morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-27
From: High Point State Park Headquarters

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 76 -- Slept in late and had a meager continental breakfast at the hotel. I said goodbye to Becky and started hiking at 0815. What a change in the weather! It was warmer this morning than the highs for the last few days. The trail was packed on this Memorial Day with people everywhere. At the ten mile point I stopped in Unionville, NY, about .7 off the trail, and just missed the annual parade. I did catch the 21 gun salute to honor our fallen troops. I ate a large Italian hoagie at Horler's Deli and drank a Gatorade. The only good thing about a crowded trail was it broke up the boredom of a long walk over the boardwalk which took me over a swampy area. Later I had to walk around the Walkill Reservoir and spotted some large birds, maybe egrets or cranes. Wawayanda mountain was tough because the temps were high and I was soaking with perspiration. Of course I dislike huge climbs at the end of a long day. At the shelter I was surprised to be the first to arrive. I later found out Dirty Mike and Coups took a break at the last intersection and walked to get some ice cream. Norseman showed up a few minutes later.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: New York 17 Road (Coffee Pot/Camaro Hostel)
Miles today: 22.0

Day 77 -- Maybe the hardest 22 mile day so far. At 1130 it started to rain and the intensity picked up as the day went on. The three guys were going to go four miles shorter than me to meet some hiker friends who were at home recuperating waiting to return to the trail. Early in the day I decided to join them since the trail became more and more challenging. The effects of Hurricane Sandy were evident with many large tree blowdowns which made following the trail difficult and all of us Chinoblazed at least once or twice today. There were many climbs that were challenging rock scrambles. On one scramble I had to brace my right foot and swing my left leg over a rock outcropping. Sad to say I missed and I smashed my left knee into the rock which hurt so much I could not even say a word. A little bit of blood and probably a swollen knee later in the day -- we'll see. The rocks became dangerously slippery with the rain and Norseman and I took good sliding falls which forced us to deviate some to avoid violating rule #1. Since it was warmer I did not put on my rain gear. At the end of the day I started to chill quite a bit and I had to put on my rain gear to warm up while waiting for a ride into town. Coffee Pot and Camaro picked us up at NY 17 and took us to resupply enroute to taking us to Coffee Pot's dad's house. A big thanks to all for their hospitality! We were treated to an awesome dinner and entertaining conversation. I especially loved hearing trail stories and catching up on hikers I met earlier. The guys are considering taking an unexpected zero day (no hiking) and with my hurt knee and very sore right hip I am probably going to do the same.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: New York 17 Road (Coffee Pot/Camaro Hostel)

To: New York 17 Road (Coffee Pot/Camaro Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 78 -- Zero Day. A well needed rest day. I iced my knee and updated my journal. Thanks to Coffee Pot (and her Dad) and Camaro for having us stay and feeding us much food.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: New York 17 Road (Coffee Pot/Camaro Hostel)

To: Hemlock Spring Campsite
Miles today: 22.0

Day 79 -- The heat is on! It has to be in the 90s -- what happened to Spring? So far New York is very difficult with its many climbs and descents. We walked .4 off the trail just to get a pop. Who would guess it costs $2.50 each? The lemon squeezer is a natural formation that gets tighter as you go through it. It was interesting but the rock scrambles required no poles and were really rock climbing. I viewed a toad, fawn and a rattlesnake today. The snake was on the trail and Larry Boy ensured we all avoided it. At Bear Mountain Observation Tower I viewed New York City from 34 miles away. It was faint but you could make out some of the taller buildings. By the time we got there the zoo was closed so I still have NOT seen a bear. Oh, well! I crossed the Hudson River and climbed up to a campsite where I tented. It was so loud especially the continuous railroad noises. Little sleep was to be had. The temps only dropped to 68 degrees overnight -- yuck.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Hemlock Spring Campsite

