morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Mt Wilcox North Sheltet

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Poured all night long, awake at 3, couldn't sleep. Others up by 5:30, we all got packed and were on the trail by 7, still dripping from trees, but rain stopped around 6:30. Trail was ridiculous, a muddy mess, and at times like a creek! Sprinkled a little mid day, but not much. Had to ford two streams that had become rivers with stepping stones submerged. Just took off boots and socks and waded right in. Met Pete (retired Physician, working on trail) he convinced me to make it all the way to Upper Goose Pond Cabin - 14 miles. Just told me to be prepared for lots of water, cause bridges were submerged. Well he was right , when I got down to the valley, I entered a huge swamp that use to be a field. Boardwalk at times was visible under 6 inches of water, at other times no boardwalk existed. So I just took off boots and socks and waded knee deep through the field, the ice cold water actually felt good on my aching feet and calves. By the time I reached Upper Goose Pond, I was a muddy wet mess! The access trail to the cabin was .5 mile off AT, mostly underwater, my boots and socks were so wet , by now, didn't even bother to take them off, just plowed right thru muddy water! Took me 10 hours, made it by 5pm. it was so slow because of all the water and mud on the trail! i was thrilled to have made it, and 14 + miles is the most so far! of course my feet are screaming at me to get rid of some of this backpack weight! Met Joanne(the volunteer caretaker for the week) choose a bunk, went down to the lake and jumped right in to the freezing water to wash the mud and sweat off. Then sat on the dock in the sun to dry. Had a nice dinner and glass of wine and a delightful visit with Joanne. A couple of local hikers showed up just before dark, doing trail work the next day. Sat on front porch of cabin in the rocking chairs visiting until almost 10, then off to bed! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: October Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was fun visiting with the two local hikers(trail maintenance volunteers) and caretaker. We tried to guess each others occupations, I won - no one could guess I was a Minister! We also told lots of dog and cat stories and laughed until late...10pm! Awake at around 4, couldn't go back to sleep, everyone else up at around 6. Joanne made us delicious blueberry pancakes for breakfast. It was a beautiful day, so I decided to take advantage of the lake and take one of the canoes out! It was absolutely gorgeous, spent about an hour paddling around. The sun felt great and there was a nice breeze. Best morning of the trail so far! About 10:30 packed up and said goodbye just as 9 young Boy Scouts and 4 leaders showed up! Got out just in the nick of time! Hiked nine + miles, trail very muddy, but through lots of beautiful mountain laurel popping out with buds and some blooms! Got a little spooked by two day hikers that passed me, then later saw them sitting by side of trail. Just hiked fast and got lots of distance between me and them. Arrived at October Mt Shelter around 4, so glad to see Gas Can there. (He's the guy that I met a couple days back in the shelter the day it rained ALL DAY! ) Another hiker Jackrabbit was also there. Soon a father and college age son showed up. We built a fire to dry out all our wet muddy stuff. It was great to be with so many hikers, so I became Chatty Cathy! We all told stories, laughed, cooked supper, and ate around the campfire! It was a fabulous day, other than feet really sore and undies caught fire after laying them too near the flame when my back was turned. Good thing I brought extra! Jackrabbit is reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Fabulous, book about hiking the AT, so funny, makes you laugh out loud! We had all read it and shared our favorite parts until bedtime. I stayed up a bit longer and watched the fire die down and the stars come out! Got too cold, so climbed into my sleeping bag, to go nite nite! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Cheshire, Mass

