morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Sherman Springs Campsite 

To: Congdon Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4

Eagle Wings and I were the only campers at the Sherman Spring Campsite and we were up and out around 7. A cool day hiking, had to layer up anytime I stopped. We crossed into Vermont a little after 8, took a quick break and moved on.The Vermont mud has definitely not dried up yet and I found myself using my trecking poles as divining rods trying to find anything solid in the sea of mud.I passed by a beautiful beaver dam that appeared to be 6¢-8¢ high at its mid point. Just past the dam I saw a very large hoof print in the mud which I assume was from a Moose. When I got to the shelter Lou, a Canadian hiking the Long trail said he also saw it and was surprised that a moose was this far south.Turkish passed me on the trail and was at the shelter for the night. First met him in Dalton, then at the Noepel Shelter. He is Nobo from Georgia. Peewee came to the shelter just before the rain started. He is Nobo from Georgia.
Date: 2019-06-05
From: Congdon Shelter 

To: Goddard Shelter 
Miles today: 14.4

A lot of hikers came in late last night and took space on the floor and on top of the picnic table that was inside the shelter - everyone was trying to escape the rain. Fortunately the rain ended early and we were left with a dreary, overcast day. I had my pack cover on in anticipation of rain which was expected in the afternoon but made it to the shelter before the rain.There air was very still today and the black flys were out in force. It was difficult stopping for a break and for lunch as they were relentless! Deet seemed to have little effect, and I couldn¢t climb the hills fast enough to keep them out of my face.
Date: 2019-06-06
From: Goddard Shelter 

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 16.0

The shelter was full last night with three people doormatting on the Shelter porch.  Had heavy rain throughout the night, and in the morning I could hear water running which turned out to be a small stream running down the path to the privy.  Nymph was tenting nearby and woke up in the night to find his shoes were floating in the water outside the tent.  The day turned out nice and sunny, but the trail was very hard walking, with portions of the trail being flowing streams, and the mud was unavoidable and well over my shoes.The saving grace of the day was the views from the summit of Stratton Mountain.  Stayed to watch the sunset which was beautiful!
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Stealth camp

To: Manchester Vermont 
Miles today: 13.5

Woke up extra early this morning so I watch the sunrise from Stratton.  Absolutely gorgeous, and well worth the effort!!Still lots of mud on the trail today but Eagle Wings and I made it to Route 11 around 3:30 and were quickly able to hitch a ride into Manchester where we are planning to take a zero.  I did not get the name of the guy that picked us up but he works at Bromley and was on his way home.  Hot shower, good food, nice bed!!
Date: 2019-06-09
From: Vermont route 11/30

To: Lost Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8

Had a great zero in Manchester Vermont. Found out that Old School Moose was staying at the same hotel so we all got together in the evening on the hotel patio. Ice cream, beer, wine and good company!Caught an Uber to the trail in the morning and were back on the trail before 9:00. A nice sunny day for hiking. The day included many miles of dense spruce forest and the smell of sap and needles made you want to breathe deep. In the final climb up Bromley Mountain the trail enters a ski path leading to the top of the mountain. As I was walking up the open, grassy trail a large bear crested the top of the ridge above me. It was maybe a hundred yards away and coming down the trail towards me. Had just enough time to get a couple of photos before the bear turned off the trail and into the woods.Thanks to the Vermont Long Trail Club for leaving water at the Mad Tom Notch road crossing, much appreciated as it is a long stretch of trail without water.  On this section of trail the mud was manageable and I was able to keep my feet dry all day. Not as many black flys today but it seems they are being replaced with mosquitoes.Met Perc on the trail today. First met him on a cold wet night in a crowded New Jersey shelter.  Huey was also staying at the shelter tonight. Huey is doing a Nobo flip flop and I first met him at Congdon shelter.
Date: 2019-06-10
From: Lost Pond Shelter 

To: Clarendon Shelter 
Miles today: 18.7

Perc hit the trail at around six this morning and I didn¢t see him afterwards. I was the second to leave but Old School Moose, Eagle Wings, and Huey caught up to me and we saw each other throughout the afternoon. I caught up with Korie in the morning and we walked together for a while. Korie is hiking the entire Long Trail and I first met her at Congdon shelter. We had walked a couple of sections before and I enjoyed her company.Eagle Wings and I were initially planning to go to the Minerva shelter and we got there around 3:30. Not long after we arrived Korie and Huey showed up but decided to continue on to Clarendon Shelter. Eagle Wings and I decided we would do the same. Before we left Tinman showed up and said he was also moving on to Clarendon.Today felt like a big reunion!!
Date: 2019-06-11
From: Clarendon Shelter 

