morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-17
From: nh25

To: Goose Pond Road
Miles today: 19.4

After only 4 hrs of sleep after the nightmare night we were on the trail at 6. We first hiked up Mt. Cube where we sat and texted family at home and did a journal entry. Again the weather was perfect for hiking with sun and blue skies. We had a great view from up on Mt. Cube. We then hiked over to Hexaba Shelter where we topped our water off. We then started our long 4 mile climb up to the fire warden cabin at 3230ft. It's not a tough climb just a long drawn out one. We again had some great views from the top. We didn't stay long because we were on a mission of getting 6 more miles n to the ice cream man's house. We finally made it to his home at 3 after 16 miles but on the way we stopped and ate blueberries,red and black raspberries which were very tasty. We had our ice cream and coke and hung out for an hr and a half with Bill who we met in 2010 and 2012. We have mutual friends in Ken and Ann who we also met in 2010 and 2012. All three of them are great friends that we would have never met if not for the trail. We then said our goodbyes and hiked 4 more miles to camp. We met some Dartmouth students who were in pairs of 4 every 10 minutes who were on a 36hr 56 mile hike, and they said they were the lucky ones because u only get to do that if ur name is drawn. That sounds like punishment to me. Tomorrow we have 15 to Hanover and free pizza. God Bless.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Goose Pond Road

To: Hanover
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We were going to start hiking at 5 but it rained all night and didn't stop until 5 this morning so we started at 6 with one goal town and free pizza. We started by hiking in the fog and it was misty but no rain. We climbed up moose Mtn which was at 2290ft in the first 4 miles before descending down to Three Mile rd and only 9 more miles to town. We were making great time at this point which made us hike even faster. We hiked at a 3 mile pace because the trail was good with practically level hiking. We hiked thru some cedar woods and some fields with berries to pick and eat. We made it to Velvet Rocks Shelter where we dumped the rest of our water weight and basically ran into town. We made it to town at 12:15 and wnt straight to the pizza place. We then went to re-supply for our two days until we get to Killington to pick up a mail drop. Dartmouth College is having parents weekend and the streets our filled with vendors. We went to see a movie and relax before going to Starbucks to get our fix. While I was in Starbucks Tumbler met a great family who lets hikers stay with them every now and then and he asked if we wanted to go home with them and that's where we are. We are getting ready to eat grilled chicken and potatoes. Tomorrow we enter Vermont bc we are .5 from the border. God Bless to all and pray all is well with ur families.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Hanover

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning Bob made us coffee then we headed back to Starbucks and trail,yes Starbucks is actually on the AT in Hanover. He then bought Ratman a blueberry muffin to go along with tumblers free chocolate danish and Ratman free Carmel Bacon danish which was real tasty. We said our goodbyes and we started towards the Vermont line. We hiked .5 down to the bridge and crossed over into Vermont. We then road walked until we came to a trail angels house we stayed at in 2012 and stopped by to say hi but she wasn't home. We then went two houses down right before we turned into the woods there was a cooler with col drinks. We split one bc we already had coffee at Bob's and Starbucks coffee. We then entered the woods and hiked 7.6 miles on great trail with very little elevation changes. We cont to meet NOBO's all day long who are only 450 miles from the end of their journey. We reached Podunk road around 12:15 and reached Randy and Linda's house where we had root beer and he fixed us eggs with onions and green peppers with toast and sausage. We sat and talked until 2 before continuing on South. We had 4.8 miles to go to reach the shelter with thunder boomers going off to the West. The weather forecast was for rain,hail,strong winds and lightning this evening but so far so good still sunny. The day was hot and humid and it was hard to breathe going up hill. We finally reached the shelter at 5 and Ratman went down and filled up with cold water while Tumbler looked for a good place to tent. There is one lady going South at the shelter from Chicago here tonight but that is it at the present time. We plan on doing 22 tomorrow so pray for us. Thank u again Bob and Jane for your kindness and have to say the grilled chicken and homemade Guac dip was great. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Chateauguay Road
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

