morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-31
From: Bennington, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

I was pleasantly surprised to meet Warrior and Spirit this morning after hitching back to the trailhead. The trail crosses a river near the parking lot. We visited and ate breakfast there. I walked with Warrior for most of the day. We stopped at Glastenbury Mountain and went up the lookout tower. It's neat to look down at the tops of all the pine trees. We'd heard that the Kid Gore shelter has a really nice sunrise view over the mountains. So we decided to camp there. Spirit showed up a little later, as well as "Easy Rider", "K2", and a couple of south bounders. Warrior thinks my method of cooking over the fire is prehistoric and offered to boil some water for me. That sparked my rebellious independence and made me want to build a fire even more : P I admit that it may not be the fastest or most convenient way to cook, but it's certainly the lightest. It really doesn't seem like that big of a hassle either, I can build a quick little fire and boil 2 cups of water pretty fast. Plus, it's nice to have a fire. Warrior isn't the only one who has teased me about building fires. Other thru-hikers act like it's a big chore. They say things to me like "you still build fires?", as if it were something only a beginner would do. I don't understand those people, we're out here camping, to me a campfire is part of the experience. It doesn't make sense to carry exotic store bought fuels when God has provided twigs, branches, and birch bark in abundance.I guess to be fare, I should admit that I've never owned a canister stove. I do have a Primus Omnifuel at home, it's heavy but it will burn anything including canister fuel. I always burn liquid fuels like gasoline in it though. Maybe I will cross over to the dark side one day and try a lightweight canister stove just so I can tell people with even more confidence how much better cooking with a campfire is ; )Laying on the air mattress tonight is like heaven!
Date: 2012-08-01
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up briefly and saw streaks of red between the mountains from the rising sun, then I fell back to sleep. By the time I woke up for real, clouds had rolled in and there was no view. Spirit had already taken off. But Warrior was just as lazy as me. We didn't start walking till 9:00am. I pulled ahead of Warrior on the climb up Stratton Mountain. When I got to the top I found Spirit taking a nap. There is another lookout tower up here that has a nice view of some nearby ski resorts. I also learned that it was on this mountain that Benton Mackaye conceived the idea for the A.T.I walked on ahead to the Stratton Pond Shelter. I had a refreshing dip in the pond and rinsed out my hiking clothes. On my way back to the shelter I saw Spirit heading to the pond. Warrior showed up later. I've enjoyed Warrior and Spirits company the last couple days. I'm going to go into Manchester with Warrior tomorrow to resupply, then back to the trail to meet Spirit. Spirit gave me a grocery list....A Cheeseburger, Dr. Pepper, peanut butter crackers, and a Snickers bar. Spirit is really cool, this is her 5th attempt to thru-hike the A.T. She was 55 on her first attempt and now she's 63. Just like Tarpwater, she doesn't pick up where she left off. She starts at the beginning every time. I have a lot of respect for a hiker that shows that kind of insanity.
Date: 2012-08-03
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

I received a couple comments on yesterday's post regarding my exchange of a pair of Darn Tough socks. I was aggravated at first and deleted the comments, but I should have left them up so you could have read them. It encouraged me to write more, so I think it was actually a good thing and might benefit others who use Darn Tough socks. I was being criticized for having exchanged a pair of socks that had holes in them not from being worn out, but because I had used them as a pot holder. Here's my response to yesterday's critism....When I inquired about the exchange I was prepared to get no for an answer, but I didn't. The reason I'm broadcasting that I got new socks is because I like Darn Tough and their return policy. I also admitted that it took using them as a pot holder to put a hole in them for two reasons. One, Smartwool socks don't melt when you use them as a potholder, neither do wool mittens or wool hats. Although Darn Tough socks have wool in them, they also have a high percentage of synthetic fiber which means they will melt, (don't spray deet on them either). Talking about these things may help other hikers from making the same mistakes. Two, the reason I was honest is because Darn Tough socks really are tough and it's hard to wear them out. If I hadn't explained why I replaced them people would have assumed that they wore out. (If you want to leave critical comments at least leave a name and address so I can respond to you). As far as Darn Tough raising their sock prices or losing money because they replaced them... With all do respect, I think that is silly. The good experience I had with their return policy encouraged me to buy another pair in addition to the pair I exchanged. Writing about my experience with Darn Tough will also generate more customers for them. That's how you grow a business, and at $15 a pair there's a certain amount of replacement cost already factored in to the purchase price......The trail came out of the woods and onto a ski slope going up to the top of Bromley Mountain. At the top there was a ski lift, warming hut, and a nice view.Spirit had told me she planned to do 18 miles today. I like Spirit's company and decided to do the same. But when I caught up to her later in the day, she had decided to cut it short and go to Big Branch shelter instead. When we crossed the suspension bridge over Big Branch creek the water looked inviting. I'm staying here too. The water was refreshing. After cleaning up, I started a fire and made dinner. Tonight I had a "Backpacker's Pantry" pad Thai dinner, it was really good.The company at the shelter however was not that good. When you start meeting other campers (like Spirit) that you enjoy sharing time with, it's exciting to see them at the shelter. It's almost like coming home to see your family. However, the shelter's aren't exactly like that because sometimes there are annoying strangers there and you can't tell them to leave. Tonight is one of those nights. You just hope that they will stop using their sound maker unnecessarily and go to sleep.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge (Killington, VT)
Miles today: 8.8