To: Churchill Scott Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Fairly steady rain last night lasting into early morning.  Slept in till after 7 so got a late start.  Last nights rain made the trail more difficult with trail rivers and mud.  Also had to cross a large stream today, essentially just wading across.  Wet feet all day!Saw a lot of moose droppings on the trail up Killington Mountain.  At one point there was so much of it that you had to walk through it.  We were thinking of spending the night at Cooper Lodge, not far from the summit of Killington.  We stopped there for a break but decided to move on as it was in such poor condition.  Korie was there and we wished her well on her Long Trail hike.  The AT splits off from the Long Trail shortly so I don¢t expect we will cross paths again.Huey is going off trail so not sure when we¢ll see him next.  Walking with Tinman for a while but did not see him at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2019-06-12
From: Churchill Scott Shelter 

To: Inn at Long Trail 
Miles today: 4.4

Taking a nero today going to the Inn at Long Trail.  Caught a bus to Rutland and had an enormous bacon cheeseburger for lunch, then walked to the nearby Walmart for resupply.Tinman was also staying at the Inn, as were two section hikers I met at Clarendon Shelter. The Inn had several instruments for use by guests and Old School Moose found a banjo and played for a while in the lounge. Nice relaxing evening!
Date: 2019-06-13
From: Inn at Long Trail 

To: Stony Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 8.5

Had a great breakfast at the Inn and hit the trail around 9. The rain started a little after 11 and it became cold and windy. When Eagle Wings, Old School Moose and I reached the Stoney Brook Shelter we decided to stay the night even though it was early in the day. Took a while to warm up and dry out.Teach, Lumpy, and Sunrise also came in for the night. Teach is a retired English teacher from New York, Lumpy just graduated with a degree in Spanish, and Sunrise is a computer researcher.
Date: 2019-06-14
From: Stony Brook Shelter 

To: Secret Hostel 
Miles today: 13.7

Everyone was up and hiking by 7 this morning with the sun shining and the air feeling warmer than yesterday. We had spotty rain, sun, and clouds throughout the day. The highlight of the day was a side trip on a road crossing to the On The Edge Farm for some ice cream. Eagle Wings, Teach, Sunrise, Lumpy and I all made our way there at about the same time. We had not seen Old School Moose since he passed by in the morning. Apparently he had stopped at the next farm stand and continued on to the next shelter. While we were at the farm stand we confirmed the existence of a local secret hostel. As we had gone close to 14 miles we decided we would ask to stay for the night. Daniel was our host, and he let us camp in his yard beside a nice brook, or we could have stayed in his barn if we wanted. Eagle Wings, Sunrise and I camped near the brook while Teach and Lumpy decided to stay in the barn. Daniel is a gracious host and made us feel welcome and made sure we had all we needed!Once I set up at Daniels I went back to the farm stand to get a burrito for tomorrow morning. While I was there a guy asked me if I was hiking the AT. I told him I was and he told me he planned to do the same when he retired. He then bought my burrito for me and wished me well! The trail was full of unexpected gifts today!!
Date: 2019-06-15
From: Secret Hostel 

To: Happy Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4

I left the hostel early this morning, even skipping a cup of coffee offered by Daniel. Nature was calling and a cup of coffee would not have helped! Had breakfast on the trail after the first climb of the day. Eagle Wings and Sunrise were also up early and passed by while I was having my coffee.The highlights of the day were the wildflowers blooming in the many fields I walked through. The White River was beautiful, crystal clear with an aqua color where it got deep.  If I was staying nearby I definitely would have gone for a swim!  Met up with a porcupine which quickly climbed a tree when it saw Eagle Wings and I approaching. Last but not least, made it to the shelter before the rain started!Eagle was the first to the shelter, and Teach, Sunrise, Lumpy and Fish Ears all showed up after me.  3-Mile and Skinny Man showed up just before dark.
Date: 2019-06-16
From: Happy Hill Shelter 

