morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-08
From: Moose Mtn Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter early this morning to enable me to get to town before noon. At the brook 2 miles away was Porkchop & Jackson, Pacer and Danger Zone. We talked while they finished breaking camp then wished each other well on our journeys. 3 more nice people met on the trail, not to mention the best trail dog, Jackson. It was nice that Jackson remembered me. He sat as close to me as possible without being in my lap, until someone brought out food.On the way into town I met Stoker, Walker Texas Ranger, Riceburner and my favorite, Locomotive Joe. Most of these guys were last seen in PA. I was proud to see Locomotive Joe got his act together, shaved his long beard and quit drinking. The trail has a profound effecton some.Just on the edge of town was a tent with feet sticking out. My hello was answered by Mash whom I haven't seen since VA. We also had a nice talk. Congratulations are in order. His girlfriend proposed to him at their last visit and gave him a titanium ring (it is a very light metal in fitting with lightweight backpacking).In Hanover, home to Dartmouth College, I overbought at the fantastic co-op grocery. It would be so very nice to have that store at home. I digress. I collected my maildrop, bought some new socks, ate at a buffet, stopped at Ben & Jerry's and headed out of town.I am now in Vermont. Cross another state off the list! Five more to go. Vermont should take 9 or 10 days. I wled 6+ miles to this shelter ony to find a Dartmouth group here. The group leaders assure me ther won't be another loud midnight raid. Let's hope so. I have 20 miles planned for tomorrow so I'll say goodnight.
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 20.4

It was a quiet but long day. For the firt time since VA, there were some meadow walks. There were dozens of monarch butterflies feasting on the milkweed in preparation for their long migration to Mexico. It drizzled most of the afternoon, a rain brought on no doubt by the warmer temps. It stopped in time for a conversation with Chief and Buddy, 2 thru hikers I last saw in NC. They are the Canadian scentists.Oh yes, as I was walking on a road serving as the trail, a man asked if I would like to fill my water bottle. I thaked him and did so. As I was shouldering my pack, he invited me for breakfast cereal (8:00 am). I accepted. He has a dog named Jake and when he told me that I asked if his name was Jim. He looked surprised and replied "yes". This is the same man who befriended Fire last month. What a coincidence! Fire had not told me where in Vermont this has happened. Jim and I had a nice cereal topped with pecans, bananas and raisins. He apologised for not doing more but explained he had a funeral to attend. Believe me, these small kindnesses are wonderful.
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 16.1

Up and down was the terrain today. I did stop at Lookout point and climbed on top of a cabin to take in 360 degree view of Vermnt and New Hampshire. Fall is definitely in the air. The mrnings are cool and crisp and the trail is lttered with leaves of all colors. Looking out over the mountains one sees scattered blotches of red and yellow. I'm told that a light frost will make the colors pop. Well, it is supposed to be 39 deg. tonight. We'll see what happens.I saw 3 section hikers and one thru hiker who was walking his friend to Dartmouth College in Hanover. Fewer folks on the trail.This is a nice state park. I took a shower--50 cents for 5 minutes. I may be my last for another week or so.It is getting cold so I'm turning in. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-09-11
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Gee the squirrels are pushy around here. I stopped in a pine wood and leaned against my pack and a pine tree to rest. After 5 minutes this squirrel begain to scold me and chatter loudly. when I didn't move he began to rain bark down on me. After a second time of bark raining down with the constant chatter I gave in and moved on.I had scheduled myself to go to the Minerva Hinchey Shelter but at 6 pm with 2+ hours left to hike, I decided to stay at Clarendon Shelter. It is a pretty shelter and I had to blink because it is the first grass yard I've seen in some time. As I round the corner and ask if there is room, I recognize Straw. You may remember he is the guy who shared the bear adventure in VA. We stayed up talking until 9 pm (hiker's midnight). It was great to see him and he was delighted to hear that the people he hiked with for so long were not too many days ahead.
Date: 2006-09-12
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Early day since not going to Minerva Hinchey Shelter yesterday. The days are getting shorter which affects the amount of miles to walk during daylight. My thought is to be on the trail at sunrise and walk as long as possible.Today most folks met were walking the Long Trail, a 278 mile trail from the Machusetts/Vermont line to Canada. The Long Trail and the AT follow the same trail for about 100 miles. I met 16 hikers and a caretaker for the campsites before arriving at the shelter. Tony the Tiger, Llama and Peace Pipe are here tonight.The only thing out of the ordinary today was at White Rocks Cliffs where there are small rcck sculpture created by persons unknown. Not only totally unexected, but amusing as well. There were 2 separate areas of thi "rock art". I'll post photos as soon as possible.Rumor has it getting warmer. Can't prove it by me. I'm going to try to make it into Manchester Center tomrrow before the PO closes, a distance of 15 miles or so. That means another early day.
Date: 2006-09-13
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Spruce Pine Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and at 'em at 5:45 am. My plan was to hike 14 miles, go into town and pick up my maildrop, run errands then head back out of town. Luckily, the terrain was good except I had the ascent of Bromley Mtn. There is a warming hut that hikers can use to sleep over or have lunch. I did climb the observation tower and gazed over the green, red and gold hills of Vermont.I was walking across a small bridge in front of a shelter when I hear "Beth?". It was Woodstock, a guy I last saw near Fontana Dam in NC. He is a computer programmer who has had to work for a month then hike for a month then repeat. Nice guy. I'm surprised he remembered me. He is hoping to still make Katahdin before Oct. 15. He can do it as he logs a lot of milesIt was an easy hitch to town. A newly wed couple from PA had just hiked off the mountain with their dog and took me to the PO. After sorting my maildrop and sending stuff home, I asked the postmistress the easiest way to get downtown and a man volunteered to take me downtown. The bookstore cafe was good and had internet access. What I really wanted was a banana split. Unfortunately, I was too full from lunch and it was too ccld. Darn it!Back on the trail I headed to the shelter to find it one of, if not the best, shelter on the trail. It was a true cabin with a porch, totally enclosed with a woodstove. What a cozy spot to share with Montana Mark, Roamin' Goat, Molasses, and John. It was nice not to be shivering as I packed my gear in the morning.There has been an increase in game sitings. I've seen 2 deer, flushed lots of grouse, and a brace of doves. That is the most I've seen since who knows when.
Date: 2006-09-14
From: Spruce Pine Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

