morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Wiley Shelter

To: River Road / Goshen, CT
Miles today: 22.1

We had to be down to Hoyt Road, which is also the state line betwen NY and CT, to meet Brighteyes' mom and dad by 730. Everyone was up early, except Wiggy, and we got to the road to meet them. Brighteyes was very happy to see her parents, as Im sure they were to see her. They brought water, fruit, and snack bars for us which was very nice.We unloaded our packs for the first day of slackpacking. It was hot, and we had 20+ miles to do. The thing about slackpacking is your pack might be light, but you still have to climb up and over mountains all day.The day was long and hot, and the bugs were bad. Our original plan was to go 23.8 miles, but ontop of Caleb's Peak, Burkenstock brought up getting picked up 1.7 miles shorter at river road, which saves us from the climb at the end of the day. I was in full agreement as was Brighteyes. Luckily I had a signal on my cell phone, so Brighteyes called home to arange the pick up.We made it to River Road, on a nice 5 mile flat stretch along the Housatonic River. Her mom was there waiting, having just arrived. She had already bought some beer, and she knew we needed it after a long hot day. We ordered a pizza, decided to zero tomorrow, and enjoyed the comforts of the Savory's house.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: River Road / Goshen, CT

To: Goshen, CT
Miles today: 0.0

This was a much needed zero day for me. Ive hiked over 73 miles in the past 3 days, and my body feels it. Being able to spend the day relaxing at a house makes it even better. All that had to be done was a trip into Kent, CT to go food shopping for the trail and the next couple days at the Savory house. Much relaxation, good food, and we decided to either do 16 or 23 miles tomorrow. We will see how we feel throughout the day.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: River Road / Goshen, CT

To: Iron Bridge over Housatonic River
Miles today: 15.8

We started the day with a plan A and a plan B. Plan A would have been 23.8 miles, and would require us to either start early or not take many breaks. I only like to do 6+ mile stretches when I have to, and my legs still feel the big mileage of the past week. We originally planned to get to the trail by 8am, but we didnt get started till just after 9am. We had a 700ft climb to start the day, and it was hot and buggy again.I needed water so I stopped at Guinea Brook, also to dunk my head in the water. The heat really decreases my stamina, which is why I usually hike between 7-9pm. Most other thruhikers are already in camp and ready for bed.We saw Spitball for the first time since PA heading up Bread Loaf Mtn. He is from CT so he was just coming back from a few days at home. We sat with him during our next break at Caesar Brook, where we decided to take plan B. The heat had definitely killed my stamina, and my body was ready for a 16 mile day instead of 23.Our last break to wait for Burkenstock was down at the Housatonic River. This puts us under 700 miles to go till Mt. Katahdin, ME. We had less than 2 miles to go for the rest of the day, and it was flat. Back to the Savory house for an early night sleep, where Brighteyes decided that she wants to try for 25 miles tomorrow. I think we can do it with an earlier start. Tomorrow we will cross into Mass. The 10th state, a milestone that feels good to acheive.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Iron Bridge over Housatonic River

To: Jug End Road
Miles today: 25.1

This morning we were a lot more motivated to get out to the trail early. The weather was humid, and there was a chance of showers. We had lots of miles to do, including climbs over Bear Mountain, Race Mountain, and Everett Mountain before reaching the road where we would be picked up for the final time.We got to the trail before 8am, which was a good start. It was tough to walk past the falls near the bridge without taking time to enjoy them, but some days have to be about miles out here. We didnt break for the first 8 miles, knocking off a good chunk of the day. Climbing Bear Mountain was nice, the wind was whipping and it was a lot cooler than the past few days. Grey clouds in the distance reminded us of the threat of rain, so our lunch break near the state line of Massachusetts wasnt as long.Shortly there after it began to rain. The temperature climbing Race Mountain dropped considerably, and I was cold for the first time in a long time. It actually felt good, as long as I was moving. Brighteyes was freezing, since we didnt bring any rain/wind gear for a slackpack. I gave her my wet shirt to wear, since I felt good being cold.We took our last break at Hemlocks lean-to. Only 3+ miles to the end of the day, and it was all down hill. The rain stopped, but it made the rocks during the descent quite slick. A nice vista looking north from The Jug End showed us what we have in store for the days ahead.Back at the house for the last night we were able to get cleaned up and dried off. Brighteyes' sister and boyfriend came up for the night from NYC. We all hungout and had some beers, knowing we had a short day tomorrow to Great Barrington, MA. Looking forward to great sushi there, and carrying a full pack again. Slacking CT was great, it was a hot state with ups and downs again. Bring on the bigger mountains!
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Jug End Road

