morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-26
From: After Depot Hill Road

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 24.5

5135' gain5269' lossIn the morning we were approaching a road - the trail was below the road. And there it was across the road - the largest oak tree on the trail. It was huge. Its limbs are larger than most of the tree trunks in the surrounding forest. It is estimated to be over 300 years old. Truly impressive.We stopped at the Native Landscape & Garden Center for a cold drink and a shower. It is right on the trail. They also allow hikers to camp on their property. The shower felt so good.The weather continues to be perfect - sunny and warm. We tanked up with water at the Garden Center and I felt much better than yesterday. I think I was dehydrated. But today Mike felt tired. I'm not sure why. Maybe he needs better food.We left New York and crossed into Connecticut. New York was a tough state. The trail today was much less rocky and easier walking.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

5456' gain5318' lossWe decided to go into Kent, CT this morning to get a little more food and hit the outfitter. We were in town in time for breakfast. Mike had the best breakfast burrito he's ever had at JP Gifford. Everything we had was fantastic. The only place for groceries was a gas station market which was probably the worst one we have seen in terms of resupply options.One of the locals told us that when the majority of hikers come through Kent, the heat and humidity is stifling. Hiking in the afternoon is not advised. That is the reason we started our hike so early!Today was easily the hottest so far. We were both just dripping with sweat because of the humidity. We both still aren't drinking enough water.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

5669' gain5098' lossAnother state down - we entered Massachusetts today. These states are going so fast!After yesterday's thunderstorm the temperature dropped overnight. When we went to bed it was still hot and humid but when we woke up it was chilly. I'd say it was 20-25 degrees cooler than yesterday.The climb up to Bear Mountain, the highest point in Connecticut, was nice trail and nicely graded. Going down the other side was not much fun. It was really steep with huge rocks. I'd rather go up than down that kind of trail. Unlike Bear Mountain in New York, we had it to ourselves.Sages Ravine was really cool. The creek went over huge boulders creating great swimming holes. Yesterday I would have jumped in. Today it was way too cold!
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: US 7 
Miles today: 12.9

2434' gain3353' lossWe hiked up to Mt. Race first thing this morning. The trail is still pretty rocky. We had beautiful views all along the ridge line for about a half mile. We then descended and climbed back up immediately to Mt. Everett. The vegetation blocked much of the views from Mt. Everett.Then it was a long slow descent to US Highway 7. We were so eager to get to town and those last few miles seem to take forever. In the valley the trail alternated between swampy meadows and thick pine forest. We entered the pine forest and swarms of mosquitos came out of nowhere. We hiked even faster.We got a ride into town for a woman whose son wants to thru hike the AT. He told her to pick up hikers...which she did. So, so nice!We checked into the motel and the desk guy sent us to the Gypsy Joynt. Holy smokes the food was good. Mike had the best burger on the trail so far.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: US 7 

To: Beyond Webster Road
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

5673' gain4688' lossWe left town this morning both feeling well rested. It is amazing how much a day off can help.The trail was heavily forested today and alternated between the "green tunnel" that is typical of the AT and more sparse pine forest. I do wonder how the different forests evolved.We met a couple doing trail maintenance and the woman, Mother Earth, had homemade cookies in her pack for hikers. Fantastically delicious cookies. Made my day!I thought the trail was relatively flat today but the gain/loss says otherwise.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Beyond Webster Road

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

4134' gain4672' lossWe had some nice scenery today. Several ponds (I'm not sure why they are ponds rather than lakes) and a nice view from a bald top.We also saw a porcupine - the second one we've seen on the trail. It was actually on the trail and when it saw me its quills rose up like a sail on a sailboat. Then it ran off into the woods but not terribly fast.We stopped at a shelter briefly in the afternoon. We smelled smoke and realized that the fire pit still had smoldering embers. Mike put the fire out.The trail goes right through Dalton and we caved to the motel siren song. We stayed at the Shamrock Inn which is hiker friendly. We were too late to do laundry. Bummer.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Dalton, MA

