morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Bascom Lodge Hostel

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles hiked today : 14.0 13.2 AT miles + 0.2 mile of side trail + 0.6 roadwalk mileI woke up this morning at 6:30 a.m., packed up, and headed to the lodge to read while waiting for breakfast. Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m. and wasn't exactly AYCE, though I certainly didn't go hungry. After breakfast, I sat in the lobby and finished reading "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest," then hiked out with Opa at 10:00 a.m. The layer of fog on top of Mount Greylock was so thick that the War Memorial Tower was no longer visible.At 10:45 a.m. I slipped on a wet rock and landed in such a way that my left arm was temporarily pinned by my trekking pole. Cha-ching, fall #23. I freed myself and continued on. At 11:30 a.m., I passed Notch Road and took a 10 minute break when I reached Pattison Road at 12:45 p.m. When I reached MA2 at 1:15 p.m., I walked to a grocery store for lunch, arriving at 1:25 p.m. I bought groceries and after an hour long lunch break, I walked back to the AT and hiked on at 2:35 p.m.The climb up from MA2 was difficult due to the heat and steep incline. At 3:30 p.m., I stopped for a 20 minute rest and water break. As I set out, I could hear faint thunder in the distance and still had around 5 miles to hike. As the thunder intensified, I pushed on, reaching the Vermont state line at 4:40 p.m. and Seth Warner Shelter at 5:55 p.m. Yes, I'm back in the land where a shelter is called a shelter, not a lean-to or a hut.15 minutes after I arrived at the shelter, heavy rain began to fall and I was thankful to be under cover. A bit later, Cat, a hiker I'd not seen since Springer Mountain on March 14th, showed up with her hiking buddy, She-Ra. It was very interesting to meet up with her and talk with both of them while we cooked dinner. It turns out that they both participated in naked hiking day, which marks the first hikers, besides myself, I've met that did so.After dinner, I was putting away miscelaneous pieces of gear when I accidentally dropped my stove on Opa's head from a 4 foot height. I felt very bad and it took a moment until he pronounced himself okay. After putting my gear away, I journaled, then crawled into my sleeping bag for the night.Bedtime at 9:10 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

Miles hiked today : 21.921.6 AT miles + 0.3 mile of side trailI woke up this morning at 5:20 a.m. and was packed and hiking with Opa at 6:00 a.m. It had rained throughout the night, so the trail today was largely covered with either running water or deep mud pockets. I referred to walking through the mud pockets as slogging and Vermont was soon dubbed "Vermud."The trail was well graded and uneventful until I reached Roaring Branch, which was a high volume water flow between two ponds. Luckily, it was easy to cross, though I wondered whether the water was normally that high. I hadn't eaten breakfast, so my stomach was growling at me by the time I stopped for a 10 minute rest break at 7:55 a.m. I ate and quickly moved on to keep warm.Moving on, I had managed to keep my feet relatively dry until I reached Sucker Pond. The pond was flooded and spilling over the bog bridges, which were actually floating in the water. As I stepped across, my feet were immersed in cold water more than a foot deep. I continued to Congdon Shelter, arriving at 9:20 a.m., and stayed for a 15 minute rest break.Leaving the shelter, I had a fairly easy climb up to Harmon Hill and arrived at 10:40 a.m. I stopped for 5 minutes, then continued on, only to intercept avery large snake in the trail. It was about 2 inches thick and 5 feet long, though I have no idea of its identification, other than it was not a rattlesnake. When I saw the snake, I was very startled and quickly stepped back and accidentally stabbed Opa in the chest with one of my trekking poles. I'm beginning to believe that hiking with me is hazardous to his health.From Harmon Hill, I had a very steep 965 foot descent down to VT9 immediately followed by a steep 970 foot climb to Melville Nauheim Shelter, at which I arrived at 12:25 p.m. Just before the shelter, at 12:00 p.m., I walked through Split Rock, which is a 10 foot tall boulder cleaved in two. I took a 40 minute lunch break at the shelter, having already hiked 13.3 miles.At 1:05 p.m., I was hiking again and reached Hell Hollow Brook at 1:50 p.m. From Hell Hollow Brook, I still had 6.9 miles until Goddard Shelter with no landmarks to watch for. I hiked on, dodging mud pits, climbing hills, and stopped for 2 rest breaks totaling 15 minutes before arriving at the shelter at 4:55 p.m.Upon arriving, I set my boots out in the sun to dry and gathered water from a frigid mountain stream. I made dinner while chatting with a weekend hiker, Jessie, who is studying wildlife biology in southern California. Afterward, I settled in to journal and read before calling it a day. The weather today was phenomenally good with the temperature staying right below 70 degrees. The cool temperatures made for fairly pleasant hiking, especially during some of the hill climbs.Bedtime at 9:15 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: The Carriage House Motel - Manchester Center, VT

