morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Stratton Mountain, VT

To: VT 11 & 30 (Manchester Center)
Miles today: 11.7

My day went well. Leaving my nice campsite I ambled down towards Stratton Ponds North Shore. It is a large pond. There was a fly hatch going on and there seemed to be a lot of fish. The morning was pleasant, the trail was good and somewhat maintained from the top of Stratton all the way down to VT highway 11 & 30. I got a hitch within ten minutes from a fellow with a beautiful black lab. The lab insisted on sitting on my lap which was ok with me as I miss having a dog around. In town I picked up some food, fuel, and inserts for my shoes and called Jeff from the Green Mountain House for a shuttle to his place. By far, this is the best hostel I have stayed at on the AT. It was extremely clean and had a laundry and full kitchen with a coffee pot. The price also included a pint of Ben & Jerry's. There were seven hikers staying here and they had already bought food for a BBQ. There was chicken and pork BBQ, squash, garlic bread, salad and Ben & Jerry's for dessert. Since they had already divided up the cost it was decided that I would do the clean up. What a great deal for me. I think Ben & Jerry's started in Vermont and I certainly have worked my way through almost every flavor. I have had the "green tunnel blues" lately and plan to stay here tomorrow to rest and rekindle my spirit. I had to reduce my mileage and the knees continue to worry me. I have braces on both now. Jeff, the owner, just came in and delivered my resupply box. He had to open it because the radio Sandy sent me turned on and the post office insisted it be opened. The battery was still strong but I'm not picking up any strong stations. I was really hoping for the radio to keep my mind occupied. For tonight I am full, have a clean bed, and surrounded by interesting people. The forecast is for rain to start up again tomorrow afternoon and continue for a few days. Should I stay or should I head out and make some miles before it starts to rain.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Jeff, the owner of Green Mountain Hostel, hauled four of us up to the trailhead about 8am for a good early start. I am tired and would have liked to stay another day but Jeff has a two day limit plus this is not a cheap place to hang out. The climb up to Bromley Mountain wasn't too bad but there was no view due to the heavy cloud cover on top of the mountain. There was a shelter and a few hikers were still packing up. Styles Peak was next and it had a nice outcropping that was ideal for a lunch break. There were good views of the Green Mountain Range. It was, indeed, very green. Next up was a drop down to some ponds. Trail was a wet bog and exhausting to navigate. The last peak of the day was Baker and it had a steep, flat rock climb of about 1/3 mile. This was the first in Vermont but not nearly as hard as some of those in the past. From the rocky top you can see the Adirondacks' in upstate New York. The next few miles were down to Lost Pond Shelter where I camped for the night by a nice stream. I'm tired. Tomorrow looks like low country hiking. Not sure if that's good news or bad.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

A hard rain woke me up at 4am. I stayed in my tent until it let up around 7am. Gear is wet and trail is mud. Welcome to Vermud. More bogs to negotiate again today. At White Rock Cliffs I stopped for lunch and met a guy my age who had hiked the AT and PCT about 10-15 years ago. He was doing a section this year and we hiked up Bear Mountain together. I think this is at least the 5th Bear Mountain on the AT. When I got to the Minerva Hinchey Shelter I found trail magic of fresh banana nut bread. Thank you trail angels for this special treat. I'm staying inside the shelter tonight as it looks like it will start raining any minute and I'm tired to carrying a wet, heavy tent.
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge, VT
Miles today: 16.3

