morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-24
From: U.S. 20 & Lee MA

To: Kay Wood shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

6/24 Today I woke in a bed. It was kind of nice even if it was an old cheap hotel. We had a shuttle pick us up at 8 and we were on the trail by 8:20. This was no different from the other towns we have resupplied in. You leave town with a heavy pack and go uphill for an hour. Actually, MA has been pretty easy as far as the climbs. Lots of roots but not too steep.   We stopped for a snack break and then stopped again at October Mountain shelter and met a couple section hikers and then we hiked on. We went to visit the cookie lady. We had lunch at the picnic table in her yard and she brought out a basket of cookies. We signed her log book and hiked on. An hour or so later we met Shy Beqar and Guy on a Buffalo slack packing south. I hadn't seen Shy Bear in over a month. We chatted a bit and then we hiked on to the Kay Wood shelter this is one of the nice designs that has 4 bunks a day a loft that will sleep 6. The really nice thing about this on is the location. It sit near the edge of a small bluff. A really nice view to wake up to. Over the next hour, 11 more hikers came in including Dune who I haven't seen in two months. We built a fire and just chilled the rest of the evening. There is a family with 3 children staying here tonight. They are doing a three day hike. The nice thing was that they brought a bag of marshmellows. Tokay I am grateful for the many surprises out here. Day 85.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Kay Wood shelter

To: Mark Noepel shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

6/25 Today I woke early and had my first cup of coffee in my sleeping bag while everyone began to stir. Our plan was to be at Mark Knoepel shelter 16.9 miles away. We ate a light breakfast because we would pass through the town of Dalton and by the Dalton restaurant. Just before we got there, I stepped on some wood stairs and took my first fall. I went to the bottom on my but. I limped to the restaurant where we had an excellent second breakfast. We then hiked up over a nice, hot, and humid hump and back down into Cheshire where we ran into Dune at the ice cream shop. We stayed there for an hour or so and I had a large Sunday. The three of us followed the white blazes and headed out of town. Just as we entered the woods, we found a cooler full of drinks, cookies, and watermelon. We were all smiles. My first watermelon this year. We then began our climb of Mt. Greylock. We knew of the storms coming so we hurried up the mountain and into the shelter. We were all soaked in sweat from the humidity and 2 hours of steep climbing. There were a group of 12 kids there on a 3 day trip. Fortunately, they are tenting tonight. We will be gone before they wake. The rain has started and thunder is booming. Tonight I am grateful for the shelters on the AT that we have to sleep in on stormy nights.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Mark Noepel shelter

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

6/26 today we got an early start of 6:50. Top O, Dune and myself headed for the lodge on top of Mt. Greylock. We arrived just after 8 and went in to have second breakfast. We met Survivor Man there. We all ate and left together. The trail was a creek in places and covered in slick leaves in other places. Just like most of the big mountains along the. AT, we had a 50 ft. visibility with light drizzle on Mt. Greylock. We continued on down the mtn. and into Williamstown, MA. It funny that all of us planned a night in town for a resupply. I also had a package waiting at the hotel for me. The town is a bit spread out so we called a cab. Three of us got in the cab and headed out of the parking lot when the cab broke down. It took another half hour till we were on our way to the outfitter and package store. We never did find alcohol for survivor man's stove. We went back and had a couple beers and then went to buy food for the next few days. We then went to have Mexican food for dinner. Another day in paradise. Today I am grateful for my trail boss who always says ok. Thank you!
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Bennington Gap
Miles today: 18.3

