morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

July 9th: Hiked 10.7 miles from Stratton Pond to Manchester Center. Total miles hiked: 1647.8, 538.1 to go. Had a good day on the trail. Still hot and humid but the trail was relatively flat all the way into town. Had a nice leisurely hike with Chapinlara to the trailhead and hitched a ride into Manchester. Once in town, we got right down to business with a trip to the local Chinese Food joint followed by a quick visit to Manchester Pizza. With the important stuff out of the way, I got my food shopping done before hitting the local outfitter. Ended up booking a room at Green Mountain House, an excellent hostel in Manchester. Run by Jeff "Flashback" Taussig, Green Mountain House has all the amenities a hiker could want including real beds with fresh linings, a laundry room and clean bathrooms. The hostel is located in a private residence (not owner occupied) so the guests actually have full access to the entire house. The $25 fee also includes breakfast, sodas a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a shuttle back to the trailhead. One of the better deals I have encountered on the trail. A serious hiker in his own right, Jeff makes everyone feel at home and is a wealth of knowledge on everything AT. Another real good guy I have met along the way. Looking to put down some miles tomorrow. Meeting Jan on Saturday in Killington, VT for a little R&R.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

July 10th: Hiked 19.8 miles from Manchester Center to Little Rock Pond Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1667.6, 518.3 to go. Getting fed up with the Long Trail. With all of the rain, the entire trail has become a wet muddy mess. Taking falls is part of life on the AT and I have had my share but today my luck ran out when I took a nasty fall and got banged up. I hiked with Silver and Calamity during the first part of the day but we split up after lunch. Around 2:00 the thunder rolled in and the rain really picked up. I was coming down a rocky incline when I lost my footing on the slick rocks and tumbled forward head first. I landed hard face down on a big rock. My first thought was this is bad. I placed my hand over my forehead and the palm of my hand immediately pooled with blood. I grabbed a microfiber that I always keep on the outside of my pack to stem the bleeding and just sat there for a minute or so trying to collect my thoughts and calm myself down. Picked myself up and headed down the mountain towards a river below. When I made it to the river, I got out my first aid kit and grabbed the mirror to assess the damage. Had a a couple of minor cuts and swelling on my forehead and a larger cut on my head that was bleeding pretty bad. When I cleaned up in the river, I was relieved to see that the cut on my head was more superficial than it first appeared. Know from experience that head wounds, even minor ones, can cause a lot of bleeding and this one was no exception. Cleaned the cuts as best I could, applied antiseptic ointment and covered them up as best i could before continuing the 5 miles with the mosquitos and deer flies to the next shelter. When I arrived battered and bruised, Calamity, who had arrived earlier, helped me clean the cuts and patched me up. Everything considered I am really fortunate. It could have been a lot worse and because I am already being treated for Lyme Disease, I am currently taking antibiotics. Lucky me. Beginning to feel paranoid that the AT is conspiring against me but all I can do is pick myself up and walk and oh yeah be more careful on slippery rocks. The last few weeks have been tough with weather, bugs, trail conditions and missteps but no one ever told me the trail would be easy. The way I see it, all of this will be part of the narrative when I reach Katahdin. Weather is supposed to be improving. Hopefully my luck (and footing) will too.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Governor clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

July 11th: Hiked 19.4 miles from Little Rock Pond to Governor Clement Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1687, 498.9 to go. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Not sure I would go that far but I will settle for what doesn't kill you doesn't kill you. The AT let up today as the weather, trail conditions and my disposition all improved. Overcast most of the day but the sun finally came out in he late afternoon. Ok, ok maybe I have been a little tough on the Long Trail. It is actually quite beautiful and what I really like about it is that it runs along really cool places like lakes, ponds and waterfalls. No shortage of pine forests, my favorite, and the vistas are impressive. This morning I came across a fantastic sight. Hundreds of stone columns, sculptures if you will, surrounding the trail. Obviously made by hikers, these rock columns were everywhere including the tops of large boulders. Almost expected fairies to jump out or pixie dust to fall from the trees. Anyway it was really cool so I did what presumably thousands before me did. I added a rock to one of the stacks before moving on. Really had a good day in large part because of you, all my FB friends. You guys really pick me up when I'm down and have become a huge motivating force for me out on the trail. Thanks for all the support, kind words and encouragement. It means a lot.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Governor clement Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

July 12th: Hiked 20.6 miles from Gov. Clement Shelter to Stony Brook Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1707.6, 478.3 to go. Finally, a beautiful day in VT. Blue sky, comfortable temps and low humidity throughout made for an excellent day of hiking. Today was short on views but really got to experience and appreciate the Long Trail and all of its bucolic charm. Had several steep climbs but a cool breeze made for easy sailing. At noontime, I took a side trail to the Long Trail Inn for lunch and took my time getting back on the trail. Was a little rushed at the end of the day and had to pick up my pace to make camp before the sun went down but alls well that ends well and today was another good day. All done with the 105 mile section of the Long Trail and should hit NH in the next few days. Meeting Jan in Woodstock, VT tomorrow for a little downtime but will still need to put in a 13 mile day to get there. Then it's back on the trail Sunday for my march towards ME.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: VT 12
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