To: Near Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

5697' gain5633' lossLots of climbing today. The highlight was Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. We saw very few hikers on the trail but quite a few people at the summit - there is a road to the top. Beautiful views.The descent was rocky, rooty, and steep. It took longer than we thought. The trail was pretty much rocky and rooty all day. It makes a natural stride almost impossible.The trail took us through backyards, one of which had a hose with a "help yourself" sign for AT hikers. Much appreciated!!!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Near Sherman Brook Campsite

To: VT 9
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

4019' gain3793' lossYesterday a guy offered us a ride into Williamstown but we weren't going. We told him we were going to Bennington VT and he drove off saying the trail was flat all the way. We laughed and he said "no seriously". We knew it wasn't flat from our maps. Today we confirmed it   - the trail wasn't flat.This morning it was so humid that by 8:30 am we were both just dripping with sweat. My pants and shirt were stuck to me. I'm not used to humidity.We reached the Vermont border which is also the southern terminus of the Long Trail. The AT and LT are concurrent for the first 105 miles of the LT. It was a great feeling to get to Vermont. Neither of us had been to Vermont before.It was an easy hitch down to Bennington VT - the third car picked us up. A thunderstorm hit after we got to town with heavy rain. Good timing!
Date: 2014-06-05
From: VT 9

To: Beyond Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

4623' gain2808' lossIt was supposed to rain this morning so we left in the late morning. We caught the 11 am (free) bus to the trailhead. The ride was interesting. There were three other people on the bus - a married couple and a man in his 70s. They could tell we were hikers and they all wanted to talk about snakes, scorpions, and spiders. How to catch a snake, how to stare down a snake, how to get venom out of your flesh, what to do if you wake up with a snake in your sleeping bag - you know, the usual bus conversation.The first stop was the trailhead and I was surprised when the man in his 70s also got off the bus. He was carrying a small bag - like an airline carry-on bag - slung across his body. I stopped at the privy and we saw him walking very slowly across the bridge over the creek, heading north on the AT. I thought we could ask him his story when we caught up to him but we never saw him again. I don't know where he went. He just disappeared.The climb up to Porcupine Ridge wasn't too bad. And amazingly...we saw a porcupine! The trail continued to climb up to Glastenbury Mountain. At the top was a lookout tower with 360 views. Mountains in every direction.We found a tent site, set up our tent, and the rain we thought we had escaped finally arrived.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Beyond Kid Gore Shelter

To: VT 11
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

3829' gain5292' lossIt rained all night last night. It kept me awake because it was so loud when it hit the tent. By morning it had stopped raining but it still felt like it was raining because of the drips from the trees.The climb up Stratton Mountain was nicely graded and not very rocky. There is a lookout tower at the summit but we got no views because of the clouds and fog. We met the caretaker, a very nice lady, who told us it was only 48 degrees. Perfect hiking weather for me!Stratton Mountain is where Benton MacKaye was inspired to propose creation of the AT. The trail went down the other side of Stratton Mountain to the lovely Stratton Pond. The trail skirted the pond and at some points was underwater. Our feet are wet and muddy today!There is nothing like the smell of a forest on a sunny day, especially after a rain storm.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: VT 11

To: Before White Rocks Cliff
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: few clouds

4728' gain4081' lossThe rain is gone and we had absolutely beautiful weather today. Perfect temperatures too. The trail was muddy off and on all day. We read that Vermont was muddy and it's true.We got great views on Bromley Mountain, which is also a ski slope. The trail actually went up a ski run. At the top was a chair lift and concession stand. Neither was open.We also went past some beautiful lakes today - Griffith Lake, Little Rock Pond. We went a long time without seeing any lakes and now we're seeing them almost every day!The sunset tonight was so beautiful. It went on for 20 minutes, easily. We had to watch much of it from the tent because of the bugs.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Before White Rocks Cliff

