morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Sharon Spring Campsites

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

We had an easy walk down to CT 12/US 7 where we were suprised with Trail Magic in the form of ice cold Diet Cokes! This was then followed by a new experience of eating Mulberries. This was the first time I had ever had them. They were sweet and looked like black berries. There was also lots of black caps also along the way. We then crossed the Housatonic River a number of times and got a real nice picture of a nice water falls. It was then time to make our way up Mt. Prospect which was a long climb. Again today the heat and humidity feels like breathing through a wet blanket and made it feel like a very long hike into Salisbury. Once there we made great use of the local grocer where I had hot turkey and dressing covered in gravy. Yummy! Money Maker, Indie, Grandma and Grandpa were also there and planning on tenting here tonight. Oconee ran into Brave who was waiting for a package. She was having some problems with the post office and Oconee being the Southren Gentleman and former Post Office person went with her to help. I checked out the local bakery but unfortunately it was closed today. Met up with Oconee and Brave and Oconee has decided to stay the night to see if he can help Brave in the morning. I decided to head out alone for Riga as it had continued to get darker throughout the afternoon and looked like rain. I had only gone a short distance when the skies opened up and caught me in a short down pour. Now the air, trees, ground - EVERYTHING was reeking with dampness. I can't wait until we get to New Hampshire and some cooler drier temperatures. The trail up was steep but despite the dampness it was manageable. I ran into Lily again who was hiking with some friends who were planning on going a short distance up the mountain. I finally made it to Riga Shelter at 630 and quickly peeled off my wet clothes that were soaked not from rain but my sweating. A South Bound Section hiker named Chris who had his tent up in the shelter to avoid the mosquitos and other bugs. He quickly asked if it was alright and I was good with it unless other hikers showed up. We ate dinner and enjoyed the view of the valley below and had some great conversation. one of the things he was involved in was making batteries for the Mars Rover which was only suppose to last 6 months and had lasted over 10 years. Its amazing at the people you meet. It feels good to be back on the trail and while I enjoy hiking with Oconee its nice walking alone at times.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Sheffield/Jess Treats

To: Shaker Campsites
Miles today: 17.6

Truely blessed. I am so happy to have Julie hiking with me. It's a bluebird day with cooler temperatures. She got a quick taste of the trail's cruelty when she got her feet wet in the first 10 minutes when we had to walk through some tall grass that was wet from last night's rain. Julie set the pace for us and did very good as we made an 1100 foot climb over June and East mountains. While walking I realized I had forgot my hat at Jess's when I took it off for breakfast and called her to make arrangements to drop it off at a trail head further up at MA 23. I would really be bummed if I didn't get it back for the hike. I got my hat and oh what a relief! We had some nice views from the ledges where we rested for a while. Julie's feet are starting to hurt because of her wet sneakers and socks and I will have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't over do it. Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you all she's 3 months pregnant! Continued on until we got to Benedict Pond where we both took off our shoes and soaked our feet for a bit. After letting them dry we checked her feet and they needed some attention so band aids and mole skin along with dry socks were put to use and helped some. When we got to Wilcox shelter we got some water and decided to move on as it was quite early still. Julie was starting to slow down especially on the hills which I didn't have a problem with and was glad I had her out front to set the pace and where I could keep an eye on her. We made our way to Wilcox North by 530 and it was kind of a wet spot with a lot of mosquito potential. With this in mind and Julie indicating there was a lot of day light left and she was for moving on we decided to push on. I was still concerned about her condition but it was her call to make and it was only 4.1 miles. About half way there she really began to tire and was becoming quite fed up with the mosquitos which seemed to haunt her despite using some insect repellent. We finally made it to the Shaker Campsite where we put up the tent on a platform and I went and got water for the both of us. Julie was so happy to get her sneakers off and feet up. Just as we started to relax and get ready to eat however, it began to rain so we quickly scrambled to get everything moved inside. While it was a bit cozy it worked out quite well with Julie on the air mattress and I on the sleeping bags. Lightening and thunder with rain puts me to sleep quickly. Great day, great miles and even better - GREAT COMPANY!
Date: 2014-07-11
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Cheshire/Assumption of Mary Hostel
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

