morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Campsite

To: Griffith Lake
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Went into Manchester Center to resupply this morning. had a great breakfast at The Up For Breakfast place. Lots of other hikers there too. The trail seems so crowded right now. All the shelters are just about full every night. Starting to see moose droppings along the trail now, should see some moose soon I guess.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Griffith Lake

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Passed by Little Rock pond, where they have found evidence of people who lived at this pond 9,000 years ago, amazing. Also passed "Patch's Hollow", where, long ago, in 1831 a band of rioters attempted to tar and feather a one Mr Rolan Wheeler, due to his extra marital indescretions. During the ensuing scuffle, one of the rioters was killed, and Mr Wheeler escaped into the night.
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Stream
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Went up and over Mt Killington today. The second highest mountain in Vermont. We've been walking some of the highest elevations in Vermont. Along the Coolidge range of the Green Mountains, going into foothills, winding through pastures, fields, open woods, and thick second growth conifers. Most of the trail is still rocky and muddy.
Date: 2014-08-12
From: Stream

To: Quimby Mountain
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

Hitched into Rutland VT this morning to resupply. Had a nice lunch at The Yellow Deli/Hostel. Very nice place there, very welcoming to hikers and travelers. They gave us free showers, and laundry, without us staying. Lots of artwork inside. Very cool. Caught the shuttle bus back to the trail from Rutland for two dollars. Passed by Maine Junction where the AT/LT separate.
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Quimby Mountain

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Rain, all day today. It's one of those days when you just make the miles. Point a to point b. Not cold, just everything wet now. Heading into Hanover, NH tomorrow, looking forward to drying out. In August 2011 there was a big tropical storm Irene. There are still repairs going on now to rebuild many bridges and walkways that were washed away.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Much nicer day today. Sun's out, drying out from the pouring rain all day yesterday. Saw some nice landscape today too. Starting to see more birch and maple trees. Still seeing southbounders, who say they plan on finishing in December. Yikes! Sounds cold. Passed by Joe Ranger Road. named after Joe Ranger, born in 1875, an eccentric old hermit who claimed to be able to communicate with the beavers in the pond next to his shack.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked across the Connecticut River into New Hampshire today. Next to last state! Passed through Hanover and did the usual chores. Still drying out. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College. The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England. 407 miles from the Connecticut Lakes in New Hampshire along the border between New Hampshire and Vermont, through western Mass and central CT, into Long Island Sound.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

First full day of hiking in New Hampshire. Saw a bear today, the first bear we've seen since PA. Climbed over South Peak of Moose Mountain, where in 1968 a Northeast Airlines plane crashed on the ridge. As part of the rescue, a bulldozer drove up and cleared the summit for a helocopter landing. Subsequently, a caterpiller infestation killed most of the trees on the mountain. Passed by Holts Ledge, a Peregrine Falcon nesting area.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Ore Hill Campsite

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today to Glencliff, NH. Decided to stay here at Hikers welcome Hostel and hike over Mt Moosilauke tomorrow morning. Again there are many hikers at the Hostel. Went to the small town of Warren for food and some meals. Most things are closed. Alot of hikers are slackpacking over Mt Moosilauke, but not us.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Glencliff, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 9.3

Hiked over MT Moosilauke today. our first mountain above treeline northbound on the AT. Coming down the north side of the mountain is very steep with wooden steps bolted into rock faces and steel rebar handles to hold onto. If you slipped, gravity would do you no favors. Mt Moosilauke was once a hunting ground for the Pemigewasset tribe of Native Americans. Mt Moosilauke meant "high bald place" to them.
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Campsite

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: fog

Had a nicer day of hiking today in The Whites. Weather cleared up and had some better views. Stopped by Zeacliff Hut for a short break. Came down to Crawford Notch campground to resupply and spend the night in the campground. Tomorrow we'll do a climb up toward the summit of Mt Washington, but we will go over the summit the follwing day.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Crawford Notch

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 6.4

Short but steep hike today up from Crawford Notch campsite. Great weather and views finally from Webster Cliffs. Mt Washington tomorrow! Hoping for good weather for the remainder of above treeline travel in The Whites. Tenting at another paysite tonight. It seems strange to have to pay to sleep in the forest, but up here there are only a few places to camp above treeline.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Nauman Campsite