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 80 -- Last night I could hear an animal walking slowly through the camp where Larry Boy, Norseman, Dirty Mike, Coups and I were tenting. A little bit unnerving but he caused no problems. I awoke at 0500 and left by 0600 in the humid, hot weather. Early on I stopped at the Appalachian Trail Market to resupply and drink a cold quart of chocolate milk. At the 16 mile point the heat really started to get to me and I was borderline heat exhausted with little water left. Norseman kindly stayed with me as I got water at the next available source and Dirty Mike caught up to us and the three of us walked the remaining way to the shelter where we ordered pizza and each of us got a 2 liter of pop.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

Day 81 -- This heat is killing me -- it zaps the energy level. Coupled with the dozens of bug bites and flying things that go into my eyes, it was a challenging day for a short mileage outing. Walked a .4 off the trail to a deli where I ate a big Reuben sandwich on a roll with a Gatorade. I made sure I was fully hydrated all day. I got to the shelter at 1510 to find it packed with a group of high school students and five teachers. None of the students had been camping before and it was quite hilarious seeing them set up their tents on a steep hill and cutting green wood to make a fire. They were loud and we didn't get to sleep until very late (for hikers at least).
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Kent, CT (Matt's Place)
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 82 -- Since we needed to get to the outfitter by 1600 we got up at 0500 and Dirty Mike and I left at 0530. I called the outfitter yesterday and told them that Dirty Mike would be picking up my package since I probably wouldn't make it to the store by then. Passed the AT railroad station on the trail where you could get a ride into New York City. Another state bites the dust -- entered Connecticut! Much walking through tall grass which makes me a little nervous because of all of the ticks out this year. Fortunately, I did not see any ticks on me. I did get bit by a few dozen mosquitoes and flies -- what a treat. I've been scratching all day. Toward the end were three tough climbs that made the day long and hard. I reached the road at about 1510 and started the nearly one mile walk into Kent, CT. A young man gave me a ride most of the way and dropped me off at the outfitters where Dirty Mike was sitting with my package from home which contained my new hiking shoes. Matt, a friend of a friend of Dirty Mike and Coups picked us up and took us to his house about a mile from Kent. A big thanks to him for his and his wife's hospitality. A big pizza and salad dinner followed by a trip to the store for a resupply. When we got home he recorded our AT rap songs (which we've been working on for awhile) in his sound studio. Stand by for link to audio recording. I think you'll love my rhyming.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Kent, CT (Matt's Place)

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 22.6

Day 83 -- Here is the rap link -- just cut and paste it into your browser and enjoy: https://soundcloud.com/michael-blanchard-6/chino-rapsI forgot to mention that Norseman went with some relatives in Kent and probably will take a few days off. Today our host made us some delicious pancakes and gave us a ride back to the trailhead. I was so glad to wake up to rain and much cooler temps. The rain lasted about the first three hours of today's hike and made the rocks very slippery. For the second day we ran into members of the Cleveland, Ohio Hiking Club. Of course I sang "I'm a skinny little boy from Cleveland, Ohio" as I passed them. Rule 1 was in jeopardy descending down St. John's Ledges -- very steep and way too slick. Of course the rain made small streams raging rivers and we had to take the high water bypass around Guinea Brook which added at least an extra mile to our trip. My first day of my new shoes and they are completely soaked -- oh, well! At the campsite the ground was so soft that my tenting stakes would not hold so I needed to move it twice to get good footing.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Hemlock Shelter
Miles today: 24.5

Day 84 -- Last night the temps dropped and I had to get into my sleeping bag. This morning it was chilly so I had to put on my winter hat and my long sleeve Patagonia top. Dirty Mike and Coups slept in as I left since they didn't have to meet Coups' uncle until about noon in Salisbury. I left early at 0610 to perfect hiking weather -- cool and clear. Rands view is spectacular!! I compare this view to the beauty of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time -- AWESOME. Big news -- passed the 1,500 mile mark and entered Massachusetts today. The three climbs today were capped off by the hard ascent up Mt. Everett. I've decided that white paint must be very expensive in this area since I can barely find a whiteblaze on the trail. Approaching Hemlock Shelter Scrubs had left a six pack of Rolling Rock in the creek -- what great trail magic. Thanks.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Hemlock Shelter