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles hiked today : 11.710.1 AT miles + 0.1 mile of side trail + 1.5 roadwalk milesI woke up this morning at 7:50 a.m. and began transferring my gear to my new backpack. Everything fit, though the loaf of organic sourdough I'd purchased yesterday was doomed to be flattened. I left a few items in my old pack, including my hydration system, as it wasn't compatible with my new pack.After I'd packed, I joined Opa, Mark, Turtle, and Chairman outside for breakfast, then Mark drove us to the bookstore. Opa and I walked to the grocery store to resupply and while I was outside repackaging food, Bones showed up. I was very happy to see him and the feeling seemed to be mutual, as he excitedly told me that he'd not seen another thru-hiker in 6 days. After chatting with Bones for a bit, Opa and I headed back to the bookstore and Mark took us to the trailhead. It was very kind of Mark to spend his time helping hikers other than his sons and I am very appreciative.Opa and I headed up the trail at 12:35 p.m. and right away began a 690 foot climb. My new pack felt strange, as it is an internal frame and sits right on my body, whereas my old external frame pack was kept back off of my body. After 2.0 miles, I walked the short side trail to Bromley Mountain Shelter and took a 15 minute break until 1:35 p.m.From the shelter, it was a somewhat steep 700 foot climb over 1.0 mile to the summit of Bromley Mountain. When I reached the summit at 2:05 p.m., I was surprised to find a ski lift, though I suppose I shouldn't have been, as this is ski country. Next, I descended 810 feet over 2.5 miles to Mad Tom Notch (USFS 21) and stopped for a 15 minute break, departing at 3:25 p.m.From Mad Tom Notch, I had a nicely switchbacked 945 foot climb to cloudy Styles Peak and an easy ridgewalk to viewless Peru Peak. From Peru Peak, I descended 825 feet over 1.3 miles to Peru Peak Shelter, arriving at 5:25 p.m. Opa and I had discused hiking another 4.7 miles to the next shelter, but decided to stay here for the night and do a long day tomorrow. While making dinner, I chatted with Opa and Kat, an LT hiker I'd previously met at Goddard Shelter.This shelter is a GMC fee site, similar to the shelter at Stratton Pond, though when the caretaker came around, I showed my receipt from before, which allowed me to stay for free tonight. Although I don't like the idea of paying to sleep in a shelter or to pitch my tent, the benefit of paying one fee and staying at multiple sites over a 7 day period is better than nothing.After dinner, I set up my sleeping gear and crawled into my sleeping bag to journal before reading. Although the sky threatened to rip wide open all day, the rain never materialized. In addition, the trail wasn't extremely muddy and was nicely switchbacked, which made the climbs easier. Hopefully these conditions hold for tomorrow.Bedtime at 8:30 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Clarendon Gorge
Miles today: 22.7