To: VT 103
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

1677' gain3337' lossThis morning we went past a couple of "rock art gardens". I'm not sure what else to call them. People have made rocks cairns all over these huge giant boulders. Very cool.We climbed up to Bear Mountain but there was no view. Going down to the highway we did get a view of Rutland Airport. Rutland must be bigger than I thought.As we got close to the highway we saw a lot of day hikers. One guy was telling us about the trail coming up and eventually offered us a ride to town. Why not? Mike's feet are hurting so we called it a day. We got to town before lunch and had to kill time before our motel room was ready.We had dinner at the Vermont Tap Room - a brand new restaurant and close to our motel. They have a fantastic local beer selection and wood fired pizza. We had the Hawaiian - ham and fresh pineapple and drizzled with Vermont maple syrup. Man it was good.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: VT 103

To: US 4
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

4642' gain3675' lossWe decided to slack pack from highway 103 to highway 4. Leaving 103 the trail went up a steep rock scramble, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. It was over pretty quickly.At the higher elevation the forest turned to pine. In places the forest looked like a war zone, with fallen trees everywhere. I can't imagine trying to hike through that before it was cleared. Nasty. There was a traildetour due to Hurricane Irene damage so perhaps that caused the downed trees.The trail then climbed up to Killington Peak. The trail was nicely graded and the climb wasn't too bad. It was a 2500' climb over 7 miles.We got to US 4 and started hitchhiking. Within 5 minutes the Rutland bus drove up ("The Bus"). I waved him down and he stopped and picked us up. For $2 each we got a ride to within 2 blocks of our motel. Pretty sweet. The driver told us that they had quarter sized hail last week. The biggest he had ever seen.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: US 4

To: Beyond Ascutney Mountain
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

6014' gain6434' lossWe took "The Bus" back to the trail this morning. Two bucks each. Quite a deal. As we got closer to the trailhead I could see little raindrops hitting the windshield. Dang.The rain really started after lunch. For awhile the trees shielded us but eventually we had to put on our rain jackets. The clouds obscured any chance of a view today.The trail tread wasn't bad. A few rocks, roots, and muddy patches but much better than the last couple days.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Beyond Ascutney Mountain

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 22.5

6191' gain7116' lossIt didn't rain much last night but when we woke up it was raining again. It rained all morning. We got to Highway 14 looking forest to lunch at the village store. There was even a pizza sign! But our dreams were crushed...the store was out of business. A little further down the road was a house that allows hikers to get water and camp in the yard. The owner told us that the store couldn't make it in the off thru hiking season. Too bad.The rain finally let up in the afternoon. The trail goes right through Norwich and we got there by 5. The Norwich Inn had a hiker special - a room and free pint of beer! The forecast was for more rain so we stayed at the inn. There is a brewery and restaurant on site and the beer was really good!
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Norwich, VT

To: Lamberts Ridge
Miles today: 22.7

7054' gain5154' lossIt rained hard last night. It was nice to be indoors! By the morning the rain had stopped. We left the Inn and crossed the Connecticut River into New Hampshire. The trail goes right through Hanover, NH, the home of Dartmouth College. It was reunion weekend so the town was hopping. The rain is supposed to get worse today so we looked for lodging. There was nothing available for 25 miles because of the reunion.The rain started again soon after we got back to the trail. And it just got worse. At one point it was raining so hard that we could not have a normal conversation. The rain and wind was too loud. Needless to say, we had no views today.We met our first southbound thru hiker today. He started on June 1. He had hiked about 423 miles when we saw him. That's over 32 miles per day on average. Wow.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Lamberts Ridge

