morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Story SpringShelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Pushed some more milage today. Came past another lookout tower, again great views! I think I might have a hard time looking at the same view out my windows once back home. Could be that there are plenty of hikes in my life from now on... Decided to stay in the shelter tonight, as it reminded me of a nice mountain cabin, stone walls, windows, woodstove, sliding door. Well the first mouse showed up, it was not even dusk yet. This might make for an interesting night!
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Green Mountain House, Manchester Center
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

Nice short hike down to VT 11&30. Hitched a ride, another first for this trip, with Jack and Will. After post office stop walked down main street, past a lot of fancy stores, not quite my world, ended up at Up for Breakfast. Now that is definitely a place to stop! Great food!Met up with friends and resupplied at the two outfitters and the grocery store. Looking forward to cooking tonight. Jeff from Green Mountain House picked us up in town. As there was a mix up with my reservation, I ended up in the dawghouse. Cannot complain, as I shared the whole building only with a horse. Spook was here as well, so we had a good group of people! Dinner turned out well, and there was enough to feed whoever wanted some.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Green Mountain House, Manchester Center

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Loaded down with 6 days worth of food, we got an early start. Yes, I know way too much weight, and I felt it, schlepping it up the green dot slope to Bromley mountain. Just glad it was not a double black diamond one! It is great hiking with friends, we'll hiking my own pace, but meeting up at shelters for the night. It is also nice knowing that my pack will get lighter with every passing day, thank goodness for that!
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: mist

The tent was only slightly wet this morning. Overslept, did not get started hiking till 8 am. Today was newt day, saw at least 20 of them, all sizes. Parts of the trail were rocky, but interspaced with stretches of pine forest, which meant soft trail and great smell. Someone took a lot of time creating rock art in the middle of the forest. At the shelter I met Trevor, a young LT hiker. His parents came out to meet up and resupply. Lucky for me they brought trail magic. Thank you for the soda, grapes and the offer of slack packing tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Well, the weather called for rain most of the day, chance of thunderstorms. So I decided not to take the slack packing option, not knowing if I would make the full 19.8 miles. It did rain, thankfully no thunderstorms. The LT split off from the AT at Maine junction. Made it to the state park, lucked out and was able to rent a shelter. Set up my tent inside, and was able to share with another NOBO. The Patersin family took me along, treating me to dinner at the Long Trail Inn. Thank you!!!
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: moderate rain

Kind of a weird day today. Started late in the hopes the rain would let up/stop, but by 8:30 settled on less. Just glad I had rented a lean to! It rained on and off for most of the day. It felt like I was the only NOBO hiker. Wondered how Trevor was doing in the rain and hoped he got to the shelter he had planned on. I wish him all the best for the remainder of his journey on the LT! Got to my destination shelter and quickly set up tent, as it had stopped raining. Mind you, that did not last long, as another shower rolled through just as I was eating dinner. Two more hikers showed up and decided to stay in the shelter to dry out some of their gear. Had an early night, as more rain rolled through.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Hart residence, West Hartford
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

started hiking just before 8 am, it is turning into a nice day after the rain last night. Stopped for a long breakfast break at the On the Edge Farm. Ate a wonderful, still warm out of the oven, blueberry peach pie. Obi and UFC guy caught up with me there. On we went, another day with lots of ups and downs. The path itself was mostly good to walk on, a few rocks and a few roots, nothing we have not seen yet, so we made decent time. Got some delicious trailmagic at Cloudland Rd, which made those last miles go by faster. Passed Slipper and Tripper on the way down into West Hartford. Had not seen them since Virginia. Coming over the bridge, every hiker got waved over to the Hart residence, where we got offered free soda, a plate of pasta salad, a place to stay for the night and breakfast.Yes please! We ended up with another great group for the night, enjoying a relaxing evening on the porch.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Hart residence, West Hartford

To: Hanover
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a good breakfast, a short 10 mile day. Easy pace, watermelon trail magic in Norwich. Rolled into Hanover by 1 pm, after crossing the bridge over the Connecticut river, the VT/NH border. OB, UFC guy and I got our free slice of pizza, free donut and met up with other hikers at a pub, after Beth met us at the Green. From there we went for 3 nights to Sunapee.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Hanover

To: Grafton Turnpike/Dorchester Rd
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Had the opportunity to slack pack today, taking advantage of another good weather day, especially as the forecast for tomorrow calls for thunderstorms and rain. Will make that our zero day. Started at the Green, climbed 3 hills ending with a visit to the Icecream man residence, may he rest in peace.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hikers welcome hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: mist

