morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Tent site 315.1

To: Whistling Gap Tent Site 330.8
Miles today: 15.7

Up and out early. Was a bit on the chilly side so I wanted to get going as soon as I broke camp. Easy 2 into a shelter where I had breakfast - Honey Nut Cheerios. Joined up with 007 at the shelter. We were planing on ¢only¢ 15 miles so didn¢t need to speed the day away. Hiking was easy and temps perfect (just a tad on the cooler side) and partly sunny.Three surprises at the top of Big bald First - fantastic views. Second - trail magic. A woman hiked up sandwiches drinks, homemade cookies and wine to the top of the bald. Third - views of the great Smokie Mountains. We believe we could see the entire 72 mile range from our view point. Quite impressive.After the bald and trail magic, 4 into the tent site which include a tricky up and down.
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Whistling Gap Tent Site 330.8

To: Erwin TN/ uncle Johnnie's hostel
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A bittersweet day. Made the decision a few days back to leave the trail, fly home and pick up in MA where I left off in 2017. Since the beginning, I kept open the option of another attempt at a through hike, but I was never fully invested in it.We were off early 7:15. Only about 6 others at the camp site. They were all off before we were. That was a first. Usually we are the first out of camp. 3 of the hikers left at 4:30 to get into Erwin early. Easy hiking and we wereInto Erwin shortly before 2. Checked into Uncle Johnnies Hostel, showered did wash and road bikes 1 mile to the gas station for, wait a minute..... beerShuttled into town (actually some non descript strip mall just outside town) for dinner. Setup a shuttle to Asheville airport (1 hour away) then a relaxing evening before bed.Maybe a bit fortuitous to leave the trail now as much rain predicted next few days. I¢m sure it will catch up with me in June and July as I hike through Massachusetts, Vermont (or as hikers and Vermonters sometimes call it Vermud) New Hampshire and Maine.This my last entry until I pick up the trail at the end of May in Massachusetts, approximately mile 1516, when I plan to do the last 700 miles of the AT. Guessing it will take about 7 weeks. So until then....
Date: 2019-05-23
From: Jug End Road 1518.2

To: Tom Lenard Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Long day. Not mileage wise. ¢Only¢ 11.  Up way too early.  Mary dropped me off at the T/subway around 9. Got a bus from Boston out to Lee MA and was picked up by Joe the shuttle driver. He dropped me off exactly where Mary picked me up 2 years ago. Was not a happy memory, but I was glad to be getting back on the trail. Got going about 2:40. First two miles was a quick wake up call. A beautiful trail, but very muddy and the mosquitoes were out with vengeance.  Needless to say I was moving quickly. You would think they can¢t catch you but a few do.  And I know it is just a few cause the once or twice I stopped, I was immediately attacked by MANY. I was thinking it was going to be a long day, but after awhile I moved out of the swampy area and was mosquito free the rest of the day.  Hiking was easy and the trail was beautiful.   Just meandered along. Note the moss covered rock wall in the pic.  Ah, to be in New England Took a shade over 4 hours to cover the 11 miles. The two week break effected my trail legs and  conditioning. Shouldn¢t be long till back to 100%, maybe a week?  Oh well I¢ll just have to hike some extra time each day till then.I saw no one on the trail, but there were about 6 section hikers at the shelter when I arrived.  Quickly ate, setup my tent and dove into my sleeping bag. Was a long but rewarding day.
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Tom Lenard Shelter

To: Upper goose pond shelter
Miles today: 21.3

A long day. Few more miles than I wanted to do right now - 21.3 excluding a few extra.  We¢ll get to that in a moment. Apparently we had tremendous rain last night. No rain in my tent, but I did notice it was a bit beaten down when I broke camp.  Got off extra early, 6, since I knew it would be a 20+ day.  Was cool, windy and very overcast. Actually ideal hiking weather. Hiking was pretty easy, just one or two minor climbs. Lots of muddy places along the way.  So far the hiking in MA is a very pleasant surprise.  I have really enjoyed the trail here.  Made 3 rookie mistakes today. First I left my socks out last night. They were almost dry until the rain got to them. So had to carry heavy wet socks all day. Then twice I walked off the trail which added at least a mile to my hike. First one was a total bone head move as I followed a blue blaze trail to a camp site. Second one ligit - just missed a blaze and continued on what looked like the trail. Oh well. Upper goose pond cabin an awesome place. Totally enclosed, bunks on second floor and I¢m writing this on a rocking chair in front of a big stone fireplace. Oh and pancakes will be served in the morning. I have my ear plugs at the ready, let¢s just hope my fellow bunk mates are so equipped.Plan is to do 18 tomorrow which will then leave an easy 3 into Dalton for some food and resupply.  No plans to zero or stay long in Dalton
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Upper goose pond shelter

