morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-24
From: West Dover Road 

To: Route 341 near Kent CT 
Miles today: 20.8

Today we hiked 20.8 miles from West Dover Road to Route 341 Kent, on CT.Milestones reached included the entry into our 10th state and completed  2/3 of the trail.I saw where the Housatonic and the 10 mile river joined, which was a great view.The first 15 miles we hiked in about 5 hours but the last 5 miles took almost 5 hours due to very rocky steep ascends and descents.Met a South Bound hiker called 'Lightweight' who had a backpack that only weighed 14 pounds! Hence his trail name.Trail Magic was our big surprise today put on by 'Magic Jack' at the Hwy 55 intersection ; he provided hikers with fried egg sandwiches,fresh fruits and donuts,  soda, coffee. He used his Coleman stove to prepare these very welcome trail gifts for the hikers.Harriet met us about 3 miles from the endpoint and as often, hiked the same way back with us to the van.We stayed at Housatonic State park campground and loved having a refreshing shower after a long sweaty day hiking.
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Route 341 near Kent CT 

To: West Cornwall Road 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Today I hiked 15.9 miles with my hiking partners from Kent to West Cornwall Road. It rained off and on all day.The hike was more challenging today due to two rather steep long descents and ascents in heavy rain over slippery rocks. All went well despite the treacherous conditions.After the first two steep ascents and descents we hiked along the Housatonic River which was pleasant and nice to hike.Towards the end of the day Harriet met us about 2 miles from the endpoint which involved another long couple of descents but the rain had stopped for awhile at that time. We camped a second night at Housatonic State Park next to the Housatonic River.
Date: 2018-07-26
From: West Cornwall Road 

To: Undermountain Road 
Miles today: 16.8

The three of us hiked 16.8 miles today and surpassed the 1500 mile mark on the trail. A nice hiking day today since we had nice weather although it was rather hot and humid.Hiked by a rock formation called Giants Thumb which is a peculiar glacial rock where this hiker got his picture taken.We went through another 'lemon squeeze'  called Split Boulder, referring today a narrow path between the rocks.  Sometimes this requires hikers to carry their backpacks over their head due to the tight fit between the boulders as they hike through here.Highlight today also included Rands' view. This was a walk along the south edge of a large open field with spectacular views to the north, peaks of the southern Taconic range towering above and Bear mountain, Mt Race and Mount Everett can clearly be seen from here.We saw a waterfall on the Housatonic River near 'Falls Village'.
Date: 2018-07-27
From: Undermountain Road 

To: Route 44 / Undermountain Rd at 1518.1 miles 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I  started at 8 am from Undermountain Rd and hiked 17 miles with my hiking partners today.Today's big milestone included walking into the 11th state, namely Massachusetts. We hiked across 3 mountains, Bear mountain,  Mount Race and Mount Everett today, which involved some steep and treacherous ups and downs.Harriet hiked in about 5 miles and met us on top of Mt Everett. On the way back she spotted a black bear to the right of the trail as it took off running.The last descent was long and steep and made extra tricky due to a threatening thunderstorm which caused us to move faster then was comfortable.We all made it down to the road level without serious injury and marched the last mile through a woods and pastures at a top speed of probably 4 miles an hour and only got rained on a little before the big heavy downpour started as we made it to the van which Els had parked right at the pickup spot.
Date: 2018-07-28
From: Route 44 / Undermountain Rd at 1518.1 miles 

To: Route 23 near Barrington MA 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

We started today's hike in good spirits and ended the same after a fairly easy day as compared to yesterday.Nice west but still the high humid had me soaked in sweat within the first 1/2 hour. We were surprised and warmly treated once again with trail magic at 2 different locations no less! The first trail angels week members of the old Parish trinity episcopal Lutheran church as well as the First Congregational church in Sheffield.  They treated us to hot dogs, burgers and home made pound cake and cold drinks.The second trail magic was provided by Joe the shuttle driver who treated us to ham and cheese sandwiches or hot dogs. We were still digesting our own hiker breakfast and first trail magic when Joe's camper appeared on the Homes road crossing where he sat up all his trail magic.We definitely didn't go hungry the rest of the day.In the afternoon we went across the Ledges with a great view of the south Taconic Range which includes the three mountains we conquered yesterday :  Bear mountain, Mt Race and Mount Everett. See photo.Harriet hiked in towards us early afternoon and shared the last 2.5 miles with us as she hiked back with us to the pick up spot at Hwy 23.
Date: 2018-07-29
From: Route 23 near Barrington MA 

