morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-07-06
From: October Mountain Shelter Mile 1561.6

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite Mile 1578.1
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained overnight, but not a lot of rain, which led to a damp and overcast start. One of the upsides of a wet forest is that the woods really pop. It seems like the greens are emphasized by the damp leaves and the overcast day. Shortly after we left camp we saw moose tracks in the mud. Later we met a southbound Hiker who said a northbound Hiker was startled by a moose near where we saw the tracks. So there definitely was one in the area around the time that we were there, but unfortunately we didn¢t see a moose. A little ways past the tracks are some bog ponds that Orchid says are a prime moose habitat.The goal for the morning was to make it to the Cookie Lady 2.0 house for chocolate chip cookies. As we were walking up, Relish stuck her head out of a bus on the property that you can camp in. We ended up talking with Big Hungry, Play by Play, and Relish for a while, catching up with what they¢ve been doing as well as what we¢ve been doing. Turns out they have seen six bears since we saw them last. They had been about half a day behind us for a while but had passed us when we took our zero. They also stayed at Upper Goose Pond and had the pancake breakfast and also canoed on the lake with boats that are at the shelter. Unfortunately due to a family emergency it looks like we¢re gonna be a couple days ahead of them now.We devoured a couple of the delicious homemade cookies. This family bought the house after the previous cookie lady passed away with the promise to continue the cookie tradition. It looks like they¢re adding services like the bus and an airplane hanger that you can stay in and they¢re definitely supporting the AT community.About a mile after The Cookie Lady I hit 700 miles and we did the obligatory photo op.Today was mainly a woods walk and we only had one real view for the day. However the trail did go through the town of Dalton Massachusetts. We were there for lunch and so we stopped at a very nice sub shop. While we were eating, Orchid discovered that one of the couple at the table next to us worked with Orchid¢s mom and sister at the hospital back in her hometown. The couple don¢t even live in Dalton anymore. It¢s very strange how things work on the trail, as far as seeing and meeting people that are somewhat interconnected through hometowns or other things despite the vast community that we are walking through.At camp there is a larger number of people that we seen in a while, nine total hikers, some section hikers, one southbound and the rest are northbound.Steps 31100Weather Forecast: 76/54 partly sunny Jen (my awesome video editor) also created a website to consolidate info: https://atwithduckie.wixsite.c...
Date: 2022-07-07
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite Mile 1578.1

To: Bascom Lodge Mile 1590.3
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

The plan for today was to hike about 5 miles to a road crossing where we would meet Orchid¢s husband, sister, and father. They would accompany us on the climb up to Mt Greylock. On the way to the rendezvous point we had a beautiful view down into Cheshire, MA from the Cheshire Cobble. We then proceeded to decend down into town where we ran into Grits who was just heading out for the day via a local outfitters to try to find a fuel canister.We got to the pickup point just after Orchid¢s family had pulled up. We swapped out our heavier packs for day packs for the climb up to Mount Greylock. Orchid¢s dad started the climb with us while her husband and sister position cars at the top and a trail head that they could take to meet us partially up the mountain. It was a lot of fun hiking up the trail with her family swapping trail stories and family stories. Before we got to the top of the mountain we entered what felt like an alpine zone with a Pine trees and rocks with everything covered in moss.  It was just wonderful. We also came across a small pond that was glass still. We got some amazing photographs with the mountain and sky reflecting in them. It was just absolutely beautiful. Definitely one of my favorite spots on the trail so far.We finished the climb to the top, took in the views, and climbed up the war Memorial on the top to get 360° views of the surrounding mountains out to Vermont, New Hampshire and New York. We were staying at the lodge at the top of the mountain, Bascom lodge, and we checked in and got a shower before heading  to town with her family for dinner and the obligatory ice cream.We got back in time to catch the sunset which was nice. Then headed up to the room to finish organizing the resupply her family brought us. We got to bed way too late considering we are waking up to see the sunrise in the morning.Steps 23800Weather Forecast: 78/61 partly sunny Jen (my awesome video editor) also created a website to consolidate info: https://atwithduckie.wixsite.c...
Date: 2022-07-09
From: Congdon Shelter Mile 1610.8

To: Glastenbury Mt Mile 1625.5
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

