morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-07
From: VT 103- mile 1679.6

To: Coopers Lodge Shelter mile 1690.7
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

VT 103 - Coopers lodge shelter, killingtonMile 1679.6-1690.711.1 milesA leisurely morning of breakfast, visiting & hiker chores (cleaning/disinfecting gear, re packing the food bag & pack, looking ahead for future mail drops, etc) rounded out the morning. The in-laws jumped in to help. What a treat to meet them here. Back on the trail @ 11:30, it of course started w/ a climb to Clarendon lookout, a beautiful rocky trail up through a gorge, & another great view of the airport-nice lunch spot. See pics After a .5 mile climb up Beacon hill, the trail leveled and meandered pleasantly through deciduous woods for a long stint before heading up pico Mtn (killington ski area). This was beautiful. A portion of it required careful footwork around and over the rocks & roots, as a misstep could lead to an ungraceful tumble down the ledge into the trees. See pics.We had been rerouted earlier on the trail due to bridge construction so no ski slope pics, However, I can tell you, in spite of the rewarding, beautiful hike up, it is much more a blast to point the skis downhill & let er rip!. Haven't skied here in years. Once to Coopers Lodge Shelter, I took the 0.2 mile spur trail up to Killington peak. Wow-it's a steep! Using my hands, not poles, I gradually worked my way up. See pics. Once at the top, I saw the view was worth the climb even though quite a storm appeared to be brewing. See pics. I didn't hike to the ski portion of the Mtn as I was a bit concerned about the storm. Walking down backwards for much of the distance sped the process up. At the shelter, I met, Scrambles, Lunchbox, Cookie Monster, The professor, & 2 others whom I've already forgotten their names. Water from the spring there was the coldest ever. My hands were numb for 20 minutes after squeezing the Sawyer bag! The chilly weather & light rain prompted a quick entrance into the hammock. Brrrr. Looking at my mileage, I realize, I have less than 500 miles to go!!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Coopers Lodge Shelter mile 1690.7

To: Stony brook shelter mile 1707
Miles today: 16.7

Cooper's lodge shelter to Stony Brook Sheltermile 1690.7-170716.7And so the storybook trail continues, with a brisk, bright morning out of camp. The trail meandered along the mountain side rolling slightly up and down to create a perfect momentum for the morning. Of course, the goal for the morning- to dine at the Inn at The Long Trail, an iconic thing to do, many have advised. In addition, Cruella Deville says I am too thin so I am working to correct that, perhaps with this one meal! See pic. What you don't see is the chocolate soda bread pudding--I devoured it before remembering to take a pic. While there, I met Sugar foot, who had hiked the AT and the Long trail 3 times! Unbeknownst to me, he paid for my lunch! Such kind generosity & goodwill. Amazing trail magic! En route, I realized why re supply in Rutland wasn't simple...I hadn't stopped by the yellow deli! Such a hiker friendly hostel. They had trail magic out. See pic. Post lunch, I met Braveheart, a young lady with an impressive story. Recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she decided to hike the trail while she could! Left May 1st. Wow! The symptoms in her right leg resolved by the time she reached Hot Springs, NC. The other issues, she manages and continues at a tremendous pace as she never knows what may crop up next. Courageous I would say.As for the trail, it was mostly deciduous forest as seen down South. Kent pond was pretty but very commercial. Thundering Falls was the best afternoon fun. See pics. It warranted " a bit of time" to soak it in. Then onward just North of Stony Brook Shelter( no good hammock sites except near the privy ) for an early finish to the day w/ the brook babbling w/in earshot. Til laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Stony brook shelter mile 1707

