morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Stratton-Arlington Rd, Kelly Stand Rd - Mile 1,633

To: VT 11 & 30 - Manchester, VT - Mile 1,650.7
Miles today: 17.5

Today's hike was a repeat for me. Not this year, but several years ago when my son David and I hiked it. It was different today because I hiked it with Beth. Beth loved today's hike. She said it early in the day and was still saying it at the end of the day when we both were tired. Best hike ever! I couldn't argue with her. We started before 6:00 a.m. in order to minimize hiking during the afternoon heat. The Stratton Mountain climb was 1,700 feet but we were able to consistently walk during the climb. There was some water and mud but it was manageable. And the trail was wide and beautifully blazes. We worked hard and were sweating a good bit, but we were hiking in beautiful greens that looked great in filtered light. The pines surfaced as we climbed higher. An interesting aspect of today's hike is how its best parts just appeared before us. We climbed and climbed and all of a sudden we were at the summit of Stratton Mountain. It opened up before us with a tall lookout tower. I thought the tower itself was the sturdiest I've been on. Beth was surprised how uneasy she was as she stepped up. The views were a bit hazy but they were stunning. Vermont is a beautiful state. We saw a lot of it while we were way above tall trees. After that experience, we descended almost as much as we climbed. Again, the trail was relatively easy and interesting. And then, seemingly out of nowhere was expansive Stratton Pond. Today's hike included a number of footbridges that showed off brooks that made those beautiful sounds as the water flowed over boulders. We walked over many planks. We met two couples hiking the Long Trail, one going north and one going south. We laughed as one in the group of very young girls, who were heading home in this their third day, responded to their counselor that they were doing "terrible". We smiled as the counselor explained that it was important that everyone fill up their bottles with water when the group stops to fill up their water bottles. I was thrilled to find Ziptie's entry in the Stratton Mountain summit lot. Ziptie's entry was dated just a few days ago. I remember briefly speaking with Ziptie when as she was just beginning her hike many, many miles ago. Back then she was concerned about her progress. She's come a long way. Now I'll be the one seeking her thoughts and advice. Days like this stand out.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Danby-Landgrove Road - Mile 1,668.3

To: VT 103 - North Clarendon, VT - Mile 1,683.1
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

My daughter Anne joined Beth and me last night and hiked with us today. In the AWOL guide, today's hike didn't appear to offer us anything really interesting but it was a beautiful hike. We again started early. This is really helping us beat most of the heat and minimizes the likelihood of late afternoon storms that routinely are forecasted. Our hike started out flat and that was great since it gave the ability to talk as we hiked. There's always lots to talk about - family, Anne's wedding plans, and this hike to name a few. Little Rock Pond is big with plenty of clear water. We understood why we went by a number of tents there. Going over a nice footbridge that provided another nice scene made me realize today's hike was turning out better than expected. The greenery around us in the filtered light looked great. We came to the first climb of the day and found that we could walk it up. The pine smells and trees arrived with the higher elevation. At times it was like our walks through a Christmas tree farm. Sometimes we enjoyed narrow trail surrounded by pines on each side, then it opened up and let us hike through an open area while continuing to take it all in. Two separate cairn gardens stood out as something rarely seen. Then there was the waterfall that first provided soothing sounds and then showed off as it danced downstream. Guess I've forgotten to mention the Anne's trail magic. We parked Anne's car at a spot essentially halfway into today's hike. Anne brought a huge cooler filled with Gatorades and candy bars. They were fantastic on a day like this! The magic helped us when we took on the second climb of the day, an 1,100 foot climb up Bear Mountain. It had plenty of switchbacks but it was long. It was tiring. It was great in that Anne openly acknowledged that she was impressed that we hiked like this day after day. The descent to Clarendon Gorge was a toe-jammer, steep with a mix of rocks to carefully navigate and plenty of pine needle covering that made steps slippery. The suspension bridge over the gorge was bouncy and provided another unique component of today's hike. The rain held off. We spent a great day together, a very special day.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: VT 103 - North Clarendon, VT - Mile 1,683.1

