morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Greenwall Shelter 

To: Clarendon Shelter 
Miles today: 8.8

The anticipated climb up to Bear Mountain was uneventful and not as challenging as I anticipated because of all the switchbacks. There was a rock scramble shortly after coming out of the shelter that reminded me of Knife's Edge in Pennsylvania but without the open ridges on the sides. I did much better than I expected and didn't have the fear factor I normally have. When I got to the top breathless I saw two french hikers sitting on the ground playing a game of cards. I was quite impressed. The forest was gorgeous again today and offered a couple nice views of the green mountain range. The trail was covered in brown pine needles again and got very open as I hiked down into the Clarendon Gorge area. Hopefully this picture will give some idea of how spectacular this swimming area looked from the suspension bridge I crossed. I could hear these guys screaming and laughing and having a blast in the water long before I reached this point. I wanted to linger but even though I made good time I was walking half a mile up the road to the Whistle Stop for lunch. This is a popular hiker spot and the menu and directions were in the shelter I stayed in last night. It did not disappoint and the food was delicious and the service was outstanding. It looks like it was an old train station at one time with a red caboose as part of the building. We sat outside at the picnic tables while our phones charged. Upon arrival the waitress immediately told us where to charge our phones without even asking. We were so full we laid in the grass out of the way for a 45 minute nap. We then hitched a ride into the town of Rutledge 8 miles away for resupply at Walmart and Price Chopper. It took awhile in the hot sun but we were finally picked up by a nice man in a big truck with two adorable dogs. It was getting late and we were worried about getting a ride back to the trailhead. I was walking through Price Chopper and was startled to hear someone say hello lil Mermaid. It was Carla who was on her last day of her little town tour while her husband and son section hiked. It was great to see her and she drove us to the trailhead while her family watched a movie.We only had a mile or so to the shelter tonight but it sure was a climb up a big rock scramble that required so hand holds on my part. It's funny how sometimes the shortest distances are the most difficult. I am eating as many wheat thins and shortbread cookies I packed as I possibly can to lessen my pack weight for tomorrow. Sometimes I never learn. Today was another gorgeous day in Vermont.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Clarendon Shelter 

To: Churchill Scott Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Today was a tough day for me. I didn't think it was ever going to end. The first 5.8 miles to Governor's shelter looked like the easiest part of my day according to my guide, but I really struggled for some reason. I left the shelter at 6:30am because I knew the day would be Ling and within 15 minutes it was pouring down rain and my boots were soaking wet again. This slowed down my pace and made for a chilly morning. I hiked for 13 hours today including all my breaks and only made it 15 miles. Cell service is very poor and I wanted to make some calls to family so I stopped at a few road crossings where I could find service. I made it to my shelter break for an early lunch hoping I would get a boost of energy.The hike up to Mt. Killington wasn't as bad as I had expected. The gradual climbs are so much better than the steeper and shorter ups and downs. I did not go the extra short climb to the top on the side trail because it was so cloudy I wouldn't have been able to see anything. The trail was muddy because of the rain and seemed extra rooty as well. I stopped at Cooper Lodge near Mt. Killington for a short break. There was a daring chipmunk running around the shelter looking for scraps of food. It was a cutie. Someone was doing what he called snack packing which I had never heard of before. He was carrying beer and an assortment of chips in his pack to share with thru-hikers. I passed on the beer which is something I could never do while hiking, but I had a small bag of crunchy cheetoes. Thank you snack packer!The trail really got tough for me after this because my toes were jamming into the toe box of my shoes and felt quite painful. Every step was an effort the last couple of miles. I finally made it to the shelter. Thank goodness!
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Churchill Scott Shelter 

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 3.8

Another spontaneous decision to change hI king plans and head for a stop off the trail that is popular with hikers. This time it is the Inn at Long Trail, a half mile downhill climb down Sheburne Pass. I'm going to blame this stop on Truck as he told me to make sure I stop here.   I had decided to bypass it to make up miles, but it was just to tempting and convenient. The trail was interesting this morning with a section covered with huge uprooted trees. I counted over two dozen which seemed unbelievable. Not sure if it was from the same storm. The entire area looked devastated but looked like it happened years ago.We got to the Inn very early but we're given a room immediately. This is very hiker and includes an Irish Tavern and us owned by the McGrath family. This place is amazing and looks to be built on the edge or in the middle of boulders. Very different and inviting. The tavern and dining room each have a huge boulder inside them with the ceiling and wall built around it. The feel is very rustic and country with furnishings made from tree trunks from the forest and hardwood floors. I am looking forward to exploring this historic spot and soaking up the ambience.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Sherburne Pass

