morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: West Cornwall Road
Miles today: 5.7

Today we are meeting friends of mine. Tony and Helen live in Thomaston, CT and I¢ve been looking forward to this stop since I started my hike. The 5.7 miles took us a little longer than we expected so it was 12:20 when we got to the road and we were supposed to meet them at the Wandering Moose Restaurant at 1:00. Time for Lulu to do her stuff. Gals can get a ride a lot easier than a guy can. The second car stopped by and took us right to the restaurant. We were actually a little early.Tony and Helen were great. They ran us to the outfitter to fill our fuel bottles and Lulu to the doctor to get a tick bite looked at. We did laundry, took showers and relaxed. Tony and Helen took us out to dinner. It was a good ending to a great day.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: West Cornwall Road

To: US44
Miles today: 16.7

The plan was for Tony and Helen to drop us off where we left and for us to hike on. Well, plans change. As we were getting out of the car and getting our packs on, I asked Lulu if there were any restaurants or delis around today. She said that the book listed a restaurant that we could stop at for lunch. I asked Tony and Helen if they would meet us for lunch. They did, and we set 2:00 as a time that we thought we could get there by.A couple of miles into the hike Lulu said to me that we should have slack-packed (hiked without our packs) this section and I thought we were pretty lame to not have thought of this earlier. Too late now, we hiked on with our heavy packs. We also realized that this section was a mile longer than we had originally thought. The pressure was on and we picked up the pace.I was moving right along when my eye caught some movement ahead and to the side of the trail. Then, in a split second, the rattle started. It was another rattlesnake. I didn¢t have much time, but I dropped my pack and got a couple of pictures. I stayed there until Lulu caught up so she wouldn¢t come onto the snake by herself. We got past it and moved on. We got to the restaurant about 15 minutes late and Tony and Helen were already there. It turned out that the restaurant was closed. Tony and Helen were way ahead of us and had checked the place out right after dropping us off. They had already bought subs and had them there waiting for us. What happened next, isn¢t clear to me how it started, but we told Tony and Helen that we should have slacked-packed those last miles. Someone suggested that we slack the next 9.5 miles. I took the fanny pack off of my main pack and took a few key items with us. We were off.Tony and Helen were right there to pick us up 3 hours later. We were on our way back to their house for another night with a quick stop by a local DQ and McDonalds.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: US44

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 14.2

Today we said goodbye to Tony and Helen, for real this time. They did so much for us. It¢s hard to just say thanks and have it be enough. So, Lulu and I decided to leave their address and phone number for the south-bounders that will be coming through the area. (Just kidding!)Tony drove us north this morning and dropped us off. It looked like it was going to rain as we started. It did start to sprinkle once, but stopped a while later.We stopped for a break at the Riga Lean-to to take a short break. We read in the trail register that a bear had actually started up the steps into the lean-to to look around for food, but the people staying there that night made enough noise to scare the bear away.Right after stopping for lunch today we crossed into Massachusetts. That¢s 10 states completed and 4 to go. We crossed 3 small mountains today. Although it wasn¢t a big mile day, we felt like we put in a good day. We are staying tonight with Sam and Maylou Man II.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Massachusetts Rt. 23
Miles today: 16.4

After leaving the Hemlocks lean-to we had to finish the descent from yesterday¢s last mountain, Mt. Everett. This was fairly steep and we didn¢t make great time. We came to Jug End Road and Wingfoot¢s guidebook said there was a spring a short distance down the road. I found it and filled our water bottles and we were back on the trail.We stopped at US route 7 and walked toward Great Barrington as it looked like we might find a coke machine. Lulu went into a Nursery/Garden Shop and found that the lady that ran the business had cold drinks, snacks and ice cream that she sold. We asked if there was a restaurant nearby and there was. The lady kept our packs and walked another half mile to the Pepper Mill restaurant. We tried to sit away from others as it was a hot day and we didn¢t smell like a flower garden. After a nice lunch we walked back to the garden center. We bought some fruit, drinks and a few snacks from the lady and we were on our way.Later this afternoon Lulu found information in the guidebook about a hiker hostel called East Mountain Retreat Center. We decided to stay there because we could wash our clothes. It was almost 2 miles off the trail but the shower and laundry were worth it.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Massachusetts Rt. 23

