morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Gooddard Shelter 

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

Started hiking around 6:40AM. Took some pictures on the Glastenbury Mountain summit and fire tower. Made it to Story Spring Shelter where I had lunch. Afterwards I hiked onto Stratton Mountain. The climb up Stratton Mountain was long. Over 1700 feet gain over 3.8 miles but portions were steep. Went up the fire tower on Stratton Mountain. More great views. Stratton Mountain is where Benton MacKaye came up with the idea for the AT. Hiked down to Stratton Pond Shelter. Good crowd here tonight. Glad today is over. It was another long and hot day.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Stratton Pond Shelter 

To: Manchester Center, Vermont 
Miles today: 10.7

Didn't sleep well last night. Felt tired when I got up. Started hiking at 6:35AM. It was very humid today. No views either. Made it to Vermont highway 11/30 then caught a ride to a hotel. Bad weather is forecasted for the rest of the day.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Manchester Center, Vermont 

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

Got up and showered, packed, ate and got a shuttle back to the AT. Started hiking at 8:25AM. It felt like a fall day when I started. I hiked this section in 2009. Some of it I remembered and some of it I didn't. Got to the summit of Bromley Mountain and took some pictures. It was a little windy. Continued hiking after taking pictures. Going up Baker Peak was tough. Made it to Lost Pond Shelter around 4:15PM. This shelter area looks a lot different today than it did in the fall of 2009. I stayed in the shelter along with another hiker. The forecast is for rain tonight. Other hikers here: Dr G, Radar, Deadwood, Doc, Aquaman and his mother and more.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good storm last night and this morning. Lots of rain, lightening and thunder. Due to the rain, I got a little later start than usual. Started hiking around 7:40AM. The trail was slippery, muddy and rocky. Then it would be flat for a little while and then repeat. Prior to getting to Vermont Highway 140, I caught up to Aquaman and his mother near Bully Brook. There is a nice waterfall there. As I was approaching I heard someone yell for help. I looked around and saw Aquaman's mother had slipped and was holding onto a rock to avoid falling down the falls. Both Aquaman and I rush to her. Aquaman got there first anEveryon secured her and started pulling her up to safety. I arrived a second or two later and assisted. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief after she rested for a moment. We continued on and I stopped at the road for a lunch break. After lunch I hiked on to Minerva Hinchey Shelter. Arrived there around 3:40PM. Had a snack and decided to call it a day. Set up my tent. The bugs have been bad the past few day.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started hiking at 7AM. Felt tired early on. The trail down to Vermont Highway 103 wasn't that bad but the climb out of there was tough. Steady climb up to Governor Clement Shelter, where I had lunch. Left there and had another tough climb to Cooper Lodge Shelter on Mount Killington. It rain hard on me during the climb. I decided not to go to the peak of Mount Killington due to the weather. After a rest, I headed out. Soon the skies cleared up but they got dark again a half hour later. Made it to Churchill Scott Shelter and grabbed a spot in the shelter along with AJ (Average Joe) and Radar.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't sleep until the late morning hours. Felt very sluggish when I got up. Started hiking at 7:30AM. Made it to Sherburne Pass and went to the Inn at Long Trail where I met up with Dr G. I still felt bad. Dr G and I decided to team up going into New Hampshire's White Mountain Range. After a rest and a large lunch, we started hiking again. The weather looked like it would storm. I initially felt better after lunch but began to fade and so did Dr G. We ended up getting a room at the Mountain Meadows Lodge just a few miles down the trail. I resupplied and started to get an early rest hoping to feel better for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Mountain Meadows Lodge

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Had a good night. Got up around 6:20AM. Didn't get to have breakfast until a little after 8AM. Started hiking at 9AM. First mile or so wasn't bad but then had an almost 1300 foot climb over a mile. It was a tougher climb than it appeared on the profile. Had lunch around noon. A few steep climbs the rest of the day. Made it to Winturri Shelter at 5:40PM. Set up in the shelter. All the tent sights are taken.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Dr G and I started hiking at 6:50AM. Cool morning but it warmed up during the day. The first three miles were mostly downhill but there was still a lot of short abrupt climbs mixed in. After the first 3 miles the rest of the day had a lot of abrupt climbs and descents. Came across some trail magic at Cloudland Road. There was water, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and other snacks. Later Dr G and I went up the road to Cloudland Market. I got a pint of ice cream. We resumed hiking after a rest and made it to Thistle Hill Shelter a little before 3PM. Rested and snacked for the rest of the day.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.7

