morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-24
From: VT 12 but camping in a meadow off Chateauguay rd

To: Stony Brook Rd but camping on AT at Chateauguay rd
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again Andy made us a great breakfast - scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon. Andy figured out Rusty had chaffing between his toes in one spot.  I put extra Mushers Wax on it.  Rusty is going to stay with Andy again to let it heal a couple more days. We are taking a zero tomorrow probably because it¢s suppose to storm all day.  Started this morning hiking the 9 miles northbound from Chateauguay rd back to VT 12. Slackpacking is a bit confusing. Andy figures out the best spot to camp then the most convenient way to hike the trail.  Of course I forgot which way I was headed so when I saw another hiker it lead to a very confusing conversation. Liminal laughed and explained the situation to the hiker.  Then we passed Swiss Cheese and I told him he was headed the wrong way. His faced dropped and he admitted he always worried he would do that. I then admitted I was kidding and was going opposite for the day and he was relieved.  Once again it was cold so good for hiking however too foggy for views.  Andy and Rusty were waiting for us and Andy said he seemed much better and happier today.  We had lunch then drove around to Stony Brook Rd so we could hike another 4 miles north back to Chateauguay Rd where Liminal¢s car was parked and where we were camping that night.  We tried the shortest route and ended up on an impassable road. Andy has a 4 wheel drive truck too but even that could not make it.  We were actually on 2 wheels at one point.  We turned around and took the long way there. Really kind of fun drive though did take along time.  We started our 4 mile hike around 430 but fortunately was an easy path so finished by 6.  Rusty was very happy to see us and is back to his normal bratty hyper self - so relieved and happy!  He stole my gloves and made me chase him. Andy started a great fire and made us excellent chili dogs.  Andy is as adventurous as Liminal. He¢s been to 45 states she¢s been to 47.  Since Andy came here to help, he gets to pick the next trip and it was really fun listening to them decide what¢s next. Such a fun life!
Date: 2018-09-25
From: Stony Brook Rd but camping on AT at Chateauguay rd

To: Hillside Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Decided to take a zero today since it was going to be windy, cold and raining. Woke up and Andy started a nice fire. Then he made a great breakfast of bacon, cheesy eggs and hash browns.  He is headed home to NC today and we will really miss him. It was fun listening to Andy and Liminal plan their next vacation which will be his choice - so many options for them!Then the rain started so we headed out to Woodstock to explore the cute town. Loved all the maple candy and food choices. We also stopped at a thrift store so I could buy some comfy cotton clothes since I could leave them in the car for the next 10 days and not have to wear smelly hiking clothes.  We ended up at the Hillside Inn in Killington. I tried 2 new NH beers Long Trail BlackBerry wheat beer and a maple porter; both were awesome!  It was a great zero day especially considering the weather and love being able to see Vermont by car too.
Date: 2018-09-26
From: Hillside Inn

To: US 4 Rutland
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and had a great complimentary hotel breakfast. Then I dropped Liminal off at US 4 and she headed north and I drove back to Stony brook rd and headed north. Yep headed the wrong way for 2.4 miles. Didn¢t realize my mistake until I sat down to feed Rusty breakfast and to get a snack. Really an idiotic thing to do considering I had been here 2 days ago.  I was really mad at myself until I realized there is nothing I can do and it is a great day to be hiking. It will not happen again though.The drive to the start was tough since Stony Brook Rd is a gravel road. I had to move a tree that had fallen in the road then came to a huge puddle that covered the whole road. I was afraid to drive through that so backed up and parked at a camping site I saw that was about 1/4 mile from the AT. I¢m using that as my excuse for going the wrong way though really I know better.Rusty really enjoyed the hike today too though fortunately there were no loud red squirrels.  It was great terrain again. In the one spot that would have been a challenging climb, there was a ladder that was tied to the hill. I did carry Rusty over that since it was straight up and down.  He¢s good with ladders that are angled more.There was a beautiful waterfall Thundering Falls that went right beside two houses. We also passed a beautiful lake Kent Pond.  Then we came to Guifford Woods State Park.  I met a couple sitting by there RV who were also from MD. They were retired and enjoying RV life which is something I will eventually enjoy too. I found out their daughter was from my neighborhood though I did not know her. Pretty amazing!   Then I met Luminal at the US 4 parking lot. I made sure I looked at which way to go tomorrow morning.  Then we stopped in a cool little store Truly Unique Gift Shop. She bought some Christmas gifts and I got some maple truffles - yum!  When we got out it was down pouring. I had noticed the state park had cabins and really did not want to set up my tent. Fortunately the only dog one was available. Liminal sleeps in her car so it really wouldn¢t have matter to her however I am so happy! I don¢t have to set up in a downpour and don¢t have to cook and eat in my tent.  Even better there is a nice table which is a treat for hikers. It¢s a really cute cabin.
Date: 2018-09-27
From: US 4 Rutland

