morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Hurds Corner Road

To: Bulls Bridge Parking
Miles today: 10.9

We were able to get a ride into town this morning and had breakfast at a little bakery where we had egg sandwiches before heading on the Trail.Halfway through the day today, we had Trail Magic by means of two coolers which were mostly filled with beer. T2 and I managed to find soft drinks in the coolers before heading down the Trail. We stopped at a shelter to rest and found a thermometer under the roof inside the shelter. The temperature read 80 degrees and I believe it was 90+ outside - and humid.Did a short day of hiking, roughly 11 miles, and then we all decided to head into the nearby town of Kent, Connecticut to get a motel for the night. We arestaying at the Fife'n Drum Inn which also has a restaurant. We are getting ready to do laundry and get a bite to eat before hitting the sack.Today we moved from New York into Connecticut - our 9th state. The Trail only goes 52 miles through Connecticut - and then we will hike Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and end atop Mt. Katahdin in Maine. It's hard to believe we have come so far.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Bulls Bridge Parking

To: Connecticut Route 4
Miles today: 19.2

I forgot to mention our Trail Angels from yesterday. For lunch we were treated to cantaloupe, other melons, pineapple, macaroni salad and other cold salads by Terry's (thru-hiker) mother and brother. The cold fruits and salads were certainly refreshing. Thank you Terry's family!We hiked over Schaghticoke Mountain and crossed back and forth between Connecticut and New York. We passed a couple of Lean-to's today but did not stop. Lean-to is another name for a shelter here in Connecticut and also in Massachusetts.Around noon and halfway through our hike, we crossed Schaghticoke Road which is 3/4 mile out of Kent, Connecticut. Trail Heifer, Miss Wiggy, T2 and I hitched a ride into Kent for lunch and then took a short sidetrip to the local outfitter. We couldn't hitch a ride back to the Trailhead so we walked back and continued hiking until we came to a good tent site.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-20
From: Connecticut Route 4

To: Connecticut Route 41
Miles today: 22.5

About 5-6 miles into the hike today, I wound up hitting my head on a tree laying across the Trail. Fortunately we had several hikers in our group. Miss Wiggy, a nurse, cleaned up the bleeding and Trail Heifer carried my pack. We continued hiking to get to a road; another 7 miles before I could get assistance. To complicate things, a hiker coming from the opposite direction advised us there was an aggravated snake on the Trail. With me leading slowly and the snake issue - if I had gone any slower, I would have been hiking in reverse. We finally came to an intersection at US 7 and CT 112 where I was able to leave the Trail and go to the Sharon Hospital Emergency Room (Sharon, CT) where the wound was stapled. This ended hiking for the day.I was able to get into the Town of Salisbury and get a room at the home of a local lady who rents rooms to hikers. Hi Hills, Tiger Lil, Allegheny, MoFo and I went to dinner.It was good to be off the Trail and in a soft bed after the activities that happened earlier today.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Connecticut Route 41

To: Jug End Road
Miles today: 16.9

We started the day by hiking out of Connecticut and into Massachusetts for the first time. We hiked across the Housatonic River a couple times today via iron bridges.Hi Hills has been hiking with us for three weeks now and it's time for her to leave the Trail. Her husband, Franklin, drove out to pick her up. Franklin was able to shuttle us to South Egremont, Massachusetts where a large group of us shared a couple rooms at a motel. After dropping the group at the motel, Franklin and Hi Hills drove me back to the Trail and followed me via car as much as they could access the Trailheads. I want to thank both of them for helping me be able to make up the miles I missed when I had the bleeding head accident. After finishing that, the three of us had dinner at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury and then headed back to the motel in South Egremont. Before heading to bed, Hi Hills and Franklin gave all of us small gifts too numerous to mention. They had a gift for everyone in the group and we plan to wear them when we summit Mt. Katahdin in September.Today we also said goodbye to three great guys who refer to themselves as the MoFo boys. After hiking with us the past three weeks, they left the Trail and went home. Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-22
From: Jug End Road