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was going to be a big day and it started by walking back to the trail; nearly 2 miles that don¢t count. We tried to hitch, but had no luck. It¢s not as easy up north as it is in the south.We climbed out of the valley about 1000¢ and it would be the first of several climbs today. It was another hot and humid day and there were several places where the trail took us out of the woods and out of the shade. The sun just saps a person¢s energy on a day like today. In the woods we were out of the sun, but the mosquitoes were unrelenting. I was running low on Deet, which I don¢t like to use much on my skin anyway, but today I was ready to bathe, gargle and brush my teeth with it to keep from being eaten alive. We were both tired, but Lulu was nearly out of gas. We finally arrived at Upper Goose Pond Cabin at 8:00 after along hot day. We went upstairs to get bunks for the night and found Stumps and Tuckleberry already there. It was great to see them again. We both got in our bunks and were out in minutes.
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6

We woke to a cloudy and threatening day, but we hardly noticed because at Upper Goose Pond Cabin, the caretakers make you a pancake breakfast. Were they ever good! I don¢t remember how many I ate, but that¢s just as well. It¢s hard to believe they can do this for a $3.00 donation.We left and got on the trail. The next checkpoint was quite meaningful to me. We were to cross the Massachusetts turnpike. I have wanted to someday hike the AT since I was in the Navy. I can remember traveling the Mass Pike when coming back to New York from Brunswick, Maine and seeing the footbridge over ht turnpike with its Appalachian Trail sign. I would say that someday I would cross here on my own thru hike. Today it happened. I told Lulu the story and we stopped to take pictures. Today part of my dream came true. I¢ve kept that promise to myself. I¢ve never given up on this dream.We stopped for lunch at the October Mountain lean-to and we were joined by Happy Trail or ¢Happy¢ for short. Happy is a retired career Marine officer and is still in good physical shape at 54 years old. He¢s been doing a lot of big mileage days and today would be no exception at 29 miles. I liked Happy right away. He wants to slow down and asked me to hike in front of him this afternoon so he wouldn¢t ¢rabbit¢ ahead. The three of us hiked on to the Kay Wood lean-to for the night. For a day that was supposed to dump lots of rain on us, we only got wet from the inside out.Another good day on the trail. We even found a cooler in the woods with sodas for thru hikers. With crossing the turnpike today, I must say that I really am ¢living the dream.¢
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Kay Wood Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 12.3

Early this morning I was listening to my radio with my headphones and Happy asked me if I wanted to get up and head into Dalton for breakfast. I told him if Lulu would get up this early that I¢d be happy to go. (It was 5:18am)I couldn¢t believe that Happy was able to get Lulu up willingly. Lulu and Happy were ready to leave ahead of me so I told them to go and I would catch up. They must have been starved because it was Dalton before I saw them again. We had a good breakfast at a restaurant on the trail. Happy needed to stay in town to use the internet and do laundry, so Lulu and I hiked on after breakfast. We made good time getting to Cheshire, the next town up the trail. This was it for today and we are taking a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 11.0

