morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Stealth Camping

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Was surprised two see the food bags were still intact after all the loud noises around camp last night. Never got a look at what was out there but they sounded fairly large. It was a quick five miles into town for breakfast at Java world. I still love when the trail goes directly down Main Street in these little towns. Instead of the three or four towns I thought I'd be walking through on this trip it's more like a dozen. Would love to bring my wife back to all these little towns someday and hopefully its during trail season to throw in a little magic for the hikers.    As I was eating breakfast I got a text from slow jam and he was literally 20 yards away at the hotel. So he joined us for lunch and our little group is now one again. After another 9 miles of easy hiking someone mentioned that we were coming to another tiny town. Are you kidding? This time we walked right into a great ice-cream place. Perfect!   Today is what I call another great hiking day with 2 town meals and 20 miles on the AT. I've tried not to talk about future plans and kept the journals day to day. But there is a good reason for the big mile days and when I arrive in the Whites of NH you will find out why. It will all be worth it, I have big plans for my home state.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Condon Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Broke my new rule last night and decided to sleep in the shelter. We were a few thousand feet up and that coupled with cold temperatures and a stiff breeze meant no mosquitoes. It worked out okay. This morning was a quick 3 miles uphill to the top of Mount Greylock. The highest point in Massachusetts. The Tower looks beautiful but right now is completely surrounded in scaffolding like the Statue of Liberty was. Arrived there one half hour before opening but after looking pitiful and walking by the window four or five times an employee let me in and gave me a free cup of coffee. Eventually my hiker companions showed up and we had a good but expensive breakfast.   The next seven miles were a gradual downhill and I figured I could catch up to my friends.   This is what I like about not dissecting the days map all the time. Came out of the woods and all of a sudden found myself on the 3rd Main Street in 24 hours. North Adams Massachusetts. Had absolutely no intention of doing anything in town and was about to cross the street and go right back into the woods when a Southbounder was approaching. Most of them started from Maine in late May or early June This is going to be happening for the next month. When southbound meets northbound there's a quick exchange of very important information about what you will be coming up on next. I asked what the scoop was in this town and he said right down the road Papa John's has half price off everything for hikers. Change of plans. Now sitting under a tree in the back of the parking lot with a cold beer and a half price cheeseburger pizza. Life is good. And I just contacted my friends ahead and told them I will still try to make it to the shelter but it will be around dusk. I don't feel too guilty as it is just after noon time and I have completed 12 miles.    Just after entering Vermont around 4 o'clock this afternoon. The trail turned into a jungle. It's amazing how each state is so different with Trail maintenance, shelters etc. It was starting to get dark and very obvious I would not make it to the next shelter once again. There was also no where to set up a camp. You could hardly even walk on the trail and see your feet. That's how thick the woods were for a few miles. Finally at 8:10 when I was starting to get worried a perfect stealth spot opened up. There was also copious amounts of dead branches around and I instantly made a big fire to keep the bugs at bay. Right after setting up my tent the young couple from the UK came walking by. They had their headlamps on and we're ready to do night hiking but when they saw my spot with available space they asked me if they could join. I was more than happy to have the company as I've been camping alone a lot lately. It's hilarious to hear these two people talk in such a strong accent. Boss and Samsquanch are only 22 but have conversations like they've been married for 50 years. A good day, but a long day.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Condon Shelter

To: Kid Gore m
Miles today: 18.0

I tried to be very quiet this morning as to not wake up the young couple from the UK. Even though I was hiking double time I still did not make it to the next shelter before my two friends left. Fortunately 7 miles later they were waiting for me at the road crossing into town. The plan was to resupply enough to get us to Hanover New Hampshire.   Then as if someone waved a magic wand over our group great things started to happen to us in rapid succession. We were concerned about the five and a half miles hitch into town. Crossing the street to stick out our thumbs a gentleman waved us down and asked us if we wanted a ride into town. Bingo. But before we could get our packs in the trunk a State Park Ranger asked us if we knew about the trail magic party that was about to take place in that very lot at 11 o'clock. Put on by the Green Mountain Club these people had quite the set up. We figured we could get into town, get everything done and be back right at the beginning of the buffet. As we neared Walmart this gentleman told us of a huge discount store for hikers and without waiting for us to answer started driving us there. Discount was an understatement. Everything in the store was 90% off because it is just expired. We spent about $10 apiece on $100 worth of food. And before we could get out of town Slow Jam spotted $40 on the sidewalk. We were laughing and just waiting for something else to happen. We figured bags of money would just start falling out of the sky the way things were going. After an unbelievable lunch buffet we headed back into the woods to try to get the last 14 miles done.   I guess it all depends on how you look at things but are good luck was not over. We hiked the next 10 miles over some straight up and down mountains. Vermont does not believe in switchbacks. With only four miles left and walking directly by a shelter we stopped for a quick break. Being one that loves weather what happened next was unbelievable. We literally had our packs on ready to do the last 4.3 miles. Five other hikers left 10 minutes before us. Within 30 seconds the skies turned black and then we saw off in the distance funnel clouds and rotation. The packs came back off and within 5 minutes it started to rain and hail like most of us have never seen. This lasted for about an hour. You could not even talk to the person next to you as the hail hitting the roof was deafening. Needless to say nobody's going anywhere tonight and hopefully we will get an early start tomorrow. The other five through-hikers that left 10 minutes before us never returned and I was shocked. The way it came down I would have turned around and ran back to the shelter for my life. What an awesome storm!! A very interesting and lucky day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Kid Gore m