To: mile 1725.6
Miles today: 18.6

Stony brook shelter to mile 1725.618.6 milesAnother beautiful blue sky day, much warmer than the morning on Killington. The trail was so dry and nontechnical (no shenanigans necessary to avoid the mud) that in spite of the roller coaster of hills, I was able to add a few miles to my planned day. The audiobook book of the day -Heaven is for real. First fun, a ladder climb down the trail in a fir forest see pic. Today's trail spanned forests of mostly maple to mixed to spruce & fir w/ their wonderful fragrances and a few meadows w/ sounds of the dog days of August being sung from the variety of insects. See pics.The highlight of the day, lunch on The Lookout. See pics. This is a private cabin with a view box on the roof that hikers are allowed to enjoy. I want one of these on our house. A leisurely lunch was had as I took pics of the 360 degree panorama. The ski slopes the trail runs near were evident, looking much closer than the 20+ miles it took to get here. Hot Sauce came up just as I was headed out. I had met him briefly at the last shelter, the only NoBo I saw for the day.Later in the day, I veered off course to a farm market, on the edge farm. There I had an early dinner of a hard boiled egg, tub of roasted red pepper hummus, cucumber, & a garden fresh tomato (rivaled the cherry tomatoes Kermit sent w/ CD & Mr. Peabody-which were devoured w/in a 1/4 mile of the trailhead the other day). Dessert- a scoop of moose tracks ice cream and 2 chocolate chip cookies. Quite the combo right? It powered me through to the view on a berry hill. Blackberries and raspberries galore. I set up camp in the woods, then gorged on berries as evening settled. see pics.All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-10
From: mile 1725.6

To: Short n Sweets house @ mile 1741
Miles today: 15.4

Mile 1725.6 - Short n Sweets house, @ mile 174115.4 miles I apologize for rubbing in what a great time I am having soaking up the beauty of the trail - but.... It continues. Today, camped in a maple & pine grove next to the raspberry patch, I went out at dawn, and picked & munched on raspberries while awaiting the sunrise. see pic. I must be itching to arrive in New Hampshire now as I set my day's plan to arrive into Hanover, NH today (1 day early). The audiobook of the day - Lewis,Carroll's Alice in Wonderland & Through The Looking Glass, splendidly narrated by Christopher Plummer. Plenty of silliness for 1 day & may make for some interesting dreams. Fortunately, no one was around as I sang the poems along with the story, ie lobster quadrille, walrus & carpenter, etc! Shortly after starting, I came to a road crossing where the Cloudland deli had trail magic of bananas & water. Perfect timing! Today's beautiful walk was with the pines and maples predominant. Perhaps there is a symbiotic relationship. See pics. Many of the views from meadows were overgrown limiting the expansive views seen elsewhere but what those meadows offered instead were loads & loads of blackberries and raspberries (as though I hadn't gorged enough)! Let's call that "making lemonade"As I began the 3 ish mile road walk into Norwich, VT & my target, Hanover, NH, trail magic beckoned at one house then another. I of course stopped at both. At Short N Sweets house, there was watermelon & chocolate chip banana bread. I then embarrassingly so, didn't contain my delight and said "Mmmmmm" out loud and of course she overheard me, came over and invited me stay there with 3 other hikers for the night(last night she had 8) instead of going to the motel!!! Wow! Out of sight! My act cleaned up, the walk into Hanover for dinner was a breeze. Short n Sweet had kindly arranged to pick us up from town @ 8 - obviously sensitive to the AT curfew At the appointed rendezvous point, I met the other 3 hikers, True Story, Wiki & Braveheart. Short n sweets only request- pass the kindness forward for a domino effect to improve the world 1 person at a time. I vote Short n sweet for president!!Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Short n Sweets house @ mile 1741

