morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Mt. Greylock, Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 7.7

Day #140I woke up this morning debating whether to wait for the rain clouds to pass or, take off and chance it. I chose to hike. Within a half hour, I was drenched from the rain. I came upon the Mark Noepal Lean-to and ducked out of the rain. A couple on a weekend hike were still in the shelter escaping the weather. The heavy rain stopped in about 30 minutes and I was back on the trail. The trail up Mt. Greylock was muddy, rocky and full of roots. The air had a coolness to it that brought out the aroma of the Christmas trees (Balsam Fir) and the Red Spruce. It was Christmas in August. I noticed the closer I got to the summit of Greylock the smaller the forest became with gnarled and stunted trees. The stunted growth was necessary for the trees to survive the harsh winter weather of this sub-alpine environment. I was on the summit and in the Bascom Lodge by 11:30. I met Now or Never at the lodge and he asked me if I wanted to go to a trail magic BBQ in Cheshire by Mega Bites parents. Free food - hell yeah! The BBQ was awesome - hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, chips, fruits, and drinks. I was happily stuffed. I met Skippy, Poppins, Mega Bite, Chill Out and several sobos, Tie Rite and Four Winds. The sobo's told us about the trail ahead in Vermont and it wasn't pretty. Mud, mud and more mud, 3-6 inches in some places. Looks like another challenge to be put to the test. I spent the night in the bunkroom of the lodge while dark clouds laden with moisture swept across the mountain.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Mt. Greylock, Bascom Lodge

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Day #141 "All around me was spread for a hundred miles on every side, as far as the eye could reach, an undulating country of clouds answering the varied swell of its surface to the terrestrial world it yields. It was such a country as we might see in dreams with all the delights of paradise." Henry David Thoreau talking about Mt. Greylock in "A Week on the Concord Merrimack River" This morning was a unique experience on top of Mt. Greylock. The air was cool and crisp. The sun in the east was rising into a cloudless sky and to the west the moon was setting behind the mountains. Wisps of fast moving white clouds would shroud the trees and move along the ground creating a dreamlike landscape. Views of the valley and distant mountains could be seen for the first time in days. Watching the scenery before me, I wished I had the opportunity to see this land as Henry David Thoreau did.I was on the trail early and was immediately greeted by mud. Mid morning I past some sobo's who warned me Vermont is very muddy. According to local residents, the New England states have had a very wet summer. The majority of thru-hikers, both nobo and sobo, are pushing through Vermont to get out of the mud. Around noon I crossed into Vermont with Friar and Now or Never, completing my 11th state, Massachusetts. We quickly found the Vermont mud and slogged our way to the Seth Warner Shelter. Quest, Hawk, Catdog, Skippy, Poppins and several hikers starting the Long Trail are at the shelter. For the next 100 miles, the AT and the Long Trail run together. In a unanimous vote we decided to rename Vermont - VerMUD.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Day #142 The 5:00 alarm sounded too soon. I wanted to sleep in but I knew I had to get up and move miles. My shin splint is slowly healing and the low mileage is helping. I want to be healthy for the White Mountains. I was on the trail at 6:00. I passed several small shallow ponds created by beaver and saw my first beaver lodge centered in a pond. Catdog had stopped to look out into the grassy area of the pond. I asked what she was doing and Catdog replied, "Looking for moose." I thought moose were further north. We failed to see the huge animal. Later in the day several hikers told us of passing the same pond Catdog and I were at and sighted a moose grazing in the grass. SpiceMan took digital pictures of their encounter.The trail was still muddy but was drying out in the good weather. The descent from Harmon Hill to the narrow valley VT. Route 9 runs through was steep. Small boulders were secured into the ground as steps in many places. Quest, Hawk, Catdog, Now or Never, and I were regrouping at Route 9 for our next move. It was still early, and a trip into the town of Bennington, VT was possible. Hawk and Now or Never were the first to hitch a 5 mile ride into town. Quest, Catdog and I got a ride from a couple Geocaching in the mountains. The three of us went to a restaurant for lunch. The hitch out of town was a little harder; 45 minutes later we got a ride back to the trail. Arrived at the Melville Nauheim Shelter around 4:00. Quest, Catdog, Skippy, Poppins, PartyGirl, and SpiceMan are at the shelter. I stayed in the shelter. I was glad I made that decision since a thunderstorm hit early this evening.
Date: 2004-08-04
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day #143 The rain fell lightly through most of the night. By dawn it stopped in time for a new day of hiking. Much of the day was walking through a green tunnel and side stepping the mud as much as possible. Quest, Catdog and I looked out for one another throughout the day. Quest found a huge hoof print of a moose in the mud and showed Catdog and I. The moose so far have E & E'd (escaped and evaded) my detection. It's still early and I'm sure I¢ll see them. Another wonder of nature I am discovering is the beaver pond, a shallow body of water resembling a swamp. Grass grows in the water on the borders of the pond, a great place to see moose grazing.A mile before reaching Story Spring Shelter, Hawk caught up with us after staying overnight in Bennington. The sun is setting and the air temperature is cool at the shelter. Quest, Hawk and Catdog are tenting, I'm in the shelter with other hikers. It feels good to be back in the mountains.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: VT 11/30 Manchester, VT
Miles today: 21.1