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 0.0

This place is so awesome we decided stay another night. The Inn at Long Trail is situated high in the Green Mountains between Killington and Pico and the mountain views are vast in the close distance. The Inn has been hosting hikers, skiers and mountain lovers for over 38 years. I can only imagine what it looks like in the winter covered in snow.I spent the day relaxing and reading in the Adirondack furniture and eating all three dinners at the Irish Tavern. A full sit down breakfast from a menu was included at no charge for hikers. The food was unbelievable but the presentation and service was even more remarkable. I had a fruit cup with generous amounts of fruit, 3 egg spinach and cheddar omelet, English muffin, bacon and hot tea. The view from the breakfast room was a grassy area full of wild flowers climbing up to a huge boulder right next to the inn. Everything was made to make you feel like you're in Ireland.Thanks for recommending this stop Truck.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Sherburne Pass

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 0.0

Another day spent at the Inn resting and recuperating. The guiness stew and shepherd's pie is delicious here. Took the bus into Rutledge today and looked around a bit. I love it here; so much so that I'm thinking I wouldn't mind living in Vermont. Would love to take my Mom here one day.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Sherburne Pass

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 0.0

Another day at the Inn today. What can I say. Thunderstorms were expected all day so we just stayed. Today is my granddaughter Isabelle's first birthday. I can't believe a whole year has gone by since this precious child came onto my life. Happy birthday my sweet Isabelle. You are one of my greatest joys in my life along with your mom and Uncle D. love you and miss you and your mommy so much. I can't wait to visit with you after my hike. I'm hoping to show you some of my favorite places in the Appalachian Trail some day.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Sherburne Pass

To: Hanover Inn, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 0.0

My knee starting giving out on me yesterday and I could barely make it down the stairs at the Inn. Not sure why this is happening now when I haven't hiked in a few days. We decided not to hIke again today and I would rest it one more day. This is the same knee I injured in the beginning of the year and prevented me from starting my thru-hike in March. My knees have been very achy since I climbed down Mt. Killington and have been making it especially difficult to sleep.We took a bus for the 55 mile drive to Hanover where I had 3 mail drops at the post office including my knee braces my daughter had mailed back to me in The Whutes. We are staying at the Hanover Inn across the street from the Dartmouth campus and will take a bus back to the Inn tomorrow as the bus only runs one time a day in the afternoon. The bus ride was very scenic and enjoyable as it gave me another opportunity to see Vermont without the canopy of the forest. I am definitely falling in love with the beauty and culture of this state. I love the eco-friendliness and healthy living I have witnessed.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Hanover Inn, New Hampshire 

To: Killington Motel
Miles today: 0.0

I got my cold weather gear in my resupply box at the post office and explored Hanover a little before taking the bus back to Killington. The Market Table was a great lunch spot with recipes using fresh local organic ingredients. If I lived in Hanover I think I would eat here every day. This trip has been a culinary extravaganza while stopping in these New England towns.We made it back to Killington right before 5:00 and are now staying in the Killington Motel as the Inn was full. My knee is feeling better today but now aches all the time.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Killington Motel

To: Killington Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed another night here at this charming bed and breakfast to rest my knee some more. My calves are very tight and sore as well. Basically I am always in pain from my knees down. If I didn't have a previous knee injury and getting ready to hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire I may not be as cautious. Besides, I really want to see more of Vermont. The weather has been gorgeous and I actually sat out by the pool this afternoon.The Killington Motel is set up like a bed and breakfast and served a fantastic breakfast buffet style with blueberry pancakes. The blueberries were picked this morning from the garden on the propert. So delicious. I visited the Green Briar giftshop across the street today and was enchanted by the place. It is definitely worth a visit. My grandbaby Isabelle now has an a for stuffed Moose and book to go with it which I plan to read to her after my hike. The post office is conveniently across the street, which is next door to a superb deli with about 20 unique sandwiches named after business establishments in Killington. My favorite is the Gobbler with turkey salad, stuffing, dried cranberries and cranberry mayo. Tasted like Thanksgiving on a grain bread. I've got my pack all ready for tomorrow morning and rain is in the forecast. Killington has been a jewel of a town for me, and I would love to come back and visit one day.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Killington Motel

