morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Rt. 2, North Adams, MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Left home in Lexington just after 0700 and headed west on Rt. 2. Arrived in North Adams at 0945 and was on the trail by 1000. Ran into a North Adams schoolteacher hiking with his daughter and her boyfriend. Shortly thereafter, after climbing up a short rocky section, I saw my first bear, at 1130. I sent text to Twitter and S&P who replied saying it took her months. Well, I had over 800 miles without a sighting. At 1215 I crossed into Vermont, stopped for a snack, and signed the trail log.Arrived at Seth Warner shelter at 1400 with tired legs, so I scrapped the idea of going another 7 miles to the next shelter. Texing is a great tool, but some service is needed and there was none at the shelter.I found Strider¢s entry in the log from 7/30. At 1615 there were 2 other guys at the shelter, BamBam and ???, eating a meal. I believe they will go on. The group from North Adams arrived and soon left, heading back to North Adams. A few calculations showed I was hiking at the 2 mph rate as I had when I left the trail in May, but my stamina wasn¢t at that level, accounting for the tired legs. I suspect this will correct itself in a couple days.Rocky, Aquafresh, and Saint are here for the night. They hiked with, and/or know Strider, Carolina, Chef, Walking-home, and Maui Bob.
Date: 2009-08-16
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Got out of camp second this morning at 0715. It still seems to take a full hour to get up, eat breakfast, pack and get out. I got cell service under a power line and sent out last night¢s text messages. Talked to Sheryl. Received a Twitter from S&P that they have decided to flop up to Katahdin and walk south. This is another Hazy, hot, humid day (HHH). I¢m completely soaked in swet even though I¢m trying to keep my pace down. Made camp at Melville Nauheim Shelter at 1630 after taking a 1-hour stop for lunch. That makes for 8:45 hours for the 13.3 miles or about 1.5 mph, a better pace than I was doing yesterday. There is a gig group here tonight with NOBOs, SOBOs, and Long Trail (LT) hikers. Notable in the group is Phatmando, who I met on the May hike. Also have a SOBO called Walking-home, from GA, who went to the same school as Gansta and met her earlier in her hike. Looks like tomorrow should be a 12.8-mile day. It¢s just too warm and humid to try a real long hike. Today was especially tough due to the gap at VT Rt. 9, a long, steep downhill and equally long and steep up-hill.
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Another HHH day. Out of camp at 0722 and passed by Phatmando about 0930, who said it was a perfect hiking day. This seemed to pick me up a bit and I was able to hike at a better pace. I do wish for some dry air to dry out the clothes hanging from my pack. I discovered I had left my 3 Liter water jug at the shelter. Seems there is always some issue when such a large group is staying in one place.Took a break at Goddard Shelter for a snack and water. Phatmando and Lou were there when I arrived and Spice and Aquafresh who were slack-packing soon joined us. Then Rocky and Saint arrived and Saint had carried my water jug to return it. Thanks Saint!Got to Kid Gore Shelter at 1500, doing the last 4 miles in just 2 hours. I¢m at the shelter with Lou, 12-Pack. Passing through at Saint, Aquafresh and rocky who are doing another 8 miles. It¢s a quiet night (so far) as there are 4 LT hikers camped below, and the 3 LT guys, Lou and myself in the shelter.
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Quiet nigh at Kid Gore Shelter. Got a picture of the sun rising from the front of the shelter, then got on the trail at 0700. I met a SOBO neat Story Spring Shelter. Today is again HHH, but there is an occasional breeze, which feels great. Had a section of the hike where I was thinking of Megan ¢ not unusual ¢ and how she gave me my hiking poles. Made it to the top of Stratton Mtn. at 1500 where I texted Sheryl who texted back she was at Graceland. Made the required reservation to stay at Green Mountain House Hostel Wednesday night. Got to Stratton Pond Shelter just after 1700, having done 15 miles in 10 hours.   Found 7/16 entries in the shelter log from Gansta and Wags, and also a 7/17 entry from Loon. I have hikes 48.2 miles in 4 days, for a 12 MPD pace, which is better than I did in May. Just have to put in more hours of hiking to increase the miles. Had to pay $5 to stay at this shelter, but it also covers the other pay shelters in VT. The only issue I have with this shelter is the 14 mile walk down to the pond to get water. There are 10 people I the shelter tonight.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Green Mountain House Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of rain overnight, at least it sounded likes that on the tin roof. By morning it was clearing, and now it is clear, but very humid. The rain has added water to an already muddy trail.I was on the trail by 0720 and soon passed by Lou and several SOBOs. Flushed 6 Grouse just before getting to Spruce Peak Shelter, where I stopped for a snack. I got an advanced warning of the grouse as one of then flapped its wings a second or two before taking off. There was a humming bird at this shelter. When I neared the road crossing, I asked two short term hikers if they were going into Manchester, and asked then for a ride. As we got into Manchester I saw Phatmando thumbing back to the trailhead. I hurried over to pass along the greetings S&P had sent to him. Went to the super market and purchased 6 days food, to EMS to get power bars, then to Manchester House of Pizza for an extra cheese, mushroom and sausage pizza. Called Jeff at Green Mountain House for a ride and now have laundry in and ready to take a shower. That was great!
Date: 2009-08-20
From: Green Mountain House Hostel

