morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-21
From: North of Zealand Falls, NH

To: North of Liberty Springs Tentsite, NH
Miles today: 17.8

Today started off slowly. I had coffee and breakfast, then walk half a mile to Zealand Falls Hut and got some water.I hiked on to Galehead Hut and bought some split pea soup for $1.00 and had it for lunch.Today started out with some pretty tough climbs and they seemed to last most of the day. It was very humid out and I stayed soaken wet all day.I hiked to Garfield Ridge Campsite and talked to the caretaker about some stealth tent sites past Lafayette.I walkwed on and climbed Lafayette and it flat kicked my butt!! The views made it worth it though.I sat up there and had a snack before hiking over a couple more mountains for the day.I found some nice soft ground and set up my tent for the night. I'm too tired to cook tonight.
Date: 2003-08-22
From: North of Liberty Springs Tentsite, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 3.7

Today started off early. I was packed and hiking at 5:30am...it was still dark out. I walked down the mountain to Franconia Notch and started hitching into N Woodstock at 7:15am, but there were only a few cars passed by in over an hour,A nobo by the name of Homer came walking out and started hitching too.We decided to start walking towards town. I was telling Homer that it would be a dream come true if we were at a breakfast buffet. I saw a large sign up ahead and said to Homer; "Wouldn't it be great if that sign said there was a breakfast buffet there?"I could start reading the sign a little and I thought it said something about a breakfast buffet.We got closer and the sign was for Indian Head Resort and it said they have the best breakfast buffet in the area!! I thought I had died and gone to heaven!!We walked in and they were very friendly...even though we both had been on the Trail a while without showers.I ate till I couldn't eat anymore. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. Guess I was hungry!!We walked out to the road and the third car that came by gave us a ride into town.My health insurance got cancelled on me last year when I was on the Trail and I've been working on getting it back. I didn't get the cancelation notice because I was on the Trail.Well, I had made an appointment to have some blood work done at a local lab and have them forward the info to my insurance company, so the appointment is tomorrow.Lone Star was the only other hiker I saw in town and he didn't stay.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

I slept pretty well last night at Cascade B&B. I walked down to Peg's for breakfast with 5 nobos that came in late.I walked down to the library in Lincoln and checked my email, then walked to the lab and waited for the blood work to be done.I was walking across a road and I heard someone call out "Stumpknocker". I looked in the car and it was Wedding Singer from the '02 crowd. What's the chances of running into someone you hiked around a year later...and in a town?? He had just pulled into town from the interstate and was waiting to cross the road when I walked in front of his car.He gave me a ride to the grocery store where we talked a while, then he left and I bought some groceries for the next leg of my hike.I went back to Cascade B&B, stopping for a steak hoagie along the way. I was tired, so I took a nap.I saw Packrat in town and talked to him a while. He owns the hostel in Glencliff where I'll be in a few days.I ate dinner at The Landmark.It's turning cooler out and much less humid.
Date: 2003-08-24
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up early, took a shower and was down at Peg's eating breakfast before 6am.I waited on the Cascade Coffee House to open, then went there and had more coffee and used their high speed internet.I got a shuttle to the Trail and was hiking by 8:30am.It was nice and cool...in the 40's. I just took my time and walked slowly enjoying the day.I stopped by the last of the AMC huts...Lonesome Lake Hut. I took a short break there, then walked on to Kinsman Pond Campsite and ate lunch.I hiked up North Kinsman Mtn and stopped on a summit. I could look across the way to Lafayette Mtn.I almost fell asleep laying there on those rocks.I hiked over South Kinsman Mtn, then on to Eliza Brook Shelter.I met Circuit Rider, Sherlock and PoopaJack. PoopaJack is the dad of Bill Ware from White House Landing.Gorgeous day today and a nice cool night now. I love my tent!!
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good night's sleep last night.Dr Dolittle showed up just before dark...first time I've seen her in a week or so.I ate breakfast and drank my coffee, the Dr Dolittle and I hiked together today.When we got to the road crossing at Route 112 at Kinsman Notch, we hitched a ride into North Woodstock and ate at the brew pub. We both drank a couple beers and I think we both felt them!!I checked email at the coffee shop, then we hitched back up to the trailhead and climbed Moosilauke the way it should be climbed to enjoy the almost endless waterfalls....southbound.I'm tenting at the only flat spot I could find near Beaver Brook Shelter.
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Beaver Brook Shelter, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 8.4

