morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Route 341, Kent (HOBO and Anita's house)

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.4

I said goodbye to Anita, and HOBO and I headed off to Kent, stopping on the way at a diner for breakfast. I enjoyed French Toast and bacon. What a wonderful treat it was to spend time with such great trail angels. Hawksbill came down the trail and got something out of the trail magic cooler that had been there yesterday. Dora the Explorer had refilled it, this time with non-diet drinks and even beer. Too early for that, so I put on my boots and headed across the field toward Macedonia Brook. Hawksbill had said it had rained hard all night, and the brook showed it. The trail leading up to the bridge (3 stout logs on cribbing) disappeared under flowing water. I took off the boots and socks, put on my camp shoes, rolled up my pants, and waded to the bridge. The water was halfway up to my knees. Same thing on the other side. I learned tonight that by 1:00 when DblR and Red Leg got there, the water had gone down.The trail went up fairly steeply for a while and then had several ups and downs before arriving at Caleb's Peak, where I had lunch. Puddin' and Flounder went by, headed for Caesar Brook Campsite. I felt too sluggish to go that far. It took me well over an hour to get from the peak down St. John's Ledges to the road by the Housatonic, a descent of about 700 feet and just 1.2 miles. AWOL describes it as steep stone steps, and some of it was. But some of it involved navigating larger rocks and tricky spots. I even butt slid a couple of feet, and was glad to hear later that DblR (a Mainer now living in Conroe, TX; DblR stands for recently retired) had done the same thing.The trail was pretty flat for the next 4.6 miles along the River, which was high, flowing fast, and muddy. I stopped briefly at the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter to sign the shelter log. At River Road, the trail began to climb again, with a gain of over 500 feet from its lowest spot by the river, to the Silver Hill Campsite. DblR passed me as I was contemplating getting water from a stream, because the guide said the pump at the site may be difficult. He said he'd pump the water, so I thanked him and followed him up the hill.The campsite is lovely. Intended for groups, it has a pavilion with two picnic tables, a swing, a platform on the edge of the hill that could have great views minus a few trees, flat tent sites, and a brand new privy. I am here with DblR and Red Leg, who both zeroed yesterday and missed the rain.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Early alarm, but did not get on the trail until 7:50Slow day, even though the weather was cooler and drier. Did not seem to have focus and was worrying about things over which I have no control. Need to let go of that and regain the happiness I have had on the trail. I suppose everyone has some days like this. Red Leg said he was feeling bored.Stream crossings more frequent, and a few more challenging than they might normally be.Called Bearded Woods Hostel to see if they had a bunk available. Thought I might try to stay two nights and get slack packed, but they are full. I do have a reservation with Vanessa Breton in Salisbury for tomorrow. She will pick me up if I get to the road before she goes to work. So I should be there by 5:30.Had a long talk with Lee. She said she wants to do Katahdin with me. Hope that can work out. She has been doing fast hikes up Pico and Killington.No one else at this campsite tonight. Hope I really can get up early and get going.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Cobble Rd., Salisbury (Vanessa Breton's house)
Miles today: 12.7

Was on the trail at 7:30. The day began with small ups and downs, some rocky, and one lovely view with clouds still floating in the valleys, but I made fairly good time down to CT 112 and along the flat stretch toward Falls Village. As I was walking along Route 7 to go over the Housatonic, a pickup pulled over, a head stuck out the back window and yelled, "Hi Nubbins!" It was Sherlock, who asked if I needed a ride or if I was on the trail. I said I was on the trail. They were headed to the PO in Falls Village. Cyclone is recovering, and they are in Kent. I said they would catch me, or probably pass while I am in Maine. We'll keep in touch.I got to the parking lot .3 miles from the village and decided to go to the Toy Maker's Cafe for a hamburger. Nice place and very hiker friendly. Dave and Anne have had it 12 years. I had a burger, read some of the Boston Globe, ate an ice cream bar for dessert, and headed back to the trail. It soon crossed the Housatonic on an old bridge. The river was flowing full and hard, and I could see rapids and an island partially submerged. Further along the river, there were a couple of spots where one could walk in to see the great falls. What amazing power in all that water. Stitch, one of the Warrior Hikers, came along, and we took each other's pictures. I had also seen Big Foot just a bit earlier. He was trying to catch Mama Goose, who is hiking with them a few days. They were the only thru-hikers I saw all day (other than Sherlock and Cyclone in the truck).From the river, the trail goes up nearly 900 feet to the top of Mt. Prospect. No real views, but I took a short break. My goal was to get down to US 44, 4.1 miles away, in close to two hours. The trail still has a lot of water either on it or running across it, but the only real muddy sections were in flat areas. The last drop toward the road was very steep, with some switchbacks. I made it a little after 5 and called Vanessa. Just as I got to Cobble Road, where the trail turns off Route 44, she arrived and drove me to her house on a little street called The Lockup. Nice old house that has been well-renovated. I have a room upstairs next to the bathroom. I took a shower while she went to pick up her dogs.Vanessa gave me a Big Elm IPA (newish brewery in Sheffield, MA) and some crackers and cheese while we chatted.Town walk, David, wine guyDinner at The Country BistroTalk with Lee
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Cobble Rd., Salisbury (Vanessa Breton's house)