To: Kent Pond - Killington, VT - Mile 1,704.7
Miles today: 21.7

Taller mountains are more frequent now. Today's hike peaked at 3,908 feet after starting 2,000 feet lower. It's been some time since the trail had such a climb and I'll admit that initially I was concerned about it, but then I came around and viewed it as just the next obstacle to overcome. Beth headed home after dropping me off. We're on the trail but periodically have to get home to keep things going there. Today was a +20 mile day and I didn't want her attempting to hike such miles. My notes indicated that today's hike would initially be easy. I overlooked two 500' climbs in the first two miles. Minutes into the hike I realized it wouldn't start off easy. The first 500' climb essentially was up a wash used to handle water runoff. It was a messy climb over numerous boulders and requires some large steps. I was quickly working hard. The second 500' climb was easier and was a walk-up that required some work. Easy arrived one hour into the hike and lasted for the next 5 miles. The big climb then began and went for 4 miles. Initially it could be walked up, but it was a bit steep. Then it switched to being a hike between and over tree roots. The trees' roots appeared to be an important part of the trail. Since it poured last night, everything was wet and slippery. I had many more slips and slides today, but fortunately did not fall. The final couple miles of this climb were very steep. This morning's fog lasted past noon. The benefit was a reasonable temperature. And then a cooling breeze came in those last couple miles. I haven't had such a breeze for months and it felt great! I didn't see many hikers today. I did see two trail maintenance crews though and thanked them for the great trail. Flash, a southbound hiker, was celebrating his 500 mile mark. He told me he likes the White Mountains better than Vermont. I love Vermont so if the Whites really are better than this then I'm in for a treat. The Long Trail separated from the AT today after following the same path for +100 miles. Hiking the Long Trail was my back-up plan if I had quickly bailed out of hiking the AT. It is frequently said that a hiker who successfully hikes the Long Trail will be able to successfully hike the AT. I originally believed that thinking to be true but found my thoughts today challenging such thinking. I accept such thinking from a "physical" perspective but now think being on the AT for at least 4 months is far more challenging mentally than what appears to be a maximum of 4 weeks to hike the Long Trail. I've begun to realize how the length of the AT really grinds on you and I've read the toll that it demands in the trailjournals of others who are currently hiking it. Hiking tall mountains like was done today helps prepare me for the White Mountains that are just one week away.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Kent Pond - Killington, VT - Mile 1,704.7

To: VT 12 - Mile 1,724.1
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

"No Rain, No Pain, No Maine!" That's a common AT saying. True for me today because I knew the forecast was for rain and it was raining when this hike started. Beth found tomorrow's trailhead options and got other things done so that we can keep on hiking. It was dark for a while this morning. Dark enough that I realized I would've put on my head lamp if I was hiking at night. Since it has rained the last two days the trail was wet. The rocks and tree roots were slippery. I was slipping and sliding regularly. But then the rain stopped. I was soaked from sweating more than from the rain. Kent Pond looked pretty big and is probably great in better weather. The trail passes through property owned by Mountain Meadows Lodge. They are known to be hiker friendly and actually say hikers can stop by but then move on if they are holding a private event as was happening this weekend. As I go by I saw a nice wicker basket near the trail. Sure enough, trail magic. Nothing wrong with eating a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup before 6:00 a.m., right? The trail moved on to Thundering Brook and Thundering Falls. This morning the waterfall was flowing mightily. Then came a professionally done boardwalk. This hike was off to a great start, with or without the rain. Then the climbs began. Lots of them and with varying ascents and lengths. Each was sloped to enable walking, just a lot slower walking that required effort. The first two stood out. Quimby Mountain was 1,250 feet and was broken into a half dozen ascents separate by a long flat section to enable recovery. The next was 700 feet and it was steeper than the first. The day was filled with ups and downs. It reminded me of the Roller Coaster, just not as hard. I met a few Southbounders today. The most memorable was Tuna, who asked me which way I was hiking. When I said "north" he explained that he was relieved. He went off the trail for bathroom needs and wasn't certain which way he was going. He said it isn't fun hiking when you're not sure. I told him I agreed and had bled in the wrong direction coming out of Damascus, VA. Then I met four men doing trail maintenance on Saturday in the rain. I thanked them and told them how much I'm loving Vermont. The trails and blazes have been top notch. The main event today was the possibility of meeting up with Subman & Suds. Could I get this hike in and move the car as needed and then have time to drive to see them. Logistics aside, the memories of hiking with them filled my day. And then I began to think of my other hiking buddies too. Lots of smiling today as the rain periodically fell. Beth & I were able to get together with Subman & Suds in the evening.'The time went by too quickly but hopefully we'll get together again soon.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: NH 120 - Hanover, NH - Mile 1,747.7

