morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-31
From: US 44 Salisbury

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Another good breakfast at Bearded Woods hostel where Hudson and Lu have been great hosts.  Hudson took Giggles, Many Miles and Skittles to Falls Village,  then continued on to Salisbury to drop me at the trailhead. I was planning a short mileage day since I want to meet up with Disciple again after his return back from his trip to perform a wedding in Illinois.  I thought it would be a short day,  but as usual when you assume, I was mistaken.  It was a tough day with 3 climbs, 2 of which were fairly steep:  Bear Mountain (Connecticut) and  Mt Everett.  Additionally,  the decent down Bear Mountain was steep and rocky so it was slow going.I did reach another state milestone when I entered Massachusetts,  plus hit the 1500 mile mark (although I am really counting down now instead of up).  The climb up Mt. Race was more gradual and there were great views from the cliffs.  Ran into many more SoBos today, probably about 10 total where it had been 2 to 3.  Got to shelter area, but set up tent on a platform.  Harley, Spice Girl and Tough Cookie are here as well.
Date: 2017-08-01
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: US 7, Great Barrington 
Miles today: 7.9

Nice dry morning so no dew on the tent.  Hiking at normal time where trail was mostly rolling terrain with a good tread.  There was one steep section decent where I really needed to watch my step.  Cool temperatures this morning made for a pleasant hike.  At one road crossing,  a trail angel stopped her van to give me a bottle of water.  She said she always did this when she saw a hiker on tbe road and keeps bottled water in her vehicle.   Heading to Great Barrington today for a nearo, then a zero while Disciple makes his return up the trail.  I had texted Trail Angel Joe the night before and he would pick me up at US 7 about noon.  Sure enough, he arrived a bit before then and took me and 2 SoBo section hikers to the Days Inn. I was able to get in my room right away, so after a shower, headed downtown for lunch, then to do laundry.  It was still early, so went to the afternoon movie showing of "Dunkirk".  Great movie, very intense and put my so called challenges in great perspective.  So blessed to to be in this great country of ours.Had dinner at the Mexican restaurant downtown, then went by for ice cream.  I wasn't hungry after the Mexican dinner,  but try to consume as many calories as I can while in town.  Back to room to relax and watch a bit of TV.
Date: 2017-08-02
From: Great Barrington 

To: Great Barrington 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Taking a zero today.  Had breakfast at hotel, then headed down to Big Y grocery to resupply.  They had a good selection; prices were higher than Walmart, but not too bad.  Got enough food to get me to Dalton, MA where I will resupply again.Walked around town a bit just to keep my legs limber so they wouldn't be too stiff.  Had lunch downtown, then headed to Dunkin Doughnuts to pack in some calories.  While there, started raining, so when there was a lull, headed back to hotel.  About that time, the bottom dropped out and there was some serious rain with lightning.  Took the opportunity to sew up some clothing that needed some repair.  Had pizza for dinner, then back to hotel for TV and rest.  Ready to get back on trail tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-03
From: US 7, Great Barrington 

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast at the hotel, then decided to walk to the trailhead rather than trying to hitch. The road out was nice and flat, plus by the time I got to a decent area to hitch, I was only a mile from the trailhead. With the short hike today, the extra walk would not hurt. Nice level hike starting out, then some climb up East Mountain.Had lunch at Tom Leonard shelter, then continued hiking. Another climb, then nice walk along the Ledges. Arrived at shelter area, but still set up tent since the bugs were still out looking for blood! Two SoBos were also here, Traveler and Mary Poppins. Traveler gave me some good information about the trail up North so that was very useful.No rain today and nice cool sleeping weather. Many porcupines around close to sunset, so I put my shoes in the tent and my pack close to the tent door. I know porcupines love to chew on anything with salt, so sweaty shoes and packs are good targets for them.
Date: 2017-08-04
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Up and out at the normal time with fairly easy up and downs to begin the hike. The climb up Cobble Hill was a bit more challenging. At Jerusalem Road a couple of young entrepreneurs have set up a Trail Stand with sodas and snacks. There was also a picnic table there, so decided to get a soda and eat lunch there. Kool Aid and Ghost were there as well.Resumed hiking and the rain and lightning soon came rolling in. One lightning strike was close, so started to look for a place to ride out the storm, but before I could get to cover, the storm had stopped although there was still a bit of rain. The rain continued all the way to the cabin, but was fortunate to get a bunk spot, so would not have to tent in the rain. I saw Cow Girl and Sandals at the cabin, who I had not seen since Pennsylvania. Cow Girl had a little mishap with a fall (which I had heard from Giggles earlier), but she was doing much better.Good group at the cabin. I cooked my Knorr Rice Side for dinner, then enjoyed some nice conversation with Joe on the front porch. Breezy, cool night...so good sleeping weather.
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

