morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Beartown Mountain Road.

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night. Today's trail included many sections that were root covered, which combined with rain made for treacherous footing. Overall, not a difficult day, but did not get a lot of sleep last night and felt sluggish in the afternoon. Goal was to reach Upper Goose Pond Cabin, which is on a lake. It is one of the iconic shelters on the AT. It is a fully enclosed cabin with bunks, large front porch, beach and dock area for canoes overlooking Upper Goose Pond. There is no cost for hikers, but donations are encouraged. A group of 20 hikers were present.It has an "On Golden Pond" feel and look about it.Forrest and I took a quick clean up in the lake and soaked our feet. Also got to sit in a chair, which is always a treat. Hoping to get to bed early tonight. The Mountain Laurel in Massachusetts is blooming. Seeing more birch trees in the woods, a sure sign I am getting north.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Warner Hill
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Another perk of Upper Goose Pond Cabin is the live in caretaker prepares pancakes for the guests. Nice way to start the day with pancake breakfast. Passed over the Massachusetts Turnpike early this morning. I understand it is an AT tradition to salute drivers with a full moon. I will not disclose if we honored the tradition. I will disclose that we got semis to honk. Stopped by Marilyn Wiley's home, also known as the "Cookie Lady", for over thirty years she has been providing fresh baked cookies to AT hikers. It was a pleasure to meet her. Shorter journal and no pictures for the several days as I am experiencing phone issues, again. Verizon is sending me my second Samsung Galaxy 6S replacement, this is very frustrating. Weather was cooler and in spite of spending over an hour on the phone with Verizon we still completed 14.9 miles
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Warner Hill

To: Main St & School St. Cheshire MA
Miles today: 14.5

Early start this morning with 5 mile hike into Dalton, Massachusetts. It is a trail town in which the trail takes you directly through the town. Stopped at Cumberland Farms and had a chocolate shake,Mountain Dew, Powerade and blueberry muffin. We next went to Jacob's, which was recommended to us by previous thru hikers. I had a huge Reuben sandwich which was excellent. Finished the day by hiking get into Cheshire, Massachusetts under threatening skies. Staying at St Mary Assumption Catholic Church, which opens their recreation hall for hikers. Overall, fairly easy hiking terrain. I am battling get a spot on my left heel that has been rubbed raw, not a blister, but slightly painful. Hope to have new phone by Sunday. I rely on my phone for communications, camera,journal entries, trail guide and weather information, i.e.,it is vital
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Main St & School St. Cheshire MA

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: broken clouds

Lucky we were indoors at St. Mary Assumption Catholic Church in Cheshire, Massachusetts as heavy thunderstorms rolled through the area.Cheshire, like Dalton Massachusetts involves walking through the town and affords an upclose and personal perspective. Started the day with an sausage and egg croissant and Mango smoothie from Dunkin Donuts, always hike better with good breakfast.Met Sawdog on the trail early in the hike, who does AT trail maintenance. We first met him a couple days ago near the Tom Leonard Shelter doing trail maintenance.A former ITT colleague John and his wife Lenay who now live in Massachusetts contacted me and wanted to meet. Their son started the AT this yearate, but got off as a result of blisters.They have a keen interest in the AT. They drove 2 hours to meet us at Mt Greylock and brought pop and Snickers for us. In addition they drove us to Williamstown to pick up my new phone and took us to lunch. We offered to buy their lunch, but they insisted on picking up the tab. Yet another example of Trail Angel's and Trail Magic. Thank you John and Lenay! After we arrived at Mt. Greylock we discovered Bascom Lodge had bunks available for hikers with showers, sheets, pillows and breakfast with incredible views, all for $40. We decided to call it a short day after 8.4 miles. Our plans are to hike into Williamstown Massachusetts tomorrow and take a zero day on July 4 and enjoy local festivities. My heel needs to heal and we had planned a zero for July 4th. We plan to arrive in Vermont on July 5th and resume push north. Temperatures today we're the coolest in a couple months, i.e.,temperatures in 50's, hiked in long sleeves.Thanks to everyone for support and encouragement. It is appreciated,helpful and needed.I have my third new phone from. Verizon, I hope it holds up.,
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Mt. Greylock