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Up at 5. Not by choice but when staying in a shelter you are woken up by the first folks who get up. There were 2 guys who wanted to get into Dalton early so the were up and out by 5:30. Impossible to be quiet packing up gear.  Good news is the shelter care taker was up early so pancakes and coffee was ready before 6!  What a way to start the day. Was an outstanding day of hiking. Basically the trail was flat the entire 17+ miles. Probable the easiest miles I¢ve done on the AT. I took my time and just enjoyed the day. Weather was perfect - cool and not a cloud in the sky.  Arrived in camp, set up and took a little power nap.  At the shelter were 3 guys camping for the weekend. Bam - trail magic. They were making venison stew and offered me as much as I wanted. That and a few cold brews. And I so looking forward to ramon and tuna!
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepal Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

Left the shelter at 6:30. Easy 3 into Dalton where I had a nice breakfast at Juice and Java. Bought a day+ of resupply at Cumberland farms as well as packed out sub sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Spent a leisurely hour in Dalton.  Most of the days hike was similar to the past few in MA. Had lunch at ¢The Cobbles¢. Nice view overlooking the Hoosic River Valley, Mt Graylock and the town of Cheshire. After lunch a few easy down hill miles into Cheshire where I grabbed an ice cream.   Just outside Cheshire got caught off guard by a 2000 foot climb over 4 miles to the camp site.  So much fo MA being an ¢easy¢ state. Maybe I should start cheching my guide books and app to see what the climbs / elevations will be.  Sometimes it¢s best not to know. Oh well I only have a little over 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation to the top of Mt Graylock - highest peak in MA. And only 13.5 miles to VT border!Pic is part of a beaver dam
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Mark Noepal Shelter

To: Roaring branch beaver pond outlet
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and on my way early (as usual). 3 quick miles to the top of Mt Graylock. Wow spectacular views, especially early in the morning, blue sky and the sun just up a few hours.  Grabbed a coffee from the lodge and had breakfast on a picnic table outside the lodge.  Easy trip mostly down to North Adams although took my first big spill. Not bad considering have done over 425 miles (340 Down south, 85 up north). Luckily no big deal, just a few muddy spots to show for it. Made it into North Adams and realized a Stop and Shop just outside of town. Changed my resupply strategy and picked up extra food so I could make it to Manchester VT vs Bennington VT, an additional 40 milesCrossed into VT at about 2. Only took me 22 months to hike through the 90 miles of MA!  And I though I would do it in 5 days. >span class="s1">Stealth camped right along side a beaver pond. Sweet spot except for the million black flys. I setup my tent in record time dove in and spent my time  with an awesome bug net between me and most of the black flys. Amazing how many can get in the tent in the seconds the door is opened. Funny thing is once they get in the tent, they have no interest in bitting you.  As I write this, the mosquitos are just coming to visit.  Guess I¢m in the for the rest of the night. Hopefully tomorrow morning will just be cool enough so no bugs to bug me when I break camp.
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Roaring branch beaver pond outlet

To: Goddard shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Not much to write about today nor any pictures. Was not a top 10 day on the trail. Was cold, rainy and windy all day. Just a ¢put you head down and hike¢ day.  Got to the shelter and dove into my sleeping bag. Took about an hour to warm up. Made dinner while sitting in my bag. At least the wind and rain have stopped. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit better. Just can¢t wait to put on my wet shoes and socks in the morning. Oh one thing. Mud of Vermont reared it¢s ugly head today. Of course when your shoes and socks totally wet, mud and muddy puddles aren¢t such a big deal.
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Goddard shelter

To: Stratton Pond shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Started out cold. Hiked the first two miles in my puffy jacket. Mostly cause my hiking clothes were still wet, and cold!, from yesterday¢s rainy day.  Lots and lots and lots and lots of mud.  You can almost see my shoe in the pic. Other than the mud a nice day to hike. The one big 2400 foot climb to the top of Stratton Mt was not bad at all. Occurred over 3.5 miles so was pretty gradual. I decide not to climb the fire towers at the top cause was a bit fogged in. So I¢m in a bit of a bubble. Seems like lots of college kids started the long trail this past Memorial Day weekend. In the shelter tonight a group of about 8. I¢ve met or passed by a few others. Last night in the shelter were 2 woman (shall I say a few + years post college)  also through hiking the long trail. Shelter tonight has room for 16, looks like almost full as I write this. A few reports of early NOBO through hikers in the area. Hiked a few miles with one, but he was cranking out 25 miles a day so we didn¢t hike together for very long.  10 miles to Manchester where I do my next resupply.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: Stratton Pond shelter