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 2.0

Finally got back on the trail today and it was gorgeous. The mud in Vermont is no big deal at the northern end and the forest is opening up with panoramic views of mountains and valleys below. Almost immediately I saw a beautiful deer stop on the trail in front of me as we stared at each other for several moments. I knew I was in the right place at the right time.After a couple miles we came upon a clearing with the most incredible mountain view I have seen on the trail so far at Kent Pond. High on the large grassy lawn we spotted a big lodge and walked towards it to inquire whether they served lunch. No they did not but they did have rooms available for hikers and after spending some time walking the grounds and sitting in the lounging areas we decided to stay the night. It was supposed to start storming in a couple hours anyway. In all honesty the only reason we stayed here wad because of the sheer beauty. The lodge is used for destination weddings on weekends and is completely booked. The grounds are full of wildflowers, Apple trees, berries, and farm animals. Canoes are available to paddle around the large pond. All the other guests here are french speaking. I almost feel like I am in another country. Yes, I am having trouble getting out of Vermont and am trying to prolong it as much as possible. Such undescribable beauty. I know I will probably feel the same about New Hampshire and Maine.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Mountain Meadows Lodge

To: Stony Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 6.1

This picture is of last night's sunset from the lodge. My pictures will never capture the moment or exquisite beauty but it will forever be ingrained in my mind which is even better. Still I try with my camera by taking as many pictures as I can of each shot in the hopes that one will fully express what I see. They all come up short.The stay at the lodge included breakfast in a large dining area with old wooden furniture from another time. My hiking buddy said it reminded him of the lodges in Europe with the same scenery and atmosphere. This lodge and the Inn at Long Trail are my two favorite stops so far and I highly recommend them. The prices and experience are unbeatable. Back on the trail today continued to be picturesque and priceless with things to see, but my body was rebelling today for some reason. Today was the first day I had any real doubt about completing the trail. I could hardly move and unexplainable fatigue was taking it's toll. My knees and feet continued to ache. It's disappointing because I've had so many down days and low mileage days. The ups and downs are constant and climbing up Quimby Mountain towards the shelter felt like Mount Everest to me. I was happy I had a huge chunk of Vermont cheddar cheese to eat for dinner with wheat thins instead of cooking. Vermont's cheeses are so good.Early on this morning we came to Thundering Falls which is the sixth largest waterfall in Vermont and incredibly beautiful to see. I had just read that the AT was rerouted from roads to go up to this waterfall. It took a lot of effort and time to come to fruition, but it was certainly worth it. The opportunity to see all this natural splendor on my journey is a gift. The trail smelled of Christmas again and offered so many wonderful peeks into nature. I am very lucky.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Stony Brook Shelter 

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Today was all up and down and I was a little apprehensive starting out this morning because of how I felt yesterday. The 10 miles today flew by and I arrived at the shelter at a decent hour before it started raining, and I was able to spend some time talking to other thru-hikers stopping by. I am seeing a lot of SOBO's now, those hiking from Maine to Georgia. Kinder is a retired school teacher section hiking and she gave me some tips on navigating the Whites. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I climbed Mt. Washington last August and was overcome by the sheer beauty and rock climbs, but this is where I originally injured my knee on the downclimbs. My knees felt better today, and I was able to shed any negativity I felt yesterday. Today has been a very good day.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Stealth Camping 
Miles today: 8.0

Lots of steep climbs today. I guess I shouldn't be surprised anymore. We hiked through cow pastures and wildflower meadows with sunlit skies. Oftentimes the dark shaded forestate comes up on one of these grassy flower filled meadows before a road crossing. Sometimes it is almost a shock to the system coming into the sunlight with open views of a town or valley beliw, almost like visiting another country or planet. As soon as I adjust and embrace it I am back into the dark forest again surrounded by endless trees. Sometimes the open fields go on longer and the trail is marked by white blazes on wooden posts that can be seen for a quarter mile ahead. It is comforting to see these white blazes. One highlight of my day was to stop at Edge on the Farm, just a short walk on a road off the trail. We enjoyed a lunch of fresh blueberries, some more of Vermont's finest cheese, fennel flavored sausage and two homemade pastries for myself. The store resembled a log cabin tucked into a tiny hollow. A great spot. We hiked back to the trail next to a babbling brook where we had hidden our backpacks in the brush. The immediate climb up the mountain was brutal for me, and I soon regretted eating the blueberry and apple pastries I had just eaten. The afternoon was long and tough but pleasant. There was no threat of rain so we are stealth camping in a carpet of soft pine needles. This is a nice change of pace, and I am enjoying the solitude and spontaneity even though I am out of water other than two sips I saved for the morning. It was so good to have a chat with my friend Patty with my limited cell service. Namaste my friend.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Main Street, Norwich, Vermont 

To: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 2.2

We hiked from one town to another and am staying at the Days Inn right outside of Hanover for a couple days to rest my knees some more. The bridge at the Connecticut River had this border sign as we entered Hanover again, the home of Dartmouth College. It was a fun walk and we went to the popular food co-op I've heard so much about. What a treat! I had just picked up a resupply at the post office but had to pick up some more good stuff to eat. Lunch today was at Base Camp in Hanover that featured food from Nepal. It was another destination in itself.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 