It was nice to wake up in a warm shelter. It was only an hour or so before a light rain began to fall. The tree canopy absorbed most of the rain so I didn't get very wet.I was very hungry when I got to the shelter around 3. It may be due to the fact didn't stop to fix lunch in the rain, but ate snacks instead. As my early dinner was ready, 2 journalists for a DC paper hiked in. Jonathan and John were very entertaining. John has 2 sons who are apparently quite musically talented, one on classical violin and the other a rock musician with a bend toward jazz. Later Molasses and John from the previous shelter stopped and pitched their tent in the rain. It never ceases to amaze me how folks can be in the rain all day and not have it bother them. John and Molassas sat in the rain as it it was sunshine. I certainly prefer not to do that, much less set up a tent in the rain. It rained steadily all evening.
Date: 2006-09-15
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

The rain continued thru the night but stopped before my 7 am departure. Thankfully there was only tree rain. The mud on the trail was plentiful and made for some artful dodging. The views wea obscured by clouds so the trip up the observation tower was pointless unless one enjoys the sight of balsam trees silouetted against the gray fog.I only saw 3 people today until tonight's shelter where a man named Mark and a trail maintenance coordinator were talking. Supper was finished in short order and now it is almost time for bed. Before the night was over there were 2 more guys sharing the shelter and one tenting. When I was leaving the next morning, I noticed 2 more guys had come in late at night and tarped.
Date: 2006-09-16
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 16.9

You'll notice that the entries have been shorter lately. That is because I have been wrestling with the fact I must leave the trail--for now. This was my last day on the trail and I met several folks hiking the long trail and one person working on their sectioning of the AT. I found that the trail was becoming easier and less muddy the closer I got to Massachusetts. Perhaps the mud part was my wishful thinking.I took the 98 trail into Williamstown as that is where I was to make my travel connections. I had planned to take the more popular Pine Cobble Trail but, this trail looked good. Most folks go in to North Adams as the AT goes closer to that location. My thought was to cut out the extra 3 miles of AT knowing there would be a 2.5 mile hitch or walk into Williamstown. By taking the other trail I would be at Williamstown. Sure, I'll still need to to cover those miles but as it will be at the end of my journey next spring, I'll still need transportation from Wmstwn. I tented at a site close enought to hear traffic and, indeed, the next morning found I was yards away from a parking lot. I had been warned that Williamstown did not look fondly upon hikers as it was more "upscale" than most towns. I did find everyone pleasant and interested in my journey without encountering any snooty behavior. My walk ended at the Williams Inn where I took advantage of the dining room for a huge breakfast then repacked my pack to put everything inside and cleaned up. At 10 am I boarded a bus to take me back to the world outside of the trail.For those concerned, I still have 291 miles to walk and plan to do so in April of 2007. I am grateful that I have been able to check out of my regular life for 4.5 months, something few folks can do.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Hemlock Pond
Miles today: 9.3