To: Peru peak shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hike 1. The first 10 to the road to Manchester.  A slow very sloppy slog. Felt as if I had already done 10 or 15 just a couple of miles in. Was thinking I would only do 1.5 once I got back from town. Some days seems like ya just can¢t get going. That and the conditions - mud mud and more mud - made the going difficult.  Anyhow made it to the road by 11 and got a hitch into town within 10 minutes.  Hit the local supermarket for 2 full days of resupply. Then Starbucks for a breakfast sandwich and some Joe After that a local pizza shop for a large cheesesteak sub for lunch and an Italian sub to pack out for dinner.  That and a couple of large Dr Peppers.  Just out front of the pizza shop, There was construction on the road back to the trail so traffic was backed up. That made it easy to score a hitch back to the trail. Hike 2. 10 miles to the shelter.  On a full belly, a bit caffeinated and just some periodic mud, was quite a pleasant afternoon of hiking. An easy climb to the top of Mt Bromley where there were some stunning views. Easy hike down the mountain then a somewhat difficult (not too) up Mt Peru.  Easy down to the shelter (not sure why called Peru Peak as we are a mile from the peak).  Shelter situated 20 feet from a river with a nice cascade. I¢ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the water rushing past.
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Peru peak shelter

To: Clarendon shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Nothing exciting to write about today. Just lots of marching through the woods. Passed by a couple of beautiful ponds, some small rivers. At least the second part of the day the trail was less muddy (relative) so at times could make some decent progress. Looks like I¢ll be the only one at the shelter tonight. Tenting as unfortunately the last inhabitants left the shelter a mess. First time I¢ve seen that on the trail. Hope the last.
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Clarendon shelter

To: Rutland VT
Miles today: 16.7

Long 2200 foot climb over 4 miles to the top of killington MT. Then a .2 side trail to the summit where I had lunch. The .2 was harrowing!  Especially the way down. Stunning view although I was a bit disappointed no skiing At killington! Rest of the day uneventful. Was nice to do ¢only¢ 16.5 miles vs 20. Those last 3 to 4 can be tiring. Made it to the highway to Rutland about 3. Hitched a ride into town to stay at the Hiker Hostel at Yellow Deli right in the center of town. Short walk to Walmart to grab 2 days resupply. I will be in Hanover NH Tuesday morning. At least I better be cause that¢s all the food I have.Hit the local bar/pizza place where I had two beer and two orders of Mac and cheese.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Rutland VT

To:  Winturri shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

Stay at the hostel was quite pleasant.   Got the local bus back to the trail. Cost all of $2. Met a few kids at the hostel who have been hiking together for the past few months. They started as early as late Feb and early March. Sounds like a similar group couple of days back. A tail of two trails today. Trail 1. The muddy AT and shared Long Trail which I¢ve been hiking in VT for the past 100 miles. Once again was muddy. Trail 2.  I missed the exact spot, but an hour or so into the hike, the AT turned east and left sharing the Long Trail. Was amazing, the mud suddenly disappeared. Well the vast majority of it. Yea some muddy spots here and there - as you would expect hiking in the spring.  And the path was much smoother, less rocky. Was amazing how much faster and pleasant the hiking was.  Rain threaten most of the day but nothing more than a few sprinkles now and then. Pic is at Thunder falls. Was pretty cool.  Made the shelter just after 5 (8.5 hours to hike 20 miles vs the 10 it has been taking on the muddy Long Trail). Set up my tent, cooked and met up with some of the above mentioned kids from the hostel.
Date: 2019-06-03
From:  Winturri shelter

To: Happy hill shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

Nice hiking today. Cool and breezy. Sunny to start, then partly sunny and a few spits of rain.  Vermont and the green mountains really shone today.  Multiple little clearing where you could look out over the very green green mountains.  Seemed like every time I hit a clearing, the sun was out in full force.  Tomorrow 5 miles to cross in to NH, then into Hanover 1 mile after that.  I plan to get up extra early so I can have coffee and breakfast in Hanover, then do some miles till noonish when Mary will pick me up for a zero on Wednesday.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Happy hill shelter