I woke up, had a Poptart and coffee, then hiked on up to the summit of Moosilauke.It was very foggy when I got up to the summit, so I got behind some rocks to block the wind and waited till the fog cleared and I had a beautiful view. It took about an hour to clear up.Dr Dolittle showed up just as I was leaving.I hiked on down to Jeffers Brook Shelter, took a short break, then finished walking to Packrat's hostel in Glencliff.Packrat, Dr Dolittle and I went and got some pizza, then went to a vet in Bradford, VT to pick up Dr Dolittle's older dog.Packrat, Dan, Big Tom, Lion King and some others started playing guitars and singing. I sat up till 11:30pm listening to some of the best fireside guitar playin' and singin' I've ever heard.Flash even made some bread in the fire and shared it with everyone. Another great day on the Appalachian Trail!!
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 0.0

I got up early and made coffee, then said goodbye to Dr Dolittle. She is hiking on to Hanover and planning on spending a little time with her grandmother there.I thought about hiking on today, but decided to lay back and enjoy Hiker's Welcome Hostel one more day.Packrat, Lion King and I rode together to do an early morning shuttle, then we all went out to a good sit down breakfast in town.I rode on another shuttle when Underpants went to pick up his dog from a kennel.I took a nap after lunch, then mailed a bounce box to Dalton, MA.I spent most of the afternoon reading "Sin Killer".I am VERY ready to get back to the Trail tomorrow!!Spent my two night's here at the hostel in my tent. I love my tent!!
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Smarts Mtn, NH
Miles today: 21.2

I woke up early and felt like walking. I ate breakfast and drank some coffee, then paid my bill and hiked out.I stopped at Ore Hill Shelter for a break, then climbed over Cube Mtn. I remember finding a camera up here last year. I put a post at the hostel and didn't hear from anyone, so after my hike last year, I had the fim developed hoping to recognize the hikers. No luck, so I gave the camera away to someone who needed one.I hiked on down to Hexacuba Shelter and ate lunch. Tim, the Brit, was there and we talked while I ate.I hiked on down to Jacob Brook and filled up with water to carry up to the summit of Smart's Mtn.I passed by two different hornet's nests on the Trail today.I'm sleeping in the firetower on top of Smart's Mtn tonight...and have the whole world all to myself!!It was a cool day...it started out in the upper 40's this morning and it's cool out now. I could see Mt Mooilauke before the sun went down from this firetower which is 3,240 feet in elevation.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Smarts Mtn, NH

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter, NH
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

What a great place to stay last night in the firetower on Smart's Mtn!! I watched a beautiful sunset, then would enjoy the starts whenever I woke up and saw a great sunrise this morning.There was a mouse that kept waking me up. He passed away.I had breakfast and coffee while I enjoyed the 360* view.I saw a grouse today and saw the first orange newt of this hike. I also came up to a hawk that was in the process of killing a woodpecker.I walked by Trapper John Shelter without stopping, then I walked by Moose Mtn Shelter without stopping.I got up to Holt's Ledge and walked along a pretty good dropoff.It started off in the 40's again this morning, but turn very mild during the day.I'm tenting just 1 1/2 miles from Hanover, NH tonight.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter, NH

To: Happy Hill Shelter, VT
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early because I was so close to Hanover and I like Lou's a lot for breakfast.I started walking at 6:30am and Underpants and his dog went with me.I had friendliest waitress I ever had. She brought me three large muffins and some maple syrup and gave me for the hike.I walked back to the food co-op and resupplied for the next leg of my hike.I checked my email at Dartmouth Outing Club and made some phone calls.I saw Dr Dolittle before I left town. She was still staying at her grandmother's home.I ate lunch at Lou's, then Underpants and I hiked out of town.I stopped in Norwich, VT and bought some HEET for my stove because there was no stove fuel anywhere in Hanover.I packed out a 24 oz Ice House beer.I set up my tent near Happy Hill Shelter and crawled in and had a feast...salami, cheese and crackers and that 24 oz Ice House beer...my own little party!!I'm in Vermont!!
Date: 2003-08-31
From: Happy Hill Shelter, VT

