morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke up later than planned. I made arrangements to go to the Vanessa Breton Hostel in Salisbury, CT. But, I said I would be there before 9:30 because she was leaving for work. I first woke up a little after 5:00am, then I rested my eyes for a few minutes and it was 7:09am.I packed up as quickly as I could and left at 7:45am. I was back on the trail by 8:00am and I went at just about my top speed, although I did take a couple photos of views and stopped briefly to chat with Hot Toddy who is hiking to Great Barrington to get herself checked for lyme disease. That is getting a lot of hikers this year.Anyway, I made it to the hostel at 9:26am. That's 4.7 miles in about 1 hour 40 minutes which is about a 2.8 or 2.9 mph pace depending on if you count the trip back up the limestone cliffs. I wasn't sure if I could do that.The hostel is a great place to relax with wi-fi which isn't listed in AWOL's guide and plenty of close stores. I took a nap and had some of my favorite foods before catching up on my journal and ordering a pizza.I am here with Husker (from Nebraska), Shaggy, and two southbound thru-hikers, Footloose and Roger. I like seeing Southbounders because it reminds me there is an end. 3.7 miles were hiked: 1495.1 (Limestone Spring Shelter) to 1498.8 (Salisbury, CT).
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a good start this morning after a cold pizza breakfast and a stop at the store to replenish my snickers supply. I missed a couple turns getting back on the trail. I assumed I would be lead by white blazes without thinking, but it turns out I needed to engage my brain a little bit.I made it to Riga Shelter for a break. It had a beautiful view. After Bear Mountain we exited Connecticut and entered Massachusetts. Sages Ravine had a series of swimming holes. I took another break as a group of hikers and two families with kids all enjoyed the ice cold water. It was 95 and scorching hot on the mountain, but quite cool in this shaded ravine.Mt. Race had some trail work going on to drill steps into the steep rock face. I appreciated the ones that were installed. Views from the top ridge were great. After another dip it was straight up Mt. Everett. I stopped to rest but heard about trail magic and made my way down to find ice cold water and Gatorade waiting for me. Thank you!A flyer says there's a hiker feed tomorrow. Things are looking up. I'm at Glen Brook Shelter, tenting with Husker and a father/sons group nearby. 13.9 miles were hiked: 1498.8 (Salisbury, CT) to 1512.7 (Glen Brook Shelter). 1500 miles complete!
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Benedict Pond
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: few clouds

I forgot to mention I gained +4 Mechanical Repair Skill Points when I used my pocket knife's screwdriver to reattach the piezoelectric starter to my stove. It was getting looser and finally fell off last night at dinner. Because of the repair work, I was a little delayed and got caught in the rain, but not too badly.The theme for today was make it to the hiker feed while they still have food. I thought it was an easy task because the flyers said NO 1527.5, only 14.8 miles away. The profile didn't look particularly difficult, but I added to my troubles by chasing after a vending machine listed in the book as 0.2 miles East of the trail. When it wasn't there I walked in the sweltering sun just beyond a cornfield figuring the mileage must be off. Nope. I went all the way back and 0.2 miles East before finding a 1980's vending machine that wouldn't take any of my three relatively crisp dollar bills! I gave up.Back on the trail I met Hot Sauce (A.T. '12) doing trail magic on the trail with Mountain Dew and ice cream bars. This improved my mood greatly, which I needed when I figured out the hiker feed was actually at MP 1531.1 and down a 0.5 mile side trail.I got there at 6:20, only an hour and 20 minutes late. I still found food though, and tented for free with a horde of other people. It was great! 18.4 miles were hiked: 1512.7 (Glen Brook Shelter) to 1531.1 (Benedict Pond).
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Benedict Pond

