morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-15
From:  Crystal Mtn.

To: Mass hwy 2, No. Adams
Miles today: 18.6

Mailed film home from Cheshire, MA P.O.. Then started the long climb up Mt. Greylock. Total of 6 miles. At the top is a monument/lighthouse to the service men and women of MA. Met 2 nice groups of AMC trail maintenance people. The first were from the Cheshire chapter and were actuall doing trail work. One of them gave me a new bandana as I had lost mine. The other group were the "Tuesday" hikers out for the day and were near the monument at the mountain top. We talked for awhile and they gave me some cupcakes. Can't believe my constant good fortune. Trail majic comes in many forms and happens when you least expect it.
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Mass hwy 2, No. Adams

To: Vermont hwy 9, Bennington, VT
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Stopped in town to get a showere and do Laundry. Had a great evening meal at a local steak house. Had a salad, large strip steak, 4 roasted red potatoes, 4 rolls and desert. Pleasantly filled. But I made the mistake of staying at the Autumn Inn, a dump by anyones standards. There was one elderly lady running it and for $75.00 I got a water leak in the bathroom which I had to walk around, bugs running across the floor and it took 2 hours to do laundry. Had to use 2 different dryers and finally put my clothes out on a bench in the sun to dry them. Made me late getting out of town. Didn't leave until 11:00 A.M. Very upset, but what can you do but chalk it up and go on.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Vermont hwy 9, Bennington, VT

To: Stealth camp no. of Kik Gore shelter
Miles today: 15.9

Had a large breakfast before leaving Bennington and had them fix me something for the trail. The total was $22.00. Had no trouble hitching a ride into or out of town. People who live near the A.T. are used to seeing hikers and most will give you a ride. The longest I have waited is no more than 10 minutes.Have noticed already that the Vermont woods are very dense and green. Very few places to see out. Even the view points are grown up. And they are wet, some places very wet. The trail is full of mud holes which you have to walk around. Seems like the towns here are geared for fall "leaf" season and snow skiing season.
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Stealth camp no. of Kik Gore shelter

To: Spruce Peak shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed Mt. Stratton today and went up the fire tower which is no longer manned. Not far away is a ski gondola that brings people to the top of the mountain. This place is on the national register of historical places. It is here in 1909 that the idea of Long trail was conceived and in 1921, Benton McKaye conceived the idea of the Appalachain Trail.My fever came back up today. Got to get that checked out.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Spruce Peak shelter

To: Brumley shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Stopped in Manchester Center, VT for breakfast and resupply. Again my fever and achyness started. Went to Rite-Aid pharmacy and talked to the Pharmacist. She made me a Doctors appointment for 2:30 P.M., so I had some time to kill. The breakfast was great and huge. The resturant is on the second floor over other shops and the name of it is Up For Breakfast. I had the hikers special which was enough for two normal people, but I had no trouble getting it down. In fact within 2 hours I was at McDonalds eating lunch.Well, the doctor told me I probably had Lyme Diseast and prescribed Doxycycline anti-biotice for three weeks. The good news is that the symptoms, fever, achyness, headache and fatigue will go away in 48 hours. I had got a tick off my calf in NJ or NY as I recall.Finally started out of town at 4:30 P.M. and a nice lady stopped and offered me a ride. She is also a hiker, and she also had Lyme Disease. I have met a lot of people on the trail that has it or have had it.Decided to make this a short day and get some rest. This is the first shelter I've stayed in in several weeks, primarily because of the mosquitos. They feast on you when you go to sleep if you are not protected.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Brumley shelter

To: Little Rock Pond shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Took anti-biotic on an empty stomach as instructed and it made me very nauseaus. Had to get back in the bag for half hour until it went away. Will not do that again. From now on I will take it with a small amount of food and wait half hour before eating breakfast. Some times instructions have to be altered a little.Energy level still down and I struggled to climb Brumley Mountain but once there it was nice. At the top is a winter ski lift power house which was unlocked so I went inside just to have a look. They was some other hikers there from Vermont. Three nice guys with there teenage sons out for a 4 day hike. I had seen them on the trail on and off for the past couple of days.Camped on the shore of Little Rock Pond which was carved by a glacier. Very beautiful with its large boulders lining the shore. The water is very clear.Pitched my tent as the thunder that I had been hearing turned into a down pour which lasted all night. The weather man has promised more of that in the coming days. I do like being in a tent while its raining, but do not like hiking in it for multiple reasons. One is the very slick rocks and roots. It slows you down to have to watch every step.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Little Rock Pond shelter