To: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 0.0

A day of rest for me with the exception of going into town to my first LL Bean. Wow! I really had restrain myself. A delicious Italian lunch of eggplant parmesan and taking care if some personal business I have been neglecting. Time goes by too fast sometimes. I ordered new Salomon trail runners online to be delivered to the Hikers Welcome Hostel in NH. I discovered that my pair are following apart and maybe a new pair will ease some of my foot pain. I have been unable to find these anywhere at the outfitters on the trail and ordered two sizes to try on as my feet are always swelling. It was the only solution I could come up with and will mail one pair back to the manufacturer.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 

To: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 0.0

I spent another day resting my knees and light stretching at the Days Inn. No walking around town. I'm trying not to take any vitamin ibuprofen because it is messing up my stomach. Hopefully this will be my final day. I am anxious to get to the Whites and then Maine. Thanks again to everyone who is reading my journal and your kind messages of support.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Vermont 120, Hanover, New Hampshire 

To: Hanover Inn, New Hampshire 
Miles today: 0.0

It was storming this morning upon awakening and the weather channel indicated this weather pattern would continue into the evening. We had a cab scheduled to drive us to the trailhead this morning but instead got a ride to the Hanover Inn on Main Street across from the campus. It didn't make sense to hike in these conditions today if it could be avoided. Tomorrow would be nicer with thunderstorms predicted for the afternoon which is pretty much the norm. My knees seem to be less achy today and my feet feel better. Rest is good for my body it seems.We went to a hot spot for lunch called Lou's that has been in business since 1947. It is very popular and always has lines out to the door. So much history and tradition here. I had a delicious falafel pita for lunch which is fried chickpeas into patties with cucumbers, tomatoes and Tahiti sauce. I couldn't resist the blueberry pie a la mode. I had to take a nap after lunch. Dinner was at The Pines at Hanover Inn. I tasted rabbit stew which was surprisingly tasty and cauliflower steak. I started out on this hike rating the privies at the shelters, but I am finding it a lot more fun to rank the menus in these quaint small towns in New England. Almost every single one received a 10.The rain has subsided, and I look forward to hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Hanover Inn, New Hampshire 

To: Mink Brook 
Miles today: 7.6

The climb out of Hanover was hard for me today. My knee was still aching and I felt very sluggish and slow. The trail was well maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club and seemed popular with the college students. I made it through Velvet Rocks which was basically moss covered rocks as far as I could tell. Stopped for a snack and rest at Velvet Rocks shelter and was surprised to see Banana Bread, a section hiker I had met going the opposite direction a few weeks ago. She was hiking with Croc Rocket, a NOBO who had taken a couple weeks off. He's so fast I thought I would never see him again. We made camp right next to a babbling brook which looked like a tiny island surrounded by the brook on all four sides. It was nice to stealth camp again and the weather was perfect. A bonus was that there were no long walks to fetch water. For some reason there were quite a few college students walking through the woods at night with no packs, and it didn't appear as if a road was nearby. Not sure what was going on. Good to be in the forest again.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Mink Brook 

To: Dorchester Road
Miles today: 9.0

Today was a great day with panoramic views of the white mountains from Holts ledge. It was a short walk along the Ridgeline with several spectacular viewpoints where you could walk to the edge and gaze into the clouds and mountains. This treat was at the end of the day after climbing the southern peak of Moose Mountain. I am looking forward to seeing a Moose on this hike.It rained for a short time, and I'm still having a hard time moving. I had been told to make sure to stop at Bill Ackerly's house which is right on the trail aka the ice cream man. We agreed to stop by for a few minutes and continue on for a few more miles. Our plans changed after we met Bill. He is one of the sweetest most genuine people I have ever met, and we ended up spending the ni ght in his backyard as did many other hikers. He has been giving every hiker who stops by an ice cream for the past 13 years. He asks hikers to sign a logbook. Bill had 1300 hikers stop last year alone, and let's anyone sleep in his yard which is gorgeous and full of wild flowers, spruce and balsam pines and many bird feeders. The best part was enjoying conversation with Bill and getting a glimpse into his kind heart. What a joy! We hitched a short ride into the tiny town of Lyme, NH to a highly recommended Italian restaurant that was a charm. My roast chicken and fingerling potatoes really hit the empty spot in my stomach. I bought some special cookies for Bill as a tiny thank you, and he immediately shared them with other hikers. This was a very special day again not just because of the magnificent part of nature I witnessed but because of someone I met on this hike that I will always remember with fondness and gratitude.