To: Keiffer rd
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Really pretty hiking day today. Liminal dropped me off in the US 4 parking lot and I headed south.  Finally saw why hikers call Vermont Vermud. The path was a muddy mess though still had rocks so you could kind of keep out. Water runs right down the middle of the path but I¢m not sure if that¢s because of the downpour all night or it¢s always like that. There also were a lot of branches down on the path. The path was challenging in parts too for the first time in Vermont. There were also beautiful views today.  We climbed up the steep side trail to Killington and it was gorgeous! Many people were just hanging out enjoying the sun and view.  There was a gondola running to take people up to the top. Then we went to their restaurant which is known for their chef. I had a tasty bison burger, peak fries and a Switchback Ale in their outdoor seating overlooking the mountain. Very relaxing way to spend a day.The rest of the day was mainly downhill by streams. For at least a quarter mile we walked between 2 streams and it looked and sounded great.  After I got done and went to pick Liminal up it was getting dark. So we didn¢t have to drive and find a new spot to camp in the dark, we went back to Guifford Woods and got a campsite. We set up, ate dinner and planned the next couple days.
Date: 2018-09-28
From: Danby landgrove rd

To: Mad Tom Notch USFS 21 
Miles today: 12.1

It started raining last night through 9 this morning. We decided to skip the next 18.4 mile section since we had a late start and go with the next 12.1 mile section. Tomorrow we will start earlier and do the longer section.  When using a car you have to find Appalachian Trail parking lots to plan your day. There really is too much scheduling when using a car however it¢s been fun traveling with both Liminal and Andy and hearing about their travels and life. They have taught me a lot too and really helped when Rusty got hurt. Also I¢ve been enjoying stopping at convenience stores for food and beer- eating much better and enjoying Vermont beers!Today was another muddy wet watch your feet day but also great hiking weather and views. We started off walking by and in streams. Then we came to Baxter Peak which had beautiful views. We did go up 2 bigger peaks but they were fogged in. I ended my hike on Mad Tom Notch Rd and then drove back to Danby Langrove Rd where we camped. It¢s a great camping spot by a stream. There is also a picnic table where we had dinner and a privy.
Date: 2018-09-29
From: Keiffer rd

To: Danby landgrove rd
Miles today: 18.4

This morning I drove to Keiffer rd to start my hike. I picked up sandwiches and dog treats for the hike. It was another beautiful hiking day and there was a ton of interesting things to see: Mountain View¢s, rock formations, cairn collection, rock designs, old iron tool collection, suspension bridge,waterfalls, streams and beautiful lake. I need to look up the background stories on the people made parts to find out if the same person assembled all - really impressive.After finishing our hikes, Liminal picked me up and we went to VT 11/30 to camp and make dinner. Because it¢s suppose to be beautiful tomorrow, we will skip the 5 mile part, and do the 17 mile part tomorrow. Mon when it¢s suppose to be raining we¢ll go back and do the 5 mile part and then stay in the hotel that night where I am getting my resupply box. I also ordered badly needed new shoes which are there for me too.
Date: 2018-09-30
From: Kelly stand rd