To: MA 2 Hoosic River
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed our stay at Bascom Lodge at Mt Greylock. It is an old stone Lodge built by the CCC in the 1930's with outstanding views. A bunkhouse room was $40 with shower, pillows,sheets and muffins for breakfast. Especially enjoyed sitting in front of their fireplace. Mt. Greylock at 3491 feet was the first time since Virginia that the AT took us above 3000 feet. Fairly easy and short hike from Mr. Greylock to MA 2 and pickup for Williamstown Motel. Quick cleanup and trip to the store and I planned to sit outside and relax. As I was pulling a chair in the shade I engaged in a conversation with a group of individuals. The subject of Maine came up and I said I was on my way to Maine. They asked if I was driving. I said No and pointed to my feet as my method of transportation. This lead to a discussion about the AT of which they were very interested. They were in Williamstown to attend an outdoor James Taylor concert at the Tanglewood venue in Lenox, Massachusetts. Before I knew it they said they had two extra tickets and would Forrest and I be interested? Talk about Trail Magic and Trail Angel's, I did not hesitate and said Yes. I went into the room to tell Forrest we were attending a James Taylor concert, he thought I was kidding. What a wonderful and relaxing evening outdoors at the Tanglewood venue listening to James Taylor live for 2 hours. He has ties to the Lenox, Massachusetts area. Thank you to Dustin and Melanie from Maine and Jack and Abby from Pennsylvania for including us in your James Taylor concert. It was the ultimate Trail Magic and an experience we will never forget! You are true Trail Angels!
Date: 2016-07-04
From: MA 2 Hoosic River

To: MA 2 Hoosic River
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day in Williamstown Massachusetts, i.e., no hiking. Got up by 6:30 am and enjoyed breakfast at hiker friendly Williamstown Motel. Did laundry, cleaned out pack, shaved, went to grocery and watched movies, i.e., Jaws and Saving Private Ryan. Just a relaxing day to rest and let left heel area heal. Highlight was attending New England Collegiate League game between North Adams Steeplecats and Upper Valley Nighthawk. League is primarily D2 & 3 Collegiate player, good baseball. Baseball game followed by fireworks.What better way to spend July 4th then baseball and fireworks. Tomorrow we hit the trail by 7am and reach Vermont in 4 miles. Overall, a great and relaxing day.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: MA 2 Hoosic River

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Big thumbs up to Williamstown Motel, very hiker friendly, clean rooms and shuttle back and forth to trailhead. Early in the day entered Vermont, 11th state completed with 4 remaining. The AT runs concurrent with the Long Trail for 105 miles. The Long Trail runs from the southern Vermont border to the Canadian border north. It is a popular trail and we have seen many day and section hikers.It is also a good preparation hike for AT hikers.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

July 6Congdon Shelter - Goddard Shelter14.4Must have been at least 20 hikers tenting at this shelter. The Long Trail is very popular and shelters/tenting locations reflect it. Another humid day and I sweat profusely, requiring considerable water consumption. So far trail in Vermont is primarily a green tunnel with no views. Frankly, I expected more views in Vermont, but trail is root covered with many random mud holes. A couple of climbs out of VT 9 and up to Goddard Shelter. We planned to hike further, but humidity and last climb caused us to call it a day after 14.4 miles. Met Big Foot AT thru hiker who started April 23. He has 108 days off of work and is attempting to complete in this time period. He is routinely hiking 25 - 30 mile days. Needless to say he did not stand and talk very long, he had to move on. Noticing a number of beaver ponds and evidence of their handy work with trees
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Goddard Shelter 