Well today my sister, Fire , and I got back on the trail going northbound so I can over the next few weeks finish the remainder of the trail that I did not finish last year. Northword to Williamstown we go. Tooth FairyHello again! Sunday, June 3, my sister Margaret and I drove from my home in West Kentucky and picked up Fire in Louisville. Fire and I hiked together last year for about a month. As she had a few days, she thought it would be great to be on the trail again. The three of us drove to South New Jersey where we stayed with my friends Stephanie and Larry. They took us out to an awesome Italian dinner then gave us a tour of their vegetable farm and explained the irrigation, planting and harvesting methods used. They did comment on the shortage of honey bees they rent to pollenate their crops. We also stopped and got sodas and Little Debbies to use as trail magic.On Tuesday, Stephanie drove us to the Mohician Outdoor Center. After setting out the trail magic, Margaret, Fire and I took off up the trail. Margaret is from Kansas and, needless to say is not used to hills. We were all panting after the first hill but managed to go a fair distance to Hemlock Pond where we sat in the sun by the water and fixed out dinners. We then pitched our tents and spent the first night out on the trail. I have a new pack so some adjustments were made in how it fit and was packed. I think it will work fine.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Hemlock Pond

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

This was the 2nd day back on the trail. Fire, Margaret and I chugged right along. We saw our first snake, a black rat snake on a rock next to a small stream. We stopped to look then moved on. At Culver Fire Tower we stopped for lunch where we met a crew of hikers that had passed us earlier, Strider, Hellbender, Chips, Shaggy, Patrick and ??. Fire had hiked with them for a short while and enjoyed the faster pace than Marg and I gave her. In the afternoon, we stopped at the Sunrise Mountain Pavillion and talked with some counselors from a camp. One of the guys was getting ready to hike the entire trail with his brother. It was an enjoyable time. Fire did notice several young boys scratching their names on the stone pavillion and asked them if they had ever noticed graffiti along the streets. When they said yes, she told them that this pavillion was her street. They got the point and quit writing. Toward the end of the day Marg asked how many miles we were going to the shelter. Both Fire and I conveniently "forgot", knowing Marg would be even more tired if she knew we were doing 17 miles. She was a good sport and kept trudging along. Actually it was a great day for someone's second day of hiking.We made a dry camp at Mashipacong Shelter. It had a solar privy and a nice open area in front of the shelter. Unfortunately, the trail takes a 90 degree turn at the opening and it is easy for a hiker to miss and head out onto a secondary trail. We re-directed some folks.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 12.5

Sad day. Fire left us at High Point State Park. She hitched a ride into Port Jervis to take a bus/train to Staten Island to visit a friend then she was due in Boston on Friday. From there she is headed west for adventures with her family in the Grand Canyon (rafting), Bryce & Zion Canyons and Yosemite National Park. She left Marg her 20 degree bag as it has been cold the last couple of nights and Marg couldn't keep warm.Margaret and I walked on, observing High Point, the highest point in NJ. We elected to head to the Murray Property, commonly referred to as the Secret Shelter. Jim Murray has built a shelter with hot/cold running water, shower, and loft for the thru-hikers. It is a great place in a large field (yes a privy, too.)We watched Baltimore Orioles, groundhogs, squirrels and the resident Italian donkeys. Those donkeys were a grumpy sort, constantly fussing, but fun to watch. We ended up with Wire Nut and two other guys. We were introduced to this trail delight. One package hot chocolate, Snickers bar, and peanut butter dissolved to make a high calorie dessert/drink. I have yet to try it.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Murray Property