To: Dorcester Road - Lyme, NH - Mile 1,764.5
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain of the last two days cleared out. It was great weather to hike - crisp and cool. It almost felt like a great fall day when Beth and I began our hike today. It had been a few days since we hiked together so we had plenty to talk about. Beth was enjoying the hike and I was enjoying her being there again. We hiked 8 miles by 10:00 a.m.. They were pretty easy flat miles in nice wooded surroundings. The picture was one of those "you had to be there" moments. The sun's rays pierced through the trees to create an incredible scene. I can't say that we understood how this happens but the colors of the rainbow could be seen within some of the rays. We took this in and tried to capture it in a photo. Beth said it made the hike and I couldn't disagree with her. Not shown in the picture was a moment where we jokingly said goodbye to each other as I said Scotty (from Star Trek) was beaming me up as we walked through a particular large and strong ray. We have fun out here. This was a memorable moment. My deceased Dad's birthday is today. A jet flew above us and streaked white lines of spent fuel through the blue sky. I wrote about this earlier this year. Another special moment on this day. I hiked on for some additional miles today. In hindsight, Beth should've stayed for the rest of the hike because the weather was so great. On the other hand, the climbs were a bit harder than those in recent days. The first to Moose Mountain's South Peak included a half hour climb without a recovery section. The second to Holts Ledge contained a twenty minute start that had me taking half steps because it was so steep. Each climb provided the reward of a cool breeze at the top along with spacious views. I must admit though that I was tired today - probably a few too many miles in recent days. I was hiking to finish the day which isn't how I want to hike. I finished today close to my estimated ending time. I looked for Beth's car and then realized my mistake. I was at Dorcester Road and Beth was at a parking lot on Lyme Dorcester Road - another two miles away. No cell access so not much to do but hike on. A car came up - stopped - and asked if I needed assistance. As I was driven to Beth, Terry reminded me that we'd met about a week ago on the trail. He just hurt his knee yesterday. Someone asked him then if he needed assistance and Terry was driven to his car yesterday. I'll be happy to keep this sequence going tomorrow. Don't know who I might help, but you have to admit - it would be neat if such a sequence were to come about.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: NH 25 - Glencliff, NH - Mile 1,790.4

To: NH 112 - North Woodstock, NH - Mile 1,799.7
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