6/27. Top O and I left Williamstown and were back on the trail by 8 this morning. We crossed the Hoosic river on a footbridge. Some of the foot bridges on the AT are amazing. Anyway, we hiked by a home that had a sign next to a hose offering water for hikers. Really cool place I thought. So, we hiked on a pleasant grade next to a crashing creek that was swollen from the other nights rains.. Actually, the other nights rain made the trail into a creek for much of the day. We then followed the creek up the mtn. for about 2 miles where we left the creek. The last 100 ft. or so to the top were pretty steep. Top O and I took a break for snacks and a few section hikers passed by and we chatted. Then Survivor Man comes hiking up. 20 minutes later we all left together. This was an almost perfect day weather wise. We made our way out of MA and into VT and also onto the Long Trail. Which shares with the AT for 105 miles. Maybe I will do the rest of the Long trail some day. We were nearing a beaver pond and the area below it had the boardwalk above a marsh. Some of the boards have seen their better days. I step near the edge of one and it crumbles under my foot and it goes about 10 inches into the marsh. The other foot followed to avoid falling on my face. Just wet feet. Still an almost perfect day. Shortly after, we stopped at Congdon shelter to get water and chat with some Section hikers and another couple from Switzerland that we met on Mt . Greylock. The three of us discussed our plans for camp and decided it was too early to stop and decided to look for a spot along the way. Top O and Survivor Man took the lead and I took my time and enjoyed being in VT for the first time. I had talked to the south bound section hikers about camping spots and they told me of spot near the river at the gap. We all knew if we found nothing else, we would meet up again there. The next time I see them, it's there in a parking lot talking to the local police about the trail. I head off back to the trail and across a river the book calls a stream and walk right into some trail magic. I am talking some Friday night trail magic. We made camp near the river and the trail magic. DID I SAY THANK YOU. We all set up camp, went for and filtered water, cooked, ate, cleaned up and then we sat around talking and laughing. Top O took some pictures and Survivor Man pulled out an AT map like the one hanging on my wall at home and we looked at how far we have come and how far we have left. Wow. Shortly after 8 we all went to our tents. I don't know about the others, but this is what I do in the evenings. I write my trail journal. I want to thank everyone again that has helped, encouraged or offered help to me while I have been out here. Today i am grateful for almost perfect day.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Bennington Gap

To: Story Spring shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I thoroughly enjoyed my second day of hiking in VT and on the Long trail. The three of us were up, fed, packed and ready by 6:30 this morning. We left Bennington Gap and headed to Glastenbury Mtn. This would be 10 miles of up hill. The air was cool and we entered Glastenbury Wilderness soon and took our second breakfast on a rock outcrop overlooking a valley. I was able to get enough phone signal to send out yesterday's TJ. We then headed to the old fire tower atop Glastonbury Mtn. We met up with stretch and fresh. We all had lunch together. The bugs are getting worse in places. We spent some time in the tower looking and talking about Stratton Mtn. We decided where we would stay the night and headed out just about 12:20. I took off in front hoping to see a moose. I never saw one. We all met up at the Kid Gore shelter for an afternoon snack. There is a really nice view from there. We continued on to a beaver pond where I stopped to take a picture and everyone caught up to me. The 5 of us all went to story spring shelter. I mad a Knorr pasta side and had a little Debbie cake for desert. We built a fire and talked the rest of the evening. Another almost perfect day. The mountain laurels vanished yesterday and I have seen none since. There is so much moss here. All the plants seem happy. It obviously rains a lot here. There are times the growth covers the view of the trail. Did I say I enjoyed my day in VT? Today I am grateful for all the clean, clear springs and creeks in VT.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Story Spring shelter

To: Spruce Peak shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Day 90. Today was another awesome day in VT. The humidity is higher here when there is no breeze and this would be the Second straight day without breeze. We left around 7 and headed to Stratton Mtn. The climbs have been getting longer and the mountains a little higher. Stratton would be a 1,700+ ft climb. We had second breakfast and met several section hikers. We spent almost an hour there and enjoyed the views from the tower. We then hiked another 3 miles to Stratton pond where we ate lunch and bathed. I mean went swimming. :<} We spent the next few hours dodging the deep mud in the hundreds of mud holes in the middle of the trail. We came to Prospect Rock and found a couple of day hikers enjoying the view of Manchester Valley. It was a nice view. For the most part, we have had to climb a tower for a view in VT. We made the the last few miles to Spruce Peak shelter. It is a nice cabin with an indoor table and a wood stove. The windows and door open and close if needed. A section hiker named Gabby was there and we talked a while before dinner. Tomorrow we go into Manchester Center for a resupply. Again today I am grateful for DEET.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Spruce Peak shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

