morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Crystal Mt. Campsite

To: Greylock MT
Miles today: 12.6

We started our hike at 6:15am. Along the way we met Yak & Stitch and Jaybird and Cat tail. At the Cobbles, a marble outcropping, we saw a nice view of the Hoosic River, valley and Mt. Greylock. We walked through Cheshire, MA (a very small town)and stopped by the Senior Citizens Center for water. The afternoon hike was very challenging and it rained all afternoon; first a 4.7 steep section, followed by a 1 mile somewhat flat section, ending with a steep rocky climb to the top of Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA. We checked in to the Bascom Lodge Hostel and immediately took hot showers. We enjoyed chocolate covered coconut ice cream bars. We had dinner and Coronas at the lodge.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Greylock MT

To: Stealth Campsite 1591.4
Miles today: 13.4

On our way out from Bascom Lodge we stopped at the Veterans War Memorial Tower and climbed to the top. It was fogged in so we didn't get a view but the climb was interesting. The fog had lifted by the time we reached Mt. Williams and we had a nice view of the valley. The hike down from Mt. Williams was rugged - straight down and lots of rocks. We saw an energic group of boys from a summer camp climbing up and wished them well on their tough climb. At MA 2, we walked off trail .7 miles on a blistering hot sidewalk to North Adams and enjoyed lunch at Friendlys and resupplied at Price Chopper. We tried to get a ride into town and although there was lots of traffic we couldn't get anyone to stop. After completing our town tasks, I talked to a nice guy driving a pick up truck at Price Chopper and he gave us a ride back to the trail. After town, as usual, we had a steep climb up the trail. At the end of the day we reached the MA-VT border which also marks the Long Trail which coincides with the AT for about 100 miles. A couple of miles later we found a stream and a stealth site. Exhausted we set up our tents, grabbed a dinner time snack and went to bed.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Stealth Campsite 1591.4

To: VT 9, Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

I started the day struggling. My legs felt like concrete. Yesterday's climbs, the hot walk through town and my limited backpacking days this month all took a toll on me today. If I can just make it through Vermont I think I'll get my fitness back but it's going to take some time and effort. We hiked by several ponds today and along a clear mountain stream for awhile. At the end of the day, the 1 mile climb down to VT 9 was treacherous. Irregular rock boulders lined the trail and footing was precarious. The heat and the rugged terrain is zapping us all. We decided an unscheduled night in town would energize us. We hitched a ride and within 3 minutes, a pick up truck pulled over, loaded us up in the back and drove 5 miles out of their way to deliver us to the doorsteps of the Knotty Pine Motel (nice family owned place). After laundry we headed to Chilli's for dinner and Walmart to pick up a few things.
Date: 2011-07-21
From: VT 9, Bennington, VT

To: Stealth campsite (S. of Kid Gore Shelter)
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

We took a taxi back to the trail and hiked from 10:30am to 7:30pm. The heat wave is still in effect here; not nearly as hot as my home (Maryland, 104 with 120 heat index), but quite hot for the VT mountains (God's Country). After hiking down treacherous rocks yesterday, we were very concerned about what we might find this morning. Imagine our delight to discover our first Vermont switchback trail!!We had steady long rocky climbs today on Porcupine Ridge. This aftenoon I got a 2nd wind and led our group up to Goddard Shelter. I don't usually lead as the guys are generally faster, but for some reason I find my strength in the afternoon and often on steep climbs. I also think I'm starting to get my hiker legs and stamina back. On the way up to the shelter we heard thunder and got some light rain so we debated whether to continue on. We want to make up miles to stay on schedule so we took a calculated risk and hiked on. We thought that the weather might clear and luckily it did. We stealth camped for the night.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Stealth campsite

