morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-04
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

As we all headed out from the shelter, we discussed potential trail magic ahead - A couple was opening up their house along the AT to thru hikers for a July 4 celebration. Mike and I made iPhone contact finally and decided to meet at the house. Bill and Amy have been holding this get together for thru hikers, trail maintainers and friends for the last several years. Arrived there late morning and were immediately fed waffles with blueberries and powdered sugar, copious amounts of coffee and juice. Some of the thru hikers had arrived a day early and were put up for the night. For lunch, we watched the World Cup (Germany vs. France) and ate more food and dips while continuing to drink all types of beverages. Since it was raining on and off all day, it was easy to start getting really comfortable and stay even longer especially since Bill and Amy continued to ply us with even more food and expectations of a great dinner and evening fireworks.But Mike, Movin' On and I decided it was time to go so we headed into the rain. Tough decision but walking is what we came to do and it felt good to be back off on the trail after recharging our batteries even in the rain. Walked another 5 miles to the shelter and, just after getting set up, the sun burst through the trees and we spent a very nice last hour before sunset, eating dinner and sharing in fellowship. As we lay in our tents, we could hear fireworks off in the distance - Happy Independence Day! Thanks Bill and Amy! Definitely another good day.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten mile River Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Nice walk today. About noon we broke out at the Appalachian Trail railroad crossing and pulled out all of our gear to dry it after the rain of the last two days. Ate lunch and then moved on stopping shortly after at a gardening center which welcomed thru hikers to stop in shower, recharge electronics, refill water bottles and relax before moving on.We then moved out across open fields and pushed to make the NY-CT border. Stopped for a quick picture by some day hikers and then moved into Connecticut making our way to Ten Mile River Shelter at dusk.The site was quite nice and we set up our tents behind the shelter with others who were already there. An old pump set up allowed us to get water out of the ground easily and after a good dinner of - you guessed it - mashed potatoes, bacon, cookies and hot tea, we called it a night. Good to be in Connecticut and we had some good adventures in NY. Onward and upward.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Ten mile River Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Kicked off the walk today with a nice hike along the roiling waters of the Ten Mile River. Shortly after getting started I broke off to go check out a covered bridge. Very enjoyable checking out the bridge itself (Bulls Bridge), the high water flowing below and a good conversation with one of the local rangers, Chris.Moved out and caught up with Mike and Movin' On at a road where they were enjoying cold drinks, part of some trail magic there. We decided to go into the town of Kent for something to eat and to do a small re provision. While at the coffee shop, Mike unfortunately dropped his wallet in the bathroom and in going back to check found it had disappeared. After a vigorous search and check with the employees, Mike spent the next hour cancelling credit cards and figuring how to get ID and new cards sent forward, a challenge as you might expect on the trail. Frustrating but Mike handled it all in the laid back manner I have been accustomed to on this trip - Not sure I would have handled it with the same patience. We headed out late afternoon and, after a very steep descent down St. Johns Ledges (did I mention it was very steep?), we made our way along a river walk to our campsite. Got set up, battled with some mosquitos (we are now regularly wearing our headnets and putting on long pants and shirt in camp now) and cooked a good meal. Went to sleep listening to water rapids 200 feet off, very nice.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

We had been hearing about this 3 year old hostel whose hosts were great and the setting a nice break so we decided to look to head there today. Going was slower than expected so we called Hudson, the proprietor of the Bearded Woods Hostel to see if he could pick us up at an earlier AT-road crossing which he agreed to do.We broke off at West Cornwall Road and, after getting picked up by Hudson (what did people do on the AT before cell phones?), we were whisked to his hostel. Very nice set up downstairs with bunks, clean bathrooms, common area and a nice eating area on a screened in porch upstairs. Refrigerator had lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee and ice cream available and we sat out eating triscuit and cheese and just getting comfortable. Hudson then took us into town for us to resupply our food and then back to the hostel for a great chicken and noodles dinner with a superb salad (we do miss our vegetables). Got packed up for the next day, clothes laundered and we headed to our bunks with stomachs full, clean and good fellowship with the likes of thru and section hikers J5 and his wife Dragon Lady; Wikipedia; Movin' On; Speck; and The Lorax. A good day.
Date: 2014-07-08
From: Bearded Woods Hostel

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Early start this morning and we pushed hard through CT. Got separated early from Mike so we pressed on separately through towns and woods. Passed this bridge that we had to pass since the AT went right across it.Had lunch right off the trail next to a small stream so I could eat and recharge my water. Passing some very nice New England houses before climbing once again up Lions Head where I met a young family sitting up enjoying the great view to the east. Getting a bit tired towards the end but knew that our stop at Brassie Brook Shelter would put us at a new mileage mark and just short of Massachusetts. Made it there about 8 pm and amid battling some voracious mosquitos, set up my tent, cooked dinner, put our food in a bear box, resupplied our water from a nearby stream and into the tent and under my summer quilt (nice job Enlightened Equipment!). Well positioned for our next state - Massachusetts will welcome us tomorrow with two major climbs and drops up and down Bear Mountain and Mt. Everett. Can't wait!
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Jess Treat's backyard
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