To: Nero In Lebanon New Hampshire 
Miles today: 6.0

Slept in the shelter last night to avoid getting my gear rained on, but wished I had spent the night in my hammock as there was very little rain.  The night stayed fairly warm and the mosquitos were out in force making it difficult to sleep.Everyone was up early as we had all plans for taking a nero, resupply, and move on.  On my way to Hanover New Hampshire I walked down Elm Street In Norwich Vermont and found trail magic all down the road!  The watermelon was perfect!! Thanks to the residents of Elm Street.I crossed over the Connecticut River into New Hampshire around 9 this morning and met up with Eagle Wings for a second breakfast at The Skinny Pancake.Got a hotel in Lebanon, shower, resupply, dinner, back on trail tomorrow!
Date: 2019-06-17
From: Hanover New Hampshire 

To: Moose Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

Eagle Wings, Old School Moose and I took the hotel shuttle back to Hanover and hit the trail around 9.I got to the shelter around 4, so a very relaxing evening.  Great views from Moose Mountain shortly before getting to the shelter.  3-Mile and Skinny Man stopped by the shelter for a snack prior to moving on to the next shelter north.  We wished each other well as it is unlikely we will see them again as they are putting in some high mile days.
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Moose Mountain Shelter 

To: Smarts Mountain fire wardens Cabin 
Miles today: 12.3

Just before dark last night Wrong Way came into camp. I have not seen him in a very long time, not since we were at Bears Den Hostel in Virginia. It was good to see him and catch up!On my way to Smarts mountain the trail passed by a nice pond which was surrounded by lupine in full bloom. With geese on the grass beside the pond it was very picturesque.Fantastic views from the Smarts mountain fire tower!
Date: 2019-06-19
From: Smarts Mountain fire wardens Cabin 

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 20.0

Started hiking today just before 7 with the original intent of going to the Ore tent site.  Arriving there before 2 pm I decided to keep moving on and finished the day at the Hikers Welcome Hostel.  It was a long day and it felt like the temperature was around 80 so the shower at the hostel was fantastic!Eagle Wings, Old School Moose, and Sunrise were all at the hostel and it was nice to see them before going off trail to celebrate my sweet granddaughters birthday.
Date: 2019-06-20
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Up at 6 this morning to catch a shuttle ride to Plymouth where I could catch a bus to Boston, then on to Worcester.  Said goodbye to Sunrise as he was leaving for the trail and a north bound assent of Moosilauke.  Eagle Wings was also getting ready for a slack-pack over Moosilauke from the north.  By the time I get back on trail they, along with Old School Moose will be far ahead of me.Shortly after arriving in Worcester Chris picked me up and brought me home for a long weekend off the trail!
Date: 2019-06-24
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel 

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel 
Miles today: 9.5

Today I did a slack pack from Kingsman notch back to the Hikers Welcome Hostel.  Beautiful, clear day with fantastic views from mount Moosilauke.Short mileage day with a lot of elevation up and down!  Good way to break back into the trail and the Whites.While hanging out on the summit of Moosilauke a couple came up with their dog, Charlie.  On the way up Charlie ran into a porcupine that he could not resist! Unfortunately, this left him with a muzzle full of quills.  Nothing to be done until they got back down (sadly, pliers are in Charlie¢s future).On my way down from Moosilauke I met two hikers looking for a Rich and Jeff.  Turns out they were two of the six hikers slack packing from the hostel.  They are known as the Adventure Boys, and the hikers I met were trail angels who they had hiked with earlier on the trail.  These angels were purveyors of very fine treats (beer, fried chicken, heavenly cookies!).When I return to the hostel I found Slo-Dog there!  It was good to see him again!
Date: 2019-06-25
From: Kinsmans Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 7.5

The Adventure Boys and I took the morning shuttle to Kinsman Notch to start our way north. The day was overcast and as predicted the rain started just before noon, light at first but heavy by the afternoon. Original plan was to go to Kinsman pond shelter but called it a day when I reached the Eliza Brook Shelter. Bird, who is doing a Nobo flip flop, was at the shelter when I got there and he also decided to stay. The Adventure Boys came in a little later and were also spending the night. Late in the day Devon Maid came in essentially soaked and cold. Both she and Bird had done in one day what I did today plus what I slack packed yesterday.Even though it was a short mileage day the trail was difficult, more like a long distance obstacle course than a trail!!
Date: 2019-06-26
From: Eliza Brook Shelter 

