morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-17
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Gorham (The Barn Hostel)
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

8/17/17 Day 81 - 11.8 milesGentian Pond Shelter to GorhamUp early and on the trail by 6:45 - motivated to get to town where I had a reservation at the Barn Hostel.   I was a little worried about how I would get to the hostel though because it's about 6 miles from the trail and cell service has been terrible up here. I could always try to hitch a ride but I hate that uncertainty. I'll worry about that when I get there. The trail a little easier today, no huge climbs showing on the app. I was making great time and was at the trail head parking lot in no time! Just as I came walking up, a big Lincoln pulled into the lot - it was Paul the hostel owner!!  A hiker I had passed this morning told me about his huge sled of a Lincoln and how he packs like 10 hikers at a time in it - this had to be it. Into Gorham aty 12:00 and had a bit of reservation confusion. Dan (Destiny) had made the reservations for the 2 of us a couple days ago but when I went to check in, Paul said that Dan only made a reservation for 1!! He also said the place was full and he had no vacancies!! I couldn't believe it. I explained to him that my buddy had made reservation for 2 and that we were going to stay an extra day and take a 0. He told me not to worry and that he would find a spot for me. Destiny showed up a little later and resolved the whole issue when he explained to me that his name is actually Dylan and not Dan. Wouldn't you know, Dylan did actually make a reservation for 2 for 2 days. Dan, whoever the hell he is, actually had a reservation also but only for 1. So glad to have that resolved! Got cleaned up and did laundry and headed out to Welsh's for lunch. Walked the main strip which was having a farmers market today.  This hostel has one of the best set ups I've seen on the trail!! Beds with foam mattresses and clean linens (even a couple full sized beds for the couples hiking out there). Couches and recliners with a TV, Netflix, ping pong table, big kitchen area with stove and oven and fridge. And he runs shuttles to town and to the Pinkham Notch visitor center where some people get dropped off to do slackpacks. It's close to the center of town with a restaurant, the post office, and an outfitter too! We picked a good place to take a 0 at. It's a toss up between this place and Uncle Johnnies down in TN for my favorite hostel on the entire trail.
Date: 2017-08-18
From: Gorham (The Barn Hostel)

To: Gorham 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

8/18/17 - 0 dayGorham NHThe planned 0 turned out to be great idea. On top of letting the body heal for a day before heading into the Whites, the weather was fog and rain. I'm glad I didn't have to head out into it. The plan is to load up on calories and rest as much as possible. Other town chores include getting new tips for my hiking poles- the originals have worn down to little nubs and I also need new boots. Gorham isn't a big town but they do have an outfitter, thank god. I also mailed some of the extra food ahead to North Woodstock instead of leaving it in the hiker box. Breakfast at Welsh's again. I could eat here everyday. Burgers from Mr. Pizza for lunch and I picked up some frozen pizzas to make at the hostel and save some money on dinner. I also did some reading on the internet about a good diet for long distance hiking. It turns out that Snickers are the perfect hiking food. https://thesummitregister.com/...A group of hikers left this morning to slack pack 21 miles from Pinkham Notch back to Gorham and stay at the hostel again tonight.  They came in pretty beat up (and soaking wet) after 7:30.  As much as I'd like to stay here another night, I think it would be too much even with the light pack.  I was able to lay around all day and watch movies and eat as much as possible.  It will not be easy leaving here in the morning.
Date: 2017-08-21
From: Madison Spring Hut (Valley Way Tent site)