To: Tyringham Main Rd., Massachusetts
Miles today: 25.0

Today was a long, hot day for the planned 25-mile hike. Late in the day we got into heavy rain, high winds and then it got dark early. Because of the bad weather, we struggled to find and hike the Trail and wound up hiking until midnight.We stopped at Benedict Pond earlier and tried to cool off by dipping in the water. We also crossed a small stream with a fairly low water level and could tell the beavers had been working hard on their dam.Too tired to write much tonight.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-23
From: Tyringham Main Rd., Massachusetts

To: Washington Mt. Road
Miles today: 18.1

We've planned only 18.1 miles for today. It sure was hard getting up this morning after getting in so late last night.Partway through our hike today, we came to Upper Goose Pond where some of us swam for awhile to cool off and relax. While there we met a young couple on their honeymoon. They were married on July 9 - 2 weeks ago exactly. We learned that the bride is from Canada, the groom from Maine and they are now living in Rhode Island. They were kind enough to pose for a picture.The Trail crosses on a bridge on the Massachusetts Turnpike. We took a couple pictures with the Appalachian Trail sign showing.Red Rocket's mother, daughter Amber and son-in-law, Brandon provided food and drinks for a Trail Magic dinner. They also brought gifts for each hiker. Thank you for everything. Tiger Lil's daughter, May, who lives in New York came out with her boyfriend, Drew, for a surprise visit at the same time.Tonight we tented in the back yard at Blueberry Hill, a true blueberry business in Becket, Massachusetts. There were mature blueberry bushes on the property and we were able to walk around and pick blueberries for our breakfast before heading back to the Trail. We left a donation for the blueberries.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Washington Mt. Road

To: Cheshire, Massachusetts
Miles today: 18.5

We headed out early this morning and at about the 10-mile mark for the day we went through Dalton, Massachusetts. The Trail walks right through Dalton so we stopped at the local deli for lunch.We passed Gore Pond which is very low, mucky and very thick with mosquitoes. After that we passed The Cobbles which is a high rock jutting out of the top of the mountain. We chose not to climb the observation tower.After crossing the Hoosic River on a footbridge, we headed into Cheshire, Massachusetts. We spent the night at a church hostel where they allowed us to sleep on the floor of the social hall. This is a nice treat as it gives hikers a place to stay in case of rain - with bathrooms inside.The weather is holding up - cooler than it has been and it is certainly a welcome relief.
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Cheshire, Massachusetts

To: Massachusetts Route 2
Miles today: 14.5

We headed out this morning towards Mt. Greylock which has an elevation of 3,491 feet. This is the highest point in the State of Massachusetts. At the very top there is a lodge with a concession stand so we stopped for lunch. After spending a couple hours lounging and returning phone calls and eating ice cream for dessert, we headed down the mountain into the town of Williamstown, Massachusetts for a motel stop.It's almost 9 PM and we're getting ready to go to supper.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-26
From: Massachusetts Route 2

To: Vermont Route 9
Miles today: 18.5

We started our hike today by crossing the Hoosic River via a footbridge. Shortly after that we crossed the Massachusetts state line into the state of Vermont for the first time. Vermont is the 12th state on our list of 14 that we hike through.Here in Vermont, the Appachalian Trail is shared with the Long Trail for approximately 96 miles, so we hiked the AT and the Long Trail at the same time. The Long Trail was completed in 1931 and extends from the very southern tip of Vermont to the Canadian border. The AT turns east at what's called "Maine Junction" and continues toward New Hampshire and Mt. Katahdin in Maine.Time to eat dinner and set up our tents.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-27
From: Vermont Route 9

To: Stratton-Arlington Road, Vermont
Miles today: 22.7

Today we hiked long and hard - 22.8 miles. It started raining late afternoon so we stopped at a shelter for a break. When we thought the rain was stopping, we started to head out but it came down very hard so we holed up another hour in the shelter. This put us behind and caused us to do some night hiking again. We got in about 10:15 pm extremely tired because the Trail was so wet and it was dark. The vegetation here in Vermont is very thick making it difficult to see back under the trees.Our dogs are barking tonight (our feet are tired).Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Stratton-Arlington Road, Vermont

