morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-04
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up at 6 and was first out at 7:30. Would have been earlier but it was a fifteen minute wait for the privy! Gotta love these small bubbles.The morning was foggy and a little drizzly, but not too bad. The trail was torn up though. Vermont is already known for being muddy, and the copious amount of rain the last few days hasn¢t helped. Not sure if it¢s due to money/people or philosophical reason, but there are no water bars/drainage so the water just pools on the trail (or follows it down slopes). Must have been at least ten times my feet were covered in quicksand mud. And creek crossing were actually nice because you could wash the mud off!I had early lunch at the shelter I was planning on yesterday, a nice guy from Philly who is sectioning the Long Trail joined me and ended up staying an hour. As I was leaving, it started pouring but only lasted five minutes. When I passed Harmon Hill, there were a bunch of blackberries and raspberries. I have been excited for the New England blueberries, not sure where they are?As I was coming down to Route 9, the sun was actually starting to come out. I was really hoping for some trail magic as I¢m needing to stretch out my food a little longer than planned with the shorter miles, but no dice.The rest of the afternoon was actually sunny, it was a nice change. Unfortunately there were no views though, hopefully I¢ll get one at some point! There was a sign about a bridge being out, but I was able to ford the creek as it was only up to my knees.Even though it was supposed to be clear all evening, suddenly the skies darkened and I heard thunder and felt a few drops. After some cursing, I threw on my rain gear and started booking it to the shelter. I had planned on getting there early (well I had originally planned on a bigger day but that went out the window) but I didn¢t get in until after 7. I quickly looked for tent spot but couldn¢t find any - all were sloped or flooded. Ping was sleeping in the shelter, well kind of in front of it and convinced me to. I was disappointed because it¢s felt like so long since I tented and really wanted my own space but the rain was picking up so I relented. So overall another day had to cut short and stay in a shelter based on terrain and weather:(
Date: 2018-08-05
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Prospect Rock
Miles today: 25.1

Woke up at 5:30 and was one of first out at 7 so I could get out of people¢s way and they weren¢t stepping on me.Right away, we hit the Glastenbury fire tower with good views and camping options. Oh well!The trail was in a little better shape than yesterday, but not by much. I did take a nasty tumble on a wet boulder that was stupid. It was right into a big mud puddle so my whole left side was dirty/bloody. Luckily I could wash off in one of the 300 water flows running down the trail.I got to a shelter where Ping was having lunch and drying out in the sun. People had talked about trail magic at the upcoming road, but I didn¢t believe it so ate what little I had (can¢t wait for a real resupply!). Stayed there only about half hour because I was curious what was ahead.Well, at the road crossing was indeed magic with burgers, beer, snacks, etc. It was put on by a trail family that hiked last year so they also had things that were useful- ziplock bags, mayo packets, etc. Amd who is sitting there there but Ball Flap, who I haven¢t seen since Virginia! I actually was listening to a podcast today that interviewed him when he did the PCT, strange coincidence!I stayed there about an hour, wish it was longer but still had a bunch of miles to cover. A bit ahead was Mount Stratton, which wasn¢t steep but a long climb up (over 3 miles). At the top was a fire tower with good views, amazing what you can see when it¢s not raining!I booked it the rest of the way as quickly as I could. Unfortunately, I realized I left my water filter either at the shelter or road so couldn¢t fill up any more and got a bit dehydrated. Luckily there is an outfitter in town tomorrow. There were some decent camping sites I passed, but really wanted to make the view. The last mile was actually gravel road and I could see the sun starting to set, so I started running.I ended up getting to Prospect Rock with plenty of time and I see another tent there. It ended up being Ball Flap, and he was glad somebody came. Ping and I had talked about cowboy camping (just setting up sleeping bag, no tent) and since it wasn¢t cold or buggy, decided to get a night full of stars! It was nice catching up with Ball Flap who had been with the PA crew and we didn¢t get to sleep until after 9!
Date: 2018-08-06
From: Prospect Rock