To: pine grove @ mile 1750
Miles today: 9.0

Short n sweets house( mile 1741 to mile 1750.0)9 milesActually 2.2 miles of it were slack packed last night. Out the door 7:10 w/ a ride into town w/ Bill, Short n sweets husband (can't remember his trail name). Braveheart hadn't slack packed yet and wasn't going to start now. I needed to spare my left foot as it was already unhappy w/ the road walking we had done. Sugar foote(previous thru-hiker I met at the inn of the long trail) had advised that I have breakfast at Lou's, an ole diner kind of setting, so I did. See pic as this has never happened to me before! Blueberry peach pie. They were local blueberries so being on the AT, I might surmise the peaches were from Georgia? quite fun.The rest of the day was spent waiting for my mail drops to arrive since I had walked a bit too quickly. These drops were critical as in addition to my meals, I had replacement shoes, haversack (old one no longer water proof), mittens & neck gaitor. This wait allowed time for computer chores (town-wide wifi is great)!. Not sure how thru-hikers from the 1960's-90's managed life w/out this level of connectivity! Organized, I finally left the cute little town of Hanover, headed North late afternoon, not allowing for a high mileage day. I guess it qualifies as a nearo day but was "far o nuff" for me.. Of course, the obligatory UP ensued. The first shelter is called Velvet rocks shelter. I can see why as the moss on the rocks of this area appears dryer than that in Vermont thus gives it the appearance of worn velvet you would see on a grandmother's settee.Along the way I chatted w/ Rocky & Swamp Fox, whom I had met briefly in West Hartford, VT. Rocky has previously thru-hiked & Swamp Fox will finish his last section when he reaches Gorman, NH @ mile 1887. Later, I met a threesome of South-bounders, the first SoBos that stopped to chat. It was good to get the scoop on their experience re this up coming section of trail I have been yearning to hike for a very long time. Upon reaching an open, dry appearing, absolutely silent pine grove, I set up camp early enough to enjoy. The mosquitoes elsewhere had been large cousins of the Massachusetts brigade and I was concerned I may get stuck in an area riddled w/ them if not careful.All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Smarts Mtn mile1766.4

To: Ore Hill Campsite mile 1779.3
Miles today: 12.9

Smarts Mtn campsite Mile 1766.4 -Ore hill campsite mile 1779.312.9 milesI am in Moose Country up here on Smarts Mtn as I have seen several piles of "Moosletoe". Thus, I devised my hike plan for the morning centered around optimizing a moose sighting. I got up predawn, w/ the mist and cloud swirling about in the ongoing howling wind, illuminated by my headlamp beautifully. I struck out as soon as the trail was safely visible, in full rain regalia (or the bag lady outfit as my husband calls it) - cuben fiber rain skirt, mid weight sealskinz water resistant socks, rain coat, mittens protected from the rain by cuben fiber mittens, umbrella in one hand, walking stick in the other). If that doesn't leave you w/ a hilarious image in your mind, I think there is a pic at the beginning of the hike. Rain is in the forecast so I may as well be prepared. Off I set, scanning the woods, moving quietly, Elmer Fudd style. But, by 7:30, I suspect my odds of a moose sighting have vanished so I pay attention to the now slippery, puddled trail as the rain increased, maintaining just a slow, steady pace. BTW, I didn't go to the fire tower on Smarts Mtn, as it is currently closed for safety reasons. At New Hampshire's version of the Ledges & Mt Cube summit, the views were of course obliterated in the cloud. However, in the swirling, howling, gusting wind(couldn't use the umbrella type of wind), the storm added to the austere beauty of the slick slabs of rock & stunted spruce stubbornly growing in every nook & cranny they could find. See pics. To be a part of the mountain then, was absolutely enthralling. At lunch, I set up my tarp just off the trail so I could make my tuna salad wrap unimpeded by the wind & rain, allowing a leisurely meal. Just 4 more miles to my destination, there seemed to be no reason to hurry.Today & Tonight I got to test all of my gear for weather hardiness after 4 months of wear n tear. The rain which started at 6:45 this morning worsened through the afternoon w/ gusting winds and later thunder & lightning. The concerns- the tarp started oozing rain through the center seam as it sags there now no matter how I set it. The raincoat which I wore for warmth today, and on Cube Mtn when it was too windy for the umbrella, soaked thru awfully rapidly. I would have been miserable if not for the umbrella. The umbrella, a gem, but worn w/ some drips of its own from scratches and wear is ready for replacement. Hmm, timing is everything-just as I head into the Whites!!!Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Ore Hill Campsite mile 1779.3