To: US 7 / Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: few clouds

Today is the day we leave the comforts of the Savory house. Thanks again to Brighteyes' mom and dad for taking us in for 4 days. We were treated so kindly by them, it definitely was great trail magic.We only had a short hike to Great Barrington, MA where we were going to get a hotel room and go out for sushi. Its too bad Jukebox wasnt here to enjoy it. She is the last one I had sushi with on the trail, back at Merlefest in May. We could have also used another person to help keep the cost of the room down. The Days Inn here cost $140 for 3 people!Great sushi, and an early night in bed to get ready to actually hike and camp in the woods for a change. Im looking forward to it for some reason.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: US 7 / Great Barrington, MA

To: Benedict Pond Tentsite
Miles today: 10.4

It rained a little over night, so it was good to be indoors. Ive had pretty good luck with hotel rooms and rain thus far on my trip. But then again Ive stayed in hotels a lot more than I thought I would. Burkenstock had to go to the outfitter in the morning, so I went too. We then went to the food co-op for lunch. They had some amazing food for us vegeterians. I really didnt want to leave, but couldnt afford to stay.We got a ride back to the trail and started up June Mountain. It was an easy climb, and the views from the vista ontop were beautiful. It faced south looking back at Mt. Everett, Race Mountain, and Bear Mountain. The sun was shining, and it made a nice spot for a long break.Burkenstock was getting antsy, so he headed out saying he was looking to do some good miles between here and Vermont. I wasnt too worried about the miles, they will come at this point.We made it to Benedict pond just around dark. We didnt see any other hikers all day heading northbound. I wonder where everyone is? Luckily we found a great campsite, an old picinic area with 2 tables, just before Benedict pond. The nights are starting to get chilly, almost time for warmer clothing.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Benedict Pond Tentsite

To: Mt. Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Some days you just dont feel it. I was out of camp by 9am, due in part to the great sleeping weather. I dont think I woke up once throughout the night. Just a few minutes up the trail was Benedict Pond, a nice glacial pond right on the AT. I spent a little more than an hour there with Just Janice aka Lightweight and Brighteyes. There were many groups walking the loop trail around the pond. The pond was more like a lake in size. It was a clear crisp morning, not hot enough to get me to swim.I then stopped at the next shelter just over a mile north of the pond. I read the shelter journal to see when people came through, and had a snack. I signed in just incase Bud, Carnivore or Jukebox stop by.I didnt make it much further. Just a couple more miles and I called it a day. Perhaps some familiar faces will show up. Ive seen less than 5 northbounders in the past week, excluding Burkenstock and Brighteyes. But behind me for sure are Pillbox, Kentucky, Wiggi, and Jukebox.I set up my tent at Mt. Wilcox North Shelter by 430pm. I was wondering where Bud and the gang might be, so I called Carnivore. I left a message, but they called back a minute later. It was Bud, calling to tell me he is going home. It hit me pretty hard, with mixed emotions. I was happy that he made the right decision for himself, and sad that all 4 of the wild turkey boys wont summit Mt. Katahdin. Carnivore said he was also thinking of going home. I hope he is able to continue and catch up. Jukebox is still hiking, unaware that they got off the trail.Hiking this trail is a long series of ups and downs, and not just the terrain. Some days you feel great, other days you just dont feel like being out here anymore. You really need to dig deep on the bad days, finding any reason you can to go on. Today was one of those bad days.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Mt. Wilcox North Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: haze