Left shelter at 7 am to start the day with an up to Mt. Cube. Beautiful views from there!The down was very slow and it felt like forever to get some miles done. Thankfully the second part of the day moved quicker. The trail magic might have helped that along as well! First Strider, who magiced me with a vitamin water and then someone left sandwich makings at one of the road crossings. Got to the hostel by 3pm. Got chores done and updated TJs, as you can read now.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Hikers welcome hostel

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started my journey through the Whites today. Got going around 8 am, after a nice breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon at the hostel. Had a decent climb up to Mt Moosilauke. Went up to the south peak first, then on to the mail top. Got lucky with the weather and had a 360 degree view. Ended the short day at Beaver Brook Schelter with the feeling "I can do this!". Said good bye to OB and UFC guy, as they needed to head on to meet their deadline to Katahdin. Daryl, (the other Daryl) a sobo section hiker gave me some helpful info about the upcoming trail. Just the weather needs to play along now for me to keep on schedule.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up early and saw a beautiful sunrise right at the shelter. Then hiked parallel to a waterfall for the first couple miles of the day. The wooden slats, to help one down the steep parts were actually 8x8s, securely attached to the rocks and angled towards it, so in case of the wood being slippery, your foot would slide towards the rock. In some places they even had rebar handholds or holes drilled into the rock to secure your poles. After hearing other hikers talk about this section they had already hiked, I envisioned feeble, little slats just wide/deep enough to get a toe/fingertip hold and had packed my bear rope in easy reach just in case I had to lower my pack first. So it was a positive surprise to find the trail so well/safely constructed. The next section reminded me a bit of Vermud, with some rock scrambles thrown in. Still made it to the shelter by 1:30. Was tempted to hike on, but there were predictions of rain/thunderstorms by 4pm. As the trail would be going up 2000ft for the next 2.5 miles in "whites fashion", I was not sure i could make it to the next campsite by then. So I stayed put. I think i heard my legs saying "thank goodness"! The thunderstorms did come just shortly after 6pm and lasted for over an hour. As I had already eaten dinner, I was fed, warm and dry inside my tent. Hoping for an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch, The Notch Hostel
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

Did get that early start, but it took a moment to find the right spot to cross Eliza Brook, without taking a bath. That done, the climbing started, first along the brook, then through more mud and deep puddles. Ended up taking my boots off and wading with my Tevas on through the waters. Both South and North Kinsman were still in fog/ low clouds. Had my rain gear on for parts of the morning. The sun started to come out just short of Lonesome Lake Hut. Took my lunch break there, having a hearty bowl of soup, some lemonade and a cookie. From there it was downhill on a relatively easy trail. Had two more stream crossings, the Cascade one being the trickier of the two. Had some trail magic right at the bottom of Franconia Notch and then hiked out to Fume parking to hitch a ride. Kathy and Peter were happy to give me a ride not just into North Woodstock, but from there to the hostel as well. Thank you to my trail angels!!! The house is quieting down, as it is past hiker midnight, so off I will head to bed to rest up for the next climb tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Franconia Notch, The Notch Hostel

To: Gar field Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Hiked up Mt. Liberty, Little Haystack Mountain (glad it was not Big Haystack and no one asked me to find the needle), Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, Mt Garfield. Franconia Ridge was amazing, even when a tad blustery. The wind pushed me all over despite the pack. There were so many day and section hikers. My knees were yodeling after all the rough downs and happy when I stopped at Garfield Ridge Shelter. We were a big group of Nobos tonight. Fortune Cookie caught up and during the day I met the Swiss hikers I had not seen since Damascus.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Gar field Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: fog

Made it down the hill and got rewarded with left over oatmeal and pancakes for a free breakfast. Thanks Scott for the extra syrup. Climbed up South Peak, nice and steady. Waved at a couple of other peaks, but moved on to Zealand hut for lunch. Because the huts provide food for thru hikers, some free, for money or work, I did not have to pack as much food to get through the Whites. Had delicious potato and dill soup, lemonade and two snickers bars. Then came the easiest part of the trail, so mIles could be made. Hiked in a decent size bubble today. It will split up as everyone has different plans to deal with the predicted bad weather.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Got to see Bullwinkle this morning, which made for an awesome start of the day! Went over Mt. Webster, Mt. Jackson, Mt. Pierce, waved at Mt. Eisenhower, over Mt. Franklin, waved at Mt. Monroe. Stopped for lunch at Mizpah hut, but moved ahead of schedule as it was early in the day and the weather was holding. Got to see Mt Washington for the first time on my way to Lakes of the Clouds hut. Arrived there just at 4 pm and got a work for stay spot. You get to work for about 2 hours for which you get free left over dinner, a place on the hut floor for the night and a free breakfast. Not a bad deal at all!
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Started out after breakfast, the short distance up to Mt Washington. Sadly completely clouded in with no view. Just enough visibility to make out the next cairn. Had a second breakfast at the visitors center on top, waiting and hoping for the weather to clear some. No such luck, so on I went on my way. Loved the boulder hopping! Then came the first thunder. So I found shelter just inside the treeline. Waited a few moments but when no rain or more thunder came moved on. The real stuff caught me directly on the ridge. Thunderstorm coming up from behind me. A little to fast to outrun it, so a big boulder had to suffice. I know not the most ideal place, but better than nothing. This one took a good while to pass. Shared the space with 4 day hikers. My rainwear kept me dry even though it did get a bit cold. Warmed up quickly once I got going again. Made it to Madison hut just before the third storm broke. Because of weather all 10 thru hikers got work for stay spots. The hut crews are amazing and caring people!
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Madison Hut