To: Vermont Routes 11 & 30
Miles today: 17.7

The Trail was wet and still muddy - similar to last night's hike and really didn't dry out much. Our feet were still a little achy from yesterday's long mileage. We stopped and climbed a fire tower to take photos of the Vermont countryside. While high on the tower, I also took photos of my fellow hikers down below.There were good views of Manchester, Vermont from Prospect Rock. Again, I took pictures of the group and the area. This was a good place to stop.We also saw a moose and her 2 cubs today. What a sight!Today I hiked with Tiger Lil, T2 and Miss Wiggy. During the day Tiger Lil suggested that we hadn't had a mud fight yet so Miss Wiggy started the fight by throwing mud at T2 and me. We then retaliated and had a full-blown mud fight. Tiger Lil sat there and took pictures even though it was her idea. In the end though, we pulled her into the fight and had a good time. We felt and looked like pigs and were happy to get into a motel to clean up.We stayed at a ski resort that was closed for the season. We cut a deal with the owner and he opened a couple rooms to us. We're going out tonight to get a "Vermonster" which is a 25-scoop Ben & Jerry's ice cream sundae.I also called home and talked to Judy, Kimberly, Courtney, Jonann and three of my grandchildren, Aubrey, Brynn and Tyler. Tyler is 3 and really into Batman, Spiderman and Superman. He asked me to say hi to Bruce Wayne (Batman).Until tomorrow.....PS - There was a moon sighting at one of the fire towers.
Date: 2005-07-29
From: Vermont Routes 11 & 30

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd, Vermont
Miles today: 17.6

The weather stayed cool most of today. We headed out this morning and immediately began our ascent to Bromley Mountain (3260'). There was a ski resort on the top of Bromley Mountain that had a chair lift and warming station and great views all around. We could actually see the White Mountains of New Hampshire from the top.Four of us sat on the chair lift while another female hiker took our picture. We then rotated hikers and another picture was taken. We also saw three other northbound thru-hikers enjoying the sights.Later we descended to Griffith Lake Tenting Area. We stopped to have lunch by the water.We got in early enough to make a good dinner, set up our tents and get a good night's sleep.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-30
From: Danby-Landgrove Rd, Vermont

To: Vermont Route 103
Miles today: 14.6

We headed out and within a couple miles we came to a place called Little Rock Pond Tenting Area. I believe this is the prettiest place on the Trail so far. The water in Little Rock Pond was so clear. Miss Wiggy, Tiger Lil and another female hiker went swimming and said the water was pretty warm.While resting, I spoke to a Trail Maintainer for awhile. My group started back on the Trail but I stayed a few more minutes. I talked with a fella heading to Manchester to pick up his daughter and two nieces. They were going to hike and camp the next four days. He told me this was an annual ritual and he had been doing this 5 or 6 years now. He said this gives the girls' mothers time to do their own thing.While descending White Rocks Mountain we took the trail to White Rocks Cliff. There we stopped to have lunch while soaking up the views. At the intersection where the Trail joins the cliff, there are a number of rock piles put together by hikers. It's a tradition to add a rock when you pass through the area. Each pile has about 60-70 rocks. Of course, I added my rock to the pile. A hiker, Lobster, added his rock and the pile crashed down. I was standing off to the side taking pictures and heard his rock pile crash again. Later on the Trail I stopped to spend about an hour doing business and met another hiker who told me that Lobster's pile had crashed for the third time. Poor guy!Every day the weather seems to get a little warmer and more humid.We got in about 5:30 and had to cross a swaying bridge over the ravine in the area we wanted to set up tents. We had to go about 1/4 mile back into the woods to camp as the area we first chose was undesirable as there were a lot of local hikers partying (loudly).Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-07-31
From: Vermont Route 103

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 20.7

This was a rough day of climbing up to Killington Peak (3850') - starting at 1850' - a 2000' climb with lots of ups and downs and more heat and humidity.The rain started coming towards the end of the day. We ended up at Gifford Woods State Park. We rented the 3-sided lean-to (shelter) and six of us shared the space.In my journal of July 26 I mentioned that the Appalachian Trail shares the Long Trail for approximately 96 miles in Vermont and turns east at "Maine Junction". Well, we reached "Maine Junction" today which means that we broke away from the Long Trail with the AT now leading us into New Hampshire and then Maine. The Long Trail continues north about 165 miles into Canada.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-01
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Vermont Route 12
Miles today: 20.5