A cool, crisp morning made for great hiking weather. The trail stayed high for about three miles before coming to a cliff. Views from the cliff were of the town of Rutland 1,000' below. Trail descended down to the Clarendon Gorge suspension bridge over the swift flowing Mill River. It then climbed up to a ridge and down to the Cold River where there were at least three crossing of different branches and creeks. Had lunch at Governor Clement Shelter with two Long Trail hikers and a Long Trail ridge runner. They entertained me with their trail knowledge. A final 2,000' climb to Mt. Killington and the Cooper Lodge was my final destination for the day. It started off very steep. I swear you would kiss the white blazes painted on the large talus rocks in front of your face and heading upward. It's raining making the roots and rocks all the more slippery for an old dude like me. Lots of hikers passed me on this four mile climb. I finally got to the old stone lodge which was cold but dry. It is still raining and Funky Town, a group of 8 or more, have taken over the shelter and smoking. They are all in their 20s, met on the trail, and formed a strong hiking group. I've crossed paths with them several times in the last 500 miles. They are all from the East Coast so they have friends and family for support and trail magic. The Cooper Lodge had a door but all the windows are open with no shutters. At 4,000' it could be a bitter cold night.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Kent Pond, VT
Miles today: 8.8

The rain quit but the wind blew all night though those open windows in the shelter. I didn't have to pack up any clothes this morning because I had them all on. I can't believe it can be this cold on August 5. The sky is clear this morning as I head down to the town of Killington. Wind has dried the rocks on the trail but a couple of wet roots managed to trip me up and I fell twice. I fell and landed on my pack both times so no harm done except to my ego. Continuing on I fell a few more times and decided it is time to take a nero day. I have a resupply box at Kent Pond Lodge and will stay there and relax for the rest of the day. Today marks four full months on the trail and less than 500 miles left. New Hampshire and Maine are supposed to be the hardest states to hike due to the huge rocks and 4,000 footers. A month of dry weather would be appreciated. I need a like minded old dude to hike with. WayneO are you listening?????
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Kent Pond, VT

To: Acutney Mountain, VT
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

The trail heading away from Kent Pond was covered with frogs this morning. At Thundering Falls there was a nicely preserved water powered mill. The climb up to Oumby Mountain at 1,100' was the highest point of the day. Rest of the day was a series of 200-500' PUDs. Latter part of the day was in a nice Birch and Pine forested area with water in short supply. I tanked up at the Wintturi shelter. Cooked an early dinner and then moved on to dry camp tonight. I'm camped by a father and son that Sandy and I met way back in Georgia. I've seen them at various times during this trip. Last time was back in Connecticut. Neither had ever backpacked before this trip. They are both doing well and live in New York so have had some good trail magic from friends and family. It was a great day to hike. The morning was cool but the sun kept trying to peek through the green tunnel. I need more days like today if I'm going to finish.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Acutney Mountain, VT

To: Happy Hill Shelter, VT
Miles today: 18.1

Doc and Nory were both still sleeping when I left this morning. The sky was red in the east as the sun rose so I packed for a rain day. One thing I have learned on this trail is that if there is a chance of rain you can count on it raining. The trail was pretty much the same as yesterday. There were many 300-500' PUDs and a few large bogs. I did have a nice view of the upcoming White Mountain Range to the North. I kept running into Subaru and Pink Lady. I met them at Kent Pond Lodge. They met on the trail back in April and have been hiking together ever since. About noon we came upon some great trail magic. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, corn chips, homemade brownies and Hershey candy. I know this is boring to anyone not hiking but when your eating dried and instant food this is very special and greatly appreciated. At 4pm I walked through the town of West Hartford, VT and stopped at a small deli for ice cream. Trail crossed the White River in town on a bridge. Kids were jumping off and it looked like fun but too scary for me. Next was a four mile climb up to the Happy Hill Shelter for the night. The young kids have a fire and are socializing tonight. Everyone is in a good mood because it didn't rain today. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a short day into Hanover, N.H. where I may have some special trail magic.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Happy Hills Shelter

