morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a grouse beating it's chest. I saw one yesterday afternoon so I watched it for a few. It had feathers around its neck sticking out like a scarf, I've never seen one like that. I laid there a few minutes and listened then got up and made some coffee and took my time packing up. Day hiker told me yesterday it's going to rain again Friday to Sunday so I wanted to enjoy this morning.Finished my climb to the ridge and just missed the sunrise. Lots of spiderwebs across the trail this morning so I was full of them. What's with the bugs here...its like they're blind. They fly right into you, your eyes, your mouth. I swallowed some yesterday.Hiked Porcupine Ridge over to Goddard Shelter where I had breakfast. Crossed over Glastonbury Mountain a few minutes after I got started again. I've noticed when you hike above 3000 ft, it's just about all dense pine and smells great. Continued on the ridge until lunch where I stopped at the base of Stratton Mountain. I got topside late afternoon and the only way you can see anything is to climb up the fire observation tower so I did and got some photos. The back side had some snow and ice along the trail. It also reminded me of Roan Mt, stone walk, green moss and dense pine trees.Finished the climb down and stopped at the Stratton Pond Shelter. Met John there, he's hiking the Long Trail and is from Vermont. We had a pleasant evening talking trail.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Peru Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Got up, packed and cook some coffee my normal time. While I was having coffee I noticed the first band of clouds from the storm system. I was hoping I would get a bye but no luck. The hike over to VT 11 went pretty quick so I held off until I got there for breakfast. On the way I met a lumber jack and he told me 100 percent chance of rain by 2, clear tomorrow and spotted showers Sunday. I was talking to John about the LT last night, he told me there are only volunteers that keep the trail up and they really only take care of the shelters and remove trees and stuff from the trail so the trail is, what it is. I told him I hadn't noticed how rough it was...Made it over Bromley Peak then the sky opened up, the lumber jack was off by a couple hours. Put on my rain gear and pushes on. Passed over Styles then Peru Peaks and I was soaked and cold. I fell a couple time and ripped the crotch of my pants so my shorts were wet, my top was wet from sweat so when I got to the Peru Shelter, I called uncle. I put on all my dry stuff and ate lunch. Decided to stay put since it was still pouring rain and the trail was a stream. An LT hiker showed up shortly after me and we had a great afternoon talking trail. He hiked the AT last year going south bound. We shared best moments while it was pouring rain.John told me the night before, May in Vermont is Mud Month. He also told me I was lucky since it was a very low snow year and the trails are relatively dry and don't have knee deep mud. I had a low snow year last year on the PCT, I wonder if I'll have a low snow year on the CDT in 2017. I climbed in my bag at 6 and was toasty warm and asleep a few minutes later. It was definitely a wet day on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Peru Shelter

To: Governor Cement Shelter
Miles today: 30.0

I'm not sure what time the rain stopped, but I got up a hour before first light and looked up and see stars so I packed up and got hiking. I can put wet shoes and socks on without a thought, but damp clothes I'll never get use it...it will surely wake you up in the morning.I was in the valley when the sun came up so I missed the sunrise but it was a perfect morning, one you see after a storm...that fresh smell, dew glistening from the light, birds going to town and not a cloud in the sky. I saw my first caterpillar on the trail, a black one so I watched it for a few minutes.Crossed Danby-Landgrove Rd a bit before mid morning and continued over to Little Rock Pond Shelter for breakfast. I also dried my stuff and sat in the sun for a while. A chipmunk came in for a look then took off. Man they make them small in New England...and today is mud Saturday.Hiked ridge over to VT 140, on the way down I passed a trail junction for White Rock Cliffs and at that junction was a bunch of cairns. Really cool! Lots of hikers out today enjoying this great day. Got some magic from a section hiker, a Snickers bar and boy was it good. Hiked ridge again until I stopped for lunch at Patch Hollow. Got going again and crossed VT 103 late afternoon, boy what a climb back up. Finished the day at Governor Cement Shelter, met Chickery and Hoho there, both thru hikers. I found out they hiked the PCT last year too. Storming again tonight then a storm front with snow tomorrow. Stopping in town for one day food to get me to Hanover NH.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Governor Cement Shelter

