morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-07
From: 1572.9 Cheshire Ma.

To: 1587.6 Ma. 2
Miles today: 14.7

Day 27 slack packing. Mt Greylock at 3491 is MA¢s highest peak. The state park 12,000 acres has a Veterans War memorial tower at the summit and a stone lodge ¢ Bascam Lodge with 360 degree views of the Green, Catskill, and Taconic Mtns. I liked being in Hemlock and Spruce habitat with a couple of streams though ravines. I also liked the elevation. The weather was changing today so had a wind with drizzle for a while at the top. The views to the northeast were of the mountains to come ¢ a very exciting prospect.Ascent 2487 Descent 3148 Duration 07 hr 20 Mins
Date: 2012-07-08
From: 1587.6 Ma. 2

To: 1606.0 VT 9
Miles today: 18.4

The humidity is around 50 now ¢ much better hiking conditions. Today I entered Vermont which is just about a 150 mile stretch along the Green Mtns. 105 miles of it are concurrent with the Vermont Long Trail. At 105 miles the AT heads easterly to Hanover NH and the Long trail continues north to Canada. I am passing more section hikers now. One today from San Antonio and one from Atlanta. There is more awareness and interest in this area of hiking the Long trail and the AT. Two separate people crossed RT 9 to ask if we needed a ride into Bennington while we waited for our ride at the end of the day and they wanted to talk about the trail and their experience. We saw parents of one of the thru-hikers we¢ve seen from Ma waiting for him. We also discovered that a whole group of folks who we lost track of caught up today. So we¢ll be seeing more old acquaintances again. Hawk, Whiffle Ball, Blues Clues, and All Smiles for example..Ascent 2487 Descent 3148 Duration 09 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-09
From: 1606.0 VT 9

To: 1626.6 USFS 71
Miles today: 20.6

Day 28 slack packing. Since I grew up in a colonial home where General John Stark marched his N.H. men to join forces with Vermont¢s Green Mountain boys to fight The Bennington Battle and since I am staying in Bennington I wanted to give you some history. There is an impressive monument and grounds commemorating The Bennington Battle fought August 16, 1777 in the Revolutionary war. General John Stark defeated two detachments of John Burgoyne¢s invading British Army. The British wanted to cut New England off from other colonies. They were in need of military stores and supplies which they attempted to capture at the arsenal depot located at the present Monument site. The newly formed Republic of Vermont had appealed to N.H. for military assistance. Under Stark¢s command where about 2000 Vermont, Ma, and N.H. men, 1400 of whom were from N.H. The Battle of Bennington was significant on two counts. First, psychologically for New England since the mostly untrained Yankees had overwhelmingly defeated some of Europe¢s best trained, disciplined, and equipped troops. Secondly, the defeat left the supplies needed to win the strategic battle of Saratoga. General Burgoyne ended up surrendering his entire command of 8000 ¢ a major turning point for the American Revolution. So if you are able to visit the site you will see the 300 foot tall monument of blue grey Magnesium Limestone topped with a bronze and gilt 10 point star. It is the tallest structure in Vermont. Another historic note is the Vermonters earned the name The Green Mountain Boys from hauling cannons over the mountains to Dorchester Heights in defense of Boston...Ascent 2718 Descent 1602 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-10
From: 1626.6 USFS 71

To: 1646.1 Manchester
Miles today: 19.5

Day 29 slack packing. Yesterday I entered the Green Mountain National Forest and today I am 34 done with the trip. We were at 3936 feet on Stratton Mountain. It was on Stratton¢s summit that AT founder Benton MacKaye conceived the idea for the AT modeled after the Long Trail. Views from the summit fire tower were great and morning air was chilly (low 60¢s). I prefer the higher elevations ¢ fir and spruce woods. Here there are springs and wet sphagnum moss areas even above 3000 feet. The puncheon board walks thankfully are not necessary since most spots are not wet and muddy. ..Ascent 2732 Descent 2351 Duration 08 hr 20 Mins
Date: 2012-07-11
From: 1646.1 Manchester

To: 1663.7 Dunby ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Land grove rd
Miles today: 17.6