To: Hikers welcome hostel, Glencliff, NH mile 1786.6
Miles today: 7.3

Ore Hill Campsite mile 1779.3-Hikers welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH, mile 1786.67.3 milesFor all the fuss, muss, rain & wind, I stayed high & dry but kept pushing the tarp up periodically through the night just to be sure In route to the hikers welcome hostel, the gateway to the White mtns I think, I met Trail Dog, friends w/ Shortstop, who I hear has completed the Whites. Trail Dog is section hiking the trail & hopes to finish this year. Papa poochie, named this by his 6 yr old son, 18 yrs ago, was headed South. The blow downs across the trail were numerous. See pic. Arriving at the hostel, ready w/ my to do list, the plan was delayed a bit thanks to a power outage for the Glencliff, Warren, NH areas. However, I was able to hang everything out to air/dry, organize my mail drops and open a gift from Elizabeth & Rusty yes I did share- see pic. They were so appreciative. This hostel is one of those that sucks you into staying. Most of these guys & gals had been here for a week! As I was bouncing a box forward, etc, the power returned, allowing for charging of the electronics, laundry, shower, you know- the important things in life! Tomorrow Mt Moosilauke!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Hikers welcome hostel, Glencliff, NH mile 1786.6

To: Mile 1797.7
Miles today: 11.1

Hiker welcome hostel, Mile 1786.6-mile 1797.711.1 milesA gradually clearing, brisk, mitten kind of morning start. The trail was initially deceivingly gentle, then, up the Moosilauke the trail led through the most beautiful stand of Birch trees I had seen so far. (see pic) As the elevation increased so did the storybook appearance w/ the balsam firs, rocks, and of course moss blanketing everything. The forest was silent and the sun didn't begin to peak at this side of the mountain until after 9. The trail became a relatively well orchestrated, fun set of boulder steps winding its way to the top. Rest breaks allowed. The trail split left along the ridge to the summit. This flat path was like walking through a Christmas tree farm as all of the compact firs and I think some spruce were tightly packed together but at times only 4-6 feet tall, a fragile alpine forest. To the north spanned the summit-a bald! See pic. The trail up is marked with huge cairns, I am assuming for visibility during white outs and snowstorms. Quite a chilly wind picked up as I approached the summit, necessitating all layers on and nestling behind a rock wall to enjoy a leisurely early lunch and a view to the northwest. Several Dartmouth students joined me. They were on a week of orientation w/ this day hike and previously an overnight canoe trip as a means to bond before the semester started. It was a very international mixed group, many of whom had never done this type of activity. One student, Rob, a fellow NJ ian, was the most inquisitive of my trip, w/ no previous knowledge of the AT! Hard for me to fathom, when it is my life right now & has been on my mind for years.Trail Dog & his wife (already forgot her trail name ) came along heading south. The clouds came and went providing altering views of the panorama. It seems these mountains really do go forever! See pics. Later, the chill became much more apparent as my hands began to go numb, so off to the descent I went. Looking at the elevation profile earlier, I had set a very conservative hike plan for the day. However, energized by the mountain, I didn't get a vibe I should stay at Beaver Brook shelter, so continued the steep staircase down the north side of the mountain. What a treat! The hike down was steep (see pics) but followed along Beaver Brook as it started as a seemingly small trickle, building to a significant water slide and fall, rushing its way down the mountain side. See pics. There was a time my knees would not have withstood this descent but now w/ the increased leg strength and the knee bands, it was no problemo!! Some of the steps the trail maintainers created were quite clever. See pics. This section otherwise would have been extremely daunting. I have a reservation for Lonesome Lake hut the 17th, so stopped early after a couple miles so I would have some trail left for the next 2 days. Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Mile 1797.7

To: Kinsman pond shelter mile 1807.4
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Mile 1797.7-kinsman pond shelter mile 1807.4Miles 9.7Well Vermont, New Hampshire has given me 2 fabulous days of hiking Mt Moosilauke and The Kinsman peaks, thus I feel obliged to ratchet you down to second place in the favorites department. Take heart though, your fairy tale forests and excellent water remain near to my heart. That being said, the Kinsman climb is not for the faint of heart nor weak of knee, but wow what a blast! I am fairly convinced rock hopscotch is a state sanctioned sport as there is a lot of it to be done here. As the climb progresses, monkey maneuvers help and stepping down backwards is frequently safest. The path is that of boulders and slabs of wet rock surrounded by the evergreen forests and moss. See pics (I took so many, it was difficult to decide which to put into the journal!) Harrington pond was nestled in a notch. See pic. At the top of South Kinsman peak, the panoramic views went forever, dispersing into a haze. See pic. The wind became somewhat icy, requiring all layers again. 1.6 miles to the shelter made for an early day as rain began to move into the area. Maybe more later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Kinsman pond shelter mile 1807.4