To: Nauman Tentsite at Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

8/21/17 Day 84 - 11.9 milesValley Way Stealth site to Mizpah Hut (Nauman Tentsite)Up and on trail by 7:00 after sleeping 11 hours last night. That climb up Madison was a killer. Woke up to thick fog, basically in the clouds all morning. Had a few humps to get over before I started the climb up to Mt Washington. The trail was a rock scramble the entire morning all the way up to Washington. Overall, it was 6 tough miles done by 11:00. The elevation wasn't even the toughest part of it- the rocks were much harder. The top of Mt Washington was packed with tourists, there was even a line to get your picture at the summit sign. I skipped the sign for now and went straight to the snack bar. $10 for round 1 - a bowl of chili, 2 hot dogs , and a cup of coffee. Round 2 was $16 - slice of pizza, 2 more hot dogs, Snickers, brownie, and another cup of coffee. We hung out for about 2 hours total, we were in no rush- only going to Mizpah Hut today. As we started heading down the mountain towards Lake of the Clouds Hut, the clouds began to clear from the top of Washington and I got some pictures of the towers on top. It also made way for some incredible views down to the Hut and of the surrounding peaks. Incredible- all above treeline you could see the paths and the people looking like ants walking along them.Made it to Lake of the Clouds by 2:00 and had some more coffee.  The eclipse had started and people were hanging around outside with tinted glasses watching the progress. I got some good pics with my phone as the clouds would block out enough so I was able to look at it briefly.  Pretty amazing. It was about 65-70% at its peak so it was about as dark as a cloudy day.  Today was pretty chilly also and the wind chills you right through so I needed something hot to drink. Only had 4.5 more miles to Mizpah and was there at 4:30. The trail after Washington was so much better than the rocks from earlier so I was able to make great time. As soon as I got to the Hut I asked about work for stay. They only had 2 spots which were already taken but luckily they have a tentsite right next to the Hut. I had no problem doing the tent tonight- work for stay was a little late for me. I can have dinner and be in bed before they even assign the jobs so I prefer the early bedtime to the free meal and roof. Set up my tent and made my Ramen dinner and in bed right now at 7:00. The call for tomorrow is rain so I'm not looking forward to that. I hope I don't have to pack up a wet tent in the morning.
Date: 2017-08-22
From: Nauman Tentsite at Mizpah Hut

To: Stealth site at 357.6
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

8/22/17 Day 85 - 18.6 milesNauman Tentsite to Stealth Tentsite at mile 357.6Up and on the trail by 6:45. I was a little extra motivated to get packed up early since the call was for rain all day.  Nothing yet but it's always a bonus to pack up a dry tent. Stopped at the Hut to fill my water bottles and they had coffee there!! It's gonna be a good day. Destiny got the early jump as I sat around talking to other thru-hikers and some hut guests. I also met Kickstand last night - he came in late and set up in the site next to mine. He's missing his left leg just above the knee and hikes with a prosthetic.  No easy task given this terrain. He's heading south at the moment and went up Washington yesterday- incredible.  Finished my coffee and headed out on my way to Mt Jackson. Easy climb, awesome views. I'm going to post every pic from the Whites just because I think the scenery out here is amazing. Weather still looking good, in fact, it's better than yesterday and yesterday was supposed to be sunny and clear. I have a clear view of the top of Mt Washington and I'm a little disappointed it wasn't like this yesterday. Over Webster Cliffs the views were awesome and it was hard to make miles with all the pictures I was taking. I was a little bummed today that we wouldn't be passing a snack bar or visitor center of some sort- I'm getting spoiled with all the prepared food lately. And to make matters worse, I could see a campstore about 3000' below me but the trail won't be passing close to it.  Another bonus for today is the 5 miles of smooth level trail that follows an old rail bed. Was able to fly through that section and make it to Zealand Hut by 1:00. Skipped lunch on the trail so I could buy some soup and bread there. I was in luck, I got the last 2 bowls of vegetable soup and she gave me 2 huge hunks of bread to go with it. Grabbed some extra Snickers bars too since I'm out of breakfast in my food bag. Hung out at the Hut for a while chatting with a volunteer. Destiny had already gotten here about 20 minutes before me and was relaxing also. After about 90 minutes, I figured I better get going. Destiny decided to stay and try to get work for stay. I wasn't quitting after only 6 hours of hiking so I decided to push on- it was only 3:00. I had about 7 miles to the next hut so I figured I'd just walk until I don't feel like it anymore. The weather was still holding out so I pushed on about 4.5 miles and it started getting dark and windy. Found a nice stealth site right next to the trail. Set up and made dinner just as the wind picked up and the rain started. My timing was perfect today. Not a moment wasted waiting for the rain and I got to stay dry as well. Hopefully the storm passes by overnight and I can leave dry tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-23
From: Stealth site at 357.6