To: Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For the number of hikers in close proximity last night, there was surprisingly little drama. It was quite nice to be within walking range of flush toilets and potable water.I got an average start, back on the actual A.T. around 8:30am. I heard another rumor of a turkey dinner for thru-hikers at Goose Pond Cabin, so I hiked like I was on a mission all day.There is now a steady flow of Southbound thru-hikers, about 6 to 10 today, based on appearances only. I stopped to talk to Hooch while getting water and we tipped each other off about what to expect over the next couple of days.Jerusalem Road had a stand only 100 feet or so away from the trail selling pop and snacks, and even had an outlet for charging phones & batteries. It was freshly stocked when I got there and a perfect place to rest.I reached Upper Goose Pond Cabin without too much trouble and found the turkey dinner rumors were false, but I got a bunk with a mattress and am meeting a lot of new people (and a few old familiar faces). It's nice to not have to set up a tent and not get eaten alive by mosquitoes either. 17.0 miles were hiked: 1531.1 (Benedict Pond) to 1548.1 (Upper Goose Pond Cabin).
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

I was truly impressed with Upper Goose Pond Cabin. The caretakers, Rov and Bonnie, cooked a pancake breakfast, and I slept soundly in my mattressed bunk.I got an early start and crossed I-90 which I've spent several years maintaining and reconstructing in the Chicago area. It is the last of the major cross-country interstates we cross, and I'm glad it's behind me.Becket Mtn. and Walling Mtn. weren't too tough, but provided some elevation change for the day. I made it to October Mountain Shelter and rested. The heat and humidity made today's hike a challenge.At Washington Mountain Road I met the cookie lady (actually just get daughter and grandson). They have out cookies and sold pop. They even let a group of us wait out a rainstorm in their garage for about 40 minutes.I timed it perfectly, and hiked the remaining miles to Kay Wood Shelter with no significant rain. It's a festive group here tonight. Gamel, Mama Bear, Mr. Magoo, Bad Hat, Librarian (Sobo), Karate Kid (Sobo), Stan, "The" Hammer, Pace, and Strider (different than previous one) are a few of the people in and around the shelter tonight.I'm looking forward to a couple town visits tomorrow which should make for an interesting day. 17.6 miles were hiked: 1548.1 (Upper Goose Pond Cabin) to 1565.7 (Kay Wood Shelter).
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 11.8

Kay Wood Shelter was great. The rain and the smoke from the campfire eliminated the mosquito threat for one night at least. I did hit my back on the sloping roof beam while setting up my sleeping area, but it should just be another bruise.It was a three mile hike to Dalton. I got an early start and was in town by 8:30. Angelina's Subs opened at 9:00am and I dawdled there eating a sub and partially charging my phone and battery.I stopped at Crystal Mountain Campsite, mainly for a privy inspection, but also for shelter log reading and water. The hiking highlight was The Cobbles, with "marble outcroppings" and views of Cheshire. I got into town and Diane's Twist was the hiker hot spot.I think I spent over $20 in reasonably priced sandwiches, salads, pop, and ice cream over the course of the afternoon. St. Mary's opened at 4:30pm so I killed two hours at Diane's Twist, then dropped off my stuff. I then successfully took the bus to Berkshire Outfitters, got freeze-dried food & fuel, met Humming Bird (A.T. '15) whose dad runs the store, and got a ride with her back to the church. Thank you! When I got back a church picnic planning session was in progress. Interestingly the process of planning a Lutheran picnic is almost identical to a Catholic one. 11.8 miles were hiked: 1565.7 (Kay Wood Shelter) to 1577.5 (Cheshire, MA).
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Thank you to St. Mary's for opening their doors to us. Bathrooms are a luxury to us smelly hikers. I can't say it was a restful night, but it wasn't too bad. The temperature was cooler at least.My first stop was the Shell / Dunkin' Donuts. I ran into Silverfox and Bear-Bell. I last saw them at the RPH Shelter. With my calorie & caffeine boost I felt no pain up Mt. Greylock, despite the 2500 foot climb. I stopped at Mark Noepel Shelter and rested with Captain Planet, Kaleidescope, and Blue Butterfly.Kaleidescope was one of the last people to see Inchworm when she disappeared several years ago and was able to provide useful information in the search for her. Blue Butterfly rescued a Bird trapped in the upper level of the shelter.Mt. Greylock was absolutely beautiful with a stunning view. It's accessible by car so you pavement dwellers have no excuse for not seeing this beauty. Bascom Lodge was really nice too, but I didn't linger. I skipped Wilbur Clearing Shelter since it was 0.3 miles off trail. I leapfrogged with Hammer, Gamel, Stan, and Mama-Bear all day. When I got to the highway, I called Willows Motel, and they gave me a ride in after we dropped three hikers (all but Mama-Bear who wasn't with them) off at Papa John's Pizza. It was dinner at Olympic Pizza (Greek) and lights out for me. 14.7 miles were hiked. 1577.5 (Cheshire) to 1592.2 (Williamstown, MA).
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Williamstown Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to zero in Williamstown today. I met Sunnyside Up at breakfast. As we huddled around the front desk enjoying our complimentary breakfast, we found out we had hiked with a lot of the same people, but never each other despite starting two days apart.I caught up on journaling and ran a "load" of laundry, really about seven articles of clothing if you count each sock separately. I had lunch at Subway very close by. I love the consistency of chain restaurant food, but I was disappointed there was no pepperjack cheese.I did a bit of logistics planning on the afternoon, along with getting sucked into some A&E dramas on T.V. I'm sure I will be able to adjust, but I found it physically difficult to stop watching T.V. Dog the Bounty Hunter gives you the high tension pursuit and the tough love counseling session on the way to jail. That's good stuff.I'm the afternoon I walked through town and checked out Williams College, founded in 1793. I stopped in at Images Cinema and saw the one movie that had playing, Hunt For the Wilderpeople. It was very good and will probably be nominated for foreign film awards. It's from New Zealand. Anyway, a little more Dog the Bounty Hunter wrapped up a successful zero day.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Williamstown Zero Day

