morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-10-02
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter and Campsites
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning thinking all of the crazy trail from yesterday was behind me. Boy was I wrong! There continued to be sections of boulders similar to yesterday, except fortunately, they did not last as long. Every ascent was very steep, and every descent was steep and treacherous. It was a very hard 10 miles, especially since I thought it would be a normal trail. I finally endured and arrived at my shelter in late evening. As it turned out, I was the only person there. It was a large shelter with a capacity of 18, and I had it all to myself. The moon was bright and lit up the shelter and adjacent mountain. I was now in New Hampshire having crossed over today.
Date: 2014-10-03
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: US Hwy 2, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 11.8

I got up earlier than usual this morning, anticipating my arrival in Gorham and being back with Mrs. GG after being away for 3 nights. Someone had recently told me that once you made it to Gentian Pond, most of the trail craziness ended. I was really hoping this was true, and it was. There were a few very steep sections, but a lot of the trail was very good allowing for a better pace. I made good time, and by lunchtime, I only had 5 miles left. It was a picture perfect day, and the first full day of sunshine in a while. By 2:00PM, I reached the highway. Mrs. GG was there waiting for me. We drove to the motel, did laundry, and later went shopping at Walmart. We dined just down the street from the motel and had a delicious prime rib dinner. Tomorrow, I will take a zero day and get rested up for the Whites. It is so good to be in a nice town and to be back with Mrs. GG. She is the best trail angel ever!Tomorrow, we will explore Gorham, rest, and plan our next few days on the trail. It looks like we may get a change to see Jerry from Kentucky and his wife Sue, as they are in the area. Jerry thru hiked in 2010, and I met and got to know him last March in GA and NC. He was hiking from Springer to Hot Springs. It will be great to see him again and meet Sue.
Date: 2014-10-04
From: US Hwy 2, Gorham, NH

To: US Hwy 2, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a zero day. We woke up early, had coffee, then walked down the street for a great breakfast. We went to the public library to use their computer to update my journal. It's very cloudy, and heavy rain is in the forecast for today and tonight, but should be ending by tomorrow morning. We'll spend the rest of the day enjoying some football on tv, picking up a few resupply items, and planning for the next few days. Road crossings for the trail are sparse in this area, so it looks like I will have to spend some additional nights on the trail in the next week or so.Tomorrow, I will begin the much anticipated White Mountains. I am hoping that really cold weather will hold off for at least two more weeks, so I can get through the Whites. I now have 508 miles left to finish this journey I began last March 16.
Date: 2014-10-05
From: US Hwy 2, Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night, I made a hard decision about my hike. With just over 500 miles still left, I knew that I would not finish until mid November at best. The decision I made was to skip the Whites and come back in August, 2015, to hike this part. This means that I will not realize my goal of thru-hiking the AT, although I will hopefully complete the entire trail by the end of next summer. Physically, I am doing well, but I really want and need to be home no later than the second week of November. With the days becoming shorter, winter weather already beginning on the higher peaks, and with fewer hikers being on the trail, I decided for safety reasons to save the Whites for next August.Tonight,we had dinner with Jerry from Kentucky (AT 2010) and his wife Sue. This past spring, Jerry hiked from Springer Mtn., GA, to Hot Springs, NC. I met him in GA and hiked with him some in NC. Jerry and Sue are vacationing in NH and came by to see us. It was really great seeing Jerry again and meeting Sue. They insisted on buying our dinner. "Trail Magic", Jerry said. Thanks so much, Jerry and Sue!Tomorrow, Becky and I will relocate to Rutland, Vermont, and I will hike south from there. Over the next 3 - 4 weeks, I will hopefully get back to NY Hwy 17 at Harriman, NY, where I left the trail on June 26, 2014. Whatever I don't finish this year, I will finish in 2015.Of course, I'm disappointed at not completing this year, but I truly believe I made the right decision for myself and my family.
Date: 2014-10-06
From: Gorham, NH

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we drove south from Gorham, NH, to Rutland, VT. We found an inexpensive motel and checked out the town. Tomorrow morning, I will start south from where the AT crosses VT Hwy 100 at Gifford Woods State Park, about 12 miles east of Rutland. I'm hoping the trail will be much easier than what I have experienced in Maine and New Hampshipe.
Date: 2014-10-07
From: VT Hwy 100, Killington, VT

