morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: VT. 9-Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Although it was to be a short day, we left our shelter early Quite a few people in the area were hiking the Long Trail SOBO (South Bound thru hikers). The NOBO is shrinking more every day. It was a beautiful morning with a cool breeze. Vermont is greeting us with mud holes right away; but after hiking in Northern Minnesota and the UP all my life, I have become pretty acclimated to those. The descent down to VT 9 was steep and rocky. It took a long time to come down that mountain, but once down we were again treated to trail magic. It never fails to amaze us to see how many great people are involved with the AT.We are now in Albany, New York. Glamper's girl friend is coming out on Friday so he will take us back to the trail Friday morning while he enjoys a few days off. This is the first zero for us in 18 days; so hopefully, we can heal a few of our wounds.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: VT. 9-Bennington, VT

To: Zero Day-Marriot Hotel Albany New York
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow morning Glamper will shuttle us 35 miles to where we left the AT near Bennington Vermont.Today our schedule included a resupply run to Walmart. The remainder of the day was spent relaxing and sitting in the hot tub. Hopefully, our old carcasses will be somewhat invigorated.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Zero Day-Marriot Hotel Albany New York

To: KidGore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4

Glamper and his girl friend Rebecca took us back to the trailhead at VT 9 at about 9:00 a.m. Philco and I headed north on the trail while Glamper and Rebecca headed to a trail head to bestow trail magic to any thru hikers who happened that way.It was a steep climb for the first mile or so; but then the terrain became a little more gradual. The first ten miles or so were uphill. We finally reached the summit about 2:00 P.M. I did not make the climb up the fire tower for the extra credit!From there it was down hill to our campsite. All in all, not a bad day. Tomorrow we will be climbing Stratton Mountain where Benton MdKaye was inspired to start eh creation of the Appalachian Trail
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite 1642.4
Miles today: 17.0

Immediately upon departing camp about 6:00 A.M., we endured an up hill climb. It was actually a little cool this morning, but we warmed up quickly during the ascent. The highlight of the day was the reaching the summit and climbing the fire tower at the top. It was a tedious three and one half miles up. When we reached the summit, there was a crowd. The majority had ridden the gondola up the mountain.Once we reached Stratton Pond, the plan was to pitch our tents for a fee. However, we changed plans and hike a couple of miles to a quiet stealth spot
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Stealth Campsite 1642.4

To: Vermont 11 & 30
Miles today: 8.7

A nero (nearly zero) day is being spent in Manchester, Vermont at the Green Mountain House. We had to hitch the 5.4 miles into town; but not a problem. We stepped out of the woods and a nice lady who had just dropped her Nobo (Northbound) hiker off gave us a ride to our hostel. God bless her.As far as the short hike went, it was the green tunnel with lots of puds (Pointless ups and downs). I am a little apprehensive about the Whites. Hope my old worn out legs are up to the task. I am certainly looking forward to getting above the tree line. I would expect, overall, the Whites will give as much as they take. We had a little excitement while tenting last night. About 2:00 a.m. I awoke and could hear something walking outside. It did not sound like a deer. I grabbed my headlight, switched it on, and stuck it outside my tent. At that moment, something really heavy took off. My guess was either a bear or a moose; but up the trail about 100 yards was a pile of bear poop. Who knows--I've seen moose droppings as well.
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Vermont 11 & 30

To: Danby Landgrove Road
Miles today: 17.6

A great day for hiking in the Green Mountains. Four peaks with beautiful views. You don't mind climbing if you have a great view at the top. We also had a lunch with a family from Florida on the shores of a lake. In short, it was the best day of hiking I've had in a while. It is great to be back in the mountains! Again, thanks for all the comments. They have helped keep this old man on the trail.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Danby Landgrove Road

