morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

Just another big Thank You to Richard and Pat Bramley for being such wonderful trail angels for us last night. A good time was had by all and the concert had a 60's Hippie flair to it. Pat had a nylon string guitar that I used and everyone was singing at the top of their lungs. Even Pipes knew most of the songs and particularly like Charlie on the MTA, because she is from Boston. We went out to breakfast in West Cornwall with Richard and then set out on the trail at about 10:30. We all were hiking atdifferent paces today. #2 was way out ahead and I never saw him again today. She Bear was behind and just listening to her Ipod and cruising along. I was in the middle and way ahead of She Bear. The morning air was still cool but climbing the first mountain made my clothes all wet again and sweat was dripping from my eyebrows. I don't know why CT doesn't have any wind. The air has been so still, it is hard to get cooled off. There was an aftenoon thunder shower that came through as I was hiking this late afternoon. I kept right on hiking.I figured it is harder to hit a moving target with lightning. The camp site tonight has many people here. There is a young girls camp here, and 5 other hikers. Here tonight are She Bear, Chuck, Driftwood, a ridge runner and Me. Tomorrow, Sunday, is going to be a great day. My son, Bill, is coming out to hike with me. I am! meeting him in Salsbury in the late morning. I still have 10 miles to hike to get there. I am going to pack up at first light and go. It has been another hot day of hiking today. I guess that means that it is summer.Banjoman
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Brassie Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

It was up and out by six this morning. I had 10 miles to put in Salisbury by 11 am. My son, Bill was coming to hike with me for a week. He was being driven down by his Sister, Rocket who hiked with me through the Great Smokie Mountains. I arrived in Salisbury right on time. It was nice to see both of them and visit with Rocket before she headed back to Maine. Bill and I resupplied and visited with the other hikers in town before heading out around 2:30. Of course it is a climb out of every town I go into. Today was no exception. The climb topped out at Lion's Head overlook. We took a break and as we were getting our packs back on in rolled Mapman and Robin. It was so great to see them. They were just getting back on the trail from a side trip to Michigan to visit with family. We hiked together to Brassie Brook Shelter where we all stayed. br>At the shelter tonight are Mapman and Robin, Bill, #2, Weatherman, Mudflap and Daisy, She Bear, The Hollanders, Chuck, and two section hikers.Banjoman
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

An early morning start this morning. Bill was up at 5:30 and on the trail by 7. The hiking today was tough. Many climbs up mountains on rock faces and downs over jagged trails of rocks. At lunch time it was apparent that I wasn't going to get to my mail drop before the Post Office closed. It had to take a side trail down to the road and walk through Berkshire College Campus. As I was exiting the campus, I stopped and talked to a couple that was walking in. They offered me a ride to the Post Office. Thank you very much. I found out that they were from Newcastle, Maine. I picked up my mail drop and then went across the street to the variety store for a soda. I started talking to a lady about how to get to Great Barrington. She started to tell me and then offered to drive me there. Thank you Bett. I found out on the ride over that she is from Franklin, Maine. What are the chances of that. The trail will provide. I am at the Corn Crib Farm Stand for the night. They let thru hike! rs tent , take showers, use their bathroom, and refill our water bladders from gallon jugs of water. Don't drink out of the hoses. I have heard that before. Here tonight are Mapman and Robin, Bill, Weatherman, #2.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Barrington, MA