After yesterday¢s long day and somewhat late night we got a later start than usual. Pilgrim and Roller headed out first and then about 15 minutes later Orchid and I went out. Plan for today is a shorter day to end at the top of Glastenbury mountain for a sunset and sunrise watching party. There¢s still quite a lot of climbing on the shorter day. I ended up taking a quick break when we caught up with Pilgrim and Roller at the top of the mountain. There was a good view down into Bennington. This started a relatively steep descent down to Route 9 followed by an equally steep climb back out. Was definitely feeling the legs for the climb out of Rt 9. I think I might need to change up the food that I¢m carrying as it¢s high in carbs and proteins but not so much in fats. I haven¢t quite figured out what to do. I know some people carry cheese and others carry things like olive oil and butter. I might have to start adding the hemp seeds to my breakfast, but I¢m not sure if there¢s a recommended amount of hemp seeds to have per day. Right now I¢m doing about 3 tablespoons with dinner.We had some tree obscured views during the day, but they were definitely getting overgrown. As we started the final climb to the top of the mountain we entered the Glastonbury wilderness area which was created in 2006 along with a bunch of other ones. One thing about these areas is they are supposed to do limited maintenance like cutting out blow downs and marking the trail. There is definitely a noticeable change in the wilderness. Towards the top of the mountain we entered a new environment zone where things change to pine trees and moss everywhere. It¢s a distinct difference from the rest of the day. Because of the elevation I don¢t think it¢s considered an alpine zone but we noticed a similar change as we climbed up Mt Greylock towards the top. It reminds me of the North Shore emergency videos the boys and I were watching a couple years ago which I think were from the west coast of Canada.Found a camping spot at the summit near the fire tower and set up camp. Then went to check out the views where we were rewarded with a 360° view of the surrounding states. I could see the Catskills and Adirondacks of New York, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont as well as the Berkshires. It was a very clear day and I guess we could easily see probably 50 miles away. Around sunset we climbed back up the fire tower along with five other people - definitely exceeding the four person limit posted at the bottom. The three of us and another person hung out on the steps below the cabin and enjoyed the very nice sunset. It¢s definitely worth the climb to the top of the mountain passed the shelter with a  water carry up from the shelter and to have to hang your food. Fortunately the fire Tower makes a very good bear hang. Steps 27600Weather Forecast: 78/51 and sunny. Down to 45 overnight Jen (my awesome video editor) also created a website to consolidate info: https://atwithduckie.wixsite.c...
Date: 2022-07-15
From: Yellow Deli Mile 1705.3

To: Yellow Deli Mile 1705.3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Despite being in a room with seven other guys last night, it was actually pretty quiet, and nobody snored. Got up earlier and I had time to get caught up a little bit of some journaling. The Yellow Deli offers a free breakfast, but it definitely was not enough to satisfy Hiker Hunger.The three of us headed to Walmart and then Price Chopper to do a resupply for the stretch after Killington. My sister met us at the Price Chopper and brought us back to the Hostel to pick up our packs. We got a very nice takeout lunch from the Yellow Deli. On the way out of town we stopped at Stewart¢s for a hand pack led pint of ice cream and then Dollar General for some more resupply items.We are staying in a rental house near Killington ski resort. Once we got there, we put stuff away and prepared the food bags for the next stretch. Then we started the process of continuing to look at the schedule for the following week. Later in the afternoon we headed out to do laundry, look for some handlebar tape for Pilgrim¢s poles, and check for replacement for Orchids CNOC water bag. While the clothes were drying, we had a moment to get a beer and sodas from the bar upstairs.Headed home and worked on making burritos for dinner and breakfast sandwiches for the morning. Then continued the efforts of planning out next week. It looks like we might be able to stay at Lake of the Clouds hut right before submitting Mount Washington. However, it would be 10 days with no zero as there¢s no availability for the following two weeks. It would also mean no wiggle room on the push to make it to the hut. Finally got done with everything around 9 o¢clock and then spent some time catching up on journaling and social media.The plan for tomorrow is for Jen to drop us off at the northern point and then hike with us for a little while. This endpoint is a much harder parking lot to find than the starting point on Rt 4 so we¢ll be going southbound.Steps 7410Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-07-21
From: NH Rt 25A Stealth Site Mile 1785.7

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel Mile 1795.4
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up tired, but fortunately today was a planned shorter day into the Hikers Welcome Hostel prior to the first big mountain of the whites. It was a rather uneventful and unremarkable journey today. We put out an unattended smoking camp fire - really people? Right by a stream so water was plentiful. We climbed Mt Mist with the catch phrase ¢You almost missed Mt Mist¢. Otherwise, we got to the hostel by noon. It¢s an odd hostel in that it has some pretty nice bunk rooms, without air conditioning, but an outdoor shower and bathroom with just curtains for privacy (think wind), a porta pot for a second toilet, and one washer/dryer which was being shared by the hostel laundry as well. Short wait for the shower but long wait for the washer. We had originally planned to stay for two nights, but after seeing the place and with no AC, Orchid found there was availability at The Notch Hostel and we made reservations with them for the following day. It was pretty warm out in the afternoon and the bunk rooms were very hot. Fortunately there were some picnic tables under a tent canopy and some tall trees where it wasn¢t too bad out. I realized I had not been doing a good job drinking about halfway through the afternoon so started working hard to push the fluids. Around 3, we got a pretty good down pour in a thunderstorm. With the heavy rain and the wind the spray was getting everything under the tent damp so I made the dash back to the bunk room. Unfortunately, I started getting a headache in the hot room so shortly headed back outside. Nick arrived about 5 as he is joining us for the climb over Moosilauke. We headed out for dinner at a local restaurant, followed by ice cream and a small resupply. The general store didn¢t have great breakfast options so I got a hodgepodge of stuff for the morning. Wasn¢t feeling great when I got back from dinner and with the bunkhouse still warm I ended up sitting outside for a while. Dinner would turn out to be the last real meal I would eat for a while. But that¢s a story for another day. Steps 22700Weather Forecast: 84/67
Date: 2022-07-24
From: The Notch Hostel Mile 1804.9