To: Secret shelter
Miles today: 18.1

Rained all night and the trail is very muddy. In one of the shelter logs someone has wrote that this state should be Vermud not Vermont. I like the way some people can just think of catchy names. Bad Hummus is good at this. That's why our team is named Deutschmark. He named it.I fell while descending Bear Mountain. Luckily I didn't get hurt seriously. Did wrench my left shoulder but I think the pain will be temporary. That reminds me, the last time I fell was while descending Bear Mountain, NY on July 4th. That day I lost my peaches a lady had just given me at top of the mountain. Gonna have to be especially careful if I cross any more mountains named Bear.Recently met a thru-hiker named Sojo. He's about my age and has decided to concentrate on enjoying the hike in lieu of making miles. I told him that that won't work for me as I still think I can summit Mt. Katahdin, ME on August 21st. All I have to do is average 16 miles per day for the next 31 days and take no days off. Sounds very doable.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Secret shelter

To: 2 miles no. of Kent Pond
Miles today: 16.0

Short day on a wet, muddy trail. The name Vermud definitly fits this place! Every step demands the utmost planning and attention. The climb and descent of Mt. Killington was horrible. There is small lady hiking behind me and I do not know how she negotiates some of these step ups and down which exceed 3 feet. I can barely do it.Finished hiking and walked the .6 miles into the town of Killington, VT and went to the P.O. to pick up a package from home with new socks. Had a nice mid-afternoon meal at a deli shop then went to Gifford Woods state park for a shower. Anticipating putting my clean feet into new socks!!After showering it started to rain and so I walked another half mile to find a seculed place to stealth camp. Found a flat top knoll in some pine woods. Perfect.Still on track to make the summit by 8/21.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: 2 miles no. of Kent Pond

To: Wentture shelter
Miles today: 15.4

What can I say about today except rain, rain, and more rain. Been soaked all day. Had several climbs. Vermont certainly had its "up's" and "down's". I was wanting to make 20 miles today and tomorrow so I could finish with this state and move on to New Hampshire, but by the time I arrived at Wentturi shelter, I had had it with rain and mud. Tired, I quit for the day. It was only 5:00 P.M. and so dark I almost had to use a light. There were 3 southbound thru-hikers who hadn't left the shelter all day because of the weather.
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Wentture shelter

To: Cloudland Rd, VT
Miles today: 9.3

Today is ditto yesterday except the rain seems to be coming down harder. Stopped at Cloudland Farm for a break. I was sitting in the barn and just shivering with a chill. The owners cousin offered to take me to White River Junction which was my planned stop anyway and I accepted. We picked up Jersy, a section hiker who had had it with the rain too. He and I checked into the hiker hostel at the Coolige Hotel, did our laundry and took a shower. A interesting side note is that, a couple a days ago a strange storm occurred near Cloudland Farm about 10 miles from White River Junction. It was like a downward wind shear which blew over several trees and the owner of the farm had a bull, cow and several heifers to be killed by lightning.Well, my journal is up to date for now. I am at mile 1715.2 and I have 458.6 remaining to Mt. Katahdin. I am looking forward to the end now. This had been a long hike. Have to make up 14.6 miles to be back on track to finish 8/21. Wish me luck.
Date: 2008-07-25
From: Cloudland Rd, VT

To: Ledyard Spring
Miles today: 18.9

Jersey and I took a taxi back to the trail which cost us $25.00 each. Had a nice breakfast at the local diner before leaving. Made it into Hanover, NH just after 4 p.m. and got boxes from Janice and Bad Hummus. Janice sent my 25 degree sleeping bag which I am sure I will need in the White Mountains. Bad Hummus sent energy bars, trail mix and other food items. Really appreciate him.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Ledyard Spring