This was a very long and hard day with many ups and downs. The heat and humidity just keep going up making it very uncomfortable to hike and climb. We did cross a couple streams and ponds and lookout areas but didn't stop as we had planned to hike 20.5 miles. It's getting darker earlier so we took very few breaks and kept hiking on.Late in the afternoon I hiked a little ahead of my fellow hikers and found a "golden nugget" on my arrival to where we thought we were going to set up our tents. I saw a sign on the AT bulletin board stating free showers and lodging up the road. Our "golden nugget" was staying in the second level of a barn - compliments of the generosity of a 1970 thru-hiker. He supplied a boom box, electricity, an old guitar, etc. Ten of us thru-hikers slept in the barn and enjoyed some strumming on the old guitar by one of the more talented hikers.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-02
From: Vermont Route 12

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

It's hot and more humid for our third 20-mile day in a row. We're all getting very tired of the weather and long days.At the end of our hike today, we crossed the Connecticut River via a bridge and passed from Vermont into New Hampshire -- only two more states to go. We hiked into Hanover, New Hampshire and continued hiking through to the other end of town since the Trail goes right through town. We were then able to get a ride to the Super 8 on the other end of town.It's late and time to shower and hit the sack.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-03
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We took a zero day today - no hiking. However, it took us all day to do chores -- laundry, outfitter, groceries, library to catch up on emails and journals. Can't believe the day is over already.We weren't able to get our "Vermonster", 25-scoop Ben & Jerry's sundae the other night so we had it for lunch today. 25-scoops is a lot of ice cream but we managed to finish it.Remember my journal entry of July 20 where I mentioned my head and its unfortunate meeting with a tree across the Trail and the stitches I needed? Well, Miss Wiggy, the wonderful nurse that has been keeping an eye on my head wound removed the staples today as gently as she could. She says my wound is healing fine.After our big lunch, we decided Taco Bell was enough for supper. I just called home and talked with Judy and then called Jonann's house and was able to talk to her and her sisters, Kimberly and Courtney. It was nice that they were in one place so I had only one call to make instead of three separate calls.I've been thinking alot about what happens after New Hampshire and Maine. I am looking forward to the end with mixed emotions. I have enjoyed this hike and all the people I've met but my body is getting beat up. I really miss not seeing Judy, my daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren. I'm looking forward to some downtime and then getting back into my daily routine.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Hanover, NH

To: Lyme-Dorchester Road, NH
Miles today: 19.6

We had a good time on our zero day in Hanover yesterday. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College. The town is great and has a wide variety of places to eat and shop.We had big elevation changes to make us work during our many climbs today. Coming out of Hanover, we started at 425' and mid-day were up to 2300' on the North Peak of Moose Mountain. From there we descended to 950', climbed back up to Holts Ledge at 2100' and finally descended to 900' and set up camp for the night. We kept running into 3 Cats, Motoring, Lobster and Retro. At the end of the day when we were about 150 yards from camp, we saw a large black bear cross the Trail. I took a photo and hope it turns out.We stopped at a market for supplies - but I had a "senior moment" and forgot what I was going to buy. One hiker, Motoring, picked up a package of toothpaste which had a small bonus tube. He asked me if I wanted it. How did he know that toothpaste is what I was looking for?Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Lyme-Dorchester Road, NH

To: New Hampshire Route 25 C
Miles today: 18.8

We started out with a tough climb -- went from 880' to 3240' in less than 4 miles. It was hot and humid again but a clear day. It is much hotter than you would expect for this time of year this far north.We stopped at the old Firewarden's Cabin and had a bite to eat on the front porch. There was a firetower for climbing to check out the views.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-06
From: New Hampshire Route 25 C