A couple of good climbs this morning to get the heart going. Actually I think the downhills will for me a bit harder as they are strewn with large rocks, slippery after the downpour last night. One false step and this hike could be over so we pick our way carefully down the mountains. My shoes are in the last stages as the soles no longer have the grip needed having been shaved off starting in Pennsylvania and over the last 700 miles. Must order new ones for delivery up the trail soon.We continue on with some nice views along the way. We pass a Shays Rebellion marker and I am reminded of the early history we are passing. At various times we pass revolutionary locations, stay in a former 1792 Shaker village, and pass the remnants of a French and Indian war outpost. Western Massachusetts really has that feel that you are walking through history and I look forward to doing more research when I get home on early American history.On we go and for the first time we are regularly being attacked by mosquitos and gnats due to the heavy rains and standing water in this area. Battling them all afternoon, we decide to break off to stay at Jess Treat's house (we set up tents in her backyard) and then, after showers, head off to The Bridge, a local restaurant to try a local beer and eat some tostadas and a salad. Very good. While eating, a major storm blows through, but we are inside looking out the window and Mike and I toast our good luck. Rain stops, we get picked up and it is into the tents for the night. A good day.
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Jess Treat's backyard

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Nice trail, nice weather, nice hike through Massachusetts today. After an excellent breakfast and drying out our tents at Jess Treat's we were dropped off at the trailhead. We found out that Jess is an English professor with 3 published short story books under her belt. Nice talk that morning and as she drove us out to the trail. Walked for a bit with J5, a retired Navy Captain, aviator, who is now living in West Virginia where, among other things, he works for the Libertarian Republican party in his county and volunteers to read books during the week. Enjoyed our conversation.Along the way, Mike and I ran into this group of young trail maintainers. They are on the trail for a month doing a lot of hard work moving stones and fine tuning the AT so that we have a safer, smoother passage. Over the last 4 months, we have benefited immensely from the volunteer work of workers like these (see photo of Dean as well) and their work has been truly amazing. Thanks to you all for your good work - you are making a difference, trust me!On to our campsite which turned out to be a Shaker community founded in 1792. According to the historical paper at the site, the community grew to 93 adults at its height, its members harassed and beaten by their neighbors, and devastated in the 1850s when 23 members of the group decided to abandon their community and join the outside world. We camped next to the wall of one of its abandoned barns. Multiple thru hikers in for the night including Stark, Twist, Pogonos, Kickapoo, Blacksmith, Crankster, J5, and Data. I fell asleep among a good group, interesting history and the sound of mosquitos trying to find a way into my tent through the netting without success. A good day.
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Deadfall campsite - mi 1549
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Last one out this morning and Mike and I proceeded up trail to meet with his brother Frank. Along the way, passed through what used to be farmland as noted by walls left over from days long ago.At US 20 we were picked up by Frank and drove to Dalton to retrieve packages sent there. Among them, my new shoes arrived (thanks Kim and Brooks!); same orange shoes, Brooks Cascadia 9s and hopefully this 3rd pair will be the shoes to get me to Katahdin. Felt good having cushion and tread again and what a difference navigating over rocks with confidence.After a lunch at Old Country Buffet in Pittsfield, all you can eat (please sir, there is a limit to how much you and your friend should be eating here), Frank dropped us off back at the trail and we moved out to make miles. Too soon, it started getting dark and, around 8:30 p.m. we finally found a site tucked up into some deadfall near Finerty Pond. After a quick meal, I settled in only to find what looked like a headlamp looming from the woods - turned out to be a full moon coming through the trees, very cool and unexpected. Goodnight all, a good day.
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Deadfall campsite - mi 1549

To: Pittsfield (via Dalton, MA)
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out this morning full of heightened expectations. We had heard and read about the cookie lady, a woman who has a house just off the trail and leaves homemade cookies for thru hikers as well as eggs and drinks. After about 6 miles, we turned east on Washington Mountain Road and walked the 50 yards excited and hungry - only to find no cookies and no cookie lady. Bummer. I guess she is entitled to her time off as well. While sitting in her yard resupplying our water and airing out our hiking equipment, a chicken walked over to inspect my new shoe. Since we did not get our cookies, we ate the chicken. Just kidding, jsut kidding, but as it walked around, we did look at it for a long time and think about how it might look dressed up in Ramen.Headed out and into Dalton, MA where we caught a couple of hitched rides to Pittsfield for an overnight at the Quality Inn, run by Mr. Patel and his wife. Enjoyable break and recharged at places like Walmart, Starbucks, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Dinner again at Old Country Buffet - did I mention all you can eat? Back to comfortable beds, a flush toilet, running water, shower, and a hard roof over our head. Another good day.
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Pittsfield (via Dalton, MA)