Miles hiked today : 22.722.3 AT miles + 0.4 mile of sidetrailI woke up this morning at 6:00 a.m. and was packed and hiking with Opa at 6:40 a.m. I hiked steadily for 4.8 miles, arriving at Lost Pond Shelter at 8:35 a.m. Along the way, I had crossed Baker Peak, a sketchy rock scramble which would have had a great view, if it hadn't been so cloudy. I stayed for 25 minutes to rest and drink water, then continued on.At 11:05 a.m., I'd covered another 5.4 miles and stopped at Little Rock Pond Shelter for lunch. Cap'n Crunch and Colonel Forbin were on site and chatted with Opa and I during our 45 minute lunch break. Futher up the trail, at 1:30 p.m., I reached an area with a large number of rock cairns, which appeared to have taken a long time to create. At 1:50 p.m., I stopped for a 5 minute water break and at 2:05 p.m., I stopped at rushing Bully Brook for 15 minutes to gather and treat 2 liters of water.At 3:00 p.m., partway up Bear Mountain, I felt extremely overheated, although the temperature was only 74 degrees. I stopped for 5 minutes to chug a liter of water before continuing on and reached Minerva Hinchey Shelter at 4:10 p.m. I gathered water for Opa and I before settling in to make dinner. Around 5:00 p.m., as I was finishing my meal, Michael, Turtle, and Chairman showed up. I asked whether they were staying for the night, though they announced their intention of continuing on 2.6 miles to Clarendon Gorge to camp. Opa and I decided to continue on with them and, at 6:30 p.m., after everybody had eaten dinner, we set out as a group of 5.Turtle and I were at the front of the pack and were having a great time singing different songs. Singing very loudly, off key, and laughing all the way, the 2.6 miles went very quickly and we arrived at the gorge at 7:30 p.m. There were a large number of campsites to choose from and we picked a group site away from the trail.After I set up my tent and sleeping gear, I journaled for a bit, then joined the others down at Mill River, which runs through the gorge. I washed my feet in the river, then we walked to the suspension bridge over the gorge. The river had carved out a number of channels through the rock and was fascinating to watch. After the suspension bridge, we walked back to our campsite and I retired to my tent.Earlier this evening, Michael told me that his brother, Sean, had jumped out of the same tree at the marble quarry and had hurt his back. He's taking a couple days off of the trail and is staying with a friend in the area. I hope he recovers quickly. I also heard today that there was a terrorist attack in London today. Unfortunately, there isn't much information on current events available when you live in the woods. I'm certainly curious to find out more and plan on picking up a newspaper on Saturday in Killington.On a more positive note, I'm highly enjoying this group of people and am glad that we've been meeting up so frequently. In the morning, we're walking 0.1 mile up the trail, then road walking 0.5 mile to a restaurant for breakfast.Bedtime at 10:10 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Clarendon Gorge

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Miles hiked today : 12.411.3 AT miles + 0.1 mile of sidetrail + 1.0 roadwalk mileI woke up this morning at 6:25 a.m., packed, waited for the rest of the group to pack, and was hiking at 7:25 a.m. We hiked 0.1 mile to VT103 and took a 1.0 mile roundtrip detour to the Whistle Stop restaurant for breakfast. I ate entirely too much and when I returned to the AT at 9:25 a.m. and started up the hill to Clarendon Shelter, I wasn't feeling very well. I found Bones at Clarendon Shelter and stopped for 15 minutes to rest, as well as burp repeatedly.Continuing on for 1.3 miles, I arrived at Hermit Spring to find several sodas chilling in a spring. I stopped for 15 minutes, drank a soda, and then pushed on. Near Keiffer Road, I came across a baby bird on the ground that appeared near death. Opa described it as appearing to be agonal and before our group moved on, the baby bird was put out of its misery. Very sad indeed.When I reached Upper Cold River Road, it marked the point where only 500.0 miles remain to Mount Katahdin. I continued on to Governor Clement Shelter and stopped for an extended rest break with the group before hiking on at 1:50 p.m. During my rest break, light rain began to fall, and, as I hiked up Killington Peak, the rain picked up a bit, though I didn't stop to put on my rain gear. I reached Shrewsbury Peak Trail at 3:10 p.m. and arrived at Cooper Lodge at 3:50 p.m.We'd decided earlier, as a group, to continue onto Churchill Scott Shelter, though some members of our group were dragging their feet. After a few minutes, we collectively decided to stay the night and wake up early to hike the 10.2 miles into Killington. I've got to pick up my maildrop before the post office closes at 12:00 p.m., though I should be able to make it in time.I hadn't eaten lunch, as I wasn't feeling well after breakfast, though my appetite had returned by dinner time. I made a large dinner and journaled before crawling into my sleeping bag to read. This shelter is located at 3,900 feet, has wide open windows, and it is rather cold at 55 degrees as I write this entry. Happily, I still have my cold weather sleeping bag and am squeezed into a bunk with Michael and Turtle, so I shouldn't be too cold tonight.Bedtime at 8:15 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Imp Campsite