To: Lake Buel RD (Scrub's Place)
Miles today: 15.5

Day 85-- Day 3 of fighting my head and chest cold. With all of my coughing I got little sleep. I hate being sick! Most of the day was uneventful except the lack of quality water to drink until the 12 mile point. The swampy area north of Jug End was much better this hike than 8 years ago when I was attacked by thousands of mosquitos. I only got about 8 bites even though I was almost jogging through the entire area. Scrubs, my friend that I hiked with in 2005, picked Dirty Mike, Coups and I
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Lake Buel RD (Scrub's Place)

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 86-- Scrubs took us to Dunkin Doughnuts before going back to the trail. I consumed an iced coffee, two glazed doughnuts and a Boston Cr me doughnut. It is another perfect day to hike. Overall the day was fairly easy although there were many pointless ups and downs (PUDS). I passed Dirty Mike and Coups relaxing by a stream and snacking. Of course they passed me later in the day. The shelter is a cabin a half of a mile off the trail but the extra distance was worth it because of a bunk with a mattress and the caretaker made us coffee and pancakes in the morning. The pond in front is very picturesque.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, Mass
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: moderate rain

Day 87-- It rained all night and rained all day! I walked the first three hours without rain gear but the temps forced me to put on rain gear since my body temp began to drop. Overall it was an easy day of a hiking. At the 8.8 mile shelter we decided to press on to stay in a hotel in Dalton instead of tenting in the rain. After we checked into Shamrock Hotel while completely drenched, ate a Cheese Steak Bomb at Angelinas and resupplied.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Dalton, Mass

To: Wilber Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 20.5

Day 88-- It was overcast all day but fortunately it did not rain. I hiked quickly the first ten miles up and over Crystal Mountain to Chesire. I walked by Diane's Twist but it was not open. When a van pulled up I asked the lady if she was going to open. She asked if I was hiking and said she would open just for me. How nice -- a big thanks! After a turkey sandwich, orange soda and a ginger ale I was on my way. After a long, 2,500 foot climb up Mt. Greylock (highest point in Mass.) I had no views because of total cloud cover. AYCE's parents met us at the lodge and were too kind in buying me lunch -- a big thanks to them. The four of us (Dirty Mike, Coups, AYCE and I) continued to hike another three miles down to the next shelter and stayed the night. Also at the shelter were the Georgia Brothers who started on February 1. Good news -- less than 600 miles to go.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Wilber Clearing Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Day 89-- I was disappointed walking through the city of North Adam because there were no food establishments on the trail. Another state bites the dust -- it was nice to enter Vermont. For the next 105 miles the trail follows the Long Trail. The theme for today is mud and water -- yuck. The steps down to Vermont Highway 9 are extremely slick and dangerous. I had a bad flashback from eight years ago when I almost violated rule 1 descending down the stairs and losing control.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 90-- We left early anticipating a huge day! Climbing up 1,600 feet to the summit of Stratton Mountain at the end of the day would make the day even harder. The weather started out dry and in the 50s but soon took a turn at 1300 when the rain and cooler weather began. As I passed the observation tower at the top of Glastenbury Mountain Dirty Mike started dropping Skittles on me. He came pretty close but forgot to factor in the windage. The wet conditions made for slick conditions and I took two falls, mostly onto my pack. I began to dread the "whoosh" sound my shoes made when they stuck in the muck. After seeing fresh moose droppings I was certain I would encounter a moose but no luck.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center Vermont
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Day 91-- It poured all night (at least 2 inches) and kept me awake most of the night. Early on I passed the 75% point of the trail. It rained ALL day and I gave up trying to miss puddles and slogged directly through up to six inches of water on the trail. Scary -- heard a large bang and instantly put my hands over my head only to see a six inch diameter and six foot long branch fall directly in front of me on the trail (within 6 feet). A second earlier and I would have been injured. Coups and I hitchhiked into town (only took 2 minutes to get a ride) in a landscaping van. In town I had a hiker special of 2 pieces of bacon, 2 sausage links, 2 eggs, coffee, 2 pancakes, 2 pieces of toast and homefries. The outfitters charged me $23 to replace the tips on my hiking poles. The four of us stayed at a hotel where I ordered a 14" Hawaiian pizza and two cokes.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Manchester Center Vermont