To: Stratton Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

July 7Goddard Shelter - Stratton Pond Shelter19.3Met several hikers at Goddard Shelter that I had not seen since Virginia, good to catch up with their stories. Tenting spots were limited at Goddard Shelter. As a result I slept in a crowded shelter. Forrest tented in a small area next to the shelter. I woke up at 3 am with a strong headache, took 3 ibuprofen and went back to sleep. Don't know what caused it, but shelter was full and a number of people were coughing. Started the day with headache, which made hiking difficult it slowly went away over the course of the day. Big climb at the end of the up Stratton Mountain, 3936 feet. It has a fire tower on top with outstanding views. Climbs at the end of the day when you are tired are difficult, plus it was extremely humid. Benton MacKaye was inspired to propose creation of the AT based upon his experience on Stratton Mountain. Thunderstorms were predicted for the evening so we made our way 3 miles to Stratton Pond Shelter. It was full, but offered protection from evening thunderstorms. Overall, a long day under humid conditions to reach just over 19 miles. Our plan is to hike into Manchester Center Vermont and stay at Green Mountain House, a private home open to hikers.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: MA 2 Hoosic River

To: VT 11 & 30
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

July 8Stratton Pond Shelter - VT 11 & 3010.7Left crowded shelter at 6:30 am to hike 10 miles to Manchester Center. We need to resupply, wash clothes and take a shower. The bugs the last few days have been fierce, forcing me to liberally use insect repellent. I am constantly swatting at gnats and other insects circling my sweaty face. Easy hike today with nice view from Prospect Rock. We hitchhiked the 5 miles into Manchester Center Vermont, took less than 5 minutes to get a ride. A couple of old guys with packs look non threatening. First stop was McDonald's, where I consumed a Quarter Pounder with cheese, large fries and 2 McDouble Cheeseburgers, I need the calories. Next Forrest and both got haircuts. In the barbershop I met Jim Kaat who pitched for the Minnesota Twins and had 283 career wins (see pictures), he was getting a haircut. We resupplyed at Price Chopper and called Green Mountain House for pickup. Jeff Taussig runs Green Mountain House during hiker season as a service to hikers community. He charges $35 dollars, which includes a pint of Ben & Jerry ice cream. Includes laundry, breakfast and return to trailhead, highly recommend to AT hikers. Call ahead as he fills up. Looking forward to a few hours of relaxation. Today is my daughter Audrey's birthday. I wish I could be with her today, but look forward to seeing her in Maine in a few weeks. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUBREY!
Date: 2016-07-09
From: VT 11 & 30

To: Peru Peaks Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1

July 9VT 11& 30 - Peru Peak Shelter 10.1Big thumbs up to Green Mountain House, highly recommend to AT hikers. Rates are reasonable, clean, laundry and Jeff is great host. Hit the trail around 9 am and it started to drizzle and continued to rain all day. We climbed up Bromley Mountain, which includes a walking up a ski slope. Bromley is a large ski resort in Vermont. At the summit they leave their warming hut open for hikers. It was a welcome relief to take a break and get out of the rain. I understand views are outstanding, but not today with rain and fog. Temperatures hovered in the high 50's/low 60's during most of day. I fell during a descent on some wet rocks and snapped one of my Leki hiking poles in half. It saved me from a more serious fall, but now I only have one poke. I was not injured, just a wet bottom. I rely on 2 hiking poles and do not feel as secure or move as quickly with just one. At just over 10 miles we reached Peru Peak Shelter and decided to stop. We were both cold and wet and it was around 3 pm. Shorter day than planned, but good to get out of rain. The shelter quickly filled up with other hikers doing the same. It rained on and off all night and as I write this in the morning it continues to rain.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Peru Peaks Shelter 

To: Greenwell Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

July 10Peru Peak Shelter - Greenwell Shelter 14.5Raining when I got and raining when I went to bed. Temperatures in the 60's, as a result did not get cold today. As you start the day you are careful to avoid mud and rain puddles in attempt to keep your shoes and feet dry. You quickly realized this is a futile effort and resign yourself to walking through the mud and water. The trail included Bakers Peak which involved a steep rock climb (see pictures), surprisingly the rocks were not as slippery as expected. Crossed many streams that were flowing swiftly. Received Trail Magic of a Budweiser and chocolate chip cookies from the mother of two young men hiking the Long Trail. Nice young guys, but carrying too much gear and tend to spread their items all over the shelters, they will learn.  The afternoon turned into literally walking up stream. The trail was full of water rushing downhill and at one point I took a step and water was almost to my knee. Passed through a thick pine forest that reminded me of Gnome country, it included several rock gardens with rock cairn displays. Reached Greenwell Shelter around 5:30 and called it a wet, difficult and miserable day after 14.5 miles. Took off wet clothes and got in my down quilt to warm up. There were 8 of us in shelter. As I write this in the morning rain has stopped and birds are chirping. The last two days test your mental fortitude, believe me they have not been pleasant days to hike.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Greenwell Shelter 