July 13th: Hiked 13.3 miles from Stony Brook to VT 12. Total miles hiked: 1720.9, 465 to go. Today I saw a moose. While walking down the trail in the early morning hours I looked up only to see a riderless horse trotting down the trail in my direction. As it got closer I realized that it was a bull moose and when he saw me he jumped off the trail and settled less than 50 feet away off to my right. He just stood there checking me out. I grabbed my phone but had to power it on to take a picture. From the time my phone powered on and I got the camera app turned on, the moose, seemingly bored with the funny looking guy gawking back, turned around and disappeared into the woods. Still, I saw a moose and it wasn't even on my list of must see AT wildlife. I have heard that moose frequently use the trail but it was still a pleasant surprise to see one in the wild and not running across the road from my car. It is also amazing just how huge they are. After 13 short miles I got off the trail, waked .2 miles to On the Edge Farm and wolfed down a pint of (what else?) Moose Track ice cream while waiting for Jan to pick me up. Once Jan arrived, we drove into Woodstock, VT, the quintessential quaint, picturesque Vermont town for lunch. Then it was off to Killington for much needed downtime. Taking full advantage of all the modern comforts before hitting the trail again tomorrow for my steady slog northward.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: VT 12

To: VT 12
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

July 14th: Zero Day Change in plans. Still feeling a little run down so Jan and I decided to extend our VT stay by another day. Enjoyed our night in Killington but decided to book a room at the Kedron Valley Inn in Woodstock. Made it a slow lazy day with no heavy lifting. Included lunch at the Long Trail Brewery and a quick visit to Queechee State Park. Once registered at the Inn we settled into a relaxing afternoon which included a dip at the Inn's spring fed pond and a late afternoon nap. Feeling totally unmotivated we made our way to the Inn's restaurant and WOW! Had a wonderful dinner on the front porch. The food was fantastic. We dined on Gravlax and Semi Freddo watching the sun go down on a picture perfect Summer night-definitely not trail food. After breakfast, I plan on hitting the trail (for real this time) as I make my way northbound. Should hit the NH boarder by Tues. just 37 miles away.
Date: 2013-07-15
From: VT 12

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

July 15th: Hiked 17 hard fought miles from VT 12 to Happy Hill Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1737.9, 448 to go. Jan and I finished off a really nice weekend with a really good breakfast at the Kedron Valley Inn in Woodstock. Hit the trail at 9:30 and it was already hot and muggy. As is often the case when you leave a trail town, started the day with a steep climb, which pretty much ensured that I would be damp and drenched with sweat for the rest of the day. Humidity seems to energize mosquitos and today they were buzzing me throughout. Not sure if it was the Lyme Disease or the heat or perhaps a combination of the two but I felt worn down and depleted from the start and felt like I had to fight for every mile. In short, I spent the morning hours feeling miserable and sorry for myself. Knew I had to make a major attitude adjustment to salvage the day. Out here, feeling bad for yourself is self defeating and gets you nowhere but knocked off the trail. I decided instead to make the AT my adversary, a schoolyard bully who needs to be knocked down. So I ignored the mosquitos as best I could and walked on through the heat and humidity. Don't get me wrong, the hiking was tough but the trail was beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking with rolling hills and scenic views of open farmland and distant mountains. Vermont in all it's glory. When I stopped focusing on the heat and the bugs, opened my eyes and took it all in, the day was not only tolerable, it was enjoyable. Tomorrow promises to be another hot one but hitting NH, my home state will be a definite highlight of my entire AT journey. I can't wait, heat, bugs and all, to cross over the Connecticut River and into the Granite State, White Mountains and all.
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

July 16th: Hiked 16.8 miles from Happy Hill Shelter to Moose Mt Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1754.7, 431.2 to go. Another hot sticky day but it is what it is, the dog days of summer in NE. Hiked the 6 short miles to Hanover, NH, with an escort no less of the ever present Vermonster mosquitos who have made it their life's ambition to make me miserable. Crossed the Connecticut River into my home state of NH around 10:00. There was no honor guard or marching band to greet me and for the first time since WV, there wasn't even a "welcome to" or "entering" sign when I crossed the boarder. Anyway, I have now completed 12 states with just 2 to go. I think I have been in the woods too long because I found Hanover a bit overwhelming with tons of people and traffic, traffic everywhere traffic. Ended up retreating to the study room at the town library to charge my phone, clear my emails and catch my breath. At this point, I am ready to complete the hike and with less than 450 miles to go, I should be done within 5 more weeks of hiking. On Friday morning, I plan on meeting up with my neighbors Mark an John to hike the Whites. Will be really nice to get together with old friends and tackle what many consider the most spectacular (and difficult) part of the trail. Looking to make Gorham, NH by the 25th when I am getting off the trail for a week on the Cape.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Moose Mtn Shelter