To: Lonesome Lake Hut 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: moderate rain

8/23/17 Day 86 - 18.5 milesStealth site to Lonesome Lake HutCrazy storms last night with high winds and pelting rain. The tent held up great with only a little puddle in the corner at my feet - that corner was not pulled taught enough so a little runoff found it's way inside. Up at 6 and on the trail at 6:30. Hoping to get to Zealand Hut for breakfast leftovers and to see about booking a bunk at Lonesome Lake Hut. I've had a credit from last year that will expire in October if I don't use it and Lonesome Lake is the last opportunity for me to use it. Rolled into Zealand Hut around 7:30 and ran into Pappy and Best Wife! I met them down in Georgia and crossed paths with them up to VA. Glad to see them all the way up here. I scarfed down some leftover pancakes and eggs and spoke to the Croo to see if they had communication to the other Hut. I gave them my credit confirmation number and I was all booked up for a bunk at Lonesome Lake Hut!! Only problem was that it was 16 miles away and dinner is at 6:00. Hope I can make it in time since I could really use the cooked meal.  1st climb was up Garfield mountain then up to the Franconia Ridge. I've been looking forward to this spot since day 1. Some of the most incredible views of the entire AT and I have a clear day! Very windy at the top - I had to put on my hat and gloves and was still a bit chilly and its August! Across the valley, I could see Lonesome Lake and the Hut. It's right down the hill and across the road but I have to stay on the trail and another 10+ miles of hiking to get there. I made great time across the ridge and down the Liberty Springs trail to Rt 93. Across the road and back up the 1300' climb to the hut. I was flying so fast I stepped off a rock and right into the rushing creek. My one foot went in all the way up to my knee but I didn't care - I was going to make it in time for dinner! Got to the hut and into some clean clothes. Had to go to dinner in just my socks since my 1 shoe was soaking wet. Made it there with 30 minutes to spare and chat with some of the guests. Met a nice family from RI & Nashville. Grandparents, parents, and little ones all staying at the hut - Such a nice family.
Date: 2017-08-24
From: Lonesome Lake Hut 

To: North Woodstock NH (The Notch Hostel)
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

8/24/17 Day 87 - 13.3 milesLonesome Lake Hut to North Woodstock NH (The Notch Hostel)Up for coffee and breakfast by 6:30. As I was eating breakfast, Destiny came rolling in. It turns out that he couldn't do work for stay at Zealand so he had to find a stealth site along the way. Hoping to make a reservation at the Notch Hostel in Woodstock for tonight to get a shower and do laundry. 1st shower since Gorham. I also had a package to pick up at the post office - I had extra supplies in Gorham so I mailed it forward. The hostel kept me in suspense and didn't find out our reservations were accepted until about 2:00. We also were not going to be in time for the trailhead pickup so we'll just thumb a ride at the road crossing.  Got to the trailhead/parking area and immediately met Stiches. She was exploring the Whites all summer, living in her van and offered us a ride to the hostel for free. Got there just in time to shower up and head into town for dinner and resupply. The hostel runs a shuttle to Lincoln where they drop you off and pick you up in a couple hours. Got my package from the post office so I didn't have too much to buy at the grocery store. Had a half decent cheese steak, not bad for NH. Headed back to the hostel where I quickly passed out.
Date: 2017-08-26
From: Stealth Tentsite at mile 408.6

To: Trapper John Shelter 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

8/26/17 Day 89 - 16.9 milesMile 408.6 to Trapper John ShelterFelt like total hell today. Sore throat getting worse. Just put my head down and made the miles. Weak legs, took a nice long nap after lunch but it didn't help much. Weather was perfect though. Up and over Mt Cube and Smart's Mountain (climbed the fire tower here as well).Need a 0 Day to recover.
Date: 2017-08-27
From: Trapper John Shelter 