I was told by a couple hikers yesterday to not hike Mt. Moosilauke from the south. I looked up a few of my favorite hikers in trailjournals and sure enough 2 out of 3 hiked it from north to south. That was enough for me. So, for the first time on this hike, I hiked from north to south. What was all the fuss about? The north side of Mt. Moosilauke features numerous wooden steps bolted into boulders that are frequently wet because of the waterfall that is close to the steps. Today's forecast includes a thunderstorm warning that seemed to worsen overnight. Mt. Moosilauke is a reasonably challenging hike on a good day and it was apparent that this would not be a good weather day. Most of the hike was vertical boulders. The wooden steps were bolted and Beth and I were glad they were there. Fortunately, the wooden steps weren't very wet. The waterfalls were beautiful and again made this hike worthwhile and special. Beth fell for the first time ever. She didn't get hurt; but a fall is disconcerting when it happens and you really don't know how or why you quickly went down. We hiked very slowly to be safe. Surprise! We saw Teach & Steady near the summit. We hadn't seen each other for a bit but here we were. It was a memorable moment. Visibility was no more than 30 yards, if that. It wasn't raining but we effectively were in a moist cloud and we got wetter as we caught up and talked about this hike. The summit was just 100 yards away like they said. We briefly stopped for a picture taken by a Dartmouth Outing Club member who was at the summit to ask hikers to remain on the trails since this area is an Alpine area in which vegetation can be destroyed by errant steps. It got warmer as we descended. We were surprised that the descent on the south side of the mountain was also steep, though admittedly it was easier than the other side of the mountain. Slug was coming up as we were going down. It was good to see him again but we learned he isn't feeling well. He has lost his appetite which is unheard of for a hiker. Despite not feeling well, he was very outgoing and great to speak with. Beth commented how much fun he'd be to routinely talk with on the trail. With the recent rain came swollen water crossings. Beth dipped both feet into a stream that was literally just 20 yards from the end of today's hike. She's such a trooper that she just took it in stride. So we're in the White Mountains now. Hopefully the weather will clear so that we can see this spectacular area. I am trying how to figure out to hike through this area and am keeping an eye on the weather. The combination of challenging mountain hiking and potential quick weather changes make this area particularly tricky.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Galehead Hut 

To: Crawford Notch US 302
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Dark clouds early, another problematic forecast, thunder in the late afternoon - they were all there today, but fotunately no rain or lightning all day. And it was something of an easy day. A day I needed. The climbs up South Twin Mountain and Mt. Guyout were typical of the AT. Climbs like these are expected, particularly in the White Mountains. The afternoon finish after Zealand Falls Hut weren't expected at all because they were on the easy side for the AT and stood out as a significant exception for the Whites. Like yesterday, I noticed a few stealth tent sites. I'm beginning to think that the stealth sites exist in volume in New Hampshire in opposition to the expensive AMC huts. Most of these sites don't have nearby water sources so make sure you carry adequate water if you'll use a stealth site. A real benefit of these huts is the great food. I stopped in for lemonade and a pastry. Lots of other hikers were there doing the same thing. Access wasn't great at the Galehead Hut and was non-existent at the Zealand Falls Hut and today's hike. It made for a tough time since Beth and I needed to finalize our plans for this week. It makes me realize how much easier these past few weeks have been since we've been together every day for at least a portion of the day. Realized a milestone was passed yesterday or today. I never would've imagined taking 1,000 photos on this trip. I've met some amazing people and seen some amazing scenery. Must say that I'm totally surprised by all these photos. They'll help me remember this amazing adventure.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Mt Washington - Mile 1,856.2

To: Home
Miles today: -14.7
Weather: moderate rain

37 Years. No, that's not how long it will take me to finish hiking the AT. It's my wedding anniversary today. 37 Years! If you've preciously read this quest to hike the AT then you already know all about Beth. How she's made all the difference in my quest. Many of you know how she's made my life what it is. I am lucky. My daughter and son are lucky. Many of you are lucky too. Thanks to Beth's Aunt Vail for introducing us 40 years ago. Can't imagine where I'd be without her in my life or on this AT quest. So where am I? I am at home. When I started this hike on February 16th, it was my hope that I'd be hiking Mt. Katahdin this week. Then, when I broke my finger hiking and had to have my wedding ring cut off, I hoped that today would be the day that I'd put that repaired wedding ring back on for good. So a lot has happened along this path. I am heading off to vacation with my family for our vacation. It's a time we've consistently come together. It's a time I'd never consider missing. I've been busy yesterday and today attending to a bit of this and that - Anne's wedding details, visits to my doctor and dentist, and catching up on a few home responsibilities. I am keeping track of my friends on the trail and figuring out ways to finish the remaining 333 miles. Some of those miles are as difficult as any on the AT. I intend to return to the AT in early August.My future is filled with many opportunities. I am loved by and love many. I have been and am very, very lucky. I wish you all the best as I am briefly away from the trail. I'll be back soon.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Gorham, New Hampshire