Day 30 slack packing. It was 52 F at 6:30AM. In the low 60¢s for the start of the partly cloudy day. First an ascent to Bromley Ski Mountain with views back to Stratton and Stratton Ski slopes where we were yesterday. Again reaching elevations above 3k with views to Vt, N.H, MA, NY and again great walking among firs. There were horror show ¢gifts¢ left on the puncheons every 14 mile or so however. Some animal didn¢t devour all of the guts of its prey. Hmm, Bobcat. Also saw moose droppings. Met a young trail crew and shelter caretaker picnicking on the puncheons that they were repairing. In this case the puncheons bases were logs under water supporting two boards to walk down. The area had a beautiful large pond(Griffith) similar to Stratton Pond that we passed yesterday. Fees are charges at some shelters and sites at these more beautiful areas to help fund caretakers and area patrollers. Without the supervision the areas would be vandalized and trashed. There are alternate trails and old logging routes that would give access to ATV¢s etc. Walking the trail you don¢t notice these routes. On the descent, the walk went along Big Branch River - typical of the area ¢ big boulders with pools and cascades. Even better views today. Now I feel like I¢m getting into the mountains. I passed a Vermont Conservation Core youth crew (16-24 yrs) working on part of a 7 mile stretch this summer. The Green Mountain club funds these summer jobs in part.Ascent 2504 Descent 2807 Duration 08 hr 20 Mins
Date: 2012-07-12
From: 1663.7 Dunby ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Land grove rd

To: 1678.5 Vt 103.
Miles today: 14.8

Day 31 slack packing. Hidden Gems, White Birches and white rocks. Walked along another surprisingly beautiful pond this calm morning. Fir woods on one side, a cliff/hill on the other and someone swimming. Tranquil. There are large white birches in the woods here. While walking along the Fir Woods at the low 2000¢s we came upon white rock fairy villages. Creative. It is high summer in the green tunnel going through the Green Mountains. Sometimes when I am in beech woods I have the sensation that I have green sunglasses on, the light is so intensely filtered..Ascent 1742 Descent 1521 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-13
From: 1678.5 Vt 103.

To: 1692.1 Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Today I passed the 500 miles to Katadin point. There was also trail magic given by Santa¢s helper from Tennessee. He is on his way to Grafton Notch Maine to finish the AT that he started in 2007 but has been forced to get off the trail for various reasons four times now. He roller skate dances for fun. A group of Long Trail hikers and AT Thru-Hikers enjoyed the food and drinks. Then I met Mac from Columbus Ohio who has section hiked the AT and is back to hike the month long section that he did with his wife in 2007. She is deceased now. The 10 mile hike up Killington was rewarding. A ruffled grouse charged me hissing. Great views, hazy with a brisk breeze (4k plus for sure) Then I had my dinner back down in the shelter with an amazing couple ¢ the Pink Panthers. They are both accomplished life long hikers and are now doing part of the Long Trail this summer. They take it easy and are in no rush. The hike is her 80th birthday wish and that was 2 years ago. Two years later and some injuries for both of them on and off the trail. They are back on ¢ 82 and 84 years old and looking great. Well, I was back on the trail today with my full pack which weighed in at 24 lbs with 3 qts of water and 3 days of food supply. My body weight is constant...Ascent 1742 Descent 1521 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-14
From: 1692.1 Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: 1705.9 Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

More Long Trail hikers. ¢ The Canadian Girls (Ottawa and PEI); two teenaged brothers home schooled in VT, Pickles and her father, a southbound woman and her German short haired pointer. Today we lose them all as they travel north for the rest of their 275 mile journey to Canada and we turn east towards N.H at ¢Maine Junction¢ ¢ 35 miles to go. A hot humid day at 82F. Close to 4k of descent and a steep 1100 at the end of the day. Stopped at a Lodge that serves AT hiker lunch on a picnic table. Nice views. They have weddings on the lawn. I was able to leave before becoming part of the ceremony..Ascent 1680 Descent 3993 Duration 09 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-15
From: 1705.9 Stony Brook Shelter

To: 1719.2 VT12
Miles today: 13.3

A hot steamy day nearing 90 ending with grey skies and sprinkles drenched in sweat. Decided to end the day mear the road so that we could get food (ice cream and resupplies) at a farm stand and set up the tents before the rain sets in. So here I am between big white plastic hay bales and the field. It is a good thing I like the smell of country air (manure fields, but not fresh). I¢m dry and hoping that cool air will move in overnight...Ascent 1018 Descent 1507 Duration 07 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-07-16
From: 1719.2 VT12

