morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Glenbrook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6

Well Massachusetts is bringing it's A game so far. As soon as we crossed from Ct. to Ma. we dropped into Sages Ravine and walked along a really cool stream. While we followed it, the stream had a couple neat waterfalls as well as some cool narrows. After the ravine, we climbed up Race Mountain and were treated to a cliff walk with awesome views to the east. I have liked each state progressively more since MD. so hopefully it all keeps going good in Massachusetts.   Today during my hike I stopped in Salisbury, CT. Salisbury was neat because they have the nation's first public library and I went in it. Other than that Salisbury is pretty quaint.   It's raining now (again) and I am happy to be in my tent dry and warm. New England isn't as warm as S.C. in July. I'm learning things like that.   (photo card will be coming so photos can be added to the last few entries soon)
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Glenbrook Lean-to

To: Great Barrington, Ma
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We got some trail magic today.   So James and I needed to get to the Great Barrington, Ma. Post office before noon today and had to hike 8 miles to get there. Just to give ourselves a buffer of time to hitch a ride and all that we left camp at 7:00 a.m. We arrived at the road around 9:30. James stuck out his thumb and the first car to pass pulled over.   The two ladies who picked us up were a mother and daughter (70's to 50's respectively) who were headed to the farmer's market. On the ride to the post office we made small talk with the ladies and asked about hotels in the area. I personally hadn't had a real shower (one that included soap) since the Greaver's house in N.J. and also really needed to charge my electronics. The ladies told us that GB is really expensive on the weekends and that most hotels even required you to book 2 nights. When we pulled up to the PO the ladies insisted on waiting for us so they could drive us to the grocery and laundromat.   When we got back in the car the ladies laid the kindness on us; they offered to let us stay in their pool house for the night. I was essentially overwhelmed by the generosity of the offer but they insisted we accept. The only drawback was that Randall and Jack weren't with us and I thought it would be rude to try and get them to stretch the offer out to 4 of us so I just left it be.   Now we are at their pool house and I have taken one of the best showers in my life. The family is going to a concert (classical) this evening and have given us the keys to one of their cars. It amazes me how kind people have been over the course of this trip.
Date: 2009-07-26
From: Great Barrington, Ma

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

I still can't get over how great the Stookey family was to us yesterday. We left their home this morning around 9 and got back on the trail rejuvenated and clean.   Well I'm not sure if I have mentioned this yet but the mosquitoes in Ma. are HORRIBLE. In the past 3 days alone I feel like I must have killed 1,000. I'm not joking. There aren't too many things that really bother me out here but these bugs do. Every 5 seconds this morning I was swatting one off of an arm , shoulder or leg.   After 6 miles I stopped for lunch and met a hiker named Zipper who had some DEET that may have been responsible for keeping me sane. I headed out and the next 6 miles were awesome.   About 2 o'clock I came to Mt. Wilcox South Shelter and decided to check it out. James kept on moving and told me he'd probably stop after about 6 more miles. I went down to the shelter and it was like a mirage. The place was spotless clean, had no mosquitoes, and protected me from the rain that started the second I got there. As if I wasn't happy enough I found someone had left a recent Backpacker Magazine and some cans of Chef Boyardee.   Well I hung out and kept telling myself I needed to leave but couldn't. I am now realizing that I'm going to spend the night after only 12 miles. Hurray easy days.
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: October Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Since I have been such a slacker the past two days, I woke up early this morning and got walking by 7:00 a.m. so I could knock out some miles. By 9:30 I had already been 8 miles and I came upon James' camp. He was just getting up so I kept walking figuring he would catch up. Around 11:30 I stopped for a lunch of tuna fish bagels and dried fruit. I had found a nice spot by a pond where I could soak my sore feet in the cold water. Even though I was right beside a pond, the mosquitoes weren't very bad. I'm not sure if it is the same here but a southbounder told us that in Maine there is a plant which grows in ponds that repels the blood suckers.   After lunch I hiked up the trail to Upper Goose Pond and took a relaxing swim. It seems like all the days when I pass a good swimming hole it is either raining or a really cold day. Well today it wasn't raining and it wasn't all that cold so I took a dip.   When I was done swimming I started the hike again and finished my last 8 miles for the day. It was a good walk and there are some cool people who I haven't seen in a few weeks here tonight. I'm going to rig up my tent in the shelter tonight to keep the mosquitoes off me and also allow me to stay out of the storm that's brewing.   Town tomorrow!
Date: 2009-07-28
From: October Mountain Lean-to

