morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-06-27
From: Iron Bridge near Amesville

To: Guilder Pond
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

We made two milestones today : we entered Massachusetts, and we crossed the 1500 mile marker. Things are moving right along but it's getting a bit more difficult. First of all, the heat and humidity are ramping up. That makes it more exhausting to climb the hills and it also seems like the mosquitoes and other nuisance bugs thrive in these conditions. I'm trying to avoid using deet but I may have to give in and get some. Second of all, the hills are tougher. Today I went over Bear Mtn, Mt Race, and Mt Everett. These mountains aren't that high, but the ascents/descents are very rocky and sometimes very steep. I guess this is training for what's to come as we proceed north.As I was crossing through a parking lot today I met a young man who thru-hiked the trail in 2017. He was handing out food and drinks for his first time. He was genuinely excited to be near the trail again and wanted to hear my stories. He's from upstate New York but he's working in Connecticut as a solar panel installer. He lives in his SUV. He said that feels perfectly natural after hiking the trail.Ten states down, four to go
Date: 2021-06-28
From: Guilder Pond

To: Blue Hill Rd
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today the trail skirted the battlefield from the last battle of Shay's Rebellion. An interesting piece of history early in the formation of our country. It turns out that after the Revolutionary War the local Massachusetts governments were heavily taxing farmers, many of whom served in the war and were just trying to get back on their feet. Of course the government didn't care about that and it confiscated the land and imprisoned many of the farmers. This led to the rebellion. Eventually the government squashed the rebellion and that was that. It's an interesting story though and it helped make the case for a strong federal government.The hot humid weather continued today, bug terrain was a bit easier. There was a section of trail that went through a bog for about a mile and I got eaten alive by mosquitoes. It was a feast day for them. And once they started on me they sent word out to all the children and grandchildren.  There should be some kind of mercy rule.
Date: 2021-06-29
From: Blue Hill Rd

To: US Rt 20
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Today is the day I (Lucy) changed my strategy. This last week has been very frustrating and nerve wracking for me.While Tom has been on the continuous hike, I would try to meet him in a further north location. However, when i would get to a road w/parking where the AT crosses, the AT parking lot was blocked off or gated shut with no parking signs on both sides of road. Sometimes 2 miles before the actual AT parking area. At first i chuckled at the signs which read: "Due to the abuse of 2020 there will be no parking on either side of road. Then it had an additional sign of the tow truck company w/phone number to retrieve your vehicle. Soon my chuckle turned to frustration. Starting today i have a main location (local state park) to stay. Then, an estimated time to retrieve Tom off the trail on a main road. So much for helping others....i will try to figure that out as the days progress. I know water is an issue for all hikers w/ this hot weather.On a nature note.....the gypsy moths have made their mark on a number of areas in MA. Last night we stealth camped at Beartown State Forest. It "rained poop" all night. Kinda reminded me of an earlier camp trip 20+ yrs ago w/Tom's sister and her family.  We needed to eat inside our car and cover any drinks we had!
Date: 2021-06-30
From: US Rt 20

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

I met up with Aquaman again at a roadside hiker supply stand a couple days ago. We haven't seen each other since the ice cream challenge over three weeks ago. It was great to see him again and share some stories. He's currently trying to catch up with Toboggan and Surplus who he hiked with for hundreds of miles in the first half of the trail.So Lucy offered to haul most of his gear so he could put in more miles to catch up. For the last 2 days she's been doing that. On both days she picked him up at the end of the day and then we camp in our tents at a state park. It's a good life. Tomorrow she'll drop him and his gear off for good as he hikes away from us. I'm not sure if we'll see him again but it's been lots of fun while he's been around us.
Date: 2021-07-01
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt Greylock
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We are close to exiting Massachusetts but before doing so I had to climb Mt Greylock, the highest mountain in the state, at 3416 ft. The climb actually wasn't that difficult, but it was the longest climb since Virginia. Along the was I came across the pond and cabin shown in the picture. A very cool setting. Lucy was waiting for me at the top as she was able to drive there. There was a lodge there and we grabbed a couple sandwiches.We also met up with Patches there. He was only about a half mile behind me. We last saw him in Front Royal, VA where he was battling some foot issues. A few days ago he got Lyme disease from a tick bite. He's on his 2nd day of an antibiotic and starting to feel better. The trail is a tough challenge as it is and I really admire Patches for hanging in there with the adversity he's had. It was really nice to talk to him and catch up on his adventure
Date: 2021-07-02
From: Mt Greylock