To: Three mile road
Miles today: 14.2

Up and out very early. Wanted to do the 6 into Hanover for breakfast. Made it there by 7:30. Excellent Breakfast at Mel¢s. Eggs, hash, muffin, beans and several cups of coffee. Bonus!  Free donut for hikers!  Packed out an enormous bacon maple donut. Done and on my way by 8:15.  Pretty easy 8 to Three Mile Road where Mary picked me up. Made it there about 11:15. Oh and I consumed the donut about 2 hours into my trip. Guess that¢s why I made the miles quickly - that and very easy hiking. Ran into 3 Dartmouth students doing the  ¢The 50¢ . A 53 mile stretch from Hanover to Moosilauke in 24 hours. And you thought doing a thru hike was crazy. Well at least these students were going to do the 50 in two days. After Mary picked me up, we headed to a friends house in Woodstock VT (thank you Ken and Mary!) where spent the rest of the day. And a zero tomorrow!
Date: 2019-06-05
From: none

To: three mile road / wood stock VT zero day. 
Miles today: 0.0

Classic zero day. Slept in, drank coffee, lounged, ate, resupplied. Today¢s zero was extra special cause I GOT NEW SHOES!  Planned the attack of the whites and picked some target days to summit Katahdin in 434 miles. July 1, 2 or 3.
Date: 2019-06-06
From: three mile road / wood stock VT zero day. 

To: Hexacuba shelter
Miles today: 20.3

A sad start to the day as Mary dropped me off on the trail about 8:30. Not sure when I will see her next.  Boo boo.  A well timed zero yesterday. I heard it rained quite hard the past two nights. The trail was certainly very wet and muddy. Many places where streams took up residence right in the trail.  Slogged through it all day.  So much for my nice new shinny shoes.  >span class="s1">I picked up long pants and gloves for the whites. After all it snowed on Mt Washington two days ago.  Long pants came in hand this evening. Shelter was super buggy  - black flys.  Soon as I got in, tossed on my long sleeve shirt, long pants and bug head net.  Still they managed to attack my hands.  One reason I like to tent at shelters is the bugs. The tent is a safe haven.  Well this site had only several really crappy tent sites - lots of slant. Fortunately the bugs vacated as soon as it cools down.  Tomorrow 15 into Glencliff where I¢ll be staying at a hostel.
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Hexacuba shelter

To: NH route 25, hikers welcome hostel
Miles today: 14.6

Nothing exciting today to report. Just more slogging through the mud and water. You¢d of though I was back in VT the past two days. Several of the hikers at the hostel I¢m staying at said the same thing. Made it to the hostel about 2:30 so a relaxing afternoon.
Date: 2019-06-08
From: NH route 25, hikers welcome hostel

To: Kingsman notch
Miles today: 9.5

Slacked packed north to south over Mt Moosilauke. Good thing too. A 3779 feet climb going south to north. A bit easier going north to south only a 2924 foot climb. Welcome to the White Mountains!  I¢m so glad I decided to slack pack. Made for an enjoyable day.  Highlight of the day was the moose I saw on the top of Moosilauke.  Just as I started the decent from the top, it ran by me up and over the peak.  Quite exciting!Developed a plan, including food needs, to get through the Whites.  I think I built a conservative plan. 6 days averaging 11.7 a day. ¢Only¢ need 5 days of food though. Food bag will be a bit lighter than normal as I will be buying snacks at the AMC White Mountain huts along the way. Tomorrow will be a long 11.5 miles mostly uphill. Let¢s see how the plan holds.
Date: 2019-06-09
From: Kingsman notch