To: Liberty Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 11.4

Everyone was up and out early today. The trail was again very difficult and I was glad I did not try moving on in the rain yesterday. Early in the day the trail passed by a marsh pond and it was impossible to keep out of the water so my feet were wet most of the day.I had lunch at Lonesome Lake Hut - a bowl of fabulous lentil and vegetable soup, followed by a free half bowl refill, followed by a large cinnamon bun. Well worth the stop!! Devon Maid also stopped in for a bite. After crossing route 93 I took a detour to the visitor center at the Flume Gorge to pick up something for dinner. Ended up being about a mile each way but the lunch at Lonesome Lake and dinner from the Visitor Center should allow me to make it to Crawford Notch before having to resupply.Getting to Liberty Spring was a tough end to the day climbing 2500 feet in 2.5 miles. Got settled in just before sunset. A thunderstorm is rolling through as I am writing this entry.
Date: 2019-06-27
From: Liberty Spring Campsite 

To: Galehead AMC Hut
Miles today: 10.4

Last nights thunderstorm was impressive as I could hear it coming for about half an hour before it was over me. Slept good in my hammock only waking up a couple times. My neighbor in a tent was quite all night but was up at 4:40 to start his day.I was on the trail around 7 and it was a beautiful day climbing up and over the Franconia ridge. While I was stopped for a snack on top of mount Lafayette Bird stopped for a breather. He had climbed up from Franconia Notch in less time than it took me to climb the ridge. He was on his way to Zealand Hut, maybe a little farther.Made it to Garfield Shelter trail around 2 and was surprised to see Old School Moose there getting water. He had twisted both ankles and was planning to spend one or two days before moving on. Since it was early I decided to keep moving, thinking I could make it to Guyot Shelter. About 2 miles from the shelter I took a digger and snapped one of my trekking poles. I was glad the cracking sound was the pole and not me! Walked away with a bruised leg and scraped elbow.It was around 4:30 when I got to the Galehead Hut. I was pretty tired and really didn¢t want to go on to Guyot which would entail another 1000+ foot climb. Fortunately I was granted an AT through hikers stay at Galehead. The hard working crew at Galehead were really great!Dusty and his son Wolf were also on the trail and stayed at Galehead. I met Dusty at the Hikers Welcome Hostel, and his son came up to hike with him in the Whites. They are headed to Crawford Notch tomorrow to meet up with family and do some hiking together.
Date: 2019-06-28
From: Galehead AMC Hut

To: AMC Highland Center 
Miles today: 14.7

Dusty, Wolf and I were up around 5 and on trail before the Croo served breakfast at Galehead. Dusty and Wolf left before me and I was on trail around 6.The 1000¢ climb up South Twin was the start of the day. The trail was nice in comparison to yesterday, however I felt like I was learning to walk again using a single trekking pole. When I got to the top of South Twin their were four other hikers there - it turned out to be a Connecticut reunion as we were all from Connecticut!I made my way down to Zealand Falls Hut and stopped for a bowl of potato dill soup with a big piece of bread. Perfect lunch! While there I took the opportunity to soak my feet in the cool waters of the Whitewall Brook.I continued on to the Ethan pond shelter but decided to go on to Crawford Notch to the AMC Highland Center for the night. When I got to route 302 I was able to hitch a ride after walking about a mile on the road. There were 2 thru hikers in the car and they were being slackpacked by family!While at the center I was able to make a reservation at Lakes of the Clouds Hut for the next day. I was a little concerned as the weather forecast was iffy, with the possibility of rain and hail.My stay at the hostel was disappointing as they did not have laundry facilities, the shower ran out of hot water, the bunkhouse was about 80 degrees, and my bunk mate was a restless sleeper who kept shaking the bunk and making it creak loudly. At around 3:30 I gave up, grabbed my pillow and blanket and went to the couch in the living area.While the hostel was a disappointment, the staff was really great and tried to help me out as much as they could. I wanted to get an early start on my hike tomorrow but the earliest shuttle was at 8:30. I ended up getting a 6 am ride to the trail from a staffer who was heading that way in the morning. Awesome!!
Date: 2019-06-29
From: AMC Highland Center 