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

It rained all night and into the morning. We packed up our tent and gear in the rain and started to drive up to Mt Greylock to pick up where I left off yesterday. There were three other hikers tenting at the campsite. None of them were moving when we left. They were the smart ones. When we reached the summit of Mt Greylock I put on my rain gear, opened my umbrella, and off I went. Lucy thought I was nuts.The trail had turned into a small stream as it headed down the mountain, and I was wading through it. I was intensely watching my foot placement to make sure I wouldn't slip and fall. I was so focused on that I didn't bother to look for trail markings. At one point the trail came to a fork and of course I went the wrong way. I didn't notice it until I went 3/4 of a mile down the mountain. Talk about frustration! So I had to climb back up the mountain. When I made back to the white blazes I realized I had only traveled 1/2 mile on the correct trail.The good news is that the rain and cool temperatures kept the mosquitoes and black flies away.It was a long day, but I crossed over the Vermont border. Massachusetts was a very pleasant place to hike but I'm glad to be moving on.Eleven states down, three to go.
Date: 2021-07-03
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday, after dropping Tom off at My Greylock, I decided to take advantage of Bascom Lodge at the top of the mountain and overnight there. It's a lodge on top of Mt Greylock.   It's dry, has wifi, and thru hikers may come to get out of the rain. That gave me the opportunity to catch up with trail friends and to make a plan for the next 5 weeks.As we move further North, it seems like I need to find a place to be stationary (a few days at a time). The crossroads/parking and shelters are not lining up to the milage Tom is hiking. Plus, there are less northbound hikers so trail magic is not happening as much. I tried this out 2 days ago, working from a state park. I liked it. Hopefully, I can continue this way.On a nature note.....this morning we awoke to a coyote's howl and this yelping that sounded like high pitched laughing. I think that was the mama calling her pups and then ....their response. Thats a good mama!
Date: 2021-07-04
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Kelley Stand Road
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

It finally stopped raining early this morning just before I got up. It has been raining for the last five days. I was able to avoid the rain on the first three days because the thunderstorms came in the late afternoon and I was done hiking by then. So we stayed dry in our tent. But the rain has been continuous the last 2 days and there was no way to avoid it. Vermont is known for having super muddy trail conditions and the rain amplified that reputation. The picture in this post shows a typical section of the trail for the last few days. Most hikers just hike straight down the middle of the trail since there's no way to avoid getting your feet saturated with water and mud.Things are looking up a bit. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny with a high near 70. That will be great hiking weather and hopefully the trail will dry out a bitp.Tonight is the first night we're staying at a state park. Lucy picked me up at the end of my hike today and we're now in a lean-to at Woodford State Park. I had a hot shower and we went into Bennington for a hot meal. We hope to do a lot more of this in the future.
Date: 2021-07-05
From: Kelley Stand Road

To: VT 11
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather today was perfect. The temperature was cool with relatively low humidity and there were puffy white clouds in a deep blue sky. The trail took me over Stratton Mountain where you could climb a 55 ft fire tower and get an excellent 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. It was terrific. On the other side of the mountain the trail passed by Stratton Pond, another amazing setting. I'm starting to enjoy Vermont.Today I also passed the 3/4 mark of the trail. Less than 550 miles to go!The mud also dried up a bit today and it was possible I dance around most of the deeper mud holes. My feet were almost dry by the end of the day. Lucy picked me up at the end of the day and we're at another state park tonight. This is working out really well.
Date: 2021-07-06
From: Kelley Stand Road

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

In Vermont the trail goes over many of the mountains that have ski slopes. Today as I was climbing to the top of Bromley Mtn via one of the slopes I saw a figure at the top of the mountain. It was almost surreal as there was a heavy fog and nothing else was in sight.It turns out it was Butterfly. She was standing there on the mountain top trying to get a cell signal. Butterfly is hiking the trail with her husband and six children. They call themselves the Perch Creek Explorers, and they've been hiking on evenings and weekends since September. Quite a story. I met the family a little later. Everyone was in good spirits in spite if the weather.Lucy and I have been enjoying our evenings and sleeping arrangements in the state parks. It gives her a base to operate from, and she gets to have a campfire. I totally enjoy spending this time with her and being able to take a shower in the evening. We won't be able to do this every night, but we're going to try to do it as much as possible.
Date: 2021-07-07
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd

To: Cold River Road
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

I hiked today for a couple hours with Guns (she has pretty big biceps). It turns out that she started her hike at Springer Mtn in March 21, which is one day before we started. But we never crossed paths before. She's a real nice lady from Brooklyn. At the end of our hike Lucy gave her a ride into Rutland to stay at the Yellow Deli, a hiker-friendly hostel/deli that's open 24 hours. They have very good food and great hospitality. We had a nice meal there and headed off to our campsite at the state park.  Tomorrow I'll climb Killington Mtn, the highest mountain on the trail in Vermont at over 4000 ft.  It's supposed to rain all day so it should be fun!
Date: 2021-07-08
From: Cold River Road