To: MainRoad , Tyringham 
Miles today: 12.2

Hiked 12.2 miles today with Harriet joining me for the hike from start to finish.  The weather was fantastic and low humidity.We enjoyed beautiful hiking along two beaver ponds, were serenaded by lots of bull frogs from the first pond and met several new hikers both section hiking as well as through hiking. We also met a through hiker named Beetle who was running up and down the elevations heading south, in addition to the usual day hiking and said he is hoping to reach 50 miles on the next day's hike.  He is planning to start his day at 3 am!!  He has a lot more energy than I have after a days hiking and that is with slackpacking.We ate our packed lunches at a gravel road intersection.After a few more climbs and descents we hiked through some muddy, marshy, boggy areas over planks and boards before reaching the end point of our hike today at Main Road near Tyringham.  Still have not been wearing my new shoes hoping to keep them clean longer but I will have to break them in pretty soon.Harriet and I got a ride back to the van on Hwy 23 from Joe the shuttle driver who treated us to trail magic yesterday.We found a camp site at a campground called Camp Overflow.We ate baked sweet potatoes and salami, listened to gentle guitar playing by a guy camping next to us, and enjoyed some butter pecan ice cream.Happy trail days.
Date: 2018-07-30
From: MainRoad , Tyringham 

To: Washington mtn road at Beckett 1560.2 miles 
Miles today: 18.0

Hiked 18 miles today with nice weather, no rain and minimal bug problems so far.Another day for trail magic today right at about lunch time thanks to another kind trail angel!I had my own pizza slices which I carried and a nice cold Gatorade from the trail angel.  There were candy bars, energy bars, blueberries and chips! Hiked by ponds and several water crossings  today.Meeting more and more south bounders lately including quite a few today, with whom we stopped to talk.Many of these SoBo's as they are called are fresh and fill of energy just having started their hike in June.Happy hiking!
Date: 2018-07-31
From: Washington mtn road at Beckett 1560.2 miles 

To: Cheshire, MA : school street 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's hike took us through the towns of Dalton, then up and down another mountain and into the town of Cheshire.We Hiked over gentle ups and downs and great weather as well.Els (Harriet) met us into the woods on our descent towards Dalton and hiked through town with us before hiking back to the van, and hiked in as usual again at the end of our day on the way down from the mountain into Cheshire.We enjoyed ice cream at a little dairy bar in town on the way to the van.We camped at Mount Greylock camp and did our daily laundry in a great wash tub outside the showers which was alot handier then a bathroom sink!
Date: 2018-08-01
From: Cheshire, MA : school street 

To: MA route 2 near Williamstown 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

We started off the day from Cheshire and at the end of School street we first hiked right  through a corn field!  I felt right at home.Today's hike took us over the tallest mountain of Massa,  named Mount Greylock ; we climbed to 3489  feet and back down to Williamstown at 700 feet. Unfortunately could not enjoy any of the famous views from the summit because we were literally in the clouds and it had begun raining. The weather was forecasted correctly in that it started raining right after noon and continued hard and heavy until after our pickup at around 5 pm.Harriet hiked in towards me as she usually does, despite the rain, wearing a poncho.We camped at Historic Valley campground, did the daily hikers'  laundry and cooked a nice meal of steak, chicken and noodles after a warm shower.Happy hikers!
Date: 2018-08-02
From: MA route 2 near Williamstown 