Nice pancake breakfast at the cabin this morning. There is usually a caretaker at the cabin which are volunteers that serve for 1 week. Today we had Ken and his son Gus who were great hosts and cooks. There is not a fee for staying at the cabin, but there is a donation piggy bank for those who want to help out. The pancakes were actually blueberry pancakes since all the SoBos passing by the Cookie Lady's house pick the blueberries and bring them to the cabin for that purpose.The trail was deceptively tough today. The profile looks fairly flat, but with there were some short, steep ups and downs plus some rocks and exposed roots. There was rain most of the day, so I had to really watch my step on the rocks and roots so I would not slip. Had lunch at the October Mountain shelter, then headed to the Cookie Lady's house. There I had the cookies of course, but also purchased a soda and Klondike bar. There were many hikers stopped there including SoBos picking blueberries for their trip to Upper Goose Pond Cabin for pancakes. I met Steely at the Cookie Lady who is a fellow Clemson Graduate, Class of 2017. He started hiking on May 14th, 2 days after graduation. Needless to say, his pace is much faster than mine!  Got to the shelter, and there was a spot there so took a bunk. There weren't many tent spots left since there was a youth group from NYC there on a 4 day trip. Plus with the rain, it was nice to keep my tent dry. I met Red Beard and Old Timer, 2 SoBos in my age group. Enjoyed talking with them, especially talking college football with Old Timer.
Date: 2017-08-06
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Dalton
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Easy day today. I am planning to do a nearo, then zero in Dalton while Disciple makes his way up the trail after his side trip for a wedding. One small climb, then downhill into Dalton. Got to the Shamrock Inn where I changed my stay to 2 nights for the zero on Monday. My room wasn't quite ready, so I headed to Juice 'n Java for a 2nd breakfast...a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagel. It was much better than the Pop Tarts I had earlier at the shelter. Afterwards, headed back to the motel where Laura and Tina had my room ready. They are super hiker friendly here. Washed clothes, then after a shower headed to Angelina's for a lunch, an Italian Sub. It was very good so I decided to eat supper there as well which was a cheeseburger with fries. It was also very good.Later in the afternoon, I scouted out resupply options. I didn't need much since there are so many resupply options available the next 24 miles. I did buy a half gallon of chocolate milk and some doughnuts. I still try to get as many calories as possible in town. This seems to be working since my weight loss has slowed and I feel much better. After dinner, went back to the room to catch up on my Clemson Tigers who started football practice this week. Finished up with a little baseball on TV. Dalton appears to be a nice place to stay.
Date: 2017-08-07
From: Dalton

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Taking a zero in Dalton today.  Disciple will be here later this afternoon so that means we can resume hiking together,  but it is also a good day for a zero because of the expected wet weather. Had breakfast at Juice n' Java again where I had a bacon, egg and cheese bagel instead of a biscuit I would gave down south.  It is a great change of pace.  Walked around town simply to keep moving to keep my legs from getting stiff.  I did a small resupply at Dalton General Store.  There are several food and resupply options the next few days, so I plan to take advantage of those.Had lunch again at Angelina's, then finished up with ice cream.  The rain came in the afternoon, so I actually took a nap....a first for one of my zeroes.  Got a text from Halo, Disciple's wife, that he would be in town about 6 pm, she would pick me up about 7pm so we could have dinner together.  It was a nice meal and it was great to see the whole clan again.We are planning a shorter day tomorrow,  so planning to start hiking mid morning tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-08
From: Dalton