To: The Perch Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Went up and over Mt Washington today. What a treat with some reall good weather. Mt Washington is the highest peak in the northeast, at 6,288 feet. It's also accessible by auto road, in addition to the Cog Railroad. When we got to the summit, there was a que line formed at the summit sign. Strange. Great views all day. All above treeline today.
Date: 2014-08-26
From: The Perch Shelter

To: Gorham, New Hampshire
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

After walking 1 mile this morning to get back to the trail from the Perch Shelter, it was nice views again in the Presidential Mountains. Nice morning break at Madison Hut then up and over Mt Madison, then down to Pinkham Notch. Staying tonight at The Barn Hostel in Gorham. Just buying a little food for the hike from Pinkham Notch to Gorham. Weather continues to be nice, very glad for that, especially with above treeline travel.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Gorham, New Hampshire

To: Imp Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Left Pinkham Notch and hiked over Wildcat Mountain. Nicknamed "Wildcat and her Kittens", because of its 5 prominent peaks. A through E, all above 4,000 feet. Nice views of Mt Washington and surrounding land good weather too. Still doing lower miles due to steepness of terrain. Almost in Maine now. Heading into Gorham tomorrow for resupply to Andover Maine.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Imp Campsite

To: Gorham, New Hampshire
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice easy walk today into Gorham. Stayed at The Libby House Barn for hikers. This section finishes up "The Whites". Now we head into the Maine wilderness. Instead of rocks on the trail, it'll be roots and muck. Still nice though. Gorham was a nice enough stay. Small town. Every thing around here revolves around Mt Washington.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: Gorham, New Hampshire

To: Gentian Pond
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Last day of New Hampshire hiking. Still having nice views of big mountains. Great weather lately too. Had to drink pond water for dinner, yuck. Another night on a wooden platform, does it get any better? Rain is in the forcast, hope it holds off. Tomorrow we'll cross into Maine! Yippie! Last state. What a long walk. Still enjoying it too.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Gentian Pond

To: Bull Branch Campsite
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice walking again today with great views, big mountains. Went through Mohoosic Notch today. Big rocks and boulders to walk on top of, around and under. It's very slow going but fun and different. Crossed the border into Maine today! Last state to hike in. Getting closer to finishing now. What a strange feeling.
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Bull Branch Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean To
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Walking through The Mahoosuc Range, a long chain of mountains straddling the maine and New Hampshire border. Classic mountain hiking. This has some of the most difficult hiking anywhere on the AT. There are 9 major peaks, all over 3,500 feet, separated by rugged cols and notches. Had some light rain today, but not heavy or cold.
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Frye Notch Lean To

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Short downhill walk to B Hill Road. Got a ride quickly into Andover, Maine. Stayed at the Pine Ellis Hostel. OK enough for 20 bucks. Very small town here in Maine, a couple of stores at an intersection. Went by Dunn-Notch Falls on the way to town. Nice looking falls and rock formations.
Date: 2014-09-02
From: East B Hill Road

To: Campsite, South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Early start from Pine Ellis Hostel this morning. I was the only hiker up at 7 am. Easy day of walking really. Steep climb up Moody mountain. Lots of hikers camped tonight at South Arm Road. Sometimes even after all this way from Springer, the trail still feels crowded, even circus like. Later this evening had some heavy rains come in over night. Got my tent really dirty and sandy again. Oh well.
Date: 2014-09-03
From: Campsite, South Arm Road

To: Bemis Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Drying out this morning from last nights rain. Sun's out, good. Went over "Old Blue" mountain, another big climb up and over. Short day today, waiting for Why Wait to catch up. Set up a clothesline, made some hot chocolate, toke a nap, and rested. Walking through the mountains of west central Maine, about 15 miles northwest of Bethel.
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Bemis Mtn Lean To

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

One of the nicer and easy days of hiking today, no major peaks to climb. Ended up at a pond with boats, but they were all broken with holes. We've entered a section of trail which is called the most difficult along the AT in Maine.11,000 feet of elevation gain, going northbound over 45 miles. That is alot of climbing Very classic mountain hiking of high peaks, deep valleys, open vistas, mountain ponds, and rock-strewn streams.
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean To 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Good hiking today. Not easy miles though. Up and over Saddleback, The Horn, then Saddleback Junior mountains. Steep ups and downs, trail at times very rocky. But weather was nice, a little hazy. From Saddleback Mountain the guidebook says you can see both Mt Washington and Katahdin, but we could not see either.
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Poplar Ridge Lean To 