6/30 After 2 cups of coffee and pop tarts, we left for Manchester Center to resupply. It was a short 3 mile hike to the road where Top O, Survivor Man and another guy were waiting on me for a ride into town. We got there so early, we had to wait after buying food for the outdoor store to open. We went to EMS and looked at the offerings and decided to go to the other outdoor store called the mountain goat. I bought a new set of shoe inserts and a pair of socks there. Survivor Man bought inserts as well. We went to a deli and had lunch and then back to EMS where Survivor Man shopped for boots. I charged my phone while he was in EMS. We decided it was hot and humid and we needed to have a couple of beers at a Mexican place before we left town. When we left it was almost 2:30 and a woman I'll call Mary picked us up. She was actually going the opposite direction but picked us up anyway. Mary asked if she could play us some adult oriented music. Reluctantly, we agreed and she warned us it would be dirty. I think it was definitely one of the most amusing times so far. Top O was in the shotgun seat and I think if it were not for Survivor Man and I, she would still have him captive. We, hit the trail for 2 more miles to the Bromley Mtn. Shelter for our shortest day since Top O and I went into Buena Vista in early May. Not a zero, but a Nero at 4.8 miles. We spent the rest of the evening laughing about Mary. Today I am grateful for being able to be out here.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

7/1 Last night after I posted my journal, Moose came in our camp around 8. We had just talked about him and he shows up. He stayed an hour and a half and then he hiked off in the dark. I woke a little after 5 this morning and Survivor Man was already up and packing. I made coffee and had a blueberry pie I got in town yesterday. I made my second cup of coffee and started packing. Survivor Man left at 6. I left at 6:15 and Top O left shortly after. We had been leaving together so I thought it odd. Survivor Man spent much of the previous evening on the phone and was not happy after so I just figured he needed time alone. Truth was he did need time alone, he had some stomach problems. Top O caught up to me on Styles peak and we had a short snack break. We continued on to Peru Peak as the cool morning faded into a hot midday sauna. I guess that is why it is so lush here. It's always this humid. Along the way, we saw Moose cowboy camping near the trail. We told him of our plans and hiked on. We stopped briefly at the peak and then headed to Peru Peak shelter for lunch. There was another thru hiker there that had just started a week earlier and intended to flip and go south when he reaches BSP. We continued on to Baker Peak, the nicest view but only the 4th highest of the day, where we took another break. Eventually, Moose, Survivor Man and XC showed up. We all hung out a while and left in groups. We had swimming on our mind and we had been told that the finest swimming hole on the AT in VT. We passed Big Branch along the way and I almost went swimming there I was so hot and sweaty. We finally made it there and everyone showed up to swim. The bugs were there to feast on us as well. There were also leaches in the water but nobody had one get on them. I made a Knorr pasta side and added some freeze dried jalape±os pistachio oil and a pouch of tuna all mixed together. I had a little Debbie peanut butter wafers for desert. Still looking for a moose. Rain is moving in tonight and all day tomorrow. Today I am grateful to have a lake bath.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Little Rock Pond shelter