To: Race Brook Falls Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

BreakfastChurchRoad walkLion's HeadRiga ShelterLunch at Brassie Brook Shelter. Spent an hour. The Viking came in as I was leaving. They are down to three: The Viking, Machine, and Big Foot. Stitch may rejoin. He got a bite or something yesterday afternoon, and his leg got very swollen. He was going to the hospital. Climb up Bear Mountain not bad, but the descent was very steep over bedrock. Some tricky places made it quite slow. Crossed into MA near bottom of Bear Mtn. Then walked along a fairly wide stream through old evergreens. Quite lovely. Met Neon from NH, whose parents had come down to slack pack him for three days. He works at Okemo. Both he and The Viking were on the other side to watch me cross the stream, part of the crossing on a small diameter log that tended to roll. I was happy to make it across with dry feet. There was a "Welcome to Massachusetts" sign, and the Viking took my picture. At the turn off to the Laurel Ridge Campsite, I stopped to make another small sandwich and ponder whether to stop short of Mt. Everett, which is apparently quite steep and rocky. I decided that my time up and down Mt. Race would decide the question. A man arrived with his two sons, and he confirmed what I had heard about Everett. He also said there were great views along the ridge of Mt. Race. And wow, were there! Some of the trail was right on the edge of steep cliffs. I met two young women doing a month-long section hike from Fahnestock north -- Judith and Molly, college sophomores. I think I could see Mt Greylock, and I got several pictures of a guy in a hang glider. At one point, he came so close that we could talk without raising our voices. I saw him later at the top. He and a friend had been able to land up there, which he said was unusual.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Race Brook Falls Campsite

To: Route 7, Great Barrington, MA (Days Inn)
Miles today: 10.8

Woke in the night to something pecking rapidly and relentlessly at what I realized was a Mountain House meal bag I had seen close to my tent when I set it up. Had planned to pack it out with my trash, but had to get up and move it so I could sleep. When the alarm went off, it was raining. Ugh! I had saved Mt. Everett for fresh legs but had not expected to do it with wet rocks. I lay in my bag for an hour before finally getting up and packing. The rain stopped, so all I had to cope with was a wet rain fly. Food bag was in the bear box. I made it out to the trail by 9, and on the way had a revelation. I had been thinking I had only a week until my trip to Maine. I actually have two! Curious what this hike can do to a sense of time. But what a relief. I should be well into Vermont by a week from Friday. While I was texting Lee and Leigh about my realization, Gone Walking came by. He mentioned the possibility of trail magic. Didn't see him again.Mt. Everett proved to be less daunting than I had feared -- while steep, it was not nearly as tricky in terms of long stretches of steep bedrock as was the descent of Bear Mountain. I spent a little time at the summit and headed down -- not as steep as the ascent but still slow going. At the Guilder Pond picnic area, a trail angel named Dottie had left lots of water, even some in one of those five gallon coolers that had been frozen and was wonderfully cool. I used the Clivius privy and was ready to leave when Dottie arrived with left overs from a church potluck -- lemonade, iced tea, watermelon, and blueberries. I thanked her and asked what got her doing trail magic. She had started a thru-hike I think in 2011 and had to quit at 175 miles because she was having dizzy spells. Medication prevents her from trying again, but she wants to help hikers. Mt. Bushnell was not a climb, but it was rocky, with a few spots along the ridge with views. I stopped at one for lunch, and this time was sure the mountain I was seeing in the distance is Greylock. Neon came by and said his parents were doing trail magic near the Shays Rebellion monument and he'd have them leave some for me. His slack packing will be over when he gets there, and they will head home. I decided to stay the night in Great Barrington and made a reservation at the Days Inn. It was my first home town, the place my mother was living when I was born. Dad was in the Army Air Force (WWII), and his mother lived there. Mom stayed with her during the end of her pregnancy and until I was old enough to travel to the mid-west, where Dad was stationed. It seemed fitting as I celebrate my 70th year to visit my first home.
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Route 7, Great Barrington, MA (Days Inn)