To: Cold River Road, paved
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

It was raining when we got up with more rain forecasted for the morning and early afternoon. I started walking in a light rain at 7:30AM. From the very beginning, the trail was much easier than what I had experienced in Maine or New Hampshire. My total ascent for today was 2,500', but it was a very gradual ascent. The light rain ended by mid morning and was over for the day. In Vermont, the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail join up and are together from mid Vermont to the VT/MA border. So, today I was hiking both most of the day. I only saw two hikers, and they were Long Trail hikers, not AT. The trail was good enough to allow for a 2 mph plus pace. By 3:30PM, I reached Cold River Road, and Mrs. GG was waiting for me. Tomorrow morning is suppose to bring stormy weather with clearing later in the day. If it's raining hard tomorrow morning, I may delay my start. If this happens, I will only get in about 10 miles or so for the day.
Date: 2014-10-08
From: Cold River Road, paved

To: VT Hwy 140, Wallingford, VT
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

It rained last night and was still raining when we left the motel. We had breakfast at Panera Bread before starting my hike. By the time I started, It had quit raining. the trail continues to be good with only a few 500' to 1,000' ascents. I'm seeing only a few hikers each day. On this type of trail, it's pretty easy to maintain a 2 mph pace. We decided to have pizza for supper and went to an old Italian restaurant in downtown Rutland which has been in operation since the 1930's. A copy of the menu from 1933 showed prices for drinks ranging from $0.05 to $0.45, and food prices ranging from $0.30 to $3.00. Boy, have times changed! The salad, bread, and pizza were delicious, and the atmosphere and service were great. We saved the leftovers for my lunches. Tomorrow morning, we will move to Manchester, VT and work out of there for a few days as I finish VT and enter MA.
Date: 2014-10-09
From: VT Hwy 140, Wallingford, VT

To: Danby-Landgrove Road, USFS 10
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

We packed up everything from the motel and stopped at another 60+ year old restaurant in downtown Rutland for breakfast. Afterwards, we went to the trailhead, and I was on the trail by 8:30AM. After she dropped me off, Mrs. GG drove on to Manchester and checked in to the Red Sled Motel which will be our home for the next few days. Manchester is a small town in the Green Mountains and is filled with high end outlet stores, restaurants, and inns. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but the trail in Vermont continues to be good. Again, it was easy to maintain a 2 mph pace. My highest elevation for the day was about 2,500'. Since I had a short day on the trail, we had time to visit Orvis' flagship store and their outlet store. Across the street is their Fly Fishing School. On Saturday and Sunday, they will have retrieving dog demonstrations, free food, and other activities. Since Monday is Columbus Day, I'm sure this town will be full of people all weekend.
Date: 2014-10-10
From: Danby-Landgrove Road, USFS 10

To: VT Hwys 11 & 30, Manchester, VT
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It was 35 degrees this morning when I started at 7:00AM. The trail continues to be consistent with very gradual ascents and descents. The highest elevation was 3,400', which was Peru Peak. I noticed on a trail register that a couple from Ball Ground, GA, had signed in. Apparently, they are flip-flopping back to Marion, Virginia. I was hoping that I would run into them, but I didn't.This afternoon, I crossed over Bromley Mountain and walked right by the chair lift for a ski resort. Going down the mountain, the trail goes right down the middle of a ski slope for a half mile. I wonder how that works in the winter time. It was cloudy, breezy, and cool all day. Instead of eating out, Mrs. GG and I warmed up hot dogs and canned chili in our room and just stayed in for the evening. Restaurant eating is starting to get old. A real home cooked meal sure would be good.
Date: 2014-10-11
From: VT Hwys 11 & 30, Manchester, VT

