morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed the zero day in town. I laid in bed until 3 pm. One of the strange things about thru hikers is that they have their own language and vernacular for trail life. A non-hiker listening to thru hikers talk would have no idea what is being discussed. Here is a short list of some thru hiker terminology:Blue Blazing: skipping sections of the AT by hiking side trails.Yellow Blazing: hitch hiking from trail town to town and skipping sections of the trail. Purists such as myself get annoyed with yellow blazers because they still consider themselves thru hikers even though they do little hiking.Slack packing: having a shuttle drop you off or pick you up at the trail so that you can carry only a small day pack instead of all your gear. You can do big miles this way. I've done it only once when Lindsay came to visit in Harper's Ferry. Makes hiking easy.Pink Blazing: where male hikers follow female hikers hoping to score.Pole or Banana Blazing: where female hikes follow male hikers hoping to score.Aqua Blazing: canoeing instead of hiking sections of the trail. Many hikers do this in the Shenandoah National Park.Brown Blazing: (not appropriate for discussion here)
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the first large scale elevation change in quite some time. I hiked the highest point in Massachusetts and spent the night in a shelter used by skiers during winter. The views were spectacular and there was a full moon out tonight. The lodge at the top of the shelter serves locals who have the luxury of driving to the top of the mountain. Maybe I'll get breakfast there in the morning?
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Roaring Branch Pond
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Crossed into Vermont today. Three more states to go! I ran into my old friends Piper and Wonderboy too. Haven't seen then since Pennsylvania. Wonderboy is suffering from a bad case of planter fasciitis and is hurting. I admire his resolve to finish the game. Given that 90% of hikers have dropped by now, anyone still going is hurting (including) me. I told Wonderboy, "5 more weeks for a lifetime of glory." At this point, it is all a mental struggle to finish. One day at a time I suppose.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Roaring Branch Pond

To: Glastenbury Mt.
Miles today: 17.6

Just another day of hiking. The excitement for the day didn't start until night time. I decided to tent on the top Glastenbury Mt., which is at approximately 3,800 ft elevation. A large all metal lookout tower stands atop of the mountain. Wonderboy and Piper camped there too. Around 9 pm, I heard thunder in the distance. The storm came closer and soon the mountain was filled with torrential rains, strong winds, and lightning strikes. Given we were camping next to an enormous metal tower, I was pretty nervous. All I could do was lay in my tent and pray that lightning wouldn't hit the tower or our tents. The stormed passed after about 20 minutes. That was the first and only time on the trail that I was truly scared. Note to self, don't camp on the top of mountains in the future.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Glastenbury Mt.

To: Stratton Mt.
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

One week until I get to see Lindsay! She is meeting me at the Vermont/New Hampshire border next weekend. I have a lot of miles to make up between now and then. Another long climb at the end of the day up Stratton Mountain. Apparently, this is the location where the man who built the AT first conceived the idea. An old fire tower was at the top with great views of the surrounding mountains. The views of Vermont are by far the best since Virginia. However, the higher altitudes mean stronger winds and colder temperatures. Hear, it was freezing a top the tower, especially since I won't have any winter gear until next week. Shorts, t-shirt and my thin rain jacket are all I have to keep me warm. This isn't much at altitude where it's 40 degrees with the windchill. The best thing to do is keep moving and get in my sleeping bag as soon as I stop for the night. Curious to see how cold it will be in Maine at the end of September when I hopefully finish.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Stratton Mt.

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 12.5

I heard there was a nice ski town about 12 miles from where I tented. I decided to hike into town and take a zero day tomorrow. I stayed at a nice lodge with a good bar/restaurant. I ate mussels and BBQ ribs for dinner. So delicious. The bar's motto is "Beware Pickpockets and Loose Woman." If only I had listened to this sage advice in my 20's.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Big Black Branch Bridge

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

The terrain wasn't too difficult today and I was able to pull some big miles. The highlight of my day was running into a hiker who was hiking southbound on the Long Trail. She stopped and said I looked familiar. When I told her my trail name is Counselor, she said that she recognized me from reading my journal online. It's always enjoyable to run into a fan. At the end of the day, I do this for all the people out there.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I was in the middle of a good hike when I suddenly realized my fantasy football draft back home was scheduled for tonight. I stopped immediately and checked my guide book to see if any hotel was near me. As luck would have it, there was a hiker hotel just off the trail called The Inn at Long Trail. I got out my cellphone and made a reservation to make sure I had a room. Done. The night started strong, but went downhill fast as I drafted two players who were out with injuries. I suffered several online jeers for these picks. But what the hell, how was I supposed to know? They don't have ESPN at any of the shelters on the trail, so I was out of the loop. I still like my chances, especially if Trent Richardson has a big year. Time will tell.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Killington, VT