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Jeff provided rides to the trailhead where I started hiking at 0820. I had tried to get a 0700 ride but no one else wanted to get up at that time. Need to make a note to recommend Green Mountain House to S&P and Strider2 who are flying to ME today. Saw a deer in back of the hostel as we were preparing to leave for the trailhead. At the vista and took pictures of Stratton Mtn. at 0930 and headed to the summit of Bromley Mtn. Got to Mad Tom Notch at 1130 and eat lots of food with the great well water (hand pump), the only water I didn¢t treat. Aquafreah and Saint arrived and we proceeded to discuss the advantages oh LEKI poles.At Peru Peak shelter at 1445 where all the hikers I have seen today were just leaving. I would have been here sooner, but I stopped for a break about 200 yards too soon. Now it¢s on to Lost Pond Shelter (if it¢s built) or campsite.In for the night at Lost pond shelter at 1530. This is a new shelter, small, no nails to hang stuff on, and no picnic table. There is a brother/sister here in their young 20¢s, reading a book to each other. They are from Cincinnati, OH and flip-flopping from DWG.
Date: 2009-08-21
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

That was a strange brother/sister in the shelter last night. They read to each other until about 2115, and then he slept outside. Got on the trail at 0720, which seems to be the norm now with the later sunrise. Stopped for a break at rock pond soon after briefly talking to Badger the caretaker. It¢s another very humid day, and there is no drying going on. Made it to Minerva Hinchey Shelter at 1600 after hiking the last 4 hours in the rain. No cell reception here for the 8 people crowded into the shelter.
Date: 2009-08-22
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Got on the trail with a light rain falling at 0730. Talked with Sheryl from the airport overlook and got the story on the approaching hurricane. Sounds like the HHH weather will continue. We have PUDs (pointless ups and downs) this morning before reaching the climb up Killington this afternoon. Made the summit of Killington at 1700 as predicted, a 10.5 hour climb that was the toughest so far this trip. If it had been dry it would not have been too bad, but it was wet and slippery, and the terrain simply made it a tough climb. Badger was at Cooper Lodge as a trail runner, his last few days before returning to school.Talked with Sheryl and she is at the airport headed home. No word yet from S&P on the Katadin assent.
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Mountain Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 10.5

So, it¢s 1000 and I¢m 3 miles north of Cooper Lodge. It has rained most of the way here, stopped for a while, and is now raining hard. I¢m prepared to hang out here at Churchill Scott Shelter for a while. The shelter is new and quite nice. The rain really slows down the hike, with the wet rocks, roots and the mud. The trails here in VT are the poorest maintained I have seen. I think it¢s going to rain for a while, so I have changed into a dry shirt and texted Sheryl for a forecast. Noticed my headlamp is not shutting off. Will have to jury rig it for the next couple days. Arrived at Mountain Meadow Lodge at 1500, which is a lot sooner than I thought I would. Checked in, took a shower and put in a laundry. Talked to Sheryl and the home phones are now working (they were out following her trip). Looks like I need 3 days food plus a spare for the hike to NH. I only need 2 things from the 4 days I packed and shipped here to Mountain Meadow Lodge. Bill (the owner) is making supper for a bunch of us hikers (Rocky, Wishey-Washy, Sea Bass, and Rattler).
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Mountain Meadow Lodge

