morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Wiley shelter

To: Cooper B&B, Kent, Connecticut 
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Now out of New York and into Connecticut. 9 states down, 5 more to go. Trying to find my bounce box. I thought that I had sent it to the Post Office in Kent, but they don't have it. It looks like I sent it to the Fife and Drum B&B, but they are closed on Tuesdays. They don't open until 10am tomorrow. I hope that I can find it. Weather is still blazing hot, in the 90s and humid. It was supposed to start cooling down, but hasn't yet. Leaves from a certain tree type were falling off trees yesterday, covering the ground. It looked like autumn. I don't know whether this is usually or whether it is being caused by the very hot weather and drought
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Cooper B&B, Kent, Connecticut 

To: Silver Hill campsite with pavilion 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A great camping area with pavilion, picnic table, swing bench and hand pump for water. The well was deep and had to be pumped multiple times to draw water. Needed a team effort. 5 Star, Iwox, White Owl were all here. The photo shows me in head net to protect against flies. Small flies or gnats hover 3 inches from my face while I am walking. They then dive bomb into your eyes. When hiking solo they are very difficult to remove. At the same time mosquitoes buzz around my ears while I am being distracted by the gnats. The head net works well, but increases the already very hot temperatures.
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Silver Hill campsite with pavilion 

To: Falls Village, Toy makers Cafe CT
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed Falls Village. A short walk from the trail at 0.3 miles. It has a package store, tavern and cafe. Stopped first at package store to sake thirst with two 25oz beers. Drank them sitting outside the store with other hikers watching the volunteers clean the fire engines. Chicken Fried was there, he lives on Eris Rd about 2 miles from my house. Went from there across the street to the Tavern for fish and chips. Camped the night behind Toymaker's Cafe. The owners allow free camping on their lawn. Then uniquely positioned to roll out of bed in the morning to sample their famous waffles.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Falls Village, Toy makers Cafe CT

To: Sages Ravine
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

For the last few days I've seen a steady stream of southbound hikers. Baxter State Park opened early this year due to low snow fall. The park normally opens in late June, but this year opened on May 28. More competition for camping spots, but we share valuable information. It's also great reassurance that I will be done in just under 2 more months.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Sages Ravine

To: Great Barrington recreation center MA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Crossed into Massachusetts, the 11th state. I've now completed GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY and CT. Great Barrington was great. The recreation center allows hikers to camp for free in a field behind. For $5 you can get a shower , use the pool and sauna.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Mount Wilcox south shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

A big catch up entry. I just completed the last 4 nights or so. Apologies, cell signal has been a little sketchy, plus I have been wiped out at the end of each day. Earlier in my hike I was easily knocking out 18 miles each day for several days in a row. Lately I struggle to do 12 to 14. Many other hikers also have experienced a slow down. I'm not sure why I have slowed, but think it is a combination of several factors: bruised soles of feet not recovered since Pennsylvania, very hot (mid 90's) and humid for days on end, further weight loss (I'm down 30 pounds to 160), and general fatigue. Thanks to Jean Daniels for persevering with her Guest Book entry. I had a chuckle at some of the spelling auto corrects. All of your entries are truly appreciated.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Upper Goose Pond cabin

To: Lee, MA
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: light rain

Took a nero into Lee, Massachusetts. An old friend from graduate school, Allen Frechter, drove 2 1/2 hours from Boston to see me and provide some outstanding trail magic. We found a hotel for me for tonight, did laundry while sitting outside drinking beers and snacks that Allen had brought, then had lunch, and then resupplied at a grocery store. It was great to spend time with Allen. Much appreciated. At the end of August he and his wife, Adrienne, are taking a year off to tour around the USA in an Airstream trailer. Good luck to them on their adventure.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Lee, MA