To: The Notch Hostel Mile 1804.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Although I got a full IV, I only got up once to pee. I snuck to the bathroom so they wouldn¢t notice I was still there if they had forgotten. Finally around 6:45 I woke up as I was actually a little bit hungry as I had not eaten since about 2pm yesterday. I found a dinner near the hospital and walked over to eat breakfast. Had a Belgian Waffle but it was a struggle to finish. I also got an omelette to go. Pilgrim and Mark came to pick me up after breakfast and bring me back to the hostel. Got a shower and then spent the remainder of the day napping or resting. Managed to eat the omelette and some applesauce, yogurt and pudding but nothing else. This is way too few calories and won¢t be sustainable on trail. We spent a little time discussing options for continuing after the AMC huts but have not yet picked an option. Steps 4600Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-07-25
From: The Notch Hostel Mile 1804.9

To: The Notch Hostel Mile 1804.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was actually a bit hungry this morning. I ended up making four thicker blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Around 11, Orchid and I walked a mile down to the Woodstock Inn where I got French Toast with potatoes and sticky bun as well as an omelette to go. Managed to finish three of the four pieces and 3/4 of the potatoes. Had 2/3 for an early dinner and the rest for a late dinner. Still less than I had been eating but it¢s a start. Feeling good on the walk. Otherwise spent the day catching up with journaling and relaxing. Our updated plan is to skip forward 28 miles to the Lake of the Clouds Hut AT trailhead and do the 11 mile, 5000+ ft of climbing to the hut. Then summit Mt Washington Wednesday and take a zero at Pinkham Notch. We continue north to Gorham and then get a ride back to the hostel where we¢ll do the skipped miles before getting a ride back to Gorham. At that point Orchid and Pilgrim will be contiguous but I¢ll still be missing a 16 mile section I¢ll need to fill in later. Tomorrow will be a big test. I¢ve got extra Sour Patch kids (sugar) and there is a hut with soup and pastry half way up. Also putting the ear buds in the hip belt pouch instead of inside the pack for additional musical support if needed. Fortunately it will also be much cooler and breezy tomorrow as well. Steps 8170Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-07-28
From: Joe Dodge Lodge Mile 1874.9

To: Joe Dodge Lodge Mile 1874.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept really well last night. Up a couple of times to pee, but immediately fell back asleep. Breakfast at the lodge was much better than dinner, with lots of options. We got there about 7:30 and ended up staying until almost 9 just slowly eating. Not sure I got a hiker hunger amount of food, but I was trying. As we left we went to sit in the Adirondack chairs where supposedly cell coverage is better. There was a woman sitting with her friends dog and we struck up a conversation. The two had been thru hiking but had gotten injured back in NY and were now doing trail magic for their tramily following them up the trail. We asked if she was going to Gorham or Conway and she offered to take Orchid and I for a resupply to the Walmart in Conway, about 30 minutes away. She¢s Broadway (does costume design) and was the trail angel we needed today. Super nice and was awesome, even bringing us to the grocery store for items that Walmart didn¢t have. Rest of the day was spent lounging around trying to eat and drink. I feel like I can get at least as many calories as I was at the start of the hike. I had three big meals today. Hopefully I¢m reasonably close to calorie parity. Tomorrow we start a two day crossing of the Wildcats. Then we flip back for two days to make up the miles we all missed. If things are not going well, there will be some easy bail out points. But hopefully they won¢t be needed. Steps 5800Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-07-30
From: Imp Shelter Mile 1888