Back on the trail after a nice zero day in North Adams. If you are in this part of Massachusetts, this is a nice town. After being dropped off in Cheshire, in front of the post office, we were again following the white blazes.We passed between some houses, crossed route 8 and headed into the woods. We started a moderate climb, which would bring us to the summit of Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts¢s highest mountain. There¢s a road to the summit, with a lodge and war memorial. It¢s Sunday and the sky was blue so it was a busy place. Being that it was busy and I don¢t like crowds, I didn¢t stay long. We were off to find Wilbur Clearing Lean-to. After a few more miles, we were there. With us were Scorpion and Rainbow Bright. Lulu and I set up our tents.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a good start this morning, leaving the shelter at or before 7:00. Three miles down the mountain, we entered civilization near North Adams and a half-mile away was a Friendly¢s restaurant, so off we went for a second breakfast. After this necessary detour, we climbed back out of town. It wasn¢t too much after that when we crossed into Vermont. Eleven states complete, 3 to go!Late this afternoon, Lulu discovered that her travel guide and some other papers had fallen from her pack. I told her to continue towards the next shelter and that I would go back to see if I could find them. I went back about 1.5 miles, but no luck. We passed a southbound hiker that said she would continue the search the next day. I hurried to get to the shelter, arriving just as it was getting dark. Lulu had her tent up and helped me with mine. I got a bear bag hung and was soon in my bag.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Just at first light today I heard raindrops hitting the leaves in the trees over my tent. I hurried to pack my stuff in order not to have to pack a wet tent. Lulu got up and did the same and after we packed we went a short distance to the shelter to eat breakfast out of the rain. It looked like it was going to be a day of hiking in the rain. We crossed VT Route 9 after a couple of miles and continued to Melville Nauheim Shelter where we had lunch.We climbed this afternoon, sometimes in the rain, up Glastonberry Mountain and stopped at Godderd Shelter at 3540¢ elevation. There was a great group of people there. Lulu tented and I stayed in the shelter. Lulu had a difficult day on the trail today. Loosing her papers was difficult and she didn¢t sleep well the previous night. She turned in early and I hoped that tomorrow¢s weather would be good and help her past this.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold, rainy and windy night, but the morning brought sunshine and eventually warmer temperatures.We hiked to Kid Gore where we took a break and filled our water bottles. We hiked 5 more miles to Story Spring Shelter and had lunch. Just before I got there I was greeted by three section hikers singing ¢Happy Trails to You,¢ the old Roy Rogers song. This was unusual, but a very nice greeting to get on the trail.After lunch we had several easy miles before we started to climb Stratton Mountain. We started up and I was feeling good and continued to a spring just 0.6 miles from the summit. I was just starting to get water when Lulu showed up, just 5 minutes later. Sometimes these climbs slow her down, but she was smoking up this mountain today. I took time to climb the fire tower and take some pictures. Lulu even went up part way and she hates heights. After a nice break we pushed on toward Stratton Pond Shelter, a little more than 3 miles from the summit. We arrived about at about 7:40. 19.4 miles today. A good day for us, especially with a 4000¢ mountain at the end of the day.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked 10.6 miles with a quick stop for water. Today was a town day so there was no grass growing under our feet.Since we¢ve been in Vermont, we¢ve been seeing moose signs, but so far no moose. We got to the road and started to hitch into town when who do we see pulling into the parking area but Stumps and Tuckleberry. Stump¢s girlfriend had been up for a visit and was dropping them off, so she took us into town, dropping us off at the post office. Many thanks for the ride!We picked up our resupply boxes and headed to Sutton¢s Guesthouse to get accommodations. We went out and did our laundry and for dinner right after our long hot showers.Another good day!
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Manchester Center

To: Lost Pond Shelter (tented)
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was nice to have a day off and Manchester Center is a nice place to be on a day off.I woke up to rain and was not in a hurry to get started. Lulu had walked to town for coffee and came back to see if I wanted to go in for breakfast. By the time we were done the rain had let up (for the moment). We packed and headed out. While walking by the caf© a guy stepped out and asked us if we needed a ride. We said sure and he said he¢d be right out. He took us up to the AT and wouldn¢t accept any money. I think it was our easiest ride yet.The weather started to improve about 1:30 and so does your spirits when the sun comes out. We hiked up Bromley Mountain, a skiing mountain. We went over the summit and on to Styles Peak where we had lunch. Shortly after lunch, while on the trail, I noticed two hikers coming towards us when I recognized the guy as none other than Cave Dog. He is the Michael Jordan of the hiking world. He has speed hiked so many groups of mountains, its incredible. I believe he was speed hiking the Long Trail, which is also the AT in the southern part of VT. I said hello and he shook my hand on the way by. This was the highlight of my day.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Lost Pond Shelter (tented)

