morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Salisbury, Ct

To: Salisbury, Ct
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Salisbury, Ct Tough day today.  Woke up fully around 8:00 a.m. and took a hot shower.  Watch the weather channel while contemplating breakfast.  Finally scrounge motivation to walk down to the coffee shop for a lox and bagel with hot and gourmet coffee.  The sky was dark and threatening as we walked back into the hotel, both feeling as though all of our days worth of initiative had been spent getting to the coffee shop.  We managed to find the strength to move from room #4 to room #1. That was exhausted.  Soon after settling down into the plethora of pillows on the not too hard but not too soft bed, We were tortured with having to watch a torrential downpour outside.  So very difficult, being stuck inside an air-conditioned hotel room with cable while pours down rain outside.  Tragic really.  We watched the rain come down for hours.  It cleared up some rum 1:00 p.m. and once again we were forced to dig deep to find it within ourselves to venture out once again to get sandwiches and salad from the grocery for lunch.  It was tough, but somehow we managed.  Turned out there was a Battlestar Galactica marathon on the Sci-fi Channel.  Another obstacle, but we managed to surmount the task that lay before us requiring unmatched endurance, skill and fortitude.  That's right, we hunkered down and did we have to do.  We snuggled up in that the bed, cool, well fed and comfy and watches that full first season of Battlestar. Our final challenge came around 7:00 p.m. When once again we had to summon all our strength and, now contain your amazement, and we went and got some ice cream.  It was difficult, and I'm not sure if I could do it again, but we watched the last two episodes of BSG before succumbing to are complete and utter exhaustion.  It was a hard day, but somehow we managed, and were all the stronger for it now.  After this date, the trail should be easy it's all relative after all....  It's all relative.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Salisbury, Ct

To: Hemlocks lean to
Miles today: 13.4

Salisbury, CT to Hemlocks lean to Feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and newly motivated after our zero day yesterday.  I know I needed it both physically and mentally because I feel so much better in both respects today.  We were on the trail by 10:00 a.m. and climbing right away.  Despite the overcast sky the humidity was low and the temps cool thanks to the cold front that pushed in yesterday.  More rain was forecasted today and although it looked ominous all day, we stayed dry.  The miles came easy despite the significantly more rugged terrain.  My mind and muscle both felt agile and strong, my feet found their steps with ease. Had a break at the highest "ground" in Connecticut where we met a guy who thru hiked in 1989.  Then down the mountain into Sages Ravine.  We came across two very large groups, one of 30 Japanese day hikers-mostly teenagers and young kids.  The other was a group of 20 or so weekend backpackers.  Guess it is a popular area.  Shortly after passing through the groups, feeling a little dazed having first encountered so many people in the woods, we realized that we crossed into Massachusetts but forgot to take our "new state" picture at the Sages Ravine where we thought the state line was.  Slightly disappointed but more excited we were looking for a good spot to get a picture when what did we see but a "Welcome to Massachusetts" sign! Very excited to get an official state line picture after all, we snapped away then were off up the trail satisfied and hopeful for all the new state would have for us.  Massachusetts greeted us with a distinctly more difficult terrain but also more beautiful.  Race mountain had a precipitous and rocky ridge walk that offered expansive views of the valley below.  There were also abundant blueberry patches with ripe berries on which we nibbled.  The climb up Race, though greater in elevation gain was much gentler then the subsequent climb up Mount Everett.  That climb was rocky and very steep (600 vertical feet in 0.7 mi., so 100 ft. per 0.1 mi.) with views of shrubs and large rock slabs.  We took a break on the summit but made it a bit short since it looked like it might rain soon.  Fortunately it didn't rain and we made the 1.2 mi. to Hemlock Shelter very quickly.  I cooked dinner while Gravity prepared the bear bag rope.  The guy at Bear Mountain told us that his tent were shredded by a bear (he wasn't in it) a few nights ago, so we are keen on bear bagging tonight.  After dinner we finish getting set up and Gravity hung the food. He ensures the quality of the bear bag by hopping around, swatting near the bag making his impression of bear noises and bear-like motions.  Difficult to convey just how humorous said quality check was.  I do have every confidence in the effectiveness of the bear bag though :-).  Now, enjoying cold temps and trying to repress my annoyance at the 2 weekenders who recently arrived and are now preparing dinner and listening to the radio.  Think Bozo the Clown meets the Three Stooges just back from basic training.  Thank goodness for ear plugs.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Hemlocks lean to