After posting last night we got a bad storm from 8 to 9. We had to run down to the shelter from our tent. It was the heaviest rain and hardest wind we gave ever experienced on the trail. We heard two trees fall somewhere close by us during the storm. When we back to our tent it survived the whole storm very well. We started hiking at 6:15 this morning with our thoughts on reaching this roadside market 7 miles away. We hiked thru a few fields and went up and down some small hills but the trail was easy for those 7 miles. We did get drowned by the wet fields we went thru so we tried to dry out some at the little store. We had ham sandwiches and ice cream for lunch before heading out for the trail. We hiked up to the Winturri Shelter where we met a couple from Canada and a young man from Johnson City TN,which is only 1 hr from where we live. We then started hiking again and ran into the man who we gave a ride to in early Feb from Gatlinburg back to the AT, its a small world. We then made it down to where we set up camp by a stream around 5:30. We planned to hike further but our feet hurt. We get new boots in Manchester which is 64 miles away. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Chateauguay Road

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: moderate rain

This morning we were hiking by 6:15 with the intent of camping on top of Killington Mtn tonight. We first hiked 3.9 down to Stony Brook Road on easy trail before hiking up to the shelter for water. We met two hikers going North there who had seen us in the AT movie from 2012. We then hiked up to Quimby Mtn. which was at 2550ft. We then had a long downhill to River Rd. We had a 900 yard boardwalk over to a viewing platform of Thunder Falls. We then hiked 1.9 miles over to Vt. 100 to get a ride to Killington Post Office to pickup a package and mail some things home. The weather has been great for hiking today and so after the Post Office stop we went to the deli for lunch. We sat outside at a picnic table where I had a pulled pork sub with the works and Tumbler had a hamburger with everything. We then walked .6 back to the trail. We had hiked about 1 mile before meeting our friend from 2010 and 2012 thru-hikes Trogg. He had hurt his back in 2010 50 miles from the end so he decided he would start over in 2012 and thru-hike. He made it this time all the way. We then hiked over to U.S. 4 and found cooler with ice cold juice to drink inside. We then seen some bad clouds moving in so we hustled 1.9 to the shelter and we stopped because it was about to rain. We had just made it to the shelter when the heavens opened up. We waited it out then set our tent up. We have 47 miles to get to Manchester center to get new boots and are going to stay with Jeff at the hostel. Hope everyone is safe and God Bless.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: vt. 140 roaring brook 
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After an evening of rain on the side of Killington Mt we started hiking around 7 with a 1400ft climb to the top of Killington. It was a nice morning with a slight breeze. The climb up was easy with a gradual grade up. We made the 4.4 in less than 2 hrs. We then started down the other side which was more difficult because of the rocks and roots along with being on the edge of the Mtn for awhile. We made it down to Governor Clement Shelter by 11 and had lunch along with setting our gear out to dry. We then started back hiking around 12 on easy and flat trail. The trail followed the river which was messed up bad during hurricane. About 1 the heavens opened up and poured the rain. We were drowned but it was worth it bc I seen a moose not 15ft from me. It would have ran but the rain kept the moose from hearing us until we was right beside it. It looked at us then ran the other direction. We figure it's time to get to town and shower if we scared that moose that bad. We then Made it to the Minerva Hinchey Shelter where we met a lady and three kids between 5 and 10 hiking the other half of the AT. They did first half last year. It was great to meet such a strong women and very sweet kids. I can't imagine the bond they are forming out here. We got water then climbed up and over Bear Mt where we camped for the night. Luckily the rain stopped around 2 and nothing but sun the rest of the day. God Bless.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: vt. 140 roaring brook 