Didn't sleep well last night. Thankfully no mice at the shelter. Started hiking around 6:25AM. The trail wasn't too bad today. It did have a few short-steep ascents and descents but we made good progress. The forecast was for some thunder storms but the morning skies are clear. Dr G and I had a rest in West Hartford, VT. We take another break at Happy Hill Shelter and it is getting hot. Later we come across some more trail magic, popsicles. They were good. We continue hiking and come to Elm Street and follow the blazes. Then we come across some more trail magic, cookies. We continue to follow the blazes along the road until we come to Norwich, VT. We stop by a store and got a cold drink. We follow the trail into Hanover, New Hampshire. It is home to Dartmouth College. Nice town. It has a variety of places to eat and shop. Dr G and I get a bite to eat, stop by they post office and get a few items in town. Tonight we stay with two good friends of mine, Jim and Julie. I used to work with Julie at a hospital in an Atlanta suburb. And we eat real food!! Life is good.
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Hanover, NH/Plainfield, NH

To: Ice Cream Man House 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Jim and Julie took Dr G and I to breakfast this morning. We ate at Lou's Restaurant. All of us enjoyed a great breakfast. I enjoyed seeing Julie, Jim and Julie's mother again. And all the hikers I spoke with enjoyed visiting Hanover. Dr G and I started hiking around 8AM. We finished hiking through Hanover and then followed the trail back into the woods. After a few miles we came across some trail magic, cold drinks. Soon El Auto, Chilli-pepper, Stellar and Spielberg joined us. We later had an 800 foot climb, then 1300 foot descent followed by another climb of 1200 feet. When we made to Trapper John Shelter we decided to go a little further. We continued on to the home of Bill Ackerly. He was known as the Ice Cream Man. He would give ice cream and socialize with hikers. Although he died earlier this year, his family is allowing hikers to continue to use the property for tenting, water resupply and even ice cream. Six hikers are here tenting.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Ice Cream Man House 

To: Hexacuba Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a decent night. Also, everyone had a lot of condensation on their tents this morning. Dr G and I headed out at 6:45AM. The first two miles were okay then we started to climb Smarts Mountain. It has two separate climbs. First section has 1200 feet gain over 1 to 1.5 miles. The next section had a gain of about 800 feet over 0.6 miles. It was steep. I was tired when I reached the top. Took in some views at the firetower. Then we hiked down almost 1800 feet for 4 miles to South Jacobs Brook. There we had lunch along with El Auto, Chilli-Pepper, Stellar and Spielberg. After lunch, Stellar, Dr G and I hiked to Hexacuba Shelter and called it a day. The forecast called for some severe storms today and tonight. We set up in the shelter and were later joined by a southbounder, Jill-De-Beast.
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Hexacuba Shelter 

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep much last night. Even if I could have fallen asleep, I'm sure all the mice would have woke me up. One crawled into my sleeping bag and I immediately got it out. The forecasted storms didn't develop last night. It only rained for a few minutes. Dr G and I hit the AT around 6:45AM. We immediately started climbing Mt Cube, over 800 feet gain in 1.5 miles. Portions were very steep on slick rock. There were some nice views going up Mt Cube and at the summit. Then we had a 1900 foot decline over 3 miles followed by a 900 foot gain. Then the trail "leveled out" a little for a few miles before another 700 foot gain. It looked like it would rain on several occasions but didn't. When we got to New Hampshire highway 25, we took a side trip to Hikers Welcome Hostel. We bought a few snacks and sodas. Filled up on water and then returned to the trail. Made it to Jeffers Brook Shelter and set up our tents. We chatted with southbounder Wonderland for a little while. Dr G and I are excited to start the Whites tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter 