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: light rain

Day 92 -- We got a late start at 0915 because the hotel owner could only provide the ride at that time. After the owner did our laundry, I mysteriously was missing one of my two pair of hiking socks. Big news -- it rained again today and the trail was completely underwater. I am starting to really dislike Vermont (Vermud). Because of the late start I had to hurry the last five miles to get to the shelter before it was dark. It finally stopped raining at 1500.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Day 93 -- Great -- I Chinoblazed (got lost) for about a half of a mile early in the day before realizing I had accidentally taken a blue blazed side trail. I came across a place on the trail that suggested taking an alternate road walk to avoid sections of the trail destroyed by hurricane Irene in 2011. After a short discussion with myself, I decided to press on the original trail and not take the road walk (I found out later that the other three hikers took the alternate). Fortunately for me the three streams I had to ford because the crossing were destroyed were not too bad and I only had to walk through calf-high water on two of them. More news -- it rained again! The long, hard climb up Mount Killington seemed to never end. At the summit I was freezing because the wind chill had the temps around the mid 30s and I thought it would snow at any moment. It is mid-June, what is up with the weather! I met Mountain Goat at the shelter (He is a thruhiker from Knoxville, TN.).
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 21.8

Day 94 -- AMAZING -- NO rain today although the trail is still mucky in most places. At Maine Junction the AT splits from the Long Trail which continues up to the Canadian border. Pretty cool seeing a bird land in a tree about four feet from me as I was stopped opening a Reese's cup. He sang for about 10 seconds and started turning his head to look at the bright orange wrapping. He then hopped down to a branch about a foot closer where I could have reached out and touched him. The four of us stopped at Gifford State Park for a break then pressed on about a mile to take a side trail into Killinton where I bought a pair of socks from the outfitter then walked a short distance to the best deli on the AT. Although the climb up Quimby Mountain was long and hard, I know I am ready for the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 95 -- Got up early anticipating a huge day of hiking to get to town. The mosquitos were so bad I had to sleep with my head net on. Unfortunately, little sleep was to be had. Great weather -- sunny and NO rain! Stopped by a market and consumed ice cream and cokes. I arrived in Hanover first and went to the Dartmouth Outing Club building on campus. The campus was packed because it was reunion weekend. It is difficult to yogi food when you look like a homeless guy. Friends of Dirty Mike's parents picked us up and took us to a house to shower and watch the Boston Bruins game (AYCE big fan). We were treated like royalty with lots of food and drink and good conversation. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Fratus drove us to their house where we each slept in a cozy bed. A HUGE thanks to the Fratus family for their hospitality!
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Hanover, New Hampshire (Sunset Motor Inn)

To: Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 0.0

Day 96 -- Zero Day. No hiking. After a big breakfast, we resupplied and were driven to West Lebanon, NH to the Sunset Motor Inn where we relaxed all day long. Nomad came by for a visit and was nice enough to take us to an AYCE Chinese buffet where I almost got sick (food poisoning or gluttony?).
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Hanover, New Hampshire

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 97 -- Nomad, in his awesome van that is signed by hikers, took us to the trailhead where the day started out sunny. It began to rain when we were at Moose Mountain. Just before climbing Smarts Mountain we stopped by Bill Ackerly's house for a free Eskimo Pie and a game of croquet. The climb up the 2,400 foot behemoth never ended! What a day. We stayed in the old Firewarden's cabin with Mountain Goat who startled the rest of us in the middle of the night when he fell off of the table he was sleeping on and crashed to the ground.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, NH (Hiker Friendly Hostel)
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: light rain