To: USFS 21 Mad Tom Notch
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we woke to clear skies and the sun was shining with a slight breeze. We first started climbing for 2 miles up to White rocks at 2400ft. We love this area bc everyone takes a rock and stacks it on top of others to make rock cairns all over the mountain top. In 2010 they were as tall as us but in 2012 they had to start over, some locals came up and knocked them all down. This yr they getting bigger again, it makes u feel like your in a hiker burial place of honor. We then continued hiking until we reached USFS 10 and had a break for some much needed snacks. The trail has been good with very little mud so far in Vermont. We then made are way up to Baker peak and realized we had hiked 13 miles by 1 and were feeling good. So we sat on a rock outcropping and just gazed at all the views around us. We then descended   down to Peru Peak Shelter where we took another break before hiking up to Peru Peak and over to Styles Peak both above 3300ft. When we made it over to Styles Peak we met a young lady out with her dogs for a short trail run so we stopped and chatted with her. We then hiked down to USFS 21 where we decided to camp. The only problem no water here bc the water pump was broken. But, the young girl came down to her car and we asked if she could bring us some water. She went home and brought back a gallon. Good thing bc it started raining 5 minutes after we got the tent up. She arrived back at 6 and we had dinner then retired with the thoughts of only 5.5 to town and a shower with laundry after six days out in the woods. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-24
From: USFS 21 Mad Tom Notch

To: manchester center
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

The rain stopped around 8 last night so the tent was not that wet to carry. We started hiking around 5:45 and the first 2.5 miles was climbing up Bromley Mtn which is a ski area here in Vermont. The morning was like every other morning cool,breezy and sunny. We made to the top around 7 and knew we only had a 3 mile down to the road. The down off of Bromley wasn't that steep so we made it down pretty fast. We were at the road hitching by 8. We caught a ride :15 minutes later by a young man who was very nice. We were at McDonalds eating and having coffee by 8:30. We then had to walk to the P.O. to get out new boots and a box that Missy who I work with in home health had sent us. We want to thank her so much for that, this makes the second thru hike that she has done that for us as well. While at the P.O. Jeff who owns the hostel we are at was there so he took out packs and new boots with him while we went to the outfitters and store. We then called him to come get us bc we were ready to relax. Yesterday we passed 50 NOBO hikers but did not see anyone going in our direction. We have not seen anyone going in our direction for 3 days. We think we have passed most of the SOBO hikers at this time. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-25
From: manchester center

To: campsite past stratton arlington rd
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

We Manchester center after a great stay at Jeff's place. We started hiking around 8:30. We climbed up to spruce peak before hiking down to prospect rock. We then had a .9 rd walk before hiking a easy 5 miles up to Stratton Pond for lunch. The day was perfect with perfect weather sunny and not humid. We then started our climb up Stratton Mtn to the fire tower. We made it to the top around 3 but on the way up we met the two men who spirit had hiked with when she hiked 300 miles this past March. We talked with the caretaker at the top who we met in 2013, she is a very nice women and we commend her for what she does for stratton Mtn and the trail. We then hiked very fast 4 miles down to the road where we filled up with water. We cont to pass NOBO's but no sobos. We then hiked 1 mile and found a great campsite by the stream and set up for the evening. We washed off in the stream and built a fire. We then went to bed around 9. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-26
From: campsite past stratton arlington rd

To: vt. 9 Bennington
Miles today: 21.6

We woke up to the sound off rain so we went back to sleep. It stopped by 6 so up and hiking by 6:30. We first hiked to Story Spring Shelter where we filled up with some the best water in Vermont. Then it started raining again so we waited it out. After 30 min it stopped and we hiked fast to the next shelter 3.7 miles away. We figured we would run from shelter to shelter to try and stay dry. We just got new boots and wanted them to stay dry as long as possible. We made it to kid gore shelter with no more rain and the sun was shining so that was good. We met walking home who was slackpacking and handing out snickers to hikers. We then climbed Glatenberry Mtn which was a long drawn out climb of 4 miles. We are still meeting 60 to 70 NOBO's a day. We then had 10 miles to go to reach our goal with a threat of storms between 2 and 5 so we hiked with one 10 min break. But the sun came out and we had a great evening to hike the rest of the way in. for the most part it was ridgeline hiking with a 2 mile down to the rd. We made it at 5 and was greeted by a lady who was following her husband up the trail doing trail magic. We had sodas and chex mix. The cold sodas were great after a 21 mile day. Then Steve road up who we met in 2013 on the long trail and offered me a ride into town. While I went to town for supplies tumbler set up camp. Thank you Steve for all u do for the hiker community and expect nothing in return ur a great guy. We pray nothing but the best for u and ur family and that new grand baby. We spent the evening eating and resting with 14 miles until Mass line. God Bless3.7
Date: 2015-07-27
From: vt. 9 Bennington