To: Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

There was a crashing noise during the night at the Greenhouse Range we were staying at. I didn't find out till this morning that a huge tree branch fell down within 25 feet of where some of the tenters were sleeping. No one got hit or hurt. It is just really strange to have that happen. The people at the Corn Crib Farm Stand and Greenhouse were just the best. Thank you for being so kind to hikers. The trail out of town went along the Housatonic River and along many corn fields. Then straight up into the mountains. The morning was cool but the potential was there for a steamy day. Bill and I were atthe first shelter by 10 am. Time for first lunch. We had balogna and cheese wraps with tarter sauce on them. yum. We took about an hour break and the were were off to Benedict Pond. This is a glacial pond high up in the mountains. This will be great some nice cold water to get into. When Bill and I got there She Bear, The Hollanders, Mapman and Robin and #2 were already in. It didn't take long for Bill and I to join them. What a disappointment. The water was warm, the bottom was thick with weeds and muck. It was refreshing none the less. The thunder started to roll and we dried off and got ready to hike again. It didn't take long for the effects of the swim to wear off. We only had 4 more miles to go for the day but they were the longest 4 miles of todays hike. It was still ! very hot but the rain didn't appear which was great. Here at the shelter tonight are Mapman and Robin, Bill and I. It will be just an intimate concert tonight with songs that I haven't played out here yet. Mapman and Robin now hold the record for most concerts attended. Move over Jerry Garcia.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Wilcox Lean-to North

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: haze

I had a little trouble sleeping last night so I was up early this morning, 5am. Bill got up around 5:30. We had breakfast and packed up to hit the trail. Today is the day I do my radio spot on WABK. My cell phone is broke so Mapman and Robin offered me the use of their phone. You guys are a lifesavor, thank you. It was hot today as well. Bill and I took many breaks and drank plenty of water. The hike took us over two big mountains that seemed to take forever to climb. We finally arrived at Upper Goose Pond Shelter around 4 pm. It is a turn of the century cabin in the woods that has been converted into bunk rooms and a day room. The water in the pond is clear and cold. Tomorrow is promised pancakes yummy. There are a lot of people here tonight. They include Mapman and Robin, The Hollanders, Cheeto and Puffy Nipples, Jutebox, Brighteyes, Catch-up, Corn Bread, The Chocolate Bandito, Pete the Caretaker, a! nd about 6 others that I haven't met yet.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Kay Wood Lean-to, MA
Miles today: 17.4

The concert last night was great. a lot of new people and many of the same peeps. The shelter caretaker realy enjoyed it as well. Puffy Nipples said he has been trying to catch me for over 1000 miles so he could hear a show. He saw me in the Trail Days Talent Show in Damascus doing the Sushi Song and can't get it out of his head and wanted to learn more of the lyrics. Wow. The night was very warm and the bunk room was a wash of dirty hiker sock and shoe smell. For those who don't know what that is just imagine a Football Locker Room. It doesn't matter if it is women's feet or men's feet, it is all bad.Pete, the caretaker cooked us all pancakes this morning and all we could eat as well. Thank you Pete for your hospitality. You are very gracious and what a beautiful privy, NO SMELL. Today's other high light was going to the Cookie Lady's House. It is a tenth of a mile off the trail. They let you fill your water bottles up and rest on their lawn. If they are home, which they were, she brings out a plate of home made cookies for the hikers. They also raise high bush blueberries. They let hikers go to them and pick a handfull or so to eat. They also will sell you some to pack out. It was a great rest stop. Resting there were The Hollanders, Puffy Nipples ans Cheeto, Jutebox, Mapman and Robin, Bill, Corn Bread, Bright Eyes, Catch-up and three southbounders. We rested there for about a hour or so. Then it was 6.7 more miles to the lean-to. We made it by 5:30. Not bad time. We all went to do our chores, water purifying, bunk set up, unpacking your pack, tent set up and supper organizing ond cooking. Now it is time for music. Willin, one of the Hollanders played first. He is very good and accomplished on the guitar. I really enjoyed listening to him play. I th! en played last. Mapman and Robin are the hikers who have been to more of my shows than anyone else so it would be challenging for me to play songs that they would recognize and also that they hadn't heard me play before. I did pretty good, 90% of the songs were like that. They had a few requests that I gladly played. Here at the Lean-to tonight are Corn Bread, Mapman and Robin, Bill and the Hollander's. It has been a great day. Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Kay Wood Lean-to, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 64.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Bill, Mapman, Robin and I left the shelter at 7am. It was cloudy but it didn't look like rain, WRONG. About 15 minutes out of the shelter it started to sprinkle. We stopped and put on our pack covers and continued on. The hike into town always seems long no matter how short the distance. Be fore long we were there and looking for a place to have a second breakfast. Yes, there it was a small diner just in town. We all had a second breakfast. Just as we were leaving the Hollander's arrived for their second breakfast.One thing I haven't mentioned yet is that I had a ride home for the weekend waiting for me. My brother inlaw was coming from New York and had arranged to pick me up and take me home for an impromptu weekend.. Thank you Bob. Bill also needed to go home for the start of Football season for the Portland High Bulldogs. He is the Offensive Line Coach. It has been great hiking with him all of this week and there will be pictures of him up on my photo section soon. By going home on Friday I was able to play my Happy Hour Gig. But they didn't know I was coming. I walked in with Mrs. Banjoman and everyone was surprised. I decided not to play until the second half so I could hear how they sounded. They sounded great. I danced with Mrs. Banjoman and had a great time. Then it was out to eat with our friends and to tell stories of the trail. It was a short day of hiking.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Crystal Mtn Campsite, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6