To: Mark Noepel Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

Late start out of Dalton this morning since we did not have many miles.  Disciple and I are finally back together and planning to stop at the shelter immediately before Mt Greylock.  A bit of a climb out of Dalton, then downhill into Cheshire.  While in Cheshire, we stopped in for a late lunch at Dunkin Doughnuts.  It is located in a convenience store and they actually serve sandwiches.  Got the chicken bacon flatbread and of course, some doughnuts.  It was a steady climb out of Cheshire, steep to begin with, but more of a gradual climb once on the ridge.Got to the shelter and set my tent up on a platform.  Many other hikers here, mostly NoBos.  It will be cool this evening,  so may need to close up my 45 degree mummy bag tonight!
Date: 2017-08-09
From: Mark Noepel Shelter 

To: Seth Warner Shelter 
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Finished the climb up Mt Greylock first thing this morning.  We did the bulk of the climb yesterday to the shelter, so today was a fairly gradual climb to the top.  OK view since it was still a tad hazy on the horizon.  Stopped by the lodge and bought a 12 oz Coke...big mistake since it was $2.41!  The prices weren't mark, so some sticker shock.Steep downhill into MA 2 where we walked 0.5 miles toward Williamstown to grab lunch and resupply.  Had lunch at Papa Johns where they are real hiker friendly with a charging station, hiker box and 50% off regularly priced items.  Got a medium pizza and soda.  Afterwards did my resupply at Stop and Shop. The climb out of Williamstown was steep and tougher than Mt Greylock, but we did cross in to Vermont!  At shelter, where I tented and was enjoying a nice dinner conversation with Van Man when an unexpected downpour sent everyone scrambling to their tents.
Date: 2017-08-10
From: Seth Warner Shelter 

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

The unexpected rain last night meant a damp tent this morning.  Started the day with  nice climb; not too bad since it was gradual.  The decent to VT 9 however was steep and rocky.  I tell folks I would rather go up steep and rocky, than to go down.  Those of you in my age group with corresponding knees know exactly what I am talking about!I was able to hang my tent fly up at morning break and lunch to dry.  Very steep climb out of VT 9...but better than decending!  Got to shelter for a break, but hiked another 1.6 miles for water.  The climb up Little Pond Mountain was not bad, but there was not a view.  Got to final shelter.  It was a long tough day since we are trying to knock out 50 miles in 3 days.  We have hostel reservations at Green Mountain House for the 12th, so trying to set up a nearo for that day.  Disciple and I soon realized we were not in Kansas anymore and we are back in the mountains.  So we will need to do shorter miles in more days.  A little drizzle tonight will only add to some of the mud we are starting to walk through.
Date: 2017-08-11
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Out at the normal time this morning, about 7:30 am. We have another long day in order to make it into Manchester Center by Saturday Lunch. Slight climb to begin with up to lookout tower. Weather was great, but because of my fear of heights, only went part way up the tower. Gradual downhill with some typical up and down sections after the tower. The Vermont mud is really starting to show up! It started with small patches, but with the recent rain there are now large sections that leave you no choice to walk straight through the puddles. The trail has been challenging in Vermont, not only for the mud, but also the exposed roots and rocks. We also are back in the mountains, so the ridge running the past 300 miles is over. Today was also tough because of the longer miles. I really like to do 15-17 miles a day. That extra 2 to 4 miles tacked on makes for a longer day with knee problems, etc. The climb up Stratton Mountain was not too bad, gradual except for one really steep section. There was rain and clouds going up and on top, so did not even attempt climbing up the tower (also that fear of heights thing). Decided to stay in the shelter because of the expected heavy rains tonight. The shelter was very nice with a large covered porch, table and many bunk spaces. However there are only 4 of us here, Disciple and myself, plus a SoBo (Grapes) and another NoBo (Sonny Hedgehog).
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: VT 11 and 30, Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.7