Day #144It rained most of the night after midnight and didn't stop until just before dawn. The weather forecast was for rain most of the day. Left Story Spring Shelter around 6:00 in full rain gear. Within minutes of walking with no rain, the rain gear became too suffocating to wear and was shed. By 10:00 the sun was shining and Catdog, Quest, Hawk and I were climbing the fire tower on top of Stratton Mtn. (3936 ft.) for some great mountain views. The cold front was coming through. We stopped for a chilly lunch at Stratton Pond. While eating we heard this cry come across the pond's water. At first, I thought it was a moose in heat, since we saw moose prints in the mud and Hawk saw moose poop. A sobo told us what we heard was a loon. Wow! We heard our first loon. We continued our hike throughout the afternoon going up and down mountains. Around 5:30 Catdog and I found trail magic - sodas at Vt. route 11. We had been hitch hiking not more than 5 minutes when a car pulls over. It's the Hobbit's. It turns out they live north of Manchester and were slack packing. Catdog and I were dropped at the front door to Sutton's Place where we met Hawk and Quest. Once we were all showered and clean, we headed into town for a well deserved dinner.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Story Spring Shelter

To:  Zero Day - Manchester Center, Vt. Sutton's Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day #145 I had a peaceful night sleeping indoors. It¢s always a great feeling and luxury to sleep and shower indoors. However, I am getting used to being outdoors that I feel home will take a few days to sink in once I am back in the civilized world. There was a scale in the bathroom and I was shocked at my weight. I am now at my high school fighting weight of 155 pounds. My total weight loss so far is 22 pounds. I feel great and strong and unconcerned.Spent the day walking around the town, exploring the different shops and re-supplying for our hike to Killington, VT.Ever since leaving Springer Mountain in Georgia, I¢ve met a number of people on the trail and in trail towns who could be a twin, or resembles someone I know back home. I thought this was unusual for me; it was like walking through my life's history with both good and bad experiences.For instance, I met a man in a southern town who was a volunteer firefighter that looked and acted like a past partner of mine who rode rescue with me when I was with the fire department. There was a woman hiker who has the attitude and smiling face of a cherub that reminds me of my daughter. (Oh! And by the way, my daughter is not always a cherub. I've also seen that same face in a not-so-happy look as well). An older man I met, a thru-hiker, has grey hair, tall with strong features and two bad knees that have been replaced because of his football days. He reminded me of a past supervisor. I had a hard time liking a Hispanic hiker because he reminded me of a Hispanic back home who had the same characteristics: loves to talk and talks fast, knows everything (and most of the time does), and thinks of himself as a Don Juan. The difference between the two: the trail Hispanic is a friend, the other says he's a friend, and then stabs you in the back. I met a lady in Virginia, tall, long hair, soft spoken. When I first met her I thought it was a friend back home and called her name. It was not the friend, but I think I found her double. I met a suit in a restaurant who was a small man, wearing suspenders and displayed an arrogant Napoleonic attitude - just like a supervisor from my past. Is there a lesson in all this? Absolutely¢¦that I must treat each person for who they are. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each individual based on that individual, not because of someone they might resemble. Above all, treat everyone the way you want to be treated. The trail teaches you in so many different ways. Lady Kritter said I would come back changed. I said no I would not, that I have always been this person. I was wrong, Lady Kritter was right. I have found on this journey many lessons of life, understanding, energy, spirit, and love that have made me a wiser and stronger person. Yes, Lady Kritter, I have changed, for the better!
Date: 2004-08-07
From:  Zero Day - Manchester Center, Vt. Sutton's Place