To: Slow & Steady's Home
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Had less than six miles into the town of Hanover, New Hampshire this morning and came across trail magic twice. Funny how you go for long stretches with none and then you find it several times. I had homemade banana nut bread, coke, and Oreos for breakfast. This power breakfast made for a very pleasant walk. I crossed a neat bridge which is the border of Vermont and New Hampshire over the wide Connecticut River. AT was well marked through town which was a first. I spotted my first Starbucks since I started the trail. I have carried my Starbucks card for 1,742 miles and finally got to use it. It was pretty crowded when I took a seat but I noticed that after a few minutes most people left the area. I guess my thru-hiker aroma got to them. I feel bad, but dam this coffee is good and I'm not leaving. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College and it is very busy. I'm enjoying sitting, people watching, and drinking coffee. New Hampshire is my 13th state. Only 442 miles to go. I'm waiting for my friend Slow & Steady to pick me up and take me to her home for a little trail magic. We first met in Erwin, TN and crossed paths many times. It will be good to see her again. Stormy weather is forecasted for tonight so this lay over day works out well.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had a great stay with Slow & Steady, her husband, and dog Scout. She is a great cook and made quiche, salad, and cookies and ice cream for dessert last night. For breakfast this morning there were blueberry pancakes with Vermont Maple Syrup. Slow & Steady has been home recovering from a spider bite and infection but just got clearance to resume her hike. She will be heading up to Maine northbound tomorrow and flipping back to Vermont heading southbound to finish. It was so nice to spend time with her and meet her family. I wish her the best and maybe we will run into each other again on the trail. Slow & Steady took me back to the Dartmouth College Outing Club in Hanover where they keep a list of local trail angels. Call #6 connected me with Fran. Fran, MD at local hospital, had a extra bedroom in her condo she shares with 2 college age children and cats. I was lucky to find this place as town is full of hikers waiting out a storm. Hanover was good to me.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Slow & Steady's House

To: Bill Ackerly's House (Lyme-Dorchester Rd)
Miles today: 17.5

After a relaxing time in Hanover I was ready to hit the trail. It rained hard for about 24 hours but today the one mile walk to the trail from town was dry, cool and crisp. First half of the day was easy with a few short climbs, some muddy sections, but nothing difficult. The second half was a different story with two long climbs and the usual cruel downhill after the climb. I ended my day at Bill Ackerley's house. He sells ice cream and soda to hikers and lets us camp in his yard. He is a real nice guy, maybe close to 80, and sharp. I'm here with Corndog, Cruise, Grizzle, and Fossil. Everyone is playing croquet, which I haven't played in about 40 years.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Bill Ackerly's House (Lyme-Dorchester Rd)

To: New Hampshre 25A
Miles today: 16.0

I forgot to mention Apple Butter, a young lady, that is part of my current hiking group. The group made arrangements for a shuttle pick up at NH 25A today and take us to the Hiker Hostel in Glencliff. The weather forecast for Monday is good but heavy rain on Tuesday. Because of that they decided to skip ahead and tackle Mt. Moosilauke on Monday and then come back to hike 10 mile we are skipping into Glencliff. Moosilauke is a 5,000 footer that I have been told is downright dangerous in the rain so I'm all for it. Back to today, it was as tough as they get. Lamberts Ridge was a 2,369' climb, then up to Smarts Mountain fire tower which had a great view of the upcoming White Mountain Range.Next was a 1,400' descent followed by a climb back up to Mt. Cube. Mt. Cube was hard but the worst was yet to come with a 2,000' straight down descent to NH 25A. I was trashed, knees acky, and the last one in, I thought, for the day. Turns out Fossil made a wrong turn and came out at a different location. To my surprise our shuttle driver was Miss Janet. I hadn't seen her for several states. Miss Janet follows hikers starting in Georgia all the way to Maine. She is very much in demand and constantly shuttling during the season. Miss Janet took us all to the Hiker Hostel and then made us a great pasta dinner with garlic bread and pudding. She is one of the special people I have met on the AT. The hostel is packed so I'm tenting outside tonight.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: New Hampshre 25A