To: VT 12
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

A tough day of hiking with two extreme climbs. One was 1,300 ft. in 1.3 miles. Much more extreme climbs are in store for me once I reach New Hampshire. I've been preparing myself mentally over the past few weeks for the last leg of my journey. New Hampshire and Maine are by far the two most difficult states. My daily mileage numbers will drop significantly. My goal has been to finish by Oct. 1, but my end date may be pushed back to the first week of Oct. As Tony Horton says, I'll just do my best and forget the rest.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: VT 12

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 21.4

Forget today's hike, Lindsay and her parents arrived. It's been two months since I saw Lindsay at Harper's Ferry. She was reluctant to hug me because I apparently smell terrible and was soaked with sweat. I didn't smell anything. We plan on relaxing tomorrow and eating lots of good food. It is great seeing her, although she isn't fond of my new beard. I like it and have threatened to keep it for the wedding. Total leverage on my part.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Norwich, VT

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Great being with Lindsay and her parents. We made our way to The Long Trail Brewery. The tour was the shortest on record. Basically, it was a self-guided tour that consisted of a 20 foot platform. A bit disappointing, but it was nice driving through the Vermont countryside. Topped the day off with a delicious steak dinner, although Larry decided to have a nice fruity drink at dinner. I wonder about that guy sometimes.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Norwich, VT

To: Goose Pond Road
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got a late start to the day and didn't hit the trail until 11 am. The trail crossed into New Hampshire and crossed right across Dartmouth's campus, which was beautiful. I ran into Coon and Slick for the first time since New York. The day's hike was pretty mellow. The calm before the storm as I head into the Whites. Prepared to get my assed kicked from here to Katadyn, Maine. The three of use ended up stealth camping and talked about the miles left to hike. Excited and intimidated all at the same time.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Goose Pond Road

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

....and so it begins. I started my hike at 8 am and hiked until dark .....and didn't even hike 15 miles. The climbs were steep, the trails muddy, and declines treacherous. Welcome to the New Hampshire! Climbed Smarts Mountain and ran into some South Bounders (SOBOs). They were an annoying bunch. Most SOBOs have already past, but these seem to be the stragglers. They all warned me about Maine and that I would only do 5-9 miles a day there. No doubt Maine will be tough, but my mileage will be higher than that. I have my trail legs, SOBOs still don't since they've hiked only 400 miles.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

There were a few large climbs today, but the day wasn't too bad. I enter the Whites tomorrow. Let the fun begin. What I like about New Hampshire is that, while the climbs are very difficult, there usually is a payoff at the top of each mountain. The views so far have been amazing, and I've heard that they only get better as you progress through the state. Big climb tomorrow. Can't wait!
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I climbed Mount Moosilauke early this morning. The climb wasn't as bad as the profile in the data book. This was my first time above the tree line. Such a unique experience. Once you are above tree line, the winds are strong and the temperatures drop significantly. I started with shorts and a t-shirt and ended with a long sleeve shirt and wind jacket. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had miles to make. The hike down the mountain was straight down, literally. My knees bore the brunt of the hike down. It was more rock climbing than hiking. The rest of the day consisted of mud, mud, mud. The mud slowed me down as much as the rock ledges.
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: few clouds

"Short" hike today before heading into town for a resupply and zero day. The climb up Mount Kinsman was steep and included large rock ledges. The ledges are what really slow me down because you have to climb on your hands and knees at times just to go a couple of feet. The hike down was more of the same. Uncle Buck was kind enough to drive me into town. Can't wait to shower and eat a warm meal.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A well deserved zero day. I stayed in an Inn that doubles as a micro brewery. Perfect for thru hikers. I spent most of the day sleeping and watching football. Of course, the Cleveland Browns lost per usual. I had an 18 ounce burger for dinner, called "Death by Burger." So good. Back hiking the Whites tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-09
From: Woodstock, NH

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't make it out of town until noon. Couldn't get out of bed. A long sleep 2,800 ft. climb to start the day put me in a bad mood. However, the payoff at the top of Franconia Ridge was worth every ounce of sweat. I had clear views the whole day. In short, the Whites are amazing and by far the most beautiful part of the trail so far. I met up with The Voice who is German. We hiked down Mt. Lafayette and camped with Piper and Wonderboy just short of Mt. Garfield.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Garfield Pond