To: VT 103
Miles today: 14.8

Our departure time of 6:20 a.m. gave us a beautiful start along a creek to Little Rock Pond. From there, we encountered numerous puds, rocks, and roots. I have to admit, though, we were very lucky due to lack of rain. All but the worse of moratorium Vermont mud has dried up. The climb of the day over Bear Mountain was only a thousand foot climb; but very hot in the noon day sun. From there, we made a mad dash to VT 103 to hit the Whistle Stop Restaurant before they closed at 3:00 P.M. At the mention of town food; your dead legs come to life!
Date: 2015-07-29
From: VT 103

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last evening we tented behind Whistle Stop Restaurant on VT 103. The proprietors are very "hiker friendly". This morning I indulged in the best breakfast I have consumed in the last three states. Let me also mention the Green Mountain Hostel in Manchester Vermont. Jeff does everything he can to accommodate the hikers who stay there. Believe me, I have been in hospitals that aren't as clean as his place.Today we hike up, over, and down Killington Peak. It was a family day of sorts as my first cousin Harvey Poirier worked there as a ski instructor. Although Harvey passed away a few years ago, when I reached the summit, I conversed with him a bit. Who knows? Maybe Harvey was looking down from above. The first couple climbs were very steep and included a real challenging rock scramble. After that, it was gradual until we hit the last few miles. Once again we encountered another steep climb. All in all, about ten miles of climb and back down about five plus. A tough day with the heat and all; but this is just a warm up for the Whites.The thrill of the day came when we hit the sign "Katahdin 500 miles" With less than 500 miles at the 1699 mile mark, I only need one mile in the morning to hit the 1700 mile count.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We departed camp by 6:00 a.m. and planned on a 16 or so mile day. That did not materialize. We stopped at Kent Pond Mountain Meadows for breakfast. Denise and I were here last year in September; so it was a bittersweet moment for me. Philco is a great trail partner, but it is not quite the same as my bride. However, it was nice to get breakfast a few feet of the trail. We stopped at a beautiful waterfalls and took some pictures. After we crossed a boardwalk, we encountered another steep hard climb. It was still very humid when we topped out. I actually had to wring my shirt out from the heat and humidity. A few miles later, we stopped for lunch at a shelter. About a minute later, it started to rained and continued for about three hours. Consequently, we were there for the night.In the morning, we will go about 13.5 miles and then spend a day or two at my cousins house before heading north to New Hampshire and the White Mountains. Hopefully, the bugs won't be bad in the shelter.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: VT 12
Miles today: 14.0

We left the shelter at 5:30 a.m this morning. We are sleep deprived today. Some week-end warriors were trying out their new headlights half the night. We normally don't stay in shelters much, but the weather was not so good last night.The trail pretty good today; just a bit wet and muddy from yesterday's rain. The humidity has dropped; making the climbs a bit easier. The highlight of our hike today was the lookout. This is a privately owned cabin where hikers can sleep and also climb to the top for some beautiful 360 views of the Green Mountains. Philco and I are taking two zero days with my cousin in Vermont--a good rest before the Whites.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: VT 12

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

We are abandoning the trail for two days to visit my cousin Muriel Poirier in Vermont. She took us to the outfitters today where we bought some warmer items for the Whites. Plus, she gave a Mad Trapper hat to me that had belonged to my cousin Harvey. It was hand knit by Caren Erickson (Iron Mountain MI) and I can assure you PaPa Al's bald top will be warm.We also resupplied our food, purchased new boots, and numerous other winter necessities to get us through the Whites to the finish. The big decision will be what to throw out of the pack to make room for the additional weight.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Woods Road Stream

To: Stealth Campsite Mile 1754.6
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

The day started early with Philco shouting to me to "rise and shine" at 5:00 A.M. We were on the trail a little before 6:00 and the miles to Hanover passed quickly as the last three miles or so we traveled on the road. The first item on our agenda when we reached Hanover was to get our free donut at Lou's Bakery. Once we accomplished that, we crossed the street to the eye doctor to get Philco's glasses repaired. When he told the doc he was a thru hiker, he did not charge him. More trail magic!Wet rocks and roots on the trail caused me to take a couple of dandy falls this morning. One fall was a complete roll over. I guess I have to start being more careful.After our breakfast at Lou's Bakery, our AT path took us directly past a Starbuck's front door. Once we charged our phones and sucked off their Wifi, we headed to the Co-op Store for resupply and then continued north on our journey out of town. Once again, we pitched our tents just before the late afternoon showers rolled in.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: VT 12