To: pattison rd
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

This morning we started hiking around 7, we slept in another :30 minutes bc we had done 21.5 the day before. We first climbed Harmon Hill at 2,325ft, the climb had many rock steps at the beginning. When we reached the top we were in a field of wild red raspberries and a great view of the town of Bennington. We seen bear scat everywhere with wild raspberries mixed in it, so we didn't hang around long. We then hiked an easy 2.5 miles down to the Congdon Shelter and took a break. We met a couple from Vermont who were in day 2 of a week long hike. They were very nice and the man told me he caught 2 Brook trout with his fly rod. We then hiked up to 3000ft and I told tumbler it feels like we have been climbing all day. We then looked at the mileage and realized we were only 4 miles from the Mass line but we heard thunder in the distant even though it was a sunny and humid day. We made it to the line at 3 and then it sprinkled on us for a minute before stopping. We realized we were now 4.1 from North Adams and we hurried down to the road. The last 2 miles is all down hill following a stream bed to the bottom. We had to road walk about .2 then walk across a bridge over the river before reaching Mass 2. We knew there was a Mexican place 2.5 miles down the road who gave hikers half off there meal so we stuck our thumbs out bc it was only 5. We got a ride but as we were going down the road realized we hitched the wrong way so the very nice young lady turned around and gave us a ride to the Mexican place. Thank u so much for your generosity. We both are a huge plate of food with the whole check being 14 dollars. We then tried hitching back but had to walk the 2.5 miles Back to the trail. We then hiked .9 and threw our tent up in the first flat spot we found. We have Mt. Greylock to climb first thing in the morning we are at 800ft and the top is 3400ft. One last thing thank you to Jeff at Green Mountain Hostel again bc u are one of the few hostel owners who will spend time throughout the day talking with the hikers and showing kindness and interest in our hike and our lives. Most hostel owners collect the money then give u a ride back in the morning and that's all u see of them. So thanks again Jeff for making us feel at home. We wish u and ur family the best and we highly recommend ur hostel to everyone. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-28
From: pattison rd

To: gore pond
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

This morning we were in no hurry to get hiking bc we had a 5.4 mile climb from 900ft to 3491ft to the top of Mt Greylock which is highest pt in mass. We started around 7:30 and the day was already humid as we started our climb. We were surrounded by chipmunks and the squirrels were cutting nuts in the trees and throwing the shells down at us it seemed like. We made it to the summit around 10:30 and were surprised that not many tourists or hikers were around. We took a few photos before rewarding ourselves for the climb with two cokes valued at 5 dollars at least that's what the salesperson at the gift shopped charged us. I can tell u that those two pops didn't taste any differant from the 50 cent can pops we normally drink lol. We then had a long 7.2 mile descent into the town of Chesire. The day became less humid with a slight breeze as we made it down off the mountain. On the way down we met a great man from Alabama who was thru hiking with his son. Him and his wife had watched the AT movie we were in and he loved the Lord. We talked about God and hiking before parting ways and also took a photo with him so he could show his wife that he had met us. We then made it to the road around 3 and walked .2 up to a store where we ate a turkey sub,Mac salad,potato salad with egg and drank two .99 Arizona teas. Then we hiked .6 on the trail until we came to the ice cream store where we had a banana split,large chocolate shake and chased it down with a Pepsi. We then started hiking again around 5 with the intent of hiking until 6:30 then putting our tent up for the evening. We first had a 1000ft climb in .8 then the terrain leveled out for the most part and we were able to get 4 more miles in before stopping. We set up the tent next to a Pond and spent the evening listening to the bullfrogs and chipmunks. We went to bed around 10 bc we had to meet our friend in Dalton at 9. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-29
From: gore pond