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Had some light rain today, but otherwise a good day of hiking. In this section we crossed over or near 8 summits, North Crocker, 4228 feet, South Crocker, 4010 feet, Sugarloaf Mountain, 4287 feet, Spaulding Mountain, 3988 feet, MT Abraham, 4043, Saddleback Junior, 3655, The Horn, 4041, Saddleback Mountain, 4120, . All of these mountains are not easy climbs. Steep in many areas and rocky. Also though very scenic.
Date: 2014-09-10
From: West Carry Pond

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy walk to Caratunk today. Took the canoe and ferry ride across the kennnebec River. It was about 10 feet deep in the middle of the river. Went down to Northern Outdoor Center and tented there overnight. Nice meals, showers, and hot tub to boot. An enjoyable stay. Purchased my train and bus tickets. Trail life ending soon!
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Rain, on and off all day today, bummer. All the other hikers now are planning what day they plan to summit Kahtadin. The trail lately is really some wild and rugged terrain. The elevation profile may look level but there are many small and sometimes big ups and downs to walk over. Very slippery trail today due to rain, I fell once today.
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To

To: Piscaataquis River
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Many of the names along the AT are from Native Americans who lived and hunted in these forests. The Abenaki Tribes lived up here in Maine . The word Caratunk means forbidding or crooked stream. Katahdin means greatest mountain. Kennebec means long level water without rapids. Mahoosuc- home of the hungry animals. Moxie- dark water. Mooselookmeguntic means portage to moose feeding place.
Date: 2014-09-20
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite

To: Rainbow Stream Lean To
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Nice Variety of terrain today. Nice views from overlooks. Lakes ponds, Pollywog Gorge. Really some interesting landscape here in northern Maine. Had some great trail majic this morning. Gary and Mary, a couple out here fishing gave us lots of snacks to take with us. There is talk of rain here lately, hope it holds off for a few days.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it out of the 100 Mile Wilderness. 6 1/2 days and all went well. Camping tonight at Abol Campground. Shower feels great. Hoping for good weather on Tuesday for our summit of Katahdin. Now only 2 more days of hiking. Weird.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Short walk to the last campsite along the trail. We tried to go to the Birches Lean to, but got misplaced. Ended up sleeping in one of the campground pay lean to. oops. Hoping for good weather for our summit day tomorrow. cloudy and chilly today. Not many other hikers around the campsite tonight. So strange to think tomorrow is the last day of hiking.
Date: 2014-09-23
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

It's a hard hike to the top of Katahdin! Big rock scrambling for a good amount of the way. It started getting cold and windy halfway up. The last part of the mountain was covered in a thick layer of frost. Very surreal. But, we made it to the top! the adventure ends now. What a great summer I had! Good luck to all you future AT hikers!
Date: 2014-01-05
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I first set foot on the Appalachian Trail sometime in the 1960's. In the early 60's, I was a boy scout, and did some hikes near Bear Mountain State Park, but I am not sure now if we actually set foot on the AT. However, in 1969 I did a four-day hike in the Presidential range in the White Mountains with several family members. Over four days we hiked up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to Lakes of the Clouds hut, and from there went over Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Adams, and then down into the Great Gulf ending up finally at Great Glen. I didn't consider this a section hike on the AT at the time, but a few short years later I started doing short sections of the AT in NY, NJ, and Connecticut.After that, for many years, I only thought about the AT occasionally, even though I did many day hikes in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Then, in 1997, I did an end-to-end hike of the Long Trail. It was an amazing experience. Sometime later, in 2004, I joined a former student of mine (who was beginning an AT thru-hike) for two weeks in NC, and completed a section from Albert Mountain to Hot Springs. Since then, I have thought seriously about doing a thru-hike of my own, and now the time has come.I wonder what it will be like. I am excited about starting, but I am quite anxious at the same time. I have developed some minor (I hope) physical challenges that concern me. I'll describe these in future posts. I have read Zach Davis's "Appalachian Trials", and I know I will face significant emotional challenges as well. I'll miss my home and family, for sure. However, I think, with constant encouragement and support from my friends and family, I can do this. Whatever this adventure brings, I am sure it will have a meaningful impact on my life.
Date: 2014-01-10
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