To: Stealth Campsite (South of Stratton Pond)
Miles today: 16.7

We hiked from 6:15am to 7:30pm with breaks of course. Once again I struggled this morning to keep up with the guys, but they seem to like the breaks they get while waiting on me. We're all feeling the rugged VT terrain. It takes me a while to get going. The trail was rocky and footing was tricky. We continue to dodge "vermud" by walking on well positioned planks, strategically placed rocks or the borders of the mud. We're in a dry period with this heat wave so the "vermud" is relatively tame. At lunch time we met Ann and Dave (another one of Fulltime's former Boy Scouts). They brought us water and samples from Ann's Artisan Bread class; mmmmmmmmmmmmmm; my favorite were the croissants filled with chocolate!!!!! What and energy boost and fun hiking with and meeting Ann and Dave. Once again I hit my stride in the afternoon and energetically climbed up a long steep climb to the summit of Stratton Mt. I climbed partially up the Stratton Mt. Lookout tower and had a beautiful 360 degree view ot the mountain ranges around us. We also saw the nearby Stratton Ski Lift (a short walk away). Laura, Mike and I skiied here once so it was fun to see the ski lift. We continued hiking and set up a stealth campsite. Today was a challenging day, but we were pleased to complete the hike up Stratton Mt. and keep on schedule for reaching the Green Mountain House Hostel tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Stealth Campsite (South of Stratton Pond)

To: VT 11, Manchester Center
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

We hit the trail at 6:15am eager to make miles and head into Manchester Center and the Green Mountain House Hostel. Early in the morning, we went past Stratton Pond, a large lake-like pond where many hikers swim. It was too early for a swim so we continued on. We hiked across 1/2 dozen streams and met a number of hikers today. We are starting to see several Southbound thru hikers each day, other Northbounders and a number of Long Trail hikers (since the AT & Long Trail are the same trail for 100 miles).We reached VT 11 at 2:00pm and walked over to the parking lot where a former thru hiker was handing out ice cold beer. There was quite a crowd of south and north bound thru hikers enjoying this trail magic. Our Beer Trail Angel told us that the average wait time for a hitch into town is 3 & 1/2 minutes. We chuckled and of course didn't believe him. We were still laughing when after 2 minutes hitching a car pulled over and offered us a ride into town. Love these Vermonters who understand hikers!!! We got dropped off at a shopping center in Manchester Center where we had a late lunch, shopped for our resupply at Price Chopper and went to EMS (outfitter). We called Jeff from the Green Mountain House and within 10 minutes we were packed up and riding to the hostel. Jeff runs one of the premier hostels on the trail. For $20 you get a free shuttle to the hostel, a bed with sheets & pillow, hot shower, laundry, a well stocked refrigerator & pantry and a complimentary pint of Ben & Jerry's. The Green Mountain House has a fully equipped kitchen so we cooked chicken & veggie stir fry for a late dinner and enjoyed our own home cooked meal. This is a great place to relax and re-energize.
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd.

To: VT 11
Miles today: 17.7

Jeff (Green Mountain House) dropped us off to slackpack south to VT 11. This was my favorite VT hike so far. Five miles in we had a beautiful view from a rocky ledge at the summit of Mt. Baker. Next we hiked by Griffith Pond where we hiked on a long boardwalk trail. At the end of the boardwalk the system failed as several planks were deeply submerged in the brown murky water. My feet were immediately soaked and I had to concentrate on keeping my balance to avoid teetering off the submerged plank. Next we had some steep climbs over rocks and roots. At the end of the day we reached Bromley Ski Resort where we had a spectacular view of 5 states from a tower. The trail followed a ski slope down and then dropped into the woods for a 3 mile hike to VT 11. We tried hitch hiking but since it was late on a Sunday evening we went 45 minutes before getting a ride to Manchester Center. Jeff picked us up and took us back to the Green Mountain House for the night.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd.

To: VT 103
Miles today: 14.7

Jeff dropped us off at 6:30am to hike North. After 2 hours hiking we reached Little Pond, an inviting lake-like pond with shelter and tenting. Later we hiked through an idyllic balsam fir forest complete with XMAS tree scents. It rained most of the afternoon making the rocky footing slippery. The climb down to VT 103 was precarious, an exceptionally steep rocky grade. Each of us fell once. At the bottom of our climb was a swinging suspension bridge over a deep canyon with raging water.At the exact moment I reached the parking lot, our Trail Angel extraordinaire, Phyllis Shortsleeve (my friend Kellie Becker's Mom) arrived in her van to take us to the Inn at Long Trail.   I've met Phyllis several times before when she has visited Kellie and her girls in Maryland so it was terrific to catch up with her. We dropped off the guys at the Inn while I went with Phyllis to visit her home and Kellie's Dad, Jack, and see the Chittenden Post Office attached to their home. Phyllis is retired but used to run the Post Office. The Post Office is still in operation with a new Post Master. Phyllis dropped me back at the Inn where I enjoyed a steaming hot shower and dinner at the Irish Pub at the Inn.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: VT 103