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I escaped town today after a good stay at the Willows Motel. It was breakfast for me, followed by a small resupply at Cumberland Farms convenience store. I Ron's think I got back on the trail (courtesy of a shuttle from Willows Motel) until 10:45 am. Going up the first mountain, I bypassed the bad weather trail, but later wondered if there was a bad insect trail, for when you can't concentrate on boulder hopping because gnats are flying on your eyes and deer flies are burrowing into your hair.I entered Vermont and started on the Long Trail, which runs on the same route as the A.T. for 105.2 miles. I stopped at Seth Warner Shelter and met a guy with a snoring dog and stuff spread out over half the shelter. He carried a large knife for his spear making hobby and a machete, and said he had been hiking various trails for 10 years. The Long Trail is bringing an interesting mix of people together.I reached Congdon Shelter and are with Husker, Scarecrow, and Chaco. Tenting spots are limited. I am tenting close to the privy which is convenient but also disturbing. 14.1 miles were hiked: 1592.2 (Williamstown) to 1606.3 (Congdon Shelter).
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

I slept quite well although the occasional late night privy user did wake me up. Some animal was sniffing around my tent, but I played dead and it went away.I got a later than average start and had a steep drop to the road to Bennington, VT. I resisted the temptation to get a ride into town. A guy pulled into a parking area and said if I was 10 minutes earlier he would have given me a ride with the other A.T. hikers he transported.It was a steep climb up from the road, and really a tiring climb all day. I think AWOL's spreadsheet showed a 3800 foot total climb today. I finally made it to Goddard Shelter, and found two people sleeping in the shelter (at 6:15pm) and three younger weekend hikers on the adjacent lawn.I set up my tent and when I came back to cook dinner I talked to the shelter sleepers that woke up. They are hiking the entire A.T. with just vacation and weekend time, and they are about halfway done right now. That's a serious commitment of free time.I came within a couple hours of seeing Patches, Yosamite, and Doc, but they moved on with the inexhaustible energy of youth. 14.4 miles were hiked: 1606.3 (Congdon Shelter) to 1620.7 (Goddard Shelter).
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

The rain came down steadily last night and all day today with short periods where the wind just blew the water off the trees instead. I was slow to get out of my tent, and then I delayed further with a freeze-dried scrambled egg breakfast.I finally hit the trail around 10:00am and slogged through mud, wet rocks, roots, and rain all day. I was looking desperately for Kid Gore Shelter but missed it. It was probably my failure to observe an obvious sign.I continued and found a small patch of ground not overshadowed by dripping trees and had some trail mix. I got into Story Spring Shelter around 3:15pm, which isn't terrible time, but it was clear I was not going to make my 20 mile goal today.So rather than hike 3.6 more miles to a campsite near a road, I got out of the rain and rested. I have some slack built into my schedule and this is the perfect way to use it. I am planning on getting an early start tomorrow to give myself some options.I can't wait to get to Manchester and get a hot shower and non-freeze-dried food. It was much colder today: 50's with rain. 8.9 miles were hiked: 1620.7 (Goddard Shelter) to 1629.6 (Story Spring Shelter).
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

