morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Chairback Gap - ME

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to - ME
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We climbed Chairback Mtn. first thing in the morning. The climb up is not what gets you. Coming down the other side is a rock climb where at times you have to turn around and face the mountain and climb down the rocks. The rest of the day is ups and downs. When we get to the Pleasant river we have to take our shoes off to wade across the river it is wide but only about knee deep. The rocks are slippery and you need to be careful not to slip.
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to - ME

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to - ME
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

19 miles today was a surprise to me. I was in the lean-to at about 5:30PM. The surprise was that we climbed 5 big climbs today and still made good time. We climbed Gulf Hagas Mtn, then West Peak, then Hay Mtn, then we climbed Whitecap Mtn,then later in the day just before the lean-to we climbed Little Boardman Mtn. I had been waiting for the day we had to climb Whitecap Mtn. This is the Mtn that we supposedly get our first look at Mt. Katahdin from. I was very disappointed when we got to the top of Whitecap and found it covered by fog and high winds and very cold. I could see nothing, so disappointed I kept hiking.
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-t - ME

To: White House Landing - ME
Miles today: 14.0

The 100 mile wilderness is called so, because the trail does not go close to any towns during the 100 mile stretch. When you go about 70 miles there is a side trail to a lake. The side trail is about 1.2 miles to the lake. When you get to the lake, there is a dock with a canned air horn to blow to announce your arrival to the owners of a lodge called The White House Landing. They come over in a boat to pick you up and take you across to the lodge. This is a very nice rustic lodge. No electricity. Everything is run by LP gas. They have food for lunch and dinner. They have resupply for hikers to get through the rest of the wilderness. You can stay overnight in their cabins or bunkhouse. In the morning you can get breakfast before heading back to the trail. I enjoyed the lake and relaxation so much that I stayed 2 nights. I took a day off just to rest.
Date: 2010-08-22
From: White House Landing - ME

To: White House Landing - ME
Miles today: 0.0

On my zero day here I kayaked down to the headwaters of the lake and back. The owners of the lodge said that in the evening moose will sometimes come down to the lake to feed. I decided to take the kayak down to the headwaters at dusk and see if any showed up. I have wanted to see a moose since I got back on the trail. Everyday we see moose poop on the trail. I have not seen the moose yet. I kayaked down the lake about 7:30, eased the kayak up on a small island in the lake to blend in with the surroundings, then waited until almost dark. No moose showed up, so I paddled back. Before I got back a moose came crashing out of the woods and into the lake. As it fed on pond weeds it kept coming out closer and closer to where I was setting in the kayak. It was coming to close to me so I paddled a little over to the side and let it walk by me. It did not seem to care that I was there. I felt as if I could paddle up and pet it, but I knew better. I tried to take pictures, but my camera would not focus properly and all my pictures are no good. I will leave tomorrow to head for Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin.
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Millinocket - ME

To: MT. KATAHDIN
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The day is here. The sun is out. My shuttle left for the park at 6:30AM we started climbing at 7:35AM. The distance to the top from the traihead is 5.2 miles and about 4000 feet of elevation change. The hike for the first 2 miles is normal trail going uphill with some rocks to climb. Then you get above treeline and start the rock climbing up the ridge. It's 3 more miles to the top from here. When I get above treeline the wind is blowing. It is drizzling rain and foggy and the temperature has dropped. When I was about halfway to the top I came to a large rock that had a metal bar on top to help you pull yourself up on the rock. I decided to take my break here, before going on. I found a group of rocks to break the wind and sat down. I put my jacket and tobbogan on it was cold. While I sat there eating I watched the technique other hikers used to climb over the rock. While it was difficult it was not to bad. After going a little farther up and pulling on rocks and crawling on my belly, I met a man that came up behind me. We talked for a little while. It turned out he is a trail maintainer for this section of the trail. He climbs this mountain at least everyother day this time of year. This was his 432nd trip up here. I followed him the rest of the way. He definately knew the easies route over the rocks. It took me 4 hours to get to the top. The sun broke through for a little while on top. I got my pictures. Then the trail maintainer and my self headed down. Following in his footsteps made it easier to get down. We past most folks that left before us who were trying to find the right way to make the climbs down and over the rocks. We made it down in 3 hours. I know it would have taken me a lot longer for this hike if it were not for the trail maintainer. FYI this man is 72 years old and can run down this mountain when his knees feel up to it.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