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up early after a great night's sleep! After packing up, I slipped in to listen to Father David's 8 am Mass. He talked all about the Hikers seeking refuge at St. Mary's from the storm and related it to Jesus' mandate to welcome the stranger. Afterwards, visited with him and some of his parishioners, took pictures and gave a donation to the church. Bear left earlier and Joe the Hiker, Gas Can and I hiked out if town together. We had some steep climbs over rocks and across fields of corn and wild flowers. It was sunny and hot, but the Mosquitos were out in full force! Papaya, a thru hiker passed us, and later ran into Peanut Butter going southbound to meet her husband Jelly who was training for an Ultimate Marathon in Vermont later in July. 100 miles in 24 hours on a trail - can you imagine? My feet hurt after 5! Started raining at around 10:30, by 11:30 it was pouring AGAIN! When is this rain going to stop? Made it to the Mark Noepel Shelter by 12 or so. Joe the Hiker was there along with Mud Elephant. Gas Can showed up 20 minutes later. We all visited while I did my nesting routine - unpacked entire backpack, blew up sleeping pad, set up sleeping bag and changed into some dry clothes and my precious fleece jacket. I found it on the trail back on June 8th, washed it and have been wearing it when not hiking ever since. Lately, I've even been sleeping in it, still can't get warm! Pack Rat and his Dad "L" showed up for a lunch break and to escape the rain. After the rain slacked off a bit, Joe, PR and L hit the trail, Mud Elephant stayed til it cleared up a bit more, telling us all about what to expect in Vermont and The Whites of NH., then he headed southbound. About an hour later 12 young adults - mostly college age showed up and set up their tents over at the campsite. They were all staff in training for Overland - a high adventure experience for teens around the country. This was their final three day backpacking trip before they went to their respective assignments to meet the teens . Gas Can built a big fire and that kept the Mosquitos at bay b plus cut the chill a bit! White flash a thru hiker showed up later and we all cooked our dinners (mine looked and tasted the best. - thank you Lesley for all the help purchasing and dehydrating meals for me!) White Flash was very encouraging and gave me some good advice! We were all in our sleeping bags by. 8:00pm. It was cold, slept ok. I was excited and a little nervous about Summiting Mt. Greylock in the morning! Woohoo! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Up early and packed, excited about Summiting Mt. Greylock, Mass. Highest peak at 3,500 ft. Cold this morning, and a beautiful blue sky! Made it to the Summit by 9:30, and Gas Can and I had breakfast at the Bascom Lodge. Charged phone, then up to the big tower (War Memorial Monument), very windy, but GC played Whiffle ball with the Overland gang at the summit. I went back to lodge to update my trail journal, sat on the front porch of the lodge with amazing views! GC went on down trail to next shelter. Bag piper program at lodge tonight, I considered staying in the bunkhouse, but decided to head on down to the shelter around 3:30, it was a steep climb coming off the summit, and about half way down got abad cramp in my left calf muscle. Had to limp the last mile or so, probably dehydrated, I will have to drink more water ! GC had a fire going at the shelter when I arrived. We cooked supper and went to sleep early! Fun day today, fabulous weather, wish it could be like this everyday! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 3.2

Restless night, still haven't figured out how to stay warm or get comfortable on the floor of a shelter. i miss my bed and my pillow! Gas Can was up early, so I went ahead and got up and started packing. A little over three miles to town,where I pick up a mail drop, do laundry, and take a shower. Gas Can stays on the trail for two more days toward Bennington where he will be catching a bus for home. His vacation is almost over, it's a little sad to say goodbye to my new friend. He has been very encouraging and we have had great conversations. I didn't expect to be so lonely on the AT, it has been nice to have a bit of company for a few days. Even though we didn't necessarily hike together all day, it was nice to know someone would be sharing the shelter that night. As we got to town, I called the motel shuttle, and said goodbye to Gas Can. Had to wait about 45 minutes for the shuttle. (an older gentleman who had been hiking a few days with his grandson, came and chatted with me while I waited, he too checked out my gear, and had lots of advice on what i really needed to get) Everyone is an expert out here!Checked into hotel, had a shower, called a cab to take me to the next town over North Adams to the Post Office to get my mail drop, then to have lunch and do laundry. Then back to motel for a nap. Went to dinner at Desperado's Mexican Grill for a fabulous Tex Mex dinner, only to find out they serve AT Hikers FREE!! (I did pay for my Margarita and left a great tip!) Went back to Hotel, and tried to sleep...sore and exhausted, but just couldn't sleep! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Up early, still not sleeping well! Owner of Motel took me to PO to mail a box home and a bounce box forward, then to trail. Hiking by 10am. Tough climb out of town! Crossed into Vermont, did a little dance! Glad to be done with Massachusetts. Hope the weather gets better! The Mosquitos are horrendous! They were dive bombing me, I finally found my bug spray in my back pack, but as I tried to spray it on my arm, the nozzle had turned and I managed to spray deet right in my eye! Stung like heck! Flushed it out with water, and covered all my exposed skin, but after about 30 minutes of hiking and sweating the Mosquitos were attacking me again!!! Meet a couple hikers with their dog out for two weeks, then a guy passed me, second day out and we had a nice chat, until he slipped on a rock and after stumbling around trying to catch himself, finally fell right in the creek on the side of the trail. I felt so bad for the guy. I know he was embarrassed, but I was just glad it wasn't me! He quickly hiked up the trail Head of me. Made it to Seth Warner Shelter by 2pm, No cell service-bummer! No one there, so I filtered water, nested, cleaned up in the creek, read, wrote in journal, cooked supper, built a fire, etc. as it began to get dark, worried no one else would show up, and I would be in the shelter alone all night. About ten minutes later three thru hikers showed up, then a couple out for weekend, then one more guy after dark. Glad to have company! Took a Benedryl to try to sleep better. First night I wasn't cold! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter, VT
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Up early, sat around packed up and out by 8. Weather looks promising, may be the best day so far! Clear blue skies. This is what I imagined every day to be like! Some tough rocky terrain to start the day. One climb especially difficult- straight up boulders. Very tricky, needed to be very careful- easily could fall and break an arm or leg! Hiked thru deep Forrest and across a huge pond on board walk. Beavers had built a huge dam to hold water back! Thought I heard a Moose crashing thru woods later in the morning. The black flies were all over and they like to bite! Bug spray with deet, has no effect on them, they even like to bite thru clothing! Arrived at Congdon Shelter around 1:30, very hot and sweaty, but glad to be done for the day! Feet, back and shoulders very sore today! Again no cell service! Did my thing- washed sweat and mud off in creek, changed into dry clothes, put feet up, filtered water, ate lunch, wrote in journal, washed out hiking clothes in creek and hung out to dry. Shelter is very nice had bunks and even windows! Stream is right in front of shelter - sometimes water source is 1/2 mile down a steep hill. Glad it is close today! Several hikers showed up as I was cooking supper and tending the fire. Vermont has lots of mud, but the sun today helped to dry it out in spots! But still lots of muckity muck mud! Now I know why hikers call this state Vermud! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Congdon Shelter, VT

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter, VT
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It started pouring at 3:30 this morning, I was afraid the nice weather wasn't going to stay! I am nice and dry here in the shelter, feel sorry for all the folks out in their tents and hammocks, think they will come running for the shelter, but they stay put. It is raining so hard, they will get drenched before they can make it. One of the hikers "False Summit" is out for a few weeks, his back pack weighs 60 pounds - finally someone with a heavier pack than mine! Nice guy , friendly and knows a lot about this part of the trail! He doesn't like having to go to town for mail drops or resupply so he brings everything he will need for the entire time on the trail. That's a lot of food to carry!!! It was a very tough decent then climb this am, across HW 9 near Bennington. Took me 40 minutes to get down the steep rocks and 50 minutes back up on the other side! Lots of hikers out today, very hot and muggy! Black Flies are really horrific! VerMud is all Rocks, Roots and tons of Mud especially with all that rain this morning! Trail is like a river of mud and water. No way to keep boots and socks dry! Got to Melville Nauheim Shelter early afternoon, washed off all that mud and sweat in the creek, did my regular nesting routine. False Summitt arrived as did a SoBo "LongToe" from Austria. He has done the Camino in Spain twice so we had a very nice visit! By nightfall, several more thru hikers showed up and crowded into shelter. Rain was coming AGAIN! (They all smelled terrible!) Lots of other hikers tented around shelter. In all, we had 18 folks there! I think the "big Bubble" of thru hikers is catching up! Shelters will probably get crowded! Rough night, no one really slept much, I shared my bunk with "biscuits and gravy" a quiet young thru hiker with a full beard. They all grow big beards out on the trail! Guess it 's a manly thing to do! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter, VT