To: Governor Clement Shelter 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

July 11Greenwell Shelter - Governor Clement Shelter 14.9What a difference a day makes, today was sunny with temperatures in the 70's with NO rain. Great hiking weather and no bugs. Objective was to have lunch at Qu Whistle Stop restaurant, which was .5 miles off trail on VT 103. We heard favorable comments from other hikers. On the steep descent into Clarendon Gorge, just before VT 103 I fell on a slippery rock and initially thought I had serious damage to my left knee. The knee twisted at an odd angle when I fell. We say we are only one misstep away from going home and for a moment I thought this was my misstep. After gaining my composure I was able to get up and continue hiking. I have new hiking poles on the way from REI. I definitely need two poles. However, until Friday I have only one pole. As we crossed suspension bridge at Clarendon Gorge I saw a man panning for gold in the Mill River. Breakfast at Qu Whistle Stop was excellent, pancakes, eggs, sausage and toast. Ordered a Turkey Club sandwich for carry out and dinner. Heidi, a patron at the restaurant offered to drive us back to trailhead and gave us a small box of chocolates, great trail magic. Two steep climbs in succession after lunch, i.e.., 500 feet in 1/2 mile. Rest of trail was fairly easy in the afternoon and included trail magic in the former of Orange Crush and Mugs Root Beer in a mesh bag in a stream. There was a small sign on a tree announcing trail magic, but I think many hikers missed it. Walked most of day with Tortilla, a young man from Alabama who I met earlier in Virginia. Continued to notice orange Newts on the trail, i.e.,small lizard. They stand out because of their orange against the normal forest palate. Tenting tonight at Governor Clement Shelter after 14.9 miles.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Governor Clement Shelter 

To: VT 100
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

July 12Governor Clement Shelter - VT 10013.9Up early with big climb up Killington Mountain to start the day, always better to do big climbs in the morning. Killington is second highest mountain in Vermont at 3908 feet. Equally long descent. Big test for the left knee and it handled the climb and descent. I think I "dodged a bullet", not 100%, but not as bad as I thought it could be. Shorter day as we hiked into Killington and staying at Killington Motel to shower, laundry and resupply. Really noticed a strong pine smell today as we walked through high pine forests. It reminded me of the smell of Pine Sol. It was invigorating to take in the smell as you walk on pine needles. Steve, from Killington Motel picked us up at the trailhead. Adjacent to his motel was a great deli, where I got 2 pastrami sandwiches. Today we passed the turnoff where the Long Trail splits from the AT and heads toward Canada. The AT turns east and heads toward New Hampshire. We expect to reach New Hampshire on Saturday. The good news with Long Trail splitting shelters and campsites will be less congested.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: VT 100

To: The Lookout 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

July 13VT 100 - The Lookout14.1Big thumbs up to Killington Motel, pick up at trailhead, great deli Killington Deli nearby, shuttled to laundry and outstanding breakfast, recommend for AT hikers. Leprechaun, Zoe, Hawk and Tortilla also stayed at Killington Motel and ordered pizza. We all sat at a picnic table in the front yard and ate. Forrest and I split a large bacon, mushroom and sausage pizza for evening, devoured entire pizza. Got a chance to watch a little of MLB All Star Game. Day started with walk around Kent Pond and near Thundering Falls, followed by 1200 foot steep climb up Quimby Mountain. Certainly gets the heart rate up and sweat flowing. Temperatures in the upper 80's. Balance of day was a series of up and downs, several were steep. Day culminated with climb to The Lookout. It is a privately owned facility .1 off the trail, enclosed cabin with door and fabulous rooftop viewing area. Views include Vermont and New Hampshire. Mountains look imposing in New Hampshire. I felt strong hiking most of the day. There is a direct correlation between food consumed and hiking strength. I had a pizza dinner last night and eggs, bagel and fresh fruit this morning. AT hikers, The Lookout is a must stay, best views so far in Vermont.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: The Lookout 