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

8/27/17 Day 90 - 16.6 miles Trapper John Shelter to Hanover NHStill not feeling well and slept about 12 hours last night. Just want to get into town so I ca clean up and stay off my feet for a day. Luckily it was easy terrain. In town by 3:00 where I met back up with Destiny. He had gotten into town by around 10:00 and was relaxing at the Starbucks. The trail here goes right through the town of Hanover and it's a little bigger than the 1 street towns I was getting used to.  Passed by the Dartmouth football stadium and walked about a half mile to the center of town and into Starbucks where I met back up with Destiny. I started charging my phone and battery backup. There are no hostels here in town so we'll have to decide whether we're going to backtrack and set up our tents on the trail or contact someone here in town. The town of Hanover has a list of trail angels that will shuttle hikers or put them up for the night. As we were sitting in the Starbucks, Aiden came walking in. I had last seen him in Rangeley Maine. He had breakfast with us in town that day before heading back out on the trail. He was in town for the night so we thought about getting a hotel room (very expensive but much cheaper split 3 ways). We figured we'd try to find a free place for the night before caving on the hotel room. We called the first name on the list, Betsy. She said she was out of town but her husband was still there and could handle a few non-rowdy hikers. I called Bill and he said no problem- he had 4 there already but he could fit 3 more. His place is right off the trail about 2.5 miles away and he gave me directions. It worked out perfect. We stayed there with 4 other NOBOs and got a good nights sleep. Thanks so much Bill and Betsy!!!
Date: 2017-08-28
From: Hanover NH

To: Norwich VT
Miles today: 1.6

8/28/17 Day 91 - 1.6 milesHanover NH to Norwich VTSupposed to be a zero day but we had to walk the 1.6 miles through Hanover to get to our hostel at the church in Norwich. And we crossed a state line as well!!! As incredible as NH was, I'm very happy to be leaving. It beat me up pretty bad and I'm ready to be moving on. Before we headed south today we took the free bus into Hanover to refill on calories, coffee, and relaxation. Aiden was only hanging around long enough to get breakfast and resupply at the grocery store. It was nice to see him again but I was taking the full day to heal. Destiny decided to zero as well. After breakfast and resupply, we hit the Starbucks to charge everything and enjoy the wifi. I took it easy on the coffee for a change but still ended up spending about 3 hours there looking over the maps and trying to plan the next stretch of trail. Not too bad, 3 days into Rutland and another resupply. Hanover is a bit of a larger small town so they had a sushi place!! Loaded up in sushi and began the walk out of NH and into VT!! We had planned on staying at the church but it seemed to be empty and no one was answering the door at the house next door so we b fan calling the numbers listed in the trail angel list. About the 4th name down we finally got an answer. Her name was Jenny and after she took down some info she asked where I was at the moment.  I told her I was sitting at a picnic table outside a church in Norwich, she said great I'll let Breeze know your outside.  I wasn't sure what she meant until she explained that she was the pastor of the church and it was just a coincidence that I got a hold of her- it wasn't noted on the trail angel list. The list is just names and #'s, no addresses or locations. Breeze met us at the door and showed us around the place.  Kitchen here, shower there, bunks up here. We hung out in the kitchen with Breeze and a nice older woman named Sally who was staying there as well.  Went to the grocery store to pick up some ice cream for dessert and called it a night.  Zero day mission accomplished.
Date: 2017-09-02
From: VT Rt 103 at Clarendon Gorge