To: Kay Wood shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Quite easy terrain today. Fairly level and not too rocky. Bumped into several people at the shelter that I haven't seen in a while: Cheeks (a girl from England ), 5 Star, Right Lane, Less Mayo. Hearing about a lot of hikers getting tick bites. All get antibiotic treatment, but only a few develop symptoms.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Kay Wood shelter

To: Mark Noepel shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

A huge milestone today. I went to put my socks on this morning and found that I have finally worn a hole in my Darn Tough socks. They have a lifetime warranty, so now I can get a replacement pair. They held up for almost 1,600 miles. I have worn the same pair almost every day. They truly are darn tough. Today was a good food day. 3 miles from camp the trail went through Dalton. There was a gas station convenience store close by. For breakfast I had a quart of whole milk, french toast egg and sausage sandwich, hash browns and a muffin. At about 4 o'clock we passed by an ice cream store. Tomorrow I should cross into Vermont.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Mark Noepel shelter

To: Petes Spring campsite 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: moderate rain

Went into Williamstown to resupply. There was a Pappa Johns and Stop and Shop 0.5 mile off the trail. The Pappa Johns was great, they gave 50% off to hikers. After eating a whole 10 inch pizza, plus a pint of H¤agen-Dazs and a 25oz beer I went to the Stop and Shop. They had a Higi station for weighing and taking blood pressure. I don't know how accurate it is but it gave my weight as 156 after eating all that food. I'm only at the mid point of my BMI. On the plus side my blood pressure was 117 over 75. I've bumped into several hikers recently that have had Lyme disease. It forces some of them off the trail for several days. My strategy of wearing my long pants into my socks seems to be workung. I look like a geek, but it works so far. I have also sprayed twice with Permetherin my clothes, back pack and tent .
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Petes Spring campsite 

To: Harmon Hill stealth camping
Miles today: 15.0

Thanks to Michelle Lee for her insight posted in my guest book. I hadn't thought about the cumulative toll that all these miles are taking. Today I crossed into Vermont, state number 13. I also exceeded 1,600 miles and only have 580.3 left to go. I'm counting down now, rather than counting up. It rained hard this morning, but at least it was cooler. I'm really hoping that the worst of the heat and humid weather is now behind me. A couple of the summits today were above 3,000 feet which will also help. I don't think I have been above 3,000 feet since Virginia.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Harmon Hill stealth camping

To: Kid Gore shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Thanks to Jean Daniel for persevering in the guest book entries. The spelling autocorrect made me chuckle. Weather today was quite pleasant, a high of about 70, light rain showers in the afternoon. I really hope that I am finally through the hot weather. The trail has been crowded the last couple of days. In Vermont the AT runs along the Long Trail which goes up into Canada (only 252 miles from here). Several groups are hiking the long trail. We have Nobos, Sobos, Long Trailers all overlapping. I am camping alongside 2 guys from Milton. One is 29 the other is 30. They don't know any of my children. They did have Kelsh and were shocked that on the AT in Vermont someone knows who their Latin teacher was.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Kid Gore shelter

To: Camping before Stratton Pond
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today I went up and over Mount Stratton, a ski area. The climb was 2,000 feet straight up and then 2,000 feet straight down. It wasn't too bad, steady and not to rocky. On the summit was a fire tower that I climbed. It was very windy at the top, but the views were worth it. 360 degree panorama of mostly wilderness. However, I couls see the top of the Stratton Mountain chair lift and beyond that the ski slopes of Killington. I intended to stay at the Stratton Pond shelter, however the spring there was dry. Instead I camped about 1/2 mile before the shelter close to a stream. Right Lane was also there. We have been hiking the same miles each day, but at a different pace. He is faster than me (despite his trail name), but we generally meet up in the evening and share thoughts and plans for the next day. Even though we haven't had much rain lately the trail has large stretches of mud. Thick, black, sticky mud that can reportedly suck your boots off your feet. I'm dreading what the trail will be like if we get some sustained rain. The nickname for this state is Vermud.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Camping before Stratton Pond