To: Crystal Mt. Campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was another early day on the trail. I woke up at 6:45 and James was already gone (I guess he really wanted to get to town). The bugs were bad already so I got moving to keep my welts to a minimum. I was on the trail by 7:10. It has rained pretty hard every night for the past 4-5 nights (maybe longer I just want to try to block it out of my memory) so the trail is really muddy and nasty. At first this morning I tried to keep my feet dry but eventually I gave up and just trudged along through ankle deep mud. It really doesn't make for pleasant walking.   I caught up to James right before town and we strolled into Dalton, Ma. right about 11:00. There is a free hostel in town called the "Birdcage". (The owner's name is Bird) So we headed there to clean up and hopefully get a bunk. It turned out that the Birdcage was packed so we weren't going to be getting any bunks tonight. We did get cleaned up to a respectable level and headed to Jacob's to get lunch. Jacob's is a local bar and grill and honestly has the biggest Reuben sandwich I have ever eaten. That sandwich was awesome. After lunch a trip to the library to check email was in order. I also got to make some phone calls.    When we got back to the Birdcage James suggested we just head back on the trail since we were going to have to tent in the backyard anyway. The place was a zoo because of all the hikers so I thought it was a good idea. We hiked 5 miles out of town and are camping at Crystal Mountain Campsite. Tomorrow brings Mt. Greylock and if we really push, Vermont.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Crystal Mt. Campsite

To: Thunderbolt Energy Shelter on Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 12.6

Nasty nasty weather again today. We woke up to a beautiful morning after rain showers last night and hiked the 4 miles into Chesim, Ma. I swung by the post office and put some journal entries and a camera memory card in the mail to go home. On the way out of town we stopped at a convenience store for a snack before we started up Mt. Greylock. The lady in the store let us know that nasty weather was headed our way around 5 p.m. so we better get to some cover.   We started hiking at 11-11:30 and I was soon in a good rhythm climbing the hill. Mt. Greylock is the highest point in MA. at 3,491 feet and is a good steady climb from Chesire. I was about 3 miles from the summit when I started to hear lightning off to the west. I thought to myself that the storm must be moving in sooner than expected.    I summited Greylock right around 2 p.m. just as the storm hit. Luckily for James and me there is an emergency /warning shelter on Greylock that we could hide out in. Even though I've only gone 12 miles today I'm fine with that because I'm not walking in this storm. I have been looking at the numbers for the past few days and am thinking about slowing down my pace. I 'll write more on that tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Thunderbolt Energy Shelter on Mt. Greylock

To: Roaring Branch
Miles today: 16.3

The storm lasted through the night and brought a ton of rain. I usually sleep well to the sound of rain but last night there were other things keeping me awake.   I haven't had any real problems with mice this entire trip but last night was the exception. There were two ( I know there were only 2 because I saw them so much I could tell them apart) mice in that shelter. Last night that were very active and very bold. I first woke up because of them at midnight when they chewed through a ziplock bag to get to a Snickers bar. It was my fault for leaving the bag out but man I love Snickers and I hate to lose them. I thought that if I tore off the half they had been eating on and threw it across the room for them it would keep them busy. Well I guess eating their weight in chocolate,nougat, peanuts, and caramel somehow didn't satisfy (or unfortunately kill) them because they were back in about 2 hours to continually run around my head for the rest of the night. The only upside to the situation is that I caught them on camera. Since it has rained for who knows how many nights in a row and last night we received what had to be at least 2 inches of rain, the trails are flooded. The trail was either standing water with mud underneath , a river, or just really soupey mud at least 80% of the day today. Needless to say my feet are pretty gross tonight.   Tomorrow I get to Bennington , Vt. and am going to be staying until Sunday morning. They have a trail party every year with free food and drinks and it is happening Sat. I figure I have plenty of time to finish so I'll enjoy it.editor's note: there are several really interesting videos from this date. Here are the links to youtube. Try copying and pasting them into your browser window. If it won't work try doing a search for TylerHollingsworth, hiking the AT. You need to watch these videos!! Unbelievable trail conditions..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1VJLphLlDchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jsEaFxINPghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSVK8ZIv9QQ
Date: 2009-07-31
From: Roaring Branch

To: Bennington ,VT
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: moderate rain

It poured rain all this morning while I walked towards Bennington. I got to the road (right after a hard fall in the mud) and somehow managed to get picked up by the first car that went past.   I came into Bennington and started looking for Chris and Arla's house. Chris and Arla are two older hippie artists who let hiker's stay in their garage behind the house. They also let you use a shower is what I really wanted.   When I got here I was the only hiker at the house but it is gradually filling up for the hiker feed (free food hiker party) tomorrow. We're going to get Mexican food tonight so I'm happy.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Bennington ,VT