To: Big Branch 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day #146 "Whatever the universal nature assigns to any man at any time is for the good of that man at that time." ~ Marcus AureliusAnother night of rain; this time we (Catdog, Quest, Hawk and I) were indoors looking out at the wetness. A cold front is moving in with the morning temperatures in the high 40's. The outfitter in town told us they are expecting snow on Mt. Washington in the White's of New Hampshire. Good to know but, I am not affected by the information. I worry what today brings, wet mud. That's my challenge for today. On the other hand, it does make for good conversation among the hikers. After breakfast Catdog, Quest, Hawk and I split up to hitch hike back to the trail. Hawk and I left the restaurant first and were standing on the roadside with our thumbs out. Quest and Catdog came out 5 minutes later, walked across the street and about 200 yards in front of us, and started hitch hiking. They got a ride. Since there was enough room, they had the driver pick up Hawk and I. Hawk asked Quest in the car if he knew about hitch hiking etiquette. Quest with his smiling eyes played dumb and said "what?" He knew what Hawk and I were saying. We all started laughing including the driver. (By the way, it is impolite to hitch hike in front of another hitch hiker and start thumbing a ride.) The trail began to ascend and soon we were on Bromley Mtn. (3260 ft.) During the winter this mountain is active with skiers going down its slopes. Today, the lifts were quiet and the views incredible. We could clearly see Stratton Mtn. where we summitted two days ago. The trail continued to wander through mountain forests of Christmas trees with its clean spruce smell. More mountain climbs to Styles Peak (3395 ft.) and Peru Peak (3430 ft.) The afternoon went from cool and sunny to cool and rainy. A light rain fell Off and on for the remainder of the day making the mud, rocks and roots slippery. The clouds parted just in time to give a magnificent view of a mountain valley from Baker Peak (2850 ft.). We arrived at Lost Pine Shelter to find it full of weekend hikers. Catdog, Quest, Hawk and I decided to go another 1.8 miles to the Big Branch Shelter. Big Branch was full of thru hikers, so we decided to pitch our tents on the Big Branch. The Big Branch is a large, rugged mountain stream with large boulders and rock. I am lying in my tent, typing today's journal and listening to the rain fall heavy on the tent blending with the soothing sound of dancing waters cascading down the Big Branch. It amazes me how the energy flows in nature. Today it was a rhythmic, hypnotic and tranquil peace. Tomorrow could be the same or become a windy, light flashing, thundering, almost violent tantrum. This is what makes my blood flow when in paradise. Living with the bare essentials, life in its simplest form, and witnessing mother earth's raw energy.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter VT
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Day #148 "I embrace emerging experience. I participate in discovery. I am a butterfly. I am not a butterfly collector. I want the experience of the butterfly." ~William Stafford Woke up this morning feeling good. It is amazing what a new day with a positive attitude will do for the hiking psyche. Catdog, Hawk, Quest and I left our tenting area at 7:00. We knew we had a low mileage day with only two climbs. The first climb was a small one just north of the shelter. Found trail magic in Hermit Springs consisting of sodas cooling in the spring. The purpose of the magic was to give the hiker a sugar boost for the second climb up to Killington Peak (3870 ft.). Another milestone was reached today at Upper Cold River Road. We broke the 500 mile mark left on our journey to Katahdin Mtn. We high five¢d each other with smiles knowing how far we had traveled and the best was yet to come. During my climb up the mountain I came into a cove of grass and flowers with little butterflies flying about. The color of the butterflies was bright orange with black spots, like the orange of a campfire flame. The butterflies circled around me as I walked. I stopped and the butterflies came in closer. We touched. Like little children, the cluster flew off playing with one another and skipping from one plant to another.   Shortly after 12:00 we made Cooper Lodge, a shelter just below the summit of Killington, and had lunch. On the way up Quest, Hawk and I each took a fall without injuries. Catdog and I decided to make the arduous climb up to the summit. Hand over hand over the rocks we finally made the top. Awaiting us at the summit was a gondola that brought people up to the mountain's ski trails and restaurant. The panoramic view of five states (Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts and Maine) was spectacular. The sky was exceptionally clear and people at the summit were saying the view was a rare 100 miles. Catdog and I surprised the guys waiting back on the AT with big sodas and ice cream from the snack bar. Playtime was over and it was back on the trail heading for tonight's stay at Churchill Scott Shelter. Quest, Hawk and I were at the shelter when Catdog came in with a bleeding elbow. The cut turned out to be small from a fall just before the shelter. Quest, Hawk and Catdog are tenting. I am in the shelter with section hikers and sobo's. We were all happy to have survived our tumbles today so we can continue onward towards that final summit on Katahdin.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Churchill Scott Shelter VT