I'm headed to the Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington today. Warrior told me that they have a pool, hot tub, and sauna. Hikers can camp on the property and use the facilities for only $10! The walk was all downhill, short and easy. Muck, Gypsy, and OWF said they are going to the Inn at Long Trail. I thought about stopping there for lunch but it was a mile out of the way and I wanted to get to the lodge. I passed the 1,700 mile mark on the way.When I arrived, I met with Bill the owner. He showed me a quiet spot to set up my hammock. The Mountain Meadows offers meals in the dining room for $10. Bill put together a very nice lunch for me. Afterward he asked if I was going to want dinner later and if I'd be interested in doing a work for stay. I said yes. Bill had me trim back some flowers around the property. It was certainly a fare trade for two meals and camping.The Mountain Meadow Lodge is really nice. The lawn stretches down to Kent pond where canoes and kayaks sit waiting for the guest to use. They also have a pony and a pig named Alice that roam around the property. It's very peaceful here. When I got done trimming the flowers, I took a dip in the pool. Two hikers that shall remain nameless showed up soon after. They must have really cranked out some miles to get here. I asked them about it. They admitted to staying in Rutland a second night and taking the bus into Killington today. They skipped 21.5 miles. I criticized the decision and asked how they planned to make up those miles. I was told to hike my own hike.Historically, only about 10-15% of hikers who start the A.T. actually finish. In more recent years the number of hikers reporting successful thru-hikes has gone up to 20-25%. Many believe it's because people aren't being honest about yellow blazing, I agree. I don't understand why someone would hike hundreds of miles only to pollute the integrity of a thru-hike by skipping a few miles here and a few miles there.At any rate, I'm glad they are here. So far we are the only hikers at the lodge. We played a few intense games of ping-pong in the recreation room before dinner. Warrior arrived just as the food was being served. We had a good time chatting and sat in the hot tub for awhile before bed.I highly recommend the Mountain Meadows Lodge. I was also able to use the computer here to update my journal. Some functions have returned to my phone after leaving it packed in rice for several days, but it still isn't right.
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Mountain Meadows Lodge (Killington, VT)

To: Trees (mile 1718.5)
Miles today: 17.6

I had a nice breakfast this morning in the lodge and I was able to write a little more using their computer. I packed up my gear and started walking before the other hikers. There was a steep up and I caught plenty of cobwebs in the face early on. The spiders seem to try and sew the trail together every night. If you're the first one on the trail you walk through all of them. I was eager to meet the south bounder that had cleared the way for me, but it didn't happen for several hours. I arrived at the Winturri Shelter about quitting time. A few hikers were leaving and I had the place all to myself for about 45 glorious minutes. I washed up, made my bed, and started a fire. I guess I just wanted some peace and quiet. Staying in a shelter was probably the wrong choice. A couple of south bound hikers showed up that just wanted to talk, and talk, and talk. I apologize for being so crass...I guess I'm just in a mood. These two kept sounding out words without ever really saying anything. They wanted me to join in with the noise making but I didn't feel like it. I finally decided to pack up my stuff and move on. I walked about three more miles and set up my hammock. I also received the critical comments regarding the sock return tonight. That may have affected my attitude as well. It's fun keeping up a journal when your friends and family write encouraging things to you. Thank you for your recent comments 3D, Bob, Deb & Ray, Jane, Jeff, and Doc! But when random internet people cut me down it doesn't feel good. I got another comment tonight (8/10) that I deleted. Some guy didn't like that I "told" on a couple hikers for skipping 20+ miles. Ya know, I'm writing what happens to me out here, what I see, and what I hear. I didn't make that decision for them, I just reported what happened. Everyone hikes their own hike. If you don't like my reporting, go read someone else's journal. Being out in the rain and mud for the last four months has been hard enough. Send me your criticism after I'm back home, sleeping in clean dry sheets.
Date: 2012-08-08
From: Trees (mile 1718.5)