The expected rain came in last night and was quite heavy at times. Glad we opted for the shelter! However, no rain in the morning, but a lot of wet brush and I'm sure the mud will still be there. Yep, the mud was plentiful this morning, at least for the first 4 miles past the shelter. Yet the mud subsided somewhat the last 6 miles and it turned out to be a beautiful morning and a pleasant hike. My shoes are soaked and very dirty, but hope to dry those at the hostel. There were no major climbs today, just the typical small, but steep ups and downs.Arrived at VT 11/30 and our Trail Angel Iceman and his wife were there to greet us! They had driven up from Pennsylvania this morning where they were planning to meet other hikers up the trail later in the week. It was nice of them to stop by and see us, but they also provided trail magic cold sodas to many hikers passing through. Iceman took Disciple and I into town where we ate lunch, then took us by to resupply. We are staying at the Green Mountain House hostel the next 2 nights, so they drove us there as well. At the hostel, we were greeted by Duffy who was an excellent host and showed us around. This is a really nice place! It is clean and has many artifacts and knick knacks useful to hikers. I highly recommend a stay here. The plan is to slackpack tomorrow, thus the 2 night stay.There is a good group at the hostel, including many hikers I have met previously: Yung Gandolf, Evac, Brave Heart, Bisquick and Brooklyn. Both Disciple and I purchased frozen pizzas at the resupply, so we prepared those in the well stocked hiker kitchen. They also have cable TV and a great selection of DVDs. Later in the evening, we heard back from Iceman that his plans had changed, so he was planning to slackpack us tomorrow. Life is Good.
Date: 2017-08-13
From: VT 11 and 30, Manchester Center

To: Mad Tom Notch
Miles today: 5.5

We heard last night that Iceman, out Trail Angel from Pennsylvania, was planning to slackpack Disciple and myself today. We were originally going to do an 18 mile slackpack with a shuttle provided by the hostel. However, Iceman mentioned the possibility of a short slackpack using a gravel forest service road. Disciple and I decided on the short hike in order to give our mature joints, muscles, etc time to rest. Yung Gandolf also decided on a 2nd night and was planning to slackpack as well. We are actually going to do a SoBo slackpack.We arrived at Mad Tom Notch and Iceman is hiking with us while his wife takes the car back to VT 11/30. The climb up Bromley Mountain was OK. There were some steep sections, but not too much mud. It was a beautiful, clear, cool morning which made the hiking a bit easy. The view on top of Bromley Mountain was fantastic. It is the top of a ski resort where the ski lift ends, so there were not many trees so almost a 360 degree view. The sun was nice and bright, but the air temperature was nice and cool. We lingered there for a while talking with other hikers, one of which packed in a dozen doughnuts from town and shared them with the group. The decent was very gradual and easy. The climb up from VT 11/30 is used by dayhikers to get to the view, and usually trails frequented by dayhikers are well groom and have a manageable grade. Iceman's wife met us at the parking area where we went down to the Bromley Grocery for lunch, then Iceman took us by the pharmacy to pick up a few items. Will spend the afternoon catching up on some emails, news, etc. Will have frozen pizza again tonight, then Iceman will pick us up in the morning to take us back to Mad Tom Notch to resume our NoBo hike.
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Mad Tom Notch

