morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Eliza Brook
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

A late start to a day in which we wanted to challenge ourselves was not a good idea. It seems to throw everything else out of wack. We walked over what many called their favorite section of the Whites, Franconia Ridge. Again though we were in the clouds. As we walked out of camp this morning Farsang heard in the last 24hrs. Mt. Washington had received 10in of Rain. Where there were no rocks or roots there was mud, but we wanted the challenge. Upon getting to the last hut we found they had no baked goods left So with snacks running low I just got a candy bar and we pushed on. Unfortunately I placed my money in my pocket, that later fell out on the trail. So someone will run into some good trail magic. Everyday can't be a great one, even on the trail so we continue to walk. We made our mileage which means we are done with pay sites and huts! -Stayin
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Eliza Brook

To: Jeffers Brook
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After a not so great day yesterday, today would be hard to mess up. Today we slept in and didn't hit the trail until 9:10. We started off with a gradual climb up Mt. Wolf (3480'). After a few muddy spots the trail dropped down into Kinsman Notch. We stopped by a road because there was sun which we hadn't seen in a while. After a great lunch our day got better. Right after the road we had some trail magic in the shape of a cooler with Pringles, NuttyBuddy Bars(for Peanut Butter Fans) and Cokes and Lemonade. All ice cold! After the refreshing snack we made our way up Mt. Moosilauke. The summer trail crew was out from the DOC and they were replacing some steps but the work they were doing looked great. Mt. Moosilauke was our last Mountain above tree line and the views were amazing. It took me a good while to get up as my feet had rubbed really bad in several spots. I figured it would be 11pm or so when I rolled into camp. On the descent I couldn't take it anymore so I stopped and Farsang let me borrow some blister patches. Along with those and loosening my boots I was able to walk normal again. I stopped along the way and had a pre-dinner. It was getting late in the day and the weather was just perfect for a stroll through the woods. As we dropped to the shelter we passed our first field of the trail. We are making our way back into the lowlands. Everyone tells us that we have completed the hardest and most rugged. Although we have had lots of Rain (11 out of 17 days) the days in which we had sun were great! We hope that continues.-Stayin
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Jeffers Brook

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 1.6

The Total mileage above is incorrect as I have not entered a journal for everyday. For those of you that don't have an easy way to find out so far I have gone 398.5 miles!Well I am now in Glencliff, NH. It is already 4:30 and we have had a very relaxing day. Our gear is out enjoying the sun and our clothes clean. Now we kick back and relax the rest of the evening. My feet are still red in places but feel good now that they are dry. It seems as though the biggest problem was the fact that they have been wet for so long. We will get a package tomorrow from the Post Office across the street, which is a man's house, and head on to Hanover, NH. That will be the end of our second state. Next is the Green Mountains of Vermont. Looking forward to more good times. Farsang and I really enjoy the small towns. They may not have all the services that you need but you can relax a lot better. This morning we made it to Warren for an All You can Eat Brunch which was excellent! The hostel here is great it has lots of movies and music and is very laid back. Any thru-hikers out there reading you should stop in for a stay.-Stayin
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The hiking we did today feels so much more like the hiking we are used to back home. The terrain was filled with gradual ups and downs, but never anything to steep or out of control. There has also been a noticble shift in the forest. We have moved out of the Northern Boreal Forest and Alpine areas above treeline and into a Northern Mixed Hardwood. Many of the species of wildflowers, trees, fauna etc... are still the same but they are no longer dominant. The flowers we have been seeing up at the higher elevations are in the fruiting stages at the lower elevations here. Our biggest mountain today was Mt. Cube (2911'). The summit was a rocky area and I hit it in time to watch scattered showers moving out over the landscape. Those of course quickly found my location! Luckily it was a light mist that moved through quickly so we didn't get very wet. For the first time in a while at the shelter tonight my feet are dry along with gear which is awesome. Many of the North bounders talk as if they really haven't had to much rain along their trips. Last but not list as the name of the shelter implies it is a hexagon.-Stayin
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Moose Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Tomorrow we arrive in Hanover, NH, and for the first time I will take care of getting rid of some gear. With that I figured I would do an entry on how my gear has worked. So here we go.The homemade gear thanks to the help of my grandmother and mom has held up excellent. That would include two essential components my Tarp and Quilt. Both based on designs by Ray Jardine. The Quilt is rated to 40 degrees and as not shown any sign of not being good enough. I am super pleased with its results. The tarp is still holding up excellent and it is going on 5 years old.My pack he Granite Gear Ozone is doing great. I got some small holes in the bottom and side pockets but they are just that holes. The rip stop material seems to be working as it should. There are no holes or tears where there shouldn't be and it still carries great. I have been using an alcohol stove by Etowah outfitters and it has worked really well. I have cooked noodles, pizza's and pancakes and it has not failed on any of them.Things that haven't worked well include rain gear. I will ship that home in Hanover. Niether the pants or jacket keep you dry unless you are sitting still and when you do that you might as well be at a shelter. While walking you just get wet and as long as you are warm then you just get wet and change into dry clothes when you get to camp. The Pack liner I have from Sea to Summit is also useless. It is not a dry bag that works for me. Water purification is where I am neutral. I did not like the Miox system and UV seems to be working great for most people. Currently I am using a Pump and will continue to do so for a little bit longer as I have trouble talking myself into spending money on a new system.Food wise since towns are becoming closer I am going to try and eat more fresh fruit. The lipton sides have been getting better and better. It seems like every town we come to they have come out with a new flavor. Of course ice cream is always a good treat in towns and a must have! Farsang wants to change my name to Snack time as I love snacking on the trail. Coookies don't normally last to long.-Stayin
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Moose Mtn. Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I am in Hanover, NH, home to Dartmouh College. I am currently hanging out at the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club). The town is very busy but the trail runs through downtown so that makes things easier to get to and deal with. I have already taken care of mail drops etc...and will head out tomorrow morning towards Rutland. Rutland will be a bigger resupply for us. Here in Hanover we are just camping in the woods out of town. No need to pay for a place to stay. A pizza place in town gives thru-hikers a free slice of cheese pizza so we went and got ours along with some lunch. After that we had some good ole Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. This was the first Ben and Jerry's along our way. The 11 miles this morning was nice rolling terrain. We were on the trail at 5:50 so we made it to town by 9:45am. Tomorrow we will be in Vermont, our third state. Two down 12 more to go. Currently I have gone 441.9 miles.-Stayin
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Hanover, NH