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Mt. Garfield was a real bitch. Straight up with rock ledges and straight down with the same. Only 0.8 the entire part, but it took me nearly two hours. I then summited South Twin Mountain as the fog and winds rolled in. I got off the summit ASAP. I nearly got lost because there are so many trails intersecting the AT all throughout the Whites. One hiker named Bud took the wrong trail and ended up 5 miles off the trail. He had to hitch a ride back to the AT once he got off the mountain. I ended up stealth camping near a stream. Good day of hiking as the weather held out again.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Mitzpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 9.9

The climb out of Crawford Notch was about 2,900 ft. and all rocks. There was a section of rock cliffs near the top of Mt. Webster. I had three false summits where I mistakenly thought I was at the top of the mountain, but more climbing remained. Totally disheartening. I made it to the hut around 3pm and was about to push on to the next hut, but thunderstorms were rolling in so I decided to tent early and call it a day. Bad weather is forecast for the next few days, which is unfortunate because Mt. Washington is my next obstacle. Will play it by ear. Don't want to get caught on the ridgeline in a bad storm because there is no shelter from the elements as it is above tree line.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Mitzpah Spring Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Today is a day that will live forever in my mind. It was the most exhilarating and scariest experience of my life. The weather called for late afternoon thunderstorms, hail, and flash floods. I thought I could summit and descend Mt. Washington before the bad weather hit: failure. The climb up Mt. Washington was not bad. The climb down was another story. I got caught in a hail and lightning storm above treeline the last three miles of the hike. Lightning was crashing all over and the 60 mph winds were pelting me with rain and hail. Bad situation made worse because the trail was flooded and some sections of the trail had water up to my knees. I fell at least ten times as I was sprinting trying to get to shelter. At one point, I started laughing manically out loud thinking "this is how hikers die out here." I eventually made it to the hut around 6:30 and I was soaked through and shivering. I crashed through the door and the hut was full of day hikers all cozy and eating dinner and drinking coffee. All 20 of them stopped talking and just stared at me. I can only imagine what they saw and were thinking. I paused for about 5 seconds as they all stared at me. I finally broken the silence and yelled out loud: "Do not go out there!" They all burst out laughing. Yes, real funny: I almost died.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 7.8

After yesterday's harrowing experience, I decided to hike a half-day with Enoch, The Voice, and Wonderboy. It rained all day, making the 3,000 ft. descent down Mt. Madison treacherous. I blasted my knee into a rock. So painful and the swelling started immediately, which made hiking more difficult. What a horrible two days of hiking. I couldn't have asked for any worse weather. Hiking on wet rocks all day is incredibly dangerous. We made it to a hostel around 4 pm and had China buffet for dinner. All is well in the world again. Back at it tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a good breakfast and lounged around the hostel all morning. Enoch, The Voice, and I hit the trail around noon. We decided to hike a half-day to the next hut. The climb up Wildcat Mountain was quite steep and took about 2.5 hours. We were able to get work for stay at the hut. About 12 thru hikers ended up staying there, which made for cramped sleeping quarters. The crew cooked turkey and steak for dinner. So good. Dinners at the huts have been an added bonus in the Whites. Much better than the usual Ramen noodles and Slim Jims for dinner.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We hit the trail early around 7 am in order to get back to town and celebrate The Voice's birthday. The initial climb was tough and several steep rock walls made descending difficult. The trail was also flooded from all the rain over the past several days. Wet shoes and mud all day. China buffet was great (again) and we bought some beer to celebrate The Voice's birthday. The party was pretty wild and lasted all night, although I wouldn't know because I fell asleep around 9 pm without having had a single beer. I passed out on top of the blanket fully dressed and with my contacts still in. The Whites totally kicked my ass and I was so exhausted. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to get the David Hasselhoff room at the hostel. I'm taking a well deserved zero day tomorrow. Then, on to Maine!
Date: 2013-09-17
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

We played a trick on a fellow hiker today. There was a five pound lead weight at the hostel. The Voice and Bud decided to hide it in Indy's pack before heading to the trail. Indy picked up the pack and noticed immediately that his pack was heavy, but he didn't suspect any foul play. We convinced him that he must have bought too much food at Wal-Mart. He eventually figured out the joke after The Voice and Bud made several comments about weights and backpacks. Indy was not happy. Just another day in the life of a thru hiker. I will be in Maine tomorrow. Long time coming, I can't believe the day is actually here.
Date: 2013-09-19
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldplate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked the most difficult mile on the AT today. It is called Mahoosuc Notch and it took me, Wonderboy, and Babyface 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the mile. This section consists entirely of a boulder pit that runs through a gap in the mountains. It was actually a lot of fun because it involved rock climbing over, under, and around the boulders. Maine is just full of surprises. It's no wonder why Maine is considered the most difficult of all states. Just do my best and see what happens.
Date: 2013-09-20
From: Baldplate Lean-to

