morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-24
From: @ Mark Noepel Shelter

To: @ Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5

Sunrise shone right into the shelter this morning, but the cold made it hard to get going. The last few miles up to Greylock were fine and the weather was fantastic, so the views were very good. It gets me excited for what¢s in store.A long downhill followed and a trail angel in North Adams, MA was lending bikes for a cycle into town. I borrowed one and it saved me lots of time, which I then spent on lunch at Friendly¢s.Back on the trail, I crossed into Vermont at around 6 PM. I also fell below 600 remaining miles. Even with the recurrent knee pain, the hike continues to drive me on.My plan is to hike just over 50 miles easily in three and a half days. Then after that, I¢ll zero. I want to be in better shape for northern VT, and definitely before entering the White Mountains. I¢ll still rise early and hike long, and I¢ll stop at a few more beautiful overlooks and slow down and focus on how my knees feel.589.7 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: @ Seth Warner Shelter

To: @ Hell Hollow Brook
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

I kept my promise to myself and hiked a modest day. As indicated by the mileage, this was my shortest full day in a while. It fits with my plan, though, so I¢m not dismayed by seeing lower-than-normal mileage.It¢s also practical choice. If I hurried into Manchester Center, I would most likely arrive after all the necessary services closed ¢ post office and outfitters being the most important. I would also have to pay for lodging. And instead of having a day-and-a-half of good rest, I¢d only get one day, or maybe two, but at the cost of my knees.The right knee did most poorly today. Sometime early in the morning I felt a pull in the middle of the back of the knee. That irritation lasted all day and seemed to strike at moments that I would not have expected, such as a normal step. I know the only way to fully heal is to rest for along time, but with my goal coming ever closer, my stubbornness is overcoming that concern. I¢m not sure it¢s the best idea, but I just can¢t not see myself on the top of Katahdin this year. Even with all the pain.After this week¢s rest, I¢ll have 40 days to hike 538.1 miles. That¢s a daily average of 13.5 with no days off. Say I take 5 days off (one a week) then on those remaining 35 days I must hike 15.4 miles, a very manageable distance given my pace and long-day hiking style. And all of this leaves a one-week cushion before the close of Katahdin, so should something arise, all is not lost.Early to bed tonight to maximize rest.575.0 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: @ Hell Hollow Brook

To: @ Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I started today by paying close attention to my step and trekking pole timing. The goal was to maximize assistance from the poles on my upstep. I think worked well. I think the ibuprofen worked more.As long as I kept moving, my legs felt pretty good. An occasional pain popped up here and there. I even pushed my speed on an easier section to see if it would hurt. It did not, but I didn¢t push it for long.Once at the shelter, and after cooling off, my legs felt really tight. Painfully so when I stood up to move around. A good long stretch is in order tomorrow morning. On the plus side, the rain that was forecast for today held off until after I arrived. I thought about hanging, but the fog that rolled in made me change my mind. I don¢t like waking up damp.I hear the weather is supposed to clear up by morning, which would make the hike up Stratton much more worthwhile. The walk from there to town looks easy and the idea of some rest days sounds sweet.559.2 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: @ Story Spring Shelter

To: @ Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

With rain last night and a misty morning, it was impossible to tell if today was going to be a good day or another like the one before. At the very least, I hoped to summit Stratton in sunshine, not cloud cover. It was not to be. On the plus side, I made great time up the mountain, which precipitated into a higher mileage than expected.My choice camp at some time after 4 PM when I reached the shelter after 15.3 miles. Given my recent routine, I would have called my day there. However, the shelter was half-a-mile off trail and I didn¢t feel like wasting miles. Factor in the early time and the fact that my knees felt good, it seemed like a good idea to push on the extra 3 miles to where I am now.I took great caution in making sure that my last 3 miles were not rushed, that I took careful steps, and that minimizing pain was a top priority. I think I did well then.Tomorrow morning will be the truer check of my physical status, so I¢ll update then. If I do feel good, then it will be an easy few miles into town and a nice start to almost two days of rest.540.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: @ Spruce Peak Shelter