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

Had a great supper last night with Rocky and the rest. They are slack packing today and I should see them later. Got up and out by 0700. Got to Stony Brook shelter at 1030, a 6-mile hike in 3.5 hours, which included a 1000-foot up/down.Saw Rocky and the rest slacking back to MML. My comment about them going the wrong way was met with they¢re going back to MML and I was going the wrong way. Lot of truth to that.Made it to camp at 1730 after another long hard day. It also rained, quite contrary to the forecast. Lots and lots of moose poop along the trail, and a snake I almost sat down next to.Well, Well, KAGE just walked into camp! I have been following his hike since I left the trail in VA. Was nice to meet him.
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start, 0800, as this should be a short day. KAGE left before me and is heading into Hanover. Saw Charley the Chef signed a trail register yesterday, so she is 1 day ahead of me. I fell again (once a day for the last 5), this time breaking my pole inside the handgrip. Duct tape seems to be working for a temporary repair. Sometimes your poles break your fall, and sometimes your fall breaks your poles. All 5 falls have been caused by the wet conditions causing a slip.Made it to Thistle Hill Shelter at 1530. Got out a couple text messages and Sheryl called. I tried to start a fire, but it just wouldn¢t go. Wishey-Washy, Rattler and Sea Bass stopped for a break and Wishey taught me (again) the value of Birch bark in starting a fire. Got a good fire going to help with the bugs that are getting worse. Rocky and Will came in and will tent for the night. Jim Dandy and Amero arrived for the night.
Date: 2009-08-26
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: VT-NH line
Miles today: 14.2

Got up at 0600 with Jim Dandy and we were on the trail by 0700. Jim has a mail drop in Hanover and is worried about making it there before 1700. The trail was easy and in good condition today. Met Amero at the White River in Hartford, where he stopped for food. I kept going, choosing to use the food I was carrying. I made it out of the woods and on to Elm Street. I called Sheryl to let her know where I was and she is en-route to the pickup spot. The road walk was long, but there are some really nice places on Elm Street in Norwich. Got to the pick-up spot at 1445 and called Sheryl to let her know I was here. Chilling by the river.THOUGHTS:The trails in VT are tough. Mud, poor maintenance, and terrain combine for hard miles. Some maintenance was good, other just stupid, like digging the mud out of a hole. Bog bridges could solve most mud situations.Must remember the Gatorade. The hike today was relatively easy thanks to the tip from Amero about replacing electrolytes. Headlamp and poles need to be addressed.
Date: 2010-01-14
To: Prep 2010-1
Miles today: 0.0

Getting the gear ready. Have a new Leatherman "Squirt" tool, replacing the 1/2 LB Leatherman I was carrying. The thermojetstove company ( info@thermojetstove.com ) built me a custom combustion chamber to fit my 6" pot. Thank you!Have printed out the VA section of the Thru-Hikers Companion (its on-line) and it's trimmed and packed up.Have trail books and maps (except for central VA which is being revised).Boots have been repaired and cleaned.Have new hiking poles thanks to REI and LEKI.Need to plan the first food load and PO drops.Will be starting with a brief stop at Trail days then on the Atkins VA (NOT staying at Relax Inn) and walking up to Harpers Ferry (475 miles).Hike on - Tattoo
Date: 2010-05-08
To: Prep 2010-2
Miles today: 0.0

Now everything is ready. Base weight is 26.4 pounds. Water and food will bring pack weight to 40 pounds. First PO drop is Pearisburg (6 days) then Waynesboro (just before SNP) and Linden (just after SNP). Plan remains to stay in Marion 5/13, go to Trail Days on 5/14, and start hiking on 5/15. Hike On -- Tattoo
Date: 2010-05-15
From: I-81, Atkins VA