To: Thistle Hill Shelter, VT
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I fell asleep last night listening to a couple owls talking back and forth to each other.I had coffee and a breakfast bar this morning, then hiked 4 miles to W Hartford, VT where I stopped at Rick and Tina's and had breakfast and a vanilla milkshake.I started later this morning than I ever have...it was 9am before I started walking. Must have been the beer last night.I scared up four grouse today...or I should say they scared me. They wait till you're right next to them before they take off.The weather has been very pleasant for the last few days, but the mosquitos have started getting bad.After I ate breakfast at Rick and Tina's, I hiked up to Thistle Hill Shelter. I got there early, but decided to stay and cook up some angel hair pasta with olive oil, garlic pawder and parmesan cheese...and it was excellent!!!The hills haven't been as big lately and there isn't nearly as many rocks in the Trail.I was so laid back today that I even stopped on top of one mountain and read from a book for about an hour.I'm tenting not far from the shelter.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Thistle Hill Shelter, VT

To: Winturi Shelter, VT
Miles today: 12.2

I got up and packed up quick this morning because it started raining. I didn't want to carry a wet tent.I had coffee and breakfast in the shelter, then hiked on down to Woodstock Stage Rd and started walking the road towards the Teago General Store. A guy in a pickup stopped and gave me a ride the rest of the way.I had a couple egg and meatloaf sandwiches and ordered a roast beef hoagie to pack out for dinner later on.I got a ride back to the trailhead from I guy I had been talking to at the general store.I saw two more orange newts today along the trail.I hiked on to Winturi Shelter and decided to stay, so I set up my tent nearby. I had been thinking of walking up to an abandoned cabin, but decided I'd climb that mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Winturi Shelter, VT

To: Stoney Brook Shelter, VT
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

This is the second morning in a row that I woke up to light rain.I had either a fox or a coyote come sniffing around my tent last night. I heard him shake his head and flop his ears and I heard him sniff three times before leaving.I ate breakfast and had my coffee inside the shelter again becaise of the light rain, then I hiked on up to Lookout Cabin. I could live in a place like this old abandoned cabin.There is a ladder that you can climb to a platform on the roof. The views are beautiful from there.I saw one orange newt in the trail and 6 grouse today.I ran into Jolly Roger on the way to Stoney Brook Shelter. I had hiked around him last year through parts of NY. I didn't know it, but he got sick last year and got off Trail in Kent, CT. He was out this year to finish walking to Katahdin.I've been noticing the first hint of the leaves starting to change color for about a week now. Some of the ferns are starting to turn brown too.I've been walking through lots of mosquitos for the last three days, but Jolly Roger said I'll be walking out of them tomorrow. That is GREAT news!!!I set up my tent in a nice flat spot for the night.
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Stoney Brook Shelter, VT

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 9.8

I woke up early, ate breakfast and drank my coffee and was walking by 7:30am.I decided to stop at Mountain Meadows Lodge as I was passing by Kent Pond. They gave me free coffee cake and free coffee!! I even got to pet their pot bellied pig named Alice. Thanks!!I walked on and turned left when I got to Route 4. I walked up the hill to Inn At Long Trail and got a room for the night.I took a much needed shower. I needed a shower a couple days ago...I REALLY needed a shower now.I spent about 30 minutes enjoying that shower. You really don't know how nice a shower is until you don't get one for a long time.The menu seemed expensive at the Inn, so I caught a bus into Rutland and had a great one pound steak at 99 Steak House.I bought a small radio and caught the bus back up to Killington.It's raining outside, but I'm nice and dry. Been making some phone calls this afternoon.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Killington, VT