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

It rained all night and was still drizzling this morning. I had my breakfast and got started my normal time. I continued up towards Shrewsbury Peak and I started to see sleet then a few minutes later snow. I would much rather deal with snow then rain so I was a happy camped. I got to the top and then started a gradual down towards VT 4. When I got there, I had a ice coffee and a peanut butter tortilla. Hoho and Chickery caught me and they called to make sure the Deli in Killington was open and it was so I took off. Made it to VT 100 about noon and walked into Killington. I decided I needed a hot shower and bed so I checked into the Killington Motel. Walked to the outfitters and bought some new rain pants then the delivery store for 2 days food and my food for today then back to my room for a lazy rest of the day. This motel is a very good place for a rest...cheap, free breakfast and he roasts his own coffee, I was surprised finding it.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Killington, VT

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 0.0

It snowed last night, maybe 2-3 inches and today cold and high winds but clearing. The rest of the week looks great so I decided to stay another day and let this stuff clear out. This East Coast weather just keeps on giving. I realized last night I got less than 500 miles to go. This hike will be over before I know it. I've been waiting for the Whites so I might slow a bit to enjoy this last month. I spent the day eating, drinking and sleeping.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Killington, VT

To: A bit past Woodstock Stage Road
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a beautiful morning out so I had the motels breakfast, packed up and walked back to the trail. Passed by Thundering Falls first thing then a climb over Quimby Mountain with views of the Pico Slopes on the other side. Lots of snow and I think the resort is still open.Killington is a very nice little resort town but I imagine gets very crowded at times so I'm glad I got to see it this weekend without the crowds. The streams are getting real clear and I want to stopped at all of them for a drink. I imagine they'll be like this the for the rest of my hike.I didn't spend much time on the ridge today but rather did a number of ups and down and I crossed a few roads which is getting old and I passed through a couple of fields which were gorgeous. The forest has changed in the last 2 days, there's leaves on the trees. It looks completely different, more alive.Just before I stopped for the day, I ran into a porcupine and he high tailed it up a tree. Those things a so funny to watch. The weather channel said I got sunny sky's for a few days but as I start to eat my dinner, I'm getting rained on so I had to have dinner in my tent. It was a very pleasant day out here and I'm camped a bit past Woodstock Stage Road.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: A bit past Woodstock Stage Road

To: A bit before Three Mile Road
Miles today: 27.0

I had some visitors outside my tent, maybe deer or chipmunks. I saw alot of moose scat yesterday so I hope I get to see Bull Winkle. I heard a lot of elk on the PCT last year but never saw one. I'm not sure what I do if a moose comes at me but I would assume you run. It was a beautiful morning, I crossed a number of fields and 4 roads before I stopped on a hillside for breakfast.These new leaves are bright lime green and they resonate the sun lights so it's bright under the canopy. Gives you the feeling your walking through Sherwood Forrest.Crossed under I89 late morning and started up and over towards Hanover. Stopped for lunch at the Happy Hill Shelter and found some magic there. Whom ever left it...many thanks!Made it to the Vermont/New Hampshire border a bit before mid afternoon. I think the Connecticut River is the line so when I got to the middle of the bridge, I got a couple photos...nice looking river. I walked through town and didn't smell pine trees but I smelled money, Hanover is a typical college town. I stopped at CVS and bought some Whey then went to the Verizon store and got some tempered glass for my phone then stopped at the Co Op. They have everything you need for a resupply and the prices are reasonable. They also have tables and chairs out front so I used them to get my food organized then walked out of town. My 3 days of food now weighs as much as 6 days use to. Passed a couple more roads and camped a bit before Three Mile Road. Another great day on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: A bit before Three Mile Road