To: Stratton Pond shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Eat, sleep, hike, repeat. There were no distractions today. No trail magic, no town stops, just great hiking. With a high in the low 70s and a constant breeze these are the type of days you can just keep walking forever. Besides a quick dip in a stream and another in Stratton pond it was hiking from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. . I"ts only 4 o'clock but I will continue cruising till it gets dark. Hoping for a similar hiking day tomorrow. Awesome!
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Stratton Pond shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 31.5
Weather: clear sky

Now I know I'm back in New England. Crossed more brooks and streams this morning then I did in the entire state of New York. Also notice the water is getting much colder which made for a refreshing 6:30 a.m. dip. A little later it really hit home when the trail went directly up Bromley Ski Resort. Hiking past all those snow guns made me feel homesick.   It's 12 noon and I'm shocked to learn that I hiked 15 miles this morning. At the top of Peru Peak it should be down hill for quite a while. The 22 miles that I planed today is probably going to turn into a 30 mile adventure. Time to get moving.   So it did turn out to be a big day after all. But the 31.5 miles will get me into town a day early so I can resupply and rest. Have to pick up many different items. Among them toilet paper, food, batteries and wash my clothes for starters. Very tired, till tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Rutland VT
Miles today: 24.0

I have been pleasantly surprised by the state of Vermont. Was expecting a muddy narrow corridor with a thick canopy of leaves. But there are abundant swimming holes and you poke your head out in the sun quite often. Prettiest State since Georgia and North Carolina. I do see why they call the state VERMUD. Even with New England in a summer drought there are many patches of black muck which I'm sure turns instantly into the mud during a wet summer.   After scoring an awesome stealth site last night. Woke up this morning to a little less energy than I had the day before. Still thought I could do the 24 miles to Rutland no problem but when I hit Killington it crushed me. Wasn't sure if I was going to make it for a minute. When I finally came out to the road I noticed Olive Oil. The first thru-hiker I've seen all day (just graduated from Stanford ) and she was in the process of getting a ride. I ran as fast as my dead legs could go and then flagged her down from across the street. Does he have room for one more? She asked the gentleman and he politely agreed to bring me also. It ended up being the fire chief of Rutland. Go figure.   It's definitely time to slow it down. More smiles and less miles. This is a beautiful little New England town and I have a few thru-hikers that are going to zero with me tomorrow at The Yellow Deli. I only poked my head in just now to scope it out and it is beautiful. Must eat. Came into town at 6 o'clock with literally no food or water . Till tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Rutland VT

To: ZERO In Rutland
Miles today: 0.0

After the rough shape I was in coming into town last night. I was sure that I would sleep in this morning and catch up on some well-needed rest. But I woke up at 4:45 and could not get back to bed. So I took the manager up on helping prep breakfast for the 31 hikers. Today was lots of fun and the three cups of coffee while we worked helped out. After slicing and dicing onions, apples, oranges, peppers and steak. Myself and two other hikers got a standing ovation after breakfast for the help we supplied. It brought a smile to my face.   I enjoyed my morning before the sun got too hot and emptied my entire pack out on the deck. Cleaned, washed and repacked everything. Also realized I lost my last bit of expensive equipment. My hiking pants. Christina and Slow Jam arrived around noon and we continued our regular routine of town chores. This was a must zero day as for the first time I'm really starting to feel beat down. I know it's my fault pulling bigger days than almost anybody out here. Officially I'm done doing that. It's just so hard for me at the end of the day to stop at 6 o'clock when I know there's a few hours left of daylight and I'm enjoying my hiking. Can't really come up with a solution. Time for a second round of Wendy's burgers. Then after supper Slow Jam is expecting a friend so we might go listen to the band down the street for a few minutes. It should be an early night as it will be another scorching day in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Date: 2016-07-28
From: ZERO In Rutland