To: 1732.2 VT 14 W. Hartford.
Miles today: 13.0

Some rain during the night but no relief. Started off at 6:45. The mist burned off but another muggy day in the low 90¢s with humidity and hiking all start with ¢H¢ but they don¢t go together. We stopped in West Hartford at the General Store. The trail goes right by. We heard that a couple a few doors down welcome hikers to camp on their property. So here I am doing weather appropriate activities like sitting by a lovely dammed brook are in a pink Adirondack chair drinking homemade cider that a friend of the hosts brought by (was in her freezer)... There are 7 hikers here in all. Very generous of Kathy and Steve to open their yard up to us (nice garden too). Some of the hike today reminded me of Georgia and NC ¢ opn woods, sharp hills and path cutting along shoulders. It was a rollercoaster thought ¢ laid out by the Dartmouth Outting Club I hear. I would have been happy following the old cart paths along stone walls. Picturesque. I should say that the Aug 2011 hurricane Irene caused considerable damage in Vt. West Hartford was flooded. Steve and Kathy¢s home was 8 ft under water; the Post Office swept away and General Store damaged, Folks at the General Store wear shorts saying ¢Good Night Irene, August 2011 on the back. It was a disaster area. Many trail re-routes.Ascent 2304 Descent 2786 Duration 07 hr 10 Mins
Date: 2012-07-17
From: 1732.2 VT 14 W. Hartford.

To: 1742.1 Hanover NH.
Miles today: 9.9

Hurray! I am now in New Hampshire! Andy has met me here bringing a few items for hiking in the Whites. I need some of my winter clothing back that I had earlier in the trip. The White Mountains have notoriously unpredictable weather. The N.H. stretch of Hanover to the Me border is 160 miles with about 100 of that in the White Mountain National forest. (Glencliff to Gorham) I will be slack packing again out of Hanover, the three day hike to Glencliff then over Moosilauke (4800) and then over South and North Kinsman¢s (4358 and 4293). After coming off the Kinsman¢s into Franconia Notch and resupplying, I will be solo hiking. Andy will help me resupply in Crawford and Pinkham notches and Gorham. I have my itinerary planned through Crawford which is over the rugged above timberline stretch. Elevations will be in the mid 3¢s to 5¢s. Mt Washington is among them at 6288. The AMC runs 8 full service huts across the Whites and offers work for stay (WFS) for thru-hikers. There no guarantee that there will be WFS however. I have some huts that I will try to do this at with backup plans. One that I won¢t chance is Lake ¢ in- the clouds 5048 Hut. I have a reservation there. I am looking forward to the Whites and have chosen to slow down considerably for this section. Ascent 1180 Descent 1046 Duration ?? hr ?? Mins
Date: 2012-07-18
From: 1742.1 Hanover NH.

To: 1759.6 Grafton Turnpike
Miles today: 17.6

Day 32 Slackpacking. Andy had come into Hanover last night to meet us. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Outing Club who maintains the trail in N.H. Even though it is summer, the green is full of students and student prospects on orientation. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical with the Norris Cotton Cancer Center is just up the road bringing in more people. Plus Thru-Hikers! Eight folks we met on the trail were waiting for a trail angel ride to their house to overnight last night. We offered our car to help shuttle. It rained during the night so it was a help to have free lodging in a shelter spot for the night. We met up with some of them today and enjoyed Lou¢s Trail Magic. Andy hiked in eight miles before saying goodbye and going back to Hanover with Lou. At the end of the day, Old Goose¢s wife met us again for a few more days of slacking into Glencliff. Ascent 4118 Descent 1738 Duration 08 hr 10 Mins
Date: 2012-07-19
From: 1759.6 Grafton Turnpike

To: 1775.6 NH 25A
Miles today: 16.0

Day 33 Slackpacking. Getting those ascent and descent numbers up now. Up 2376, down 1806, up 1461, down 1988. This makes for a fun day. Well it wasn¢t so bad. Again I liked being up over 3000 feet in fir woods on Smarts Mtn and Mtn Cube¢s quartz boulders and swirled quartz in granite ledges were beautiful. A much cooler day starting at 60 and partly cloudy. Passing a number of south bounders (SoBo hikers). Who started from Katadin every day now.Ascent 3837 Descent 3794 Duration 07 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-07-20
From: 1775.6 NH 25A

To: 1785.5 NH 25 Glencliff
Miles today: 9.9

Day 34 Slackpacking. 400 miles left to go! A morning hike today. Leaving time in the afternoon to catch up on planning the next stages of the hike and to go do chores. Somehow I have never managed to get a nap in. Maybe next week with shorter mileage days in the whites ¢ if the weather holds..Ascent 1619 Descent 1486 Duration 04 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-07-21
From: 1785.5 NH 25 Glencliff

