morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-24
From: CT 341

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

Connecticut is tougher than you might think. Lots of steep PUDs today with lots of sun, but also good clean running streams--a welcome change from NJ/NY's brackish, ugly water. Some gruelling ups and downs at the end of the day made for a tough finish, though Footloose and I killed some time in the afternoon heat by lazing on some rocks in the Housatonic River.   We're a bit worried about Northern Harrier, who was in terrible shape when we arrived at the shelter. The heat of the day and drain of the terrain seemed to have been too much for his body. After vomitting what little he had in him and noticeably stumbling his way around the campsite this afternoon, I'm hoping he's a bit better come morning. Another night in the tent to avoid the terrible bugs.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 12.3

Today did not start off well. Early this morning, Footloose and I had to help our friend Northern Harrier back south to a road to get off the trail. Not any better from yesterday's heat exhaustion and looking terribly weary, he needed to take a break to recover and get healthy again. Always sad to see trail friends leave under any circumstances. I wish there was more we could have done for him.   Footloose and I walked on to a cafe that happened to be closed, but managed to Yogi some free pizza out of it anyway. While taking a nice long break there, the incredible and ageless Lucky Star arrived to chat about the generally low hiker morale right now amongst thru-hikers, and how sad it was to hear that Northern Harrier had left.   The day seemed to brighten a bit by taking it slow, cutting the miles down, and stopping to eat blackberries and see the falls near town. Tomorrow, it's on to yet another new state!
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Limestone Springs Lean-to

To: Brassie Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7

Last night's rain continued into this morning so it wasn't long before I was wet yet again. On the bright side, Footloose and I had a great breakfast at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury before re-supplying and hanging out in town for awhile. I decided to make it another short, restful day before I crank up the miles for a couple days in preparation for leaving the AT next weekend for a wedding with my best friend Sarah. The morning rain cleared into a beautiful afternoon, perfect for lazing on the rocks at Lion's Head before heading for the shelter.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to

To: US 7
Miles today: 16.8

Perfectly comfortable hiking day, and I began to feel much stronger again after being a bit weary for almost a week through NY and CT. I think seeing our friend Northern Harrier leave the trail made me take these last few days a bit easier. The shorter miles, heavy town eating, and a much larger food bag in my pack perhaps have helped me regain a bit of my strength. My legs felt back to normal for a change.   Today, I crossed into Massachusetts, my 11th state, and also passed the 1500-mile marker. I can't believe Vermont is so close! Wonderufl views all day today from rock vistas, some even looking ahead to Mt. Greylock in the north and all surverying much of the Berkshires and Massachusetts lakes and streams in the surrounding countryside. Sages Ravine near the CT/MA border was definitely one of the highlights of the entire trail--an endless string of little waterfalls right next to the trail.   I'm spending the night tonight in the town of Great Barrington with Lucky Star and Footloose. Great company, no mosquitoes, and no running around town on errands; just an early night, a shower, and pizza in front of the television.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: US 7

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Massachusetts? Ha! More like Mosquito-chusetts. The little buzzers are out in full f$@#-ing force! I got eaten alive today after a late noontime start and a nice breakfast at Martin's with Lucky Star and Footloose. Oh, and if I neglected to mention it, this is the final leg of the Triple Crown for the ageless Lucky Star, who also happened to be dragged through the forest by a black bear while sleeping in her bivy sack back in Pennsylvania. Yeah, you guessed it, she rocks.   I arrived at a campsite here about a pint low only to find the skeeters swarming yet again. Here alone for the first time in a while, having parted with my buddy Footloose to make it to Williamstown, MA before getting off for the wedding this weekend. I can't wait to catch him and Lucky Star again in Vermont when I get back on the trail after the wedding!
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Shaker Campsite

To: October Mt. Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

A nice rainstorm rocked me to sleep last night in my tent and also drowned out the humming chorus of mosquitoes outside. I slept in a little bit this morning as the rain continued and got a late start at 9:30. No views or anything at all to see today except for the beautiful Upper Goose Pond, where I spent some time on the shore enjoying the breeze right at the water's edge. Sitting at a place like that is one of my very favorite things to do out here; it never gets old. Though I'm sure I'll miss out on a pancake breakfast and canoeing on the pond at the famous Upper Goose Pond Cabin, I had to keep going to make Williamstown, MA on early Friday morning for the wedding. In my cozy tent once more.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: October Mt. Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 20.6

Stopped by to visit the "Cookie Lady" at her trailside home, and was treated to fresh water and homemade cookies. More good eating came along at the Backward's K bar in Dalton, MA before one last up and over to the town of Cheshire and a night in the hall of the local Catholic Church. Congrats to my sister Ali on her super promotion!!!
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Cheshire, MA