To: East Mountain Retreat Center
Miles today: 16.4

Hemlocks Lean-To to East Mountain Retreat Center Rain, rain, rain today.  It held off this morning until after we were all packed up and on our way.  But it started soon after we were going and didn't stop all day.  This is the coolest weather we've seen in a while and I'm actually quite chilly as I write this.  There wasn't anything particularly noteworthy this morning other than the cool rain.  We hitched into Great Barrington halfway through the day to resupply and grab some lunch.  The first car that came by gave us a ride.  We first ran into the outfitter hoping to find shoes for Gravity.  No luck so we went over to the Big-Y to resupply for the next few days.  A woman in the store, another customer, chatted with us briefly, then outside the store she offered us a ride.  Since we were heading to the bagel shop across the street, we declined.  Then as we finished dividing and packing our groceries, another nice guy in a pickup pulled up and offered us a ride.  What a friendly town! We enjoyed real deli bagel sandwiches for lunch.  Gravity had chopped liver and I had lox.  Hard to describe what a treat this was as I've been craving a good lox and bagel for months! It was tough to leave the dry safety of the bagel shop.  We even contemplating getting a room.  Finally found our resolve though and made it back to the trail.  I was happy to be fuelled up since we wanted to get the last 8 mi. done with.  The rain was pretty lousy but the time and miles actually went fairly fast.  Happy now to be warming up and drying out at the East Mountain Retreat Center.  This is a wonderfully peaceful place that facilitates the individual spiritual retreats.  Although I sense a Buddhist overtone, the center welcomes all denominations and religious orientations.  It is very quiet and beautiful at this mountain retreat in the Berkshires and feels quite conducive to reflection and rejuvenation.  Tonight we spend a quiet night in a simple room.  We're clean, dry and laundered.  I feel peaceful and tired.  Ready for a good sleep.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Shaker campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Shaker camp site to Upper Goose Pond Cabin Easy fast day today.  Woke up to a cloudy sky and drippy drops, but the gray gave way to sunny blue.  It is breezy and warm but not too humid or hot.  Great hiking weather! The bugs were especially vicious this morning, I think they were encouraged and their appetites whetted by the fair weather too.  Fortunately the miles came fast and easy.  We reached the Upper Goose Pond Cabin by half past noon, far earlier than anticipated.  Now we have this whole beautiful day to while away as we please.  The cabin, which I expected to be a somewhat organized shelter is actually a real cabin.  Though no running water or electricity is a four sided structure with glass windows, living-room, kitchen, upstairs sleeping area and covered front deck/porch overlooking the lake.  It really is quite idyllic and I am so glad that we have a whole lovely day to spend here.  Aaaah, took a swim in the lake after a lunch of noodles scavenged from the hiker box mixed with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese.  Upper Goose Pond is a glacial lake so it has beautiful clean water and a nice rock-bottom no muck.  Although the surface few inches of water had been warmed by the sun, all the water below that was quite cool.  It was warm enough for the swim though the and it was both invigorating and refreshing.  We decided to relax and do some reading in the afternoon but soon found ourselves sleepy and lethargic.  So, we retreated to our tent in the woods behind the cabin and took a long afternoon nap.  The shadows from the trees danced and played on the tent ceiling while a warm breeze blew through.  In the evening after we awoke from our nap we went back down to the cabin to make dinner.  The caretakers who left today left behind some fresh snow peas from the garden so we had sauteed snow peas with our dinner.  What a delight to have a fresh veggie out here! The sun was low in the sky by the time we finished up with dinner, and Gravity convinced me to go for a sunset paddle.  So we grabbed lifejackets and paddles, went down to the pond and took the classic aluminum Grumman for a relaxing paddle around the lake.  The colorful sky reflected and sparkled on the lake's surface while fish rose to snatch insects from the air.  The sparrows feigned and dove after the same insects higher up.  We paddled out to a tiny rock and tree island then investigated the channel to (lower) Goose Pond.  The sun had set by the time we made our way back.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Bennington, VT 
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

