morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-08
From: UNK

To:  Bennington, VT - Day 143
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hitting the Trail by 7:00am means getting up by 5:30. We still missed and started hiking at 7:07. We had a house for the night and aimed for Bennington, VT between 1-2pm.The terrain was easier than we have had in a long time. The two major climbs were gradual enough to hike close to 2 miles per hour. We arrived at the Trail head at 1:57. Our ride, Jim had arrived at 1:00pm, so he used the time to shuttle hikers into town, getting back to us within 5 minutes of our arrival. First order of business was introductions. Jim is the Father my last boss at VPC and is an avid hiker. He invited us to his house in Albany, NY, as total strangers. After burgers and shakes, we resupplied and cleaned up. His wife, Maria fixed a wonderful supper and even had two friends, Ralph and June, join us. Conversations continued until after 10:00pm, since everyone was having a great time. It was a blast! We all slept great.Thanks June for taking photo of Ralph, Jill, Trail Talker, Maria, Jim and White Owl
Date: 2016-08-09
From:  Bennington, VT - Day 143

To: Camping at Lookout Tower - Day 144
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: mist

Today was so relaxing it felt like a zero day. We had a great breakfast, thanks to Maria! The trail is an hour from Jim and Maria's house and we hit the trail at 10:45. Jim hiked with us until 1:30. We enjoyed his company. He is active with the Adirondack Hiking Club, so he is in great shape. He also carried sandwiches for our lunch. Thanks for everything Jim and Maria!!We continued to the shelter and decided to hike .3 miles more to camp at a fire tower. Tonight's sunset was gorgeous and we viewed it from the top of the tower. Tomorrow, we will get an early start to get some big miles in, but not more than 19.9.I received the following email from Jim: Hi Jill, aka IWOX,Attached are a few pictures of you, Trail Talker, and White Owl taken during our brief hike together yesterday. I really enjoyed the opportunity to hike with the three of you and thank you for letting me part of your epic hike for a brief period. Early today, Trail Talker sent me a pic that she took during our trail break. If you have any pics that you wish to share, please send them along.I am happy that the weather cleared up (at least around here) this afternoon. I hope that the same was the case on the trail and that you will locate a nice, but not too muddy, campsite for tonight. I will continue to follow your progress on your Trail Journal. Enjoy the rest of your journey and keep in touch.JimP.S. We will certainly be visiting Rob in Waynesboro and hope to see you there in the future. Looking Down from the Fire TowerThese trees are gorgeous!Jim sent the following great photos!Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Say No Evil, thanks Jim
Date: 2016-08-10
From: Camping at Lookout Tower - Day 144

To: Camp on a Logging Road, VT - Day 145
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The saving grace of the day was hiking with a Long Trail thru hiker, Karalyn. Sharing stories made the time go by quickly. We set up camp on a logging road. We were all very tired. (Only one photo received for this day, I'm guessing that it was because it was too wet and risky to pull the iphone out for photos! Therefore, the following are photos found on Trailjournals site under the photo search of Vermud that I thought you would enjoy!)Camp on a Logging Road!Hiker Obsolete's photo labeled: "Yes, this is the trail in Vermud!"Vermont Muddy Trail photo by Houser
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Camp on a Logging Road, VT - Day 145

To: Manchester Center, VT - Day 146
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Everything is soaked! What the rain didn't soak, the dew did. We had to pack everything soaked because we have a house in Manchester Center tonight! The biggest climb of the day was Stratton Mountain, first thing. We were rewarded with another fire tower, then an easy descent. Another good view was Stratton Pond, followed by 11 miles to our pickup spot. Karalyn joined us again for more great conversations and new Facebook friendships. We hope to see her in town Friday. Our new friend Mike picked us up, took us to a restaurant, then to the night's lodging. Chatterbox joined us for the night. He will get back on the Trail tomorrow while we take a zero. Now to explain the house. In 2008, I met Silver Fox in Virginia. We agreed to hike together the next year. I hiked with her a week for the next 3 years as she finished section hiking the whole AT over 20 years! We have been great friends ever since. She always said I would have a place to stay on my Thru Hike. Unfortunately, she is out of town, so her friend Mike picked us up and dropped us at Phyllis's house. That's what Trail Angels do! Tomorrow we will resupply, do laundry, and replace gear. Phyllis (Silver Fox), thanks NedtheFed for this great photo!White Owl & his Photographic SkillsSelfie with KaralynHeading into Manchester Center, Bearwalker's photoManchester Center photo by AriusCathy loves this Manchester Ctr photo by Daniel McGeeThe following photos were taken by Trail Talker (Diane)
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Manchester Center, VT - Day 146