To: US 4
Miles today: 17.4

We left the inn at 6:15am and walked 3/4 mile south on R t. 4 to the trailhead and hiked south. The tough climbs came at the beginning of the hike, including a 6 mile climb to the top of Killington (highest point on AT in VT). Finally the trail went downhill so we thought we'd be cruising, but VT threw some crazy rocks and roots at us which slowed our descent dramatically. Then the rain came, not the usual rain deflected mostly by trees; instead this was a downpour instantly turning the trail into a rocky stream. We ducked into a shelter to take cover and have a late lunch. At mile 500 (the distance to Katahdin) we found trail magic, an ice chest full of soda. The last 1/4 mile to our end point was ridiculous, a big jumble of rocks. Just as I hit the rocks the sky opened up again with bucketfuls of rain. i was completely drenched and was elated to see Phyllis and her van waiting to pick us up. Phyllis drove us back to the Inn and joined us for dinner (good french onion soup & fudge brownie sundae) at the Inn's Irish Pub. Thank you to Phyllis, our trail angel, for rescuing us from the rain 2 days in a row!!!
Date: 2011-07-27
From: US 4

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

We planned an "easy" low mileage day today and enjoyed sleeping in until 7:00am. The Inn serves a complimentary breakfast starting at 7:30am (we missed breakfast yesterday as we wanted to get our usual early start hiking). The breakfast was superb; hot chocolate, OJ, 2 eggs, toast, red potatoes and crisp granny smith apple slices. Fulltime dubbed it the best breakfast on the AT. I agreed that it was exceptional but my first place rating still goes to Mary's legendary breakfast spread at Harbour Inn, Roan Mt., TN. (Fulltime did not get to sample that breakfast).   A mile into our hike, the Long Trail split off from the AT to continue 200 miles further. Today we completed the first 105 miles of the Long Trail which coincided with the AT. Next we hiked through Gifford Woods State Park and then soon reached Kent Pond, a beautiful big lake-like pond. We stopped for lunch at Mountain Meadows Lodge located on Kent Pond and enjoyed pasta salad with artichokes, chicken & lettuce wrap, pretzels, green grapes and cookies.   We hiked on and soon faced Mt. Quimby, our big challenge of the day, a 2 mile climb straight up. We all took a long rest at the top. I actually fell asleep totally exhausted by the climb. Bob suggested that I passed out. This "easy" day didn't seem so easy. The rest of the hike was a long downhill to the shelter. We collapsed, set up camp and called it a day.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite in Field
Miles today: 15.4

Early in our hike we reached a steep sudden dropoff where someone had wired a ladder into the rock. It would have been very difficult to get down without that ladder. We climbed up and down most of the morning - strenuous terrain. We ate lunch at the cabin with a wobbily lookout tower on the roof. Hikers use this rundown cabin as an upscale shelter. After lunch we thankfully hit a downhill stretch and then more ups & downs but this time through fields which offered some nice views - a nice change from the usual VT green tunnel. At the end of the day we hiked up and down a very steep stretch. Soon after we set up tents in the corner of a field.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: Stealth Campsite in Field

To: VT 14, West Hartford
Miles today: 11.1

We climbed up a lot this morning through a number of farms and had several wide open views. At the top of one of the peaks I called Mike who I had not talked to in 4 days (VT cell service is spotty). I shared my frustration over struggling through Vermont and my concern about deaing with New Hampshire which is a much more difficult state. Mike, as well as, my buddy Jane told me to take a zero; i.e., rest and chill. Fulltime and Ranger Bob could tell I was exhausted and they were tired as well. Additionally we were all concerned about a storm predicted to roll in this afternoon. A plan was set- reduce mileage today and take a taxi from West Hartford to Hanover and arrive at the Sunset Motel 1 day early. We arrived at West Hartford, called the taxi and got pepsi and ice cream at the West Hartford Village Store. This store caters to hikers and even has a designated pack area with a roof for protection from the rain. The taxi dropped us off at the Sunset Motel where we showered and did laundry. We had a terrific dinner at Molly's, a nice college town (Darmouth) restaurant. I had french onion soup, salad and a hamburger plus delicious freshly baked bread with maple butter; mmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Date: 2011-07-30
From: VT 14, West Hartford