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Luckily the rain held off most of the day. It started rain hard about a half hour before the end of my hike today, so I almost escaped it. Today I spent most of the day climbing Killington Mtn and then walking back down. It was a long day and the long downhill took it's toll on my feet.The Appalachian Trail coincides with Vermont's Long Trail for the first 105 miles in Vermont. Today the AT turned right at a place called Maine Junction. Since both trails have white blazes, it's easy to miss the turn. For once I happened to be aware of what was going on and I made the correct turn. Otherwise, I would have been headed toward Canada.On the recommendation of Truck and Overload we topped at the Long Trail Inn this evening for a meal and a couple drinks. The Inn is within 2 miles of the trail and it's a favorite of hikers. We enjoyed our time there. The picture in this post is the entrance to the Inn. A patron struck a pose for me there.
Date: 2021-07-09
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Greengate Road
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

This afternoon as we were setting up our tent, Guns was walking on the AT through the campground where we are staying.  We offered her a spot on our site and she accepted. She's not been feeling well and took a zero yesterday. So today she was just getting back on track to hike. It was nice to see her again.  On a nature note....I've been on a moose hunt for 2 days now. I get so excited just thinking about encountering one. No luck so far but maybe tomorrow.
Date: 2021-07-10
From: Greengate Road

To: Joe Ranger Rd
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I finally met a Southbounder who started from Katahdin, the northernmost point on the trail. I'm sure there have been others that have crossed my path, but today was the first time I stopped and talked with one. Waterbug is a cheerful young lady who was climbing the hill I was descending. She started hiking from Katahdin on June 1st, the first official day that the mountain was open this year. She said the White Mountains and Maine were beautiful. I'm really starting to look forward to getting there.Today was the first day in Vermont that the sun was shining most of the day. Up until now, my impression was that this state was just wet and soggy. Tomorrow I hope to be in New Hampshire. Hopefully we'll have good weather so we exit Vermont with happy thoughts.
Date: 2021-07-11
From: Joe Ranger Rd

To: Trescott Rd
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We crossed into New Hampshire today. The trail in Vermont for the last 15 miles or so was relatively easy. Then the trail went through Norwich, VT, crossed the Connecticut River, where the picture in this post was taken, and entered Hanover, NH.  Upon exiting Hanover the trail immediately became steeper and rockier. A sign of things to come in New Hampshire.The walk through Hanover was somewhat overwhelming. After spending most of my time in the woods day after day, it was strange to walk though a sizeabe town carrying a backpack. The streets were busy with lots of activity including open air restraints and street vendors. Everyone was clean too. Most of the people I've been hanging around haven't showered in many days. After this sensory overload I went back to the woods where I belong for now.Twelve states down, two to go
Date: 2021-07-12
From: Trescott Rd

To: Lyme-Dorchester Rd
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Lucy and I are enjoying our time in the state parks. Since we came back on the trail after Adele and Brian' s wedding three weeks ago, we've stayed about 10 nights so far at various parks in MA, VT and NH. On days we can do this it's very comfortable. Lucy drives me to the trailhead early in the morning. I like to get started around 6:00 am. It's like she's taking me to work. I'm usually done hiking between 3 and 5 pm, and she picks me up at a pre-arranged trail/road crossing. Then we spend the evening making our supper and hanging around the campfire.  This will be more difficult to do as we head north because there are fewer road crossings. But for now it's pretty sweet!
Date: 2021-07-13
From: Lyme-Dorchester Rd

To: Lake Tarleton Rd
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

The trail is getting more difficult. Today I went over Smarts Mtn and Mt Cube. Both mountains had rocky slopes on both sides. It's very slow going. Add to that rain showers most of the morning. It made for very slippery conditions. I take my time, especially on the downhills. It's a snail's pace at times. The young people on the trail move much faster than I do. They're stronger and much more confident on the rocks. Oh well, I guess I'm getting my money's worth.The picture in this post is from the top of Cub Mtn. Due to the weather there were no views today, so I thought the summit sign might be interesting.I plan to start throttling down the mileage. In fact, most people I've talked to are doing the same. It's not just because we're entering the White Mtns. I think people are just getting tired and want to ease off. That's certainly the case for me.
Date: 2021-07-14
From: Country Bumpkin Campground