To: Resupply, Dentist & Reunion - Day 147
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We enjoyed our breakfast with Chatterbox before he headed back up the Trail. Our plans were to resupply, eat lunch, buy new gear and get White Owl to a dentist in town to check out his aching tooth. Mike was our chauffeur for the day. Good news: the dentist took White Owl right away and the problem is not serious: treat with ibuprofen and have his dentist check again later. I bought a new raincoat, food bag (a mouse ate a hole in mine), and a new headlight (I left mine at a campsite.) A convenience store was giving away food so we all got hamburgers, drinks, chips, potato salad and ice cream! Many other hikers were there too. I finally met Timewarp. His parents, Laurie and Kevin housed us back in Vernon, NJ. Then the greatest part of the day: Phyllis was home! She thought she would be out of town until next Wednesday, but made it back today. What a great reunion after five years, and a wonderful surprise! We have spent the last five hours talking constantly to catch up and reminisce about our past hikes.Finally, I want to wish my friend whom I have known for 61 years Happy Birthday! I received the following email and photo from Jim: IWOX and Trail Talker,I assume that you are familiar with the trail angel, Miss Janet, who I met yesterday at the trailhead. Obviously, I had never heard of her before but she drove in with this amazing van (see attached picture) and asked her about her work. What an amazing, caring person.She was bringing one or two people from Bennington, one of whom was a through hiker from Simsbury, CT. I met the mother and siblings of this through hiker on the trail when I was returning to the trailhead. The mother said that her daughter was not far behind her. Not true! The daughter went into town for a critical supply; a 12-pack of drinks for her group at the trailhead. I told her that her mom and siblings were well ahead of her and I that I hoped the drinks would act as a propellant! JimMiss Janet, photo by HOBOPhoto by Cathy in 2008, Miss Janet, Baltimore Jack and RacoonChatterbox? and White OwlPhoto by Trail Talker (Diane), IWOX, Phyllis, White Owl
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Resupply, Dentist & Reunion - Day 147

To: 17.6 Further, back to house! - Day 148
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great breakfast fixed by Chef Phyllis, we hit the trail for a 17.6 mile slack pack. That is Trail Talker and I slacked while White Owl carried all his gear. Part of the AT goes right up a ski slope for a gentle climb. Rain threatened all day. We saw Timewarp again at lunch. He had stayed at the ski hut last night. Griffith Lake had a nice break spot where we had a chat with Mark from Florida, a future Thru hiker. Baker Peak was quite a climb up solid rock. We did not take the inclement weather trail. Rain began when we were at the highest spot on an exposed ridge. However, the rain was light until our last two miles then it poured. We were thankful we did not have to set up camp. Phyllis was waiting at the road with water melon. A former thruhiker had sodas for us. Back at Phyllis's we had a great spaghetti supper and ice cream. Ah, off to sleep in a bed for the third night in a row! Good night. Trail Talker and Mark from Florida?
Date: 2016-08-14
From: 17.6 Further, back to house! - Day 148

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter, VT - Day 149
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Another wonderful breakfast was fixed by Phyllis. We then hit the trail around 11:00am, well rested. Since the Trail followed a stream, the first couple of miles were fairly flat. Little Rock Pond was a nice break. An interesting feature today were two places where there are hundreds of rock cairns. We added some rocks. Thruhiker Pressure joined us for the last leg of the hike and so we told our best jokes and entertained him with our singing. We were even able to sing Row Row Row Your Boat in a round of four. We are camped at Minerva Hinchey Shelter. Minerva Hinchey Shelter photo by Catch Up
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter, VT - Day 149