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter (tented nearby)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

We¢ve been tenting on nights where the weather looks good because the mosquitoes have been hard to deal with in the shelters. I also seem to sleep better in my tent.Today was uneventful. We passed a small lake before lunch and some hardy young boys were taking a swim even though I don¢t believe the temperature reached 70 degrees. Tomorrow I hope to link up with John Miller, a friend of mine who may hike with us for a short while.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter (tented nearby)

To: Pico Camp Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we are hoping to meet up with a friend of mine, John Miller, and hike with him for about a week.We started at about 7:00 and had to go only a few miles to the road. We were a couple of miles out when I saw John coming towards us. We hiked to the parking lot and got into his car and drove the half-mile to the restaurant where we would have walked. After a good breakfast and packing a sandwich for lunch, we drove another half-mile to a small store where we picked up some additional goodies.Finally on the trail, we hiked towards Killington Mountain. This would be our big climb that would come later in the day. We stopped for lunch at Governor Clement Shelter. Lulu finished lunch first and went ahead and started up Killington. John and I followed 20 minutes later. Lulu was nearly to the summit by the time we caught her. We stopped briefly at the Cooper Lodge but decided to do another couple of miles to Pico Camp before calling it a day. Pico Camp is a shelter with 4 walls, windows, and a door¢¦ quite different from the three-sided shelters we¢re used to. John¢s trail name is Spinnaker because he likes sailing. This was a good first day for him and he did well.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Pico Camp Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We completed our hike off of Killington this morning and crossed US4. A short while later we came to the junction where the Long Trail and the AT separate. The Long Trail continues north to the Canadian border and the AT turns east towards New Hampshire. A mile or so later we took a side trail to the Long Trail where we had a nice lunch. Back on the trail, we came to Gifford Woods State Park. We took advantage of the showers there. We finished the day at Stony Brook Shelter. I¢m staying in the shelter while Spinnaker and Lulu are camping. It¢s raining now and I¢m glad to be in the shelter.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Bartlett Brook Road (tented)
Miles today: 16.9

Spinnaker, Lulu and I talked about trying to hike to Bartlett Road and stay at the Rosewood Bed and Breakfast and we all agreed.I took off first and there were lots of ups and downs. Vermont is really getting me ready for the White Mountains. I left a note for Spinnaker and Lulu for us to meet at the Wintturi Shelter for lunch. I pushed on to the shelter and was there right about noon. About 30 minutes later Lulu and Spinnaker showed up. We ate lunch and were off again toward Bartlett Road. Lulu and Spinnaker told me to push on and see if I could get there in time for dinner.I passed through the rolling and sometimes steep Vermont hills and finally arrived at Bartlett Road. I walked up the road and discovered that the B&B was out of business. What a disappointment. I left a note for Lulu and Spinnaker to let them know that the B&B was closed and I was pushing on a short distance to find a camping spot. Lulu soon showed up and about 30 minutes later Spinnaker arrived. We were low on water, but had enough to get us to the next stream in the morning. We called it a night after a long day.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Bartlett Brook Road (tented)

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

We had a relatively easy day in front of us, with trying to get a little more than 13 miles. After getting water, we decided to hitch a short distance to South Pomfret to a country store. What a great little place. I got a breakfast sandwich and a sandwich to go as well as cookies. Lulu and Spinnaker got coffee and some other things. The lady who was running the store was very nice to us and we were very glad that we took the time to stop here.We moved on through the beautiful Vermont countryside, maple syrup country and high meadows, on another beautiful day. Late in the day we came to the small town of West Hartford. Spinnaker went for a swim in the river and Lulu and I saw another country store. I got a cheeseburger and fries and Lulu a sandwich with some cokes. Spinnaker soon showed up and got some fries.After this stop we passed under interstate 89 and had about 4 more miles to go. The radio was saying that we might see thundershowers this evening, so we picked up the pace. We all arrived ahead of the rain at the Happy Hill Shelter. Lulu and Spinnaker decided to tent because of the mosquitoes and I stayed in the shelter.At about 11:00 we caught the edge of a thunderstorm and we got some wind and rain, but it soon passed.
Date: 2004-07-01
To: JR. (Spinnaker) Miller
Miles today: 0.0