To: MA 2
Miles today: 14.5

I slept in this morning, but I'm way behind on sleep and this weekend's off-trail time at the wedding should hopefully help out on that. I felt awful and very tired when I started climbing up Mt. Greylock, but much better after taking a very long rest on a trailside rock.   I also saw yet another black bear on the way up, this one the largest I've seen on the trail so far, but as usual running at full speed directly away from me.   Had a nice rest break on the summit at Bascom Lodge, where I enjoyed a hamburger and hot dog lunch before heading down the mountain on a long descent into Williamstown. It's really great to get here and have a night's rest before Sarah comes to pick me up for the wedding tomorrow morning. Pitched my tent on the back lawn at the Mountain Goat outfitter in town and spent the rest of the evening relaxing in the river by my tent, doing laundry next door and chatting away into the night with the locals at the Water Street Grill directly across the street. I'm ready for a couple days off!
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I still feel feel quite a lot of hangover sadness from yesterday, but the thought of being back on the Long Trail in Vermont for the first time since my '02 thru-hike pushed me on. I crossed into Vermont after another late start following this morning's downpour that I rode out in my tent. Cleared up a little this afternoon, but still wet and muddy all the way to the shelter where I met Seeker.   Tenting out again in another storm right next to where I tented on my '02 hike. Pretty cool. I hope to try and catch up with Footloose soon.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

A misty morning that gave way into a beautiful afternoon and evening. Great to be back here in Vermont, on a trail and in the mountains that have come to feel like my backyard in the time I've lived here. I decided to push on to Kid Gore Shelter where I met Walk On, who was already in for the night after a short day alongside Seeker. Great card games and conversation to go along with a beautiful view and equally gorgeous sunset colors in the sky.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Started off this morning with another exciting bear sighting, my first ever in Vermont. After running about 50 yards away, he stopped to pose and look back at me with an equal curiousity. Sadly, by the time I flipped the velcro on my shorts pocket to grab the camera, he was gone.   I hiked most of the day with Seeker and Walk On, enjoying a beautiful blue-sky day from the firetower on Stratton Mt. before a swim in Stratton Pond below. After a foggy day in '02, it was great to see the magnificent view from the firetower this time.   All three of us pushed on 'til late in the day, reaching the shelter after 8pm. Another great night in a really neat fully-enclosed shelter with lots of eating!
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley Mt. Warming Hut
Miles today: 5.8

The trio rolls on, but not until after a late start due to last night's feasting festivities preceded by a day of long miles. The three of us hitched into Manchester Center for more eating and a resupply, but ended up hanging around into the afternoon, shortening our day to a very nice relaxing one. It's cozy to be in this enclosed hut for a night with thunderstorms predicted. I'm really feeling strong again after last weekend's rest and now carrying and eating much more food than usual. On top of that, the break-in of my new pair of Chaco sandals is going well since picking them up after the wedding. I hope they make it the rest of the way! In tonight with Walk On and Seeker, as well as COBOL and Dances with Moose--the first southbound thru-hikers I've met since March!
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Bromley Mt. Warming Hut

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 26.7
Weather: clear sky

Hiking together again, Walk On, Seeker and I took advantage of a misty, cool, and viewless day to try and burn some miles. Easy walking today, but long, through beautiful stretches of trail around Griffith Lake, Big Branch, and Little Rock Pond. A long day with more great company, followed by major feeding with multiple dinners late into the night. Even above all that, the best part of the day was relaxing for lunch on some river rocks on the bank of a roaring Big Branch.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: US 4
Miles today: 20.1

Meeting my parents this evening, so time to make some more miles! Awesome to catch up with Lucky Star this afternoon before making the long climb up to Killington Peak. Also great to meet up with the Camera Crew again while we all ate lunch at Governor Clement Shelter--I haven't seen them since Damascus!   A beautiful afternoon for views, so I climbed to the summit of Killington Peak just off the trail and had an incredible view in all directions. I then took off down the trail to meet my Mom and Bill & Mary Bartz, who were walking south from the road to meet me. I finally ran into them just before popping into the nearby shelter to catch up with Footloose and bring him along for a beer at the Inn at Long Trail and a bed at the Bartz's nearby home. So great to see him again, especially in the same day as meeting up with my parents for the first time since Virginia. Eating dinner in the pub at the Inn at Long Trail was great fun, and listening to a live solo act of authentic Irish music seemed to really complete the evening with all of these great people. Of course, it's always nice to have a shower and real bed too! Great day...
Date: 2004-07-11
From: US 4