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 22.2

5443' gain6827' lossIt rained all night. We had a sloped camping spot and I could not sleep. My pants were shoved in the corner where the water collected so they were dripping wet in the morning.The rain stopped by the time we started hiking. Both big climbs today - Smarts Mountain and Cube Mountain - were up trail with big, slick, smooth rocks. With the rain they were really slick. I fell a couple times. We didn't get views from either mountain - too foggy.We made it to the Hikers Welcome Hostel where we had a box waiting. Tomorrow we enter the White Mountains and there is much discussion about how challenging this section will be.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Before Reel Brook Trail
Miles today: 15.4

7080' gain5184' lossI was so excited to enter the Whites today. First up was Mt. Moosilauke, a 3,700' climb and the first time the trail goes above tree line. The climb wasn't too bad. A little rocky in the middle but not terrible.The trees got shorter and shorter as we climbed, and eventually disappeared. Towards the top we saw people coming down with their rain jackets and hats on. Not a good sign.As we hiked out of the trees we figured out why. The wind was fierce. It was cold and misty. We put our jackets and gloves on - I can't remember the last time I wore my gloves on the trail. The wind almost knocked me down. The mist was so thick that my rain jacket was dripping wet even though it wasn't raining. So were my glasses.Sadly, this also meant we got no views. Someone said this was the first 360 view since Roan Highlands. I'm not sure if that's true, but I was really disappointed.Then the real fun began - the descent down the other side. We heard it was bad, and it was. It was rocks the entire way. Stone steps made for giants. Wood steps built into near vertical rocks with rebar hand rails that were 3 inches off the ground (because you had to go down the steps on all fours).I fell. Mike fell. A guy behind me fell and nearly went over a drop off to the creek. I think it freaked him out a little bit.I was so slow that 16-year-olds and 65-year-olds barreled past me like I was standing still. I do not know how they go so fast.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Before Reel Brook Trail

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

2648' gain4081' lossWe woke up to beautiful clear skies this morning. I could see the sunrise from the tent.My lats are sore. It must be from all the rock scrambling yesterday. Isn't that crazy? You want to work on strengthening your lats? Go hike Mt. Moosilauke!We had a lot more rock hiking today. The climb up to Kinsman Mountain was slow going rocks. The descent was the same. We had to put away our hiking poles. But, we had beautiful views on the summit - especially on the south peak.The descent down to Franconia Notch went past Lonesome Lake Hut - the first of the huts in the Whites. I couldn't believe how big it was. It is fully enclosed and has solar panels. I'm still a little confused about how these work, especially for thru hikers.We dropped down to North Woodstock for some extra food. Our miles have decreased enough that we were worried about running out.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Franconia Notch

To: Gale River Trail
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

7,894' gain5,978' lossWe overslept, partly because it was dark outside. When I opened the blinds I saw why - it was raining.By the time we got to the trail it had stopped raining. The climb up to Franconia Ridge looked steep in the elevation profile but it wasn't too bad. It had some rocks but it wasn't a rock jumble. We saw a few hikers going south wearing rain gear and dripping wet.The wind was building as we climbed. We finally got above tree line and the wind was really strong. It wasn't raining but my hair was dripping wet like I just got out of the shower. The wind gusts were so strong that I would lose my footing. Mike slipped and the wind pushed him down. He got a big gash and bruise on his shin.We had a 2 mile walk on the ridge, all above the tree line. And since we were in the clouds we had no views. I was so disappointed. People talked about how beautiful this section is.The trail turned into a rock jumble and slowed me down.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Gale River Trail

To: Mt. Webster
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

6,171' gain5,627' lossThe weather cleared today. We climbed to South Twin Mountain and we had partial views. There was still some clouds and fog but we got a look at what was around us.By the afternoon it was clear and sunny. Zealand Ridge was gorgeous. We could finally see the beautiful mountains surrounding us.The fantastic trail to Ethan Pond was, for the most part, devoid of rocks. It was so nice to be able to just hike!Then it was back up to Webster Cliffs. The wind was really strong again, especially at the view points along the cliffs. One gust actually blew my glasses off of my face.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Mt. Webster