To: @ Green Mountain House
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was warm last night and there were some small animals scurrying under my hammock, but I slept well enough. And with such a short distance to go in the morning, the effects weren¢t adverse.I caught a hitch in a few minutes and got dropped off in the center of the main drag. To my delight, the town was easily walkable. I filled up my cooking alcohol, replaced the tips on my trekking poles (pre-emptively), bought some stuff at the pharmacy, and had brunch at a neat place called Up For Breakfast. Shortly after that, I resupplied and I got a ride to the hostel with another NoBo named One-Eye.The hostel is amazing. It¢s basically a single-family home that¢s been outfitted for hiker use. I¢m sure others use it in the off-season. The place is immaculate, there is a well-equipped kitchen, multiple full bathrooms and bedrooms, and a large hiker lounge (living room0 with books, movies, computer, etc. I made the right choice for a place to take a zero-day.I ordered an underquilt as well. With it getting later in the year and the unpredictable White ahead, it made sense to have my security taken care of. I spoke to the owner of Wilderness Logic, the same company from which I purchased my tarp, and they are going to cut my quilt tomorrow, and ship it ahead so it will be waiting for me at a hostel south of the big NH mountains.Things are coming together. Mileage looks good, cold-weather gear is in my bag, resupply locations have been scouted, and I hope the rest pays off.538.1 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: @ Green Mountain House

To: @ Green Mountain House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It was a very restful day, therefore a successful zero. I took even greater advantage of the kitchen today, a breakfast with eggs and saut©ed potato.All was not perfect though. I seem to have misplaced or lost my hat and bandana, but I was able to scrounge up a dirty visor from the hiker box and turn my clean bandana into a sweat rag. I probably left them in Jeff¢s car, but the ability to improvise helped calm me down ¢ I really don¢t enjoy the prospect of sunburned face, ears and neck, especially with New Hampshire trails leading me above treeline in a week, or so.Out early with a ride provided, but will probably only do 15 to a shelter and keep it modest. Now, bed time.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: @ Green Mountain House

To: @ Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8

Starting early, two familiar hikers and I were taken back to the trail by 7:15. Weather was not cooperating that early and fog was heavy, as was humidity. Downtime at Green Mountain House was excellent and I could feel it in the ascents. My legs were strong and except for a few light stra8ins, hiking was good.The sun came out and the weather warmed up; all in all, a great day! The two guys with me ¢ Oak and one-Eye ¢ were good company and were set up at a nice spot with just a few other hikers in the vicinity.Tomorrow looks a lot more rugged, but there is apparently a very nice shelter in 13 miles, so a short day after a long one could be a good idea. That leaves 16 to Rutland where I¢ll resupply and maybe get out of the rain that¢s supposed to come.My basic plan is to hike 150 miles in 9 or 10 days, then take a zero. Based on my planned finish date of October 8, I only need to repeat that cycle four times and I¢ll be at Katahdin.518.3 miles to go.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: @ Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: @ Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

After yesterday, I was physically drained much more quickly. It seems my estimation based on terrain was accurate. Even my fellow hikers felt the exhaustion much more quickly; too-high humidity had to play a part, along with sustained elevations above 2,000 feet, something the mid-Atlantic did not offer.Rutland is close and I should be able to catch the bus into town. Should I miss it, hitching is also an option. Some trail angels even posted their numbers in some shelters in case hikers need a ride. Plenty of options.The stay in town will be a good chance to dry off. Showers of rain weren¢t heavy, but they fell all throughout the day. That, in addition to my sweat, left me perpetually soaked.Oak took a bad fall today and went into town to seek rest and ice. I hope he¢s not finished by any injury. You can probably find out his status on his trail journal.I am amazed at how close Vermont is to being completed and how near New Hampshire is. Even NH isn¢t very long, and perhaps in just over two weeks, I¢ll be in Maine. The final miles will pass too quickly.504.7 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: @ Yellow Dell Hostel

To: @ Yellow Dell Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The plan was to do somewhere between 16 ¢ 20 miles, but a 100 % chance of rain changed my mind. Not only that, but the hospitality of this hostel made staying here another day a non-issue. Lest I feel like the day was a total slack, One-Eye and I caught a shuttle out to the trailhead in the rain so we could advance our starting position for tomorrow.The hike was okay. Knowing that I would be returning to a shower and a dry bed had a significant psychological impact as we trudged through muddy puddles and over slippery roots and rocks. I fell, catching myself with my right hand, but my left knee took the shock of a sudden shift in weight. It doesn¢t hurt now and I hope it stays that way.Though upcoming elevations look challenging, it should be three days to get to New Hampshire. Two and a half days after that I get to Glencliff where I have a lot of gear waiting for me ¢ shoes, long underwear, and an underquilt.My legs feel good and I¢m hoping they¢ve found enough rest and modest mileage to keep from acting up too much in the coming weeks. The Whites will certainly be the true test. 1701.5 miles down.484.4 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: @ Yellow Dell Hostel