To: Cabin @ Fire Tower
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Feel good this morning. 10 hours of sleep is the most I've gotten in a long time. With a full belly and familiar surroundings I'm ready for a nice stroll today.   It was a perfect start for someone who needed an easy day. Hiked through a state park for about a mile and then came to a large pond. Couldn't help myself, so it was a great way to wake up and clean up at the same time. We actually got rained on for a few hours this afternoon. But it was a steady light rain and for the most part everyone's feet stayed dry. It was a nice break to do only 17 today and we are at a four sided cabin with a door tonight. Very nice. It also has a steep two-and-a-half-story ladder that leads to a small deck on the roof. Fantastic views.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Cabin @ Fire Tower

To: Linda Stealth hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

At the cabin with about a half a dozen other early risers. More and more hikers are catching on to a sunrise start. This could possibly be the only time on the trail that I actually hiked all day and gained weight. It was a great day for eating. I will give you the rundown in miles from the cabin that I woke up at this morning. Ready?   2.6 miles from the cabin I took a quarter mile side trail for a quick double portion of oatmeal with disco and her mom. Disco is a 18 year old whose mom came out from New York to hike with her for a week.   7.1 miles from the cabin I came to a road crossing with a sign explaining to hikers that there is a fresh farm one quarter mile down the road. Had to wait till 10 o'clock for them to open but it was worth it. Had Greek yogurt, bananas, a blueberry muffin and a coffee. Hard to find on the trail.   10.5 miles from the cabin I was hiking with Sacagawea and there was a huge bucket of sodas at River Crossing.It was refreshing.    12.7 miles from the cabin another road crossing where I was about to check out a second Country Store when all of a sudden Sacagawea yelled out "Trail magic! Good trail magic!" There would be no store visit as the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Rice Krispie treats, homemade cookies, fruit and ice cold drinks left under a large tree were awesome.   17 miles from the cabin. By word of mouth we heard of a place called Linda's which is directly on the trail and serves supper and breakfast as well as letting hikers sleep in her garage. This is not in any of the books and she wants it that way as last year by just hikers talking about it she said she accommodated 1600 of them. I showed up to find slow jam and Christina waiting for me on the porch with fresh hot dogs chips and drinks. All you can eat with a 20 foot deep swimming hole across the street. How could this day get any better. I literally never touched any of my food after 7 a.m. this morning and I am going back out on the trail now at 6 p.m. with a full belly.   Another wicked pissah of a day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Linda Stealth hostel

To: Hanover & Beyond
Miles today: 25.0

It happened again! Crossing a bridge in Vermont an SUV approached at a very slow speed. Then the elderly woman driving stopped right in the middle of the street. I thought she was going to offer me a ride when the passenger's window came down. Instead she leaned over and pointed at me and with a little hesitation said, "Your Terodactyl". When I asked her if we had ever met she stated no but I've been following you from the beginning of your journey. It gave me goosebumps. Can't believe these people are recognizing me from my journal pictures. There have been a few campfire conversations missed and some miles not gotten done because of the daily journaling. But when things like this happen it makes it all worthwhile. This journal will probably be my favorite souvenir.      Everyone in the hostel was up by 5:15. Very excited to enter New Hampsthire this morning. It's now 9:30 and we just crossed the bridge into New Hampshire. Yes I said New Hampshire Yahoo!!!   Hanover is an extremely hiker friendly town. There is a list of people in town who will take you into their homes free of charge. We have no intention of staying but we're going to take advantage of the town's hospitality. First stop was Lou's Bakery where we get to pick out any one item for free. Next was The Brick Pizza Barn where we get a slice of cheese pizza and a 20 ounce beer for free. The grocery store is conveniently located right on the trail as the AT makes it"s way through Main Street.   It was a rough climb out of town and I immediately lost my two hiking partners. Hiked alone the rest of the afternoon and right up until it was almost too dark to set up my tent. Pretty much all the streams and small brooks are completely dried up. 25 miles hiked. But tomorrow is going to be a very special day after what I hope is a quick 17 mile hike. Until then.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Hanover & Beyond

To: Route 25 A Parking lot.
Miles today: 17.0

For the first time ever I decided to hike a half hour this morning with my headlamp on. I was on a mission to get done hiking as early as possible. Had a preview to what's coming up in the Whites as smart mountain and Mount Cube where no pushovers at 2000 feet apiece straight up. They were also extremely Rocky and rooty on the way up but much gentler on the way down.    So why all the big miles? Why the big push to New Hampshire?   For those of you who don't know me that well. My wife and I purchased a vacation condo in the heart of the White Mountains about 5 years ago. I have been doing Trail magic every summer when the thru-hikers come passing by in August and September. This was Monumental in gathering information for my thru-hike. But now I'm extremely excited that I can do trail magic for thru-hikers that I actually know. Hikers that I've spent months with. New friends. So after getting my 17 miles done by 2:30 this afternoon I was met on the trail by my wife who I have not seen in 4 months. You can imagine it was quite a long needed hug. Also want to thank Brenda and Jeff my in-laws for coming to meet me. The kids will be coming up tomorrow to see Dad and I will actually be with my whole family. Wow.    It was a coincidence that I also ran into Sailor Jerry and Bougi this afternoon who I hiked a lot with at the beginning of this trip. Perfect, as we are all now in an outdoor hot tub facing Loon Mountain. I am way ahead of schedule and tomorrow will be a big fat Zero as I hope to take in four different hikers that I have spent this trip with. From Trail Magic back to a trail Angel this week I'm going to put my feet up, relax, eat, sleep and have as much fun as possible for who-knows-how-long.?
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Route 25 A Parking lot.