To: Near Cooper Lodge Shelter, VT - Day 150
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Gonna be an easy day. Not too many ups and downs and the climb up Killington is gentle with switchbacks. So we were told. NOT TRUE! In the morning, Trail Talker fell, then I fell and said, " It's White Owl's turn." I looked back and he was down! We did get some Trail Magic and played with Onyx the dog. He gives high fives. Crusher got the first high five, then the rest of us. The first climb of the day was a rock scramble, tough but not too long. We had a little reprieve, then Killington. It was long and tough. It looked like new Trail. White Owl said it was the worst 5 miles of our whole trip. It did finally end. There was no singing today, we had to concentrate to avoid slipping and falling again. We had considered using the shelter on top, but it is one of the worst shelters I have seen, therefore we tented. It's cold tonight. Hope it doesn't rain! Good night.News from the Homefront:I mailed out all the cool weather gear today to IWOX. I made the comment that she had 500 miles to go! She's almost HOME! Tim replied, "unbelievable feat of determination!"Diagram of Killington Peak, AT trail on top, dotted line!CURIOUS ABOUT THE AWFUL SHELTER?? CATHY WAS, HERE IT IS....COOPER LODGE SHELTER, LOOKS CREEPY!
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Near Cooper Lodge Shelter, VT - Day 150

To: Inn at the Long Trail - Day 151
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

The cold and rain stayed away. The condensation did get us. Packing a wet tent is slow. The hike down Killington Mountain began at 7:30 am and was a nice gentle descent. Crusher hiked with us and we said our goodbyes at the Rutland road crossing. Since 1-2 inches of rain was predicted, we planned a short day to The Inn at Long Trail. We beat the rain, arriving at 1:00pm. Miss Janet was dropping off hikers including our friend Karalyn who is hiking the Long Trail. We had missed her at Bennington and another road crossing where hikers had just been dropped off. It was good to see her again. I first saw Miss Janet in 2007 at Trail Days, then met her in 2008 with Cathy (Lipstick) and Racoon. Miss Janet remembers Lipstick, so I called and let them talk. Lipstick always likes my surprise hiker calls. (Yes! I do!)We ate lunch at the Tavern at the Inn, great hamburgers. When our suite was ready, we cleaned up, then got a ride to Rutland with the Trail Angel Maureen from yesterday. After resupply, we were rushing to the shuttle bus and saw Crusher again. He was staying at a hostel in Rutland and taking a couple days to recover from giardia. We hope to see him up the trail. Back at the Inn, I was assigned laundry duty. This was great because there was a piano in the lobby by the laundry. I played for an hour. The Tavern got our repeat business for supper. I enjoyed a great Reuben sandwich, while Trail Talker got stew and White Owl had Shepherd's pie. Hiker midnight was 9:00 pm. Crusher!Karalyn and Miss JanetMack Griffin's photo of the Inn at Long TrailPhoto by Lipstick in 2008 with Racoon at the Inn at Long TrailInside the Inn, photo by Lucky 10Cathy: I have such fond memories of this place, so warm and cozy, veryrelaxing and great food! Photo by Dip'n Sip
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Inn at the Long Trail - Day 151

To: Chateauguay Rd. - Day 152
Miles today: 12.6

Breakfast at the Inn was fantastic. I had spinach cheddar omelette and Trail Talker ate blueberry pancakes. We split and shared. There was more food than I could eat. We met our first hiker from Switzerland and invited her to have breakfast with us. We hope to see Cranberry up the Trail.Today's hike started at 10:00 am, we always like to prolong our lodging time. We had to hike a half mile up the old Long Trail just to get back to the AT. It was a tough climb, but our stay at the Inn was worth it. We enjoyed hiking thru a state park then by Kent Pond where we paused to watch our first loons. Thundering Falls was a great photo op followed by a nice Boardwalk over a swamp. We lunched on top of Quimby Mountain and enjoyed blackberries for dessert. Now we're camped by a gravel road. View from Quimby Mtn, BooBoo's photo
Date: 2016-08-18
From: Chateauguay Rd. - Day 152

To: Stealth Camp, 14.1 mi - Day 153
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up hungry!! I haven't experienced hiker hunger very often, but it hit me hard today. I ate some peanut butter to ward off the pangs.We had a long climb, with a great lookout as a reward. Our first view of the White Mountains was great. We had a nice long break then headed for our goal of 15 miles. When we reached our lunch spot, we learned there was a market with ice cream a quarter mile down the road. Not only was there ice cream, but sandwiches, drinks and pie. Lots of other hikers came in for a big picnic. The hour we spent at lunch guaranteed we would not make the day's goal. We are camped at the top of a peak and just watched the moon rise! White Owl at the Look OutOur first view of the Whites (Mountains) from the Look OutSelfie on top of the Look OutThank you Trail Talker for this great photo!First Creek Crossing with a CableLovely Moon Rise
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Stealth Camp, 14.1 mi - Day 153