To: @ Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

The most notable part of today¢s hike had to be the absence of pains in the back of my knees. I believe the short day and rest helped but also a change in hiking style.Previously, when climbing an ascent, I would often push off with the downhill leg while driving (think lunge) with the uphill one. My guess is that the strain is in my calves, because today when I climbed, I planted my uphill foot fully on the ground and drove through my heel to ascend. Compared to previous days, I experienced no notable pain to speak of. At one or two points, I felt the faintest beginnings of a possible strain, but a quick adjustment obviated the problem.This had a great effect on my outlook for the day. We held a nice easy pace, took several breaks, and still made it to our goal by 5 PM, even after a later than usual 8 AM start. If my knees remain in good condition, it¢s going to be a fantastic trip to Maine. I hope, like with the shin splints, careful observation and reduced stress lead to an active recovery.468.4 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: @ Winturri Shelter

To: @ West Hartford, Vermont
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

An exhausting day, not wholly expected. Though elevation never got above our start of 2,082 feet, there were so many steep climbs that my legs were quite tired by the final push to find camp.My knees were good but for one moment early on in the day and the last few miles. I¢m not sure shat set off the strain; perhaps nothing more than constant ups and downs and afternoon tiredness.Options for tomorrow include 10 miles into Hanover, 12 to the shelter just past it, or 16 into the woods. Affecting this decision is the weather forecast, which shows a possible first freeze early Friday morning. Since I don¢t yet have my underquilt, it would be a vigorous test of my current setup of closed-cell foam pads. Staying in a shelter would be less risky but not as comfortable (think sleeping on a hardwood floor). Motel is also an option, but expensive.There is a fourth, actually, trail angels. From what I hear, Hanover maintains a current list of people willing to host hikers. Room and board for stories of the trail? Could be a good deal. First to get there.452.5 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: @ West Hartford, Vermont

To: @ Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed the Connecticut River into New Hampshire leaving two states and 442.1 miles to go.The forecast was pretty accurate _ it is cold tonight. Aside from avoiding the temperature drop, the warm shower and slightly shorter day were nice as well. No issues with legs today and I can only hope for more miles like that.Hanover is definitely a college town, and I felt out of place with all the people around for orientation. After catching myself in a mirror, I can understand why some can be off put by the beard, but that only reinforces my feelings toward returning to a ¢mainstream¢ lifestyle, and by that I suppose I mean office jobs and whatever other expectations I might be held to. The freedom I have right now is my greatest asset, but freedom doesn¢t pay for anything. In fact, it can be expensive.I don¢t have to sort it out now - I still have a month of hiking to go. I don¢t imagine I¢ll have it solved by then either. At least I might have a better idea of what I don¢t want to do, and the path from Katahdin could lead almost anywhere.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: @ Hanover, New Hampshire

To: @ Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of no knee tendon pain led to a great day overall.One eye and I caught the bus back to town and got started walking around 8 AM. The first mile or so was a road walk, so even though we were making miles, It didn¢t feel like it. We passed seven tents as we entered the woods on the outskirts of the Dartmouth campus, and only two people appeared to be awake then. I can¢t imagine wasting daylight like that.The day didn¢t really warm up until the afternoon. Terrain was easy until our second half of the day. We managed well though and made 16 plus miles by 5 PM again. This nice and steady pace must somehow be contributing to my improved leg condition.Could almost (?) see the White Mountains today, but wasn¢t sure. My map waits in Glencliff, just a few miles before the big effort begins. I¢m ready and excited to hike NH¢s most beautiful trail!425.5 miles to go
Date: 2013-09-07
From: @ Trapper John Shelter

To: @ NH 25A
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today felt like a ready check for what¢s to come. Two big mountains with steep, sustained climbs, even that doesn¢t compare to what awaits me on Tuesday ¢ Mount Moosilauke, a 3,800 asce4nt leading to the White mountains National Park.Both ascents felt good. I was finally rewarded with a view at the top of Smarts Mountain. A fire tower overlooked all of the surrounding mountains and I¢m sure I spotted Moosilauke to the northeast. The four-mile descent was less interesting and was harder on my knees than the past 3 days combined.Mount Cube, the second climb, crossed much more exposed rock faces. Thankfully, it was dry today, making for minimal traction issues. The ascent being later in the day, the wind was chilly and even a break of a few minutes required a fleece to keep warm. I hope the sun is out for my passage through the park next week; it would be the difference between an amazing experience versus a tolerable one. Knees felt mostly good and with a short day followed by one of rest, I¢m very optimistic.408.5 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: @ NH 25A