To: Thistle Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

July 14The Lookout - Seeing more southbound AT thru hikers who started at Katahdin in Maine. This is significant in that our paths are crossing approximately 5 weeks after they started. Using this timetable and assuming no injury or illness, I should arrive at Katahdin in the August 20 - 27 timeframe. Beautiful sunset from The Lookout. Easy hike with nice trail the first 7 miles this morning with objective to reach On the Edge Farms at VT 12. Forrest, Hawk, Tortilla and I split a homemade blueberry/peach pie. I also had a quart of chocolate milk and a Coke, good calorie intake. We lingered around an hour and enjoyed the food and rest. The balance of the day was series of steep, shorter climbs, but with high humidity and profuse sweating. I am consuming considerable water. Mid afternoon took advantage of cool stream by washing face, head and shirt. Vermont is maple syrup country. Today we walked by maple trees with plastic tubes connected to tree and running downhill. I am told instead of tapping trees and using buckets to collect syrup they use plastic tubes and gravity to collect maple syrup. Late afternoon got trail magic of fresh bananas at Cloudland Road and a sandwich and root beer at Cloudland Market. Started to rain hard just as we left Cloudland Market. Headed to Thistle Hill Shelter in the rain, plan to reach Norwich Vermont tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Thistle Hill Shelter 

To: Main Street Norwich Vermont 
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

July 15Thistle Hill Shelter- Main St. Norwich VT.13.2No rain last night after late day thunderstorm yesterday. Early start to hike 5 miles and reach West Hartford Vermont and breakfast. As we reached West Hartford the Hart Family was providing trail magic on their front porch along with cold drinks and coffee. Trail Magic was scrambled eggs, ham and toast. What a great way to start the day. Mrs.Hart fed at least 10 hikers while we were there. She did not ask for money, but we left money to defray cost. Across the street from their house is a bridge over the White River. It is an AT tradition to take a leap off the bridge. Forrest and I deferred and watched the younger hikers take the 50 foot leap off the bridge. Everyone came through unscathed. Next stop was Nazy's, a cafe in town. Forrest, Tortilla, Hawk and Lookout all got Deep Fried Tacos. I was full and hiked on. Today's hike was fairly easy with good trail and no big climbs. We did encounter a sign warning of ground bees. I avoided a sting, but Forrest and Two Socks were both stung. Two Socks and Trooper are an interesting story. Two Socks got his trail name because he has worn the same two socks the entire hike with no washing. Trooper is from Scotland. They met on the trail and were "married" in Damascus VA by Spike. Spike from Germany received his ordained minister designation on line and performed the "ceremony". Just as Forrest and I arrived at the edge of Norwich a van pulled up beside us and asked if we were Forrest and Hooshr? The driver identified herself as "The Hat Lady" and indicated she was following our journals. She had Snickers for us. Amazing show of Trail magic as we entered Norwich, Vermont. The AT involves a 1 mile road walk into Norwich. It is always enjoyable to see a town close up. Norwich appears to be a well to do town with New England charm. Great job to Trail Boss, Sherri for making lodging arrangements at Norwich Inn. It is too nice for the two sweaty and smelly hikers. We cleaned up and enjoyed a beer on their front porch. Next door is Dan & Whits, a general store that offers day old sandwiches to AT hikers. I got what is probably the best Reuben Sandwich I have ever had at no cost. Washed clothes and relaxed balance of the day. Three packages were waiting for me at Norwich Inn. Cool weather sleeping bag, clothes and food items from Jill. New shoes from Merrell. Merrell will replace shoes for AT hikers who wear them out on AT, at no cost. Big thumbs up to Merrell for outstanding customer service. These shoes will take me the rest of the way. New Black Diamond hiking poles from REI. I hiked the week with only one pole and am very happy to have two again. Plan to take a Zero on Saturday and get everything ready for push into New Hampshire and Maine.