To: VT 11/30 Manchester 
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful hiking day. We started out around 7 from our campsite. We stopped at Prospect Rock for a perfect pumpkin spice coffee and snack break overlooking Manchester. The sun and clouds were going in and out so it was like watching a landscape slideshow from a hallmark love story.  We also came to another beautiful pond and Stratton mt where you could see another ski resort. Stratton mt had a fire tower which you could climb up. Rusty went almost to the top where it was really windy but then got nervous and went back down. I stayed up to look around and then Rusty started to whimper. I headed back down but could hear people trying to stop Rusty from going back up. I felt bad but I don¢t worry about Rusty climbing stairs. He really is a careful dog. He does wait if he needs help.  But it is nice people care.We ended hiking around 4 and stopped at a farmers market for great blueberries and apples. We also got chips and yummy maple smoked hummus.then we went and picked Liminal up and went to Mad Tom Notch parking. We set up camp and made dinner. It was a great variety of food for a camping dinner. Also a beautiful starry night. Rusty did go to bed before we finished dinner. Just 5 miles tomorrow then a zero day.Funny I woke back up and thought yay no rain yet, let¢s get moving. Then I looked at my phone and saw the time 11:15. Bummer but at least I got to go to the bathroom with no rain. I got back in my tent and the rain started 2 minutes later. Back to sleep.
Date: 2018-10-01
From: Mad Tom Notch USFS 21 

To: Bromley View Inn
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to rain which was expected.  We were in no rush this morning since we were only going 5.5 mile. I read for awhile in my tent until Liminal honked letting me know the car was ready.  She sleeps in her car with a great set up: a full size air mattress and real sheets and blankets.  But needs to rearrange her car to drive so I can fit.  I threw all my stuff in her car and took my tent down while Rusty sat in the passengers seat.  Since we were only going 5.5 miles I didn¢t bring anything with me.  When I was ready Rusty just glared at me not wanting to leave his comfy car.  I picked him up and carried him to the path.  Poor baby I wish he understood it would only be a couple hours in the rain.  He did drag behind me for the first mile but then caught up.  It actually was a fun day once I gave up trying to avoid mud.  That happen after I fell and got my whole side completely muddy.  The evergreen smell really came out in the rain too which was nice.  We came to the Bromley Mt Ski slope and then jogged down the grassy path.  Rusty really enjoyed that and ran in circles for a bit.  I was very excited he started enjoying himself too.  We did the hike in around 2 hrs.  At the end fortunately there was a stream so I could bath Rusty and myself before getting in the car.  I also changed all my muddy clothes.  Then we went to pick Liminal up and headed to our hotel.  The hotel is beautiful with great decks and mountain views though since it was raining did not get to enjoy sitting outside.  I got my new shoes and backpack, my old one no longer fits around my waist and was bruising my hips.  I also got my resupply box.  Then we went to do laundry and buy groceries.  Had a nice day laying around watching TV and eating fruits and vegetables and junk.  Also got a couple more Vermont Long Trail beers which are great!
Date: 2018-10-02
From: Bromley View Inn

To: Autumn Inn Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and enjoyed the complementary breakfast at the Bromley Inn.  First time I had Mango juice and it was great.  While eating breakfast I spoke to a family with a beautiful baby boy Jack.  The mom said hi you went to my Bowie pool.  Such a small world, Katie went to school with my sister and her mom and I swam together at our community pool.  Talked to the owners of the Inn.  They bought the Inn about 9 months ago and are really  enjoying it.  They bought baby ducks for their pond but the ducks don¢t like the water.  They prefer to stay in their shelter below the deck.  Also the many chipmunks that use to get in their basement now just hang out in the duck shelter to share their food. Really a cute comfortable place overlooking the Vermont mountains.  We left at checkout time to drive to the Autumn Inn in Bennington.  We took the scenic route to enjoy the fall colors in the mountains.  We stopped in Wilmington to wander around the town but did not stay long because it started down pouring.  I did get some chocolate covered maple cookies!We got to the Autumn Inn and packed for our 2 day backpack.  Liminal will have completed the whole AT in 23 miles!  In the morning we will meet the shuttle at the trailhead parking at VT 9 Bennington.   Then the shuttle will take us back to Kelly Stand Rd.  It will be fun hiking together again.  I also only have to carry 1 night and 2 days of food so will enjoy the light pack.  Tonight I¢m enjoying 2 different Vermont beers Magic Hat TFG, taking for granite, and another Long Trail Green Blazed IPA.
Date: 2018-10-03
From: Autumn Inn Motel