To: 1 mi. No. of Dorchester rd NH
Miles today: 18.6

I forgot to say it.......Goodbye Vermont. Helloooooooooo New Hampshire !!!12 states down and 2 to go.The climbs are already starting to get tougher. Today I made Moose Mountain and Holts Ledges. Trail majic, ice cream at Dorchester road. The log book says Night Terror passed here yesterday. Haven't seen him since the Smokies in March. My camping spot tonight is about 1 mile up Smarts mountain at a rocky outcropping with a beautiful view. Had to level a place to lay but it will be more comfortable and softer also. Most of my stealth camp sites that I choose to pitch my tent are need some minor tweeking before I set up the tent. If the spot is slightly unlevel, which this one is, what I do is first locate some dead limbs that have fallen from the trees. These are usually easily to find and I use ones that are about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. I first place these on the down hill side and then begin hauling in leaves or in this case, moss and pine needles, and pack them down until it is level and firm for a span of about 20 to 24 inches wide where i will sleep. I make sure this is packed so that it will not sag during the night and become unlevel. I know, I know, I am picky about this. After insuring that I have my level mattress complete, I place my ground cloth down and place my tent so the the side is just over the tree limbs and my 5/8" thermarest pad goes on last. The other side of the tent is ok unlevel as just my pack sleeps there and she isn't as particular her place as I am. Haha. Anyway, all this trouble takes about 20 minutes and the rest you get is worth the trouble. Some times I remove these in the morning to keep with LNT (leave no trace), and sometimes I leave them for other hikers to enjoy and learn from.Thundering as I eat supper on the rocks. This is a beautiful spot.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: 1 mi. No. of Dorchester rd NH

To: 1/2 mile No. NH hwy 25C
Miles today: 18.3

Nice soft rain last night which ended before daybreak. The climb to the summit of Smarts mtn took awhile. Next was Mt. Cube which has some beautiful views at the top. A lady hiker took a hard fall and thought she had broken her ankle but turned out to be a sprain.   I help her up and so to her the best I could. Put her pack back on her and she limped off down the mountain. Her pack is heavier than mine and I advised her to dump some weight if it was too hard on her ankle. These mountains are very wet, muddy and slick. I took a fall today also but didn't get hurt.
Date: 2008-07-28
From: 1/2 mile No. NH hwy 25C

To: NH 112 Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Stopped at the hikers welcome hostel, ate 2 pizza's, had ice cream and 2 sprite's. Took a shower and how good that felt.Then, the climb up Mt. Mousilauke. Took about 3 hours and the top was cold and windy as it is about the tree line. The descent was somewhere between exciting and scary. Very steep. For two miles the trail ran beside a creek which was actually a water fall which crashed and cascaded down the mountain. In places two foot pieces of 8" X 8" timbers had been fastened to the rocks for steps. Complete attention had to be given to each step. I'm not sure if I liked it or hated it, but it did add interest, but by the time I had reached the bottom my knees were hurting. My thoughts were that if all of the White mountains are like Mousilauke I will be lucky to finish the hike when I wanted.
Date: 2008-07-29
From: NH 112 Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Went into North Woodstock for resupply, laundry and breakfast. I am getting to like town breaks more and more. At the begining of the hike, I was glad to be leaving town and heading back into the mountains, but as the hike nears its end, I am looking forward to town breaks and something that resembles my normal life, if that makes sense.The trail today continues to be tough which is what the White mountains is all about. It's like the first 1700 miles prepares you for New Hampshire where the hiking its more like mountaineering. In many places it takes hands as well as feet to get up the climbs and it is very technical. South Kinsman mountain was unbelievable. Straight up a ravine of boulders, and on top, a swamp of all things.Kinsman Pond Shelter is new, less than a year old and very pretty. Also cost $8. to stay. I am the only one here. Like it that way.
Date: 2008-07-30
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 14.0

Miles have really dropped off. Still hiking 11 to 12 hours a day but due to the tough trail I cannot make any mileage. Stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut for free breakfast left overs. Suffered from sugar and carbohydrate overload. Some of it came back up as I walked the first hour after eating.Made Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette today. All above the tree line and spectacular. In the distance could see Mt. Washington of the Presidental range. An ominous black could shrouded its summit. Will be there in 2 days.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Garfield Pond