To: Stratton-Arlington Rd, aka Kelley Stand Rd
Miles today: 17.5

We had coffee in our room, and I ate a muffin and a scone that we bought at the farm stand just across the road from our motel before starting out this morning. I was on the trail by 7:00AM. With the shorter days, it's not light enough to see until at least 6:45AM. Today's hike was almost level except for a 1,500' ascent up Stratton Mountain. I saw lots of day hikers who were hiking up Stratton Mountain. I made it to my pickup point by 2:00PM, and waited about 45 minutes for Mrs. GG. My hiking time was quicker than what I had told her it would be.Tonight, we dined at a very nice Mexican restaurant. The couple sitting next to us were from Gwinnett County. Today was a wonderful day.
Date: 2014-10-12
From: VT USFS Road 71

To: Stratton-Arlington Road, aka Kelley Stand Road
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: light rain

Today was supposed to be a 22 mile day, but by the time we got to the trail head, it was later than I intended. There was a forest service road two miles down the trail, and I made the decision to do the two miles and call it a day. I quickly did the two miles, and we headed back down the one lane, dirt, mountain road for 12 miles before joining any paved roads for our trip back to Manchester. Back in Manchester, we enjoyed breakfast together at a Bob's Diner, and then spent the rest of the morning and afternoon watching movies, being lazy, and doing laundry. For dinner, we dined at Zoe's Double Hex Restaurant. Tomorrow is going to be a 20 mile day.
Date: 2014-10-13
From: VT USFS Road 71

To: VT Hwy 9, Bennington, VT
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up at 4:30AM, packed, and left the motel by 5:00AM. We arrived at the trailhead shortly after 6:00AM, and it was DARK. I started at 6:15AM, while it was still dark, wearing my headlamp. It was the first time I have ever hiked in the dark. The day went well, and I was halfway finished by 10:30AM. The afternoon went well also, and I maintained a great pace. In 8 & 1/2 hours, I was finished with my 20.6 mile hike. Mrs. GG picked me up, and we headed to Bennington, Vermont for the night. Tomorrow, I will enter Massachusetts as I continue southward. Everyday I flush up grouse along the trail. In Maine, I believe it was Spruce Grouse, but here in Vermont and throughout the southern part of the trail, I think it is Ruffled Grouse. They always startle me when they take off.
Date: 2014-10-14
From: VT Hwy 9, Bennington, VT

To: MA Hwy 2, Hoosic River, North Adams, MA
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: heavy intensity rain

I started again today with the aid of my headlamp. Today was a pretty routine day with about 2,000' of ascent but no major mountains or views. This afternoon, I crossed over from Vermont into Massachusetts.At the end of my day, I crossed over the Hoosic River between North Adams and Williamstown, MA. We are staying in a really nice motel in Williamstown. I think it is my favorite motel yet. We dined at the Mexican restaurant across the street and picked up a few items at the local Stop N Shop.I was in a little bit of rain today, but the heavy rain is in the forecast for Thursday.
Date: 2014-10-15
From: MA Hwy 2, Hoosic River, North Adams, MA

To: Furnace Hill Road, Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Since today was not a long mileage day, we stopped at the Dunkin' Donut for breakfast. Dunkin' Donuts are always nearby, and it has become one of my favorites for bagel breakfast sandwiches.Today, I had an ascent of nearly 3,000' to get to the summit of Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. The monument on Mt. Greylock was very impressive, but it was so cloudy that I had no view of the surrounding area at all.By early afternoon, I made it to Cheshire, MA. I crossed over MA Hwy 8 and called Mrs. GG to tell her her I was going to walk another mile through Cheshire to where the trail leaves Furnace Hill Road. She followed along as I walked through the town. So far, I am really enjoying how the trail is going right through small Massachusetts towns. North Adams, Williamstown, and Cheshire are all nice towns with beautiful churches and homes. We will be staying in Williamstown again tonight and tomorrow night before moving further south.Tomorrow is supposed to be a stormy and rainy day. We'll moniter the weather, and if it's raining hard, I may do a short day.
Date: 2014-10-16
From: Furnace Hill Road, Cheshire, MA