To: Rt 2 Mile 1896
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Actually slept pretty good last night despite the snoring shelter mates. The one sleeping next to me actually flipped around in the middle of the night and I didn¢t even hear him do that. Got up once at 4:30 to pee and didn¢t even fall out of the upper story trying to get down in the dark. Had a pretty good breakfast eating the normal amount of stuff. However, was getting hungry on the hike so I ate a bunch of bars in the morning. We had one climb to o start the day and then after we passed Mt Mariah it was a long steady descent down to the pickup point. The closer to the parking lot, the nicer the trail got and at the end it was a nice flat dirt trail. The three of us hiked together all day, which we haven¢t done in a little while. Pace was a little slower than Orchid and I usually do ( well until recently for me) but we had fun chit chatting and being silly on the way down. Got to the bottom early, and Cowboy was at the bottom also waiting for a ride. Talked with him for a while until Orchid¢s dad showed up in his Tesla. He was in the area for a guys weekend and drove us back to the Notch Hostel where we¢ll be starting to fill in the missing 28 miles we all need. We had left resupply at the hostel but also headed out to get some more food and grab some Mexican Burritos on the hostel shuttle. RnR are here, they¢re an older couple who hiked with Pilgrim a long time ago. They will be going out on the shuttle with us tomorrow. This makes night 5 total at the hostel. Steps 18500Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-08-02
From: Ethan Pond Shelter Mile 1846

To: Rt 302 Mile 1848.9
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: light rain

Today we have a pickup from my uncle who lives in NH at the Rt 302 road crossing. From there the plan was to get some town food, resupply, and head back out from about 7 more miles to the next shelter. It was a relatively easy descent down to the trailhead with the last part on the access road. We got there early and a couple of minutes later my Uncle Peter arrived. As we¢re getting back on in Gorham we headed there. Found the White Mountain Cafe and bookstore which had delicious breakfast sandwiches. While eating we tossed around some options as we weren¢t eager to get back on trail today. Eventually we decided to spend the night with my Aunt and Uncle after working on an updated plan to get to the next resupply point. We headed to their house stopping on the way for ice for Pilgrim¢s ankle. My aunt Elaine was at the store and I got to surprise her with our visit. We continued to the house for shower and laundry before heading out to the local cafe for lunch. After lunch Elaine took us to North Conway (same town we went to from Joe Dodge Lodge) for the resupply. Returning home we sorted and packed up food and I also switched back to my original backpack which has now been repaired. We swapped trail stories and caught up with my aunt and uncle. As usual the resupply day was packed full and had very little free time or time to catch up with social media. I did upload movies and pictures to my sister but that¢s about it. We all had a great visit and thank you for everything that you did for us!Steps 11200Weather Forecast:
Date: 2022-08-03
From: Rt 2 Mile 1896

To: Gentian Pond Shelter Mile 1907.8
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Even after everything I ate yesterday, I was hungry and I ate a good breakfast today having both oatmeal and a breakfast sandwich. After we finished packing up, Peter drove us to the Rt 2 trailhead where we are now basically caught up and heading north (except for the Kinsman range I missed). Today will mark the end of the White Mountain National Forest as we¢ll cross out of the park a couple miles in.We started with a short road walk to warm up and then started climbing up into the Mahoosuc mountains where the AT shares with the Mahoosuc trail. I did well on the climb and was able to keep pace with Orchid again, although the trail was not as steep as some of the recent climbs. However, it¢s a start and I¢m hoping that I have turned a corner and am back. The AT shares a long distance with the Mahoosuc trail which is roughly 30 miles long and includes the Mahoosuc Notch which we¢ll do in a couple of days. I ate most of the snacks in my snack pouch early on and we stopped for lunch and I was able to eat a full lunch. After we finished eating, Orchid was leading and shortly ahead of me when she stepped wrong on an unstable bog bridge and took a bad fall landing hard on her forearm. She broke her watch band and pole but fortunately nothing else. It just reminds us that we are one misstep from potentially hike ending injury. On average I¢d say I misstep once a day rolling the ankle where you have to stop and take stock to see if everything is still working. Still not sure how none of them have done any damage. Sometimes flat trails are the worst as you¢re not constantly looking down watching your step. Currently, illness aside, body is holding up well. This is another section of trail that is dry with many of the seasonal and even reliable water sources not flowing and those that are flowing are often a trickle. I¢ve started to carry a third water bottle so I can carry about 2.7 liters overall. Much of Maine is in a level 1 or 2 drought. It looks like the section that the AT goes through is likely mostly level 1. As much as rain can be annoying, it¢s badly needed here. The good source at the shelter is dry and so we¢re carrying in water from about .3 away.At camp there were three women out doing survey work for a trail reroute. Once a reroute is proposed a number of people get involved behind the scenes. Two of them were biologists and one an anthropologist and they are looking for endangered species (plants and animals) and historical sites. They indicated that there can be upwards of 8 people in some of the reroute planning groups. Two of them are full time and the other was seasonal working for an organization that escapes me now but something like the forest service. It gives a new appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes. And that¢s just for trail work, not even counting all the shelter and campsite improvements we¢ve seen. Today was warm but it wasn¢t terrible up at elevation. Steps 24500Weather Forecast: 83/59