To: Sherburne Pass Trail and the Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 5.2

Day #149 Ever since being on the Long Trail sobo's have talked about the Inn at Long Trail. A great place to stay, great food with an Irish Pub. Today was the day Catdog, Hawk, Quest and I were going to find out first hand about the Inn. We were so close that we got up earlier than usual and were on the trail by 5:45. One and a half hours later we completed the section of the AT and the Long Trail, took a right at Maine Junction and headed for Sherburne Pass Trail. By 8:30 we were sitting in the dining room of the Inn feasting on breakfast. I had blueberry pancakes and coffee, my favorite breakfast on the trail with copous amounts of Vermont maple syrup. Caught the bus in front of the Inn and went into Killington, Vt. to pickup mail. I was so glad I did. Waiting at the Killington Post Office was a box of brownies from my mother. Rich chocolate and plenty of sugar energy to get me over mountains. Thanks Mom, the group loved them. From the post office, I jump back on the bus and headed for Rutland, Vt. to re-supply. The bus stopped at the Inn. Catdog, Quest and Hawk got on and were heading into Rutland too. Great afternoon running about. Finally back at the Inn where other hikers were coming in. Megabite, Skippy, Poppins, Friar, Speak Up, were already in the pub quenching trail dust from their throats. It is amazing how it keeps happening. The bartender in the pub was a spittin' image of a fire chief I knew in Palm Beach County. People say everyone has a double somewhere. Maybe I'm trapped in some Twilight Zone. doo-doo-doodoo-doo-doo-doodoo.
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Sherburne Pass Trail and the Inn at Long Trail