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Well the B-Town chowdown was really fun. Everyone got a ton of food and there was even a keg of beer there.   This morning the weather took a turn back to Crap Town. It drizzled rain from about 10 am on and make it really hard to leave Chris and Arla's. The day drug on as I watched a movie with some other hikers and I contemplated staying another night but 2 zeros was out of the question. I finally got moving at 3:30.    Well it took me forever to catch a hitch and I actually ended up walking half of the 5 miles up the Mt. back to the trail. I finally got picked up and was on the trail by 4:15. I only had enough day light to walk 10 miles so I set my sights on a shelter about that distance and put my back to the wind. Little did I know that that very wind was blowing in a huge rainstorm that would soak me no more than TEN minutes before I got to the shelter. STOP RAINING!
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 27.2
Weather: few clouds

Happy Birthday Dad. I can't wait to get home and beat you at golf.Today the weather was actually nice. I decided to walk a hefty amount to make up for yesterday's laziness. Also I have my IPOD waiting for me in Manchester, Vt. which is now only a short 3 miles in the morning.   I walked over Stratton Mt. today which was beautiful. My legs felt strong even with so many miles. I can't remember the last time I was this fit and felt so good. I guess it's amazing what your body is capable of.
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester, Vt. 
Miles today: 2.8

I know, I know. I should be out there hiking but I'm not. Actually I'm starting to think that I'm a glutton for pain. Let me explain. I have lately been justifying short days by following them with really long ones so they average out. That's what happened again today. I got into town and multiple factors were pushing me to stay at the Green Mountain House here in Manchester. I ultimately decided to do it and validated myself by planning two 25 miles days tomorrow and the next. I need to stop hiking like this!editor's note: watch the video to see what the hostel is likehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pu4N2_p6PM
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Manchester, Vt. 

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 29.7
Weather: few clouds

Now that was a long day. I am kind of mad though that I didn't actually get 30 miles, oh well. Maybe I'll be able to knock out an actual 30 miles in the hundred mile wilderness.    Tomorrow I'll get to see my brother and sister-in-law. They are coming to New England for a party celebrating Meghan's grandfather's birthday and made time to come and see me. I'm really excited to see them since I haven't gotten to see my brother since early May. It is working out perfect for their visit so that Trevor can hike with me for awhile.   Today's actual hike was really nice but I was flying so I didn't really have time to enjoy it. I need to make sure to hike slower so I can take in the woods. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pu4N2_p6PM watch the video of some interesting rock encounters
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Rutland , VT
Miles today: 20.1

Today was awesome! I started out this morning with some friends I made at the shelter and headed straight to a diner that was only 2.5 miles down the trail. I fueled up on an awesome breakfast and headed on ahead of my friends towards Mt. Killington. The final plans I made with Trev and Meghan was to meet them at the bottom of the Killington Gondola at 3 p.m.   I busted my butt to get to the rendezvous on time but was still 30 minutes late. My legs were really sore today from yesterday's marathon. I got to the bottom of the gondola and we were all excited to see each other. We still had 6 miles to hike to get to the hwy that leads to Rutland so we didn't spend too much time in the parking lot Trevor and I took the gondola back up to the top to hike and the views were awesome. I think Killington has the best view so far since the South.   It was great to get to hang out with Trevor. It has been a while since I've done anything with just Trevor so I enjoyed it. We finished hiking about 6 p.m. and headed to Rutland. We stayed at a hotel for the night in town. (editor's note: Meghan made ole Slapshot leave his hiking shoes outside in the hall at the hotel!)
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Rutland , VT

To: Rutland , VT
Miles today: 0.0

Today was hardcore, literally. Hardcore is a trail maintenance operation that has been in existence at Trail Days in Damascus,Va for the past 9 years. They recently (last 2 years)started to do Hardcore at the Long Trail Festival (LTF) I wasn't able to do hardcore at Traildays in Damascus because of my shin splints so I was pretty pumped to get another chance. Today I helped build bog bridges over mud holes on the trail. My actual job was transporting 75lb. Hemlock timbers a half mile up a mountain to the jobsite. It wasn't fun but I'm glad I was able to give back to the trail.    After the work day was done we were all treated to an awesome spaghetti dinner that was cooked by Baltimore Jack. One of the best parts about today was that I got to work with Bob Peoples and talk with him about helping out at Kincorra when I go back to finish the one 10 mile section I missed. I guess that works out that I missed it so I can go back and do some trail work with my section.watch a video from Hardcorehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JahNS0QmwA(copy this link into your browser window to watch the video)
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Rutland , VT