To: Brackett Brook
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

July 17th: Hiked 21 miles from Moose Mt to Brackett Brook. Total miles hiked: 1775.7, 410.2 to go. Another really hot humid day where the air was heavy without a hint of movement. Trail was quiet today buy everyone I met was struggling against the heat and complaining about the weather in general. The bugs were especially bad and even at the higher elevations were buzzing all day. There were several steep climbs throughout the day (this is NH after all) and the only real highlight came when I passed Bill Ackerly's house. Somewhat of an AT legend, Bill has been welcoming hikers to his house for years for ice cream, a cold drink and a place to rest. Bill wasn't there when I arrived but there was a sign that said to help yourself to an ice cream bar in the freezer on the screened in porch. Needless to say it was welcome relief on such a hot and steamy day. Tomorrow I will hit Mt. Moosilauke, the beginning of the Whites and at 4800, the first substantial mountain I have encountered in quite some time. Hopefully the summit will offer respite from the heat and bugs.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Brackett Brook

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

July 18th: Hiked 19.3 miles from Brackett Brook to Beaver Brook Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1795, 390.9 to go. The hot weather is really beginning to take a toll on me and today I felt like I was at my breaking point. Started early to beat the heat but by 6:00 the humidity and bugs were in overdrive. By 6:10 I was drenched in sweat and totally discouraged. Everything is damp and the mosquitos and deer flies are swarming. I was looking forward to Mt Moosilauke, with it's 4800 foot summit, figuring it would be cool and bug free. Unfortunately, the climb came at the end of the day when I was totally gassed. It was a 4 mile climb with several super steep sections. Took everything I had to make it to the top and then all hell broke loose. I was planning on cooking my dinner at the summit so I could take in the view. About half a mile from the top it started to rain. The rain was light but I could also hear a distant rumble. By the time I made it to the top, I was caught (above the tree line) in a torrential downpour with thunder and lightning. I literally sprinted with my pack on to the side trail leading off the summit to get below the tree line as quickly as possible. Pouring rain, wind and thunder followed me down the mountain. Soaked to the bone, I limped into the shelter area just in time to see clearing skies. There is, however, a silver lining. After days of sweltering heat, I actually felt chilled. So chilled in fact that I had to put on my down jacket to warm up. Here is the strange part: two nights ago and tonight I tented at shelters and both nights I am the only one here. That almost never happens and now that I'm thinking about it, the trail has been quiet the past few days with almost no hiking traffic. My guess is lots of people are laying low until the heatwave breaks. Been told that will by Sat but seeing is believing. Meeting up with neighbors John and Mark and Mark's son Kevin tomorrow for a couple of days of hiking. Can't wait.
Date: 2013-07-20
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

July 20th: Hiked 10.3 miles from Franconia Notch to Garfield Ridge Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1823.1, 362.8 to go. Today I renewed my love for the AT. Pure in simple, the White Mountains are spectacular. A real highlight of the AT. Today's hike started up the Liberty trail and broke through the tree line at the summit of Mt Haystack. My all time favorite hike in the Whites follows a stretch of ridge line that summits Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette and that is the exact route the AT follows. I have done this hike several times and I'm always blown away by it's beauty. Lafayette is where I cut my teeth and developed a love for hiking. As I summited Lincoln today, there was Lafayette, head in the clouds, looking as majestic as ever. I felt like I was seeing an old friend after a long separation and caught myself off guard when I got a little emotional at the sight. When I reached the summit of Lafayette, I became mesmerized by the views. If you just sit and look, the sun and clouds cast shadows on the mountains below. Immovable objects changing shape. Really something to see. Spent the afternoon hiking a ridge trail down to Garfield. Up and over the summit I was totally spent. Got off he trail early to recoup. Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful with comfortable temps and sunny skies.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

July 21st: Hiked 14.5 miles from Garfield Ridge to Ethan Pond. Total miles hiked: 1837.6, 348.3 to go. Today was a perfect day for hiking with abundant sunshine, comfortable temps and no humidity. Got a little nervous when I got off to a real slow start covering less than 3 miles after more than 3 hours on the trail. The first part of the hike started with a real steep decline (always white knuckle) followed by a really steep climb up South Twin Mt. Felt a little cheated when I got to the top and a fog bank rolled through but the swirling fog gave me an interesting view of the mountains beyond. The terrain became a lot more forgiving once I cleared the Twins and the rest of the afternoon I enjoyed lazy rolling hills at the lower elevations. Stopped at one of the AMC huts to eat my lunch and shoot the breeze with Night Rider, Z Man and Rock Lobster. The last 5 miles of the hike, in the intimidating White Mountains no less, were a walk in the park, perhaps the easiest stretch of trail since I started back in GA. Tomorrow should be another great day with killer views when I hit Mt Webster, Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin and Monroe.
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