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.6

Marg and I left the Secret Shelter around 6 am with the goal of arriving in Vernon NJ before the Post Office closed. Marge set a really good pace approx. 3 mph. After emerging from the woods and a short road walk we turned next to Walkill National Wildlife Preserve. We observed heron, swan and some type of goose and plenty of small birds in under a mile. After going about 1 3/4 mile, the trail turned into the woods. At that time, we noticed that if we had continued on the road we would have traveled about 3/4 of a mile. Such is the AT, bringing vistas to the hikers. Go figure, we were walking to see the sights.There were quite a few puncheons (bog bridges) to traverse. Near Vernon, we walked a long boardwalk (at least a mile) over a swampy area. It was really hot in the sun. Three quarters of the way thru was a suspension bridge where we met a man counting butterflies and other flying flowers. He saw a giant swallowtail while we talked. Apparently it is not common to that area. He said he goes to different state parks and preserves counting.We finally made it to the road knowing there was a 2.4 mile hitch. There was no shoulder to the road and no place for a car to pull over so we walked opposite town to a farm stand and bought a drink as we were both out of water. We said hi to a group of hikers, Strider, Hellbender and crew, on the way inside. By the time we had paid and walked outside, Margaret had secured us a ride in the back of a pick-up. The man (owner of the local bowling alley) not only took us to the Post Office but waited while we picked up our package then took us to the hostel at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. There are really nice people everywhere.After some debate and investigation, Margaret has decided to end her hike and go home to Kansas with a stop to see her son, Jim, in Washington, D.C. She decided that the hike wasn't as fun for her as it is for me and she would slow me down. She likes to take lots of photos. Also, there was concern about the hills and her knees as she has had knee problems for some years. I enjoyed being with her, as it is rare to spend time together. She had a car delivered and shuttled the hikers in the hostel to the grocery. Thanks, Marg.Hikers in the hostel were Bird, Pilgrim, Diane, Retro and Hawk.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Marg shuttled the six hikers (Diane, Hawk, Pilgrim, Bird, Retro and me) to the trail after breakfast before heading to D.C. as it is 2.4 miles to the trail. Believe me, everyone was grateful.The day began with a near 1000 ft. climb up Mt. Wawayanda (1340'). It was a nice climb with a few switchbacks. The rest of the trail today was a delight. There was level trail with few rocks, level with lots of rocks, rock scram les and rock ledges with views, all nicely mixed up. I traveled by myself until about 1:30 pm when Bird and Pilgrim caught up. Soon after, Retro and Hawk joined the "train" and we clipped right along with the promise of ice cream at the next road crossing. The ice cream shop made their own ice cream and I will tell you the banana was great! Chunks of chocolate mixed right in. Another 2 miles and we arrived at Wildcat Shelter. Due to its popularity, there are 6 in the shelter and 8 tents. I saw 3 squirrels, 2 chipmunks and 1 brown salamander today. The weather was a little warm and humid with tomorrow's weather rumored to be 10 degrees cooler. We shall see.2007 hikers! The trail at Wawayanda Shelter is being re-routed and a new privy installed. Hooray for the trail crews!!
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Bryan Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an early moring out of Wildcat Shelter. Up at 4:45 and hiking at 6 am. Around 3:15 am I awoke to a loud thrashing noise. Upon asking, it seems that one hiker got up in the night and startled someting big. H-m-m-m-m what was it? I a still traveling with Pilgrim, Bird, Retro and Hawk. We all were bone tired upon reaching camp. It was a hard 20 miles with lots of ups and downs, and, if the weather was cooler, we couldn't really tell. I am glad Marg went home or she truly would never speak to me again if she had to have hiked this day. Whew!I saw lots of squirrels and chipmunks, one deer and a hen turkey and 3 chicks. This afternoon it was a surprise to see about 40 Japanese on the mountain. We think they were performing some sort of ceremony with shouting and singing. I also saw 2 section hikers and about 8 day hikers.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: William Bryan Memorial Shelter

To: Ft. Montgomery
Miles today: 9.1

UP at 5 am again. I slept quite well even with the light rain shower during the night. While we were eating breakfast and breaking camp, a deer moseyed by and acted as if we were not there. Walking up the first hill over the shelter we couldn't help but notice the beautiful mountain laurels in bloom covering about 2 acres. Amazing sight.We had two good climbs today, neither as difficult as some of yesterday's hills. Crossing over the road to Bear Mountain, I missed the white blazes indicating a turn and continued past the road then walked back and forth on a trail for a few minutes trying to be sure I was on the trail. This wouldn't have been so bad if there wasn't a white blaze on a tree way off the real trail. I felt better when Hawk did the same thing. The walk up Bear Mountain itself was easy and the monument on top, imposing but currently undergoing renovation behind fencing. After a mostly downhill walk, we passed thru the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center where I saw my first bear of this trip (in a cage of course). Retro and i were drawn into the herptological building to look at snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders and newts. The silver and red foxes were beautify, if shy. The center does a great job of labeling trees and bushes along the paths. It is certainly a worth while place to spend a day and the entry fee is very, very, small. If you are in the area, make time to go. Leaving the center we said goodby to Hawk who is on his way home. We stopped and talked for a bit to Dirty Blond and Backbend before they and Retro headed north on the trail. Bird, Pilgrim and I headed into Ft. Montgomery, NY for mail drops and re-suppy. After retreiving our mail, Pilgrim and I were waiting at the PO for Bird to return from checking out the eateries and resupply choices when a lady named Polly approached us. She said her husband used to work at Greylock and was known as "Moose". He insisted on buying a sandwich and drink for every hiker he saw at the M&R Grocery. Since he was at work she asked if she could buy us lunch. We were surprised but accepted gratefully. (Like true hikers) Those sandwiches were huge and delicious! It never ceases to amaze me the kindness shown to hikers by total strangers! Thanks, Polly and Moose. We are staying in style tonight at the Holiday Inn Express. Laundry, internet, nice shower and room AND continental breakfast. What a treat.