To: NH 112 (Kinsman Notch)
Miles today: 9.2

Sleep came quickly and easily last night. This morning Miss Janet packed us all into her van and drove us to Kinsman Notch. The climb along Beaver Brook had a series of cascading waterfalls that reminded me of the Sierra Nevada Mountains back home. After a hard four mile climb we topped out on top of Mt. Moosilauke, the first time above tree line in a very long time. We were still together as a group at this point and had lunch together and took in the views. I was dreading the five mile downhill with 4,000' of descent and it didn't disappoint. Two days in a row with knee pounders is very painful for me. Back at the hostel I was able to move into the house for the night. Miss Janet again cooked for us. This time meat loaf, mashed potatoes, veggies, and sweet potato pie. She is spoiling us and I can see why so many hikers slack pack with her so much of the trail. Rain or shine tomorrow we have to hike the section we skipped. It looks easy on the elevation profile but you never know. My friends Wayne and Chris, from Michigan, will be meeting me in Glencliff. Wayne will finish up with me and Chris will crew us for a couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to having their company. I'm trying to plan my days ahead, something I have always enjoyed, but it is becoming a chore that has to be done. I feel like its too much at times and I may not be making good decisions. I think I am just too tired to think. Anyway, the forecast is for rain tonight and I'm inside. The end of this adventure is only 400 miles away.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: NH 112 (Kinsman Notch)

To: NH 25A Glencliff
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Miss Janet packed 18 hikers into her van and drove us to the trailhead this morning. We were hiking by 8am. Pretty good for such a large group. The rain started within 30 minutes. There were only two climbs today. One was up and over Ore Hill and the other over Mt. Mist. The rain made the trail very sloppy, especially in the many boggy spots. It rained five hours and my entire hike today . When I got back to the hostel there were about twelve new faces and a couple of old acquaintances. Pantry I had not seen since Virginia/North Carolina and Mongoose that I met in Massachusetts and Vermont. Chris and Wayne found me about 2pm and off we went to North Woodstock where we found a room, had a meal, and made plans for the next few days. So good to see Chris, Wayne and their dog Grif.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: NH 112 (Kinsman Notch)

To: Franconia Notch, NH 112
Miles today: 16.3

Chris dropped us off at 7:30 and the trail was a very steep large talus slope up to Mr. Wolf. After Wolf we climbed up to South Kinsman Peak where we had no real views at 4,358' because of the overcast skies. Next up a 500' drop and then another climb up to North Kinsman Peak and into the rain . With wet, slippery rocks we slowly descended 2,800'. I am unbelievably slow on these downhill sections. Lonesome Lake Hut is the first AMC hut in the Whites. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) maintains the trails and has several huts. For around $100 you get a bunk and breakfast and dinner, I think. No showers and no heat. They are usually completely booked in advance during the summer. There are rules as to where you can stay so it I makes the thru hiker planning a little more challenging. I've heard the food is good and it sure smelled good as we hiked by. There were a lot of guest hanging around the hut but we didn't have time to check it out or socialize. Our rocky path led us by some nice brooks cascading down the mountain. We finally got down to Highway 93 at 6:45pm, almost 12 hours for 16 miles of slack packing. At the trailhead parking we couldn't find Chris. It was beginning to get cold, dark and we had no food or shelter. We wandered around on a bike path called the Flume Trail to another parking area and still no Chris. Couldn't reach Chris on the phone and beginning to get a little worried. There was a couple parked at this trailhead and we went over to ask if they could help us out. They were visiting from England and gladly drove us around to a couple of nearby parking areas until we finally found Chris after dark. Such a nice couple and he had run Western States so we had something in common. As stressful as it was for us, I think it was worse for Chris. It was a very difficult evening for her and she still cooked us a delicious pasta dinner.   Wayne and I were beat and couldn't wait to go to bed. Grif dog has snuggled up to me and keeping me warm tonight. It was so nice to have Wayne to hike with today.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Franconia Notch, NH 112