July 22nd: Hiked 14.1 miles from Ethan Pond to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Total miles hiked: 1851.7, 334.2 to go. Night Rider, Z Man and I scored big time when we got the last 3 bunks at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut just 1100 feet or so below the summit of Mt Washington. Almost always full, they had some last minute cancelations. The accommodations are spartan with no electricity or shower facilities but the bunk house is comfortable and clean with mattresses and blankets and the $100 per night rate includes an all you can eat dinner and breakfast which is supposed to be second to none. In a word, "luxury" to a hiker. Oh yeah, today's hike was really nice and we covered the 14 miles in no time. The morning started with a steep climb up Mt Webster but once we got to the summit most of the hard work was over. The rest of our hike to the hut was at higher elevations and for the most part in the clouds. Even so I felt the full force of the White Mountains which even in obscurity seem to draw you in. Tomorrow I will summit Mt Washington and the on to Pinkham Notch where with any luck I will get another room at the Inn. Should be fun.
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

July 23rd: Hiked 7 miles from Lakes of the Clouds Hut to Madison Spring Hut. Total miles hiked: 1858.7, 327.2 to go. The AT giveth, the AT taketh away. After the relatively smooth sailing the last 2 days, the wheels flew off the wagon today. Once again I hiked with Night Rider and Z Man as we made our way up to the summit of Mt Washington with plans to make the 14 mile hike to Pinkham Notch. And then the skies opened up. The first half of today's planned hike followed a rocky ridge above the tree line. The rain, that intensified as the day wore on, made the rocks unstable and extremely slippery. Making progress at just a mile an hour it became apparent that we wouldn't be making our intended goal. Around 4:00, we made our way to the Madison Spring Hut to see if they had any space available. They just had one bunk open, which Z Man took but they were able to offer Night Rider and me work for stay. Work for stay is a time honored AMC Hut tradition in which they let a limited number of thru- hikers stay for free in exchange for work. With work for stay, they allow the hiker to sleep on the floor in the common area and have any left over food after the paying guests have had their fill. Me, I was just happy to have a roof over my head. No need to worry, there was enough food left over to feed a small army and we ate beyond reason. To fulfill our end of the bargain, Night Rider and I hit the kitchen and began washing dishes and basically become part of the crew. Another AT first I can cross off my AT Experiences List. I was planning on making Gorham by Thurs to go on vacation but this setback has forced me to alter my plans. Since the forecast is calling for continued rain until Friday, I have decided to cut my pre-vacation hiking by a day and come home on the Concord Trailway bus on Thursday instead of Friday morning and resume my hike after vacation from Pinkham Notch instead of Gorham. If the AT has taught me anything is that you have to be flexible and be willing to go with the flow. Getting home a day earlier than planned is a HUGE plus. Stop the presses! Since I wrote this update, Kathy Morse, friend and neighbor, has offered to drive up to Pinkham Notch tomorrow (Wed) to pick me up and drive home. Total Trail Magic.
Date: 2013-07-24
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

July 24th: Hiked 7.8 miles from Madison Spring Hut to Pinkham Notch. Total miles hiked: 1866.5, 319.4 to go. Really had a great time doing the work for stay at Madison. Of the 6 huts in The MH Whites, Madison Spring is one of the smaller more intimate ones. This time of the year, the huts seem to fill up with families who spend their vacation hiking from hut to hut. Spaced about 7 miles apart, this is, weather permitting, a manageable way to see and enjoy the White Mountains. Met a bunch of nice people who were interested in the details of thru-hiking and spent hours just talking and yucking it up. After a good night sleep and a hardy breakfast, we helped clean up and swept out the hut to earn our keep. Hit the trail around 9:00 and like yesterday the first several miles were a slow crawl above tree line in the wind and rain along the slippery rocks. Thankfully we only had an 8 mile hike and were able to make up time at the lower elevations. Made it to Pinkham Notch about 3:15 where my neighbor Kathy was waiting for us. Kathy had driven the 3 hours to Pinkham Notch to pick me up. After dropping Night Rider and Z Man off in Gorham, we started the long drive back to Londonderry. Can't thank Kathy enough for driving all that way up north to get me home a couple of days before the start of our vacation on the Cape. If the AT has taught me anything, it is the world is overflowing with good people and I feel blessed to have friends and neighbors like Kathy. This will be my last update until Aug 4th when I plan on returning to the trail to make my final sprint to Mt Katahdin. Until then my plan is to kickback, checkout and do a whole lot of nothing. Adios Amigos!