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We left the Inn in Marion VA about 0530 and drove to the trailhead where I expected to get breakfast at the Red Barn restaurant; however, they don¢t open until 0700 on weekends. We drove north on I-81 to the next exit where there is a McDonalds. After eating, we drove back to the railhead for the ¢start picture¢ and I was walking at 0740. My feet got wet from the dew on the grass in the fields the trail wandered through. Finally got into the woods and arrived at Davis Campsite at 0900. There are some Azaleas and Rhododendrons blossoming. The birds are loud (that for Bob Bon)!OK, the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. Got to the Crawfish trail at 0950, doing 6.3 miles in 3 hours. Had my first snack before starting the 900-foot climb up Big Walker Mountain. There has been no water on the trail so I¢m expecting a dry day. Completed the climb at 1100 to complete 8 miles in just over 4 hours. I may regret this 2 mph pace by the time I reach the shelter. Got to Knot Maul shelter at 1445, having hikes an average on 1.7 mph. Have been joined with ¢Phil from Maine¢ who is doing big miles (20+ per day) and will be 2 weeks ahead by the time I complete my hike. He and ¢Big Bro¢ have gone on to do more miles and camp for the night. Looking like there will be no one else at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Low Rod came into the shelter last night just before a thunder and lightning storm with heavy rain. This morning the sun is trying to make an appearance. I didn¢t get on the trail until 0845, possibly the latest ever, but I only have 9 miles to go today to the next shelter.Reached USFS road 222 at 1045 where I found about 15 butterflies swarming around a spot. Took a picture of them. I covered 5.3 miles in 2.5 hours in very hot and humid weather. Maybe it will be more comfortable 2000 feet higher, which is where I¢m going. After a long uphill to 4000 feet, I got to Chestnut Knob Shelter at 1430. Had to get my 5 liters of water about 1.8 miles before the shelter as there is no other water near the shelter. Low Rod is here, but going on. Saw one small green snake while hiking today. I talked to Sheryl who is at the opening of Buffalo Wild Wings. Well, now it¢s raining hard. This shelter is about 50 X 25 feet with a tin roof, making the noise from the rain incredible! The rain is continuing and accompanied by thick fog. The logbook talks about nice weather and great views. I reached 1000 total miles of section hiking today.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Real late getting out today as it¢s raining like it has been all night. Got out at 0920 and I¢m not looking forward to a wet 10 miles ahead. So, the weather got better, sprinkling a few times, but defiantly not bad. I made it to Jenkins shelter at 1445. Low Rod went on as he had planned a 24-mile day. No cell service here, so my message will not get out today.I didn¢t get to see much today due to the fog. Views of the valley, known as ¢God¢s Thumbprint¢, from the ridge were said to be spectacular. There were several large pieces of Brain stone along the trail. There were three stream crossings and two underground streams near the shelter. Seems a shame I had to carry 3 liters of water uphill yesterday. I have a 14.3-mile hike tomorrow, which includes crossing Rt. 77, which was the second possible pick-up point last year. Most of the up and down is in the morning, so the hike should be good.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Six hikers showed up at the shelter last night, including Whamo, DejaThru, Barley, and Blue Meanie. We met Whamo at Partnership shelter the day we drove down from Lexington. It¢s still looking like it might rain, so on goes the rain gear. Made the first 5 miles in 2 hours. Got to Helveys Mill Shelter at 1500. At a break in the hike I saw 2 Pileated woodpeckers fighting. DejaThru left a note in the shelter log that Whamo and Blue Meanie were going into Bland. Looks like I miss-calculated my food. I have food for 3 days and need to get to the P.O. by noon on Sat. My best option is to do 2 long days.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trents store campground
Miles today: 16.8

Got onto the trail at 0705. It¢s a nice morning, being mostly cloudy with patches of sun. I heard a bear growl last night. I¢m feeling pretty good today and hope to do 16 miles.At Jennny Knob shelter at 1145 where I took a break for lunch and a little rest before going another 6 or more miles depending on how I feel, and the weather, which now looks like rain. I heard several turkeys this morning but was unable to locate them. I met Whamo and Blue Meanie at Rt. 608 and hiked with them to the campground. No ATT service (only Verizon) at the campground. Whamo is getting beer after which it will be hamburgers at the store.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Trents store campground