I had the good fortune to spend a week with Pilgrim Soul. I met up with John on Monday, June 28, north of Manchester, VT. He is a walking machine. We covered about 68 miles in 4 days and then a quick 6 miles into Hanover, NH on the 5th day.I had the time of my life. John is wonderful to hike with. I also met Lulu. Her hiking style is far different from Pilgrim Soul but they complement each other very well. I knew they would be good physically at humping the trail. I didn't know how good they would be at the routine of daily life. When we got up in the morning, John had breakfast, got packed and was walking before I even had my breakfast started. At night, he would be in the sack before I had my tent set up.John kicked my butt on the trail. We climbed a steady grade up Killington Mountain for over 2 miles. I sucked wind the entire way. John told me stories all the way to the top without even breathing heavy.It was so good to spend time with Pilgrim Soul. John and I have been friends for years but we never had the chance to hike together. This past week was the most fun time I've ever spent on the trail. I hope we can link up again for another adventure.Some people have asked me what I learned while traveling with the experts. 2 real tricks were passed along to me: Lighten the load. They pointed out several ways to quickly Lighten my pack. More importantly they have set my frame of mind to look at every little item and scrutinize the need for it and all it's packaging, etc. Secondly, There is a huge focus on enjoying every moment of every day. Any vista, any restaurant, any wildlife, etc., all get instant attention. Although they work very hard, they also have a great appreciation for what they are doing. There is little focus for the final day and Katahdin. There is a great focus to live in the moment.Thank you for allowing my entry into the journal of Pilgrim Soul. Feel free to contact me at JRMIL1454@yahoo.com
Date: 2004-07-02
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a short day to get into Hanover, NH and pass into our thirteenth state. We now have less than 500 miles to go to the end of the trail, and we already wondering how we will handle going back to the world.Lulu and I are going to miss Spinnaker. Having him with us this week was great. We wish he could stay on until the end.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter tent site
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We had breakfast this morning with Spinnaker, his wife Denise, and his daughter Laura. Lulu got fuel for her stove and we were off. We hiked through town and along a ball field and back into the woods.There were plenty of ups and downs today but nothing too difficult. It was a beautiful day for hiking with low humidity and a nice breeze.There is a new Moose Mountain Shelter, but we decided to put up our tents and not feed the mosquitoes. I looked at the map profile that shows elevation changes, and it looks like we have a workout ahead of us tomorrow.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Moose Mountain Shelter tent site

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was difficult as expected. Smarts Mountain was tough even if it was only 3000¢. I ate lunch about 4:00 at the fire warden cabin and then moved on another 5 miles. As I went through the day, I took pictures of Smarts Mountain (with a fire tower on it). First as I was far away, and then as I got closer. I¢m always amazed at how far my legs can carry me if I just stay at it. We¢re passing south-bounders now, sometimes every few hours. They are just finishing the most difficult part of the trail and I¢m just getting to it. I saw a sign today that showed 413 miles to go. Hard to believe that I¢m that close to the end.
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Campsite

To: Glencliff Hostel
Miles today: 15.3

First thing today I had to climb Cube Mountain. It wasn¢t that difficult, but I felt hurried as I was trying to get over it before it rained. I made it over at about the 8-mile point today. The skies opened up. It poured hard for about 15 minutes. I kept going and in about another mile, got to a shelter where I had lunch.After lunch it didn¢t rain much and the remainder of the day went quickly. The trail brought me out a short distance from a hiker hostel where I¢ll spend the night.