To: @ Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today felt like a ready check for what¢s to come. Two big mountains with steep, sustained climbs, even that doesn¢t compare to what awaits me on Tuesday ¢ Mount Moosilauke, a 3,800 asce4nt leading to the White mountains National Park.Both ascents felt good. I was finally rewarded with a view at the top of Smarts Mountain. A fire tower overlooked all of the surrounding mountains and I¢m sure I spotted Moosilauke to the northeast. The four-mile descent was less interesting and was harder on my knees than the past 3 days combined.Mount Cube, the second climb, crossed much more exposed rock faces. Thankfully, it was dry today, making for minimal traction issues. The ascent being later in the day, the wind was chilly and even a break of a few minutes required a fleece to keep warm. I hope the sun is out for my passage through the park next week; it would be the difference between an amazing experience versus a tolerable one. Knees felt mostly good and with a short day followed by one of rest, I¢m very optimistic.408.5 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-09
From: @ Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: @ Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Oak, one-Eye and I left the hostel by a quarter-to-eight and started our big ascent. My first impression was that it was easier than everyone made it out to be. The ascent gradually steepened, but it wasn¢t tougher than anything I¢ve already done, though the length of the uphill was certainly a test of endurance.The trail crested at the south peak and the remaining walk on the ridge gave me a clear view of the northern peak. Mount Moosilauke is a bald above tree line, so the view from the top was unobscured, the surrounding ranges clearly visible and impressive.The descent was steep and would have been treacherous in the rain, so I¢m confident I made the right call in terms of weather and zero-days.Tomorrow will be rest, and hopefully my new shoes arrive in time. Maybe the rain will exhaust itself and the day I hike will be nice and dry.389.4 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: @ Kinsman Notch

To: @ Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rain and cold, a good day not to hike. A bunch of hikers took off today, so the hostel is a little quieter.I¢m waiting on my new shoes and I¢m hoping they show up, even though they were due yesterday. The sole on my current pair is worn and I can tell that traction is suffering. As I head into the Whites, I want to make sure that I¢ve got the best footing I can.Weather is looking poor for a few days. Hopefully, when I summit Mount Washington, the weather will have improved enough to make the view worth all the effort.Resupply looks more difficult for a stretch, but I also want to keep my pack light. I hear the huts sometimes offer food to hikers which would be helpful in keeping my hike comfortable.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: @ NH 25A

To: @ Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 2 in the Whites.Much harder than I expected, especially when compared to what¢s on paper in the guidebook. Started later than usual due to leaving the hostel, but even after 11.5, I was exhausted.Elevation change wasn¢t the issue, rather manner in which it changed. The trail was rocky, rooty and muddy. The ascent up South Kinsman Mountain was so steep in places I had to climb on all fours and put my trekking poles away. Include threats of thunderstorms (currently passing) and it was a hectic and stressful day. The reward was good, though _ another panoramic View of the mountains, slightly covered in haze.I made shelter before the storm and it was quite the relief. Short miles to town to resupply, then, hopefully, a few more miles to get me started on my way to Franconia Ridge.377.9 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: @ Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: @ Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The storm last night sent lightning close to the shelter, thunder following almost immediately. It was a good night for shelter sleep.Coming down North Kinsman was rough on my legs, rougher than I was expecting. The rain also put a downer on my mood in addition to flooding the trail and making normal steps less secure. I had to for a brook where a bridge washout had occurred and it was harrowing, especially in high water.Though mileage was low today, I felt beat up, and instead of facing evening thunderstorms, decided to spend a night in a local trail angel¢s bunkhouse. Two more angels provided a nice hot dinner and will be giving us rides in the morning. I also resolved the missing shoe issue by buying a pair locally and having someone from the hostel return the missing package. At least it¢s one less worry on my mind.Planning on hiking 10.3 tomorrow which includes a stretch through Franconia Ridge. I can only hope for views despite the forecast for rain.I¢m a little down about the Whites at the moment _ they are imposing and, with my schedule in mind, slightly stress-inducing. I just need to keep ¢slow and steady¢ in mind as I go.373.1 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: @ Lincoln, NH

To: @ Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started with a French toast breakfast before getting picked up and dropped at the trailhead by Tom and Ann, the two angels who provided dinner last night.The hike began well enough and getting up the Liberty Springs Trail wasn¢t any more difficult than the first few days in the Whites. As we joined the Franconia Ridge Trail, the rain started. Wen entered a 2 - mile stretch of trail above treeline as the weather worsened. Cloudy skies, wind-blown rain, and cold chill stuck with us the whole way. It was an amazing walk, but there were points where I though about what could go wrong.Once back below treeline, the trail was submerged. I couldn¢t take more than a few steps without stepping in water. Progress was hampered, but the promise of shelter made the whole day bearable.The shelter is over capacity, but we were all willing to sacrifice a little comfort for everyone¢s overall safety (rain and cold at altitude can be dangerous). Tomorrow looks better, sun and warmth, so I might have some time to dry some gear out.Despite today¢s challenging terrain and character building weather, I was more optimistic about my hike in general. Perhaps my expectations were tempered by the first few days. Or maybe the forecast is giving me hope for the week. Either way, I¢m back to enjoying myself, despite the wet.362.8 miles to go.