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Guys all up very early, made lots if noise, so everyone got up. I packed and was out of the Shelter by 7:30. Had been warned to take extra water, because no water until Goddard Shelter. Ran into Raisin Bran Kid at the creek near shelter. (Same guy who was at Bearded Woods my last night there) He had gone home for a wedding and was now back on the trail. He knew tons about hiking gear. We hiked together all morning talking, nice guy! We talked about death and dying, church, religion, politics, hiking gear, hostels along the AT, we covered it all! Stopped for lunch at Goddard Shelter (3,500 ft) great view, nice shelter, several other hikers showed up for lunch. Nice visit with them all! Everyone moving on, so I decided to do 4.3 miles more to Kid Gore Shelter. It was overcast, a storm is rolling in. Lots of Thunder! Tons of trees down on trail, had to struggle over, under and around all the limbs. plus, it was really muddy from all the rain! boots and socks were soaking wet! Made it to Shelter mid afternoon. RBK and "Old Blue Eyes" decided to go on to next shelter, that was where most of those smelly guys from last night were headed, so I decided to stay put. Plus, my neck and back were really giving me problems. Lots of pain, plus feet really sore! It was a very nice shelter with bunks and a picnic table, but the Privy was terrible! Really nice folks there. A young couple (Garrett and Natalie) with a beautiful white lab named Toby, they were out for 8 days, and had talked to at lunch. Also two thru hikers, "Earl Grey" from Huntsville, AL, and "Garfunkel" from PA. They were room mates from College and had recently graduated. Had also met them at lunch. The shelter overlooked a valley with spectacular mountain views in the distance. It started raining around 5, so we all cooked on the table in the shelter. Had wonderful conversation, my favorite folks on the trail so far! Everyone else to bed and sleeping by eight. No real signal for phone, tried to send several text messages, but no luck. Received Sad news via e-mail - one of my former students at CWJC had overdosed (Meg), No details yet, and couldn't get an e-mail to send. Really shook me up, don't understand why! Stayed up late, looking out over the valley, watching and listening to the storm! Maybe God was crying too! It poured all night!Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Kid Gore Shelter, VT

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up early, left shelter by 7am, it's going to be a long day today, trying to hike all the way to Stratton Pond Shelter 16 miles away. Big problem is Stratton Mountain is 4,000 ft high. Good beginning, overcast skies, looks and smells like rain, but nice breeze blowing. Stopped at Story Spring Shelter for a quick break at 10, met Patch and Oz and German Shepard Sophie. We all compared notes about "Trail Magic" just a couple miles away. Word on the Trail was Sandman's mother had put two coolers with ice cold cokes, oranges, and cupcakes at an upcoming road crossing. Everyone was talking about it, I could just taste that orange and ICE COLD coke! Well, when I arrived at the road crossing, didn't see anything, so I kept walking thinking maybe I had bad information, and went to next road crossing. When I got there still nothing. My heart just dropped, it was such a disappointment . Little things on the Trail become such big things, especially Trail Magic! Everyone looks forward to it! But, not today, so I just put on my iPod and stated singing as I headed up Stratton Mt. Hard climb, took a couple of hours if climbing straight up and taking lots of breaks! To catch my breath! Trail was terribly muddy from all the rain! Looking forward to seeing the young male Moose that is ALWAYS at the top of the Mountain. Been hearing about him for days as well. Finally made it to top! Handwritten sign - Hikers beware young male moose always patrols this grassy area here on top of Stratton Mt. So I put my backpack down, grabbed my camera and crept around looking in the woods all along the top, even climbed the fire tower and sat for a while waiting for him. He never showed! So, once again disappointed, climbed down and started the long trek down the mountain ! Saw lots of Moose Poop, but no Moose! About an hour from the Shelter it started Thundering and Lightning and the rain came down in torrents! I mean it poured ! I was drenched in about a minute! I slogged thru the mud and water on the trail in the pouring rain, miserable, frustrated, cold, wet! Finally arrived at shelter only to find it full of a Boy Scout troop. Groups are suppose to camp, but with the terrible storm, the rules don't apply. Patch and Oz made room for me up in the loft! Found some "kind of" dry clothes, and put them on. After an hour rain let up, put on rain jacket and hiked, slid down to the pond to get water from the spring. Coming back I slipped down in the mud, now those shorts were wet and muddy! Cooked supper and went to bed. Scouts stayed up talking for hours! Miserable day! No Magic and No Moose! Not sure I like this anymore! Shalom, Chief