To: Goddard shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Set my alarm for 530 so I could take a shower before meeting our shuttle at 6:45 at VT 9 Bennington. When we were leaving the hotel, Liminal noticed a white camper van was in the hotel parking lot. We had seen this van camping at 2 places we had comped. When we got to the trail head VT 9 the van pulled in. It was Hawkeye who was slack packing with his wife who was following with the van. They seem like a very fun couple. He is 65 and has already completed the PCT and the CDT. He did 700 miles of the AT backpacking but then realized he¢d rather slackpack. The AT trail itself is not groomed like the other 2 trails so is slower to do. He finishes the AT somewhere in VA so hopefully I¢ll see them again.The shuttle took us back to Kelly Stand Rd where we started Liminal¢s last part of the trail. We knew it would be a muddy mess but at least it was forecasted to stop raining by 8 and get sunny. That did not happen. We stopped after 3 miles at the first shelter to feed Rusty and snack. I looked at the weather.com again to see 0% chance of rain as I watch the rain continue.  I really wished I was slackpacking today so I would end in her nice warm dry car.  Fortunately we were hiking together or I this would have definitely been a bad day. With her company it was just a bitchy funny day.  We started up again and my feet were numb.  It took a good mile before they felt right. It did continue to rain but at least it warmed up.  We stopped at the next shelter for lunch and actually had a pretty view of the mountains and lake for a couple minutes before the fog blocked it.  We started walking again and I actually finally felt good. We passed the Glastenbury Mt tower as a couple was coming down. We asked if there was any views and they laughed and said none so we continued to the next shelter. We got there around 4 and decided that was far enough for the day since it was the last water source for 6 miles, we would have to get water there for dinner then carry it to wherever we were going and water weighs about 2lbs per liter.We met Dan when we got there and he looked miserable. He started the Long Trail 3 days ago and it has rained the entire time. This was his first backpacking trip too. We both told him that it was just a miserable time to be hiking with the mud, rain and cold. He would enjoy it soon and hopefully weather.com is correct and it would be sunny and warmer for the week starting Fri.  I got water, bathed Rusty and set up my tent. Then went back to the shelter to make dinner.Next Torch came in with her happy personality and brightened the place. She was bitching about the rain and mud too but was funny about it. Poor Dan couldn¢t handle the 3 of us though and retreated to his tent. We had a nice night making dinner and talking.  We retreated to our tents around 730 because it got cold. I was exhausted from the cold wet day and fell asleep right away. I woke up at 10 to write this. Once again I do love my cozy tent with Rusty.
Date: 2018-10-04
From: Goddard shelter