To: Govener Clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.6

7/2 Last nights rain kept the temperature up into the 70's. I woke at 4:45 and was covered in mosquito bites. I made my coffee and breakfast as usual and was packed and on the trail by 6:05. I left before Top O and Survivor Man but after everyone else. For the second day, the temperature would reach almost 90. I left the lake and began the first of two big climbs this morning. I stopped at Minerva Hinchey shelter to refill my water bottles. I had already hiked 10 miles and it was just after 10. I left there and went 2 more miles uphill to a rock outcrop that had a nice view where I had lunch and posted my TJ from yesterday. I spent a while there trying to make a phone call and then I headed down to the river for an hour of swimming. In that hour I saw 8 other thru hikers. Everyone went in for a swim. I left just after 1 I left and began my 3rd long uphill climb. I stopped for a water break and Top O joined me. 10 minutes later, Survivor Man showed up. He was still sitting there when we left. We headed for Governor Clement shelter. When we were about 3 miles away from it, the rain started. Then the Thunder and lighting. It rained the rest of the way and at times it was coming down pretty hard. When we arrived, XC was there and had a fire going in the fireplace. Not many shelters have an indoor fireplace, but this one does. I made a Knorr pasta side and made my bed and set my shoes near the fire. The shelter is now full except one spot. Tomorrow we climb Mt. Killington. Our biggest climb since VA. Today I am grateful for the fireplace.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Govener Clement Shelter

To: Rutland VT Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 5 and made my coffee and put my wet shoes and clothes on and was on the trail at 6:30. Top O joined me and Survivor Man stayed behind. He said he was not feeling well and was thinking he would see a physician in town. We headed up Mt Killington. The temp was a little cooler than the last two mornings. The climb was a little easier than I expected and we made good time to Cooper Lodge and ran into Moose who was still sleeping there. We took a break there and hiked on. A couple hours later, we made it to the Inn at Long Trail for lunch and then took the bus into Rutland VT. We got a bunk at the yellow deli hostel. We washed clothes, showered and bought groceries. Then dinner and a beer. We met this crew of girls I have been hiking around for months. They are hiking the nice days and doing other things on the hot or rainy days. Some how they are here?????. So, hike your own hike right? Don't tell Top O, but I am trying to talk Top O into taking tomorrow off. Zero on the 4th. We will see. It stormed again this evening. My things are drying out in the hostel. I am glad to shed some of the moisture built up in my pack, clothes and sleeping bag. Happy 4th!
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Rutland VT Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel

To: Rutland VT Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We zeroed for the 4th. Mostly we just did nothing, resting and eating. Top O's friend from NY came and had lunch with us. We watched the fireworks from the street. Tomorrow we get on the bus that goes back to the trail. Today I am grateful for all the good people at the 12 Tribes for having this nice hostel.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Rutland VT Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel

To: The Lookout cabin
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

We had a quick breakfast and 2 cups of mate then caught the 8:15 bus back to the trail. The nice driver stopped right where the trail crossed the road. The humidity was down considerably and it was quite windy all day from the storm passing. It was just one mile to Maine Junction. This is where we leave the long trail. We then entered Gifford Woods State Park. The trail there was nice and there were a few people out enjoying the day. We then had to climb Quimby Mountain. For some reason the wind was not blowing there and all the food I bought made it a tough climb for me. I just ran out of gas. We had lunch on top and 1 mile later we went right back down the other side crossed a creek and went right back up. We spent the rest of the day going up and down. We decided to stay at a cabin at the Lookout and there is no water there. We each carried 2.5 liters of water the last 2.4 miles. My knees were crying by the time we arrived. Bean Dip, DiVinci, Lady Moose and Dino were inside playing games. There were also a few others there. I climbed the wooden stairs to the top of the Lookout and wrote my trail journal. I am tired and will likely be sleeping by 8 tonight. Today, I am grateful the storm missed us.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: The Lookout cabin