To: Lookout Farm Cabin
Miles today: 15.6

Day #150 "Where thou art, that is Home." Emily Dickinson During the evening two thunderstorms rolled in. The second storm was accompanied by a fantastic light show with acoustical thunder. This morning I was able to sleep in since breakfast was served 7:30. Another great breakfast at the Inn! 9:15 back on the trail heading for Hanover, New Hampshire. Once again everything on the trail is wet. The rocks, roots, mud, and practically anything you stepped on was slippery.Walked along Kent Pond and saw a most amazing sight. Large trees with a diameter of 1 - 2 feet downed by the work of beavers. At first it looked like an ax had been put to the tree, but a closer look at the wood showed the serrations of the beavers¢ teeth. A short distance away, close to the shore, was the beaver lodge.Most of the day was spent on climbs up Quimby Mountain., Continental Divide and the Lookout. Early in the afternoon we got a good drenching by a thunder shower coupled with the high humidity we stayed wet. I fell 3 times and Hawk once. I told Quest and Catdog I took two for the team. I fell once for me, one for Quest and once for Catdog. Nothing serious, I just got mud in places that it doesn't belong.Tonight, instead of staying in a tent or shelter, we are staying in a little used cabin on Lookout. The weather report is calling for more rain so we are glad to have found this place. For the longest time I¢d always said my home was where I laid my head; a floor, shelter, tent, the house I own, where ever¢¦ I've learned this isn¢t so anymore. My home is wherever Lady Kritter is. I miss home and in 6 weeks will be happily with her at home.
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Lookout Farm Cabin

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Day #151 We watched the fog roll in and cover the trees in front of the cabin during the night. The rain that was expected never materialized. Quest, Catdog, Hawk and I were up at 6:00 and on the trail at 7:00. No surprise - the trail was muddy and slippery. The humidity was high and I was either wet by the dripping vegetation or the humidity. I heard about the two storms on the radio, Bonnie and Charlie, hitting Florida with a one, two punch. Hope all is well and everyone will survive unscathed. The forecast calls for the remnants of Bonnie to produce heavy rains for Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. A cold front has stalled over the area causing unsettled weather. A flood watch has been posted for the whole area until 6:00am on 8/14. The weather folks still don't know what Charlie will do in the New England states.Today was another day of what seemed to be more uphill climbs than downhill. We hiked into South Pomfret, Vt. off of Woodstock Stage Road for lunch at Teago General Store. This was a quaint community nestled in the mountains. Stuffed with lunch goodies in our bellies we set off once again on the AT. I did not realize Vermont has what I would call a bald. As we climbed Cloudland, the upper portion was bare of any trees and had tall grass growing everywhere. As we approached the summit we were rewarded with some great views of the surrounding mountains and valley. We also noted the rain clouds, so we did not stay long and headed for the shelter. A light rain fell on us for the last 45 minutes of today's hike. Arrived at Thistle Shelter at 3:45 and settled in for a damp, rainy night. In the shelter tonight are the Hobbit's, Hawk and I. Catdog and Quest are braving the storms in their tents.
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Day #152 Most of the night a hard rain fell on the metal roof. A light mist was falling and the temps were in the low 50's by morning as we left the shelter at 6:00. The rain stopped as we crossed the rapidly flowing White River. At 8:30 Hawk, Quest, Catdog and I were in West Hartford, Vt. picking up Hawk's mail drop and eating breakfast at Rick and Tina's Country Store. Right after leaving West Hartford there is a road called Podunk. I can now tell everyone I've been to Podunk! Climbed Griggs Mountain as a light rain started to fall, again. By 2:00 we were in Norwich, Vt heading for Hanover, New Hampshire. Catdog and I cross the Connecticut River and entered into New Hampshire in a pouring down rain. Walking into Hanover I see this familiar person hiker hobbling across the street. It¢s Baltimore Jack and we were both glad to see each other. He congratulated me for making it to New Hampshire. We got out of the rain, talked a bit; Jack offered me a place to stay where he stays while I was in Hanover. We made plans to meet at the famous 5 Olde bar and restaurant later that evening. My first priority in town was to call Lady Kritter and make sure everything was okay on the home front and with family members with Hurricane Charley approaching. I was assured by Lady Kritter all preparations were completed and that at this point in time there was nothing I could do. I must say my trip on the AT is a team effort and I owe Lady Kritter a great deal for taking care of our home and everything else during my absence.