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 8.0

The hike today had several tough climbs and descents. I ran into Enoch mid-day and we decided to hitch into town for the night and try slack packing tomorrow. I was exhausted after only one week in Maine and could use a shower and good night's sleep. A logger gave us a ride into town and said "country's going to hell when it's illegal to ride in the back of a pick-up anymore." I couldn't agree more. All those damn blood sucking lawyers are simply destroying this fine country.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: Andover, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Enoch and I slack packed 10 miles today, going southbound. This was my first slack pack and first time going south on the trail. I loved the 5 lbs pack. It's amazing how easy hiking is without 25-30 lbs on your back. We finished the hike in about 5 hours and got picked up by the shuttle. The restaurant in town had all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar for dinner. I consumed 14 slices of delicious pizza and two large plates of salad, which led to an hour in the bathroom afterwards. Unsure whether I will head out tomorrow. The weather report is called for heavy rains all night and into the morning.
Date: 2013-09-22
From: Andover, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Perfect day for a zero day. It rained all night and through the morning. Sleep is becoming even more important as the terrain in New Hampshire and Maine has taken a lot out of me. I'm also pretty wrecked simply due to the length and demands of this whole trip. Mentally, I keep telling myself "one day at a time," but I still keep thinking about all the tough miles left to hike in Maine. Time to man up and just get it done.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: Andover, ME

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.2

Yet another slack pack day. The town of Andover is perfectly situated for slack packing over several days. No complaining here since I enjoy hot showers at the end of the day and a bed to sleep in. Most of today's hike was along ridge line with some nice views atop Old Blue Mountain. Today will mark the fourth night at the hostel, by far my longest stay at a single town during the hike. All good things must come to an end as I plan on finally hiking out of Andover tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-24
From: Maine 17

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

I hiked with Dr. Suess and Babyface today. The hike itself was pretty light compared to other sections of Maine. The hostel manager (David) dropped us off at the trailhead and we said our goodbyes after spending four days at his hostel. Mac believes he has giardia, so he got dropped off in Rangeley. Tough luck getting sick this late in the game. Hopefully Mac can get on antibiotics ASAP and get back to hiking. I'm definately treating all water from here to the end. I rolled the dice quite a bit throughout the hike by not treating all water sources and have been lucky not to get sick. Rather be lucky than good anyway (story of my life).
Date: 2013-09-25
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Long steep incline up Saddleback Mountain. I'm not going to miss these types of climbs when the trip is over. Every day is different, but I'm sick of getting my ass kicked on a daily basis. On the other hand, I get to enjoy views on a daily basis that few people ever get to see. I know that once I'm back in the real world and working again that I will wish I could be hiking. Enjoy it while it lasts is my attitude from this point forward.
Date: 2013-09-26
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: South Branch Carrabassett River
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

I hiked with my old friend Tumbleweed most of the day. She is obsessed with taking pictures. So far on this trip, she's taken 17,000 pictures. I've taken about 800, which I thought was a lot. Mt. Spaulding was a good long steep climb. The further north I go, the flatter Maine will become. I have about 30 miles to go and I will be through with all serious mountains in Maine, with the exception of Katahdin at the very end of the AT. My mileage should increase over the next two weeks, which should allow me to get to Baxter State Park by Oct. 11th or so.
Date: 2013-09-27
From: South Branch Carrabassett River

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

The best part about being nearly out of food is that your pack is incredibly light. As I'm heading into town today, this is the case. A short mileage day, but I'm looking forward to getting my new shoes in town. My current pair have about 600 miles on them and the tread is completely gone. This makes hiking much more difficult because I'm constantly sliding on rocks and tree roots. New trail runners should allow me to hike faster, especially down steep slopes. I ended up hitching and sharing the back of a pickup truck with 5 other thru hikers. I've come to really enjoy riding in the back of trucks, my new normal.
Date: 2013-09-28
From: Stratton, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed in town and watched college football for most of the day. That's one of the things I miss most about not being home this time of year, being able to sit and watch a football game. When I get back to Ohio, my plan is to sleep for a week and do nothing. No doubt college and the NFL games will occupy most of my time.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: Stratton, ME

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

I climbed Bigelow Mountain today, which is the last major obstacle before Katahdin. The first 100 miles of Maine are quite difficult: steep continuous climbs, rocks, boulders, tree roots, and lots of mud. All of these factors really slow down the daily mileage. That being said, in my opinion the Whites of New Hampshire are the toughest sections of the entire trail. No doubt other hikers will disagree, but that's my opinion. In other news, the Cleveland Browns dominated the Bengals today. No Dey from Maine! Go Browns!