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

3 months on the trail today, there's a full moon and I started on one. Still loving the hike, nature and the challenge and it will be over before I know it. Bull Winkle came by last night and raised my heart rate a few beats. I woke up to the crunching of trees and he was making this noise through his nose that sounded like a tribble horn, and pawing the ground. Really cool...I think he was looking for food. I couldn't tell how far away it was but it was getting closer so I yelled and shook my tent and it took off. I want to see one but with my cloths on and vertical so I can run if I need to.Got hiking my normal time, passed over Moose Mountain South then North Peaks and had great views on the south peak. When I got to Goose Pond Road I stopped for breakfast. The bugs added some protein to my oatmeal.Climbed up to Holts Ledge and again had some great views so I got a couple photos and enjoyed the views while I updated my journal then started over towards Lamberts Ridge. Some more nice views then I started one of the ATs crazy climbs to Smarts Mountain. I got to the shelter just as a thunderstorm rolled in so I had lunch and waited it out. This is the tallest peak around with a fire tower so I kept my head down.Looks like I'm going to miss the Huckleberry's this year. I've been seeing a lot of the bushes the last few miles. My mouth would stay purple last year on the PCT from eating so many. Storm passed so I got going again and got to the bottom late afternoon and crossed a gorgeous stream so I got a couple photos. Started up the other side and passed Eastman Ledge and then stopped at the Hexacoral Shelter for the night. Another thunder storm rolled through and I got dumped on again but this one is sticking around. The weather channel got one day right so far.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glencliff Hostel
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a beautiful morning so I packed up and took off my normal time. got to the top of Mt Cube a bit later and took a break. Amazing views and the storm left a immersion layer in the valley so I took a few photos. I've been having a lot more views on the peaks the last week or so. Since I started the AT, most of the time I'll spend 1, 2 sometimes 3 hours climbing these peaks and when I get there, no bone. The only view I get is of the trail going down the other side. I've been told they only get better from this point.Headed down and crossed NH 25A and when I got to the top of the next hill, I stopped for breakfast. Got going again and when I got to the top of Misty Peak, I called the hostel in Glencliff and made sure they were open. They were, so I headed that way and got checked in, showered and then got a ride to town for my resupply. I put together 5 days worth so I can get through most of the Whites without going back to town. Did my laundry and organized my food then rested and watched the Kingdom of Heaven and had a few cocktails. Big climbs start tomorrow first thing. Great day on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Glencliff Hostel

To: Whitehouse Brook
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Shower, breakfast and I hit the trail. Yeah baby...got some mountains to climb and 398 miles to go. There was no way across the stream at the trailhead and a sign with a road walk map around it so I put on my crocks and waded across...Felt good on my feet.Started up towards Mt Moosilauke and enjoyed the sounds of early morning. Dense pine started about three quarters of the way then I popped out on a ridge. It was about a mile across the ridge and you could see the summit and I felt like running. There were large cairns along the trail and I stopped a couple of times for photos. The trees were dwarfed, I wonder why. Got to the top and was amazed how beautiful the views were, breath taking and this is only the first one. A lot of people up there and on the trail today so I got some photos and started down the mountain.Going down was a bit trickier, ice and very steep so it was slow going. There was no zoning today, instead I stayed focused on the trail and even so I fell a handful of times. By the end of the day the ice was so slippery, you'd fall looking at it. I followed a stream that got bigger and turn into a waterfall most of the way down. It's was impressive how they got the trail to follow the waterfall down. Stopped at the bottom for lunch and then crossed Kinsman Notch and started up towards South Kinsman Summit. Passed over both the south then north summits early evening. My plan was to camp at the Kinsman Pond Shelter but it was full of people, plus the pond water was dark brown so I decided no way and moved on. All the streams up top were brown so I just kept going. When I got to the Cascade Brook Stream, the bridge was out so I had to hop across and lost the trail on the other side because it was dark, so I broke out the GPS, found it again and moved on. I stopped at a campsite next to Whitehouse Brook and it was about 2 hours past hiker midnight when I climbed into my bag. My miles were hard earned but I had a big bone after each climb and it was a very exciting day for me.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Whitehouse Brook