Long day into the NOC. Hurting in a big way. Feeling ill and being a girl. It's against my principals but I hiked with Vitamin I today. Steepest downhill yet. Love the outdoor center. Easy and comfortable to be a hiker in. Showers and a stealth camp. Feverish all night. Hope this illness passes quickly. No sign of Hotrod.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite #113

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Blew in late to a full shelter. Twiggy and Hat trick are here. Met Two Bits and had wonderful conversation. "Are you a bloody Moron?"Campfire and the whole shelter was up until around 11pm. Mix of weekend hikers and thru hikers. Good clean fun tonight.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: light rain

Beautiful long day. Through Newfound Gap which was a bit overwhelming. Trails quiet in the evening. Met T-bone (Scott) Ridgerunner and chatted until the thunder rolled. Blew into the shelter just as it let loose. Couldn't hear a thing. Stayed with most of the Circle Expedition one other thru hiker and a couple of long term Smoky hikers.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Add 7 miles to that. Reached the shelter and realized I'd dropped a bandana. Went for a trail run, back 3.5 miles! 7 miles extra today. Phew. Silly me. Squid and 2 others did 3 20's go guys!
Date: 2010-05-21
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: moderate rain

Unexpectedly caught up with San Gabriel at Uncle Johnny's. Thought he'd be off early, but he was sitting relaxed as can be. A bit of compettitive spirit when he saw I wasn't staying but rather just picking up and going. Hiked out together into the rain.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Poplar Spring Camp

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked solo today through the Grayson Highlands. Incredible and charged with thunderstorms, some strong. Wild Ponies, and avoidance of rain, until the last 8 minutes. Caught up with Papa Smurf and San Gabriel at Old Orchard. Some stayed, some went, some undecided. We stopped early, but glad to be in company again. Compared notes, and the rain helped us decide to stay.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Rhododendron Thicket

To: Helvey Mill Shelter
Miles today: 29.8
Weather: light rain

For as many people as there were here tonight it was sure quiet at 8:30pm. And I hate to say it the coldest sholdered group. Slept in my tarp tent and headed off early the next morning. Though I did enjoy my trail magic bud light lime it messed up my sleep. Rough crazy dreams and not much sleep.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Relaxed morning and over Angels Rest. Okay, actually a better overlook a bit before it with the valley entirely fogged in. Then down into Pearisburg. Yogurt and berries and an intent to head out of town. Ended up staying after a tasty beverage or two and had mexican for dinner. Stayed with Alpine, and greatful for her hospitality.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Caught up with Hotrod today, and went back into Pearisburg for breakfast! Ahh. Came back to trail 5 hours later and booked it. Though one storm, and then a stronger and closer second storm. A quick view atop Kelly's Knob and I was totally manic. Came into the next shelter cooking and totally jazzed from the rain and imminet lightening. Unexpectedly caught San Gabriel who had headed on. We moved on to Sarver Hollow a beautiful though off trail shelter. Water good, but a bit tough to get to in the dark. Headed down the access trail at 9pm. Almost headlight time.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Sarver Hollow

To: Dragon's Tooth
Miles today: 20.3

True to our new form we're in the 20's. Pulled into Dragon's tooth excited to climb atop and see the sunset. Made it a bit before, hoping the knucklehead convention didn't show up. Did meet Scotty who had the finest perch, but we scooted in beside him and were humbled into silence. Scrambled down and made camp. Cooked with a weekend crew who invited us to hot dogs, smores, and Kracken. Later a night time scramble up the tooth to stargaze and howl at the dogs in the valley below. So incredible. Met Mowglie
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Black Rock Camp