To: Bromley Mountain
Miles today: 7.9

For some reason I had trouble falling asleep last night and kept waking up every half hour. I guess cowboy camping isn¢t for me? In all I probably got about 4 hours and finally got up around 5.Since I didn¢t have a filter, I decided to boil water for oatmeal so it was nice having a warm breakfast, even though it wasn¢t that cold out.I got out a little before 7, just after Ball Flap. It was pretty easy five miles to the road, and the mud puddles are definitely starting to dry.When I got to the road crossing to Manchester, there was a guy dropping off his girlfriend back on the trail and offered to take me into town, perfect timing! There were a few other hikers around so he took us to the grocery store. After a crappy gas station resupply last time, I went a little crazy and got way to much food, only need for 2.5 days. I walked around town, which was interesting - yes another ritzy ski town, but this one had a bunch of outlet stores. They also had a really good outfitter, the best I¢ve seen since at least Virginia. They will replace Darn Tough socks, and I got a new filter and some other small things I needed.I then walked over to the library to update blog, Ping joined shortly later and had done 12 miles to catch up. We realized the campsite we were going to was only 3 out of town, not 8. I wanted to put in more miles, but the site was supposed to have good views and I figured with not getting sleep no reason to push it.I stopped by a well known burrito place, but got to go and ate it in a park with my tortillas to lose some pack weight.On the way out, there was a Ben and Jerry¢s. It was ok, but not the original or anything and kind of overpriced. I talked to a couple of hikers there, and since one was female I latched on to them to increase chances for hitching. After a few minutes, a guy in a van calls us over. Turns out he was the owner of the Green Mountain House, a hostel that I was thinking of staying at but want to sleep outside tonight. He was super nice and took us back to the trail even though we didn¢t stay there. I wish he had tenting, I would have been so in!The climb up Bromley Mountain was a little rough with the heavy pack. I also had to carry extra water since there was none on top. But I just took it slowly and it wasn¢t bad.It was still pretty early when I got to the summit, which has a ski lift and warming cabin can sleep in. A few of us were debating going on, but were lazy and didn¢t sound like anything good ahead so we just hung out and enjoyed the views. There were a bunch of flat grassy spots which was nice, but so windy I couldn¢t really stake my tent out the best. I had packed out some veggies so it was great to add to ramen! I watched the sun set then got to bed early.
Date: 2018-08-07
From: Bromley Mountain

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up around 6. Even though it was super windy last night, I guess it was really humid/ moist as both my rainfly and tent bottom were damp. So I waited a bit longer for them to dry in the sun and was one of the last ones out around 7:30.The morning was pretty easy terrain and the mud was finally drying out. There were even a couple of views, unfortunately none coordinated with lunch.A bit later the skies darkened and a storm came through. Two days without rain, of course it was coming! And the trail got super bad again, plus was a bit rocky and steep. So my pace slowed down a lot. I was hoping for a shelter 26 miles in, but had to stop at 21 as I was running too late for that one and didn¢t want to stealth in the rain. Of course this shelter was a third of a mile off trail.When I arrived there were a few Long Trail hikers inside, but lots of space. The rain had lightened and I found some good tent sites, but figured the rain could come back and sheltering could get me an earlier start in the morning. It was nice to finally be able to wash my feet in the creek.
Date: 2018-08-08
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Yellow Deli
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to my alarm at 5 and was out by 6:30. Had a big day ahead as I had to get to a road in 25 miles by 6pm to meet my friend Heather. The morning was foggy but dry. There were a few steep climbs but nothing horrible and I was making decent time.After lunch the sun came out (despite an original forecast of rain - not complaining!) but there were a few big climbs, including Killington Peak which is the second highest mountain in Vermont. I¢m used to climbing hundreds of feet, not thousands! Apparently there was a side trail to a good view, I must have missed it but wouldn¢t have had time anyway.About a mile before the road I hear my name and Heather had hiked out to catch me. We walked back together, and about 100 feet from the car it started raining. It was sooo nice to be able to go in the car and not be on the trail, even if it was over quickly.We drove to the Yellow Deli, which is a restaurant and hostel owned by the Twelve Tribes, which is kind of a cult. When I went to the counter to check in, before talking about anything else the guy handed me tea. He apparently used to live in Germany but left because ¢you are not allowed to homeschool or spank your kids¢. Apparently the German government also placed some of the children in foster homes. He was a bit of a slow stoner, so his tour took forever. Overall the place was pretty clean (the members help out) and was packed with hikers - probably 30 or 40. It is all donation based, plus you get a discount at the restaurant and free breakfast.Heather and I spent a while deciding on where to eat and ended back at the deli (not used to making decisions with someone else!). The food was really good and we were so tired just sat for a while. I¢m glad we were able to meet and she hooked me up!Finally got back to my bunk, unpacked, and showered and it was almost 10!Oh and today I hit both the1700 mile mark and 500 left to go!
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Yellow Deli