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelters
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

BreakfastCo-opMet Journeymen, who learned he has Lyme Disease and needs to take time off the trail.Ride with MichelleStart at 11:10Through fields, bugs, head net Lunch place with viewSnake and toadLone Star, SOBO from Cypress, Texas; started in March at KatahdinBlaze painterThom Leonard Shelter for break, SOBOs5.3 in 3 hours, some easy, some uphill and rocky, some muddyOld shelter, set up tent, buggyBanjo is staying in the newer shelterAMC trail magic, pesto pastaCooked too
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelters

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Fairly early start but needed to get waterTrail Magic, Barq's Root Beer, nature Valley bars, from Betsy and Forty-FourHot and buggyLunch at Cobble Hill RabbitLong climb up Mt. Baldy (not bald, no views)Lots of green tunnel Water trail magic at Goose Pond RoadLong hike around Upper Goose Pond, then .5 to cabinRabbit, Neon, Waddle, Happy Feet, Texas Slick, section hikersPlatypus is caretakerTent platform
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Stealth site near Blotz Road
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Got up early and made it out to the trail by 7:22. The tent platform was about .1 closer to the trail than the cabin, so I did not go there for pancakes and coffee. My plan was to hike to the Kay Wood Shelter, 17.7 trail miles. I made reasonably good time in the morning, and it was fun walking over the MA Turnpike. Neon, Happy Feet, and Rabbit all passed me between Finerty Pond and Washington Mountain Brook, where I caught up them as they were getting water. I stopped too, got water, and poured water over my head. It was a hot and humid morning, and getting the salty sweat off felt good.Big Foot came by. They had had an event the night before and had started at the road just past the turnpike. He was headed for Kay Wood or maybe the Cookie Lady's if the weather turned bad. On my way to the October Mountain Shelter, I met Yankee, a SOBO, and Mark, a NOBO I think I had met before. He stopped to get water and then came to the shelter. We both ate our lunches and were joined by The Viking. We talked about sleeping difficulties, taking time to enjoy the trail, and changes in the program for the four remaining Warrior Hikers. They have no more planned events, but they are supposed to finish Sept. 12.We all planned to go to the Cookie Lady's, about 2.3 miles further on. As I came out on the road, a SOBO hiker, Kodiak from Utah came out the other wayMarilyn Wiley and her husband Roy, are gracious trail angels. She bakes fresh cookies, and Roy greets hikers. They sell soda and Klondike bars, but the cookies and fresh water are their gift. I had two Klondike bars and three delicious cookies.Continued toward shelter, but weather was clearly not going to cooperate. I had told The Viking that I would find a stealth site when the weather got bad. Rumbles of thunder grew louder, and when I got to Blotz Road, I checked the radar on Weather Bug. We were right on the leading edge of a blob that had a big red center. Not good, so I began looking for a spot. About a tenth of a mile from the road, I found a flat place not far off the trail that is in an area of young hardwoods, has a nice leafy surface, and is not likely to be in the path of run-off. I did not want to be in the grove of large pines further on, because some are potential "widow makers." I set up the tent and got myself and the pack inside just as it began to rain. Texted Lee, and she, too, was in the midst of storms. It soon rained quite hard, with some impressive thunder. When it let up a bit, I cooked dinner in the tent vestibule and then called Lee. I am dry and cozy, but I have added to tomorrow's hike to Cheshire. I hope the trail is not too soupy. The mud from last week had just begun to firm up.My plan is to hike to Cheshire tomorrow, of course with a stop at the ice cream place in Dalton, do Mt. Greylock Friday, and cross into Vermont Saturday.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Stealth site near Blotz Road