To: Nero 125 C
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Okay so I lied. I crunched the numbers and saw an opportunity this morning, so I packed up my things and ended up hiking. I still consider it a zero because I only did 5.1 miles today. Earlier I dropped off my guests and I was in a perfect position to get 5 miles done before breakfast and still consider giving my legs a rest.   So far this stop in Lincoln is turning out exactly like I hoped. As my friends and I went to the Price Chopper Shopping Center all of a sudden we were greeted by a stampede of hikers that we had not seen in months. Again very emotional. People were hugging, crying, screaming like crazy in front of the store. This is everything I've wished for for the last few weeks. I have actually made a hard copy of the guests that will be coming to my condo in the next few days. And literally have no room for anybody else till Friday night. I'm sure this will be the last time I see most of these people for the rest of my life so I'm going to cherish every moment and make it as enjoyable as I can for all of them. As much as I love hiking I am already anticipating the hikers that I will be spending the next 4 nights with. Treating them to some of the best trail magic they have seen this season.   Went next door for supper to Britney's Cafe. Inexpensive food and big fun. The gang seemed to like the place. Then it was jacuzzi and swimming pool time. It was nice just to sit back and relax and watch my hiker friends enjoy the 5 Star Treatment. Till tomorrow
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Nero 125 C

To: Rest Day. / Trail Magic
Miles today: 0.0

After saying goodbye to Chuckles and dropping him off at the trail I picked up some breakfast sandwiches and brought them back to my other guests. As what often happens Bugi and Sailor Jerry have gotten sucked into the vortex of a trail town. They have decided to take a zero here in Lincoln after adamantly saying they were going to hike 18 miles today. I take that as a compliment. Obviously they're enjoying themselves.   The hikers seemed to like the Pemigewasset River this afternoon which is right across the street from our condo. Relaxed on the water for a couple of hours with some good conversation. Then it was time to show them the most popular restaurant in town. The Woodstock station. Where everyday from 3 to 5 o'clock p.m. appetizers are half-price during happy hour.   I have just left all my guests to lasagna and garlic bread compliments of my wife who has recently shown up. We have an invitation to some neighbors who I have not seen in a year, so we are going to make a quick stop before an early night of rest. Today's picture of myself with the Appalachian Trail bear was a gift from Chet's hostel. And you will learn all about this fabulous young man tomorrow. A well needed rest day in the trail town on Lincoln.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Rest Day. / Trail Magic

To: Last zero with hiking friends.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This rest stop in Lincoln New Hampshire is turning out exactly how I had hoped it would. It was not an easy task but I managed to track down 9 different hikers that I have spent time with over this journey. They will all be staying here tonight with me after hiking today.   After a lot of driving around, dropping off, picking up, the group of now 10 is finally here for the evening. Everyone seem to enjoy it so much and thanked me numerous times for getting us back together. I'm pretty sure after tomorrow morning I will never see most of these people again. Wish I could have videotaped the entire evening. Hikers sharing stories, reliving old memories and tons of laughter. Also lots of talk and anticipation of finishing soon. This will be my last night of zero hiking, trail magic and staying at my place in Lincoln. It was also special that my wife could share in this small part of my hike by coming up and helping host. She seemed to truly enjoy the hikers. The three girls in the middle row from left to right. PEBBLES / BOUGIE / JETSON   Time to get back in the woods.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Last zero with hiking friends.

To: Glencliff Hostel
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

It was a very busy morning cooking breakfast for 10 before getting everyone back to where they were on the trail. Actually drove over 200 miles by noon time to get everyone hiking again. It was well worth it. After all my chores were done I was itching to get back to the trail but running out of daylight. My wife really wanted to do a bit of hiking with me and the next five mile stretch was not difficult. This made it perfect for a quick afternoon hike.   We still have Pebbles and Slow Jam with us today and they have decided to take a rest day. I was happy with that for the fact that they won't be too far in front of me tomorrow. The four of us have a fun task for the rest of the evening and tomorrow morning which is to eat and drink everything left in the refrigerator from the get together the night before.   Goodbye Chuckles, Footage, Curly @ Jetsen. Along with Wicks, Sailor Jerry, and Bougie. You will be missed.