It was a quiet night. The lightning and thunder that started around 9 pm didn't amount to anything. Regular chores were done and I was on the trail by 7. It seemed like a short 5.5 miles into Cheshire, MA. I found a Variety Store for a first lunch snack. I met up with Iron Wolf at that store and we chatted for a while. He was the first one off and I was soon to follow. The trail headed up like it does out of most towns and I had my sites on Mt Greylock, 3491 feet, the highest peak in MA. Bascom lodge is at the top and I was expecting a hiker type hostel there. When I arrived I found out that I was wrong. I did get some food and drinks from the snack bar. I went up in the World War Memorial Tower on the summit. It had 360 degree views of the valley below. I could also see Killington anf Bromley Mountains in Vermont. It is 7pm and there is no one else here at the shelter. It has been a nice day on the trail I saw only one Northbounder, Iron Wolf, but 8 Southbounders and a bunch of day hikers. The AT is great.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a real cool night last night. I should have put on more clothes or had Mrs. Banjoman hike in. Well I should have put on more clothes anyway. The morning hot chocolate sure did taste good. I was on the trail by 6:30. I needed to get to an area with cell reception for my Wednesday morning radio show. I got to the road in town in time to call. I dialed up and it was ringing. just before someone answered my cell battery died. It is a good thing I had sent an email. I hitched to Williamstown Post Office to get my resupply box. The guys said good timing it had just arrived. I took out the supplies that I needed and bounced the rest further North. I caught the city bus back to North Adams. While waiting at the bus stopped in came Kilgore Trout. He was headed home. He has been sick for a while and was headed home to figure out what the problem is. He said he would be back. Best wishes to you Kilgore. Samuri was also there leaving to go to a wedding. He will be back in a few d! ays he said. I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items I needed. On my way out of the store man and his son stopped me and asked me if I was a Thru Hiker. I said yes and we chatted for a few minutes. He then reached into his pocket and gave me a $10.00 bill. He said buy something for your self, I know it is hard out there. Wow, Trail Magic is everywhere. I crossed into Vermont today. Another state down and three to go. It feels great to be in Northern New England. I always thought there was a Ben and Jerry's cooler at the Vermont line. I looked all over but I didn't see it anywhere. I guess I will have to buy my own. Here at the shelter are three Long Trail hikers, Sleep Ninja, No Pliers and his buddy, Nick, Mudflap and Daisy, Sizzle, Dirt Diva an Compass Rose. There are plenty here for a good music show. Lets see maybe it should be all of the songs that I know about Vermont. Let me think? I don't know any songs about Vermont. I better change my theme or there will be music tonight.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