To: Norwich, VT - Day 154
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

5 months completed! Finally, a 15 mile day that wasn't difficult. I mistakenly believed 15 mile days would be easy, but most have been tough. Today's hike began with a nice descent, followed by many ups and downs, none too long or steep. We wanted to make the 15 miles to a house on Norwich owned by a couple who house over 200 hikers a year. We had a nice surprise around lunchtime. Some south-bounders told us about trail magic at the next road: sodas, coffee and snacks. We hightailed it to the house. Then we learned that a restaurant which is noted "closed" in our guidebook, was open. After stuffing ourselves on snacks, we then had BIG deli sandwiches. The rest of the hike went fast as we made our way to the house by 6:00pm. The couple has a basement room set up for four hikers. South-bounder "MyName'sJesse" also stayed here. The evening ended with a joke fest on the balcony. Thanks Warren and Toni for your hospitality!Took a Nice Break at this Beautiful SpotBreak Time SelfieArtistic CairnOdd Tree Trunk photo by Trail Talker
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Norwich, VT - Day 154

To: Hanover, NH - Day 155
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We slept in! Wake up time was 7:00am instead of 5:30. Following was a nice relaxing morning, leaving at 9:30. There is a 3 mile road walk that took us over the Connecticut River into New Hampshire, the thirteenth state! Our winter gear was waiting for us in Hanover. We spent some time reorganizing our packs. I swapped my 32 degree sleeping bag for my 20 degree bag.I now have my winter coat and long johns back. It seems rather silly since the weather has been hot the last few days. However, the south-bounders are reporting cold weather in the White mountains. We could not miss the opportunity for a restaurant meal and hit Molly's Cafe. I had a great pizza with spinach and goat cheese. Our resupply is for four days. Our packs are the heaviest they have ever been!Getting out of town after 3:00pm insured a short day, just a little over 6 miles. We were just happy to find a level spot before dark. I received a few questions in the Guest Book and answered them about a week ago. If you'd like to read why I changed out my hammock for a tent and other questions, please check it out, just scroll down in the Guest Book. Or, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks again for your great comments and input! Connecticut RiverMolly's
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Hanover, NH - Day 155

To: Trapper John Shelter, NH - Day 156
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Water is scarce in New Hampshire. The spring was dry and the water source was a puddle. The next stream had a flow and we cameled up and filled our bottles. A liter of water weighs about two pounds, added to the resupply makes a very heavy pack. I was pleased that two mountains, Moose and Holt did not present too difficult a hike today. I have not mentioned south-bounders too often, but we are seeing fewer now, only two today. When I arrived at the Trapper John Shelter, there was room, for the first time in a long time. I took a spot while Trail Talker and White Owl tented. When the rain started, I was glad to be under a roof. A north-bounder, Poppy is here and a south-bounder named No Worries. By asking No Worries about his life I found out he is an Auburn Alumnus (Alabama). I said, "I know one person who went to Auburn, do you know him, Andy Benton?" "YES!" Said No Worries. I messaged Andy and my scribe (his mother, Cathy) on Facebook and got the following from Lipstick: "I just talked to Andy, he saw your message, he remembers him, they were sailing buddies at Auburn!" Doug sold his boat to pay tuition. I always play the game "Do you know (this person)". One never knows does one? I am now settled down for hiker midnight which is now 7:30 pm. We may have trouble getting to sleep because there is a group of college kids camping.Trail up Moose Mtn., photo by Upload & StitchesHolts LedgesNo Worries, says "War Eagle!"Trapper John Shelter photo by High5
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Trapper John Shelter, NH - Day 156

To: Past Shelter, 12.2 mi - Day 157
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

Just when the hiking got easier, it's going to get harder in the White's. We saw Miss Janet at a road crossing. She was helping hikers slack pack. They will have a big party tonight about 4 miles past our capabilities. Around 11:00am, we could see the fire tower on Smarts mountain way off and up in the distance. We climbed 2000 feet up and I did fine. We were glad to see Cranberry again today. The fire tower was scary. The wind was fierce at the top and the towers shook. Of course the views were great! The descent was slow due to all the mud. It had rained last night, so the mud was as bad as it gets. We decided not to go to the shelter: AWOL's book says the trail is .3 miles and steep. Instead, we picked a great spot past the shelter. Notes and WaldoNotes made Waldo's rain coat! Waldo made the mistake of chasinga porcupine on the trail one day and got a muzzle full of needles/quills! The DudeOrange FungusWaterfalls today!Thank you Diane (Trail Talker) for this FaceBook photo you posted Cranberry
Date: 2016-08-23
From: Past Shelter, 12.2 mi - Day 157