To: dalton
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

We were hiking by 5:30 with one thought, getting to town for coffee and breakfast. The terrain was mostly flat walking on pine needles with little rock hopping. The only bad thing was the mosquitos were attacking us from every angle. We had to stop and spray bc we were afraid we would run out of blood before town. We reached the 1 Mike road walk at 7:20 and hurried to the store for coffee and a bisquit. Then we wtalked to the post office to pick up a care package that a great church friend had sent us. Thank you Amanda Bailey Simeone for the thoughtful gift. We miss u and everyone at church especially the youth. Our friend picked us up at 9 and our currently at her house resting,showering and doing laundry. I would like to add that this hike is for our youth at First Baptist Church in Pennington Gap VA. We ask that everyone donate a penny per mile and when we reach 1000 miles send a check to the church with youth hike written in the memo section of the check. This goes to help with the Awanas,van ministry and youth missions. We have 120 miles to go and when we reach that I will put the address and the pastors phone number if u have any questions. Also the church will send u a statement that can be used for your taxes at the end of the yr. So, pray about it and do what God puts on your heart. God Bless.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: dalton

To: us20 Lee,Mass
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today the plan was to slackpack 19 to U.S. 20 then get are packs from our great friend seeker but, mother nature changed everything. We were dropped off in Dalton to start our slackpack. We first hiked up to Warner Hill where we found blueberry bushes full of blueberries. We stopped and had our fill before heading on down the trail. The day was warm but breezy with a chance of thunderstorms after 3. The hiking with no pack felt great on the knees and feet. We then made our way to the cookie ladies house at mile 9.5 and to our dismay no one was home. So, we sat and sulked just long enough that the cookie lady and her husband came home. We got free cookies and purchased two cokes,two ice cream bars and 3 boiled eggs. We then had to get moving bc it was 12:15 and we had to meet seeker at 4 and we had 9.4 to go. We only seen 8 NOBO hikers all day today. The trail was easy with very little elevation change so we averaged 3 miles an hr. We made it to October Mt shelter where we took a break before heading on to meet our friend. As we hiked beside Finerty Pond we heard thunder in the background so we picked up the pace. As we neared the top of Becket Mt the skies opened and we got soaked. We called seeker and told her we were 1.3 from the road and would be there at 3:30. Also we asked if we could stay with her again bc we were soaked. She agreed and was waiting on us at the road. We did 19 miles in 7:30 so we felt good but we were soaked. So we are at our friends house tonight and she will drop us off tomorrow to continue our journey South. God Bless
Date: 2015-07-31
From: us20 Lee,Mass

To: us23
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: few clouds

After eating lemon/blueberry pancakes prepared by seeker, which I can say tasted awesome we were on the trail at 8. First we crossed over I90 and climbed up to Upper Goose Pond. We then hiked around 3 more miles before taking a break for a snack. While we were sitting there a nice gentleman from Madison Wisconsin stopped and interviewed about our story of hiking the AT 3 times. He is writing a book about people he meets along the AT. We then started hiking again only to meet Flyaway about 10 minutes later. We talked with her for a few before pushing on. We then hiked up to cobble hill where we ate and had a view of the little valley/town below. At 1:30 we decided we needed to get going so we pushed on to Beartown Mtn Road where we filled up with water. We then climbed up to Mt. Wilcox North Shelter then over to the South Shelter 2 miles further up the trail. We then took a break at the ledges where we had a view of the mtns and valleys below. We then hiked down to Mass 23 where we stealth camped after our 21 mile day. The day was good with sunny skies and a breeze every now and then. It was comfortable hiking with less humidity. We are on schedule with 30 miles in the bank and 77 days to go. God Bless.