To: James River Overlook
Miles today: 24.1

Trusting in our tarps we spent some time in set up hoping to get some rain. Been a blustery and overcast threatening day. Swore we'd get some rain but it never came. Very nice camp. Just a day, and quite nice to have a normal day. After so many spectacular ones it did pale just a bit.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: James River Overlook

To: Wolf Rocks Camp
Miles today: 28.0

First river today wide shallow and brown, didn't expect to get another, but found one and sychronessly said "10 minutes". Water snake slid by down the falls. Then up to the wayside for some food.... which wasn't there! slim on calories, but okay. Effort put in psychologically today.this was the day we reached the rocks and scouted some not so great spots. .1 trail run away I found a nice spot. Slept out.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Wolf Rocks Camp

To: Maupin Feild Viewpoint
Miles today: 24.6

Priest Wilderness guarded by large black rattle snakes. How nice? Spy rock. Got food from a USFS trail crew, and some weekenders. Our hunger quieted a bit. Thank you all.   Pushed a bit beyond the shelter where we had met "wolf pack" and ended on a ridge top. An unassuming camp, but it was flat and comfy and gave us an early start.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Maupin Feild Viewpoint

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

Into Waynesboro for my birthday. Met up with Alpine and all three went to Chickpeas for dinner. Very yummy! Fresh fruit and a thunderstorm too. Stayed at Grace Lutheran Hostel. Most gracious hosts I've met yet. Mowglie and the alcohol stoves
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Pinefeild Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Entered the Shenandoah today. Fatigued today, falling asleep. Hard with motivation today. Through Loft Mtn Camp with 65 cent bush... intoxicated hikers. Who later moved the party to the shelter oh my. Did meet Getto Sheep and Kevin and Hopper though. A strong woman scattering her hustband's ashes this year. Good luck to you! Your story touched all of us that have heard it
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Pinefeild Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained on us tonight for the first time in cuban. Worked remarkably well, other than delaying our morning. Later we caught up with Getto Sheep and had an epic 45 minutes hiking in a storm. Hiked into another Shenandoah camp and all looked at us like we were crazy. We were happy, and lightened from two heavy tired days on the trail. Just call us the optimism crew. Camped out at Bear fence, set up due to recent rain drops. A bit damp. Met some short term hikers Graham and Alex from CT and VT. Great couple. Sleep early so we can get up early. our test run is tomorrow
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 39.9
Weather: few clouds

Yup, that's right. A 40. Ran well, effecient breaks, cool weather, a nice wind. Couldn't have asked for better. No headlamps and walked in at 930. Jaybird and Bigfoot were in the shelter that night, but didn't know until morning on the trail. Sign posted for problem bears but didn't have any issues.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Felt better than I thought I would, but the real pizzaz was gone. Saw a bear today just outside fo the Shenandoah. Resupplied in Linden, and a not so fantastic walk to the exon but made the best of it by a fabulous walk back on RR tracks. First night in the shelter in awhile. With Jaybird and Bigfoot. Stayed up writing for awhile. Just another wonderful night on the trail. Hiked in 920. headlampless out of town.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Spout Run Camp

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

Okay, so the milage doesn't line up. Actually hiked 22.1 to town, but the trail milage must stand for the 4 state set up. Didn't get out until 930am and struggled to gain momentum through the morning but eventually broke through and rolled into town doing reconnisance for a camp spot and dreaming of a town stay. Rootbeer floats, pizza delivered, and a hotel. Oh my.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Quite sick and unhappy today. Relaxed pace all day and all sorts of trail magic dispute the heat and lack of water. Spent the evening at Bake Oven Knob and enjoyed sunset and fireworks from our lofty perch. Met IHOP today and had a great convo.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Bake Oven Knob

To: Stempa Spring Camp#2
Miles today: 20.2

Longway down to the spring but glad for good water. Traveled seperate from SG since he headed in for a bit of resupply. 98 degrees climbing out of Lehigh gap on open exposed rocks. High open ridge above a superfund site and got baked, feet hot. Are we in Socal? Neat culturally though. Still feeling cruddy.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Hightower Point Observation Platform
Miles today: 43.7

