morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

We got up at around 04.45 this morning on hearing the first birdsong and we we're on trail by 6 am.  Today the trail took its toll on me and I made heavy work of it. When we arrived at the first river, Silver Streak spent time washing his clothes whilst wearing them, claiming ¢ this is how we do it on the John Muir trail¢!   I will, forever know this style of washing yourself and your clothes at the same time, as a ¢JMT¢.    We finally arrived at Falls Village trailhead and contacted Woody and Najee who had our resupply. Having resupplied we went in search of coffee and food. The Guthook app talks of Toymakers Cafe. On arriving it was closed - opening from Wednesday to Sunday. The lady gardening outside turned out to be the owner. Having put on my best pathetic face, she offered to warm some coffee up.  This then developed in to Ann calling her husband Greg  who kindly came in made us some toasted sandwiches and offered us some of his delicious homemade cakes.  Many thanks to Greg and Ann for opening their closed Toymakers Cafe for us.  The weather forecast stated that a thunderstorm was coming.  So we changed our plan and aimed for the Limestone Spring Shelter.  It is 0.5 miles down a deep descent but it is worth it. The spring water is stunning and the camping is great.  As I write this blog though, there is still no sign of rain only mosquitos.  Still, now we¢re here I¢m just going to enjoy the facility and location and put the knowledge that we¢re going to have to climb a steep ascent first thing in the morning, where it belongs!
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Hemlock Shelter
Miles today: 17.4

A Day of contrasts.We were up at first bird song 04.50 hrs and having packed, I headed for the trail leaving Silver Streak to follow.I had gone 3.5 miles and given he is a faster hiker than me, I decided to wait for him. No sooner had I turned my phone on, I received an avalanche of messages. It turns out that Silver Streak had returned to the trail but had headed south back the way we came yesterday. After travelling a few miles downhill he realised his mistake and decided to do a road run to meet up with me. He was not happy.Having met me, he then had to do the 7 miles return trip to complete the missed miles I had done. Naturally, I waited for him.The net result was that by 10.30 we had only 3.5 trail miles completed.   While Silver Streak had about 10 non-trail miles completed.I have suggested that he change his name to SILVA ( they make compasses) Streak. He defends his position by saying ¢he was not lost - just heading on trail but in the wrong direction¢. My suggestion still stands - what do you think dear reader? By mid afternoon we had accepted that we would have a low mileage day and given that tomorrow was a Nero we would enjoy the day.  We sat and discussed our plans on a rock ridge line with great views.  It made for a very pleasant interlude. We left Connecticut and headed into Massachusetts. Bear Mountain also rendered us some great vistas and the ridge walk around Mt Race and up to Mt Everett was absolutely stunning. There was a warming sun and a cooling breeze appearing just as one needed it. Heading towards the shelter there was a nasty steep climb to keep us entertained.  On the way, I found a Mont-Bell down jacket, which I thought might have belonged to a thru hiker ahead, so I carried it to the shelter. On further investigation I found a receipt in the pocket with phone numbers.  So I was able to post the jacket back to its owner. We arrived at a spacious yet empty shelter and settled in for the night. Another great day on the trail!
Date: 2019-05-22
From: Hemlock Shelter

To: Sheffield-Egremont Road Trailhead 
Miles today: 6.2

Up with the first bird song and headed down to the trailhead. Some sections were steep but thankfully dry. As we passed through a swampy area we were swarmed by mosquitos, which attacked in squadrons. There was nothing for it but head down and aim for the trail head. We were picked up by Woody and Jameison and taken to town for our Nero. We managed to get rooms at the Days Inn hotel.  How funny it is to note, one can tell all the rooms with hikers in because there are old boots outside the door - even we cannot put up with the smell of them!!! Having resupplied, done laundry and eaten, it is good just to sit still and not move for a while. Tomorrow is another day.
Date: 2019-05-23
From: Sheffield-Egremont Road Trailhead 