It was a cool night with temperatures down to 50 to 52 degrees. I had to throw on my fleece, but at least it kept the bugs away. Oconee and I had an easy walk to the Cookie Lady's house but no one was up yet. Oconee decided to stay and charge his phone and I ended up moving on. There is such a change in the terrain with many more roots and rocks but especially mud bogs with lots of foot bridges. Did get a chance to eat some more blue berries and rasberries on top of Warner Hill mm 1559.5. Had the most unusual experience today when while walking along the trail I was hearing this throaty gulping sound that almost sounded like a drum. As it got closer and louder I spotted two hikers coming toward me shouting "Go away", "Get out of here" and then I saw it... It was an Emu, similar to an ostrich. It was hilarious to watch this thing follow these two guys. Rumor says that there is a local Emu farm nearby and it got loose and follows hikers around. It's pretty funny actually. After that it was down into Dalton for lunch at Cumberland Farms where I had 2 hot dogs, coleslaw, soda and a Starbucks double shot mocha - again. As I continued along the trail that day I continued to see many ponds created by beavers which while nice to look at were a strong reminder to make sure I continued to filter my water to avoid getting sick. I have gone to far to take any chances. The trail and its obstacles continued to pound my feet, otherwise it would have been a great day and with all being said and done it still was. I got to the Assumption of Mary hostel in Cheshire and had dinner with Bear Juice from Mississippi. Woodstock would join us as the only other hiker staying there that night. It was a very clean and comfortable place and was greatly appreciated. I posted a card to my Uncle Bob and our Post Mistress back home and then to bed.
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Cheshire/Assumption of Mary Hostel

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 15.8

Up at 445 and trying to stay quiet while I pack. Bear Juice is also up getting ready. Stopped at Occoner's Convienence store where I got a breakfast sandwich and mocha latte with a turbo shot. I also got a powerade for later and some free ice for my water bladder. It's great to have cold water through out the day and a real uplift. I had a long steady climb up and headed for Mt. Greylock which is the highest point in MA and was 7.9 miles away with an elevation gain of 2500 feet! Its amazing how trails differ so much from day to day with today being a good one with much fewer obstacles than yesterday. I made good time to Greylock and it was amazing how many people were there. Of course it was a popular place to be and it was a weekend. I went to Bascom Lodge where I was able to take off my pack and boots to rest for a while. There was some great views so high up and was amazed at what could be seen almost in a 360 degree panorama. There was a nice cafe, a little expensive but interesting menu, and was going to have some bean soup but was told lunch was not being served at that time. So I got an ice cream bar instead. I talked to some people who took care of trails in the Whites - Chuck Connors and his wife. I also saw Circut Rider and Sherlock who I had met the other day. The monument on top of the mountain was very unique and dedicated to those who died serving their country. The view was also phenomenal with great views of the surrounding valleys, wind farms, ski resorts, lakes and towns. I oould have sat there all day but alas there were miles to be covered. I talked to my sister Jean M. and I will be trying to meet up with her at MA 2 along with my brother in law Richard and niece Nicole. As I always have said family is so important to me and being successful on doing this hike and it will be really nice to see them if only for a short time. The trail continued to be good with some sharp descents to North Adams. Finally met up with the family and headed into North Adams and went to Desparado's Mexican restaurant where I enjoyed 2 wonderful margaritas and some wonderful food. With that done it was off to Price Chopper for more resupplies. Saying good bye was tough as usual but I was gratefully surprised by a manyoise cup cake made by my niece and which I quickly consumed right then and there. The climb up wasn't to bad and was up in plenty of time before dark. Put up my tent on a platform and hung my food bag and got to bed where I journaled until dark.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Green Mountain House Hostel/Manchester

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 530, showered and made bacon for breakfast. Repacked my backpack and realize I have way too much food. Weighed the pack on the scales and it was 38 pounds! Jeff took Oconee, Mosey, Jungle Jim and I back to the trailhead at 8. I really enjoyed my stay here as it was quite relaxing and had a lot of nice amenities. The trail was great, smooth and well graded, as we made our way up to the ski resort Bromley Mountain. Up on top we got some great pics with an almost 360 degree view on a sunny day. We met more SOBO's and continue to pick their brains on their experiences as they made their way through Maine and the Whites. As we moved along the trail there were more views here and there of mountains and ponds. It was breath taking at times and hard to take all in at once. When we took a break for lunch we shared a shelter with a group of college guys who were all friends who played together on a football team in Indiana. They have now all graduated and are spread across the country but still maintain close ties with each other and are out hiking for a week. We had a spectacular view from Blake's Peak and got to the shelter about 15 minutes before it started to rain which was surprising in that there was no rain predicted for today. It just goes to show how these mountains have their own mini climates of their own. 2 of the boys from the group showed up shortly afterwards soak and wet and we made room for them to get out of the rain. The rain stopped after about 45 minutes and the rest of the boys pulled into the site. Mosey and Jungle Jim are tenting as well as all of the boys. Oconee and I are the only ones in the shelter. While it was a great time in Manchester and at the Green Mountain Hostel, it really felt great today with all of the views we had and the people we met to be back on the trail. I was also able to make contact with Terri about staying at her and Doug's house near Hanover when we get to the area and Oconee and I are all set to stay. Terri and Doug are great people.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