To: Bennington, Vermont 
Miles today: 18.4

Reached two major milestones today :  entered into Vermont and reached the 1600 mile mark.Els (Harriet) hiked with me all the way to the endpoint in Vermont, sharing the miserable trail of mud and more mud.We tried to step around it but by after our shoes, socks as well as feet down to our toes were still swimming in mud. The main character trait of the trail in Vermont is Mud, a thick,  greasy,  deep mud which can suck your shoes right off your feet if you don't have your laces tight enough. The trail caused us to be much slower in hiking then previously so we didn't reach the end until 6:30 pm. That meant we were tired and fed up with the mud after 10 1/2 hours of hiking! The rain that was predicted didn't really materialize much other than mild sprinkles in the afternoon. The last mile presented us with a very treacherous, seriously steep slippery rock section  of 0.8 miles which required slow careful stepping all the way down to road level. Grateful we reached the bottom without any slips or falls.In the parking area there were RV (Wander Woman's husband) as well as Blonde Lady (Brenda), who observed us washing the layers of mud off our shoes and socks in a puddle in the parking lot.Camped a second night at Historic Valley campground after picking up Subway sandwiches and a warm shower at the campground.
Date: 2018-08-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We took a zero day to do laundry, organize my stuff and went to a movie in Williamstown in the afternoon. The movie was a documentary called three perfect strangers who are act triplets as they discover. A true story with an examination of Nature vs Nurture and what sort of adoption agency engaged into separating these 3 little boys at birth in order to promote their research goals.
Date: 2018-08-05
From: Bennington, Vermont 

To: Stratton mountain road 71 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

After 2 zero hiking days we were back on the trail today for more mud and miserably slow hiking due to the endless thick never ending  mud.We passed 4 shelters today and talked with a few hikers along the way we had not met before.We climbed up to the top of the tower at Glastonbury and ate our lunch there. We were able to complete the hike today in about 11 hours, which was pretty good for 4 older hikers.  Several through hikers carrying full packs were unable to do more than 8 or 10 miles due to the mud and exhausting hiking conditions.Harriet met me about 2.5 miles in and hiked back out with me back to the pick up spot on Route 71.We camped right along the road about 2 minutes from the endpoint and washed up in the river.
Date: 2018-08-06
From: Stratton mountain road 71 

To: Route 11 /30 near Dorsett 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another long slog hiking through muddy trails that just seem to have no end. My 4 th pair of shoes are now ready for the dumpster as the sides are broken away and soles separating from the rest of the shoes..all the mud and constant wetness did not help.  The weather was sunny but very humid and hot. At Stanton pond I was so hot I took a swim to cool off and felt quite comfortable for several hours hiking after that.Harriet (Els) picked me up at Route 11/30 near Manchester and Dorsett. We camped at Dorset RV Park which was about 10 miles from the endpoint for this day.
Date: 2018-08-07
From: Route 11 /30 near Dorsett 

To: FS Route 10 VT 
Miles today: 17.6

Day 124 Hiked 17.6 miles today from VT route 11/30 to FS Route 10 near Danby VT.The trail was noticeable less muddy after 2 days of warm sunny weather and no rain fall. I wore my new shoes today and they stayed relatively clean until a significant thunderstorm erupted later in the afternoon. The morning started out with an initial 3 mile hike to the top of Bromley mountain where there are ski slopes, 2 ski lifts and snow making machinery. Later on Harriet hiked the same distance and back again to the van with Floyd (RV). Another through hiker named Double D joined them for the way up to the ski lifts.At the next summit on Stopped at the Peru shelter which faces a nice stream and has a footbridge to cross.There were two ponds we passed one of which near this shelter. We stopped here for lunch.The thunderstorm broke out around 3 pm while we were deep in under the trees. It poured for about 45 minutes so the nice less muddy trails quickly changed to muddy.We camped at Emerald lake state park and ate mashed potatoes and jalape±o sausages with fresh cherries for desert.Happy trails!
Date: 2018-08-08
From: FS Route 10 VT 