It was another cool night last night. I was warmer because I had my longsleeve shirt on. It was just right. I got up a little late today. No leaving at 7am for me. But I did manage to get out by 7:30. Vermont is nice for hiking. Yes there are those bothersome mud holes, but there are usually rocks to hop across on. I hiked past a pond today that is being held up by beaver dams. It was very erie. The path went right beside the pond and the water was waist high but not running out over the trail. I stopped at the Congdon Shelter for lunch. There was a pleasent little stream right beside the shelter. It was delightful. The trail up and over Harmon Hill was gentle but the descent to VT9 was steep down. The last mile was rock steps and rock jumble, My feet and knees took a beating. The climb back up from the road was also challenging but not quite as bad. I got to the shelter at 6pm. Here tonight are No Pliers, Nick, Coner, The Garland 5, Mudflap and Daisy, Sizzle, Sleep Nija, M! ike Hike from Ireland. One of the daughters of the Garland Five played the penny whistle and it really sounded great. Real professional. It was fun backing her up with my guitar. Her and her Sister sang some songs accapella. They were amazing.It is raining now but it has been a good day. Everyone is nestled in their bags, all happy to be inside, fed and entertained. Thank you Garlan Five for adding so much to tonights show. You are the best.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Once again it was a cool night. It started to rain just after supper so the music was inside the shelter.I find it tough getting out of my bag at 6 in the morning and have been pushing it to 6:30. That also pushes my hiking time to 7:30. The cool morning air is so refreshing to hike in. The miles just seem melt away and I had done 8.5 by noon time. I took a nice long lunch break at the Goddard Shelter. The sun was warm and I wanted to lay down and nap in it. But alas that was not to. I still had 4.3 miles to do. I made it to the shelter by 3:30. Time to call it a day. There is no one else here right now except for a couple of chipmunks looking for a hand out.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: William Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Once again it was another cold night. The shelter was facing east and the moon, just past full, was streaming in and leaving shadows of packs and food bags that were hanging in the shelter. They looked like the skeletons of trees as they swayed in the cool night breeze. In the morning the sky was red just before dawn. I should have gotten my camera and taken the picture that I know Mrs. Banjoman would want to see. The air cracked with crispness and I couldn't bring myself to get out of my semiwarm sleeping bag. Finally the sun peaked out over the far mountain top and washed the shelter with it's warmth. A big day was planned for me today, 19.9 miles. It has been a long time since I have done that kind of miles. Probably in Virginia. Today I came across some trail magic coolers. They were stocked with beer and soda and of course the all important ice. Thank you Doat 04 and Stinky Pig 04. Your kindness was very much appreciated by all who came by. After leaving the trail magic It was a steady climb up Stratton Mountain. At the top is a care takers cabin and a fire look out tower. There is also a side trail to the ski area where you can take the Gondola down to the base lodge for lunch and then ride back up. No I didn't because I needed to make the big miles today. Stratton Mountain is the site where the whole idea of the appalachian trail got started by Benton McKaye and Myron Avery. From the top of Stratton mountain it was a 4 mile hike to Stratton Pond Shelter. As I walked along Stratton Pond it was like a fall day at ! Webber Pond with the cool breeze blowing in off the water. The kind of day that would have you wrapped up in a blanket in your hammock reading the afternoon away waiting for the kids to come by to visit. From there it was another 5 or so miles to this shelter. I arrived about 6pm, late in the day for me. I set out to do my chores and help get a fire started to ward off the cool night air. It has been a nice day easy hiking by comparison. Here at the shelter tonight are Sleep Ninja, Sizzle, Mudflap and Daisy and myself. Tomorrow it is off to Manchester, VT for laundry, showers and resupply.   Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-13
From: William Douglas Shelter