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 19.5

We were dropped off at the trailhead at 07.30 hrs. As I trudged along, I began to recall the recent events following my finding a down jacket on trail, which had a receipt in the pocket showing the owners mobile number. Naturally, I called the number and told the owner that I would leave her jacket at the hotel reception, where we were staying. The women concerned said that she had friends who were hiking in the area and she would arrange for them to pick up the jacket in a few days. However, having then chatted to hotel receptionist, I decided the easiest option was to post the jacket, to its owner, which I did. Then later today, as we were about to walk past a couple of hikers we fell into conversation with them, as you do.   Let me introduce you to April Shower and Diamond Days who it turns out, had been hiking with the lady when she had lost her jacket! In fact, they were the folk who had been requested to pick up the jacket from the hotel reception!! Between them they were Triple Crowners having completed the AT a number of times. But further still, their next trip is to do, the Coast to Coast walk in the UK which passes through the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, where I spent all my youth rock climbing.   Ha!  I think that¢s exactly what Carl Jung, would have called a "meaningful coincidence", who would¢ve imagined? As we approached the Campsite for the night we spotted a bear at the base of a tree. I found out later that her two cubs were already up the tree but I did not see them.  Phew!At the Campsite we were sure check ourselves for ticks as the place was full of them!
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: light rain

Last the night there was an intense storm of thunder and lightening. It reminded me of a line in a song from The Gift of Love II: ¢The sky falling on you like a beast with fangs and the darkness poisonous with fear¢.We were going to have to do big miles today if we want to stay in a shelter tonight.Thankfully, overall the terrain was gentle but it was an absolute bogfest with many fallen trees creating obstacles.  It took consistent effort throughout the day to cover the miles necessary to get to the shelter but Hey! We made it.  Samaritan too, had just arrived.
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

Up at first bird song and headed on trail down to the town of Dalton where there is a Cumberland gas station which has everything that a thru hiker craves and wants but not necessarily needs. It has a ¢bank¢ of different types of filtered coffee (my weakness) with free refills, drinks of different types, all forms of sticky buns, chocolate in many forms, sandwiches and rolls, plus hot food and some hiker food. A place, to spend time!Silver Streak had to drag me out and remind me of the miles still to be done. So back on trail we started our ascent towards Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts but not before a lunch stop in Cheshire, at another gas station.We spent the day climbing and were rewarded with the occasional vistas. Given that it is Memorial Day long weekend, there are many day hikers out on trail. Again Silver Streak has to remind me to stop talking to all and sundry on trail as we have to coordinate our resupply and ¢the way we we¢re going, we would take forever¢.We finally arrived at the summit with its 93 ft. war memorial tower. Had we been hungry we could have eaten at the Bascom Lodge but we met with Woody and Jameison and resupplied, then set off for the shelter. When finally arrived at the shelter, we found the site was packed with tents. The Mini Bubble Crew were in residence, as were many weekenders who had walked in from the near by car park, with large tents and even larger coolers! We were able to congratulate Starfish, Frosting and Flamingo for their achievement of finishing the Connecticut challenge, whereby they complete the 51 miles of trail in Connecticut within 24 hrs. It is an amazing feat given the terrain!! They were paced by Physics. (Big hello to Physics¢s Mum¢ yes, Mum Physics knows us well.)And of course I have to shout out to Silver Streak for putting up with me and for being good company. All in all, a great day on the trail. As I write this it is raining with a strong wind. Catch up with you all tomorrow.  Nighty Nite!
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Woodford Hollow
Miles today: 21.4