To: Cascade brook
Miles today: 14.9

Up and out of the hostel by 6 for a ride back to the trail.  Bam -  trail magic.  yes at 6:30 when we got to the trail head. Potatoe hash, blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup, bacon, fruit and coffee. Sure beat the two Jimmy Dean microwave sausage sandwiches I had at the hostel. On the trail by 7:00. I started off slowly since a long 2500 foot climb and I only had 11.5 miles planned. Still made good time and made the top of Kinsman mountain, 4358 feet high, by 1. Had lunch with a spectacular view.  On the way down the day turned kinda hot. Was sunny, slight breeze and not a cloud in the sky. Hiking was rough going.  Didn¢t use my poles much, in fact put them in my pack after awhile. Just easier to hike in steep rocky conditions (up and down) without poles.  Made my Target end of day site by 2:15 so decided to do a few more miles since I was feeling so good. Arrived at Lonesome Lake AMC hut about 3:15. Stopped in for soup, apple cake and some sorts red drink stuff. Bam - a bit of trail magic as the hut cook said ¢would you like some free roast turkey?¢  Of course the answer was an immediate ¢yes!¢  Out of the oven came fresh roasted turkey which I helped myself to a rather large piece. Turned down an offer to work for stay at the hut as I wanted to hike a bit further and I wanted to get a very early start tomorrow (work for stay requires a bit of work/clean up after dinner and breakfast for the hut guests).  Hiked another 1.5 mikes to the cascade brook where I scored a  Killer stealt tent spot right next to the brook. Over achieved my White Mountain day one plan by 3.4 miles. Gladly Putting them in the bank for rest of whites. 3440 foot climb tomorrow morning starting 2 miles from the camp site. Of course I gotta go down hill a bit further before starting back up.
Date: 2019-06-10
From: Cascade brook

To: South twin mountain 
Miles today: 15.6

Hard day of hiking.  15.6 in 11 hours. So much up and down over rocky terrain.  I was totally exhausted when I finally got to camp. Real treat was the walk across the Franconia ridge. Views were breathtaking.  Pulled over at a stealth spot just after crossing South Twin Mountain.  The .8 1100 foot climb to the top was quite a climb, especially at the end of the day. Picked up a big .5 miles on my White Mountain plan so now after 2 days  3.9 in the bank for later.
Date: 2019-06-11
From: South twin mountain 

To: Mizpah spring
Miles today: 19.9

Wow 19.9 miles. And I felt pretty good when I arrived at camp.  While I¢m at the AMC mizpah spring hut, tenting out side. I was really exhausted after yesterday. Fell asleep by 7, didn¢t wake till 5. Just heard dripping of light rain on the tent but apparently tremendous rain overnight.  Tent was a bit damp. Other than that, in great shape.  Of course while packing up, rain picked up. Basically rained, not too hard but enough till about 11.  The trail was just one long stream.  Made it to zeland falls amc hut about 9:30. Bam - super trail magic. They fed me a huge bowl of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes and soup. And I found two freeze dried meals in the Hiker box. Left about 10:30 and made quick work of the 6 miles down to Route 302. Bam - trail magic. A person was feeding Hikers so I had some sodas, fresh made French fries (yep he had a deep fryer going) and hot dogs. Plus he gave me two hot dogs to pack out!  I was going to hitch into town and maybe grab a room, but on another full stomach, decided to push on another 6 miles to Mizpah. I¢m now a full day and 10 miles ahead of plan. Tomorrow I plan to summit Mt. Washington.
Date: 2019-06-12
From: Mizpah spring

To: Osgood tent site
Miles today: 14.8

Was cold this morning. Met up with Samaraton who I hiked a bit with the last few weeks.  Highlight of the day was making the top of mount Washington. Weather was absolutely perfect, no clouds, very light breeze and cool. No easy hiking today but the hike down from Washington to Madison hut was hard, the last 3 miles from top of Mount Madison to the camp site was really really really hard. The first 2 off the summit was by far the hardest miles I¢ve done on the AT. Very steep, very challenging rock and for 2+ miles.
Date: 2019-06-13
From: Osgood tent site

To: Pinkham notch rattle river hostel
Miles today: 4.8

Up and into Pinkham early. Our friend fresh grounds from the leap frog cafe was in the parking lots to feed us breakfast. He has fed us 3 or 4 times the last week. Follows a group through the whites and makes breakfast lunch or dinner depending on when you run into him. Breakfast, got a ride to the hostel in Gorham from an AMC employed.  Rattle river hostel was nice. A ¢stage 3¢ hostel.  Stage 1, remove shoes out side and enter stage 2, the backpack room.  Here backpacks were hung, showers provided, all Hiker clothes put in a bag to be washed and cleaned, loaner clothes provided. Then you could enter stage 3, the hostel. A clean well maintained converted house.  Did normal into town to eat and resupply, back to hostel to relax, then back to town for dinner.
Date: 2019-06-15
From: Imp shelter

To: Gentians Pond shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Another good day of hiking.   Made it 8 miles back to rattle river hostel to pick up 4 days of food. Ugh pack feels heavy! We targeted a camp site 6 miles from the hostel to make it 14 day but made that site at 3 and decided to push on another 5 to Gentian.  Last mile or so was tiring but worth it. Large shelter with spectacular view.  And again just me and Samaritan to occupy it.