To: Northern Peaks Motor Inn - Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

Miles hiked today : 8.28.0 AT miles + 0.2 mile of side trailI woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m. and was rather surprised at how cold it was. I packed my gear, ate breakfast, and hiked out with Michael at 6:15 a.m. After a brief descent, I climbed 800 feet up Mount Moriah. While the AT bypassed the summit of Moriah, there was still a nearly 360 degree view. Interestingly, a mostly full moon could be seen in the early morning light.Continuing on, I smoothly descended 2,690 feet to Rattle River Shelter, arriving at 9:10 a.m., and stopped for a 5 minute rest break. Reaching Rattle River Shelter meant that I'd just crossed the threshold marking 300 miles remaining. The data book listed the distance to US2 as 1.9 miles, though it only took me 30 minutes to cover the distance while descending another 500 feet.Michael and I had to wait 55 minutes to get a hitch into town. Over 100 cars passed us by and the temperature was in the low 90s, so we were very happy to see a minivan pull over, driven by a lady named Maugeen. Surprisingly, Tea Break climbed out of the minivan, having stayed in Gorham with Maugeen and her family. Tea Break was headed north and I was happy to see that he was still on the trail, especially after he'd been strongly considering ending his hike just before Manchester Center.On the way into Gorham, Maugeen stopped at "The Barn" so that I could pick up my maildrop. I wasn't staying at the Barn, so I offered the caretaker some money for holding my package. She declined my offer and so I was on my way. Maugeen had to drop by her house to change for church, so Michael and I played soccer with her boys, Mark and Flannan. The competition was a little one sided, though we all had fun. After about 10 minutes, it was time to go, though before we left, Michael and I were each given buttered raisin toast and a cup of yogurt, as well as the offer to tent in Maugeen's backyard. We decined the tenting offer, as we were planning to meet Opa at the Northern Peaks Motor Inn. Maugeen dropped Michael and I off there at 11:20 a.m. and we found Opa in the same room.Opa's knee was still sore and he had decided to skip up the trail to Andover, ME to meet us in a few days. While I'm sorry that he is going to miss out on 62.5 miles, I'm happy that we'll meet up with him before long. The 3 of us went to lunch, then returned to our room. Sean showed up around 1:00 p.m. and had had a much easier time hitching into town.I spent the rest of the day relaxing. I went to the laundromat and called family while my clothes were washing, then returned to the hotel and watched some television before heading to a Chinese buffet with Opa. I'll be getting a late start tomorrow morning and I'll cross the NH/ME state line Tuesday morning.Bedtime at 10:00 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Northern Peaks Motor Inn - Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: moderate rain

Miles hiked today : 12.311.8 AT miles + 0.5 roadwalk mileI woke up this morning at 7:35 a.m. and hit the shower before packing up. Michael and Sean needed to stop by the outfitter, which wasn't open until 10:00 a.m., so I took my time packing and relaxed for a bit. Opa's knee was still bothering him, so he made arrangements to stay at a hostel in Andover, ME called "The Cabin" and will meet us there in a few days. They were kind enough to come and pick him up.Michael, Sean, and I left the hotel shortly before 10:00 a.m. and as we walked down the road, the driver of an automobile headed the wrong way called to me. It was Dingle, the caretaker of the Kinsman Pond Campsite! He asked whether we needed a ride and I told him we did, so he turned around, took us to the outfitter, and dropped us off at the trail. I hit the trail at 10:35 a.m. with Mt. Hayes as my first climb.The humidity level was high and it looked as if it might rain, though it never did. Climbing 1,800 feet to the summit of Hayes wasn't too bad, though I was sweating quite a bit. Soon after the summit, at 12:55 p.m., I stopped for a 20 minute break to drink water and eat a snack. Continuing on, I passed over Cascade Mountain and reached the Trident Col Tentsite at 2:30 p.m., where I stopped for a 1 hour lunch break with Michael and Sean.Pushing on, I climbed over more rolling hills and passed several bodies of water, including Page Pond, Dream Lake, and Moss Pond. At 6:00 p.m., I arrived at the Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite, which borders Gentian Pond. As I was eating dinner, one of the leaders of a summer camp group announced that there was a moose down by the lake. I took my dinner with me and watched a young bull moose, with single prongs, eat vegetation out of the pond. He seemed oblivious to the presence of humans and after watching him for about 5 minutes, I returned to the shelter.After cleaning up my cookset, I played a quick game of hearts with Michael and 2 of the summer camp hikers, then settled into my sleeping bag to journal. For the first time in quite awhile, there are mosquitos on site, so I'll be zipped up to escape them. On another note, for the last few days, my knees have been a little sore, most likely due to the difficult terrain of the earlier section of the Whites. I took vitamin I with my dinner tonight and may take some in the morning just to help the healing process. The Maine border is only 4.7 miles away, which means I'll be crossing into the 14th and final state of the AT early in the morning. I've got a short 9.6 mile day planned for tomorrow so that I can rest up for Mahoosuc Notch, easily the most anticipated part of my hike.Bedtime at 9:50 p.m.
Date: 2005-07-29
From: The Cabin