Despite the campsite being full, the noise-level was reasonable and of course having poor hearing in one ear - I can always turn that deaf ear to the world and sleep.Now, my sleep patterns are pretty unusual due to decades of shift work. On track I¢m in bed as early as possible and will sleep till about 1 am.  On waking I do my blog entry and then back to sleep until first bird song.  I have tried to do the blog entry before sleeping but end up writing total gibberish while falling asleep at the keyboard. And talking of today¢s trail, I have to report that it was pretty non-memorable with a few steep climbs.  I guess the highlight was passing a couple of beaver ponds along the way.We did cross the Massachusetts/ Vermont border. The trail name for Vermont is Vermud and it did not disappoint. Our plans have changed and our aim now is to have a zero day in Bennington and plan the next section and resupply. I can¢t wait, as the sheer luxury of soaking in a hot tub, putting on clean clothes and then eating some beautifully cooked food is enough to transport me to cloud nine!And that¢s not all, I then get to just sit still and do nothing ¢ that will be so relaxing and restorative in itself.  I can¢t wait!
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Trailhead Route 9

To: Story Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 19.0

We were back on trail by 07.30 hrs. The rain was steady and the lazy wind chilled us down. The trail was mostly climbing but it soon turned into a waterlogged bogfest. Wet leaves over wet rocks and slippery tree roots; a recipe for disaster. This kind of trekking requires much care.   However, the chilling wind made sure that we kept moving. Clearly, it cannot be stressed enough that one must balance between moving fast enough to keep warm but slow enough not to have an accident. This requires a constant focus of attention on one¢s footwork. The miles were hard to gain today but I reminded myself, ¢If we were meant to stay in one place, we¢d have roots instead of feet!¢Still I can tell you, we were glad to see the next shelter.  Catch up with you all tomorrow!(Just an afterthought Monarch - I don¢t think that the image fits the text. I will be more careful with the image selection.)
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Story Spring Shelter 

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: light rain

I almost missed the first bird song due to the heavy snoring going on in the wee hours this morning.  I reckon Silver Steak made the right decision to put up his tent, despite it raining. The trail started very much as it was yesterday; a waterlogged bogfest. The problem is that you can¢t get a rhythm to your walking, as you have to manoeuvre around the deep mud holes and over the many obstacles strewn across the trail. A highlight of the day was taking the upper part of the trail, heading up towards the watchtower on top of Stratton Mountain. Good news is we managed to get some phone reception, once we had climbed the tower. I¢ve been trying to contact the Oboz Boot Company and had made numerous attempts to complete their warranty online claims form, without success. I phoned them directly and explained that the boots I had brought from them at the beginning of the month had started to have problems. Within the space of 5 mins I had another replacement pair being sent to a hostel 7 days down trail.  Impressive.  In fact with this company you can get two replacement pairs of boots, as long as you¢re a thru hiker. Silver Streak kindly went on Amazon and ordered another rucksack cover for me, which should arrive on Friday.  Well, these miles don¢t walk themselves and we still have a distance to cover.So onwards, ever onwards!   As we move along a trail we¢re passing through an area covered in what looks like Queen Anne¢s Lace Bush, as least that¢s what it looks like to me. We were planning to go to the ski patrol hut which has good views but a couple of hikers, who were ¢hammocking¢ at the last shelter, told us that there were a number of people there already.  So, we¢re planning to settle into an empty shelter further along the trail tonight.  A hard but a good day.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Greenwall shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning, the dawn chorus was a non-event as heavy rain was thundering down on the roof of our shelter.  Silver Streak was perplexed as his weather app showed clear skies. It turned out the racket was due to the wind blowing massive raindrops from the trees onto the roof. Confession time - last night at about 23.30 a hiker came passed the shelter with his head light on to get water. He then returned and sat in the shelter, headlight still on, and merrily started playing on his phone. Having woken up both Silver Streak and myself, we politely inquired if he was staying. ¢No¢ was his reply, ¢I¢m waiting for ¢my crew¢ to catch me up and I wanted to get some water as we¢re planning to go on to the ski patrol hut.¢ Within 5 mins, the others arrived and they too headed down for water and returned to have a ¢chat¢ with the fellow sitting in the shelter.  Now they were all sitting there, each with their headlights blazing!  They finally left.  Needless to say we did not tell them that tonight, a rather large school party was enjoying the ski patrol hut facility.Well, this morning we climbed to the top of Bromley Mountain and as we passed the Ski Patrol Hut, and who should we find ¢camped outside the shelter¢ and still soundly asleep in their Z-Pack tents but our late night visitors! Oh the joy of it!   As Silver Streak and myself both have Z-Pack tents with us, we were ¢overcome¢ with the need to stand beside them and extol the virtues of the tent in loud voices for about 5 min.  I don¢t know what possessed us? Having felt that we had balanced things out between us, we disappeared into the fog covered summit and continued on our way, onward forever onwards.Even now, having trekked this far I still have an expectation, that if the trail climbs then there ¢should¢ be a decent vista to behold ¢ but of course, on the AT this is not always the case.Actually, having said that, we did get a good vista from the rocky ridgeline on Baker Peak.  Then, as we continued to climbed Bromley and Styles Mountains in the rolling fog there was a palpable primordial feeling to the day, which more than compensated for anything we might have felt we had missing out on.  A big thank you to Jameison who patiently waited for us at a trailhead so that we could pick up a resupply.And again, we met a couple that we had seen earlier on the AT. They have their own unique way of doing the trek. They have a camper van and a car, which enables them to take advantage of the numerous road crossing and do the AT as a series of day hikes ¢ it appears to be working for them.  What luxury!Following a steep descent we found ourselves in a tall forest and came across the White Rock Garden.  This is a place where people have made numerous small balanced rock piles, which makes for an interesting landmark.  Today was a long haul with an added 0.6 non-trail miles to the shelter. Thankfully it¢s empty ¢ so here¢s to a good night¢s sleep!
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Greenwall shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