To: Route 103 North Clarendon, near Rutland VT 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked 14.7 miles today accompanied by several other hikers who slack packed today with help from our spouses who carried most of their gear in the vehicles.A younger couple named 'bleep' and mix alot', Double D who put his stuff in our van and only carried enough stuff for the day as well as Els (Harriet) who joined us for the first 5 miles before heading back again.Among other things we hiked by a rock garden which consisted of many small piles of rocks in an area where everyone passing by adds a rock to a pile. Several nice bridge crossings as well as beautiful forest surroundings and vegetation.There are numerous varieties of mushrooms and today I saw one that looked alot like a sombrero hat! See photos.Met several section hikers heading south and we finished relatively early at 4:30.We drove to a campground 5 minutes from the trail, ate loaded baked potato soup with sausages, cheese and  crackers and planned to hike 22 miles tomorrow.Happy hikers!
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Route 103 North Clarendon, near Rutland VT 

To: Killington VT 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Ozzie hiked from Clarendon VT to Killington VT for a distance of 21 miles today with Commander and Wander Woman as well as Double D and Harriet.The major milestone reached today was surpassing 1700 miles, now only less than 500 miles to go.At around midday we decided to include a very steep climb of almost vertical proportion to Killington Ski resort! After this very challenging climb we had lunch, and thankfully I had my delicious bagel sandwiches which Harriet made and did not need to spend $27.00 on a hamburger! Another milestone of today is that we also left the long trail behind which consists of a section of the AT.Towards the end of the day we found a cooler full of ice cold soda left by another anonymous trail angel.We camped at a local state park that night ready for another 20 mile day!
Date: 2018-08-10
From: Killington VT 

To: Hwy 12 near Woodstock VT 
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike took us from Killington VT to Woodstock along Hwy Commander's friend Don Gibson joined us for the long and rather difficult day, involving a few steep climbs and descents.We were happily surprised by trail magic near Stony Brook shelter where Jeff and his wife were the trail angels providing bacon cheese burgers, roasted corn on the cob and breakfast including eggs and sausage.After the delicious meal we hiked onward, not more than one view towards the end and lots of quiet beautiful forest trail with gentle ups and downs.Harriet hiked in both in the morning and again in the afternoon to meet me.Happy hikers were met in the parking area near Woodstock by RV and Tammy, who provided trail magic in the form of beer and 5 different kinds of pie! Bleep and Sir Mix alot and Tammy had taken everyone's favorite pie and bought them at the Deli on the Edge just down the road from the endpoint.We camped across the road near an old barn with the blessing of the owner named Daniel. He eve allowed us to use the shower in the back of the house with both warm and cold water!!
Date: 2018-08-11
From: Hwy 12 near Woodstock VT 

To: White River near West Hartford across the Bridge 
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Had a nice day hiking with Commander, Wander Woman and Bob, (Commander's friend and class mate).We started at 7 am from Woodstock and were immediately welcomed by a steep uphill climb without many switch backs, which was a good way to warm up and break a sweat! The trail crossed open fields with spectacular views of mountains that we had crossed.  We had many ups and downs of 4-5 hundred feet most of the day ending in a some what easy decent to the White River Bridge at West Hartford.We found another cooler with cold soda drinks left by an anonymous trail angel at a road crossing at 11 am. What a welcome trail magic! Thanks trail angels! The rest of the day was uneventful and we reached the endpoint at about 4:00 pm after crossing the river. Harriet and I drove to the Rest'n Nest campground where we enjoyed a nice shower with actual doors and clean floors!  we are by now experienced hikers familiar with showering in the back yard with no curtains or wall for privacy and only a stone to stand on...VS for example this brand new shower house!  But these hikers are not complaining, all hiker friendly places and people  are much appreciated during this epic journey.  It continues to amaze us how many kind and caring people we have met along the way!!Ready for day 130 of my journey tomorrow's.
Date: 2018-08-12
From: White River near West Hartford across the Bridge 

To: Etna Road near Hanover, NH 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