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 11.2

A fairly easy run into Manchester Center, about 11 miles, mostly level to slightly downhill. A great view from Prospect Rock on the way. Manchester is about 5 miles from the trail head. Several people had told me that it is an easy hitch hike into town, but I was a little sceptical. However, I got to the trail head parking area and waited for a car to pass. Before a car even came a truck in the parking area blew its horn and a voice called out "do you need a ride into town?". Quite remarkable. The gentleman driving is a caretaker at the Stratton Pond shelter working for the Green Mountain Club. He takes care of a large stretch of the AT and several shelters. On his 2 days off per week he drives hikers around. His name is Story Teller and he thru hiked in 2009. I tried to give him a few dollars for gas, but he refused to take it. A truly kind, giving and remarkable man. At dinner hiker Tandy told his hitch hiking story. He put out his thumb and the 4th vehicle stopped. The driver was a small, frail lady with white hair in her 70's. From the moment that Tandy got into the car she regaled him with a non stop flow of bawdy limericks and ribald jokes. He was embarrassed and didn't know how to react. The only joke that he felt comfortable sharing in mixed company was "what's the difference between peanuts and deer nuts? Peanuts cost about $2.50 whereas deer nuts are under a buck". He said that it was his strangest experience on the trail to date! Spending the night at the Green Mountain House. A great hostel, very clean, well organized. $35 for the night which includes a shower, towel, soap, a soda, a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, breakfast, wifi, use of a computer, pick up from town and drop off back at the trail head in the morning. One of the best places that I have stayed so far. Definitely in the top 3. Also here are St. Nick (who I first met in March back in Georgia. He got off the trail for a couple of weeks with Lymes disease and a foot injury), Sukee, Ten Bear, Right Lane, Tandy and Hazel.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Lost Pond shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Close to White Rocks there was an area full of stone cairns. All shapes and sizes, even one shaped like a dragon. A beautiful site to behold. I couldn't help but think that in many places the cairns would be knocked over by mischievous people. However, on the trail they are respected and many people add to them or create new ones
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Minerva Hinchey shelter

To: Cooper Lodge shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

A long, steady climb up today, steep, rocky and rooty in places. Ended the day at Cooper shelter at the top of Killington Mountain, the biggest ski area in the northeast. Half way through the day passed the point that is 500 miles to Katahdin. Finally starting to feel that I am getting close. I camped alongside Cheeks and Pancakes, both are also Brits so we formed a little British enclave.
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Cooper Lodge shelter 

To: Rutland VT
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Needed to get off in Rutland to retrieve my bounce box. A wonderful trail angel named Mary picked Right Lane and myself up from the trail head. She took us to her home and really spoiled us. Mary had beer steins cooling in her freezer. She had bought all kinds of food and drinks for us. Salmon for lunch, steak for dinner with all kinds of vegetables, salads, deserts and ice cream. Mary also drove us to a grocery store and an outfitters to resupply. A truly wonderful and kind person. She really made us feel welcome and at home. A great rest and recharge. Today I passed the 1,700 mile mark. Thanks to Kevin for some great lyrics to consider, posted in my guest book . Also thanks to Parky for another inspiring quote. This time from Gandhi.
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Rutland VT

To: Camped at Chateauguay Road
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed paths today with a Sobo who is trying to break the supported speed record for completing the whole AT. The current record of 54 days was set a couple of years ago. This guy was 12 days out from Katahdin and is averaging about 42 miles per day. That's what he needs to sustain to beat the record. I think there is a website to follow his progress.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Camped at Chateauguay Road

To: Camping North of Cloudland Road , Vermont 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Forecast is for heavy rain starting tomorrow after 2pm. We're trying to dash into Hanover, New Hampshire tomorrow. Right Lane and I both have packages with our winter gear to pick up at the Post Office. I'm getting back my 20 degree sleeping bag, zippered fleece and long underwear. Temperatures in the White Mountains are an average daily high in the 50s and lows at night in the 30s.
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Camping North of Cloudland Road , Vermont 