To: Woods Road Stream
Miles today: 15.3

After spending two great days at my cousin Muriel's house and being treated like royalty as well as being fed like a king, we are back on the trail. The time at her house healed my old body. Also, my wife sent out new boots and my winter gear; so we are all set for the White Mountains. Muriel dropped us off at the trail head just as Iceman was leaving. He is 78 years old and thru hiking. We passed him on the steep climb off of VT 12 and it wasn't too long after when he came running down the hill and passed us. This happened numerous times until Philco and I took our lunch break. Iceman, you are quite an athlete. PaPa Al wants to be just like you when I am 78. What an inspiration! After being out here nearly five months, the people on the trail still amaze me.Lacking the usual rocks and roots, the trail surface today was a gentle one.   We had our share of steep climbs, but most were short.As we crossed the bridge and VT 14, a fellow beckoned us to his porch and gave us cold soda. A very nice treat on a very hot afternoon. He also offered his yard for a campsite; but we wanted to put on a few more miles.Climbing up from VT 14, about two miles we began to hear thunder. We thought we could make it to the shelter; but did not succeed. Thus, we are stealth camped about a mile from there. We should cross into New Hampshire before noon tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Woods Road Stream

To: Smart Mountain Fire Wardens Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Again, an early start to the day. What else would you expect from a couple of old coots? We were on the trail at 5:50 a.m. and started climbing up and up Moose Mountain right off the bat. Once we reached the summit, we took in a beautiful view as we ate our breakfast. From there, we hiked down the mountain ; but then another steep climb up Holts Ledge. After dropping down Holts Ledge, we reached the Ice Cream Mans house and enjoyed ice cream and Mountain Dew. Thank you Bill Ackley. You are a very kind soul. After that refreshing stop, it was another long steep climb to the top of Smart Mountain. The tents are pitched where we can see at least eighty miles or so. Watching the sun set on the Green Mountains is beautiful beyond words. It has been a very hard day. But we have three more climbs behind us and are 15 miles closer to Katahdin.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Smart Mountain Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Ore Hill Campsite
Miles today: 12.8

It was a little cool on top the mountain this morning; had to put on a jacket for the first time in a long time. We left camp at 6:30 a.m. to head down the mountain. The hike went well for quite some time until we reached the mud bogs. They slowed us down a little; but still not too difficult to cross.Our major climb of the day was Cube Mountain. It was a rugged climb; but the views from the top were majestic. Tonight we are camped seven miles from Mount Moosilaukee where the White Mountains begin.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Ore Hill Campsite

To: NH 25
Miles today: 7.3

A nero day today. It was a great day for a hike, It was a short easy one, but that will be it for "easy" till we come out in Northern Maine. We are staying at the Glencliff Hostel tonight. Tomorrow we will enter the White Mountains and climb Mount Moosilaukee. It is a four thousand foot climb and this will be the first time we are above tree line. It will be long and slow for this old coot, but I plan on making it. My intention is to finish. I have spent a good amount of time in my younger years running Ultras in the Mountains. This time around I will take my time and enjoy the views. I am very anxious to get home; but it feels great to be back in the mountains. Hope I still feel this way tomorrow at this time. By the way, we broke 400 miles today leaving 398.7 to reach the summit of Mount Katahdin.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: NH 25