To: Furnace Hill Road
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The rain moved in last night, and it was heavy. Since it was going to rain hard all day, I decided to take a zero. A little rain I don't mind but walking all day in a hard rain is not fun.We had breakfast at the Moonlight Diner down the street from the motel, and then drove south to check out some of the towns we will be traveling through over the next few days. We went through Pittsfield, Lee, and Dalton. Our next town in which we will stay will be Lee, MA.So, we spent the day resting and catching up on a few chores. Not hiking today was a good decision, as I really don't need another day of walking all day in the rain. I've already enjoyed as many of those days as I want. Tomorrow, I will get an early start and continue south.
Date: 2014-10-17
From: Furnace Hill Road, Cheshire, MA

To: Washington Mountain Road, Beckett, MA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday's rain was gone when I started this morning. The trail was still wet with standing water in some places. Today's trail was probably the easiest trail I have seen since leaving Maine. The highest elevation of the day was 2,000'. Most of the trees are becoming bare as we get deeper into autumn. By mid-afternoon, I reached Washington Mountain Road where Mrs. GG was waiting. Tonight, we are staying at the Berkshire Lakeside Lodge which is located on a beautiful pond near Lee, Massachusetts. Tonight, we went downtown and dined at an Timothy's, a very nice local Italian restaurant. Lee is really a nice town with lots of local restaurants and B&Bs. Lee is known as the Gateway of the Berkshires.
Date: 2014-10-18
From: Washington Mountain Road, Beckett, MA

To: Main Road, Tyringham, MA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

The trail in Massachusetts is pretty much the same each day. The elevation changes are usually less than a thousand feet and not very steep. Today, I passed by a pond and was amazed at how big some of the trees are that have been cut down by beavers. It must take days or weeks to fell some of the bigger trees. I would not want to be the beaver who was gnawing on the tree when it started to fall.By mid afternoon, I had finished my 18 miles, and Mrs. GG was waiting for me. We went to the supermarket and bought prepared foods and ate in our motel room. Tomorrow night will be our last night in Lee, Massachusetts before we head south again.
Date: 2014-10-19
From: Main Road, Tyringham, MA

To: Home Road, Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

I started this morning before daylight. I now have to use my headlamp right up to 7:00AM. As I think back to June, I remember that we were able to walk by 5:30AM without headlamps. The days have really gotten shorter.Today, I passed by another pond, and the beavers have been very busy with big trees as I saw yesterday. I finished at a road crossing near Great Barrington, and Mrs. GG arrived soon after. Due to shortage of affordable lodging and the hassle of packing up and moving for just one night, we decided to stay in Lee, MA one more night. The drive back to Lee was interesting as we passed through Great Barrington and Stockbridge. We passed by an interesting looking inn called the Red Lion. Back in Lee, we had dinner at another wonderful, locally owned, casual, but upscale restaurant. You just don't see many chain restaurants up here. We both wish we had more locally family-owned upscale restaurants back home.Tomorrow, I am planning a shorter hiking day, so I can help Mrs. GG search for lodging and to give my body a little rest. By Tuesday afternoon, I will be in Connecticut.
Date: 2014-10-20
From: Home Road, Great Barrington, MA

To: Jug End Road, South Egremont, MA
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Today, we are leaving Lee, MA, and will be looking for a place to stay in Connecticut. Since we were moving, I planned a shorter day. We slept a little later and had breakfast together before I started walking.Today's seven miles were as easy as any part of the trail. Over half of it was through cornfields, pastures, and by the Housatonic River. Today turned out to be clear, and it was great to see full sun after several cloudy days.We found an inn in the hamlet of Lakeville, just south of Salisbury, Connecticut, and will be staying here for a day or two. The inn is nice, but expensive. It looks like there are not as many small Mom & Pop motels in this part of Connecticut, only inns and B&Bs. The inn's owner was gracious and did give us a hiker discount. She also shared that Connecticut has more fees/taxes than any other state in the Union. The tax for our room is 15% on the dollar. It seems that Connecticut is taxing itself out of business. How sad. Tomorrow morning, I will start in Massachusetts but will cross over into Connecticut by afternoon. The weather forecast is calling for rain the next three days.
Date: 2014-10-21
From: Jug End Road, South Egremont, MA