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Aaaaaahhh. So nice to sleep in a bit, in a bed nonetheless! I slept like an absolute rock and enjoyed a delicious brunch with Footloose, Mom and Dad, and the Bartzes. After all that, in only seemed fitting to take a very comfortable shorter day and to just cruise the entire way--I guess easing the miles coming out of town seems to be a good match for me. Of course I always feel great getting back on the trail, but it's always sad to leave my Mom and Dad behind after such a short day with them. I know I where I'll see them next!!
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Woodstock Stage Road
Miles today: 15.2

Nice terrain, lots of PUDs. Not much more to say about that. Footloose and the Camera Crew and I popped in to the tiny "town" of South Pomfret to grab dinner, snacks, ice cream and beer at the general store. We had some great chatter over dinner across from the store before deciding to stealth camp on the porch of the Suicide Six ski area just up the street. All was going well until a cop showed up and wanted to kick us out, since technically we were on private property. Fortunately, he let it slide after a few minutes of attempted smooth-talking from the Camera Crew (namely Arwen!) and we enjoyed a night of extreme mosquito attacks. No sleep = no fun, but an awesome day!
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Woodstock Stage Road

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Some beautiful views from some low hills today, but I'm really just getting psyched up for New Hampshire! Took a nice nap in West Hartford on a bench near the White River after some Ben&Jerry's ice cream with Footloose and the Camera Crew. Today's definite highlight was a very unexpected late arrival by my old friend Camel, who I haven't seen since Atkins, VA several months ago. He had taken more time off since then and had done a lot of long days to catch up with all of us. Really great to have him back and it really added the excitement to the evening. New Hampshire awaits!
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Hiked in tandem this morning with Camel, trying to catch up on the last few months of each other's hiking stories on the way into Hanover, NH for breakfast. We crossed over the Connecticut River into New Hampshire, nearly avoided a camera-dropping catastrophe, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Lou's with Footloose and Camel. The town was absolutely gorgeous and very New England, all surrounding the campus of Dartmouth College.   After some internet time at the college library and a trip to the only Ben&Jerry's actually on the trail, Camel and I decided to kill some time drinking a few beers while we waited in town to see the movie Fahrenheit 911 at the local theatre. It was very interesting and thought provoking, though at times completely inflammatory and idiotic too. More important than any of that however, was that it was the first movie I'd seen in a theatre since being on the AT!   After the movie, it was a quick dinner mixed with a drooling session over the local college ladies before strapping on the headlamps for a night hike up to the shelter. It was a beautiful star-filled night and as always, great hiking company from Camel. We arrived at midnight to an empty shelter--which seemed puzzling considering we expected to find Footloose, Capt. Hook and the Camera Crew there waiting for us. All of them had left town this afternoon to come here. I wonder where they all disappeared to.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Moose Mt. Shelter

To: NH 25A
Miles today: 22.6

My first full day in my 13th state! All I can say is: "New Hampshire? Bring it." Hiked one last big day alongside Camel--perhaps my last 20-miler of the trail! Tired legs today after last night's late arrival, and the trail turned pretty dramatically more diificult with several rugged and steep ups and downs.   We met up with Chris this afternoon, who I haven't seen since Virginia and it was great to have such an unexpected reunion. All three of us hiked to the road where we were picked up by a friend of our long lost thru-hiker pal Leki-less and were taken to his family's nearby home for a night in a bed, laundry, and a shower. Really exhausted tonight, but glad o be here in such hospitality with good friends, long days behind me, and shorter days ahead.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: NH 25A

To: NH 25
Miles today: 9.8

At long last, a short day! Hiked with Chris today and caught up with one another on how our respective hikes are going. Nice to slow down the pace for a change with so few miles to do. I arrived at the Hikers Welcome Hostel for a second night in a row indoors with a crowd of thru-hiker friends to gather 'round the tv with to watch movies all night. A few of us threw the frisbee around for a while on the lawn across the street in the shadow of Mt. Moosilauke before watching "The Big Lebowski" with Walk On, Footloose, Seeker, Camera Crew, Camel, Chris, Capt. Hook, and several southbounders. Another great reunion today, the second in as many days, when Spock and Frito arrived to continue their section hike--I haven't seen them since my mom came out to hike in Virginia! A really wonderful and exciting night, ready to begin the long-awaited adventure through the White Mountains!
Date: 2004-07-17
From: NH 25

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in and relaxed this morning, trying to get as much rest as possible for the Whites, and hoping the cloudveil would lift from Mt. Moosilauke. After watching three movies this morning and being a complete lazy butt, Moosilauke had cleared and it was off on another short day for a very long climb up to Moosilauke with Walk On. 3700 feet of climbing later, we were basking in sunshine on the summit all alone, enjoying the view from our first big mountain in a very long time. It's hard to believe that I'm actually here, and that I've come this far.      In at a beautiful shelter here with an incredible view of the Kinsmans, Franconia Ridge, and Mt. Washington to the north. All of them lay waiting for my feet as Walk On, Footloose and I spend the night laughing with 2 southbounders named Four Winds and Night Rain.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: AMC Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 15.0