To: Cheshire, MA (Harbor House B&B)
Miles today: 15.7

Overslept, on trail at 8:20Trail a combination of ponds, streams, and mud, with some dry areas. Better on the afternoonDid not see anyone in the morning, but did see a bear cross trail about 50' aheadDalton at 12:07, with hopes for ice cream, but hours changed. Did not want to wait till 1:00, so changed to dry socks and walked to convenience store. Ice cream sandwich.Headed to Jacob's for beer and burger. Heard, "Nubbins?" from Inn. Mark sitting on chair. He said he was concerned about me last night. Told him what I had done and said I was thinking about what he and The Viking had done. They both went to the Kay Wood Shelter. He walked last mile in the rain. Now getting much-needed rest. No zeros since Delaware Water Gap.Jacob's for burger and beerMistake on hike out, then second mistake from trailhead, wasted timeFinally left at 2:50Saw Zeke and Fish, both SOBOs; met Princess Northstar and saw Rabbit, both slack packing south to Dalton from North Adams and loving it.Called Eva from Gore Pond to say it would be between 7:30 and 8. She said she would pick me up at Diane's Twist.Got there at 7:40 and got milkshake and salad to go.Beautiful place and Eva very welcomingTalked about Camino, which she wants to do. Am now on her listLaundry, after-dinner drink
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Cheshire, MA (Harbor House B&B)

To: Route 2, Williamstown/N. Adams (Harbor House)
Miles today: 14.7

Breakfast: granola & fruit, smoothie, corn cakes & poached egg, blueberry muffinsNancy, Stan & Michael, plus Norma & meNancy & Stan from Silver Spring, here to visit Bennie, a woman next door who used to be a neighbor in SS and who turns 115 tomorrow. She is the fifth oldest person known.Wrote in hiker bookEva offer to slack pack me, started at 11:30HoytUp Greylock, 8.4 miles in 4:10Yvonne pic and conversationBascom Lodge lunchHazyWalked around war memorial on topTalked with two SOBOs who said trail up more difficult than anything since WhitesAs I started down, I saw a van in the parking lot that said "AT van"Met Rob from Tennessee, who is the one who slack packed RabbitStarted down late, about 5:10, with 6.3 miles to go.Saw man coming up, and commented that he was coming up the harder way. He warned me about a couple of places to pay attention to signs. He is Three-day Dad, because he section hikes with his sons, usually three days at a time.Made it down in 3:20. The section after Mt. Prospect was quite steep. Glad I did not have to go up it or down with my full packEva picked me up at Route 2. She had brought a menu, so we called in a food order (Greek salad and French fries) that we picked up on the way back.Eva was born in Prague, the family moved to Israel when the Communists took over Czechoslovakia, and then to Queens, NY, when she was 11. Her career for some thirty years was in education in Syracuse. She and her second husband bought what became the Harbour House in the late 1990s. He died in 2008. She does a lovely job with the B&B and is a superb host. I enjoyed her sense of humor, her graciousness, sensitivity, and down to earth manner.Another MD group tonight for Bennie's party
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Route 2, Williamstown/N. Adams (Harbor House)