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 13.7

A couple hikers stopped by my hammock on the way down to the road this morning. They had stayed at the last shelter and said that those two south bounders talked all night about the hiker that had packed up and left without saying anything. I told them I just didn't feel like talking last night. When I got down to the road I walked up to "On The Edge Farm" and had some really tasty Vermont ice cream. Further down the trail I discovered ripe Blackberries! I ate a bunch of them and continued on. There are a lot of nasty little ups and downs through here. The climbs aren't real big, but they are steep. Around lunch time I stopped at the "Cloud land Market" and bought a bunch of snacks. I also caught up with the same hikers from earlier. I like it when the trail goes past places to eat several times in a day. On top of Thistle Hill I met up with two hikers that shall not be named. I also came across a bunch of black berry bushes, and a local guy who was out picking them. The local fellow asked if we wanted a ride into West Hartford. I told him thanks, but I don't want to skip any part of the trail. The other two hikers took him up on the offer. That makes 26 miles they skipped in 3 days, but who's counting?... (According to the A.T.C. 2012 is shaping up to be a record year for north bound thru-hikes.) West Hartford is a cool little town. The A.T. passes right by the Full Belly Deli. The guidebook says that the deli offers "hiker specials". That's no joke. The girl behind the counter saw me eyeballing some pizza behind the glass. She said "I'll sell you the rest of it for $1.00". I couldn't pass on that deal, there were three big pieces left. I also got a mango lemonade for $1.00 to wash it down. After I ate, I went swimming at a nice sandy beach area under the bridge. I'm really starting to like West Hartford. There is a fellow in town who allows hikers to tent in his yard for free, all you have to do is ask at the deli. After a little conversation, I was directed to a couple nice trees in the back yard that were just right for my hammock.
Date: 2012-08-09
From: West Hartford