To: The Lookout Cabin
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 5 even though I haven¢t been sleeping much. But it worked out because the laundry was free and I could take care some of the chores I didn¢t get to last night.At 7:30 was breakfast in a side room of the restaurant. It was self serve coffee/Yerba mate tea (they are big on that, I guess Koolaid is so 2017) and they brought out plates of egg/veggie scramble, rice, homemade toast, and watermelon. It was all delicious, and they even offered seconds. I sat with Smiles and Crawdaddy who I hadn¢t seen since my medical issue in PA and a couple from Raleigh.After cleaning up, I walked just a couple blocks around the downtown to a food coop and then the grocery store. I then walked another block to the bus station, where it would take me right to the trailhead. Everything was just working out so easily!At the parking lot I ate some of the fresh food I packed out, and was back on trail about noon. Originally it was supposed to rain in the morning which was why I wanted to get out late, but it only sprinkled a bit as I was starting to hike otherwise was sunny all day.A bit after starting was the split with the Long Trail, so now I will be with just AT¢ers again. I have heard good things about the northern half, so I may come back and do it sometime! The trail then went through a state park which was nice I could get water, and some nice ponds. The rest of the afternoon were some steep climbs but no views - real PUDs!Around 5 I start catching up to a hiker that looks familiar... turns out it was Conor (Banana Boy)! Haven¢t seen him since Tennessee. Long story short he is section hiking right now up to Maine and will finish the rest at some point. It was nice catching up.We were both trying to book it to a cool camp spot as it was starting to get late, but as we approached a gravel road I see a lot of colors - trail magic! It was the cutest older couple from Burlington who volunteer with the club taking care of one of the shelters we had just passed. Honestly it¢s not a fun job - cleaning out the privy! But once a year they come down and set up a day of magic and it was today! They had an interesting spread - jambalaya, maple syrup packets (apparently good energy source), local beer, and a box of Darn Tough socks the company sent. Ball Flap and Jukebox were there and it was really chill, stayed there a little longer than we wanted!Eventually we got out and booked it up the hill to The Lookout, which is a privately owned cabin available for hikers. There is a wooden staircase on the outside with a little deck that was free so I decided to cowboy camp - hopefully it¢s not too cold! But I caught the end of the sunset and it was awesome.
Date: 2018-08-10
From: The Lookout Cabin

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: few clouds

Even though it wasn¢t supposed to rain, I woke up at 2am to a few sprinkles and could see lightning in the distance. I quickly packed everything up and got down from the roof to the front porch. It ended up not raining, but I didn¢t want to be stuck up there!A few people got up around 5 to watch the sunrise from the top so I joined them. I was one of the first ones out around 7:30. The beginning was pretty easy and I made good time. At a road crossing was a farm stand/general store ended up spending an hour at.There were about 3 short but decent climbs/descents with no views - real PUDs! But at the next road was a house owned by former through hikers with the ¢Back Porch¢ where they have a fridge with a few snacks to buy. So we had lunch there but supplemented with some extras. Oh, and at a creek right before the road crossing was a cooler full of sodas!I pushed it the rest of the day since I was behind with all the stops. But there was one more, as the trail went through the town of West Hartford is Linda¢s, a barn with a bunch of stuff. Today they had some baked goods, cold drinks, and could sleep in the barn. All for free! I would have stayed longer, maybe the night but wanted to get some more miles in.It was a bit of a climb to the shelter, but I made it by 7. There were a couple other tenters, it was actually a really nice stone shelter but since the weather seemed promising I tented as well. I was so full from all of the extra food during the day that I didn¢t have dinner!
Date: 2018-08-11
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Woke up at 6 and was the first out at 7:30. It was pretty easy downhill in the morning. The trail then followed a road into Norwich. A few houses had log books, coolers with snacks, etc. There is also a list of angels in the Norwich/Hanover area if you need a shuttle or place to stay. Super hiker friendly!When I got to the Main Street the post office wasn¢t open yet. I went to the general store where they sometimes have leftover day old sandwiches for hikers. The worker went in the back and thought they had some, but couldn¢t find them. He did offer me a turkey dinner, but didn¢t feel right at 9 in the morning!I stopped by the post office where my mom had sent cold weather gear I haven¢t used since the beginning. Even though it was 80s the other day, it¢s starting to cool off and I¢m getting to the Whites so I think good timing. But it is going to add a couple pounds and bulk to my bag!The trail then follows the road over the Connecticut River to Hanover, New Hampshire. I must have missed the border sign because suddenly I was in Hanover! Only 2 states left now, but they are probably the hardest (but most scenic).The trail goes right through the campus of Dartmouth University. In fact, their outdoor club has a ¢hiker lounge¢ (wasn¢t great though) and manages the trail for a bit.Hanover had your typical college town businesses- logo¢ed apparel stores, bars, small ethnic restaurants. One of the cafes actually gives a free muffin to hikers, and the pizza place gives a free slice.After visiting the ¢outfitter¢ (really just a North Face store) and the library, I continued on the trail. I see someone across the street who looks familiar, and it¢s Misty who I haven¢t seen since Harpers Ferry! The third reunion in a week! In fact, I ran into Conor and Ball Flap again at the coop grocery which was one of the fanciest resupply yet.After passing by the college baseball field which allows tenting, the trail went back in the woods. It looked like there were some steep climbs, but I made decent time especially with the heavy load. The skies got dark and cold and the wind picked up, but it only sprinkled.I got to the shelter in plenty of time and set up my tent in a spot that will suck if it rains so hoping for a dry night. I walked up to the shelter where they had a big fire going, it was weird because usually people keep them so small. Met a couple of flip floppers who started in Virginia in May, going to Maine and then south to Georgia. Sounds interesting but I much prefer to end on Katahdin than Springer!
Date: 2018-08-12
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter 
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up a few times during the night because it was raining and I could feel my tent getting wet. I finally got up around 6 and must have been going slow drying everything out because I didn¢t get out until 8:30.The weather fluctuated between drizzle and rain and there were some steep climbs. I was struggling, the first seven miles took almost four hours. I met up with Ping, but then was Smarts Mountain which kicked my butt. It was 1300 feet elevation gain, which is nothing compared to the Whites.I finally got to the cabin at the top of the mountain with a fire tower, but of course too foggy to see anything. Ping and I hung out a while and I was debating staying even though only 3pm, but he convinced me to keep going.Just a mile before the next shelter, it started pouring as I was camelling up on water. I quickly threw on my jacket and ran to the junction, as the shelter was a steep third mile off trail.The shelter has an interesting hexagonal shape instead of square. There were only four of us so plenty of space but then a group of three came in about 8:30. Overall a tough day!
Date: 2018-08-13
From: Hexacuba Shelter 