To: Peru Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: broken clouds

9/2/17 Day 96 - 22.2 milesVT103 to Peru Peak ShelterWoke up early to make sure I had time for breakfast and coffee before Plans Too Much picks me up. Plans Too Much is a shuttle driver in town who provides shuttles for extremely cheap When I went downstairs to the deli, they were still preparing breakfast so I offered to give a hand. They were nice enough to put a cup of coffee in my hand first. I made enough eggs for about 30 people in a huge cast iron pan. I had just enough time to scarf down some food and coffee before I caught my ride. I have to say, I enjoyed my stay at the Yellow Deli a lot. I heard mixed reviews from other hikers and what I had read on journals over the years. Some people have said that they're a cult but I didn't get that vibe at all. They're a religious group but there was no attempt at conversion of either myself of anyone else that I saw. They have simple enough rules for the hostel - nothing overbearing, it was much stricter in Damascus VA at The Place hostel.  Plans Too Much was right on time and I was on the trail by 8:15. The huge climbs are just about over for my trip so now it's just some moderate ups and downs at least until Mt. Greylock in MA. On top of the easier terrain, it has been much cooler and feels like fall again. There were plenty of gentle ups and downs today so the miles were passing quickly. Had lunch at a trail intersection and just as I started walking again, I crossed paths with Cheese and Turbo Turtle!!! They're a young couple from NC that I met in Harper's Ferry the night before my flip - it was great to see them again!!I wanted to do some night hiking tonight so I had dinner up on Baker Peak right around sunset. The views were incredible! I met a few weekenders from NY up on the peak and had fun answering their questions about my thru-hike. After dinner as I was heading down I also ran into Holy Smokes. Met him in VA just outside of Atkins. He was a bit depressed back then because his buddies had gotten off the trail that day and I wasn't sure if he was going to keep going or not. It was good to see that he kept going. The trail ran along bog boards most of the way around Griffith Lake and it was getting dark. I was having second thoughts about the night hiking. I had 20+ miles and the area didn't look like it had many stealth spots to set up my tent so I figured I would check out Peru Peak Shelter and decide. As soon as I saw the shelter, I was done for the day. Besides, it was 7:45 and I had enough for the day. I set up in the shelter since it was supposed to rain overnight. Out cold in no time.
Date: 2017-09-06
From: Bennington VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to pouring rain outside and after checking the forecast, it was an easy decision to stay put. There's a gas station mini market right next to the motel so I was able to get some half decent coffee. Other than that, I spent the entire day in the room - forced to rest and eat. I ordered some Italian food from the same place as last night - good stuff! There were a few others staying here for the 2 days but it wasn't anyone I knew. A few meals and a few naps later, it's already time for bed. Probably the most relaxing 0 day I've had the entire trip.
Date: 2017-09-07
From: Catamount Hotel, Bennington VT

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

9/7/17 Day 100 - 21.4 milesCatamount Hotel to Wilbur Clearing ShelterDidn't get on trail till about 9:00 this morning. The office was closed and I needed a shuttle back to the trailhead. Met 3 Cats, Jenny, and Lynn who just started the Long Trail yesterday heading north which means I'm getting closer to the border!! Stopped by the Congdon Shelter which was right on the trail and saw a hiker still sleeping. I tried to be quiet while I ate a snack and he told me he was in no hurry as he was trying to be in town tomorrow for a college game. Around noon I passed by a large beaver pond and decided to have lunch here. I"m not sure how many more of these I will see, it kind of reminded me of ME and NH where they were everywhere. I crossed the border into MA around 3:45 - one more state down!!!! The trail immediately got better with bog boards and drainage so there was much less mud.  All was going well until 4:15 and it started pouring rain. Oh well - I was dry for most of today. Passed by a nice spring and refilled my water bottles and just as I got back on the trail Big Time passed by!! I met him in Newfound Gap TN when Lisa came to visit. We gave him a ride into Gatlinburg and the last I saw him was in Erwin TN. Not sure he's going to be able to make it to Katahdin by October 15th but he said he would flip if he had to. Crossed a couple of roads that headed into towns but I couldn't justify another night indoors, especially since I just zeroed.  I started the climb up Mt. Greylock - supposedly the last big climb for me (at least that's what my NB friends have told me). The climb wasn't so bad with all the switchbacks but it was pretty long. The rain had stopped as well so I even had a little bit of dry out time before I was done hiking for the day.  There is a shelter around 3/4 of the way up so I can save some of the climb for tomorrow morning. The only problem is that it's .3 off trail. Came to the trail junction around 7:00 and was happy to see that it was a level side trail. Nothing worse than heading up or down on miles that don't even count. The shelter was nice with a large camping area around it as well - and I had it all to myself. It was a little creepy actually. I set up my sleeping pad in the shelter and had to make my dinner by headlamp as it got dark very quickly. Terrible idea! The bugs were bouncing off my head the entire time I had the light on. I tried to work in the dark but it just wasn't possible. I will be sure to make this the last time I ever have to do this. Just as I finished dinner the rain started again - so glad to be in the shelter, no wet tent for me in the morning!