To: CT Hwy 44, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Once again, I started this morning using my headlamp. Rain was predicted to last all day. Looking at the trail profile, I suspected that today would be more challenging than any day in the last week or so. As it turned out, my suspicion was correct. Today's walk involved over 3,000' of ascent, steep trail, and boulders like I have not seen since Maine and New Hampshire. After about four hours, I had only done about six miles. I summitted Mt. Everett and Mt. Washington. Yes, I did say Mt. Washington, although the one in New Hampshire is better known. After a very steep ascent up Mt. Washington, the trail evened out and became more like what I had seen since entering Massachusetts.By early afternoon, I crossed over into Connecticut. Connecticut is the last state that I yet to hike in. Fortunately, the rain held off until I had finished walking.Mrs. GG picked me up after an 18 mile day, and drove only a few miles to our inn in Lakeville. We decided to pickup dinner at a local market and dine in our room this evening. Today was a nine hour day, and I was tired and sore from the challenging trail. Tomorrow will be an easier day.
Date: 2014-10-22
From: CT Hwy 44, Salisbury, CT

To: West Cornwall Bridge Road, CT
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I set out hoping for an easier day and hoping that the rain would hold off until I finished. Both of these hopes came true. The trail was smooth and fast, enabling me to maintain a pace of two and a half miles per hour. Also, the forecasted rain never materialized until the evening.I walked through parts of Falls Village, CT, and alongside the Housatonic River. Several miles were on roads and completely level. At one point by the river, I saw a large flock of geese feeding in a cornfield. At the same time, I saw wild ducks on the river. I would think that there is some very good water fowl hunting in this area.Tonight, we ate at the Rooster Tail Inn and Restaurant in Warren, Connecticut. We both enjoyed their prime rib dinner special. As a matter of fact, we'll be enjoying it for supper tomorrow night also. That's how much food we had!We are thinking that we will be back to Harriman, New York by this time next week.
Date: 2014-10-23
From: West Cornwall Bridge Road, CT

To: River Road, West Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: few clouds

It was steadily raining when we left the motel in the dark this morning. We stopped and had breakfast at a country store just down the road from our motel. It was still raining when I go to the trailhead. The weather forecast was for continuous rain all day, and it was accurate.I hiked 6.5 miles in the rain and called Mrs. GG to come pick me up at River Road. I was soaking wet and had enjoyed it enough for one day. After taking a nice warm bath, I took a short nap. Later on, we drove over to Kent, Connecticut and bought some side items,at the local IGA, to go with the leftover prime rib from last night's dinner. We also checked out the town, and Mrs. GG bought another treat to send home to our two grandsons from the local outfitter store. The treat this time was supersized rattlesnake gummies. Each gummy is a foot long. I think two little boys will enjoy playing with and eating these.Tomorrow, the rain is suppose to end by mid-morning. I will cross over into New York for the first of several times tomorrow afternoon. The CT/NY trail weaves from state to state for a while just as it does in NC/TN.
Date: 2014-10-24
From: River Road, West Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Bulls Bridge & Schaghticoke Roads, CT
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I started at 6:00AM this morning, and it was raining again. My first five miles were easy as the trail followed the Housatonic River. After the river walk, there were several small mountains in the 500' to 700' range. By early afternoon, I entered New York for a brief time, and then the trail went back into Connecticut for a while. The rain had ended by mid-morning, but all of the rocks were still very slippery, and I took a hard fall but was okay.Tonight, we are staying in a small motel in Wingdale, New York. We had dinner at Big W's Roadside Bar-B-Que, and it was delicious! Big W was a chef in Brooklyn and moved here and opened a bbq restaurant. We had the super dinner for one that included chicken, ribs, and pulled pork that had been smoked in applewood and hickory. This dinner for one was more than enough for two; we'll be having the leftovers for supper tomorrow night. Big W's even had real sweet tea! He may be a New Yorker through and through, but he does know his bbq and sweet tea. He has to have been south at some point in his life.Only 76 more miles to reach Harriman, New York. Hopefully, we will finish next week and head home.PS: There is a problem with the phone app for including pictures with my entries. The powers-to-be have been contacted, and until they fix the problem at their end, there will be no pictures with my entries. As soon as the problem has been fixed, I will be adding pictures for each entry plus extras. Thank you for your patience concerning this matter.