To: Greenwall Shelter 
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Iceman picked us up at hostel around 7 am to take us back to Mad Tom Notch.  He continues to be a great Trail Angel, not only for Disciple and myself,  but to other hikers as well.  After leaving us, he and his wife were heading to New Hampshire to help Moose with his hike.Slight climb to begin with a nice view at Styles Peak.  Up and downs to Peru Peak, then a long decent to mile 1668.  From there, we headed to Little Rock Pond which was very nice:  clear water without the aquatic plants seen at other ponds.Climb to Greenwall shelter was not as bad as l expected.  I think the 2 short days previous to today gave my legs a chance to rest and recover.  Arrived at shelter, where there was some water flow at the spring.  It was not much, but adequate for the camp's need.  Set up tent in shelter because of bugs/needed the level spot.  Had dinner with Disciple,  Makin Bacon, Mama Bear and Cub.  Cool evening, good sleeping weather.
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Greenwall Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Nice little downhill walk starting the day before climbing up and over Bear Mountain.  I think many states have a Bear Mountain and Vermont is not an exception.  Later down the trail, nice view of the Rutland Airport, just not very exciting.  The trail down into Clarendon Gorge is very steep, but the gorge itself is nice with steep rock sides.  The climb out of the gorge was a challenging steep rock scramble.  However, I prefer to go up these, rather than down (because of my knees)!  Some nice up and down forest hiking to the Governor Clement shelter.  Much of the trail in this section was covered with thick pine needle duff which added some cushion. Climb up Killington started OK, but around the 1691.5 mark it became steep or covered with twisted exposed roots.  These were a real trip hazard so was mindful to watch my step.  The pace here was slow.  Reached a level/slight uphill section near the top which was nice.Got to shelter and set up tent on a platform.  I was sweating a lot going up hill, then the weather was very cool at camp.  That combination made me quite chilly, so added some layers and prepared dinner.  Afterwards had a nice conversation with my son Alex, then in to the tent to strip off the wet clothes.  My sleeping bag is warm and dry so life is good.
Date: 2017-08-16
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Kent Pond
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a hard rain last night and the air was foggy and thick this morning.  My tent and a lot of gear is damp so looking forward to some sun this afternoon. Downhill walk with the occasional up and down to US 4.  We passed many slackpackers who were staying in the hostel in Rutland including Bisquick and Brooklyn.  Everyone spoke favorably about the hostel.  Disciple and I are heading to the Mountain Meadow Lodge and will skip Rutland.  Snake Eye, a 2017 NoBo thru hiker, was doing trail magic at US 4 while she takes a week off from her hike.Gradual climb after US 4, then nice hike to Kent Pond.  We checked into the hotel and was able to dry my tent in the nice open lawn with plenty of sun.  Bill and the staff at the Lodge are very hiker friendly and it is a comfortable place to stay.  Walked the trail into Killington where I bought some new rain pants at the outfitter and resupplied at the Deli market.  Back to the lodge where I did laundry after my shower.  Disciple called in for a pizza delivery, plus we each got a salad.  I was able to talk with my wife plus my sons Christopher and David.  Off to bed as we continue up the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-17
From: Kent Pond

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Breakfast at the hotel,  then hiking at 8 am.  Nice, but challenging climb up Quimby Mountain to begin the day.  On the decent, we ran into a nice group from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corp (VYCC) working to put in some stone steps.  It was evident they had done a lot of maintenance in this area.  Great group of young people.Many PUDs made for a tougher day than I expected.  Arrived at shelter and set up my tent without the fly in the shelter since no one was staying in there.  The tent was mostly for bug protection since the mosquitoes were around.Got some info from SoBo Edison who told us about the Hart family in West Hartford that allows hikers to camp and they provide sodas and snacks.  We also got a warning about a hornets nest near Happy Hill shelter.  Everyone out early tonight, many before 8 pm.
Date: 2017-08-18
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartford, Vermont
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain last night and continuing hard this morning.  Disciple and I packed up and hung around the shelter until 8:30 am, then headed out.  Rain continued off and on most of the morning, sometimes quite heavy.  We had a gradual downhill to VT 12 where we went to The Edge Farm for a late breakfast.  I had the pre-prepared breakfast burrito,  but had a personal mixed berry pie right out of the oven and it was fantastic.  It was still rainy and chilly, so nice to get out of the elements for a while.  Started out and hit some PUDs until Cloudland Rd where we stopped by the market for lunch.  The rain tapered off in the afternoon and had stopped by the time we got to West Hartford.  Went to the Hart family house and set up my tent.  Linda greeted us and was a gracious host and provided some snacks and sodas.  It was nice to get out of the wet clothes and into my warm, dry sleeping bag.