Today, my mood was definitely weird to start out. Knowing that I wouldnt be hiking with Bud or Carnivore ever again, along with being a week or so behind Mule for the last couple months meant that we were all seperated for good. As you may have read, we spent a long time hiking together, and I had a great time.Made a good start with 6+ miles till my first break. While cooling off, Wiggy caught up and it was good to see a familiar face. He told me everyone was right behind him, including Kentucky, Pillbox, Gman, and Routestep. I had never met Gman or Routestep, which is odd for this late in the hike.We hiked up and over the last uphill of the day, and took a water break at a stream when everyone finally caught up. Kentucky was fresh shaven after going to NYC to see his family and get engaged. I hadnt seen him since Delaware Water Gap, PA. Pillbox was close to getting off trail, but Gman took her under his wing and has kept her going. I know she will make it.We all hiked together to Upper Goose Pond Cabin, one of the nicest spots so far. A 2 story cabin on the pond, with a dock for swimming, an iner tube for floating, and a canoe. The weather was still warm when we got there, and we were all sweaty from the days humidity. Swimming felt great, and the water was so clear. While Kentucky and I were down at the dock, someone pulled up on their boat, and gave us beer from his cooler. What great timing! Homeward showed up at dark, someone I havent seen since NJ. It was a muggy night sleep, but the bugs were bad so I was glad I was in the shelter. Tomorrow we all get to wake up to pancakes and coffee, thanks to the caretaker who gets up everyday to make them at 615am. Im not sure if that will make me sleep better or not as good with it on my mind.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

This place was just too nice not to zero at. Routestep, Pillbox and Gman all left first thing in the morning after the delicious pancakes. Kentucky left around noon to catch them before Dalton. Wiggy and Homeward didnt leave till late afternoon, but planned on night hiking into Dalton.Best thing that happend today was the arrival of Jukebox. She was sad to hear about Bud and Carnivore, but Im glad to know she will have the motivation to make it on her own. We havent seen each other since NY, so Im glad she caught up. Tomorrow we will hike into Dalton together. But as for today, Im catching up on my journal, resting by the water, and canoeing. Puffy and Cheeto also arrived at the shelter, so it should be a fun time in Dalton! Banjoman is here to play for us tonight, should be a good show.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

The weather today was still humid and warm, but tonight Ill be in town hopefully with some air conditioning. Crossed over the Mass Pike and headed towards the Cookie Ladies House. This family opens their yard for hikers, and often has homemade cookies to offer, along with pick your own blueberries. There was quite the crowd there from the cabin the night before. Banjoman put on a little afternoon concert while everyone was enjoying their blueberries and cookies. Everyone was pushing into Dalton tonight, and even though it was nice and relaxing to be chilling out in this family's front yard, it was time to move on towards town.Once in town, I scouted out the Shamrock Village Inn for a room, but they were sold out. The only other options were to stay at the crowded Bird-cage hostel, or Tom Levardi's house. Tom is a local who has been taking in hikers for years for no cost. We walked back in the direction of his house, but got side tracked at the bar/resturant on his street. While eating and having a few refreshments, Kentucky and Pillbox wandered in. They had done a slackpack today with Tom Levardi, and were raving about him. They left to get straightend up, and came back with Tom to introduce us. Jukebox, Brighteyes, and I all went back to his place to drop off our packs and get straightend up.We all headed out to a more hiker friendly bar, with games of darts and pool and a great jukebox. It was a real fun night, and Ill probably be paying the price in the morning.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Dalton, MA