August began like July ended: wet and muddy. I actually did what I planned to do and got an early start with boots on the trail by 6:20am. The highlight of the day was Stratton Mountain, where both the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail were conceived.I reached it around 9:45am, met the caretaker who seemed to enjoy getting to know hikers. The top of the mountain was in the clouds, and as they drifted by various views were made possible. It was a little chilly up at the top of the fire tower.I made my way down and bypassed three shelters on my way to VT 11. Other than the mud, the terrain wasn't particularly difficult. I did fall in the mud today. I was just going down a steep muddy part of the trail and my left foot slipped in the mud. I tumbled to my left and my legs flipped over my head, leaving me on my knees in the mud facing the direction I came from, unhurt.It was a long hike today. I made reservations in town and reached VT 11 by 5:26pm. I didn't have any cell reception, and since the hotel was four miles away, I broke my no hitchhiking rule and got a ride with a family with three teenage daughters in a Volkswagon Eurovan.I'm at the EconoLodge. Manchester Pizza delivered dinner. Also a clip I used to attach my crocs to my bag that went missing 7/11 mysteriously reappeared on top of my bag. 21.1 miles were hiked: 1629.6 (Story Spring Shelter) to 1650.7 (Manchester Center, VT).
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Manchester Center

To: Manchester Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I decided to zero at the EconoLodge in Manchester. With my town errands, I didn't think I could get a productive hiking day in anyway, and I felt I needed some rest after the past two days of rain and mud.It was lightly raining and cool this morning but warmed up in the afternoon. I got a ride into town with "Fog" (Finder of Gifts) whose friend picked her up. I stopped at the laundromat and did my laundry, then got some Subway and resupplied at EMS (Outfitter). I would like to say I resisted the temptation, but if no one watches Jason Bourne, Jason Bourne doesn't exist. Price Chopper rounded out my resupply and I decided to hike the 1.5 miles back to the EconoLodge. It was hot and I sweated a little bit, but life goes on.Most of the rest of the day was spent watching A&E and I was able to get a call home, so I would call it a successful zero day. The weather is looking good for the next five days which is much appreciated. Vermont has started with its infamous mud, and rain makes things more challenging. We did have a 150 foot trail reroute due to a flooded pond. 0.0 miles were hiked.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Manchester Zero Day

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

I subconsciously extended my time off trail by sleeping in. Then I did a bit of journal updating to let the wider world know about my exciting adventures. Before long it was about 10:30am. I checked out and enjoyed a Bob's Diner early lunch. It was quite good with friendly service.I called a shuttle, but the one shuttle that was answering the phone was in for repairs. I tried to yogi a ride from a ranger station, but received only an internet research assist. I hitchhiked, and the third car pulled over and a very nice woman drove me out to the trailhead.I stopped at Bromley Shelter to let the world know I am alive, through shelter logs. I stopped at Styles Peak for two-day old cookies that I packed out from Subway. The bugs didn't bother me at all until I say down for awhile.It was late enough when I reached Peru Peak Shelter. Library was here taking a nap but moved on. Buns and Dayhiker (SOBO's) are here along with a week-long Long Trail section hiker.I'm trying out shelter sleeping, but I'm not sure if it will be cold enough to keep the mosquitoes away. 10.1 miles were hiked: 1650.7 (Manchester Center, VT) to 1660.8 (Peru Peak Shelter). 3/4 of the trail is complete!
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey
Miles today: 19.6