To: Stealth campsite near Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started early in the morning. Felt excited to get to The Whites. Made a nearly 3500 foot climb to Mt Moosilauke. Skies had a few scattered clouds but overall excellent weather. The views were great. After enjoying the views and taking some pictures, we started our descent. The descent was steep and rocky. We took a lunch break at Beaver Brook Shelter, then continued the descent. The trail was still steep and rocky. Add in slippery because Beaver Brook paralleled the trail and the going was slow. When we got to the footbridges we found some campsites and called it a day.
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Stealth campsite near Kinsman Notch

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough day. Had a long steady climb up Mt Wolfe. Not many views this morning. A lot of short but steep ascents and descents. After getting past Mt Wolfe we descended to Eliza Brook Shelter where we had lunch. Soon Spielberg, El Auto, Chilli-pepper and Spider arrived. Dr G and I left first. The afternoon started off bad. While crossing Eliza Brook, I slipped on the rocks and fell into the water. Thankfully I didn't get soaked. We continued the ascent. It got steep. Then, after we had passed about two-thirds of the way up, we heard thunder. Dark clouds were approaching. Soon everyone from the lunch crowd passed us. Then the trail got even steeper. We were literally crawling over the rocks to get up the mountain. We finally summited South Kinsman Mountain. Thunder was getting closer and the clouds were getting darker. We quickly descended. Caught up with Spielberg, El Auto and Chilli-pepper. They were waiting in a low spot under some trees waiting for the expected storm to pass. As we spoke, we saw a flash of lightening and took cover also. We waited out the rain and lightening. After about 40 minutes, the danger appeared to pass. Everyone got up and resumed hiking. Soon we summited North Kinsman Mountain. We continued hiking. Dr G and I stopped at Kinsman Pond Shelter. The descent was a tough one and the rain had stopped. Another hiker joined us, Bigfoot. Nice guy. Another hiker joined in later in the evening but I didn't get her name.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter 

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

We got an early start but no one felt rested due to the mouse that kept disturbing everyone. The initial hiking from the shelter was steep and on slippery rock. Soon we came to some easier terrain and made our way to Franconia Notch. From there we took a side trail to the Flume Visitor Center and got a ride into Lincoln, NH. There we ate, got a hotel and resupplied.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Got a shuttle back to Franconia Notch and hiked back to the AT. Started hiking on the AT around 7:40AM. Made the steep climb to Franconia Ridge. Continued on to Little Haystack Mountain. We were above tree line and the views were awesome. We stayed above tree line as we hiked to Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette. There were plenty of people on the mountains. At times it seems crowded but I still enjoyed the views. We continued on. The hiking was slow and steep. We made it to Garfield Ridge Shelter /Campsite and grabbed one of the few remaining tent sites. We were tired.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite 

To: Ethan Pond Campsite 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Had a steep decline out of Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite. To make things more difficult, there was a small stream in the middle of the trail for a while. We made it to Galehead Hut and took a break. They had some leftover pancakes and we enjoyed the offer of to help finish them off. After we snacked and got some water, we hiked up South Twin Mountain. We continued on during the day and made it to Zealand Falls Hut where we got some soup and snacks. Afterwards, we hiked onto Ethan Pond Campsite and got a tent site. Later in the evening, a young bull moose appeared in the pond and almost everyone at the campsite went to the pond to watch it.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Ethan Pond Campsite 