Day 98 -- Since the trail was mucky and muddy my hiking average was less than 2 miles per hour. Guess what? -- rained again! The trail was a swamp and the mosquitos were relentless. AYCE viewed a bear at a distance today -- his first sighting. Big news -- less than 400 miles to go. We stayed at Hiker Friendly Hostel where Phat Chap was the caretaker. He drove us to resupply and buy much food to consume.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Glencliff, NH (Hiker Friendly Hostel)

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 99 -- Today was the longest, hardest hiking day since the Smokies. Although the descent down Mt. Mousilauki was very tough, Mt. Wolf was hard because of the huge incline that never seemed to end. I had to use trees and roots as handholds to make it up the mountains. "Sit a Bit" from 2012 left some great trail magic at the notch -- Thanks for the unexpected cold drink and some chips! Firefeet and her sisters were tenting outside of the shelter. She is planning a July 15 summit -- just two days after my finish.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Stealth Camping north of Libert Spring Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 100 -- The climb up Kinsman Moutain was very long and strenuous but a piece of cake compared to the dangerous descent! I stopped by Lonesome Lake Hut and purchased a two dollar cup of soup and a one dollar cup of coffee -- a great treat in the middle of the day. The Cascade Bridge was out and the alternate crossing led to some trail confusion. I ended up taking some trail to Interstate 93 that was not at the same place as my three hiking partners. For the life of me I could not get a hitchhike into N. Woodstock (maybe because I look like some homeless guy?). Finally, I noticed a car stop maybe a half of a mile down the hill and some guy running toward me. I picked up my stuff and met him halfway. He stopped to give me a ride into town. Thanks Steve for your generosity. I resupplied at Faddens where I took a picture with their stuffed moose head. Across the street was Coneheads Ice Cream Shop that gave me a free pint of ice cream because the employee appreciated all the effort it took to hike all the way from Georgia (thank you Trail Angel). Dirty Mike, Coups and AYCE hitched into the neighboring city and convinced their ride to swing by and pick me up. After the long break in town we had a TOUGH climb up Franconia Ridge.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Stealth Camping north of Libert Spring Campsite

To: Stealth Camping north of Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 101 -- Although it was "hike naked day," I chose not to participate in the June 21st hiking tradition. I got up early and had an almost magical experience being on top of Little Haystack and Mt. Lafayette by myself in the early morning. I could look across and see where Old Man's Face use to be on the next mountain, now only a bright tan scar where it once sat proudly. A quick break at Galehead Hut and I was off to conquer South Twin Mountain. What a monster of a climb -- using roots and trees to get up the beast. To add to the misery I had drank a Java Juice at the hut and was literally shaking as I climbed -- NOT a good thing. Zealand Hut was a disapointment since they gave work for stay to section hikers posing as thruhikers. The four of us were steaming mad. Oh well, we pressed on and stealthed camped just north of the hut. I had a red fox sighting today.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Stealth Camping north of Zealand Falls Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 19.1

Day 102 -- The first eight miles was the easiest hiking in New Hampshire. A friend of AYCE's met us with great trail magic -- chips and dip, ice cream, cokes and adult beverages. The best magic was his ride into the nearest town to resupply -- a big thanks to Paul. I talked with a group of hikers from Quebec and one from Lithuania who were getting set to hike a short section of N.H. Because of our late restart after resupply, I had to hustle to get to the Lake of the Clouds Hut. In the rain and low visibility conditions I set a cutoff of 1615 to get to Mizpah Hut. Luckily I beat that by nine minutes and pressed on to my final destination. I was exhausted, wet and miserable as I walked in nearly zero visibility when out of nowhere the hut popped out of the mist. Unbelievably seven of us were granted work for stay. The work was eat the leftovers from dinner (not a difficult task).