To: Governor Clement Shelter, VT
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up and had another shower and even washed my hair again...don't laugh!!I walked downstairs and had breakfast at the Inn.I was going to eat lunch there after I checked out, but they wanted my backpack outside, so I went with it and started hiking.I started climbing Killington after nearly a one mile road walk to get back to the trailhead.The trail was wet from the rain last night and more early this morning.I passed by the side trail to a new shelter that was just built. It was only a couple miles up from the road.I was going to stay on top of Killington at Cooper Lodge, but it was early and that gave me a chance to get far enough today to have breakfast tomorrow morning at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Clarendon.I hiked on down the mountain and set up my tent near the stream about 1/10th of a mile north of Governor Clements Shelter.It was an easy hike today and I got to see one small snake on the Trail.The leaves are changing more and more each day.
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Governor Clement Shelter, VT

To: White Rocks Cliff, VT
Miles today: 18.0

I was packed and hiking by 6:20am because I knew the Whistle Stop Restaurant was only 7 miles away.I stopped and signed the register at Clarendon Shelter, then walked on to Route 103.I had a large three egg omelette there, then walked on down to the Citgo and resupplied for another day. I packed out a Philly cheesesteak hoagie.I walked back to the trailhead and soon crossed the suspension bridge at Clarendon Gorge.I stopped at Minerva Hinchey Shelter and signed the register, but moved on because the mosquitos were so bad there.I hiked past Greenwall Shelter and climbed to the top of the mountain. I found a super spot right on the edge of the cliff that I set up my tent on. A few feet in front of my tent is a long dropoff.
Date: 2003-09-06
From: White Rocks Cliff, VT

To: Bromley Mtn, VT
Miles today: 21.0

I woke up and made breakfast and had my coffee while I watch morning over the cliff at White Rocks.My tent was soaked from condensation because I set up out in the open. I packed up the wet tent and hiked on.I stopped first at Lula Tye Shelter, then Big Branch Shelter and signed the register at both.I stopped at Lost Lake Shelter, then Peru Peak Shelter and signed the register at those two. I walked by a bunch of shelters today!!I scared up a covey of grouse.There was an old hand water pump at Mad Tom Notch, so I stopped and pumped some water, then hiked on. I got enough water for the night because I planned on sleeping on top of Bromley Mtn.I got to the warming hut and there was a working phone up there, so I called my son and daughter, my mom and dad and Dick Phillips...a long time friend.I set up for the night on top of a viewing platform. It's windy and cold, but I have a board set up to block most of the wind. It's beautiful up here with a 360 degree view!!
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Bromley Mtn, VT

To: Stratton Mtn, VT
Miles today: 17.4

I got up early and watched the sunrise from where I slept on top of the viewing platform.I got packed up and walked down to Route 11 and hitched a ride into Manchester, VT.I met Laughing Bird on the way down the mountain. I stopped and talked to her a while. It was easy to see how she got her name. I like happy people!!I got a ride into town with a guy pulling a boat behind his truck. He was going fishing, but took the time to drive me to Up For Breakfast. I ate breakfast, then resupplied at Price Chopper and caught a ride back to the Trail with an older lady...and was hiking again by 10am. I stopped at Spruce Peak Shelter and signed the register.I hiked on and stopped for a break on Prospect Rock which overlooked Manchester.I hiked on down to Stratton Pond and sat and talked to the caretaker by the pond for a while.I climbed Stratton Mtn and found the caretakers up there. I talked to them a while, then asked if there was a place I could stealth tent. They told me about a spot, so I headed down there and set up my tent for the night.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Stratton Mtn, VT

To: Glastenbury, VT
Miles today: 16.8

I got up a little later this morning...it was colder out.I finally crawled out of my sleeping bag a little after 7am and had breakfast and coffee at a wonderful stealth tent site.I hiked to Story Spring Shelter< took a break and signed the register. I hiked on to Caughnawaga Shelter and found Roadkill in his sleeping bag at 1:30pm.I kept walking to Kid Gore Shelter and sat down and ate lunch.I was packed up again and just walking on when Hippie Longstockings came walking up. She had been stalking me!! heheShe had been chasing me for a couple days and now we are going to walk together for a few days till she has to go back to work.We hiked on...talking most of the way. We climbed Glastenbury Mtn and got to the firetower, then climbed up for the views. We decided to spend the night right there, so we got our sleeping bags out and crawled in, then ate dinner.We watched the sun set and almost at the same time, the moon started rising...beautiful!!I saw the first set of bear tracks today that I've seen on this hike. No bears yet.
Date: 2003-09-09
From: Glastenbury, VT