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

It rained a little last night but had stopped by the time we got up. Started hiking around 6:50AM. The hike down to Crawford Notch wasn't too bad but then we began the 2700 foot ascent up to Mt Webster. It started to rain a mile away from Mt Webster peak. That is when the crawling over and down mountain section started. The picked up as the hiking continued. And the temperature seemed to drop. By the time we made it to Mizpah Spring Hut, we were soaking wet and cold. We decided to end our day there and got a spot in the hut. We ate and warmed up. Big crowd here. The croo, as they are referred to in the huts, was especially nice and helpful.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Valley Way Tent Site-Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice breakfast and the weather definitely improved over the night. Clothes still damp. We climbed up to Mt Pierce where we could see the peaks of other mountains in the distance. The views were excellent all morning. And the trail conditions were good. We took a brief break at Lake of the Clouds Hut then continued the rest of the ascent up to Mt Washington. The views were great. However, some dark clouds were forming in the distance. We took a. Few pictures and had a quick lunch. Big crowd on the summit enjoying the views and visitor center. After we finished our lunch, we decided to head out earlier than expected. We still had miles to hike and the clouds were getting darker and closer. We made it past Mt Jefferson, the trail doesn't go over Mt Jefferson. Soon the trail turned into boulders in sections. Then there was a lot of rock hopping or walking on jagged rocks. It was very frustrating. Seemed like I had to watch my foot placement every single step all afternoon. Finally made it to Madison Spring Hut and then had to take a steep side trail down a tent site. I am exhausted. Even though I enjoyed the morning, I was equally aggravated by the afternoon.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Valley Way Tent Site-Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch-Gorham
Miles today: 7.8

Didn't sleep well last night. Got up and hiked up the steep trail back to Madison Spring Hut. Got some more water. Had a steep, boulder climb up Mt Madison. The boulder crawling and rock hopping on steep trail continued for another mile or so. Then the trail turned to more of a steep trail with a bunch of rocks. I was tired. Dr G and I had decided first thing this morning to go ahead into Gorham, NH when we made it to Pinkham Notch. We finally made it to the notch and got shuttled into town. Got a room at Colonial Fort Inn. Washed clothes and got a good meal. We rested. I feel exhausted.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Pinkham Notch-Gorham

To: Pinkham Notch-Gorham
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Resupplied on food first thing this morning. Got a new pair of shoes and a haircut. Hope my new shoes hold up and that I have better luck with them than I have had with others. Still tired. This has been a well earned rest.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Pinkham Notch-Gorham

To: Imp Shelter 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Got shuttled back to the trail. Started hiking at 7:45AM. Had a 2200 foot climb. Felt a little better today. Had a nice view on several occasions. Took a break at Carter Notch Hut. After the break, we had a steep 1000 foot climb. Later we had a 1200 foot descent to Imp Shelter. Very tired at the end of the day. The shelter is crowded tonight. Heavy rains in the forecast.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Imp Shelter 

To: Trident Col Campsite 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Didn't rain like it was forecasted. Started hiking at 6:30AM. Had a 600 foot plus climb over Mt Moriah. The trail was much better this morning. Took a long lunch break at New Hampshire route 2, White Mountain Lodge-Hostel. We also got a coke from Mountain Goat and his wife. At the lodge we had a pizza and a coke. Continued hiking to Trident Col Campsite. We set up our tents. Met Herbert from Austria. He is section hiking. Today was a good day.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Trident Col Campsite 

To: Full Goose Pond 
Miles today: 14.5

Started hiking at 7AM. Had a nearly 700 ascent early in the morning. Took a break near Gentian Pond Shelter. Clouds got dark off and on. Had a difficult ascent up Mt Success. Later we crossed the New Hampshire-Maine state line. The afternoon seemed to last forever. Got rained on while atop a mountain peak and had 30-35 mph winds. I did get to see a rainbow. The temperature dropped. Finally made it to Full Goose Pond Shelter around 6:05PM. Staying in the shelter tonight. Another big crowd tonight.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Full Goose Pond 

