down at the parking lot but not sure if the text message to Marlene was sent. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-01
From: Campsite at Stratton-Arlington Road at mile 1634.3

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 311.6Up early for the climb to the summit of Stratton Mountain as planned. Hiked alone the whole way. A hard climb; I kept expecting to see the tower as I rounded turn after turn only to see more trail climbing ever further. Finally there.  The 360 degree views are really beautiful. I was completely soaked from 92 degree heat and high humidity. Climbed the tower for videos and enjoyed the view and especially drying off in the high winds at the top. About 4 miles ahead is Stratton Pond, another beautiful and remote glacial lake. Vermont has many flowing streams of all sizes with rock hopping crossings and some footbridges. There are also lots of mud pits - low areas where the trail is a stream bed and full of mud edge to edge and beyond. Feet wet and muddy most of the time. My legs get splattered with mud and I splash off when I can. There are also very few actual roads to cross, though there are remote logging roads that are overgrown. Very seldom do I have phone service, even from high ridges. We got to the William B. Douglas Shelter but it sits a half mile off the trail with that same half mile to climb back up to the trail in the morning. My heart wasn¢t in it but we decided to hike ahead 3 miles instead to the Spruce Peak Shelter for the night. The heat of the day was stifling but I am glad we are here and set for a shorter hike into town for resupply - Manchester Center , VT. It is late and time for sleep. I am in my tent and watching the day end as the darkness in the forest creeps ever closer. Everyone is quiet. Not even animal sounds. So peaceful. Marlene and I caught up by phone as I have service here above the city on this ridge. It was great to catch up and send her all my photos and videos. Time to rest. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8

2018 Miles: 314.4So I was ready to get to town after days of heat and humidity. I was up and away by 6:30 for a cool-er morning in the woods. Still dripping wet with sweat by 7:00. Fairly easy trip with one climb that seemed to grow as I did it - the way they all do. When I got to the road I saw two young female hikers standing by the road on the other side with their thumbs out. They had spent the night in the woods over there to wait for morning, stashed their packs in the woods, and were hitching in for a quick resupply. I¢m a little leary about having my pack out of my sight but to each his own I guess. I told them I¢d wait until they got a ride since sometimes it¢s harder with three people but they told me to join them and we got a ride a couple of minutes later. There is a rumor that hitchhiking goes better when there is at least one female, so I¢m not taking credit for the quick ride we got. Five and a half miles later we were dropped off in Manchester Center Vermont where I went to work getting the new shoes Marlene sent at the post office, resupplied at the Price Chopper grocery and then went to Macdonald¢s for a quick lunch. I called Jeff at the Green Mountain Hostel and he was there in 10 minutes to pick me up. This place is like a 5 star hostel. Very clean and organized. I quickly showered, did laundry and lay down to rest. Laying on a real mattress is like the sensation I had the other day when I came to Fresh Ground¢s Trail Magic in the woods in the 90+ heat and humidity and he handed me a cold slice of fresh watermelon.  I was resting right away. Arrangements have been made to hike a short day tomorrow with a light pack, good for breaking in my new shoes. Then on Wednesday I will carry a light pack again for a more normal distance and then back to this hostel for one more night. That seems like a good compromise in that I will not get a zero miles day, but will still make progress while getting some rest. I¢m good with that. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center VT
Miles today: 5.5