It was pretty cool last night and Jungle Jim said his jacket thermometer read 36 degrees this morning. I got chilled around 4 so I put on my fleece and I hiked with it for the first half hour or so. It makes one wonder what the Whites and Maine will be like. The day started out as an easy hike but as the morning progressed more rocks and roots took over the trail. Again we were meeting SOBO's along with section and day hikers. There will also be fewer hikers as the trail splits Monday and the Long Trail hikers will continue north as we move to the northeast. More views of valleys and ponds and each is beautiful in its own right and I never get bored seeing them. We got to the shelter after a long climb over Bear Mountain where the trail felt like it took us over every inch of the whole thing - up and down and all around. The shelter was pretty rough and there was one person already there and they were staying in their hammock. The bugs were pretty vicious and we decided to tent to escape them. Our appetites continue to huge, like eating for two which makes it hard to pack enough without carrying too heavy a load. My shoes are starting to break down as my feet are starting to feel the trail and are sore at the end of the day particularly the bone in my left foot below the small toe which feels bruised. If it gets any worse I'll just use some "Vitamin I" to keep the swelling down and the pain in check until I get another pair of boots. I'm looking forward to getting to Hanover and seeing Doug. We didn't get to visit like we usually due during sugar season when we are making maple syrup. Oconee has taken a real interest in the process and I have been answering his questions as best as I can. However, I told him Doug is more knowledgeable about the whole process and would be glad to answer any questions he might have.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Stoney Brook
Miles today: 16.3

I didn't sleep well last night as the spot I put my tent was sloped and I kept sliding off my mat and into the side of the tent. The AT and Long Trail split at the Maine Junction mm 1698.0 and we then took the Sherburne Pass trail at 1698.8 to the Long Trail Inn where we had Irish Beer at O'Shaunessy's Pub. We had garlic hummus and crackers along with blacken chicken as the main course. We met a through hiker who had previously hiked the AT and gave us her number as she lives in New Hampshire and let us know if we needed any help we could call her. While we would have liked to stay and continue to enjoy the ambience of the pub we had miles to make so it was back to the trail. It was a tough hike in but back out seemed to just fly and we were back on the AT in no time. Shortly after that we went over the 1700 mile mark and I saw my second red maple leaf. It's hard to imagine that the leaves are starting to turn and we aren't even out of July yet! We had a hard climb out of Killington and then over Quimby Mountain. As we made our way out onto a graveled covered parking lot we were met by a group of young people all dressed up as if to go to the prom. But it wasn't the prom but a wedding group that was headed to Thunder Falls for some pictures. They happily complied with out request to have our photo taken with Joey the Groom and everyone got a big kick out of it. My feet continue to feel more and more of the trail especially when it involves roots and even more so when going down hill. I am definitely going to invest in a new pair of boots just before the Whites. I also have to do something about my phone as the storage capacity is full due to the number of photos I have taken, 3000 +. I should be able to take care of it in Hanover. I hope it lasts that long. Tomorrow is a 21.5 mile day with lots of ups and downs. It will make the roller coaster in Virginia look like a cake walk. I hope I can go it as my legs are really getting tired. But I have a great incentive in knowing that Hanover is the next day.
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Stoney Brook

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Man I haven't walked over 20 miles in a long time and now I'm feeling it. These hills (11) were brutal and always seemed to be going up at more than a 45 degree slope! At least we had the opportunity to eat black caps and rasberries along the way. We also got the chance to go up to the privately owned cabin called the Lookout Cabin. It is open to hikers eventhough it is privately owned and it had a lookout built on the roof complete with benches and offered an amazing view from on top. I really wished I was staying here tonight but was not. Lots of SOBO's including Sky Chicken, Princess and others and we continued to ask them questions about Maine and the Whites. Despinte a long day and miles we made a stop at the "On the Edge Farm" as it was less than .5 miles off the trail and offered a great variety of food including most importantly ICE CREAM! I was able to get and quickly polished off some seriously sharp cheese, Gatorade and smoked peperoni. I really wish I had had more time to spend here as it was a really nice place. My feet continue to hurt a bit as my boots have totally broken down in the soles and I feel each root and rock I step on. Of more concern is that there is little to no tread left on the bottom of the boot and when the rocks are wet they can be really slick. Despite our early start and with a number of breaks during the day we didn't get in until 815. This is the latest I think I ever got into camp since we did the night hike out of NJ into NY. There are 3 Section hiker girls sharing the shelter with Whitey so Oconee and I decide to tent. Its actually a pretty nice set up under some pines but still able to see the night sky. The wind is blowing softly over head and it should help me sleep tonight. It started to warm up mid way through the day and tomorrow its calling for 90's and is expected to last for 2 to 3 days. I'm so glad we will be at Doug and Terri's. There continues to be moose poop from time to time but mostly up at the top of the mountains high up. I'm so excited about seeing one and can't wait.
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Hanover/ NH 120