Day of the 72. Began at 532, sunrise. 20 by 12. 30 by 3. We rolled and were in good form. Highpoint st park at 8. And I crashed slightly after. SG headed on in the dark and dispute challenging routefinding in the dark completed in 29 hrs and 26 min. I am not worthy!
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Hightower Point Observation Platform

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

An achy start today. Hiking alone. Tree caught me early in the day and we walked the marshland together. Incredible wildlife area. Coolest boardwalk ever. Sunny warm day. Shelter by 7 thught of hittingg the border. Without a tarp and threat of rain I stayed at the shelter with Tree and two week longers. Elamite and her other blew in around 10. Light rain began around 11
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 9.9

Plus .9 blue blaze into town. On trail at 530 ny line at 730 rain began at 745 and continued until noonish. Slick rocks up top. Don't let anyone tell you NJ isn't rocky! Fun to be I. The rain. It washed away a cloud of swollen general pain. Cleared the head a bot as the trail requires concentration. Hotel on a lake tonight, inclusive of ducks.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: NY 55

To: Schaghticoke Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Morning began with a swim in Nuclear lake. Then a walk by the largest oak tree on the AT called the Dover Oak. In to CT and past the Ten Mile river. Where we swam again. Two swims in one day! Pulled in to camp a bit after dark. A bit of work to find running water here.
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Pine Swamp Lean-to

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 16.6

Highway department blazed reroute past Lime Rock speedway and down a country road. Quite enjoyable. Ended up at the hydro electric plant for an outdoor shower. Rand's' View was incredible out over a field to peaks beyond. In and out of Salisbury for food and then on the a campsite in the dark. Missed our turn to begin with across from the cemetery. And wasn't much of a plateau. Large group here already.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1

Finally doing some miles again. Over Race Mt with it's beautiful rocky ledges and blueberries. And over Mt Everett. Down over Jug End meeting Warren again just before Jug End Road. over the Housatonic river... again and on to Tom Leonard Lean-to. Had the shelter to ourselves, strung up with bug netting. Met Hotfoot and Tree here.
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Upper Gose Pond
Miles today: 0.0

Unplanned zeros are the best. Morning began with pancakes and coffee. Then a kayak/canoe water run. Then kayaking until around noon. Sauntered back to the cabin for lunch and some reading while it rained. Perfectly cozy on the front porch I was not leaving. Evening fell and I slept. Larger group tonight. 23 or so.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Crystal Mtn Campsite

To: Sherman Brook
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

From camp to soft serve ice cream in Cheshire. Then up the big climb for the day. Mount Greylock. With it's massive war memorial tower. Enjoyed views from the top and then hiked pointedly to get to N. Adams for resupply. An easy and relaxed resupply with fantastic sandwich prepared by tom. Then barely back on trail again, at night. Camped just back into the woods.
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Sherman Brook

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Entered VT today!!!!! Mud to greet us at the border quickly became a usual affair. Didn't feel so hot this afternoon. Heart troubles again? Stopped a bit early but had a full house. Full 5 in the shelter and 5 or more tents up. Becoming a traveling family. Threat of rain so we stayed in a shelter
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Glastenbury Mtn
Miles today: 14.7

Ran into Warren again. At Split rock. Had intended to go a bit farther but came upon the fire tower here. Windy but incredible 360 views. We debated and looked at our re ration in Killington. The decision to stay had mostly to do with the experience. When else do you get to spend a night in a fire tower. Windy and cold all night. low 40's.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Glastenbury Mtn