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: fog

Raining this morning. Stayed in tent until 10:00 A.M. and the rain had stopped. Not long after I started walking, the rain resumed. Three major rain storms today. The last one at dark. I made it into the shelter after 9 P.M., totally soaked and exhausted. Supper was some trail mix and a Snicker bar. This was probably my most exhausting day thus far on the trail. Wanted to pitch my tent earlier but the rain and ground water made it impossible. Had to slog on to the shelter. No way to describe how comforting dry clothes and my warm sleeping bag felt.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light intensity shower rain

The caretaker was not around when I left the shelter this morning so I didn't pay the $8. the charge in this state to use the shelters or tent sites. I object to that anyway so am not worried about not paying. Entered the Presidential range of the Whites this morning. Beautiful with their rocky summits above the treeline, but lots of climbing. The antiboitics that I am taking for Lyme disease has made my skin ultra sun sensitive and all exposed areas burn very quickly. No, I didn't think to get sunscreen. Put my bandana in my cap to create a bonnet of sorts to shield my neck, ears and face.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: NH hwy 16, Pinkham notch
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: fog

Stayed in the dining hall under a table last night which cost me $10. Didn't get much sleep due to heavy snoring from some other hikers. Wish I wasn't such a light sleeper. When I stay in a motel, I have to stay alone so I can sleep. Others split rooms and the cost but I just can't do it.Left the hut at 6:00 A.M. and hiked to the top of Mt. Washington. Weather is fair, winds calm and the temp about 50. Very nice. Only stayed 1/2 hour. Moved on through to Madison hut where I got a bowl of soup. It started to rain after I arrived. Stayed about an hour and left by three. Immediately it started raining and I got soaked. The wind got up and the climb of Mt. Madison was very hazardous. I felt a little insecure for the first time on this hike. The rain and slick rocks made the descent very slow and risky. I was very glad when I finally reached the tree line which shield me from the blowing rain somewhat. For the first time on this hike I questioned my santity !! Caught a ride into the town of Gorham and checked into a motel. Can't describe how a warm dry bed feels.
Date: 2008-08-03
From: NH hwy 16, Pinkham notch

To: "No Where"
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. No hiking. My knees are killing me. Just have to rest.Talked to Pine Knot, a lady who is solo hiking. She has decided to call it quits. A personal decision which is not easy to make I am sure since she has been on the trail now 5 months and is near the end. Been seeing her frequently lately and like her a lot, plus have to admire her courage and stamina. Wish you the best Pine Knot.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Zero, no A.T. hiking

To: Wildcat peak D
Miles today: 3.0

Hitched a ride to Pinkham Notch and hiked to the top of Wildcat Peak D. Very difficult and steep. Upon arriving at the summit my knees were hurting very badly and I was not willing to risk serious tendon injury to continue, as the next road, (hwy 2) was 18 miles away over several steep peaks. The ski gondola terminates on Ppak D so I made the decision to ride it down to hwy 16 and go back into town for additional rest. Not sure when I will feel like hiking, or if I will. The White mountains have kicked my tail, plain and simple !!!Caught a ride into Gorhman with a mom and 3 kids. They stopped for a swim and gave me a tour of the town before finally dropping me off at a motel. They not only provided transportation, but also entertainment.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Wildcat peak D

To: Zero, no hiking
Miles today: 0.0

Taking it easy. Ran into Night Terror from Jackson, TN and a girl name CAT which I had met back in PA. Also met Willie Boy and Piper Hiker, two guys near my age. We went to the store and bought the stuff to have a burger cookout. Learned that Piper Hiker is also an excellent outdoor cook. Willie Boy is suffering from a larger gaping wound in his palm area. Had to have stitches. They are Zeroing for the rest of the week.
Date: 2008-08-06
From: Zero, no hiking