Peru Peak was very pleasant, with a babbling brook directly in front of the shelter. It was cool enough that I was able to bury myself in my sleeping bag to foil the half-hearted mosquito attack. I met the Long Trail section hiker, Knobbie, and we decided to try out hiking together. It turns out we have a similar pace and got along well together, so the miles passed relatively quickly.Baker Peak had an unexpected steep climb for a short distance up some granite slabs, and the views were quite rewarding. I took a short break at Little Rock Pond Shelter which was a cool shelter with a lot of covered area and a bench around the perimeter of the table. Most shelters are much simpler.There were two "stone gardens" today, basically individual stacks of stones that look a little out of place in the pine forest. At Greenwall Shelter's side trail, we made a decision to push to the next shelter.Bear Mountain was the last obstacle. We made it up and over. Knobbie's ankle was bothering him a bit, but we made it. We set up tents and endured a coordinated mosquito offensive before retiring to our tents. 19.6 miles were hiked: 1660.8 (Peru Peak Shelter) to 1680.4 (Minerva Hinchey Shelter).
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Minerva Hinchey

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

I rested and slept well at Minerva Hinchey Shelter. I was able to plan out a banner day, which Knobbie agreed to in the morning. There were some beautiful views down to Rutland Airport.The suspension bridge over Clarendon Gorge was a little bouncy for me. We walked 0.5 miles west to Qu's Whistle Stop Restaurant for a great breakfast. I did sustain some damage to my sleeping pad due to a spear-like branch, but it's still functional. I passed the 500 miles to Katahdin sign and shortly after had trail magic in the form of a cold beer from Woody (A.T. '98). Beer has never tasted so good. After a short break at Governor Clement Shelter, we pushed up to Cooper Lodge Shelter. It was a serious 2500 foot climb, and we were trying to make it up before the restaurant closed, so there were few breaks.When we got to the flatter section prior to the peak, we were almost running. We left our packs at the shelter and climbed another 400 feet or so up to the lodge where I had a delicious and expensive burger, fries, and Dr. Pepper. The view was mesmerizing.I met "The Incredibles", a family of four, as well as several other hikers, and caught up with Mothly Stud and Little Debbie. 14.1 miles were hiked: 1680.4 (Minerva Hinchey Shelter) to 1694.5 (Cooper Lodge Shelter).
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: few clouds

It was nice and cool overnight. By morning we were shrouded in clouds and mist. Knobbie and I started down the mountain at 8:00am. The hike wasn't very eventful, just some careful stepping on and around wet rocks and roots. There were plenty of dayhikers and weekend hikers and a work crew heading out to elevate more of the trail out of the mud. We got to U.S. Route 4, and I headed over to the parking area and found Liam who works for Killington Mountain Guides and he offered to take Knobbie and I into town, 8.5 miles away. Now that's trail magic!We are at Wendy's and I said goodbye to Knobbie who finished his trip today. If he was an A.T. hiker,   I would have continued hiking with him, but thus it is on the trail.I found the Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel and found a bunk. I met Doc, Yosamite, and Patches who I haven't seen in months. Rutland is a big hiker meeting point because you can get here from three different trail crossings.I had dinner with the 12 Tribes group and felt very welcomed by everyone throughout my stay. It was great to rest. 6.3 miles were hiked: 1694.5 (Cooper Lodge Shelter) to 1700.8 (Rutland, VT).
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Rutland, VT

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

I didn't sleep very well at the hostel. It's just a lot of people moving around and making noises, and air conditioning set much colder than I was used to. I headed over to Burger King to get some personal space and work on my journal.I walked over and caught the 9:15am bus for $2.00 which was very convenient. I started where I left off, with my first stop at Gifford Woods State Park. There were snacks and pop that were not advertised but available upon request.As I contemplated the list revenue from this silliness, Can-Do and Backscratcher walked up. I haven't seen them since Virginia! I have been slowly gaining on them, despite my zero taking. It was good to sit and talk with them. Can-Do will be the first person from Thailand to complete the A.T.Quimby Mountain was a steep climb that got some sweat flowing. I called it a day at Stony Brook Shelter. I cooked an early dinner and retired to my tent by about 5:00pm, despite the good company of Birdman, Packman, and Spongebob.I was not feeling entirely well, and I don't know what to blame. 10.0 miles were hiked: 1700.8 (US 4, Rutland, VT) to 1710.8 (Stony Brook Shelter).