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Camping was OK last night, but I had to pack up the tent while it was still wet from dew. Boundless, a thru hiker from Topsfield, was also at the campground last night.Out of the campground at 0730 and at the trail register at 0745. Saw a deer crossing the trail that appeared to be quite large, but its head was already into the brush at the side of the trail, so I couldn¢t tell if it was a buck. Made it to Wapiti Shelter at 1105 for 7.8 miles in 3 hours and 20 min (2.3 mph). Now the work begins, with a steep uphill ahead.Staying at Woods Hole Hostel where there are lots of hikers, including Whamo, Blue Meanie, Red Lobstah (from Walpole MA), and Posthole. The walk down the hill to the hostel was ok, but thinking about the return trip was no fun. Fortunately, the proprietors of the hostel provide a ride back to the trailhead in the morning. We all had pizza, an initial use of the outdoor beehive oven they had just completed. The pizza was excellent, as was the hot shower.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg (Rendezvous Motel)
Miles today: 10.0

Didn¢t get on the trail until 0900 as breakfast was late, but nut and banana pancakes with blackberry syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage and coffee was great! First break at Doc¢s Knob Shelter at 1000 where I met Trashman.Got to Rendezvous Motel just after 1400. The owner gave me a ride the mile+ up hill to the P.O., so that exercise was a success. Called home and had to leave a message. Also sent out a tweet. I¢ll have a good walk up the hill when its time for dinner, but then I¢ll have an extra day¢s food in the pack.Went to the Mexican restaurant where I had a beer and Chimmychangas for $11. Managed to walk the mile to and from the restaurant without getting rained upon.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Pearisburg (Rendezvous Motel)

To: Pearisburg (Rendezvous Motel)
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day. Talked to Sheryl and watched TV. I¢m re-supplied, have clean clothes, showered, and ready to hike. Oh, and it¢s raining. It cleared off in the afternoon and I had a couple beers with several hikers who had just finished a section. I also met 7 Dwarfs and Gray Wanderer. Went to Hardies for a burger and fries.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Pearisburg (Rendezvous Motel)

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Got onto the trail at 0700 and reached the springs at 0915. The trail followed a crazy path getting out of town. Now sitting under some high voltage wires and I should reach shelter in about 12 hour. Had a pin come out of my pack that I replaced with a spare.At Rice Field Shelter where there is cell service but Sheryl¢s phone is turned off. Had a snack and will hike on the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, 12.5 miles away. Arrived at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter at 1645 and beat the rain by 20 minutes, having just enough time to get water for the night. I didn¢t see another hiker all day after leaving Pearisburg, although Trashman and Red Lobstah are just ahead.Five other hikers showed up tonight: Coon Cat, 7 Dwarfs, Gray Wanderer, and Boundless. The rain has stopped so I may have a good day for hiking tomorrow. Aiming for the AYCE in Catawba on Thursday.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

It was a cloudy day at 0830 when I got on the trail this morning. We¢re getting some showers as I get into Bailey Gap shelter for a lunch break.We had places where there should have been great views, but the fog made then all the same.Got into War Spur Shelter at 1615 after a long downhill in the rain. Seemed like every time I took of my rain gear it started raining again. A good part of the downhill was in Mountain Laurel that was blossomed. Lot of people here right now, but many are going on, including Coon Cat, 7 Dwarfs, and Gray Wanderer.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Wow, setting new records for getting up late. It was almost 0800 before anyone in the shelter stirred, and I didn¢t hit the trail until 0900. I forgot to take a picture of that shelter or sign the logbook. It continues to be wet with frequent showers. At Laurel Creek shelter, where I stopped for lunch, there are a few spots of sun showing. Red Lobstah passed through heading for the road and Newport. She expects to be in the shelter tonight. There is a great oak tree 3.7 miles north of here. Hoping to take pictures, which I did. It is a beautiful tree. Sent Sheryl a text from the ridge just after the second big climb of the day, and shortly before reaching Sarver Hollow Shelter that I reached at 1645.I have 4 days worth of food, so with a stop in Catawba for the AYCE, I can make it to Daleville for the next re-supply.