Well we were on trail by 05.30 am!    Silver Streaks reckons it due to an improvement in our packing skills.   We had a well-graded climb, followed by a descent into Clarendon Gorge. I¢m having d©j vu moments as there is much in the landscape that reminds me of the PCT trail, like for instance, the fast flowing rivers strewn with large boulders.  Wonderful!Mind you it got pretty interesting when we did (Monarch interjects:  I kid you not, the following is WOW¢s description word for word; I just don¢t know what to do with it!)  ¢We then did a steep large boulder screw type ascent¢.  WOW replies it should read ¢steep large boulder SCREE type ascent - reminiscent of the some of the climbs I did in the Dolomites in my youth- This was followed by a long ascent through beautiful open woodlands to Killington Peak and Cooper Lodge - the highest Shelter in Vermont.  Again we were happy to arrive to an empty shelter. En route today, we did passed a sign saying ¢Katahdin 500 miles¢ - Oh Yes, music to my ears!
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: River Road - Rutland 
Miles today: 7.5

I seem to keep opening the blog with ¢up at first bird song¢. This is my way of having a gentle poke at young Physics (yes, Physics Mum I¢m talking about your boy!) It harps back to a shelter where Physics and myself were staying. I got into my sleeping bag early, to which young Physics cheekily remarked ¢it must be because your so OLD that you have to get into bed so early¢. To which I replied ¢Yeah but I get out of bed at first light, which you cannot do because you¢re so YOUNG¢.As a total aside, if you (Physics Mum) need a trail name, I would suggest ¢Curie¢ after Marie Curie, who was considered the Mother of modern Physics - Just a thought. Anyway we are heading for resupply and a Nero in Rutland. The boots are causing problems and the legs could do with a rest.We met up with Jameison and headed to Rutland knowing that tomorrow we start out with a stiff climb. Silver Streak has decided to have a hair cut.  He says he gets shorn twice a year.  Maybe we need a name change to Bald Streak - just another thought.  Heading for a long soak in the bath and much needed laundry. All the best, I¢ll catch up with you further down the trail!
Date: 2019-06-02
From: River Road - Rutland 