To: Doug and Terri's in Hanover
Miles today: 0.0

Despite having the opportunity to sleep in Oconee and I were both up at 6. We started the day off in style with a cup of coffee with Baileys. Oh the trials and tribulations of the trail. Doug has been such a great host and we hated to see him have to go off to work. It would have been so nice to have him play hooky but of course he has too many responsibilities at the hospital to even consider it. After he left I got to work in the kitchen throwing together bacon, pancakes with real maple syrup and O.J. Oconee is definitely hooked on the maple syrup and can't wait to get home and include a maple syrup section in his kitchen. The rest of the day was your typical hiker zero day which is filled with showering, doing laundry, figuring out your itinerary for the next few days, making a list of resupply needs and repacking your pack. We both also took the time to start winnowing down our packs by looking at each item to see if it was something we could do without. I was able to put together a plastic grocery bag of items and Oconee came up with a box that he is mailing home. We both want to get our packs as light as possible given that we are taking on winter gear heading into the White Mountains and are trying to travel as light as possible. When Doug got home we headed to the Post Office so Oconee could mail his things out then we stopped into Verizon as I had taken so many pictures 3000 + that my storage device was overloaded and I had to get a new micro sd card. We then did some quick shopping at EMS and LL Bean as I am in need of a new pair of boots going into the Whites. The ones I have now the toes are ripped up and the tread is so thin that even now when the rocks are wet I have little to no tread. Unfortunately they did not have my size so I am going to have to wait until I get home to order them on line. This will be my 4th pair of boots/hiking shoe on the trail so far and hopefully the last. With shopping done for now we headed to White River Junction to try another BBQ place. We were lucky to get there when we did because as we were pulling into the parking lot the rain started to come down and the wind started whipping and thunder and lightening began to pop everywhere. We got a really good show of it from inside Big Fatty's BBQ where we got more than we could finish and it was just as good as the 3 Guy's Basement BBQ in Hanover. We headed back to the house where we prepped our food bags for the next 3 days and had ice cream with of course - Baileys! Who knows when we'll get the chance to have it again. I really wish we had more time to just visit with Doug as he has been a real delightful and knowledgeable host and more importantly friend. I would really like to come back with Laura and visit both he and Terri and just see some of the sites in the area. Oh well another time. Off to bed and lights out at 10. Won't be keeping these types of hours once back on the trail.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Doug and Terri's in Hanover

To: Bill Ackerly's/Grafton Turnpike
Miles today: 16.8

Doug dropped us off at 630 at Lew's Diner so we could get our free crueler donut. The people there were so friendly and Oconee of course had the maple and bacon covered donut. Since we had miles to make we couldn't linger too long and mad our way out of town. On the way we ran into Gazelle and Gargamel who had tented behind the college stadium and were headed into town for something to eat. Hanover is a really cool town and like I said before I would really like to come back with Laura. Our first climb out was fortunately 10 miles long with an elevation gain of 1100 feet. We passed more maple sugar tubing that Oconee continues to find fascinating and got some pics of him putting the spout of a drop line into the tap hole. As we climbed the views became more and more spectacular with mountains rising everywhere in the horizon and it was hard to keep our eyes on the trail. We finally did make it to the top of Moose Mountain where there was plenty of Moose poop but not moose At the top there was a great place to break for lunch that had views of the valley and ponds below and despite the haze was great. There we ran into 2 SOBO'S Athena and Moxie both from Virginia. They were really nice and shared a few tips with us about what we had coming up. The best tip was when they told us about bill Ackerly, aka the Ice Cream Man. He is 86 years old and has opened his home to hikers who he finds interesting and invigorating. He also has the only croquet course on the AT and is an expert on birds in the area. With this information in mind and a need to make some miles so we could get there at a decent hour we wrapped up our lunch break, thanked the girls and headed down the mountain. Our travels down did take us over some really wild cliff drop offs at Holts Ledge mm 1759.2 where we got some great pics. We finally made to Bill's house at 7 but no Bill. He did have a welcome note to make ourselves comfortable and told us where the ice cream sandwiches were. He also had a cooler of Cokes for .50 so we quickly downed one of those then had our ice cream sandwich. Since Bill still had not shown up we made our dinner on the back deck picnic table expecting him to show up some time. His cousin Hope did stop by to see him and filled us in on how much he enjoyed have hikers at his home and that we should feel quite comfortable using the facilities and to plan on staying the night. It was while talking with her Bill did show up and insisted on us staying on the screened in porch to avoid the heavy condensation as well as the bugs. We only got a short time to visit as he was headed to NYC the next day to visit his sister. This is one person I would like to get to know more and so glad I was fortunate to meet him. There is so much depth to his personality and he has so much to share. Another fascinating person on the AT.