To: NH 112 Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3

We left our hostel at 6:00 a.m. and hit the short road walk back to the trail.The climb up Mount Moosilaukee took a little over three hours. It was about a 4000 foot climb; but once we broke out of the tree line; it was all worth while. I haven't been above tree line for about five years; so was quite a treat. I was like a kid at Christmas. The views were beyond description. The top of Mount Washington was even in sight. The weather was beautiful; but cool enough to put my jacket and new Mad Trapper hat on.The trip down the north side of the mountain was slow and tedious. About halfway down, Philco fell and broke his pole. I told him it could have been worse as he could have broken his neck. Most of the way down water cascaded over the rocks making for a beautiful trip. Denise and I hiked this section of trail last year so I knew what was coming.Today while coming down the north side of Moosilaukee, I moved over to let an uphill hiker by. We began chatting and soon introduced himself as Rosy Eagle who lives about 90 miles from me in Northern Wisconsin. He had shared quite a bit of information last winter when I was putting things together in anticipation of the hike. He hiked NOBO in 2013; and is now, I believer, doing the hike SOBO. A great guy who I enjoyed meeting!Just before we popped out of the woods; we ran into Two Cars heading south. It was very good to see her again.Once out of the parking lot we encountered Sherpa--Iceman's bride. We were treated to donuts (no, Philco did not steal any--you can be sure I was watching), fried chicken, and Snapple. When Iceman arrived, we hitched a ride into town with them. Thank you Sherpa--what a great bit of trail magic!I need just 2/10 of a mile to break 1800. Philco will have a new set of poles to hike over Kinsman in the morning.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: NH 112 Kinsman Notch

To: IS 193
Miles today: 16.3

We shuttled to the trail head at 7:00 a.m and immediately started the ascent. In fact, we seemed to climb forever. After passing Eliza Brook Shelter, our path meandered along a picturesque creek with many waterfalls for about a mile. Then we headed up; and I mean straight up using our hands to pull ourselves up. It was slow going. Thank God, we were slack packing. This was the roughest climb to date. When we finally summited, we could view the Presidential Range where we would be hiking for the next few days.The rest of the day was spent working our way down the mountain. It was again slow and tedious going We did stop at the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut for a cup of soup and continued our trek from there. All in all it was a tough day with long miles. Hence, another mountain behind us!
Date: 2015-08-10
From: IS 193

To: IS 93
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Philco and I are taking a break and hoping to get back on the trail if we catch a break in the weather tomorrow. It doesn't look god according to the forecast. It is one thing if you are on the trail and get caught in storms; but to leave shelter to go above tree line would be stupidity.I thought it humorous that while checking out after resupplying at Price Chopper, the clerk asked me if I needed help getting to my car. I must look worn out.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: IS 93 - Notch Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

An unexpected zero day today due to pouring down rain with 2 inches predicted. It is one thing to get caught in a storm; but it would not be too smart to venture up into the Whites if you don't have to.Philco and I have developed a couple of traditions in the last months. Each day on the first climb I say "I'm getting too old for this stuff". Philco responds "you got that right". At night when we set up our tents I'll say "it don't get no better than this". And Philco echoes "ya, got that right--this is it". And my final response is "yup, we're in tall cotton". I've become a student of that Tennessee twang.Philco and I rented bikes and rode the mile or so into North Woodstock in a rainstorm. I guess we were really hungry. This afternoon we were discussing how to get to town when Philco received a call from Brokedown whom we haven't seen since Gatlinburg. He had gotten off the trail awhile back, but since decided to leave Texas and venture back to the trail. Along the way, he picked up Onward in South Carolina and the two headed north to visit some of their old trail friends. It was great to see them . We enjoyed lunch together and they are staying at our hostel. Brokedown has been reading my trail journal; so he is up on "Philco the Donut Thief". With that said, he brought us a big grocery bag filled with donuts. Now Philco has to figure out a way to get them over the Presidentials. In any event, it was really great to see them. Again, the absolute best part of the trail, are the people. My bags are packed and with the good Lord willing, I will be back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: IS 93