To: Thistle Hill shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

This morning I woke to the sound of the wind shaking the cabin. There was someone stirring downstairs but I couldn't tell who it was as I had slept in the loft. I think there were 15 there. Funny how things work out here. Sometimes there are lots of people around and other nights it is so quiet. The south boulders are now coming by. One yesterday and 3 today. I made my coffee as usual and most everyone began to wake. Top O and I were out of the shelter just before 7 and heading down the mountain only to start right back up another. This is how today would be all day. The wind died down to an occasional breeze and the humidity began to increase as well. We had planned on stopping at a store in the morning for some pie. The word on the trail was the pie was awesome and worth the additional 1/2 mile extra to get some. The problem was we got there an hour before they opened on sunday. We decided not to wait. We got water from the stream, had some snacks and headed up hill for a nice long climb. The next. Road we came to 90 minutes later also had a store/deli 1 mile down the road. We decided we would try to hitch for 15 minutes. If we didn't get a ride,we would continue hiking. The first car picked us up. We ordered sandwiches and I got a sweet tea also. There was a park across the road where we took a nice long break. It was quite warm but we needed to get back on the trail. It took 5 minutes and we were in the back of a pickup truck heading back. The trail was up hill again and we had 45 minutes until we had some down. After our second such hill after lunch, we found a trail magic cooler full of individually wrapped smore kits. Thanks to whoever left those. This was another pack off break. There were also 2 gallon jugs of water. After 15 minutes or so, you guessed it, we climbed another hill. This one had some long stone walls on top. The stone walls were everywhere for weeks, but had disappeared a few weeks ago. We passed through some raspberry fields and picked a few. Not quite ready. We arrived at Thistle Hill shelter just before 5. It was a little early to stop, but it was at least 5 more miles to another spot and we were done! There was a southbound hiker there and two more section hikers joined soon after. The young southbounder was collecting wood for a fire. Yeah! I cooked pasta and three other north bound thru hikers came in. We had been passed by the first group that we haven't met. Top O will be getting off for a week with family in a few days and I will be on my own once again soon. I will be slowing down a bit so I am sure others will be passing soon. Tomorrow we finish VT and resupply in Hanover NH. NH is considered one of the most difficult and beautiful states. I plan to enjoy it. I will miss hiking with my friend Top O but this is the way it is on the trail. An awesome day of hills to help prepare us for the White Mountains next week. Today I am grateful that there is only one big climb tomorrow and then ice cream in Hanover.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Thistle Hill shelter

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we packed up early and were on the trail by 6:05. I had no idea how this day would be so full of magic. We really had only one hill of significance today and we were heading into another state so we were eager to get going. By 8:15 we were on a road to cross the White River in West Hartford and we heard a bell ringing. We had been told if we hear a bell there, it was an invitation for breakfast so we headed toward the house where we heard the bell ringing. When we arrived, Chef was there and leaving. Linda and Randy told us to have a seat and offered us coffee. Soon they brought us a plate full of eggs, bacon and toast. We gratefully accepted and soon were back on the trail heading up hill. We saw lots of flowers in a field we crossed and just after noon, we came to a road that began our 3 mile road walk into NH and town. The first driveway we passed had a cooler full of trail magic. I had a cold drink and picked up a list of trail angels in the area. I told Top O I would like to stay the night with someone on the list if possible. He agreed. We continued on the road where we found more magic. I had a slice of watermelon this time. We continued walking an crossed the Connecticut River into NH. Some say it is the most difficult state on the AT. We went into Hanover. Dartmouth college is there and it is a nice town the trail goes right through the middle of. We stopped for lunch and left our packs there while we ran some errands. It started pouring rain so we ducked into a pub where the people at the bar bought us drinks until we had to leave. We called a couple of the trail angels on the list and everyone was full. The southbounders are getting here also. We have seen 8 or so now. We called Warren Thayer and he said he had room and would pick us up at 6:30. We went to a pizza place where thru hikers get a free slice and had our free slice and got a small pizza to go. We had just enough time to get some beer before Warren showed up. We loaded up in his car and he took us to his home where we met the two southbounders. He had planned dinner of burgers and had bowls of cherries and grapes out for us to have as well. It was a most enjoyable evening and I slept in his basement on an air bed. What an unbelievable day! Trail magic 6 times in one day. Again, this day I am grateful for all the trail angels that support us and make this magnificent journey that much more amazing.