Congdon Shelter to Bennington, VT Very excited that I (Gravity) get to see my parents today. My mom has an acting as our support person for the entire hike. This role is super important, because when you say "I need that black thing with the straps overnighted to Damascus," not only does the support person need to know exactly what the black thing with the straps is (and where it is), they also need to make sure it goes out right away. Otherwise it could mean days of waiting around at a post office (even worse if a weekend is coming!) but also a tremendous amount of extra money is spent on lodging and food while you are been delayed. We are both thankful that my mom knows our gear almost as well as we do and that she gets things off as soon as we ask. Without her, I don't know what we would do. So, it was really wonderful to see her and my father and share with them a little bit of what we're doing out here. Plus we got a bunch of food from them! (the bars my mom makes could power a hiker for miles). And, on top of it all, they agreed to slack us Saturday and Sunday! The hiking went fast and easy. We met Ashtray at the trailhead and he gave us a lift into town while explaining his plans to set up a hostel in the area. It could really use it! We showered, ate some amazing Fish & Chips (their slogan was "fish so fresh you have to slap it") walked all over Tar-nation for laundry and met up with my parents. They took us up to Manchester Center to see if we could find me some new trail runners (no luck) and out to an amazing steak dinner at Sirloin Saloon. It was a great day, but it ended too soon, and we had to get to bed for the big slack the next day. Gravity
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Bennington, VT 

To: Bennington, VT 
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

USFS Rd 71 to VT9 (Bennington)My parents agreed (begrudgingly) to get up at an unnatural early time, for a town stay - 5:30am, and we were off for breakfast by 6:30 or so. We stopped at Dunkin Donuts for some Turbo-Ice coffee, which is just amazing (and frightening) stuff - ice coffee with 3 shots of expresso and a total of about 1 liter of coffee. It certainly got us moving in more ways than one. We had breakfast at a nice little diner and then we were off to find our obscure little road crossing, and obscure it was. It took a lot looking but we found it on the 2nd try, and we were hiking about 9:45. The day was hot, hot, hot and the humidity was unbearable, but the miles came pretty well and we were done before we expected (around 5:30). The most notable thing of the day would have been the view from the firetower on Glastenbury Mountain, but the humidity was so thick you literally couldn't see the next mountain. There was a pretty nifty split rock that the trail went right through and I got some good pictures of Danger as she chimneyed up it.It was off to dinner again, this time to the Depot where Danger and I had decent fare, but unfortunately my parents got a rather dreadful chicken pot pie. Unfortunately we were too tired to stay up and chat for any longer and we have another big day planned for tomorrow.Gravity
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Bennington, VT 

To: Bennington, VT 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

USFS Road 71 to VT11/30Once again my parents agreed to slack us, this time shuttling our packs up to Manchester Center and leaving them at a "hostel" called Sutton's Place. More Turbo_ice, another breakfast at the diner and off to the trailhead, which, thank goodness, we knew where it was now. My father joined us for a 2 mile stretch while my mom drove around to get pictures of all of us coming out of the woods, just like a true Mother :-). I felt sorry for my dad, as it was a particularly muddy stretch, but he seemed to enjoy it and I was happy that he could taste what we had been doing out here for the past 4+ months. Then we said our good-byes and we were off again.The hike was once again muddy, hot, humid slog. Stratton Mountain must be beautiful, but it was just a humid cloud up there. Stratton Pond was beautiful and we took a longer break there enjoying the picturesque lake. Then off to the mud and heat. When we got in to Manchester Center we were very tired after 2 days of longer miles and we headed to Sutton's Place for showers. Then it was off to our 3rd anniversary dinner at the Sirloin Saloon where we got the prime rib and it was AMAZING. Back at Sutton's Place we realized that there was no A/C and it was at least 90 degrees in our room by 9pm and all the fans were being used by other patrons. At $60 for 2 people, we felt a bit taken advantage of and sweat the night through with little sleep. Not the town night either of us had planned for our anniversary, which was actually the next day, especially as my parents had paid for the night as a present for our anniversary.Gravity
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Bennington, VT 

To: Bennington, VT 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Alpen Rose InnWe got up with every intention to hike out that morning. We were grumpy, we were hot, and we wanted away from Sutton's Place. We walked over to the local breakfast place, but I just couldn't believe they were charging $12 for an omelet. I couldn't bring myself to pay that even on our anniversary. The mood sunk. We walked over to Vermont Bagel Works. Danger ordered her favorite - Lox & Bagels. The lox were bad, even when they remade it. The mood reached new lows. The temperature and humidity seemed to be reaching new highs. Our anniversary was turning out to be a really, lousy day. I didn't want that. So I suggested we call the Alpenrose, see if they had a room with A/C and zero there. For just a small amount more than Sutton's Place ($1 to be precise) we ended up getting picked up from EMS and driven there, a beautiful sleigh bed, our own TV and best of all, A/C. Our anniversary was SAVED!We had a very relaxing zero and Annie treated us so kindly we knew we would have a hard time pulling away the next morning.Gravity
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Bennington, VT 