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: light rain

Yay, milage. Over Stratton today. Met the care takers and shared a cup of coffee. Cold today. Almost uncomfortable to sit for a break up top. Firetower nice because it was enclosed. Headed to a shelter maintained by our hosts from Upper Goose Pond. Water source was amazing, as we were told, but the mice... oh the mice were crafty and worked in numbers. Neat cabin like shelter. Very nice porch. Stayed in because was said to be in the upper 30's tonight. Cold bit over the weekend.
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Down today. Enjoyed a quiet solo hike all day. Views atop Bromley Mtn. Then over peru peak to Baker Peak. One of top favorite places on the trail thus far. Very neat rocks and incredible views. Not feeling so hot so stayed at Lost Pond Shelter. Last decent option before some fee shelters and some problem shelters. Seperated me from San Gabriel. And what's this? I left my spoon atop Mt. Baker. Stayed with Frank (almost 80) and Beary and Slider
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: scattered clouds

okay, so that milage is decieving. I actually walked 31.4 today. Day began at 545 with a 2 mile walk back to Mt Baker to retrieve my spoon. Then back to camp for breakfast. Then high tailing it to catch San Gabriel. 11 am at his camp spot but he wasn't there. Over White Mt and White cliffs. Still not there. I knew he was ahead. I kept pushing, without breaks. Thought I'd catch him at re ration. Past a waterfall and a swimming area. And at reration, no San Gabriel! First shelter. An entry that he was going to put in another 7 miles!!! Mad and missing him all at the same time I push on. I find him shortly after dusk at Gov Clement. Thank goodness this sometimes problem shelter was quiet and unproblematic tonight. Just the two of us we were happy to reconnect after 2 solo days.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Killington
Miles today: 10.6

Reunited we stick together today. Meet Warren once again. Climb Killington and take in the views to be had on this almost rainy day. Large cloud banks blowing in. No serious weather, but it's coming. Down to the Inn at The Long Trail for lunch and a Long Trail Ale. Then picked up by the Killinton Inn owners for a very pleasant stay. Nicest hotel stay yet.
Date: 2010-07-08
To: Connecticut
Miles today: 0.0

The planning for this hike has been a little sketchy, but I am very excited to be heading for Vermont. Yesterday, Vicki & I drove from Florida to Kim's lovely home in Maryland. We met Audrey there & spent the night. Today, we drove to Julie's in Connecticut. We stopped at Cabela's & REI on the way. Julie & Kim are seasonal residents of Florida & Florida Trail members. Julie will be helping us place cars at trailheads tomorrow. Kim will be joining Vicki, Audrey, & I on our hike of the AT in Vermont. I love New England & love Julie's house!
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Bennington, VT9

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It was ENOUGH!   It was uphill--& very steep in the beginning. My pack is too heavy & I felt terribly out of shape. I hope I feel better in a few days & I hope the weather gets cooler. It was in the 90s today. We didn't get on the trail until 4:45 pm, following a long & confusing day of trying to find trailheads, changing plans, getting everybody together, & placing Kim & Vicki's cars at trailheads North of here. Audrey & I waited in Bennington while the others went about the business of placing the cars. We put our packs on & walked around the cute town. I knew then that I was heavy & that it was hot. It did not get better once I started uphill! It took almost an hour and a half to cover the 1.6 miles to the shelter. I am just about to get into my sleeping bag to get away from the bugs, which are biting!
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

It started raining--HARD!--about 3:30 am. We were nice & dry in the shelter, but at 5:00 Vicki & Audrey started getting up. It was barely daylight & pouring rain, so I questioned the hurry, but soon got with the program myself. Maybe they were just excited since it was the first morning. It was a rainy day of hiking, but not at all unpleasant. Maybe it was just so wonderful to be back on the trail that the weather didn't matter. The temperature was much cooler & the trail much easier than yesterday. I was the first of our group on the trail this morning. I left at 7:25, which allowed time for a leisurely breakfast & coffee since we had been up since 5. I hiked slow, but felt so much better today. It took me 5 1/2 hours to cover 8 1/2 miles of trail. I didn't take much in the way of breaks, but didn't push either. I arrived at the very nice & roomy Goddard Shelter just before 1:00. Audrey arrived about 1:45, & as of 3:20, we're still waiting on Vicki & Kim. Audrey & I have had hot tea & are enjoying a leisurely afternoon. It promises to be a cool evening.