To: Betsy & Bill's house, Norwich, VT Elm Street
Miles today: 14.2

Betsy and Bill are trail angels with a house right on the trail. Each night they accommodate 10 to 15 hikers in their basement and on their screened in porch. Since a big storm had been forecast to hit late afternoon we hurried to the house. I walked for about an hour in heavy rain. Since the air temperature is still quite warm I just hike in shirt sleeves and expect to get soaked. As long as I keep moving I stay warm. I changed into dry clothes once I got to the house. It rained heavily all night.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Betsy & Bill's house, Norwich, VT Elm Street

To: Moose Mtn shelrer
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

First thing in the morning I walked the 3 miles into Hanover, New Hampshire. Only 2 more states to go. Had breakfast at Lou's then picked up my package at the Post Office. I got back my 20 degree quilt, zippered fleece, long underwear, hat and gloves. It will be cold in the White Mountains. I sent home my summer quilt, boxers, sleeping bag liner and socks. The privy had a distinct lack of privacy (and no seat). The privy was visible from the loop trail and the shelter.
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Smarts Mtn campsite 

To: Ore Hill campsite 
Miles today: 12.8

Today is the anniversary of 5 months on the trail. 153 days. A very long time. Finally am getting close to the White Mountains. At the campsite were 12 incoming Harvard freshman. There for orientation. Apparently there are over 400 freshmen spread in groups of 12 throughout the New England mountains.
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Ore Hill campsite 

To: Hiker Friendly hostel
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Took a short day to be at the base camp for Mount Moosilauke. This is a monster. 4,000 feet straight up for 6 miles. It may be the most challenging section on the trail so far. Stayed at the Hiker Friendly Hostel. Organized Sherpas and checked oxygen tanks. On the way in met Southpaw, 60 cents and Down Under. Finally met Ms. Janet in her van. She starts in the spring in Springer and travels north keeping pace with the hikers. Up until now I've just missed her several times. I discovered that advice that I was given way back and attributed to her was not correct. Since Tennessee I have not been hanging a bear line. I was told that Ms. Janey agreed with that practice. Well, in New Hampshire she personally recommends always hanging a bear line!
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Hiker Friendly hostel

To: Gordon pond stealth camp
Miles today: 12.1

Today I hit the Whites in earnest. Right Lane and I got (for us) an early start at 7am out of the hostel. We wanted to tackle the Mt. Moosilauke ascent with fresh legs and when it was cooler. Today's photo shows the profile. 4,000 feet straight up in about 3 miles. The climb was not as difficult as I expected, but the descent was far harder. The descent was very steep, slippery rock face and boulders. Several hikers thought that it was the hardest descent so far on the trail. At the summit it was socked in, clouds and very windy. A couple jf times wind gusts blew me sideways off the path and I struggled to keep my feet. A backpack really increases the impact of the wind. Apparently on a clear day it is possible to see Canada. I struggled to see my own feet. At night a huge rain storm hit. It had been forecast days previously. I stayed mostly dry, with just a little condensation accumulatING inside my tent.
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Gordon pond stealth camp

To: North Woodstock - Autumn Breeze motel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A second very tough day. Up overy the summits of South and North Kinsman mountains. The heavy rain during the night made the trail very wet, muddy and slippery. Despite the rain I slept for 10.5 hours. I was beat. Again it was socked in with clouds on the summits. No views, zero visibility. My pace was very slow due to the technically difficult terrain and the conditions. I had to get to the trail head since Right Lanes brother had booked me into a motel. At 3pm I asked a Sobo , local day hiker what the trail was like up ahead for me. He asked me where I was headed, then looked at his watch, laughed and said "good luck". That didn't help my spiruts. I finally got to the trail head at almost 9pm. The last hour was hiked in total darkness (with my flashlight ). Right Lane and his twin brother were waiting for me in a car. We stopped for beer and pizza and all was right in the world. Lesson learned : I need to dial back my mileage estimates in the Whites. Two back to back days of 13 miles each day was very tiring and too much.
Date: 2016-08-23
From: North Woodstock - Autumn Breeze motel