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

Yep, definitely had too much to drink last night. I woke up with the worst hangover on the trail so far. I guuess that means it was a fun night. I remember Kentucky trying to get me to come out on the porch for one last beer before I passed out last night. I actually got up, went outside, cracked one open for a few sips and then I realized what a mistake it was.I struggled to make it down to breakfast, and didnt feel like I could hike anytime soon. I convinced Brighteyes and Jukebox that a late start and a 5 mile day might be necessary for me. They didnt seem to mind, so I spent half the day recovering from last night, and the other half in town at the coffee shop and pizza place. This town doesnt have a good resupply option, just a Cumberland Farms. I was able to find enough to get me a few days up the trail to Chesire, MA.We finally left around 7pm, with some night hiking in the offing. I love night hiking, and I felt 1000% better than I did in the AM. I scared something off in the woods just before arriving to Crystal Mountain Campsite, and it didnt come back. The campsite was empty, so we all had nice tentsites to choose from. Tomorrow its a big push to North Adams/Williamstown Mass. We also climb up and over Mt. Graylock which is over 3000ft for the first time in a while. Hopefully it will be a little cooler up there.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: North Adams, MA
Miles today: 18.6

It was easy hiking from the campsite down to the town of Chesire. Unfortunately, the resturant had shut down so I was forced to do a little food shopping at the local beer/liquor store. I definitely didnt get enough food from Dalton, but the town's resupply was less than desirable. Jukebox, Brighteyes and I then had our largest elevation gain in quite some time. Finally back over 3000ft when we hit the top of Mt. Greylock. It was much much cooler up top, something that was welcomed for sure. We all stopped at the visitor center for some refreshments, and then climbed the tower for some pictures. It was cold uptop, so I didnt stay long.Word was that the next shelter north was quite crowded with some boyscouts so we decided to push to town. We caught an amazing sunset from a vista not mentioned in the guidebook, which was a nice surprise. Once we descended, it was dark so hitching proved to be impossible. We walked down to the Villager Motel, which was not so hiker friendly. We got some mean looks from the proprietor while checking in. I had called to reserve the room once we hit the road, and they were nice then. But when we showed up, and they saw we were hikers, they changed stripes real quick.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: North Adams, MA

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up around 9am, feeling slightly unmotivated. Even though I was anxious to get into Vermont, I lost motivation when I saw that both the Phillies and the Eagles were on TV tonight. I went to the grocery store to resupply on food for the next 4 days, and called around Williamstown to see if there were cheaper lodging options since my handbook didnt list any. I found a place in town that fits my budget, and decided to zero.I spent the day catching up with my journal, and resting in air conditioning. I found a nice mexican food resturant near my motel, and headed there for dinner. The people there were super nice. They gave me a margarita and 3 beers to go for free.On to Vermont tomorrow now that I'm fully resupplied on food and fuel. The plan is to pass by Bennington, VT and head straight to Manchester Center, VT which is about 60 miles away.
Date: 2006-08-10
From: North Shore Tenting Area

To: VT 11/30 / Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

The full moon last night was beautiful rising over Stratton Pond. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. It was a little over a half mile back to the trail from the tenting area, and then onward to Manchester Center, VT. This is where I finally get my sleeping bag back, so no more chilly nights tossing and turning trying to stay warm.The hiking today was easy, just about all downhill. I got to the road, waited for Brighteyes so she could flag down a ride for us. The first car that passed pulled over, and gave us a ride to the post office.From there we were dropped off at the EMS store, which was right near a good pizza place. I was starving, so I went to eat while Brighteyes watched my pack and called around to see where we could stay. She-Bear was there finishing up her pizza and beer before heading back out on the trail. Sutton's Place had no vacancy, and that was the only cheap lodging in town. A nice local woman offered up her house to us, so we took her phone number just in case. Next was a quick stop at the outfitter to check to see who else might be taking in hikers. They had been calling around hotels for us, and we got lucky with the last room at the Palmer House Hotel. The girl who called around for us even gave us a ride there. Its a little pricey, but better than having to hitch back up to the trail to camp out.No zero tomorrow, just some food shopping and eating in town. Perhaps we will zero in Killington?
Date: 2006-08-11
From: VT 11/30 / Manchester Center, VT