To: South Arm Road Campsite
Miles today: 10.1

Miles hiked today : 10.1I woke up this morning at 6:25 a.m. to the sound of Bear announcing "Fresh biscuits will be ready in 15 minutes!" I wandered upstairs and was told that if I wanted eggs, I'd have to cook them myself, so I scrambled 4 eggs with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, black olive slices, and cheese. On the breakfast table were 2 types of home fries, blueberry pancakes, fresh blueberries, sliced canteloupe, bacon slices, fresh biscuits, and homemade strawberry jam. I ate quite a bit and managed to put away 3 of the delicious biscuits before heading off to use the internet connection to update my trail journal. I would have updated last night, except that the computer was upstairs near Honey and Bear's sleeping area, so internet access is off limits from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.After updating my journal and processing e-mail, I packed up and, at 9:00 a.m., was shuttled back to the trail by Mt. Squid. On the way, we stopped by the general store where I picked up some candy for Sean and a 2 liter bottle of soda for Michael. I had told them that I'd meet them at the trailhead at 7:30 a.m., though I didn't arrive until 9:20 a.m. Fortunately, they'd slept in late, so I hadn't kept them waiting. Michael and I split the 2 liter and the 3 of us headed up the trail at 9:35 a.m.From East B Hill Road, it was 6.0 miles to Hall Mountain Lean-to. The sun was out and I was sweating, though the trail was well graded and I barely noticed the 1,135 foot climb. I arrived at the lean-to at 12:15 p.m. and took an 1 hour, 30 minute water and rest break before continuing on. I would have eaten lunch, except that I was still full from breakfast.From the lean-to, I had a steep descent to Sawyer Notch, which was rough on my knees. Partway down, at 1:55 p.m., I stepped on a wet rock and my left leg shot out from under me, causing me to land on my backside. Cha-ching, fall #34. I finished the descent at 2:30 p.m., arrivng at Sawyer Brook, the site of my first ford in Maine. Happily, it was nothing more than stepping across small boulders. Immediately following the ford was a steep 1,280 foot climb up Moody Mountain. Toward the summit, I began to experience a slight, but sharp pain in my left knee cap. At 3:20 p.m., I thought I was at the highest point of the AT on Moody Mountain, so I stopped for a 20 minute rest and water break.After my break, I found that I had another 160 feet to climb before I began descending to South Arm Road. I arrived at the ford before the road at 4:30 p.m. and walked over to a campsite, where I found Michael waiting. Sean showed up before long and I began treating water at 5:30 p.m., then cooked dinner at 6:00 p.m. After dinner, I chatted with Michael and Sean a bit before settling into my tent to journal and read.Tomorrow morning I'll ford Black Brook, which appears a little trickier than Sawyer Brook did this afternoon. I'll be hiking either 12.5 or 14.9 miles tomorrow, depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Hopefully the section of trail tomorrow is very similar to that of today.Bedtime at 8:00 p.m.