To: 1794.8 Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 35 Slackpacking. Today I entered the White Mountain National Forest and climbed Moosilauke (4802). Great hike up on the Glencliff Trail which is a fairly steep ascent over 4.5 miles. I heard then saw a retreating bear before getting to 3000 ft. The summit is a high bald. The exciting part of the day was the steep rocky descent along cascading Beaver Brook. There were various hiking aids such as hammered out foot holds in the granite, rebar hand holds, and wood blocks attached to rock ledges somehow. All were very helpful on a dry day like today and imperative when wet and icy conditions prevail.Ascent 3746 Descent 2995 Duration 05 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-22
From: 1794.8 Kinsman Notch

To: 1811.1 Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 36 Slackpacking. Start today from Kinsman Notch ascending after eight miles steeply up S. Kinsman (4358), Then N. Kinsman (4293). The 4k descent for the day wasn¢t too bad. Stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut where I crewed long ago for several weekends. It is a great hut situated on a swimming pond with mountains framing the background. Views from the Kinsmans over to the Franconia Ridge were daunting. Tomorrow is the ascent to the ridge with thunderstorm activity forecasted late afternoon. My goal is 10 miles to Garfield Camp..Ascent 3558 Descent 4000 Duration 09 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-23
From: 1811.1 Franconia Notch

To: 1821.4 Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3

With full pack, 24 lbs, ascended 2972 feet to the Franconia Ridge ¢ basically 1k/mile. There were light showers on the way to Liberty Spring Trail head.. The hike up to the Franconia Ridge Trail was dry under canopy and not as difficult as anticipated, certainly not like the ascent up S. Kinsman the day before. I was hiking with Old Goose and a retired thru-hiker Shortstop, from Tennessee. We traversed the Franconia Ridge over Little Haystack Mtn (4800) and Mt Lafayette (5259) fairly quickly. Crossing the exposed ridge was like being on a boat passing through surface fog on the ocean. You are in a blowing cloud but visibility changes and sun appears now and again. We could always see the trail. The temp was a warm 65. Once down off the ridge by a few hundred feet we had lunch and Old Goose and I said our farewells. He will continue to slack pack into the first part of Maine. By the time we climbed Mt Garfield (4500) the sun was out ¢ pretty good since the views are tremendous. Shortstop and I descended to the Garfield Ridge Shelter/campsite and comfortably set up camp on tent platforms surrounded by spruces. We are at 3900 ft. It is now 9pm. The sky is rumbling with thunder and full of lightning flashes. Just sprinkles upon us at the moment. What I do tomorrow will depend upon the weather...Ascent 4064 Descent 1948 Duration 08 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-07-24
From: 1821.4 Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: 1824.1 Galehead Hut
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: light rain

WOW, we had fireworks all night...one thunderstorm cell after another. I was under strobe lights. Fortunately the winds weren¢t gusting too much and I stayed fairly dry. For the first time on the hike I got up late ¢ 7:30, had a leisurely breakfast and packed up in the blowing cloud cover. Temps held about 60. The steep rock ledge hike down from the campsite was a flowing stream in parts. I wish I had lederhosen (leather britches) since I sit and ease myself down routinely. Shortstop and I arrived at the Galehead AMC Hut (3800) after 3 hours ¢ a slow slippery slog. I had hoped to WFS (work for stay) but they don¢t consider allowing thru hikers or not until 4 or 5:00. It was a risky proposition to wait, knowing that if you are not able to stay, the stealth camping or next campsite are miles further. We enjoyed our trail lunches with soup from the kitchen and waited until 1:30 when the crew boss (a female) hears about the guest count ¢ there were openings so we paid full guest prices and chose bunks. My room has triple high bunks. We left our packs and hiked up Galehead Mtn (4024). By doing the .5 mile hike up and back was able to ¢bag¢ a 4000 footer. There are 48 mtns in NH that qualify. I¢d like to climb them all so I am taking the opportunity for spur trips along my route. So far I have climbed seven 4000 + peaks in four days. It is now just about 5pm. A windy down pour just came thru. It¢s in the 50¢s out and I am very happy to be in the hut waiting for dinner at 6:00 ¢ sharp!Ascent 420 Descent 531 Duration 03 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-25
From: 1824.1 Galehead Hut