To: Bromley Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today there was no real rush to get out of town. Before leaving I wanted to eat a big breakfast, stop at the outfitter for fuel, go food shopping, and then work my way back to the trail. We saw Lone Wolf for the first time in a while after all my chores were done. He had just arrived in town. Hitching back up to the trail was a breeze again. The owner of a local coffee roasting company gave us a ride, and even gave us his card if we wanted him to send us up some coffee in the future. He was a real nice guy.We decided to just hike up to Bromley Mountain Shelter, 2 miles north. At the shelter was E-rock, Driftwood (from NJ), and the 2 remaining Australian sisters. They still hadn't heard about their travel-visa renewal. Tonight the temperatures are real comfortable. It's nice to sleep in a sleeping bag again. This is also my first night on a tent platform, although I might cowboy camp since its so nice out.
Date: 2006-08-12
To: Big Branch Campsite
Miles today: 14.3

Off to a slow start today, didn't leave till around 11am. It was a real nice night cowboy camping on the tent platform, I slept like a baby. Shortly after leaving, and ascending Bromley Mountain, I saw my second moose. This one I saw much better, since it was directly on the trail. He was a young bull moose, with felt antlers. He wasnt too scared of me, barely moving after he saw me. He made his presence known, and walked slowly up the trail the same direction I was going. I waited, and Brighteyes showed up to see him also. I made some loud noises and he eventually walked off trail into the woods so we could pass.The views from on top of Bromley Mountain were very nice. It was a clear, crisp, windy day so resting in the warming hut was perfect. A short trip up the osbservation platform for some pictures, then back to the trail.Took a lunch break at Peru Peak Shelter. It was a short climb from there up to Baker Peak which offered the nicest vista I've seen in a while. While up there, Lone Wolf and Fiddlehead caught up to me. I havent seen Fiddlehead since VA, glad to see she is still out here.Walked down to Big Branch, near Old Job Shelter and found a nice campsite on the water. It was just chilly enough for a fire, and someone had done a nice job gathering wood already. I love sleeping next to water.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Big Branch Campsite

To: VT 140 / Bridgewater, VT
Miles today: 9.8

Off to another slow start for some reason. I haven't made it out early in quite sometime. Luckily I made it out early enough to see Puffy and Cheeto. They offered up space in their slackpacking tour of VT. Fiddlehead and Brighteyes were also on board, so I just had to hike 10 miles today to the road where our slackpacking support would pick us up. The woman was a friend of Puffy's family, who lived near Killington.Because I had only 10 miles to hike, and 6 hours to do it, I took a nice long break at Little Rock Pond. It was real pretty, and the sun was shining. It was just cool enough to stop me from swimming.The last stop of the day was near White Rock Cliffs. People had constructed rock cairns near the vista trail, a nice touch. Down at the road crossing we saw Fiddlehead waiting to be picked up by Wendy, along with Puffy and Cheeto.Back at the house we were treated to a big pasta dinner, which did us all in. In bed early, since we have to be ready to go tomorrow by 6am. Tomorrow we go southbound from US4 near Killington, and hike 24 miles back to where we were picked up today. I'm ready for the miles, having not done a 20+ mile day in a while.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Just letting everyone know Im still alive and kicking out here on the AT. Ive been super behind in my journal, but trying as hard as I can to "catch up". Im zero-ing today in Hanover, while it rains, and staying at Baltimore Jack's place. My clothing for the Whites was lost in the mail, and Im working on a way to get it from the Inn of the Long Trail back in Killington (long story). Looks like Ill be here till Monday atleast, hoping the weather breaks for my trip out of here and into Glencliff, NH before the Whites. This town is great!!
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's Sunday, and it was a long wet night last night. Looks like NH will be the state with the most rain since the early days of PA. I can handle it as long as the temperatures co-operate.Yesterday I learned that my Aunt Josephine died. It came as a shock, and I felt bad not being around to go pay my respects to her family. Her late husband, my Uncle Artie, passed away a few years ago. It's comforting to know they have been rejoined together up above. It's tough dealing with a loss of someone who meant so much to me as I was growing up, and even tougher when you can't be there to show your repsect. What makes it even more weird is that she signed my trail journal guestbook back in the begining. I know she is still following my journey, only now she has a bird's eye view.