To: Kinsman Notch, New Hampshire
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We had strenuous climbs again today going from 1140' to 4802' on top of Mt. Moosilauke. The Trail is now above treeline for the first time for northbound hikers. We saw great views 360 degrees around. We ate lunch at the summit and took photos of the hiking group around the sign for Mt. Moosilauke. An old lodge used to be up here but the only remnants remaining are the foundation.Coming down the backside of the mountain, there was a steep descent dropping back to 1450'. We followed a waterfall which was cut out of the rocks for a couple miles next to the Trail. It was very pretty and we took lots of pictures.We enjoyed Trail Magic from Charles, a thru-hiker from about 10 years ago. He provided pizza, cantaloupe and grapes. We got a ride into North Woodstock and were lucky enough to get a room at a Bed & Breakfast. It was hard to get a room as this is a Saturday night. The town reminds me of Gatlinburg, Tennessee - very touristy.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Kinsman Notch, New Hampshire

To: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Today we started our hike through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We had been told that this is where a hiker would begin to use his winter clothing and gear. With the hot weather we've been experiencing, we haven't had any need for warmer clothing. The nights are cooler and that is great for sleeping.Our biggest challenge today was the ascent and descent of South Kinsman Mountain which involved a rock scramble.What a small world we live in. Today we met a hiker and his dog from my hometown of Noblesville, Indiana. They actually live only a couple miles from me. Their Trailnames are Throw and Fetch. Throw, who is about my age, started the Trail on February 26 after he was diagnosed with cancer. He is in remission at this time after undergoing experimental treatments. He is a remarkable man and I enjoyed talking with him. His dog, Fetch, is trained to help him in many different ways while out on the Trail. Throw's brother-in-law is out here hiking with him for about three weeks.Until tomorrow.....PS - Happy 6th Anniversary to Jason and Courtney.
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

We started at 1450' and climbed Little Haystack Mountain and Mt. Lincoln and continued our ascent another couple hundred feet to Mt. Lafayette which is the site of the Greenleaf Hut. Lodging and meals in the Huts in the White Mountains are fee based and many take reservations. Meals are usually for paying overnight guests (hikers). We had heard that if you stopped at the Hut between meals, hikers might be able to get a reasonable meal if there was leftover food. We arrived at Greenleaf Hut just as they were serving guests, so we couldn't eat there. We used the restrooms and took on water and hiked on.I had another enjoyable conversation today with Throw (and Fetch).We descended Mt. Garfield and camped at the Garfield Ridge Campsite on a tent platform.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We headed out and hiked to the Galehead Hut where we were able to catch what was leftover from breakfast. We had chocolate chip pancakes with syrup and only paid $1. We each ate a good size stack of the pancakes and enjoyed them as our mid-morning snack. In addition, I bought a long-sleeve shirt that lists all of the Huts in the White Mountains.We hiked over South Twin Mountain to Zealand Falls Hut where we thought we might be able to get some leftover lunch. We couldn't get any food as they had over-chlorinated their water. They thought they would have the water problem cleared up later in the day but we couldn't stay any longer.We passed and said hello to Throw and Fetch again today.We continued hiking on til we came to Dry River Campground and got a campsite with pay showers. The shower was great because this is when I have probably smelled the raunchiest of the whole hike.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-08-10
From: Crawford Notch

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 12.7

We left Crawford Notch and started our hike across what is referred to as the "Presidential Range". As we hike the next 25 miles, we will climb the peaks of Mt. Webster, Mt. Jackson, Mt. Pierce (formerly Mt. Clinton), Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Franklin, Mt. Washington and Mt. Madison. Hiking in the area of the White Mountains, there are Huts every 5 to 7 miles. Today we stopped at Mizpah Spring Hut and were able to get leftover soup and baked goods for our lunch. Late in the day we came to Lake of the Clouds Hut and the four of us (Tiger Lil, T2, Miss Wiggy and I) were able to get a room for the night as there had been a cancellation. While waiting for dinner, we were able to take in great views of the sunset. Dinner was ham, corn, salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread and brownies for dessert. We were entertained by the staff as they introduced and joked about the next staff member in line. Having visited and seen pretty much all of the Huts, I would rate this Hut as one of the best.Until tomorrow.....