On this wet and slightly rainy start to the day we hiked from White River Bridge in West Hartford VT over a mountain area into the town of Norwich and into town of Hanover where we crossed the bridge into New Hampshire.  Did a total of 15.6 miles and now have entered the 13th state of the Appalachian Trail journey!  New Hampshire here I am! Snail Trainer and Passenger both slackpacked leaving their packs in Floyd's (RV) van for the day.In Hanover we caught up with them at the Hanover food coop where we ate lunch. Passenger needed to go to an outfitter for a change of shoes and snail trainer ate at an Indian restaurant.The rest of the afternoon I hiked with Wander Woman and Bleep and Commander and Bob who has joined us for a few days. Met a barefoot south bound hiker named 'Barefoot'. He seemed very relaxed about his journey and showed us that the bottom of one of his heels now had a fairly large section that had about a  1/4 inch deep indentation but did not cause him discomfort. Initially this had been a large blood blister which healed and eventually the dead skin over fell off. He said he is very careful about where he puts his feet down.  We told him about having seen rattle snakes and copper head snakes in Shenandoah National Park and he didn't seem too concerned about it. Harriet hiked in a few miles in the morning and again later in the afternoon to join me. We drove to the Mascoma Lake  Campground where we showered and made baked potatoes, corn on the cob and jalape±o sausages in the Roadtrek van.Happy hiker!
Date: 2018-08-13
From: Etna Road near Hanover, NH 

To: Lyme-Dorchester Road 
Miles today: 13.3

Started with a mild climb in the morning and enjoyed some misty views of the cliffs and mountain sides.It drizzled but not enough to make the trails muddy or dampen our spirits.Just an average day hiking with no particular highlights. We hiked by the Eastman Ledges and over Moose mountain, passed by another Beaver pond and did two road ctossings. I  Hiked with the usual trio and Commander's friend Bob, as well as Bleep and Sir Mix alot.Harriet brought me to the trail and met me at the pick up spot later in the day.
Date: 2018-08-14
From: Lyme-Dorchester Road 

To: Route 25c near Warren NH 
Miles today: 19.9

Hiked with the trio including Commander, Wander Woman and myself and Harriet hiked in with us for the first 3 miles then back to the van to meet us towards the other end.The first view was at Lambert Ridge, where this picture was taken.We climbed 2500 feet today and enjoyed some special Vista from smarts mountain where I climbed the fire tower. Further on we went by the Eastman Ledges  and the Quartzite Ledges.During the section after mount Q we saw some trail workers carrying boards on their shoulders to make new board Crossings for the hikers. These young girls and boys carried these enormous boards on their shoulders with a towel for cushion! Very impressive hiking up the mountain carrying those. There were 15 young people carrying these.Harriet hiked in for about 3.5 miles and back out again with us.  At Route 25 A we met a trail angel named Willy who had ice cold beer to give hikers coming by his truck. He was sitting in a little chair next to the road listening to music from his car radio. It was a welcome relief of the hot humid weather.We reached the endpoint where Bob and another one of Commander's friends met us.Floyd was there to pick up Wander Woman and we all stayed at the Scenic View Campground 3 miles from the endpoint of today.Planning a flip flop hike tomorrow over Mount Mousalake where we will go North to South to ease some of the particularly difficult climbs and descents.
Date: 2018-08-15
From: Kinsman Trail head north end (to Hwy 25 c) south 

To: Hwy 25 c near Warren going south to north 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

This particular day we hiked from North to South over Mount Mooselouke and  Mount Mist.The ascent from the north side was a very steep 3 mile section up and the descent at the south side somewhat more gradual.  We started out hopeful the clouds and mist over the summit would lift but it never did while we were up there.  The summit is well above the tree line so it would /should give immense 360 views on a cloudless moment. We were not fortunate to see the clouds lift but another hiker (Fuzzy) whom we saw later on did experience 30 seconds when the clouds lifted enough to allow him some pictures which he shared. Nevertheless it was a great experience and even with the misty view neat to have seen. The descent was steep and went slowly and ended well. Harriet and RV both joined us for the entire Mt Mooselouke hike and were picked up by Blonde Lady to go back to their vehicles in order to pick us up at the south side again.The hike over Mt Mist was less challenging and again involved some big ups and downs.We reached Hwy 25 c intersection where we emerged and our slackpacking vehicles were waiting for us.We camped at Lost River campground which was located just 3 miles from the start point for tomorrow at the North end of Mt Mooselouke trail head.Happy hikers!