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

We took a taxi back to the West Hartford Village Store (very hiker friendly) where we got breakfast and ordered deli sandwiches to go. I ordered a thru hiker special: club with turkey, swiss cheese, bacon, red onion and thin slices of granny smith apples (very good). We soon reached a steep climb. Later the trail became a nice rolling walk in the woods (though at times steep). We saw several local adventure racers running up and down the hills. At one point Bob and I missed a turn on the trail (poorly marked and no double blaze marks indicating a change in direction) which added an extra mile to our day. At the end of the day the trail followed streets for several miles. At Elm Street we passed by a house of a former thru hiker and found trail magic - slices of watermelon!! Next we walked through Norwich, VT; a quaint historical town. A little later we hiked across the Connecticut River which marks the VT-NH border. The Connecticut River looks more like a lake. There was an area roped off for swimming and people were on the river in motorboats and canoes. Soon after crossing the river we hiked into Hanover, NH; our destination. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, a typical small college town with shops and eateries. We went by Ramunto's Brick Oven Pizza to get their advertised complimentary slices of pizza given to all thru hikers. Then I went to Mountain Goat Outfitter and met Joker, a 2009 thru hiker, and she helped me get a new tip on my pole. She even gave me a free tip from the hiker box. We had dinner at Molly's again: oven roasted macaroni & cheese, salad, and more homemade bread with maple butter - very good!!
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Goose Pond Rd.

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Marion (79 year old taxi driver) brought us to Goose Pond Rd. where we'll hike south back to Hanover. Early in the day we met Cimarron, an 88 year old thru hiker, who is attempting to set the record as the oldest person to hike the entire trail in one calendar year. At the completion of his thru hike Cimarron will be 89. He chose his trail name from the town in New Mexico that is home to Philmont Scout Ranch where he took boys for 15 years during a 55-year stint as a Scoutmaster. We last saw Cimarron hiking Kelly's Knob in Georgia. A few weeks ago he did a big leap frog North. Cimarron is very determined and an inspiration to all hikers, certainly to me. The hike today had one early big climb up Moose Mt., a couple of little climbs and the rest was mostly downhill. Near the end of our hike, the trail goes right by a Hanover Food Co-op where we stopped to shop for our resupply. We tried to go to a different restaurant but they closed early so we went back for a 3rd night at Molly's. I ordered a cheese pizza cooked in their hearth oven and I shared a magic brownie sundae with Bob.... and of course we also all enjoyed more homemade bread with maple butter.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Goose Pond Rd.

To: South Jacobs Brook
Miles today: 13.2

Marion (our taxi driver) came bearing gifts: a jar of homemade zucchini relish to put on homefries (not something we generally carry in our backpack) and yesterday, a jar of bread and butter pickles. Marion is a generous hard-working New Hampshire native who at 79 drives a taxi 7 days a week. She took good care of us in Hanover, getting us back to the trail to start our daily hikes and keeping us well entertained with local stories.Today was a wonderful day. We were all apprehensive about hiking in New Hampshire, especially me. The climbs are much more dramatic here than anywhere else we've climbed plus the rocks are abundant. We carefully paced ourselves and enjoyed the hike and New Hampshire's wide open views. Early in the day we saw a cardboard sign announcing ice cream. We followed the path and within 25 yards we were sitting on the front porch of the Ice Cream Man's house enjoying ice cream and a pepsi. The Ice Cream Man has been serving ice cream to hikers for 8 years. His sons hiked part of the trail and urged their Dad to be kind to hikers and hand out ice cream since so many people had helped them along their hike. During the day we hiked over a number of rock ledges offering great views. In the afternoon we climbed up Smarts Mountain, a very steep rocky climb/crawl, up to a fire tower where we enjoyed expansive views. We met a number of southbounders today. After Smarts Mountain, we climbed down a steep trail and set up a stealth site at the creek with Bahama Dave (a retired Georgia Tech professor).
Date: 2011-08-02
From: South Jacobs Brook