To: Just past Ethan Pond Trail Junction 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Slept in a bit, had breakfast and planned my day so I don't repeat yesterday. Packed up and got going. Just before I crossed Franconia Notch, I saw a sign that said the Cascade Brook bridge was out and may not be passable, look for alternate route, signed AMC trail Assoc...WTF? A lot of thru hikers don't carry a map or GPS since the trail is so well marked. How about posting an alternative?Long climb up to Franconia Ridge and I stopped for water at Liberty Springs, great water. Followed the ridge over to the approach to Mt Lincoln then took a break. Passed over Mt Lincoln and stopped long enough to take a look then started over to Mt Lafayette which is the highest I go over today. When you get close to Mt Lincoln, you come out on top and walk ridge above the tree line for 2 miles. It was amazing, views forever. Lots of French people hiking and some of them don't like being passed by me but I kind of enjoy cruising pass people. Got to the summit a bit after mid day and was able to get a couple photos before it started to rain and hail. It wouldn't be a normal day on the trail without some rain.Passed over Mt Garfield then stopped for lunch at the shelter. Very slow going today. Next was the South Twin Mountain, the rain had started to clear when I got to the summit so it was cool with the sun and clouds. Took a photo of the three mountains I had just crossed then got moving again. Snow on the trail instead of ice so I could move faster on the backside.Crossed Mt Guyot then passed by the Zealand Falls Hut and camped just pass the Ethan Pond Trail Junction. I went long again today but by choice this time. I'm starting to enjoy hiking late. Saw my very first red moon on the trail which was cool looking at as I hiked. These are the toughest mountains I've ever hiked but so beautiful.Today was a perfect day on the trail.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Just past Ethan Pond Trail Junction 

To: Trail Junction mile 1859
Miles today: 23.0

Slept great and started hiking a bit past my normal time. It was fast trail over to Crawford Notch and when I got there, I dried my bag and had some breakfast. It was a beautiful morning and the birds were going to town. Most of the day I was climbing up towards Mt Washington.Steep climb up to Webster Cliffs but once I got there, I had great views. The trail follows the cliffs over to Mt Webster and about half of it was straight out rock climbing so I stowed my poles and had a blast. Lots of exposure with little danger of falls off the mountain...unless you're dumbass. Passed over Mt Webster then Jackson then I stopped at the Mizpah Hut for a weather report and to buy some snacks.  They had homemade cookies so I got 2 of those too. My body is burning more fuel with these huge climbs and late hiking and didn't take that into account when I bought food. The woman running the place offer me a stay for work but I said no thanks. Had my lunch and the weather was good until tomorrow afternoon so I headed up.Steep climb but I got above tree line pretty fast and rode the ridge all the way to the approach of Mt Washington. About a mile from the summit there was a sign that said. "Worst weather in the United States, many have died from exposure. If there's bad weather, turn around" Good thing I wasn't having a typical weather day or I would have had to turn back. Got to the summit early evening, took some photos, looked around, there's a weather station and a huge viewing platform and a train track coming up from the bottom. Very cool! Must be for transport.It was slow going on the way down, not much snow because of all the rock. The backside had rocks, like Pennsylvania but on a slope. I also noticed that some of the rock has Mica in it so when the sun hits it you get a reflection. Just before dark I decided to stealth camped at trail junction, mile 1859. I was beat mentally and physically and just wanted to sleep.I had a great time today, the White Mountains are beautiful. I wonder why they are named white because they're green.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Trail Junction mile 1859