To: Country Bumpkin Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I took a zero today. It appears that I've developed shin splints in my right leg. I first noticed the pain about 4 days ago. Like many of the pains I've had from hiking, I thought I could work through it and it would receed. But that doesn't appear to be happening. And with the White Mtns looming, I don't want to take the risk of continuing hiking until it's better.  This could develop into a stress fracture and that would end my hike. So we'll see how this "rest" thing goes.We had our first moose siting today. That's today's featured picture. He was hanging out at our campsite. Maybe we'll see a real one soon.
Date: 2021-07-15
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Rt 25C
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Today I went over Mt Moosilauke, the first 4000 footer in New Hampshire on the trail. This mountain has a very steep north side, and I was advised by many people to hike it from north to south to avoid the danger of coming down the steep, wet rocky north side. So that's what I did, and it worked out well. It was strange to hike south though.However, by doing this I ran into a number of northbounders I haven't seen in a while.The sky was partly cloudy and the view from the top of the mountain was awesome. Mt Moosilauke is a bald so there's a 360 panorama at the top. Hopefully the weather will be hold up as we summit more of the mountains in the coming days.My leg was sore today but a bit better. The swelling has subsided for the most part.
Date: 2021-07-16
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

The trail is getting more and more difficult. Today I hiked from Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch. The notches are at lower altitudes, around 1500 feet or so. But in between them I went over Mt Wolfe, and the South and North Kinsman peaks, which are over 4000 feet high. The trail has been very steep and rocky, and it's very slow going. The picture in this post shows a rocky section of the trail. By going from notch to notch I was able to meet up with Lucy so we could camp together. Tomorrow I plan to hike up to Franconia Ridge and start tackling the Presidentials.These posts may be delayed a few days or more. We're having trouble getting a good cell signal (Yes, we paid our bill!). This problem may get worse as we head into Maine
Date: 2021-07-17
From: Franconia Notch

To: Stealth Site Near South Twin Mtn
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We entered the pre-Presidential Mountains today (my terminology). Today I climbed Mts Lincoln, Lafayette, and Garfield. So, I can check the box on: two presidents and one general. They're part of the White Mtns, but for some reason they're not part of the "Presidentials."  The picture in this post shows the view of Mt Lincoln from Franconia Ridge. The ridge trail goes right over Lincoln and Lafayette above the tree line. It's pretty spectacular. Shortly after I took this picture the clouds and then the rain moved in. It rained most of the day, but at least I got a few pictures.It's very difficult hiking in these mountains. They make you earn any views you get. Tonight I'm stealth camping in the mountains. Lucy nabbed a new campsite down below. I'll meet up with her tomorrow.  We're moving right along.
Date: 2021-07-18
From: Stealth Site Near South Twin Mtn

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I camped at a stealth spot in the woods about 50 yds off the trail. When I crawled into my tent at about 7:30 pm the sky was blue with some puffy clouds. But around midnight it started raining and it rained all night. At my normal wake up time around 5:00 am it was still coming down. I waited another hour and I decided to get moving while it was raining. That's one of the hardest things I've done ... leave a warm cozy tent, pack up in the rain, and start hiking.  The trail was a mess due to all of the rain. I walked in water all morning. Finally, around noon the rain stopped. That helped the footing and my spirits. I made it down to Crawford Notch around 4:00 pm. There I hooked up with Lucy and was able to dry my gear. Hopefully we'll get better weather soon. We're due.My leg gets slightly better every day. The ice treatments, compression and ibuprofen seem to be working. I'm so glad God gave us ibuprofen.
Date: 2021-07-19
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

We're now officially in the Presidential Mtns. They include Mts Pierce, Eisenhower, Monroe, Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Webster, and Clay, among others. I'm not sure why all these guys are called presidents, but I do know they're all challenges. I hiked over some of them today.  Tonight I'm staying at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, which is 1.5 miles below Mt Washington. Tomorrow I'll go over the top of Mt Washington and then continue on a long, rocky trail over a few more presidents and then down to Pinkham Notch.  Meanwhile, Lucy hopped on the COG railroad and rode up to the top of Mt Washington. She's a lot smarter than me.
Date: 2021-07-20
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I completed the Presidentials today. It feels great to say that. It's been tough. I started hiking around 6 am. I skipped breakfast at the hut because it was going to be later and I knew it was going to be a long day. Shortly after leaving the hut I saw the sign shown in the picture. Pretty ominous.I reached the summit of Mt Washington shortly after 7 am. It was eerie. The mountain was totally in the clouds and the wind was blowing at about 30 mph.  I had trouble finding the summit sign. But eventually I did and took a quick selfie. Luckily I had a trail app on my phone because it wasn't easy to find the trail going down the other side in the thick clouds.The next 8 miles were slow and arduous. It was all above tree line and the trail was entirely rocks. Much of the way I was traveling only about 1 mph. Eventually I made it to the tree line and my pace picked up a bit, though the trail was very steep. The total day took almost 12 hours of hiking to cover 15 miles. I'm glad that's over!
Date: 2021-07-21
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: thunderstorm

Another long hiking day. I hiked the Wildcat Mtns and the ascents and descents were brutal. I covered 13 miles today but it took most of the day. We'll, at least that's over with.I hiked with Gigi and Roadrunner today. I haven't hiked with them since Virginia. It was good to have company. I'm looking forward to Maine.  I should be there in 2 or 3 days