To: Beaver Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Ping and I got up at 5:30 and out before 7 because it looked to be a big day. Everyone else was still sleeping. He got out a bit before me.The first few miles started with Cube Mountain and I may have almost gotten partial views between the fog. The rest of the morning was pretty easy terrain, but still went slower than I wanted.I had a quick lunch at a road crossing before climbing up Mount Moosilauke, which I think is the first time above 4,000 feet since central Virginia. I was worried since Smarts Mountain gave me such trouble yesterday and this looked worse. However, it wasn¢t that steep and I made decent time. Good thing too because it would not have been easy to camp at the top - cold foggy winds. But I bet the views are great in nice weather (what¢s that?)!The rest of the afternoon was descending Moosilauke, it was a little steep but I think the rest tomorrow will be worse. I got to the shelter at a decent time, Ping was there. A couple of old guys as well so I didn¢t really want to set up in the shelter with snoring but not good tent sites.Overall just felt pretty good today after rough yesterday. It started misting a lot but luckily no rain all day!
Date: 2018-08-14
From: Beaver Brook Shelter 

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

There was pretty bad snoring last night, but I slept through it between the rain and earplugs. Got up at 5:30 and was out around 7. It started pouring, which was unfortunate because going down Mt. Moosilauke is no joke and the wet rocks didn¢t help. Basically, I was going down the elevation I ascended yesterday but in a third the miles. There were many sections that had iron rungs or rope to hold on. At least it was pretty following the cascading brook.It took over an hour to cover the mile down to the road. Once there, my plan was to hitch to Lincoln for a resupply. However, there weren¢t many cars going by. Another hiker arrived and finally we got a ride by a 16 year old. He said he could drop us off at the first stoplight and we¢d have to walk to the store, by which I thought he meant Lincoln.But there was a smaller town before, North Woodstock, that he dropped us at. It was a mile walk to Price Chopper, the other guy went but I decided to go with the closer option. There was a gas station convenience store/market that wasn¢t as good as a supermarket but did the job.Then I needed WiFi, and there wasn¢t a good coffee shop option so I went to the fancy inn. I was definitely the only hiker trash there, but everyone was nice. All the breakfasts came with juice, coffee, and sticky bun and the server even gave me a few extra oranges. It was nice being inside, and tough to go back in the rain.I figured the hitch back to the trail would be easier as it was right at a stoplight and later in the day, but still no one was biting. Finally a nice old lady stopped. She lived on the other side of the mountain and sounds like she picks up hikers a lot. Even gave me a bag of almonds!It was a steep climb from the road, and having a full resupply didn¢t make it easier. Once the terrain leveled off, it was still slow climbing over wet boulders and avoiding mud puddles. But the weather cleared and there were even some pockets of blue. Of course no views here, at some point gotta get the payoff of the Whites!I caught up to Ping who was having a safety meeting and we hiked together the rest of the day. I haven¢t really had a hiking partner since southern Virginia so it was a nice change, especially since I didn¢t want to take out my phone in the wet.We escaped to a shelter around 5:30 just as it started to rain. I was hoping to wait it out and continue on, but Ping was staying and it was a steep climb up. So once the weather cleared, I set up my tent which has been sitting wet in my bag for days. There was a nice groomed spot near the shelter, but in hindsight I should have explored for something further away. Even though the brook was flowing, I could hear all the snoring and pad movement from the shelter.