To: Stealth site near Carter Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's miles were hard ones! The 4 of us moved at a steady pace, but because of the rough ups and downs could not develop any kind of hiking rhythm or speed. Did not get to the camp spot till 8:30 pm. All of us exhausted! But we were back on track after yesterday's short day.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Stealth site near Carter Hut

To: Gorham
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start, leaving at 6:30 am. Had some rough trail, but also some great views! Greatfully the last 3 miles to the hostel were easy. We flew, I think in record time! Got to resupply, shower and laundry done. Stood on a scale, and found I had lost another pound. Unbelievable, as I am constantly eating! Huge amounts, too!
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Gorham

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Could have easily stayed another night at the White Mountain Hostel! After a huge breakfast and saying good bye to my hiking buddies, got finally started around 10 am. 11.8 miles in 6.5 hours, just about back to normal speed. Picked some blueberries along the way. Tried to help an injured crow, but it would not let me, I guess nature will take its course there. Made it to Gentian Pond Shelter in the hopes to see a mama moose and calf, but no such luck. Maybe in the morning.
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Shelter before Mahoosic Notch
Miles today: 9.6

Got an early start, but it felt like I was back in the Whites. Steep ups and downs, rock scrambles, mud puddles and roots slowed the forward process. The scenery was great, though, and so was the weather! Took a half hour nap on Mt. Carlo. Hm, might have to incorporate some more naps if weather and terrain allow it. Hit the last Stateline for this journey. More than 1900 miles hiked, less than 300 to go!
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Shelter before Mahoosic Notch

To: Baldpate Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

What a day! Got started relatively easy, then came the Notch. Loved to scramble over and under these huge boulders! Got a few more scratches and scrapes, but enjoyed every moment. Ish, a fellow nobo, went through with me, and helped at a spot where my leg was just a mere inch too short to reach the next boulder. After the Notch came the arm, which took time as well,as it was a steep up. I was glad when I reached Grafton Notch and only had a little over 2 miles to go. Yup, up again, but on a reasonable grade and mostly decent trail. My knees are still yodeling, so I made the decision to pull out early tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Bald plate Shelter

To: Andover
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Congratulations Shooting Star for finishing your thru hike! So happy for you!! Hope you get to celebrate with family and friends! In my thoughts i shall celebrate with you. Very glad we met on the trail!                        Today's miles came easier again. The trail was not as technical. Had a beautiful view up on Bald plate Mountain. Some scrambles and steep ups and downs, some rebar, wooden and metal steps to help getting down the steeper sections. Lucked out and got a hitch into town along with 3 sobos. Ate a great lunch and dinner at the Red Hen. Got a bunk spot at the Pine Ellis. All set for another day on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Andover

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 16.0

Got shuttled back to the trail around 7 am. The half day yesterday helped, my body felt better. The trail did it's part as well. Another beautiful day for some hiking. Even though there was a lean-to not far off, my knees were done by 5pm. Not wanting to nil the rest day, I looked for a place to pitch. What impressed me was the absolute quiet at the stealth site. No, and I mean no noises around me. Once in a while a bird or squirrel.... and then there was me swearing as I tried ( and finally succeeded ) 40 minutes to get my rope over a decent branch for the bear bag. Being persistent out here helps!
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Stealth site

To: Little Swift River Pond campsite
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