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

Started hiking at 6:25AM. Made it to the Mahoosic Notch an hour later. Finished the Mahoosic Notch at 9:25AM. Unfortunately, I lost one of my trekking poles. The climb up the Mahoosic Arm was tough. Had lunch at Speck Pond Shelter. Later we made it to Grafton Notch around 4PM. The forecast had zero percent chance of rain, so naturally we got rained on at Grafton Notch. We waited till it cleared up and then headed out. Made it to Baldpate Lean-to around 5:55PM. Set up my tent. A good crowd here. It was a tough but good day.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: East B Hill Road/Andover, Maine
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't sleep much last night. Very tired. Had a nearly 1000 foot climb in less than a mile, up to Baldpate West Peak. Later crossed Baldpate East Peak where the winds were about 30-35 mph. Had a 1500 foot descent and took a brief break. Continued hiking to East B Hill Road. By this time I was tired and irritable but when we got there we had a pleasant surprise. Trail magic!! It was provided by Goldberry! Yes, the same Goldberry I met in the Shenandoah National Park. She had gotten off the trail to return to work but was keeping up with her husband, Bombadil, and her two daughters. Goldberry drove about 4 hours to visit and provide the trail magic. It was very good to see her again and to get a report on Bombadil. The trail magic boosted everyone's spirits. We finally got into Andover, Maine. Dr G and I are will stay at a campsite near some cabins and get shuttled back to the trail in the morning. Just relaxing the rest of the day and cleaning up.
Date: 2016-08-10
From: East B Hill Road/Andover, Maine

To: South Arm Road campsite 
Miles today: 10.1

Got shuttled back to the AT. The trail was especially nice the first few miles but we were still moving slow. Later in the day we had a steep descent, over 1500 feet, then a nearly 800 foot ascent followed by a 1200 foot descent. Dr G and I made it to South Arm Road campsite around 3:30PM and called it a day. Other hikers arrive as the day goes by.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: South Arm Road campsite 

To: Campsite near Maine highway 17
Miles today: 12.2

Slow getting started this morning. Started hiking around 6:55AM. Had an immediate ascent of 1600 feet within the first half mile. Then we continued to go up another 1400 feet over the next two plus miles. The trail was a little rough today. Lots of roots and rocks. And a lot of short and steep steps. Had a few nice views. Dr G and I are sluggish. We made it to a campsite near Maine highway 17 around 4PM. We set up our tents and settle down for the afternoon.
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Campsite near Maine highway 17

To: Rangeley, Maine 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get much sleep last night. Had a few night time critters running around near my tent last night. Add to that one of the other hikers had a dog that rambled around even more and I didn't have much peace and quiet. We started hiking around 6:45AM. Had a 700 foot ascent up to Maine highway 17. Continued on as the skies got dark. Then around 9AM, it started to rain. We hiked in a steady rain for the rest of the morning. After noon, the rain would come and go or the wind would shake water off the leaves. I did get to meet some trail maintainers and thanked them for their work. We had a brief chat. Nice group. Dr G and I finally made it to Maine highway 4 around 2:30PM and got picked up by staff from The Farmhouse Hostel. We had called ahead earlier. We will need to resupply and get a few other things done. We make it to the hostel, clean up and get things organized. There is a good crowd here tonight.
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Rangeley, Maine 

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Got shuttled back to the trail this morning. Started hiking around 8AM. It was sunny initially but by the time we got a mile or two from Saddleback Mountain it started to get cloudy and then rain. We were actually walking through the clouds by late morning. Winds were around 30-35 mph. Visibility was around 50-200 yards. It stayed that way till after we passed Saddleback Mountain and the Horn. The rocks were slippery. It cleared up as wer got to lower elevation. Made it to Poplar Ridge Lean-to around 2:30PM. I'm staying in the shelter tonight along with Dr. G, Mouse and a few others.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

I was slow moving this morning. Rested some last night but still sluggish in the morning. We started hiking around 7 AM. It was cool and there was a fine mist in the air. The mist disappeared after about 30 minutes of hiking. The skies cleared up as the day progressed. We crossed Orbeton Stream and started a 1700 foot ascent. The last 800 feet were fairly steep. We made it up Lone Mountain and continued to Spaulding Mountain, passed the plaque marking the completion of the last section of the AT and then skirted around Sugarloaf Mountain. The descent to South Branch Carrabasset River was steep and very rocky in places. We crossed the South Branch Carrabassett River and continued on to Crocker Cirque Campsite. Arrived alittle after 5PM. I'm tenting and Dr. G is camping under his tent-fly. He is having some trouble with his tent. It was a tough 14 plus miles but we feel good.