2018 Miles: 319.9Was up early this morning to make breakfast down in the hostel kitchen with the supplies they provide - boiled 3 eggs, English muffin toasted, banana, and Kuerig coffee. I had a light pack ready with drinks and snacks for the morning walk, plus a few gear items just in case. Don¢t Care, Glider and I were shuttled out to Mad Tom Notch - US Forest Service Road 21 (gravel). Our first assignment was a 1000 foot climb up to Bromley Mountain summit and the ski lift area there. A nice climb with a light pack - very comfortable and in no hurry. The summit area was so beautiful with a 360 degree view and an open clearing there so we could see out to mountains and ridge lines in all directions. We could also see back to Stratton Mountain and the ski slope on its¢ flank. I got pictures and videos and sent them to Marlene via so-so phone coverage - surprising that the coverage was that weak up there - but that¢s Vermont  After a nice rest and cool down time with the breeze drying my clothes, I continued down one of the slope runs and then back into the woods, downhill for most of the way to the road. A very relaxing and fun walk since I was in no hurry to make big miles today.  I waited for Glider at the road so we could hitch a ride. Don¢t Care had another few miles to walk as he had come off the trail the other day at a different point. A nice lady picked us up after about 10 minutes and she brought us to the outfitter in Manchester Center where I bought a set of gators to help prevent mud and debris from getting into my new shoes. This short day was great for breaking in my new shoes. My feet feel great with the protection of new soles.  After a sandwich at a restaurant we called for a ride back to the hostel. I have showered already and am about to work on plans for the next few days. So I am getting some rest while making a little progress too. Happy with that. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-04
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Danby- Landgrove Road - Mile 1669.4
Miles today: 12.1

2018 Miles: 332.0We were up early and out to Mad Tom Knotch, USFS 21, a gravel road at the bottom of Styles Peak, a 1000 foot climb to start the day. Don¢t Care, Glider and I hiked it mostly together with our light packs giving us a nice enjoyable climb. Styles Peak is basically a twin with Peru Peak so we had a double climb but it went well. Very little scenery since the forest was close in on all sides.  The day grew hot again with the record heat wave and humidity. The climb to Baker Peak was a surprise as the approach to the top was long angular slabs of stone slanted up to the summit. Funny, but it seemed almost like a nice change of pace. I was able to get a nice view and a video and photo of the huge mountains around and the valley below. Rounding out the day was the beautiful glacial Lost Pond, true to its¢ name, and a very remote river sized stream called Big Branch, which tumbles over a wide bed littered with gigantic boulders. We stood on a suspended footbridge and watched the water tumble below. I made it to the road, a remote wilderness road, and the others soon followed. We were picked up by Duffy from the hostel and came back to shower and get organized for the move north tomorrow.  Weather forecast continues the heat and humidity with the predicted return to more normal temps always moving out a day or two. I am satisfied with my stay here at the Green Mountain Hiker Hostel. It is one of the absolute best. Also, though I did not get any actual full days off, I got lots of rest and still made over 18 miles progress northward.  Tomorrow I will continue across Vermont. My most unique 4th of July holiday ever. Will try to talk with Marlene before bed. Very early start tomorrow. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-05
From: Danby- Landgrove Road - Mile 1669.4

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1

2018 Miles: 344.1Another sweltering day.  We were ready to head out to the trail from Green Mountain Hiker Hostel for the last time at 6:30 this morning. Sad for our stay at this deluxe place to end. Our first few miles were a gradual climb beside a pretty mountain stream in the cool morning air. Then another remote pond - Little Rock Pond - a glacial jewel in the forest. We climbed to a peak that seems to have no name and descended to Bully Brook for lunch beside a nice stream with a rocky streambed and then the water tumbling down over ledges as the stream gave way below us as we began to climb yet another Bear Mountain. All the Bear Mountains have been a real BEAR and this one was no exception. 1100 feet that started gradually and then became more steep and rocky the higher we went.  Glider and I separated to allow each his own pace. The route up was never ending. The heat was oppressive. I was completely dripping wet. Then the long descent to the shelter area - easier, but by now a pounding punishment for my tired feet.  Glider arrived 10 minutes before me and when I saw him I knew we both were done for the day.  We had toyed last night with hiking 5 miles ahead today but there was nothing left in us to make that happen. Still satisfied with today¢s progress. Very tired. It took an hour but I was able to get one short message to Marlene - very weak service again. I¢m in my tent just before dark listening to birds calling to each other from around the forest, quietly. It¢s nearly dark but still in the 80¢s so slow to cool down for sleeping. We¢ve heard it before but the forecast says cooler tomorrow. That would be nice. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-06
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1