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut 
Miles today: 0.0

With my early ride I was on trail at 6:15. Started out in rain gear as there were some sprinkles this morning and rain was predicted . Soon ditched the rain coat as the rain seemed to be holding off. The Webster Cliff trail (part of the AT) was very steep in places and there were a lot of rock climbing scrambles. Made it to Mazpah Spring Hut around 11 and stopped in for lunch before moving on. They did not have any soup ready but they had leftover pancakes with real maple syrup for free! It was a nice replacement for the breakfast I missed by leaving the hostel early.On my way from Mazpah to Lakes of the Clouds a light rain started falling. Fortunately I made it to the Hut about 15 minutes before a heavy rain started. It was nice to be out of the weather and have a cup of tea and some cake to warm up.The Huts feed you well! Black bean soup, fresh baked bread, salad, turkey with veggies, mashed potatos and gravy. Chocolate cake for dessert!
Date: 2019-06-30
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut 

To: Madison Hut 
Miles today: 7.1

The forecast for today was for a chance of rain with possible thunderstorms. I left Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 8 after a filling breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, sausage, and cranberry bread. I was in the clouds but it was not raining. Made it to the top of mount Washington at 9 and stopped in for a second breakfast (egg bacon and cheese sandwich) and to send a postcard to my sweet granddaughter. It was 43 degrees with a 31 mph wind and 50¢ visibility on top of the mountain. Left the summit of Washington around 9:30 and was having a nice hike with some intermittent clearing of the clouds. Thought I had lucked out and ditched the rain coat as I was getting hot and there was no rain.Unfortunately my luck ran out. As I was just east of mount Jefferson I started hearing thunder from the west. I was able to get my rain jacket on just as the rain started. It was mild at first and I thought I might have been on the edge of the storm. Wishful thinking! Before long the rain was a wind blown torrent, and then the hail started. The thunder and lightening continued and I hunkered down behind a boulder for a while. This let my pack take the brunt of the hail which was uncomfortable as it was blowing horizontally and hitting my face.When the hail let up I continued on and tried to pick up my pace. After a couple of lost footings on the wet rocks I slowed down figuring a cracked head was much more likely than a lightning strike! It was still raining heavy with high winds when I finally reached the shelter of Madison Hut at around 2. It had taken me more than 4.5 hours to cover 5.7 miles.When I got to the Hut I was totally soaked and happy to get a bowl of soup and cup of hot tea. Continuing on would require climbing another 500¢ up into the storm which I had no intention of doing. Fortunately, they had an opening at the Hut so I could stay the night and take my chances on the weather tomorrow. If they didn¢t have an opening I would have descended 700¢ to a campsite. Not a pleasant option. There were a lot of people in the hut either staying or just getting out of the weather. It was not easy getting dry as the hut is not heated and you could see you breath in the cold and humidity. I¢m expecting cold damp clothes for tomorrow morning.Anne, an AMC naturalist coming to the Hut to talk to the guests about the Whites also got caught in the storm. She took a tumble on the slippery rocks and had a nasty cut and bruise around her left eye. See took it all in stride and gave her talk anyway.
Date: 2019-07-01
From: Madison Hut 

To: Pinkham Notch 
Miles today: 7.8

Was up at 6:30 this morning feeling a bit stiff after yesterday¢s hours long adrenaline rush. Everything was still clouded in but started cleaning as I was leaving after breakfast.The climb over Madison was very steep and exposed and I was glad the weather was clearing. There was still a pretty good wind blowing all the way down the exposed ridge line that the trail took before descending into the trees.  My plan for the day was to get to Pinkham Notch and catch a shuttle to the Rattle River Hostel. I was able to call the hostel on the way and set up my shuttle.I was thinking about the next section of the trail over the Wildcat range and given the difficulty of the trail decided I would try to get into Carter Notch Hut and traverse the range in three days instead of two. I was glad I was able to book a bunk at Carter when I arrived at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch.On the way to the hostel we stopped by a Walmart so I could resupply, and then picked up a pizza and beer for dinner. The hostel is really well set up and the people were really nice. Got a shower in and some loner clothes while mine were being washed