To: Pomfret Road
Miles today: 22.6

Initially, we were planning to have breakfast and then get on trail, around 07.30 - 08.00 am. However, as our primary goal of reaching Katahdin emerges from the fog and takes shape, our plans change.For the weather forecast is threatening severe thunderstorms and the next shelters are about 14 and 26 miles from our start point ¢ so neither are suitable as they don¢t fit with the desired ¢miles per day¢, target.Silver Streak floated the idea that if we still did our miles we could get picked up by Jameison in the GCHH support van, which would also help us avoid the expected thunderstorms.With this plan in place, we set off ascending and descending the woodlands of Vermont making sure we still took time to enjoy the occasional vista.The weather was sunny with a light shower making it reasonably easy to trek.  However, the latter part of the trail turned into an assault course with numerous trees across the trail. Silver Streak became impatient to finish the day and ¢unleashed the beast¢ and charged ahead to meet up with Jameison.  I followed at my usual pace.The thunderstorms did not eventuate.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Pomfret Road

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 20.1

We were ready and raring to go at 07.45 hrs. The trail this morning was very enjoyable. The AT comes out of the woods, onto Quechee Rd, followed by a walk through West Hartford. As you cross the bridge to turn left, there to your right is an AT symbol above a garage.  This is the home of Trail Angel Linda, who kindly gave us a soda and some watermelon.  Many thanks. We headed back into the woods and emerged some time later onto Elm Street where we were met by Small ¢n sweet and Greybeard, who have a cooler outside their house, which contains homemade chocolate chip banana cake.  Yum!  They also provided us with local knowledge and information.  A lovely spot, and as we looked around we saw they had found a creative use for a pair of old hiking boots (see photo). Many thanks for your kind generosity!Now we begin a long road walk. But before we start, we walk to the bottom of Elm Street and turn L) to Dan and Whit¢s General Store and Gas Station.  Word is, if they have any of yesterday¢s sandwiches left, they give them free to AT thru hikers. I tried without success ¢ clearly I just didn¢t have the right ¢lingo¢.  However, Silver Streak was able to obtain a chicken salad in pita bread, which he kindly shared.   But I was able to get my filtered coffee with refills, so I was a happy bunny. The long road walk continued and we crossed the Connecticut River, which forms a geographical boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire.   This then takes you through the town of Hanover, passing a number of eating-places and a Co-op. As we had concerns about water at the Velvet Rocks Shelter, we called into the Hanover Community Centre (which was just about to close), to get some. The shelter was a low, small structure but since it was empty it easily accommodated Silver Streak and myself. Overall the day contained all the elements for making it another wonderful day on the AT.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 27.2

We left the shelter early, knowing we were in for a big day.  I need to get to the Glencliff Post Office, which unfortunately only opens between 12 and 2 p.m. This means that we need to do a ¢big mile day¢ today, so that tomorrow will be a relatively easy day, enabling us to get to the Post Office to collect my boxes.   Having crossed a few roads we climbed Moose Mountain North and then Moose Mountain South.  Following another ascent up Holt¢s Ledges we took a moment to enjoy a vista.  I think it is only fair, that if one clambers up to the top of a mountain one should be rewarded with some type of vista, don¢t you? Sadly this is not always the case.  We passed along Lambert Ridge, which did yield some views and along a number of ledges up to MT Cube.  The highlight of the day was the ascent up Smarts Mt. which had a fire watch tower which offering stunning 360 degree views.  Wonderful!  ¢We left the tower happy little bunnies¢  (Monarch Interjects:  Sorry folks, your guess is as good as mine, as to what WOW quite means by this?!)  and headed for the Hexacuba Shelter, which as the name suggests has six sides.  When we arrived Pop Tart was already ensconced in his bed but was happy to chat away with us. The next section of the trail is the Whites Mt, which has huts that you can stay at for a price. Pop Tart has made himself bookings at each hut.