To: Cloudland Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

Today was probably the hotest day we have encountered on the trail. Our walk out of Hanover took us into Vermont, my third state. The route out of town took us over several miles of road walking, which isn't the greatest on the feet. On the last road we passed by "The Brain's" house who we met at Baldpate Shelter, hiking North, there we found a cooler with watermellon, cookies and energy bars. After an excellent break we finally made our way into the woods. With out even trying to go any faster or cover more miles the pace had picked up. Already in VT we have been on more roads and crossed more than ME and NH combined. For lunch we stopped at a Deli right on the trail in West Hartford. With the heat beating down we took a nice swim break after lunch across the way from the Deli. These were both excellent treats on a hot day. The Southbounders(SOBO's) and Northbounder's(NOBO's) have started to meet as well. Things will be crowded for a while.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Cloudland Shelter

To: The Lookout
Miles today: 11.9

This is how life should be. Tonight we stay at "The Lookout," which is an old private cabin just off the trail. On the roof there is an observation platform that allows you 360 degree veiws. I was able to look out and see the Green Mountains of Vermont, which is where the State name came from (Verd Mont, French) Also out around us were several thunder storms so I just kicked back, read my book and listened to it. I came back up for the evening light show as the sun set. The hiking we did today was great! The terrain was rolling and passed through many meadows, and crossed by old farm buildings. One of the roads we came to offered a farm stand. After a flip of a coin (heads we go, tails we think about it, it was heads) we made our way down for some warm blueberry pie and a scoop of Ice-cream. The book I mentioned is "One Man's Wilderness." It is basically the Journal of a man whose name I forget that built and lived in a cabin in the wilds of Alaska.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: The Lookout

To: Twelve Tribes Hostel, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 17.5

Well along with easier terrain and changes in my body I am able to mover faster. The 17.5 miles today came easily by 2pm. One thing that helps me at least is an early start. For the first time on the trip I got to see the sunrise from the views offered to us by The Lookout. You don't often get those opportunity's once into the forest areas so you must enjoy them while you can. There is a small ethnic festival going on in Downtown Rutland, which is where we will stay tonight. They have some good music going on but no free food The hostel we are staying at allows us to work for stay. Our job is to do some dishes downstairs in their resturant.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Twelve Tribes Hostel, Rutland, VT

To: Twelve Tribes Hostel, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Well I think it is about time for a ZERO day. I got a resupply and decided that it is not worth walking 1.9mi that I had planned into the next shelter when I can just do some more work. Off to do the dishes again. Head out tomorrow. I will start to hike by myself as Farsang will attempt to push ahead because he will be taking a side trip to Boston.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Twelve Tribes Hostel, Rutland, VT

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

The hiking weather today was excellent. Most of our hiking today was in the forest and offered no real views but we understand tomorrow we will head back up some mountains. I was planning to do the Killington Peak side trail but some how I walked right by it. Saw the other sides trails but not that one. We did pass some trail magic today. It was located at one of our Milestone's. I had a nice cold coke at mile number 500!
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