To: St. Mary of Assumption Church, Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 8.8

Late start out of Pittsfield after getting our food, enjoying Starbucks, and eating at Wendy's. At the latter we met a nice couple, Bob and Peg who were interested in our trip. Mike asked and they agreed to drive us the 3 miles back to the trailhead - thanks!We started out under darkened skies and, while it did not rain for the first couple of hours, we were then exposed to a hammering rainfall. First the mosquitos disappeared, then it got windy, birds started flying east and suddenly, rain pelting us. In looking for a place to camp in our AWOL guide, I noticed that a church in Cheshire offered to put up thru hikers for a donation - Bingo! We headed there and, although we did not get to meet Father Dave or his parishioners that night to thank them, we let ourselves in and set up shop in a small room the congregation had set aside. Very nice place and especially enjoyable as we listened to the rain pound the roof throughout the night. Thanks to St. Mary of Assumption Church! A good day once again.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: St. Mary of Assumption Church, Cheshire, MA

To: 2 person campsite inside Vermont
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

A good day through 2 states today. We departed from the church and headed up trail climbing 2 major mountains, 2000' climbs culminating in reaching the peak of Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts' highest peak. Beautiful day up top with many hikers and car ladened folks up for the day from Boston and nearby towns. On top we saw the Veteran's Memorial, a monument to MA's veterans built initially as a memorial to those lost in the first World War; unfortunately it was closed for repair. While walking around it, I found this hand drawn memorial tucked into one of the recessed windows. Very moving and a fitting tribute to not only these men but all those who have served and sacrificed during our most recent wars.We took a break on top and then moved out. Our goal - make Vermont today. We pushed hard, crossed the Hoosic River and climbed out one last big hill with a serious steep rocky stretch to make the MA-VT border. Along the way, we met Whiskers, a hiker carrying a external frame pack, who told us he stopped shaving in 1971 (see pic). Took his picture and on we went into Vermont (funny, it looks a lot like Massachusetts here) and found a nice campsite along a creek about a mile in. As an added bonus we passed the 1600 mile mark today as well. We seem to be making some progress, a good thing. All in all, another good day.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: 2 person campsite inside Vermont

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Our first day in Vermont turned out to be a muddy one. Lots of rain and mud led to us trying hard to jump around to stay generally out of it (and I might add mostly unsuccessfully). Mike also took a major fall, slamming his leg into a rock. But walked another 13 miles into town. Hard core that one.After a steep descent down a mile of large rocks, wet from the rain onto VT 9, we called our shuttle at the Catamount Motel who picked us up and took us to get settled in for a zero in Bennington. Very much looking forward to that; Mike in particular has not had a zero in over 3 weeks and we need to invest in a day's rest before heading into our last hump through VT, NH and Maine. Looking forward to a relaxing zero day tomorrow. Tonight a nice pizza dinner at Ramunto's and chilling at the Catamount motel where we watched as Mark Wahlberg fought bad guys in the classic movie, The Shooter. A good day.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Bennington, VT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Today being a zero day (no trail miles), we got up late and proceeded to get ready for a slow day. Coffee and muffin, followed by a ride downtown to eat breakfast at the Blue Benn Diner. Very nice old style diner where we had a nice big breakfast before meandering over to the library and post office.Hearing there was a Regal 7 movie theater up the road, we made plans to ride the Green Mountain Express busline to the only matinee playing - Transformers: Age of Extinction. We settled into our seats with our large popcorn and cokes and proceeded to sit through an excruciating long movie that was sorely in need of a good writer and editor. The biggest thing I enjoyed about the movie was that I got to sit for 2 1/2 hours straight and drink and eat. I probably would have enjoyed it more if the screen remained dark for that period. Painful. Then back out and we were picked up by this bus driver whose happy outlook and Black Sabbath tunes made the ride back to the center of town very enjoyable. Into the pizza joint for another meal and then back to our hotel where Oceans' 11 was playing. Yes, a good day.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Bennington, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After a healthy breakfast and lunch, we were dropped off at the trail head to continue our trek north. Continued through the Vermont woods which is quite wild, the trail undulating through muddy and rough terrain.I ran into a guy hiking with his wife who was headed to Goddard Shelter and ultimately Glastenbury Mountain lookout tower to participate in the Summits on the Air program, a Ham radio program where operators climb peaks and communicate with at least 4 other Ham operators around the world to get credit for being the first up there in a season. His trail name was SGK or some other set of initials and he was greatly concerned because he had just found out that another Ham radio operator was already up at Goddard. Who would be first to send out the signal from the top? While I wanted to wait around to see how this titanic battle would end between the two, we needed to keep moving and headed on to the next shelter.Because the AT overlaps the Vermont Long Trail through this section, the shelters are full so Mike and I moved a bit further down the trail to a tentsite for the two of us that worked perfectly as it was near a stream and away from the many folks at the shelter. We ate our dinner and settled in for a cool night ending another good day on the trail.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stealth campsite, mi 1637
Miles today: 16.0