To: Seth Warner Shelter, VT
Miles today: 6.9

Breakfast: smoothie, muffins, egg and cheese souffl© (individual), granola with fruit, mini croissant with fruit and sweet sauceSpoke with Karen and the sisters who had grown up next door to Bennie about the hike. Karen has always been active but is now dealing with arthritis in her kneesTook some photosEva took me back to the trail. We talked about Lee and me visiting in the late fall. Eva is going to India and Bhutan Dec. 1, and thinking about going to Israel, where she lived as a young girl. Stitch was at the trailhead. Said he had new shoes coming to the VFW, but they had not arrived. He was debating finding a store to buy some.Started at 12:10. The first 2.7 miles were uphill. Near the top, Movin' On caught up to me. She had been off trail for 9 days with cellulitis in her foot. We had read each other's trail journals early on. We stayed fairly close together to the MA/VT border, took each other's pictures there and had a lunch break. She went on, and I called Lee. Reaching VT was an emotional moment for me. I had been telling people I was walking home for some 950 miles, and here I was, at the GMC sign where Lee and I started the southern section of the Long Trail in 2010. Even though I did not start in GA, and am not quite half way through this adventure, I did feel a sense of accomplishment. I believe I will be able to finish, assuming the body holds up.Got to Seth Warner a little after five so had plenty of time to set up, get water, dry out my rain fly from the other night's storm, talk with Movie' On, a young man beginning the LT, Joe, a German marathon runner doing a thru-hike, and later, Worldly (I think, who said his girlfriend is going to join him for the hike from Monson. Movin' On's tent is near a large fallen tree. Since the bear box is locked, we figured we should hang food. I tossed my line over where the fallen tree was broken from its trunk, about 12 feet off the ground. The fallen part sloped toward he ground, but we figured the line was thin enough and the bags far enough from the trunk that the critters couldn't get to them.Am battened down for rainstorms predicted for later tonight. Will try to get to sleep earlier than usual and hope it isn't pouring in the morning so I can get an early start. Lee is meeting me at Route 9, which is just 11.5 miles from here, and I can't wait to see her. It has been a long six weeks. We are going to try to arrange some combination of slack packing and camping together for the next couple of weeks, except for my trip to Maine this coming weekend to connect with Leigh and Mike and see Sydney and Madeline at camp. I'll be off the trail at least four days, so a new group of people to meet when I get back.
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Seth Warner Shelter, VT

To: Route 9 near Bennington
Miles today: 11.5

I woke and did my usual packing up routine prior to taking down the tent. A little rain over night but no storms. Took down he food bags and noticed a silver dollar sized hole in Movin' On's bag. She later confirmed that it was new and said she had not slept because of the critter activity. They were running up and down the tree and even over the top of her tent. I guess we learned some lessons. And I think the incident confirmed the value of the Opsak odor proof bag I am using inside the Z-Pack food bag. I left first. The weather began to deteriorate, and I put on the pack cover. The LT hiker came by as it began to rain, and I stopped again to put on rain gear. Movin' On came by as the rain really began coming down. I thought about hunkering down for a bit, and just as I concluded there was no point, Movin' On came back to be sure I was okay. Very kind of her. We both hiked on in the downpour, and my feet were soon soaked. We hesitated at a high spot, worried about crossing an open area with the thunder and lightning, but decided to push on. We planned a lunch stop at the Congdon Shelter, but when the rain let up, I stopped to wring out my socks. Chatted with Po, whom I had met back at the creamery. She and Lady Bird were slack packing for their last day this year on the trail.Finally made the shelter, had some lunch and chatted with some other hikers. Movin' On and I headed for Route 9. The rain had stopped, and Lee had texted that she would hike in to meet me. She got all the way up the steep hill from Route 9. What fun to see her! The three of us hiked down together, being careful of the wet and slippery rocks. Trail crews had put in many stone steps, which I remembered from our LT hike, but I was really glad to get to the bottom. Movin' On and I traded cell numbers, and she headed up the hill on the north side in the hope of reaching the Melville Nauheim Shelter before the storms came back. It had started to rain, and thunder was rumbling.I changed clothes at the car, swigged down a beer Lee had brought, and we went to Bennington for a milkshake before heading home. The power was out, so no shower before dinner. We drove to Peppinos, but they, too, had no power. A new storm was dumping rain, and as we were leaving, large hail stones pelted the place, and people came out to the porch to watch. It didn't last long, and we headed further up the mountain, where the power was supposed to be on. Had a nice dinner at Charity's. Lee told our server about my AT hike, and she said her son had done it last year. She did a lot of support for him, driving over 8000 miles. Before she brought the check, she said she had told her son about me and that he was buying my beer! The people associated with the trail are amazing.
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Route 9 near Bennington

To: Glastenbury Fire Tower
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Stopped at Price Chopper in Manchester on a quest for VIA instant coffee. Saw Real Talk, whom I had met back in PA with Scout and Chinook at a trail magic site. Started hike about 10:30. Trail fairly steep and messy.Met FridayMelville Nauheim Shelter, SOBOs Dreamer and son Wasi (sp?) and ShinboneSnickersSOBO in kiltGoddard Shelter, met Rapid Grandpa Late Start slept in the fire tower, and I camped in the woods nearbyFire tower campsite, cold!