This morning I started my first full day of not hiking with anyone. That meaning I am not planning to meet anyone on breaks or at camp. The trail is full of people and I will be passing by folks all day. Farsang is hiking ahead because he plans to take a side trip to Boston. The trail was very nice today with one steep downhill early on. I saw two white tailed deer along the way. Both were pretty good size. I have tried some new food for lunch and they are awesome. I am especially enjoying the pre-cooked ready to eat Baccon. Mileage is coming easier each day. By lunch time I had already done 13.5 miles. Now I just have a relaxing afternoon at the shelter. There is a great creek that I was able to take a swim.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Bromley Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

Well I did 13.5 miles by lunch yesterday so I knew my 14.5 would be relaxing today. Rest is never a bad thing though. I slept in later than normal. Even so I was moving by 6:45. Although I didn't wake up to it there was some rain overnight. Early on after leaving the shelter I came to Baker Peak which offered some good views of the surrounding area. YOu could here the movement of everyone going to work in the town below. I'm sure they would rather be hiking. I heard a White-throated Sparrow while standing there, it was the first I had heard in a while. Also heard several Robin's and Junco's. The afteroon offered a good stroll, capped off with a 360 view from the top of Bromley Mtn. Bromley is a ski Mtn in the area and the trail takes right down one of the green trails. I sat at the top and chatted for a while with a day hiker on top of the mountain. All in all it was a great day and I enjoyed arriving to a newer shelter with no one there! While killing time at the shelter I have finished my book. It was an excellent read and it brought me back to some memories I have of Alaska. It's hard to believe that the month of August is already among us. I feel as though I got to skip the summer, hopefully I can say that at the end.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Bromley Mtn. Shelter

To: William B. Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

I walked 2 miles to the road today and got an easy hitch from an older couple. It seems as though everyone that has offered rides for me, also cycle. The man driving was going to race up some Mtn. on Saturday that looked pretty steep so hopefully he had a great time doing so. I was in Manchester Center, VT by 7:30am. The grocery was not as good as the previous one but had enough of what I needed. After groceries I made some phone calls and killed some time. I got my pack problems solved with Granite Gear, they will have me a new pack sitting in Dalton, MA. Excellent customer serivce by them, Thanks! I made a quick run to the Bookstore and picked up "An Ordinary Man" by Paul Rusesabagina. This book is what the Movie "Hotel Rawanda" was based on. I sent some clothes home, which I will probably want back soon. The shelter tonight was .5mi off the trail so there are no crowds. There is a Barred Owl calling out in the distance and there was a humingbird feeding on the Jewelweed out front early.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: William B. Douglas Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

WOW! My biggest day yet as far as milage and I feel great. As Farsang and I always said though "there is never and easy walk into camp." The morning started off with a great stroll to Stratton Pond and that was quickly followed by a climb up Stratton Mountain. Stratton is significant in that it was where the idea of the AT was born. There was a fire tower on top that offered some views but it was really hazy out. On the way down Stratton I had the treat of seeing my second Moose. I got a short video clip of it because it was to hard to get a picture. The clip ends with a retreat by me as the Moose started in my direction. By lunch I had made it about 15 miles and decided I would keep pushing. I arrived at the next shelter shortly after 3pm. Although bad weather was in the Forecast the sky looked great and I felt great so I decided to go the next 4.1 up Glassenbury Mtn. to the next shelter which I heard had awesome water. About a mile into the hike I heard thunder off in the distance. With this, I started a light jog up the Mountian in an attempt to beat the storm. No such luck! As I got towards the top the storm hit. Pea to dime size hail started coming down which was followed by a pouring rain. Very shortly lightening was hitting all around. I made the decision to not go any further and set up my tarp to wait it out. As I counted the time between the flashes of lightening and the clap of thunder, I had problems getting past the number one (5 secs. = 1 mile). Finally after a two hour wait there was a clearing so I packed up and ran the rest of the way. Turns out, I was only 3 mins from the summit and 8 mins from the shelter.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

I went to sleep after watching some more lightening in the distance. After waking up I wasn't motivated to put on wet clothes so I took my time. The sun made its way in to the shelter so I took advantage of it and dried some gear out. It was 10:00 before I hit the trail. I could have gone further and given myself and easy walk into town tomorrow but the late start hurt me. Tomorrow will be the end of Vermont though, and I have truely enjoyed the State.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