To: IMP Campsite 
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep well, too much slope but I got enough. Got up early, packed up and watch the sunrise from my perch. Lots of clouds so the mixture made some nice colors. Started over towards the Madison Hut and was glad I decided to quit where I did last night, very rocky trail. The Hut was closed up so I grabbed some water and started up Mt Madison. Some more rock climbing with a view. Made it to the summit and took some photos and looked around for a bit. The trail does a U shape through the Presidential's so I could look across at Mt Washington.I followed the ridge down the mountain and got back into the tree line then stopped for a break at the Osgood campsite. I arrived at the Pinkham Notch a bit past mid day, dumped my trash and went into the AMC visitor center. Bought a Mt Washington hat, got a coffee and was given some free cookies. Took a break and checked emails and stuff then about the time I was going to leave...raining cats and dogs. I waited a bit, put my gear on and took off. Long afternoon with the wet rock. Made it up to the Wildcat Ridge with about half of it bouldering then passed over the 4 wildcat peaks.When I got to the top of Carter Dome, I popped into the sunlight and it was beautiful. There was no view on top because the fire tower was gone but when I got to Mt Hight, I got a treat...the Presidential's were sticking out above the clouds, it was very cool and I got some great photos. which made my wet foggy day worth it. Went through my first ever pass on the AT. Must be a token...the Zeta Pass, then passed over the 2 Carter Peaks. By then it was dark so each time I came out on top, I had this wonderful view so I'd stop and look. It was completely quite up there and surreal. Heck, you could sell tickets for this. I also saw a satellite pass over when I was up top. When I got to the the IMP Campsite, the shelter was full so I setup my tent, ate and lights out at 3 hours past hiker midnight.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: IMP Campsite 

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was asleep before my head hit the pillow and up my normal time. I needed a double shot of rocket fuel to get me going this morning. Town day...I hadn't planned on taking anymore zeros but I'm beat and I needed a day off.First climb was over Mt Moriah and there's another immersion layer this morning. After that it was all down hill to US 2. Called the Paradise Hostel for a room and a ride. The ride never showed at the trailhead so the guy across the street gave me a ride, he hiked the AT last year and his trail name is Mellow. Thanks again for the ride.Got checked in and went upstairs, what a dump. AWOLs guide is wrong and should be fixed. The Doyle's is a lot better... I keep telling myself I'll never stay in a hostel again but here I am. Oh well, it's cheap. Got in the shower and found my second tick and he came off easy. I was told a couple weeks back by John, the big ones don't carry the Lyme's, only the small ones, this one was a big one. Took a couple of my blue pills and went to eat. When I got back to the hostel, I needed to do my laundry but the office was locked up...I went upstairs and grabbed my stuff and walked across the street and checked into a hotel. No more hostels for me The rest of the day I did laundry and nothing else.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I slept like a log and woke up tired and sore everywhere, even my fingers were sore. I hobbled across the street for a large coffee and a couple of fat pills. I also got the low down on the bus over to the Walmart in Berlin. Finished up cleaning my gear then caught the bus, the driver was great and talked my ear off. In this town you just flag down the bus and they pullover. There are also ATVs running on the street because it's legal.When I got back, I organized my food and finished my gear check. When I was in Delaware Water Gap, I purchased new trail runners, some Salomon XA 3D GTX and they've held up pretty good. I think I'm going to use them on the CDT next year. They're about as light as a true trail runner plus rigid enough that I can strap crampons to them. I also had to get a new Sawyer, that brown water really slowed the flow and I tried forever to back flush it. I never saw that brown water on the south sides of the mountains, only the north sides. I napped the rest of the day till late afternoon.Ryman, a hiker buddy I did some miles with on the PCT last year and his wife Karen picked me up for dinner and a whole bunch of trail talk. He has already hiked the AT a few years back and I'm hoping they hike the CDT next year...I had a very pleasant evening with them. Thanks again you guys for dinner and a great evening. Back on the trail tomorrow and looking forward to it.Oh, I got this quote from Sprit walker and thought I'd share it...its very true."What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what isabove. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.¢ ~ Ren© Daumal