To: Lonesome lake hut mile 1809.2
Miles today: 1.8

Kinsman pond shelter mile 1807.4-Lonesome Lake Hut mile 1809.21.8 miles Light rain overnight and a damp, socked in start to the morning didn't change throughout the course of the day. See pic. No moose sighting at Kinsman pond whether they were there or not. see pic. With only 2 miles to my destination for the day (a nearo/almost zero) I took my time through the woods hoping the day would clear. Once at the lodge, I met my bunk mates for the night Bruce & Doreen, the naturalists who will be giving presentations & a nature walk. I am in luck - Just exactly what I need! Hopefully, I will be a bit more forthcoming regarding the wildflowers etc.! I also met the family of the gentleman that rebuilt the Mizpah hut. Amazing to hear how they accomplished that feat. They were great fun to chat with as the 2 young boys were so excited about their knowledge of nature & hiking prowess. Fun to see. As the day didn't change, the trail options being, a 20 minute walk around the lake and /or a variety of loop trail options up Mt Cannon, a 4000 footer. I chose both. Although the visibility was nil, both were beautiful if not a bit treacherous. See pics. The walk up was a joy, but I got soaked from the rain in the fir needles close to the trail. At the top of 4080' Mt Cannon is a ski resort tram, cafeteria w/ electrical outlets & connectivity. I took advantage of it all. I also met a young lady & her father. She plans on thru-hiking in 2016, so was fun chatting about my pampered trip I must head back in time for the nature walk & dinner! Fortunately I made it back in time learn about two carnivorous plants, pics tomorrow, bunch berries are edible but not particularly flavorful (personal taste test tonight) and the specifics of identifying spruce, firs & tamarack trees. Dinner was a fun family style meal, then a talk about the areas history. Fun to learn. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Lonesome lake hut mile 1809.2

To: Mile 1820.5
Miles today: 11.3

Lonesome Lake hut mile 1809.2 to mile 1820.511.3 milesThe dawn trip to the lake paid off! I rounded a bend on the bog boards and there she stood, @25 ' from me. She looked at me as I stopped in surprise then went back to stripping leaves off of everything in site. Now I understand why so many of the bushes have bare branches. Bruce, Doreen & a few others soon joined me and we all just gazed at her as she munched away seemingly unbothered by our presence. After a 1/2 hr debut, she crossed the bog walk and disappeared into the woods. See pics - I took @ 57 trying to improve on the image quality. Then, Doreen showed me again, the carnivorous plants for the photo op. See pics. Then back to breakfast we hurried.A 9 o'clock start after saying good-by to all of the nice families I met, I made relatively good time hopscotching the 3 miles to rt 93 where I detoured 0.7 road miles (yuck) to the Flume Gorge visitor center for my mail drop. After Bruce's geology talk last night & his & others recommendation that the gorge was a cool site, I took the time for the 2 mile loop walk. What a treat! See pics. Anyone cruising through NH should swing through. After lunch and re packing my now very full pack, I struck out onto the trail again @ 1 o'clock. The road walk now the skies cleared, gave a great view of the peaks and ridge I would be walking today. Mt Liberty looks like George Washington (fun fact from Bruce). See pic. Another fun fact is Mt Liberty is uppity, up & more up! Well worth every step though for what I was about to experience! I took the spur trail onto the summit just so I could say I stood on George's nose. Then up Little Haystack (steep) & above tree line for 2 miles onto Mt Lincoln, Franconia ridge & Mt Lafayette. I had entered another world. As soon as I was above tree line a chilling cloud continually blew over the mountain, allowing only silhouetted views ahead at times & of course no view below. The wind was so strong, it blew me off the trail & at times I thought I would go off into the white oblivion below. The raw, rugged beauty of the ridge was striking. See pics- only took a few for obvious reasons. There were several hikers moving both directions, I think all of us surprised by the different weather than expected. The bad news- somehow I lost a mitten, & let me tell you, a sock is not a mitten! however, the hands survived. Once below tree line, I moved on but w/ 1 more steep & 2 miles before my intended camp, I stopped at an already trampled stealth site for the night. All for now,Red Robin