Today I made my way into the fourth state, Massachusetts. The start to the morning was chilly. Those mittens I sent home in the last town would have been nice, oh well. I passed by a beautiful beaver dam this morning. The trail walked right beside the dam and was below the water level which was cool. After several ponds I climbed to the top of an Mtn. with no name to my knowledge where I finished the southern portion of the long trail and entered the State of MA. I made my way to North Adams and bought some snacks but really didn't need to resupply. After some Ice cream I made my way up out of town. Tomorrow I would summit Mt. Greylock the highest point in MA.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Bird Cage
Miles today: 19.9

I have made it 619.6 miles to Dalton, MA. I started the morning climbing to the summit of Mt. Greylock which was deserted thanks to the lodge and roads being closed. I had some views going up but once I was on top the clouds set in, which was also pretty cool. The hike down to Chesire, MA and then to Dalton, MA was excellent. By 3pm I had made my way over to the Bird Cage which is just one of the Two FREE Hostels in the area. Tonight we are going to head to an all you can eat buffet and pack on some wait. Can't wait for this we have been talking about it since ME. (We would be Farsang and I) I caught up with him in town. He will head out tomorrow and I will take a Zero day!
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Bird Cage

To: Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

The Buffet last night was amazing. Today we went and had an excellent breakfast which also served as lunch. I went to the post office and got my bounce box taken care of as well as my backpack sent back to granite gear. Rob Bird the owner of the hostel took us all to a State Park which had a nice swiming pool. A local teen did a really crazy jump. We did a quick trip to the outfitter, which didn't have what I needed and then on to the grocery store where I just had to pick up a few items. For dinner we all ordered in Pizza at Robs. It is like a SOBO festival here, currently it is Solar, Lunar, their dog Violet, Mr. Cowpie, Twisted Sister, Castle and Myself. All in all Rob is simply a trail angel. No matter what you need he will take care of you and won't accept a dime. Tomorrow we are all heading out to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Bird Cage

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

After a long day it is nice to sit on a dock by a pond and relax. Everything feels nice and laid back, even though you can here the roar of the nearby Mass Turnpike, which we crossed earlier in the day. There seems to be at least one private house along the pond as two young girls and some others are out trying their luck fishing. Most hikers stay here due to the fact that in the Morning the volunteer caretaker makes up some pancakes. If SOBO's are present and they turn in to Blueberry Pancakes. Thanks to the others we will have blueberry pancakes. I checked my book at lunch time and realized I had already passed the Cookie Lady's house where there were cookies and blueberriers. Flora and fauna are changing more and more. I have started to see Doll's Eyes or White Baneberry which I have pictures of in the photo area from back in Boone, and also some Mountian Laurel. Along with those I have seen some Gray Squirrels hanging out in the woods for the first time.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-To
Miles today: 15.8

This morning the blueberry pancakes were awesome. Luckily they were ready starting at 6:30am. Still that meant I was getting a late start because I had to make sure there were no leftovers. By 8:00 I was on the trail. There was not much to see while hiking today. I was mostly in the woods so I was confined to wildlife and plants. I did stop to get some pictures of a downy woodpecker. The shelter here is Brand NEW! It was finished about three weeks ago. When I arrived I caught a nuthatch that had found its way into the upper loft and gotten stuck. Once I got it I took it out where it gladly flew to a tree. Hopefully I will be able to sleep through the Mosquitos, as they are out in force.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-To

To: Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 19.7

My thoughts when I woke up this morning were that I would take a Zero day. Hearing the rain come down on the shelter and the wind blowing outside made the sleeping in the new shelter really appealing. After several hours I finally caught my motivation, which had left without me and started to pack up. I was the last to leave shelter and it was 10am. I made sure to eat a good amount of breakfast and snacks before I left.   Shortly after I started the rain started back. Stopping only made you cold so I just kept moving. I took two breaks the whole day and was very happy to make it to the shelter. I quikcly got into some dry clothes and ate some dinner. I caught back up to Mr. Cowpie and Twisted Sister and Solar, Lunar, Violet(dog), Trip, and Rat Slap have all made it as well. With all of us and several NOBO's this is by far the fullest shelter I have stayed at.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Hemlocks Lean-To

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 14.1

Today five us started out walking about the same time so we had breaks together and passed each other multiple times. All of us had the same goal in mind as far as milage and resupply in Salisbury and all of us changed that plan. By the time we had made it up to Bear Mtn., the highest point in CT. We decided that we were all pretty tired. None of us had been moving as good has we could and the terrian, although steep and uphill at times was not that bad. Thanks to the weekend there were a lot of people out on the trail. It was 4:30 when I got to Salisbury, CT. I was hoping to be there early afternoon. Once to the grocery store I got my resupply and bought some cereal and milk for dinner as there was no cheap meal in this town. I could have cooked something up but I needed to save the fuel for the trail. After dinner we headed into the woods and found a place to lay down for the night. I didn't even bother seting up the tarp as the weather looked great.