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.5

Brokedown gave us a ride to the trailhead this morning. That was very kind of that Texan. He didn't even seem to mind when I gave him wrong directions and we went out of our way five miles. The start of our hike this morning was up Liberty Springs Trail. After a ways up, we hit Franconia Ridge Trail and continued our climb. We crossed over three summits on this ridge--Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette. Because we were in the clouds, we were robbed of the views. This was very disappointing. The trail took us up, down, and over the summits on exposed rock ridge that did not offer a wide path. As we were descending the last summit, the wind picked up and a hard rain started to come down. The combination resulted with us being blown sideways on our way down the mountain. I got off and below tree line as quickly as I could. After the storm tapered a bit, we made our last climb of the day up Mount Garfield. With the full sun radiating the summit, I had my best views of the trip. I called my wife to describe the view to her; but for once in my life, I was at a loss for words. It is great to be in the mountains, but the climbs and descents are tough.For those who enjoy the pictures along with my commentary, there are several that may not have been included in my journal; but can be viewed through the drop down posting on the left. My tent is pitched, supper cooked and now, once again, it is raining. A good night to get some sleep.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

I packed up a very wet tent and headed out to the main trail at 6:08 a.m. this morning. Philco and I turned North on the AT and hiked about 20 miles before we lost the trail. All that was in front of us was a creek and a waterfall that dropped almost straight down. We were looking for a dirt trail, and all of a sudden realized the waterfall was the trail. We made out way down at a snail's pace. After a few miles, we stopped at the AMC Galehead Hut and had coffee and oatmeal. The combination hit the spot on this cold wet morning.Our climb of the day was up South Twin Peak. It was only about 1600 feet; but very steep and rocky. There were no views on the top due to the cloud cover. I thought I would have had phone service up there; but once again Verizon dropped the ball.After that, it was a long slow tedious downhill trek which seemed to take forever and a day. When going downhill on the wet rocks, caution is the word. One misstep could end your hike in a hurry. Our afternoon stop was at the Zealand Hut. These huts are run by the AMC. You can rent a bunk there; but they are expensive. Also, reservations must be made in advance. From there, the last five miles were fairly easy; but nonetheless, we are beat. The Whites are kicking our butts; though we are slowly putting them behind us. We have three miles to Crawford Notch tomorrow. Then we will start our ascent up Mount Washington.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.3

This turned out to be the kind of day we were short on miles and long on effort. The hike began downhill with lots of morning sun. Once we crossed the highway, we started the brutal climb up to the summit of Webster. The top pitch required the use of our hands to pull ourselves up a good portion of the last mile or so. Our itinerary included reaching the Lake of the Clouds today, but decided to cut it a bit short. I was able to get some great pictures but will need to send them later when I have a better signal.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 13.8

I don't even know where to begin to describe today's hike. We exited our tent site about 6:00 a.m and as usual, started our climb immediately. Our first goal was Lake of the Clouds Hut where we yogied for coffee. They did provide; but did not seem "thru hiker" friendly. The trail to Lake of the Clouds crossed Mount Eisenhower, Mount Franklin, and Mount Monroe.After departing the Clouds Hut, we made the final climb to the summit of Mount Washington. When we arrived at the top, there were a zillion tourists who had summited by car or the COG Railroad. Denise and I experienced the COG Railroad last year and it was an interesting ride up Mount Washington. There was also a bike race being held on the auto road. I managed to wolf down two chili dogs with extra chili (thanks to my yogi talents). I am getting pretty good at that!It was now time to descend the mountain since the weather forecast prediction called for severe thunderstorms . Our original plan was to go to a tent site five miles from the summit. The weather looked alright; thus we made the decision to head for the Madison Hut where we could possibly work for stay. But, once we reached the Hut, we were told to "hike on". So now we are ten miles from the summit sleeping in a saddle listening to the thunder. Camped on the side of a mountain was not my choice; but we ran out of energy and daylight. Hopefully, the storms won't be too bad.All in all, it has been a stressful hard day filled with absolutely beautiful views. I will post some in my photo gallery once I have better service.I have about 325 miles to go. It is getting very hard mentally and physically. I keep telling myself it will come to an end. But, tomorrow I start my sixth month on the trail. Some days it feels like I've been out here forever. In a few days, we should enter Maine-our final state.