This hike has been a long time coming, but serious planning and preparation has really happened only recently. I have just under two months left before I begin my journey, and in the next few weeks I'd like to describe what I am doing to get ready. I will break these entries down into the following categories:physical trainingmental and emotional considerationsnutrition planninggear choicesschedulemiscellaneous ramblings
Date: 2014-01-11
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This entry is entitled "pre-prep" because my dream of thru-hiking has been aided and abetted by reading other trail journals here on this site for many years. Two more recent ones deserve special mention in this journal, because I learned so much from them. The first is a 2012 journal by "Nor-easter", and the other is a 2013 journal by "Lady Grey". I enjoyed the skilled writing, the detailed descriptions of their experiences, the regularity with which they updated their journals, their insight and honesty, and the fact that they are both fellow Vermonters. Nor-easter's philosophical discourses were an interesting diversion from the usual mundane descriptions of miles travelled and meals eaten. Lady Grey's soul-bearing reflections help one to appreciate what it takes to succeed in this endeavor. I can only hope to measure up to the standard they set, but no promises. This is my journal, and the form it takes remains to be seen. It is certainly easy to sit here in my warm dry house, with a laptop computer and optical fiber internet access, and post journal entries and photos. I am sure it is entirely another thing to do this day after day on the trail, or to wait days until a town stop to update the journal. I will do the best I can to keep mine up-to-date, but it may be best to keep your expectations low.
Date: 2014-01-19
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

First, I would like to say thanks to the folks who have already made entries in my guestbook, and wished me luck on my planned thru-hike. I definitely appreciate your comments, and will try to acknowledge your entries as often as possible.As I mentioned previously, I want to address various aspects of my planned journey in my preparation posts. Today I am going to talk about some physical challenges that I know I will have to deal with on my hike. I have some problems with arthritis in my right big toe, as well as in a few finger joints in my hands. I also have degenerative disc disease in two vertebral joints in my neck. In short, each of these problems can be traced back to a specific traumatic injury many years ago. My neck problems (and a slight problem in my middle back) are due to a sledding accident when I was about 12 years old. Let's just say that sledding in the woods is a bad idea. In any case, these issues are more of an irritant than anything else. I do need to use a pillow to keep my neck aligned when I sleep, so I will be bringing an inflatable one with me.The arthritis in my fingers is also more of an irritant than anything else. It's annoying, but tolerable. The lesson here is, well, be careful not to injure your joints when you are young, because someday, when you are much older, it will come back to haunt you.The problem that I am seriously concerned about is the inflammation in my right big toe. I jammed this toe while running about twenty years ago, and it has bothered me a bit now and then, but it has recently come back to bother me big time. My podiatrist diagnosed Hallux Rigidus, and I have had a cortisone shot, but it really didn't help much. I believe that I may have Sesamoiditis as well, as the pain under the base joint of my big toe is sometimes quite severe. I am hoping that this problem is manageable with icing and ibuprofen. I do seem to be able to walk with a 25-pound pack for several miles without too much difficulty, as long as I don't overdo it. Proper footware is probably going to be important in this regard. I have been walking in my hiking boots for several miles a day for the last five months, so they are well broken in. I also have trail runners that I expect to change to when the weather warms up.Although I have been having some pain in my toe joint the last couple of days, I am resting and icing it today. It is a little discouraging to experience this kind of pain just a couple of months before my hike, but I am hopeful that I can manage it successfully.
Date: 2014-01-29
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My planned start date is exactly five weeks from today. I am excited, yet anxious. As I explained in my previous post, I am having a few problems with my right foot. Nevertheless, I am continuing to prepare.Today I'd like to talk about my physical preparation. I have been a runner for over thirty years, and have completed about two dozen marathons. Normally, running daily would be my physical training for a long-distance hike. However, about a year ago I was having problems with heel pain in my right foot (yes, the problematical one), and had to stop running regularly. I have done very little running in the past year. Fortunately, though, I have been able to do a lot of walking, and the heel does not bother me when walking. So, since mid-August last year, I have been walking to and from work every weekday. This is a round-trip of about 3.5 miles. I always carry my work backpack, which holds my laptop and several books and notebooks. It averages about 23 pounds. In December I started adding an extra mile in the mornings on my way in to work, which also allowed me to add a good sized hill into the walk. The walk up the hill is about 300 vertical feet in less than a half mile. This makes for a good effort without working up a big sweat.So that's where I am with five weeks to go: 3.5 to 4.5 miles walking every day with a sore toe. We'll see how well this works.