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH - Day 158
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

BREAKING NEWS from Mt.Cube! Thru-hikers White Owl and Trail Talker awakened this morning to screams from the forest. After determining it was not a wild animal in pain, they realized it was their compatriot IWOX, being chased by wildlife. Though it cannot be confirmed by this reporter, it is rumored that her shorts were south of her knees. She attempted to break Usain Bolt's 100 meter record! We determined that she had rudely awakened a peacefully slumbering nest of yellow jackets. To this end, the yellow jackets took exception to being awakened and took retribution on the nether regions of said hiker. 14 stings later, IWOX and yellow jackets are recovering. Reporters: White Owl and Trail Talker When Tim (Jill's husband) read this, he emailed some friends:Early this morning, Jill went out in the woods to do herbusiness. She sat on or very near a hornet nest in theground. The bees thinking it was a bear, began in rapidunison to defend their home! Thus, the live retake ofthe "laughing place" from the movie, Song of the South,began. Witnesses heard, Beees!!!!! and saw a streak throughthe woods that would have made Ray Stevens proud. Afterthe streak slowed to warp3, a voice rang out, "Will this makemy butt look big?" After 14 stings, Jill is doing OK, however,the bees are in need of serious therapy!One of their friends, Felicia replied,"I had a visual the entire read. Laughed. And then realized...you are serious! After this 5 month adventure..14 stings! It will be interesting to see if this one hits the journal."We had a rough day today. Many hikers ahead planned shorter days and over 50 of us are staying at the Hostel in Glencliff, called Hikers Welcome. Mt. Cube was our first obstacle. It took about 5 hours to hike the 5 miles over Mt. Cube. Then the Trail eased up for a few miles. We made the 15 miles to the Hostel, but we were probably the last to arrive around 7:30pm. After eating two ice cream sandwiches, I ate a pizza then another ice cream sandwich. The Hiker hunger is in full swing!Most hikers chose to tent, so there is a bed for me tonight. Hiker midnight is 9:30 pm after an outside shower that was nice and HOT! Jill's swollen hands from wasp attack!Racoon at Hikers Welcome on 8/20/2008Racoon's photo of this areaChainsaw journaling at Hikers Welcome on 8/24/2008, Lipstick photo
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH - Day 158

To: Kinsman Notch, NH - Day 159
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Mt. Moosilauke! Best day thus far! I had been concerned with about this mountain from reports from other hikers. It is a 3000 foot climb to almost 5000 feet over 4.5 trail miles. The climb was difficult, so I was very pleased to finish in 3.5 hours. Mt. Moosilauke is glorious! My first exposure to above tree line was breathtaking! We had a nice break for lunch at the summit with several buddies. The wind was fierce until we climbed down a little. So our confidence was up that we could make the descent of 4 miles in 4 hours. Not possible!!! The guidebook shows steep and it is very steep. White Owl, who struggled a little on the uphill, was in his element on the descent! He boulder hopped like a rabbit! Trail Talker and I could not keep up with him. We were all exhilarated! But the going was slow. It took about 4 hours to make the 3.5 miles. My friend Meredith had recently contacted me to offer assistance in the Whites, so she picked us up at Kinsman Notch. Meredith is a Triple Crowner, meaning she has hiked the AT, the PCT and the CDT! We headed straight for a steak supper at Applebee's, a resupply at Shaw's and beds at Meredith's. Hiker's Welcome HostelHiker's Welcome HostelWarning SignMoose DroppingsShowing How Steep it Was! Thank you Diane (TT)
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Kinsman Notch, NH - Day 159

To: Rest Day/Zero Day in Whitefield, NH - Day 160
Miles today: 0.0

We stayed in Meredith's apartment building for a nice rest. Got the laundry done and walked downtown for lunch and ice cream cones. Meredith came home from work and took us to resupply and get supper at the Little Grill. We all opted for Mexican and my burrito was great. We all enjoyed the rest. Thanks Meredith!!Mt. Moosilauke from South Kinsman Mountain, great photo by iTrod