To: Beyond Parapet Trail
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

10,866' gain10,574' lossIt was windy all night last night. And the wind continued all day today.The big climb today was Mt. Wasington - the second highest peak on the AT at 6,288'. It is notoriously windy. As we climbed the winds got stronger and stronger. We got to the summit in time for lunch at the snack bar, along with 200 other people. It was a little shocking. It felt like Disneyland. There is a road to the summit as well as a cog railroad and it is popular. We left after lunch and that first blast of wind was painful.Nearly all of the trail today was alpine. Stunning views, including snow on some slopes. And nearly all of the trail was rocky.We are in the Presidential Range now, and I was quite happy when we realized that the trail did not go up and down every presidential peak. Some peaks had little side summit trails that we did not feel compelled to take (partly because we had to get out of the alpine zone to find legal camping). We did go over Mt. Madison which was basically a huge rock and boulder pile. The trail was marked with huge 6' cairns.It is cold again tonight. One weekender told us it was supposed to get into the teens tonight. He also said he only had a 45 degree bag and no tent. I hope he's ok!I'm not sure about the elevation gain/loss from Mike's altimeter. It seems high. It's possible that the winds affected it.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Beyond Parapet Trail

To: Before Middle Carter Mountain
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

6,358' gain6,427' lossIt was a long descent down to Pinkham Notch and the AMC Visitor Center, where we had a resupply box. We both also had new shoes waiting - always exciting.The climb back out of Pinkham Notch wasn't much fun. Steep and rocky. So much so that we had to put our poles away.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Before Middle Carter Mountain

To: Highway 2
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

1,913' gain5,331' lossIt was another cold night last night. We've also heard some night hikers the last couple of nights. I wouldn't like hiking the rocky parts in the dark. We had some nice views back to Mt. Washington. There wasn't a cloud in the sky except for a little cloud cap on Mt. Washington.We had a long descent to the highway. The first part was steep and, you guessed it, rocky. We saw a couple of trail runners going up the trail who then passed us as they ran back down. I don't know how they can run on those rocks.The last few miles were "gently sloping" according to the guidebook, which was true. I think he put that in the book to give us something to look forward to after the punishing last few days. It was so nice to just walk normally again.We hitched into Gorham, NH - a fisherman picked us up and we were in town in time for lunch.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Highway 2

To: Beyond Success Trail
Miles today: 15.7

6227' gain4026' lossThere are a lot of tourists from Quebec in town. There are many Quebec license plates and I've never heard so much French!We called a shuttle service to get back to the trail. The guy laughed when we asked about the trail coming up. He said the Whites were just prep for this next section. Great.But the trail today was not as bad as we feared. There were a few steep stretches. There were nice views from Mt. Success and it felt alpine at the top.The crowds have disappeared too. I'm guessing most people go towards Mt. Washington.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Beyond Success Trail

To: Beyond Old Speck Summit Juncion
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

5650' gain4639' lossWe made it to Maine today! It's hard to believe. And Maine welcomed us with a really tough day.After several warm-up mountain climbs, we finally got to Mahoosuc Notch. The guidebook describes it as the "most difficult or fun mile of the AT". I guess it's all in your perspective. It's a mile-long hike through a jumbled pit of boulders. Huge boulders. Sometimes we went over them, sometimes under. Flexibility is a definite help. I was stretching my legs to their limits in getting from one boulder to the next. I think I pulled a muscle in my hand and shoulder. I fell at least once that I can remember.The boulder pit was also like a cold sink. The temperature dropped a lot - it felt 20 degrees colder. There was snow on the ground. We would occasionally pop out of the cold and my glasses would instantly fog up.That one mile took us 2 hours.Then how are we rewarded? With another climb! The climb up Mahoosuc Arm was steep and rocky. Then it was down to beautiful Speck Pond, then back up to Old Speck.The weather forecast was for rain today, but we had very little. We got really, really lucky. I can't imagine doing that in the rain.