To: Zero, no hiking
Miles today: 0.0

Have I mentioned the rainy summer in this part of the world. It has rained almost every day for the past week or more, and when it lets up it is only for a day or two and then starts another 4-6 days of rain. Today was no exception. I got up early, hitched a ride 3 miles to Wal-Mart to pick up some new head phones for my weatherband radio. When I came out it was raining so I had to hitch in the rain. The forcast for today is for flooding with 3.5 inches of rain expected. I left the motel anyway to hike, but the rain forced me back in. I am trying to stay optimistic but this rain is dampening my spirits somewhat. Will try again tomorrow as the forcast is for "showers" for the next 6 days. Wish we could get some of this down south where they are baking. The temperature here in Gorham, NH is 59 degrees F. How's that for summer?
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Wildcat peak D

To: Hogan Rd. NH, 
Miles today: 18.6

It didn't rain today. Whoopie!! Started early from the motel in Gorham where it seems as though I homesteaded. The walk out of town east to hwy 2 is about 1.5 miles and passes McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts. I had breakfast at both places. Hwy 2 and 16 run parallel through town in an east/west direction. I commenced hitching at the east split on hwy 2. After about 30 minutes some guys in a pickup truck stopped. I threw my pack and stick in the back and hopped in. The 3 miles ride was cool as the temperature was in the low 50's. The driver had his dog in the back seat, (this was a long pickup), and the whole time the dog sat with his chin over the seat back staring at me. His expression said "see how it feels to be discarded".I hiked this section in reverse from north to south as I thought the grades would be less strenuous on my knees and it seamed to help as I made this section without too much difficulty. A lady in town gave me some elastic knee sleeves yesterday which helped ease the pain but my lower legs swell with them on. Wore them anyway. I hitched a ride from Pinkham Notch on 16 back to the trail on 2 thus ending a section that I was dreading. Ran into Recurve, Sojo, Conan and another hiker who's name escapes me. I told them of my tentative plans to leave the trail at Grafton Notch ME and they tried hard to encourage me to stick it out to the end. Thanks guys. Ended this day about 1/2 mile up Mt. Hayes at the first semi-level place to pitch my tent.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Hogan Rd. NH, 

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

The White Mountains are in the rear view mirror and the climbs, ups and down seem to be getting easier. This and the knee braces I'm wearing really help my hike to be more pleasant. When you're in pain, it is hard to think about how much fun you're having.Met up with RJ and Barefoot Sage today. RJ is older than I and is from Illinois. Barefoot Sage, a lady from Portland, Oregon is much younger than I. Something interesting about her is that she is a doctor who uses ancient Chineese and herbal remedies. Barfoot Sage is what they used to call those doctors in olden times. So she chose it for her trail name. Since the Mahoosuc Notch is coming up tomorrow we plan to go thru it together for safety.Goodbye New Hampshire.......Hellooooooooooo..Maine. Crossed into the last state this afternoon. 13 states down and 1 to go!!! A great feeling. Still cannot believe I've walked this far.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Grafton Notch, Maine hwy 26
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Had a good rest last night but no sleep. Without me saying why, you already know from what I've said about shelters. Left early and hiked out of the mountains to hwy 26. Caught a ride with a teacher and his teenage daughter into Bethel. Emptied my pack in the parking lot of a convenience store/Dunkin Donut shop to allow everything to dry. Ate breakfast and had extra donuts. Can't get enough of those things but have to kick the habit when I get home.Definitely decided this is the end of my hike for 2008 and feel happy about it. I have hiked from Georgia to Maine. Do not need to go any further. I can finish the last 266 miles next year with Bad Hummus, who is at present at UT Med School but anticipating next summer when he can take up the trail where he left off at Pine Grove Furnace, PA.Took me 4 hours and 4 hitches to get to Lewiston, ME (about 40 miles), where there is a Greyhound terminal. My bus leaves tomorrow, 8/11 for Lebanon, PA where my pickup truck has been stored since my return to the trail on 6/24 after my bought with Giardia. Phoned the storage place to let them know when I will arrive. My plans are to stop in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in TN to make up the 17 miles from Newfound Gap, south to Derek Knob shelter to complete my hike. In March I had left the trail at Derek Knob with shin splints and returned to the trail at Newfound Gap, effectively creating a gap which had to be closed.