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Finally back on the trail today. I feel like it's been forever since I've hiked but my back is SORE from Hardcore yesterday. Needless to say I slept great last night. I figured out today that I am going to get off the trail at Lyme,NH which is about 43 miles from where I am tonight. Over the next 2 1/2 days I'll be able to take it easy.    Jack and James flew back to Rutland today but aren't getting back to hiking until tomorrow (they left the trail for a few days to be in a friend's wedding)I'm getting off the trail on Thursday for 5 days to go to Dustin and Carla's wedding and I haven't gotten as far ahead as I would have liked. I will be way behind the other guys when I get back. I guess I'll get some alone time for a few weeks.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartfield, VT
Miles today: 16.4

Today was a hard day. It wasn't that the climbs or descents were all that long but they were steep and often. I am pretty sure my body is just now feeling the full soreness caused by working at Hardcore. Originally I had planned on walking 20 miles today but when I got to West Hartford I was beat and on top of that it was raining so I just stopped for the night with Randall. Randall seemed to think today was hard also so he didn't need much convincing.    Tonight we are sleeping in the upstairs of a family's garage. We found out about the place at the general store in town. Tomorrow we are going to walk through Hanover which means we will entering NH! So long Vermont
Date: 2009-08-12
From: West Hartfield, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Hanover proved to be too seductive for us to leave today. Randall and I started talking about the possibility of just stopping for the night before we even got there, so once we got to town and had some food food it wasn't even a question anymore. Randall's parents graciously offered to get us a hotel room, which we accepted, so we are hanging out at the room. I feel guilty about hiking only 10 miles but I'm going on vacation and it's hard not to lose your focus with such a big distraction. Ill get back in the groove when I get back on the 18th. I'm getting picked up by Tommy Lontine (my roommate from Clemson days!) tomorrow around lunchtime and he's driving me to Boston where I'll fly to Jamaica for 4 days. I am planning on being back on the AT by lunchtime on the 18th.
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Jamaica

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Wow, what a trip to Jamaica. The wedding was great and I'm really excited for Carla and Dustin. Before I get back to writing about the trail I need to say a huge thank you to a great friend of mine, Thomas Lontine. He is an awesome guy and I'm lucky to have him as a friend. Thanks, Tommy.   I didn't think a few days off the trail would affect me the way it has. Today while I was hiking I felt really disconnected from the woods, a feeling I haven't had since the beginning of the trip. It sounds strange even saying it, but I just felt out of sync and like a visitor. On top of that my legs and feet (and back for that matter) are all sore at the end of today.   Hopefully I'll get everything back together soon. I'm entering the White Mountains. In a few days and I need to be back in top form.(editor's note: Tommy picked Slapshot up from the trail, took him to a hotel the night before his flight so he could clean up and they would let him on a plane with other passengers, took him to the airport, kept his stinky pack and shoes in his car while ole Slapshot was in Jamaica, picked him up at the airport and got him back to the trail- that is a great friend!)
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Things have not gotten better! My legs just feel like they don't know what they are doing and have never hiked before. Granted I picked up a re-supply in Lyme today and my pack is at max weight right now, I shouldn't be having as much trouble as I did today.    Even though I was really tired and frustrated I did enjoy the views from Smarts Mountain today. I could see Mt. Moosilauke, which I am climbing tomorrow, and it looks awesome. Well I'm hoping my legs will come around tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-20
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was AWESOME! I mean it was a total 180 from the past two days. It is really hard to explain but for the first time since I've been back everything felt right. My feet just seemed to find the right spots on the trail, my legs felt great , and my head was clear.    This morning I woke up to a beautiful clear day and was super excited that I was going to have nice weather for Mt. Moosilauke. Mt. Moosilauke is the first Mt. that the AT goes over in the White Mountain range and happens to be a really tough climb. From the bottom of the mountain you climb 3,500 feet in only 4 miles. Given the way I've felt I was hesitant about this climb but my legs felt great the whole way.   The views from the top of the Mt. were the best I've had so far on the trail. The weather was perfect so I ended staying up there for almost 4 hours. I just sat and read and relaxed. I finally got the feeling again that I was right where I needed to be.      copy and paste this link to view a video of the summit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLb83Um7OF4
Date: 2009-08-21
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 15.0

Today the weather took a turn for the worse. It was overcast this morning when I woke up and by midday when I happened to be on top of a 4,500 ft. mountain, a full blown storm came in. I had to run off the mountain to get away from the lightning and wind and ended up stopping at the Lonesome Lake AMC hut.    The AMC huts are strewn all through the White Mountains. They are full service huts that people hike to and use as a base camp to hikers. Usually they are fairly expensive but they let through hikers do work for staying. Also they feed us. YEAH!       editor's note : read about the huts at       http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/ For a trip up the mountain copy and paste this link to view on youtubes or do a search for tylerhollingsworth and you will get all the videos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFHSRtP5mE