To: Just past Harmony Hill
Miles today: 12.3

Ug woke up to rain around 3 - just what we need though even if it does get sunny tomorrow, the mud won¢t dry up. I¢ve been told the mud magically disappears when you hit MA which is only 25 miles away - please!   I started packing up around 630 in a light drizzle. Then headed to the shelter to sit in a dry place and eat breakfast. I don¢t usually camp by shelters but really appreciated it with the rain.  I¢ll remember that moving on though then I do have to watch Rusty since he loves barking. Fortunately everyone here now doesn¢t mind.We had a nice slow start making coffee and eating breakfast and talking about Liminal¢s accomplishment. She¢s funny about it, I¢m proud of myself for just trying and she¢s finishing and doesn¢t feel that pride. The rest of us feel it for her though. Her brother and best friend are driving from NC to meet her at the end too.  The rain ends around 8 and we finally start walking around 930. It warms up and actually becomes a decent day though still foggy with limited views. The mud isn¢t as bad as yesterday. We cross paths with a lot of long trail hikers today which were fun to talk with.  They were so excited for Liminal too.About 2 we stop for a snack and to check on where her brother and friend were. They should be arriving at the end just before we do.  We get to her last bridge at 3 and they aren¢t there but as we walk to the parking lot they pull in and her brother hops out and videos her coming in and dropping her poles - Liminal out!  Very fun to watch their pride and celebration! We go back to the bridge and take more pics.  Liminal also runs across the street to where she actually ends her hike.  We go back to the car and celebrate with a Yuengling - Liminal with M&Ms since she does not drink. While they decide what to do I get all my stuff out of the car and try to stuff it all in my bag - back to a full heavy day.  I definitely will miss slackpacking and Liminal.This morning I had planned on getting a.hotel for the night since it was suppose to be cold and the rain was suppose to start at 2. Since it was still warm and just drizzling I decided to keep going. I found a nice camp spot by a stream and set up. I did put everything in the tent since I knew the rain would start soon. It doesn¢t start raining hard until around 7 while I was eating so I finished dinner in tent. Once. again I was exhausted. so fell asleep immediately.
Date: 2018-10-05
From: Just past Harmony Hill

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.6

Once again it¢s drizzling when I wake up. Since it¢s cold too, I decide to wait till it stops to start moving. It stops around 730 and I pack up and put my cold wet socks and boots on. I start walking but decide I need my gloves too. I have to dig to the bottom of my bag to find them but feel much better with them on. The sun finally comes out and makes everything sparkle. For coffee break i stop at a beaver pond to enjoy the sun and hot coffee. The sun really makes everything better.   About 3 we get to the MA line! At 4 we stop at the first official MA campsite, in MA you are only suppose to camp in designated spots though I will see tomorrow if that¢s true. It is nice stopping early though especially since tomorrow I will start wearing my new shoes. I bathe Rusty then set up. I¢m disappointed there is no service especially since I lost my glasses so cannot read. Tomorrow I go through a town so will buy another one again. I keep them in my pocket so easy to grab but also easy to slip out. If I can find them I will buy the granny cord to attach around my neck so I won¢t lose them again.
Date: 2018-10-06
To: Mark Noepel Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2

Woke up to a dry tent though cloudy skies. Enjoyed packing up my dry things and really enjoyed putting on my new socks and shoes - it¢s suppose to be sunny all weekend too!   The walk starts with a pine path by a beautiful rushing brook. Then the path goes right through someone¢s driveway and he has a hose set up for hikers which really is convenient - no filtering. I walked by an apartment dumpster so got to throw away my old shoes and socks and other trash. We walk over the Hoosic River and the walls are painted with handprints and smily faces. We walk through a cute little neighborhood where we can see our next big mountains.It is a long climb though nice with lots of switchbacks and pretty views. The leaves are noticeably greener then Vermont which is a bit surprising and interesting how the leaves change so differently. Also something I need to look up, you would think leaves would change on top of the mountains first since it¢s colder there but they don¢t in Vermont.  Our first great view of the MA valley is on Mt Williams. We have our coffee break there but then the fog moves in. I meet a local there Steve who hikes often and he tells me that the inspiration from Moby Dick was Mt Greylock. We end up hiking to the summit together and had a real enjoyable conversation. I love talking to hikers. We both expect the weather to clear up but it doesn¢t. I sat in the lodge and got a burger and my first MA beer Big Elm 413 farmhouse ale and loved it.  I waited for a while hoping for a view but then gave up.  I started walking down in the mist but then stopped at the next shelter to set up before the rain. Fortunately I stopped when I did because I got a wood platform which keeps your tent drier in the rain. 10 mins later the rest were taken as with the rest of the ground tent sites and shelter space. There are tons of weekend hikers due to the sunny all weekend forecast. One woman did not even bring her raincoat. She did however bring an extra pair of readers which she gives me - so nice!I ate dinner in the shelter and enjoyed the hiking stories. Rusty though is ready for bed so we head to the tent then the downpour starts. I can hear the other hikers in the shelter talking and laughing though can¢t understand what they are saying. It¢s nice though. Also nice having service.