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a short walk into Hanover today. This area is very hiker friendly. There is some road walking before you get into town. Hiker boxes and fresh fruit were left out in front of several houses. A group of trail angels in the area have produced a little booklet for hikers. You can find the booklet in hiker boxes as well as places like the library, outfitter, and D.O.C. The booklet shows places to eat, places to stay, re-supply, and use the computer. There is also a list of trail angels willing to take hikers into there home. I went to the post office and got my bounce box. Then I sat on a bench outside. What should I do first? It's still early... I checked my phone for messages, Warrior is going to be in town tomorrow. I called a lady named Sally from the trail angels list. Sally only takes in one hiker at a time, it's a good thing I called her early in the day. I told Sally I wanted to use the computers at the library, she said she'd meet me there. I was able to write in my journal a little bit while I was in the library. Sally stopped in and gave me directions to her house. When I was done at the library, I rode the bus there. Sally is really cool, she fixed me dinner and served me ice cream. She has a loft where she lets the hikers sleep. There is a hide-a-bed couch and a separate bathroom up there. Sally and I talked for several hours. I also started repairing some knobs on a dresser she was refurbishing. I told Sally that I was meeting my God sister Yumi tomorrow and planned to stay in Hanover a second night. She offered to let me stay at her place again. I am very grateful to be here : )
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sally made me breakfast this morning, then I rode the bus into Hanover. I met Spirit on the bus, she is having some back pain and hopes to see a chiropractor. We went to the Dartmouth Outing Club (D.O.C.), when we got to town. Spirit is leaving her pack there for the day. Whiffle Chicken was Downstairs laying on the couch : ) I later met Warrior near the gazebo in the open area called the green. Many of the Dartmouth college buildings surround the green. We got our free thru-hiker donuts then went for Chinese food. Just so you know, many businesses in Hanover offer freebies to thru-hikers, free donuts, pizza, bagels, and snickers bars. Just consult the hiker booklet and ask the other hikers where you need to go. It started raining pretty hard today, but I had left my rain gear at Sally's (along with the rest of my stuff) for the day. I went into a restaurant and asked for a large trash bag. I made a hobo raincoat and we walked down to the library. Warrior and I used the computers for several hours. I purchased another pair of Brooks Cascadia 6 trail runners online. They are just like the pair I have now. These shoes are fantastic and most other thru-hikers think so too. I haven't been able to find my size in the old style or new style in any of the outfitters. I have over 600 miles on the pair that I have now. That's really good for a pair of sneakers. The uppers are holding up great and as I mentioned before, the only problem with them is that the tread is wearing off. I think I could get 1,000 miles out of these shoes if I glue some more stuff to wear throught on the bottom. I also looked up the options for replacing my phone, unfortunately $500 was about the cheapest off contract price I could find. I'm thinking about buying some special tools to take the phone apart and replacing individual parts myself. That seems to be the least expensive route, not everything with the phone is broke. It's just kind of a hassle to figure this out on the trail. After leaving the library I went to the bagel basement for my free bagel (I ended up with 3). Warrior is staying with a different trail angel and got picked up. I walked back to the library to meet with Yumi and Andrew. They arrived just as the library was closing and treated me to dinner at an Indian restaurant. The food was fantastic and the company was even better. After dinner we went out for tea. I really appreciate you guys coming to see me, it means a lot. Andrew drove me back to Sally's house and we said our goodbyes. Sally gave me some more ice cream before bed : )
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Sally gave me a ride into town this morning, (the bus doesn¢t run on Saturday¢s). I met Warrior down at the post office. We both have bounce boxes to send ahead. There are several other hikers here doing the same. I saw Spirit and the Honeymoon Hikers there.Warrior and I followed the trail down Lebanon Street to the Co-op grocery store. The Co-op market has a pretty good selection of food for re-supply. After checking out we sat on a bench outside, discarding all unnecessary food packaging in order to get everything as light and compact as possible.We walked a few more blocks down the road and the trail turned back into the woods. We had a late start, so we didn¢t plan on walking too far. We made it up to the Moose Mountain shelter before the rain really began to let loose. There are a lot of hikers in the shelter tonight. We¢re stacked up in here shoulder to shoulder like sardines in a can. I don¢t mind though, I¢m just glad to be out of the rain. We cooked dinner just inside the shelter. I proudly proclaimed to the nearby hikers using alcohol stoves that I just cooked dinner with a 14 ounce of fuel. I really think that if you are serious about going lightweight, Esbit fuel is the way to go. The real Esbit blocks are perforated so you can break a 12 ounce cube into four equal pieces. Did I mention that you can send this type of fuel to yourself in a bounce box?.... you can¢t do that with alcohol or canister fuel.The Moose Mt. shelter has a privy that any hiker would be proud to sit on. I was so excited about it that I asked Warrior to take a picture of me upon the throne.
Date: 2012-08-12
From: Moose Mt. Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

I burnt my oatmeal this morning. I should have brought the water to a boil first and then added the oatmeal...oh well. We had a couple of nice views today. I enjoyed talking to Warrior until we started talking about politics. The discussion didn't get too crazy, but I was also holding back. We obviously don¢t agree. Warrior is so anti Republican that you don¢t have to ask what party Warrior votes for. I¢m not saying I¢m all for the Republican party either, but I¢m certainly not a democrat. I guess I¢m more of a conservative leaning Libertarian. Ron Paul is my pick for president. It¢s a shame to see both of the major parties continue to spend this country into such ridiculously high levels of debt that it can never be paid back. Ron Paul is the only one taking it seriously. I don¢t believe the government needs to police the world or provide us with a free lunch¢¦¢¦I¢d better quit writing about this or I¢m going to get upset.On top of Smarts Mountain there¢s a fire tower. The clouds were too thick to get any kind of a view. There is a cabin near the fire tower that a few of us decided to stop at. It had started raining and the cabin was warm and dry. A few of us decided to get out our stoves and cook something to eat. I felt lazy and started tossing around the idea of sleeping in the cabin, but Warrior wanted to keep walking. I also wanted to see what the Hexacuba Shelter 5.3 miles further looked like.By the time we got to the Hexacuba Shelter I was wearing my headlamp. The shelter is pretty cool. It¢s a six sided log cabin type structure. Easy Rider is the only other hiker in the shelter tonight. I am really tired.