To: 1826.9 Guyot Shelter
Miles today: 2.8

The morning start was sobering. Visibility 1/10 of a mile (white blowing cloud fog) from the hut. Temp 46. Wind gusts to 30 miles per hour and wind chill factor of 20 degrees. Not raining however. My plan was to hike with Shortstop up to S. Twin assess whether to do a spur summit to N. Twin then continue to the Bondcliff Trail intersection and assess hiking the three Bonds. Off we went, bundled and braced for the worst. Climbing to S. Twin wasn¢t as bad as the profile suggested but the wind and blowing fog made continuing on without summiting N. Twin solo an easy decision. We emerged on a rocky bald at lower elevation but the same conditions existed. Where the Bondcliff trail branches off there were three women who I met at the hut who were preparing to climb the Bonds just as I wanted to do. I decided to join them and said goodbye to Shortstop who was a wonderful hiking companion over the past two days (we survived the thunderstorm night together and miles of challenging wet hiking). He was hiking onto the notch and out today. We summited Mt Bond (4698) under a cloud cover that was breaking up. By the time we summited Bondcliff (4265) visibility under high partly cloudy skies was excellent. The view southwest to the Franconia Ridge and Mt Garfield was impressive, especially having just traversed it Monday. The Presidentials were visible with Mt Washington under a cloud. The Bonds hike is in the Pemigwasett Wilderness. We were looking into its expanse, bowls, and avalanche/rock slides and beyond to many peaks. We then backtracked and took the 12 mile spur to W. Bond (4540). I then hiked down to Guyot Campsite while the others went onto Zealand hut where they had reservations.Ascent 1102 Descent 386 Duration 06 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-07-26
From: 1826.9 Guyot Shelter

To: 1830.9 Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 4.0

Took my time packing up this morning ¢ gray skies and drizzle. Lucky 50 degrees and no wind. It was high overcast so when I reached the Bondcliff ¢ Twinway (AT) Intersection, I did have some views. Blues Clues who I first met in the Smokies hiked down to Zealand Hut with me where the rest of the group who has hiked together were having lunch ¢ Hawk, Whiffleball, All Smiles, and a father daughter team from NH, Dumpy and Peeper. Stats come in too. Nice to see them all. They hiked on. I left some of my pack contents at the hut and hiked up to Mt Hale (4054). I will be staying here tonight, doing work for stay. I don¢t have an assignment yet. (4:30). There are 32 guests. 2 - 4000 footers today. Mt Zealand (4260), Mt Hale (4054). Total miles 10. Additional ascent/descent 1419ft..Ascent 63 Descent 1962 Duration 03 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-27
From: 1830.9 Zealand Falls Hut

To: 1838.8 Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Ahh yes, waking up warm and dry on the floor of the dinning area of the hut. Good thing since it rained overnight and is fogged in now. Last night I met Investigator and Expiditer (The sharing insanity couple) and Frog Man (SOBO) who were also WFS. Did some dishes. Frog Man shared good information about Maine ¢ river fords and Logistics for the 100 mile Wilderness. Yesterday on my hike up Hale there were wet areas towards the top. I saw Purple Fringed Orchids ¢ the second time I have seen them. This morning Chicken Feathers, The Lion Killers (a couple from the Boston area) and Duffer came into the Hut (leftover breakfast time for us WFS¢ers and Thru-Hikers. I hope to hike with these folks somehow in Maine. Like clockwork, Steve and I met at the turn off for Ethan Pond Shelter on the way out to Crawford notch/302. Steve lives in Bartlett and had offered to have me visit. We enjoyed dinner in N. Conway and a relaxing visit. He is a trail Angel for sure and extremely knowledgeable about the trails in the White Mtn¢s National Forest.Ascent 413 Descent 1771 Duration 05 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-28
From: 1838.8 Crawford Notch

To: 1845.2 Nauman Camp
Miles today: 6.4

Steve hiked with me today to Mizpah Spring Hut. I had been wanting to hike out of Crawford Notch on the Webster CliffTrail since last summer so was looking forward to this hike. The initial 1750ft of ascent took an hour to open ledges and a view into the notch ¢ the Willey House and Saco River which starts at Saco lake across from the Highland center further up the notch. We then ascended another 1000 ft to the summit of Mt Webster. High overcast with threatening clouds to the west over Mt Zealand. Pierce, Eisenhower and even Mt Washington were in view, plus hundreds more of course. Canada Gray Jays are found in this notch. I encountered then last year hiking Mts Tom/Willey/Field just on the other side. These birds are bold, landing on your hand for food and making off with it. About the size of a bluejay, they could make off with your whole sandwich. They followed us a bit into the col to Mt Jackson. We had lunch at Jacksons summit ¢ another 4000 footer at 4052.Ascent 2795 Descent 252 Duration 04 hr 15 Mins