Date: 2013-03-19
To: Introduction
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello. I am "Buckeye Corneilius". I will be starting the Appalachian Trail (refered to as the AT) on Monday March 25th, 2013. My trail name came from "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer". The version with the Island of Misfit Toys. My girlfriend, Jodie, thought I looked like Yukon Cornelius when my beard got bushy. Since I am from Ohio, Yukon was changed to Buckeye.Hiking the AT is something I have wanted to do since I was in middle school. When I was in Boy Scouts I listened to an older fellow (he must have been in his mid twenties) talk about his adventures in hiking which included the AT. The AT is something that keeps popping up from time to time in my life. Over the past year and a half, the group I have been hiking with, the Central Ohio Hikers and Backpackers, have had some members walking portions of the AT. The subject usually comes up at least once on our hikes. "Caboose", a member of our hiking group, decided this past winter that he was going to thru-hike the AT. Thru-hiking is walking the entire trail.My professional life has taken some unexpected paths in the last few years. My enthusiasm for my "normal" duties has diminished and I was able to expand into other areas. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a position in the areas that I wanted. So I decided to retire early.In talking with Caboose, I decided to start the AT with him. We may not be walking with each other 100% of the time but at least in the beginning we will stay in contact with each other and probably set camp together.I plan to make journal entries at least in every trail town we get to. More often if I have good cell service on the trail. I hope you enjoy seeing the AT through my eyes over the next six months.
Date: 2013-03-19
To: Shake down Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was able to take a three day two night hike a few weeks ago in Zaleski State Park. The second day included a 13 mile hike with my hiking group.I was able to get a little more comfortable with my new pack and where everything is within my pack. I was able to get rid of a few small items that I finally decided I really do not need.I also have been able to streamline my packing, unpacking and other trail chores.Most people seem to be interested in AT hiker's gear list. I will show you that on my next journal entry.
Date: 2013-03-22
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Gear List ¢ This is the contents of my backpack and what I will be wearing.A Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping socks, thermal top and pantsB Down sweaterC Neo-air sleeping padD Food bagE Lunch food bags ¢ green and blue. They are in two bags to make it wasier to pack into the outer pockets of the pack.F Cooking pot, stove, fuel canister, spork, matches, lighter, spark wand, pot scraper and olive oilG Tent bodyH Tent rain fly and footprintI Tent stakes and polesJ Camp chairK Rain jacketL Rain pantsM Water filterN Pack rain coverO Sunglasses and reading glassesP TowelQ Wallet with a neck lanyard and dry bagR Socks (2 pair) and underwear (1)S GaitorsT Buff ¢ an open neck/head sockU HatV Gloves ¢ fleece and rain/wind shellsW Cell phone, case, charger, data/charging cord, spare batteryX Bug repellantY CompassZ Clothes ¢ underwear, socks, pants, belt, shirt, boonie hatAA Odor proof trash bagBB Toilet paper and trowelCC Outsak, 50 feet of line and a rock bag ¢ a bear/rodent bad that is knitted with stainless steel wire. It is hung in a tree to prevent bears from getting anything with an aroma, the bag will deter the miceDD Wrist watchEE HeadlampFF Chemical hand warmersGG 8 ring and line for hanging my pack on a treeHH Bag containing ¢ meds (Rx, Naproxen, Imodium AD, Pepto-Bismol, toothbrush/paste, floss, Desitin, sewing kit, safety pins, duct tape, sleeping pad repair kitII Appalachian Trail guide and maps ¢ for the first forth of the trip. The rest will be mailed at the appropriate timeJJ Trail runner shoesKK Nalgene bottleLL Camelback bladderMM Spare Ziploc bagsNN Pee bottle ¢ for use in the tent at nightOO Trekking poles PP Backpack