2018 Miles: 358.2How things change. At 4:00 this morning I heard a distant rumble that turned out to be not so distant. The downpour was quickly upon me. Funny though, it was cozy and I was dry in my tent so the rain was kind of fun. I lay there and enjoyed the fury while I drifted back to sleep. By time to get going the rain was slowing and when I was thru with what I could do inside my tent it had stopped. I got packed and moved to the shelter. When I had retrieved my bear bag the rain returned. After breakfast Glider had gotten up and we decided to wait a little before leaving. The rain slowed and stopped as we started out. It was a nice cool morning. Normal climbs and descents to start the day. I came to an overlook above the Rutland Vermont airport and shot a video. A few miles later we came to the Clarendon Gorge with a pretty suspension bridge swaying above the stream and I got another video.  Then a climb up Beacon Hill and down to Gould Brook for lunch and filtering water. Then the hard stuff. But first, a couple of miles ahead I came to the famous ¢Katahdin 500 Miles¢ sign where I had to get the iconic picture. That was fun. Then the climb to Killington Peak began. One of the most difficult and never-ending climbs I¢ve done. Rugged steep trail with no end in sight at the end of the day. Finally here to find a dilapidated shelter made of stone with naked openings with no windows and sleeping platforms sagging and tilted at an uncomfortable angle. Home for the night we got chores handled, quickly ate and bedded down. It was very cold, probably in the 40¢s and the wind whipped thru but we slept fine. I layered up and used my sleeping bag liner. The plan is to retrieve my sleeping bag and warmer clothes at the PO in Rutland. I hope that works out. Too cold and tired to do much else tonight, but I¢m happy to be moving across Vermont. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-07
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter 

To: US 4 - Mile 1701.9
Miles today: 6.3

2018 Miles: 364.5Cold night at Cooper Lodge Shelter but I was up by 6:30 to get ready for the hike to Rutland VT to get to the post office by 12:30, their Saturday hours. Hiked 6+ miles that were supposed to be down hill but had a lot of climbs mixed in. There was not much to see and I hiked like a man in a mission. At the road hitchhiking for 5 minutes and two pickups stopped to take me in and while loading the local bus pulled over as well. The older couple dropped me off right at the post office.  Then to the Yellow Deli Hikers Hostel. They are affiliated with the Twelve Tribes spiritual community and run the hostel and a restaurant. Many hikers stay here and they take good care of them with no strings attached.  It is almost bedtime so I am packed as best I can and ready to load up in the morning for the hike to Hanover New Hampshire.  I have some concerns as my pack is back to full weight with cold weather gear and a big resupply. Was able to talk with Marlene a few minutes ago so that was good to catch up. Phone service has been unreliable thru much of Vermont. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-07-08
From: US 4 - Mile 1701.9

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

2018 Miles: 374.5I was at the Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel in Rutland VT where they have a very neat, clean and organized hostel. They are located in downtown and close to Walmart, Price Chopper Grocery, and restaurants. All my chores were finished including a big heavy resupply. Breakfast is included in the donation-based deal so we had a rice and egg dish that was tasty, plus coffee, toast and several kinds of fruit. Then we retrieved our packs and hurried out the back to the bus station where we caught a $2.00 ride back to the trailhead on US 4. One mile ahead after a pretty hefty climb I came to Maine Junction. When the Appalachian Trail enters Vermont from Massachusetts it shares the path with the Long Trail for 105 miles heading mostly straight north. At Maine Junction the Long Trail continues north to the Canadian border and the Appalachian Trail turns hard east heading for New Hampshire, about 45 miles ahead. All the Long Trail hikers will be leaving us as they continue north. So I feel like another milestone is reached in my trek across Vermont. Ahead I passed Kent Pond, another remote glacial pond in the woods surrounded by mountains, and then on to Thundering Falls, a waterfall seemingly popular with local folks and more tame than I expected it to be.  Then the climb to Quimby Mountain, pretty steep and challenging, including the descent. I am at the Stony Brook Shelter for the night. Typical of Vermont there is no phone service. I am happy with the progress and miles I am accumulating toward getting to New Hampshire. Much to plan for there but also good to finally be approaching the really big mountains of New England. I spent Sunday morning thinking about Marlene and her morning as I followed her thru the church schedule for the day. Gave me a sense of closeness across the miles and the separation.  Goodnight Sweetheart.