To: NH 25C
Miles today: 11.3

We started the day with a steep 3 mile hike up Mt. Cube. On the way down the other side, it started raining making a steep slippery descent. By the afternoon we were dragging, affected by the humidity and 2 days of rugged terrain. When we crossed NH 25A, we were delighted to happen upon Deb (Mingo's wife) who was waiting for Mingo, Alien and Shennanigan. Deb was sitting in a chair chatting with Cimarron who was exhausted and also delighted to happen upon Deb. They are all headed to the Welcome Hiker Hostel, our destination for tomorrow. After consulting with Deb, we quickly shifted our plans. We threw our packs in Deb's truck and returned to the trail with just water bottles and cruised through the next 5 miles to the next road crossing.While waiting for Deb, an SUV stopped by asking if we'd run across Cimarron. Stumpknocker and Mrs. Gorp, former thru hikers, have been supporting Cimarron through VT and NH. They were trying to track Cimarron down so they could take him out to dinner. Deb stopped by with our packs so we loaded our packs into the SUV and checked into the Welcome Hiker Hostel. The hostel reminds us of Kincora, a bit rundown, but with all the essentials needed by hikers - hot showers, bunks and laundry. Additionally, this hostel has a computer with Internet connection, a landline with free long distance and a stocked refrigerator (frozen pizza, ice cream sandwiches and soda). We ordered dinner from a carry-out menu.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Kinsman Notch

To: NH 25, Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Ms. Janet (legendary trail angel) drove us to Kinsman Notch to hike south with daypacks back to the hostel. Every day I write about hiking in NH it seems, I start my description by describing a steep start. Well this start was even steeper than usual, up 3.8 miles over piles of rocks with rebar hand holds and wooden steps built into rocks. At least we had a beautiful cascading waterfall paralleling the first part of the climb. When we reached the summit of Mt. Moosilauke, we were above the timberline and had sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. We had a long hike down and back to the hostel. We ordered from the carry-out menu with Cimarron, hamburger and potato skins. Dessert was ice cream sandwiches with fresh strawberries (thanks Bookworm).
Date: 2011-08-04
From: NH 25, Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Early in the morning, Ms. Janet dropped us off to hike the section we missed the other day. We cruised through 4.9 non-rocky miles and were back at the hostel by 9:30 am. Ms. Janet drove us to N. Woodstock where we ordered deli sandwiches to go and then to Kinsman Notch to hike north. We immediately faced a jumble of rocks on our climb up to Mt. Wolf. This was slowgoing as we faced challenging rock walls which required us to toss our sticks (hiking poles) upward as we used our arms to guide us up and over. After an exhausting 7.6 miles of constant rocks and walls, we arrived at Eliza Brook Shelter.
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was only 9 miles but it was our toughest day yet and it took 10 hours. We climbed up and down Kinsman Mt. and it was brutal - rock walls, ledges, piles of rocks, etc. I was constantly throwing my hiking poles up or down to keep my arms free to balance and grab hold of rocks. I also spent a lot of time sliding on my bottom to maintain my balance down steep rock ledges. We finally reached Lonesome Lake Hut where we were able to get water and enjoy the beautiful view of Lonesome Lake. At the end of the hike, we called Fulltime's friends Dave and Patty who picked us up and took us to the Carriage Motel in North Woodstock. Dave and Patty treated us to dinner at a steakhouse.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: North Woodstock

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a zero day!! We started the day with a hearty breakfast at Peg's Cafe. The guys got haircuts while I "chilled out" in the motel. We took a taxi to Lincoln where we did laundry and then had a fantastic lunch at the Gypsy Cafe (grilled tuna sandwich). In the afternoon, we checked into the Autumn Breeze Motel (same price as Carriage Inn but much nicer). Mike and Laura arrived at 3 pm. We all went out for ice cream. I had pink peppermint ice cream which reminded me of peppermint ice cream we use to churn at CJL. We came back to the motel and sorted through gear and prepared boxes of gear for Mike to drop off for us at Pinkham Notch. Starting tomorrow, we'll be staying in AMC huts and will not need our tents, sleeping bags, stove, pot, etc. until after the huts. We went out for dinner at the Woodstock Station Brewery. I had french onion soup and a mini hamburger.