To: Congdon Shelter, VT
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

I came off the firetower at 1am. The wind got very strong and it was blowing cold air right through my old sleeping bag, so I got up and went down the firetower, found a good flat spot and set up my tent for the night.I climbed back up he firetower in time to watch the sunrise. I sat up there and made coffee and ate breakfast with Hippie.We packed up and hiked down to Melville Nauheim Shelter. We signed the register, then hiked on to the road the heads into Bennington.We caught a ride right in the parking lot into Bennington.We ate at the pub, used the internet at the library, then packed out a 12 pack and a hoagie for later.We hitched a ride back to the trailhead, then walked another 4 miles to get here to Congdon Shelter.Roadkill helped us drink the 12 pack of beer. I even drank four beers!!John Galt came in just in time to have the last beer. There are lots of hikers here now...8 Long Trail hikers, Hippie Longstockings, Roadkill and John Galt.I crawled into my tent for the night.
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Congdon Shelter, VT

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 14.6

I got up, had breakfast and coffee, then was packed up and walking by 7:45am.I walked out of VT and into MA at 11:45am. I sat down at the border and took a break while I waited on Hippie to catch up.Hippie asked me why I couldn't hike any faster, so I picked it up a little and walked the last 4.1 miles into Williamstown in 1 hour and 2 minutes. I had to wait another 15 minutes for Hippie to catch up. We hitched a ride to Chop Sticks Chinese Restaurant and ate lunch, then I went to the outfitter while Hippie hitch back to Manchester, VT to pick up her truck. When she got back, we drove up Greylock looking for Roadkill, but didn't find him. Finally, right at dark, we spotted him leaving town, so we picked him up and we all shared a room.I took a shower and they ordered pizza.
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Williamstown, MA

To: The Cobbles, MA
Miles today: 16.9

I woke up and took another shower, then we drove down to the diner and had a good sit down breakfast.The waitress got real interested when she heard the three of us talking about backpacking. She started hanging around listening and when Hippie told her I was going all the way to Georgia, the waitress gave me a good luck charm for the trip.Hippie had to head back home today, so she dropped me off at the trailhead and I climbed Greylock.John Galt was up there when I got there. He had just come out of the bathroom and was ready to walk, so I said I'd catch up to him later.A worker brought a wallet out of the bathroom a short time later and asked if it was mine. It was John Galt's. I told the guy he was a friend and I'd see he got it back.John Galt came walking back up the mountain about 10 minutes later...huffin' and puffin' because he lost his wallet. I handed it to him...and saw the relief on his face.We hiked on down Greylock together and when we got to Cheshire, MA, I told John Galt that I knew where a good pizza place was, so we walked down there and ate dinner.We started climbing the mountain up to The Cobbles. It was just getting dark out, when two pitbulls came running down the mountain growling all the way.They surrounded us. I could hear their owners yelling for the dogs to come back and telling us that they were friendly. We had to keep them off us with our hiking poles...that's how friendly they were, while they were growling at us.When the owners finally got them and got out of there, we climbed the rest of the mountains and set up our tents for the night.
Date: 2003-09-12
From: The Cobbles, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

I slept good last night. John Galt had set up his tent not far away.I got up early and decided to walk into Dalton and eat breakfast at Duff and Dell¢s. I ate two breakfasts!Went and picked up my bounce box from the PO after breakfast, then mailed it ahead to Unionville, NY.I stopped by the library and checked email, then went over to the Shell Station and met Rob Bird. We ate at the pub, then Rob drove me to his house that¢s called the Bird Cage. He takes in hikers¢¦right into his own house.I got a shower and watched a little TV, then Blue Jay and Not So Helpless came driving up. They had Roadkill and Dr Dolittle in the car. Blue Jay¢s car was packed, but they made room for me, so I left Rob a note thanking him and we all went out to eat, then on to Blue Jay¢s home in Petersville, NY.We sat around talking till 1am.