After a steady climb up both Bemis peaks I got rewarded with delicious blueberries growing right along the trail, some just waiting to be picked by me! The lake view for my lunch break was not bad either. Met two volunteer trail work groups. These people put in a lot of hard manual labor to maintain and in places improve the AT. Thank you! We were a group of 6 nobos at camp. Thank you to Steady for throwing my bear rope! With just a few more resupply stops left and most of us doing similar milage, this bubble should get to Katahdin in the same week. Just 225 miles left.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Little Swift River Pond campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it over Saddleback Mountain, the Horn and Saddleback Junior. Hiked on and off with Toxicfoot and Robin. Weather was a tad windy, and clouds were forming. So decided to stay in the shelter. And the rain did come.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was great packing up dry this morning. Crossed Oberon Stream, rock hopping, no fording necessary. Then up Lone Mountain, Spaulding Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. Rock hopped over another stream and was at the campsite by 4pm. Nice to get done early. Had 'dinner' with Toxic foot and Robin. And by the grace of cell towers was able to call home from my tent.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a relately easy climb up south and then north peak. Then the long down towards the road to Stratton. Hit the 2000 mile mark! Started counting down... less than 200 miles to go, only so many more days on the trail... .My trail angel giving me a ride into town was Anne E. O'Regan. She is a PCT thru hiker (2010). I am now the proud owner of her book. Started reading right away while at the laundromat. Thank you for sharing your story! Congrats to AB for completing the AT yesterday. In my thoughts I am celebrating with you!
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Stratton

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

The Bigelows got done in one swoop. Another check off. It was toad day, stopped counting after about 20 of them. Great weather for hiking, walked alongside a few lakes. Beautiful scenery. Had a great conversation with Crazy Legs over dinner. More of the bubble showed up. Sadly some had to set up away from shelter, as a group of young fellas occupied all of the shelter, blocking flat spots with their unused hammocks. Hope they cleaned up all their trash before leaving camp.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of walking by numerous lakes. Just about all other water sources are dwindling. Streams we would normally have to ford, we can rock hop across. Got to the shelter early, then went to reserve my spot for pancake breakfast at Harrison's. Took a swim in the lake, then enjoyed a restful evening with Steady, Teach and Fiber. Got to see another beautiful sunset.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started early, as Harrison got the pancakes ready by 7 am. Yummy, with fresh raspberries, blueberries and apples. Packed some out for lunch. Then a quick 3.5 miles down to catch the ferry/canoe to cross the Kennebec. A stop in Caratunk for a milkshake, gatorade and a quick WiFi call home. Then on it went. Ended up being a long day by the time I reached the tent spots just before the shelter. So many familiar faces. Funny stories all evening while sitting around the campfire. All of us so close to the finish. Yeah!
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Bald Mountain Lean-to

To: ME 15
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got going just before 7 am. Over Moxie bald, getting my first look at Katahdin, I think. The trail was nice and the hiking easy and relatively fast. That put me at the shelter I had planned to stop by 1pm. Too early to stop. Decision made, I pushed on towards the road/hostel. The going slowed down a little bit towards the end, but I made it to the road by 5:30pm. Got a hitch into town and the hostel had space. Yes!!! My last hostel stay, my last zero tomorrow. Good people around me. Tired, content, happy.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: ME 15

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0

Last zero, kind of a weird feeling. Looking forward to finishing my hike, but then already dreading missing the hiking life, the hikers around me, being able to eat what I want and how much I want with no consequences.... It is good to socialize with all the nobo hikers, saying good bye to the ones leaving today. Got my registration done for Baxter. All is set. Wow, so close now.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Monson

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1

Kind of got an early, but slow start. Cautious of what this wilderness will challenge me with. Late morning got my hiking legs back. the trail took us past at least 4 ponds ( which to me look more like lakes). Finally got to take my boots off to cross one stream. I think it was Big Wilson stream. Then just before the lean-to amazing trail magic by the Adams family. They hold trail magic days in memory of James D. Adams/ Yogi Bear. And they do it right! Burgers, corn, hot dogs, chicken, cold drinks.... Amazing!! Once at the Lean-to did not need to cook dinner, just made myself some tea and had oreo cookies for dessert. Had a very inquisitive chipmunk checking out my pack and tent as I was setting up.
Date: 2016-08-10
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: West Branch Pleasant River Campsites
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Lots of ups and downs today. My knees were singing an opera! The rewards are the beautiful views from the tops. Mountain counting with 4th mountain, 31/2, 3rd,.. reminded me a bit of Harry Potter with 93/4. On top of 3rd mountain met a nice couple day hiking, who gifted me with apples, which were an excellent dessert to my lunch break. The wife wants to complete her AT section hikes next year. She only has about 500 miles left. My body let me know it was time to stop at the campsite plus I had a good water source. Settled in my tent after a neat dinner conversation with Gregory, a south bound section hiker. Hit the 2100 mile mark today.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: West Branch Pleasant River Campsites

To: Kokadjo B Pond Rd
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I guess stopping after 15 miles yesterday paid off today. The AT took me over Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain and Whitecap Mountain. It was pretty hazy, so not sure if I got a glimpse of Katahdin. Started and ended the day kind of slow, but must have picked up speed in the middle to make the extra miles. Then came the long wait for the food drop the next morning. Sadly I could not move it to the next road meeting point as I had no cell service. Set up tent right behind a parked car by the road. Not ideal, but had to suffice for the night.