To: -Manchester, Vt
Miles today: 5.8

Do I have to say it again? Boy it was cold last night. i was cold all night and tossed and turned. I could take it no longer. At 5:30 I got up and went out into the dark shadowy woods seeking some dry twigs and leaves to start a fire. The woods at that time of day is erie with dark shadows that may come to life at any moment. I had to be careful. I collected my first batch and headed back to the fire pit. I arranged the dry leaves now damp with dew and then tiny twigs in a teepee fashion. Now all I needed to do was to light it ablaze. Oh no, I forgot something, just the right amount of alcohol to really get things going. I am glad I don't use coleman fluid, right Bill? As soon as Sleep Ninja heard the crackling of the fire, he was up like a shot. He helped stoke the fire as I collected more wood. Finally he and I were warm. Breakfas! t came next and then after others were up I was off towards town. It is always exciting on these days. I got to the road at about 9am and got a hitch in, 5.5 miles in about 5 minutes. Not the record but close. The first place I went was Mrs Murphy's Donuts. I bought 6 honey glazed, went out side and proceeded to eat them all. They were still warm from being made and the icing was dripping off of my fingers like drops of water off icicles. They were the best donuts I have ever had. I guess I will be packing some of those out of town with me don't you know.Manchester, VT is a very ritzy town with a lot of high end outlet stores. The customers looked to be from NY or Boston. I didn't even want to go into any of them. But it was fun watching the people and seeing how impatient they all are. What is the rush? The sun will come up tomorrow, right Brian Sylvester?I will leave tomorrow as soon as I collect my mail from the Post Office which opens at 8:30. I have figured if I can average 16.5 miles per day, everyday I will be able to reach Mt Katahdin by September 15, the last day of my leave from work. I hope I can have the resolve to do that each day. Time will tell. At the hostel tonight are Mudflap and Daisy, Sizzle, No Pliers and a Long Trail Hiker. It has been a fun day but now it is time to get back to the task at hand hiking hardy without injury.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-14
From: -Manchester, Vt

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I had a great steak dinner last night at the Sirloin Streak House. I also had some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. This morning I needed to go to the Post Office and pick up my resupply box and replacement cell phone. On the way I had to go to Mrs. Murphy's Donut Shop. I bought 6 honey dip donuts. Three to eat then and three to pack out and eat for breakfast tomorrow. Well, I ate them all on the way to the Post Office. In my defense it was a long walk to the Post Office.I was able to get a nice hitch out of town by a real nice elderly lady. I was on the trail by 10:30. My goal today was 16.5 miles and I made it. I arrived at the shelter at 7pm. Here tonight are two section hikers, Emily, Sleep Ninja, No Pliers and Mike from Ireland. During tonights show I brought out all the Irish songs that I knew and Mike was singing them right along with me. It was great.Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

A nice warm night for a change. I got my long johns back in Manchester but I didn't need to put them on. After doing 16.5 miles yesterday, I was still a little tired when 6 am arrived so I dogged it till 6:30. The hiking was beautiful today. I am loving Vermont. I hiked with Emily for a while and we chatted about college etc. She goes to Wentworht College in Boston. She is studying mechanical engineering. She also is a member of a crew team at school. they crew on the Charles River. The big attraction today is the Whistle Stop Restaurant in No Clarendon, VT. It is also only 1 mile into the shelter for the night. At the restaurant is Mike, No Pliers, Emily and me. After I have an ice cream I will head out for the shelter. Banjoman
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 16.4

Just had the most wonderful fire last night. Good conversation and great company. It was No Pliers, Mike Hike from Ireland and Emily. The hike today started with a steep climb up Beacon Hill. It definately got yhe blood flowing. It was amazing today. I came across some sodas in a stream so I stopped for one. About a mile or so later there was a cooler with sodas and some peanut butter crackers. It is unusual to even find one trail magic let alonr two. After lunch I started up Little Killington Mountain. Now this mountain got even more of my attention. It was an interesting climb though. It appeared as if there had been massive blow downs over the winter and it looked like a war zone. Once on the top it was a steady down to The Inn at the Long Trail. They let you tent out behind their parking lot. Here tonight are Chef, No Pliers, and Mike. The miles are counting down only 488 left. YikesBanjoman