To: Autumn Breeze motel, N. Woodstock NH
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero in North Woodstock. Right Lane's brother had booked us into a motel. The name "Autumn Breeze" sounds like a retirement home, but it is the greatest place. The owner,Ann is great and very hiker friendly. Low room rate, clean room, free laundry. North Woodstock is a great little town with everything a hiker needs: a convenience store with 900 types of beer, a breakfast diner, an old train station converted to a brewery and restaurant.
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Garfield Ridge campsite

To: Zealand Falls hut
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Got to the Zealand Falls hut right as they were serving dinner. There are 10 to 12 huts throughout the Whites. They are rustic hostels with bunk rooms, run by the AMC. People pay $150 per night to stay there. Each hut has a few spots where they take thru hikers for "work for stay". You get to sleep on the dining room floor and eat leftovers for dinner and lunch. In return the hiker does minimal work such as cleaning a few dishes or sweeping the bunk room floor. I was very fortunate to get a spot at 6pm. Normally you have to be at the hut around 3 or 4pm to get one of the spots. Dinner was pumpkin bisque, black bean enchildas, broccoli, salad, pound cake. All I could eat. Breakfast was eggs, bacon, pancakes, oatmeal. In return I swept the 2 bunk room floors, which took about 30 minutes. A great deal. The croo were great - Abby, Ben and Emily.
Date: 2016-08-27
From: Crawford Notch General Store and campground 

To: Lake of the Clouds hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: fog

I had a great day hiking with Bruce up Mt Webster. A long steady climb, but not technically difficult. Weather was great again. Low 80s, clear sky, low humidity, no bugs. Views were spectacular. Had lunch with Bruce (that he kindly provided) on the summit of Mt Webster. He then went back to his car. I continued on to Lake of the Clouds hut. This hut is at the base of Mt. Washington, 1.4 miles away. It is the largest hut in the Whites with 100 bunks. They have 22 slots for thru hikers, but there were over 30 of us. Another night under a table in a dining room. A beautiful location. I'm now more than half way through the Whites and about 5 days from the Maine border. 353 miles left to go. Getting close!
Date: 2016-08-28
From: Lake of the Clouds hut

To: Madison Spring hut.
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Started the day with a fairly easy hike up to the summit of Mt Washington. Visibility was mixed, with gaps in the clouds providing occasionaL long distance views. Saw the steam engine cog railway. There is a concession restaurant at the summit that sells pizza, hot dogs, chili, etc... After partaking in some junk calories another hiker invited me over for some trail magic. Her parents had set up in a corner with all kinds of goodies, including a pannini sandwich press! Lots of great fruit, cheese, crackers, dips, Clif bars. Everyone was encouraged to eat as much as they could and to take with them whatever they wanted. Such kind and great people. The hike down was more difficult than it looked in the trail guide, plus I had been delayed by the trail magic. The trail was very rocky and slow going. I had originally planned to go about 10 miles to a campsite, but only made it to the Madison hut. I arrived at 6pm. Frickles was outside and had just been turned down for work for stay. I decided to give it a shot anyway since it was a difficult 3 miles over the summit of Madison to the campsite. I was accepted for work for stay. I have no idea what the decision criteria are. They had 5 slots and I was the second accepted. By 7pm all slots were filled. There was a thunderstorm approaching and the winds were picking up. Thru hikers that turned up after 7pm were turned away even though it was dark, raining, and a storm was approaching. The dining area could easily hold 14 or 16 hikers. I don't blame the croo chief for doing his job, I see both sides of the issue. The people paying $150 per night for a bunk don't want their common area overtaken by smelly, free loading thru hikers. However, it was a very inhospitable night to be turning people away. There aren't enough shelters (versus huts) or campsites in the Whites. They are too far apart.