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I am back on the AT today. Vacation is over. Boy is that an understatement. Hiking 17.0 miles today was tough, all the more difficult because they are New Hampshire miles. The great news is that I am hiking again with Subman and Suds. We last hiked together in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It was fun to reminisce with them about some of our past miles and to hear some about their hike when we weren't hiking together.Still, the hike today was a hard return to the AT. I am just not in shape the way I was before my bout with Lyme Disease. The trail today was pretty descent with lots of dirt-based trail. Thrown in though we're some pretty steep sections of slabs, going up and down. The afternoon climb of Mt. Success was particularly draining but putting one foot in front of the other eventually got it done and Subman and Suds were kind enough to wait for me at Mt. Success's   summit. Another highlight was crossing the border into Maine. But, what a greeting. Maine started off with a very difficult descent that didn't last long but it was as difficult as anything experienced so far. Hope the rest of Maine isn't like this but I fear that the next 100 miles or so will prove to be of similar difficulty.So how did I get here? The temptation to hike with Subman and Suds was too great so I skipped 33 miles of New Hampshire. My intention is to hike to Katahdin and then return to hike those skipped miles. Right now I'm thinking I'll make up those missing miles by returning and starting in Gorham like I did this morning, except that I'll hike south instead of north. By hiking south, my finish of the AT will be Mt. Washington, a challenging climb for the finish and a place where Beth can meet me to celebrate completion of this hike. That assumes I can successfully hike Maine. I feel a bit sad about jumping around like this but thought it would be the most enjoyable way to continue hiking. For now - and admittedly possibly feeling a bit too confident about all this because it is easier said than done - New Hampshire, I'll be back!
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Frye Notch Lean-To

To: East B Hill Road - Andover, ME - Mile 1,932.2
Miles today: 4.5

Today was all about getting prepared for the next several days of hiking. Today's hike was short and not very difficult. It was over before 9:30 a.m.. Subman, Suds, and I got picked up and taken to Pine Ellis Lodging in Andover. Tonight's resting spot is a short walk to food options to eat today and stock up for future hikes. Beth previously dropped off a supply box for me so I didn't need to buy much to put in my backpack. I did take advantage of eating in town. First stop was Little Red Hen for a breakfast that was delicious and filling. A few hours later I went to Andover General Store for a pulled pork meal that was more than I could eat. I'm eating as much as I can to give my body the energy it needs to keep taking on Maine's tough trail. But today was more than resupplying, laundry, and filling up on food. It was about people too. I had a good conversation with Hooshr before we started today's hike. Hooshr and Forrest have been leap-frogging with Subman and Suds since Virginia and it was good to spend some time with them today and hopefully get to know them better in the days to come. Both Hooshr and Forrest regularly post in trailjournals so look them up. Also seen today were Slug and Tuna Roll. The BIG surprise though was when Sprout and Smudgy Cheeks walked in while I was eating breakfast. I was hoping to see them again and soon Bubbles stopped over too. After breakfast I had more time to spend meaningful time and discussion with Bubbles. Bubbles is one of those amazing people on the trail from the perspective of feeling and searching for what the trail is all about. I really enjoy her husband (Sprout) and her brother (Smudgy Cheeks) too. Bubbles and I previously swapped contact info so that we can keep tabs on each other. Today's hug goodbye left us both with a tear in our eye. We were so happy to be together today. Will we see each other again up ahead - hope so!!!!