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.2

Todays hike began with a straight up climb to Liberty Ridge. It is appropriately named as it looks like the Liberty Bell. Trail continued up to Franconia Ridge to Little Haystack Mountain. The next two miles were above tree line with nice views. This area was very busy with day hikers from various trails, hut to hut hikers, section hikers, and thru hikers. The next peak was Mt. Lincoln at 5,069' and then Mt. Lafayette which had the best 360 views. I could see Mt. Washington in the distance as well as many others that we expect to summit in a few days. From here the trail was a rough and rocky downhill to Garfield Pond. Our goal had been the Garfield Shelter campsite but it was already 6pm and we were shot so we found a place near a spring not too far from the pond and called it a day. Wayne was so tired he put up his tent and went to bed with his food bag. This trail is more challenging than he expected but he is one tough guy. I didn't see him again until morning. We have been looking for moose and see tracks and droppings but no sightings yet.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Garfield Pond

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 10.6

A 6:30 start began with the climb to Mt. Garfield. It took the better part of an hour. It seems that it is impossible to average more than a mile per hour in the White Mountains. The trail is always going up or down and always in large rocks. We got lost today for about an hour. We both walked by a trail sign that was obscured by large rocks. The white blazes are very faint on the rocks. We were both discouraged because the miles come long and hard here. Just when you feel that the trail has defeated you it provides a little magic. Because we got lost and because we were slower than we expected we found ourselves at the Zealand Falls Hut at 5:30pm. Now the AMC huts are expensive and reservations are required during the summer months. We hadn't planned to stay but we were approached by the "croo" chief. They have a few "work for stay" spots for thru hikers. You usually have to time it right and apparently we did. They were switching croos today and were short handed and asked us to help out. For a few hours of work you can sleep inside on the floor and eat the leftovers. This is an experience most people say you should experience at least once so we gladly said ok. Our first chore was setting the table for dinner. Wayne had to be corrected a few times for placing the silverware in the wrong order. Dinner was really nice. The main course was chicken, broccoli and rice with lentil soup and cookies and coffee for dessert. After dinner we had to buckle down and go to work cleaning the storage shelves in the kitchen. It was hard labor and I did all the work while Wayne ate cookies and gave advise to Cameron and Scott who are running their first 50K race. Levy is the "croo" chief and a real nice young man. Tomorrow we get up early before the guests, as we are sleeping on the floor in the main room, and have a little more work to do before we are released from our work program. It has actually been fun and a very different day on the AT.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch, NH
Miles today: 7.9

We finished up our "work stay" by sweeping the floors and changing the pillow cases on all the bunks. We were treated to a great breakfast of bacon and pancakes. One food I have missed on the trail is pancakes. Can't get enough of them. I have heard every work stay is different but this was a very good experience for me. We had planned a short day and the trail was the best we have had in days along an old railroad bed. It wasn't smooth, but it was much flatter. Chris met us coming down from Crawford Notch around 1:30. The parking area was packed with hikers heading to the Zealand Falls. We decided to look for a hotel which proved to be a challenge. Everything was booked but Chris got a tip on place and so we ended up at a clean but rustic hotel.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Crawford Notch, NH

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut, NH
Miles today: 11.2

It was a short drive from the motel to the trailhead and we were able to stop for coffee and muffins before hitting the trail. Webster Cliff was our first destination with a climb up to 3,200'. Nice views of the valley below. From here we climbed up to Mt. Jackson at 4,052' and into the Alpine Zone. This section from Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch is the highest section of the Presidential Range. I was taller than most of the trees. Some are small and hide behind rocks for protection from the winds. The weather can be crazy up here any time of the year. Fortunately there is no rain in the forecast which can make this section very dangerous. Unfortunately it is living up to its reputation as being very windy. The trail skirts Mt. Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe before climbing Mt. Washington. Our home for the night will be the Lake of the Clouds AMC hut. We were able to get a bunk in "The Dungeon". The name is very descriptive, just a few bunks in a basement but there are not many options in the White Mountains for thru hikers. Its cold and damp but out of the wind. The wind chill for tonight is sub 30 and I still don't have my 15 degree sleeping bag. If it gets too cold down here we plan to sneak up to the dinning room and hope to find space on the dinning room floor. We were able to purchase dinner so we can hang out in the dinning room until they turn the lights out. Fossil, Grizzly, Professor, and Little Sass just came in so we are catching up on trail news.