Good weather today as we walked through more VT woods and up one major climb, Stratton Mountain. Beautiful views on top out of the fire tower and we then worked our way back down hill to find a campsite near Stratton Pond.In the waning daylight, Mike found a good spot tucked into the woods. While getting set up, Squirrel and her dog, Zima, rolled up and she asked if there was room for her to set up one more tent. We made room and had a good discussion about our respective hikes and people we had met along the way.A quick dinner in the dark and then it was into our tents to get ready for the short push to Manchester tomorrow. Another good day.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Stealth campsite, mi 1637

To: Green Mountain Hostel, Manchester
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: moderate rain

We had heard about a great hostel, Green Mountain Hostel, in Manchester and so we pushed the short distance today to get to the road and hitch our way in. Ran into Money Maker whom we had not seen in awhile and met some new folks, Grasshopper and her husband Runaway who are also thru hiking.Just short of 10 miles, we came out on to VT 11 and hitched a ride into Manchester. A guy named Tom picked me up while Mike received a separate ride at the same time just down the road. We were taken into town and proceeded to eat lunch, stop at an outfitter, and resupply with food before calling our host, Jeff, and being taken to the hostel. Great place which has a separate building with beds, clean linen, kitchen area and living room for hikers to relax. Plus everyone gets a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream as well as shower and laundry access. Very nice place and a welcome respite.Pizza tonight and back on the trail tomorrow to try and push the rest of our miles in Vermont. Headed towards Hanover where we will break near Dartmouth before pushing into the White Mountains of NH. Onward and upward!
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Green Mountain Hostel, Manchester

To: Big Branch shelter, nearby campsite
Miles today: 16.5

Jeff, the owner of the Green Mountain hostel dropped us off at McDonalds where we had a very nutritious breakfast of egg mcmuffin, cinnamon bun and coffee. We then loaded up and stuck our thumbs out for a lift back to the trailhead.Picked up by one of the more interesting characters along the AT, Marion, who was full of vigor and enthusiasm and regaled us with some risqu© CD songs while doing a kind of chicken dance with her arms all the way to the trailhead. One of our finer moments with the people of Vermont and a great way to start our day on the trail.Immediately we started up a mountain gaining 1500 feet in 3 miles to the top of Bromley Mountain where there was a ski lift and associated ski trails. Nice day and we were off and running.Ran into different thru hikers eating lunch on another peak - Hollywood, Chance, Squirrel, Mother Earth, Goose, and Pocket among others and had a good time catching up and laughing at various encounters people had had over the past few days.Then it was time to move on. Since Lost Pond Shelter and tent sites were full up with both northbound and southbound AT thru hikers and hikers on the Vermont Long Trail, we moved on another few miles where we stayed at an excellent 2 tent site along the Big Branch Shelter. I fell asleep while listening to the flowing water 30 feet away from my tent. A comforting sound which had the added benefit of drowning out Mike's snoring... Another good day on the trail.
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Big Branch shelter, nearby campsite

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Packed up early this morning and made our way along the river and back into the woods. Within 4 miles we came upon Little Rock Pond shelter and tenting area where we were met with this peaceful and relaxing scene. Met the caretaker, Turtle and his father, Turtle's Dad, who is doing an outstanding job keeping this area clean, organized and ready for hikers and campers.Then moved on with a bit of a taxing climb up Bear Mountain. I seem to be in a good rhythm now moving up these hills and mountains and am hoping that it will put me in a good place when we hit the Whites in New Hampshire.Across the Clarendon Gorge suspension bridge and a final "are you kidding me?" 700 foot half mile climb up boulders and jagged rocks, we made it into the Clarendon Shelter area in the setting sun. After setting up our tents, we joined Goose, Stakes and Cliffhanger, where the former regaled us with tales of his time in Iraq to include skateboarding with a boyhood friend while there and the latter two talked about their work with tobacco plants and beer making in western Massachusetts. Lots of good natured talking and laughing and I headed to my tent once again inspired by the positive energy I get from especially the young people out here. Despite having all faced some tough climbs and a long hiking day, they chose not to dwell on those challenges but rather to focus on positive times and building good energy for the coming days. A good lesson in there for me and another good day comes to an end.