Spectacular terrain today beginning with an extremely steep descent from the shelter down to Kinsman Notch alongside a continuous cascade the entire way. The day ended with a long and difficult climb and descent over South and North Kinsman as the weather so abruptly changed from sun to rain to thunder and back to just plain cloudy. So it is, here in the Whites. Staying the night at Lonesome Lake Hut, doing a work-for-stay alongside Footloose and Walk On. The work was pretty easy, just washing dishes after dinner and sweeping the dining room after breakfast in the morning. This is my very first hut experience, and it was great to have it with 2 good friends after a long, wet, and tough day. A little bit of work to stay and eat for free sure beats paying the $75 the other guests do. This whole experience just gets better and better.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: AMC Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: light rain

Today was a day that got shorter and shorter as the weather got worse. Waldo caught up with Footloose, Walk On, and I after our morning chores at the hut and we all hiked the couple easy miles to Franconia Notch where we hitched in to North Woodstock for a re-supply. We all intended to continue on after the re-supply, but wanting to have better weather on Franconia Ridge and wanting to put some space between us and the other hikers in front of us (so as not to fight each other for work-for-stay positions at the huts) eventually forced us into splitting a motel room in town. We all certainly had a lot of fun eating a couple of breakfasts, some ice cream, and of course watching Footloose be "moved to tears" by a particularly special Texas hot sauce slathered on our delicious pork bbq sandwiches at the Pig's Ear restaurant!
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Franconia Notch

To: AMC Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 6.4

Got a later start this morning, but it paid off with a quick view of Cannon Mt. and the remnants of the Old Man of the Mountain on our hitch back to the trail in addition to the weather breaking into sunshine once we finished the long gruelling climb out of the notch and up onto Franconia Ridge. An absolutely perfect day to enjoy this utterly breathtaking ridge. This has been my favorite day on the trail for scenery so far, and Waldo, Walk On, and I took it slow on our short day to Greenleaf Hut, about a half-mile off the AT straight down from the summit of Mt. Lafayette. An easy work-for-stay arrangement here since not many thru-hikers venture this far off the AT to stay. An excellent day that I'll never forget.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: AMC Greenleaf Hut

To: AMC Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Beautiful sunshine for a second straight day--totally unexpected weather for here in the Whites. It was also very hot, owing mainly to all the continually exposed trail in bright sunshine, and more ups and downs on very rough terrain. Walk On, Waldo and I walked together again and took our time getting to Galehead Hut where Waldo moved on and Walk On and I decided to stay. All of the work-for-stay spots were already taken but the hutmaster Kyle was super nice in telling us were we could find a great stealth camping site just a minute up the trail, and also inviting us to come and eat dinner leftovers with the crew anyway. A great spot to tent, good eating, and nice to relax without having to work before turning in.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: AMC Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: fog

Much easier hiking today under even more blue sky. I can't get over my luck with the weather so far in the Whites. Walk On and I spent some time at Zealand Falls Hut having lunch and soaking the falls (very cold) before trucking on to another break at scenic Ethan Pond. This pond was about as picturesque as they come, especially on a day where the reflection of the aging day and the clouds in the sky were so perfectly reflected in the water's surface. After our break at the pond, the two of us moved a few miles further down the trail to the bottom of Crawford Notch and a stealth campsite here on the bank of the Saco River. I'm really exhausted from all that sun today even though the trail was much easier one the legs than the past few. Shouldn't have any trouble sleeping after a nice dinner on the bridge over the river.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: Crawford Notch

To: AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: fog

Well, my good luck with the weather in the Whites has apparently met its end. Walk On and I ascended the unrelentingly steep climb from Crawford Notch to Mt. Webster and up into the clouds near Mizpah Hut and the start of the Presidential Range. Had a great lunch at Mizpah out of the weather with a bottomless bowl of soup and all-you-can-eat brownies, all for the grand total of $3. Without a doubt, that's pretty much a thru-hiker's dream come true!   The two of us moved on a few more miles over the exposed Presidentials through persistent but light rain and thick fog to the hut here which is absolutely packed with day-hikers and weekenders all willing for pay the $75 freight.....all 90+ of them. Fortunately, we had no problem getting work-for-stay spots, washing dishes immediately upon arrival. Given the weather, it's a nice day to kill inside here out of the cloud and chill, nestled just above 5000' on the doorstep of the summit of Mt. Washington just 1.5 miles away. It's a bit overwhelming to be packed in with so many people, but this is a great spot--just wish I had the view.