To: Donby-Longgrove Rd
Miles today: 17.8

VT 11/30 to Donby-Landgrove RdWe woke up this morning and we didn't want to leave. We were scarred from the Sutton Place, we wanted more luxury and A/C. But we needed to hike. So we asked Annie if she would consider slacking us for the day. She agreed and we rejoiced!Off we went hiking and again it was hot and humid but we heard relief was on the way in the form of a cold front. Unfortunately that didn't save the view from Bromley or any view that day, and we just banged out the miles. Sometimes that's all you can do.That evening we had an amazing dinner out on the back deck that Annie made for us and rejoiced again. We felt renewed, reborn. A change had come, a front moved through and the temperatures were 15 degrees cooler and the humidity all but gone. It felt nice, no, amazing to be outside again. It was a jot to be out in nature, watching hummingbirds and listening to the call of Veries.Ah, hiking will be a joy tomorrow, we can already tell. Plus, I have new shoes!Gravity
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Clarendon Shelter

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

Clarendon Shelter to Churchill Scott ShelterA perfect day for the Killington today! Although the heat was persistent (probably in the mid to upper 80's) the humidity was way down. The sky was crystal blue and we could see for miles and miles in all directions.The morning did start out slow for me. I was feeling headachy and lethargic with the climb first thing off. It was pretty warm already by 8:30 and I just wasn't ready to be hot and sweaty yet. The mosquitoes and deer flies continue to plague us and I am ever covered with maddeningly itchy welts.Things started looking up a few miles in when we came to a stream with some trail magic: a cache of cold sodas. The sugar and caffeine gave me a good boost and finding the magic lifted my mood. The rest of the morning was nice and relaxed with lots of breaks. we did get a little turned around near a bridge and woods road which caused us to walk about a half mile out of our way. We did get to see the "secret" Swan Song Shelter which the GMC advises against using overnight. we just kept following the nice woods road and completely missed where the trail peeled off back into the woods.Then up, up, up we went, 2100 feet, to Cooper Lodge. We dropped our packs there, the scrambled the very steep .2 mile to the rocky summit of Killington. the view up there was phenomenal. We could see what looked like Mansfield, the Adirondacks, many of the peaks we'd recently come over and even some of the Whites in the far off haze. The view down into Rutland and the valley below was especially clear and grand.It was a little strange to be up there on the rocky summit with the dwarf fir and spruce, with a giant antenna/cell tower up there. Even stranger yet was taking a short trail towards toe other side of the summit where the ski gondola was shuttling mountain bikers and tourists to the summit we'd just laboriously ascended foot. With the gondola and it's summer cargo came the ski lodge, open with concession stand! So we had an early dinner from the concession stand which we ate outside on the observation deck enjoying expansive mountain views all around. We hung around and chatted with a couple who are hiking the LT that we met a few days ago.The lodge closed up shop at four, so we dragged ourselves away from the comforts of mountain top civilization to head down the mountain. The descent off Killington was lovely and fairly graded. We're tenting at Churchill Scott Shelter all by ourselves. Rutland and the Inn at the Long Trail are just a few miles away, and it took restraint not to make it a longer day and hike the rest of the way in for dinner and beer.I am happy that we decided not to go in though because it is turning out to be a beautiful evening. The sun is sinking low in the sky, the birds are singing and it is getting comfortably cool. We're enjoying being alone at the campsite and reveling in the memories of our fabulous day. Just a short day into Rutland tomorrow, and when we hit Maine Junction we'll have completed the Long Trail!Danger
Date: 2005-07-22
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Sherburn Pass Trail
Miles today: 3.8

Churchill Scott Shelter to Sherburn Pass TrailWe completed the Long Trail today! As I mentioned previously, last year we hiked from the Canadian border (the northern border of the LT) about 170 miles south to Maine Junction, at which point the AT and the LT coincide to the VT/MA border (the southern terminus of the LT). We hit Maine Junction this morning, and were very excited to have completed our first long distance trail. We hooted and hollered and took pictures. Last year when we were thinking about hiking the AT, we decided to do the northern section of the LT to see if we really wanted to do it. I remember standing there at Maine Junction, wondering how I would feel when I got there having walked over 1600 miles from Georgia. I had secret feelings of doubt and uncertainty. Could we really do it? Would our bodies hold up? Would our minds? Would we be burdened by the tedium of walking everyday and feel as though we had to drag ourselves forward? Did we really have it in us, really have what it takes to walk from Georgia to Maine?So you can imagine how meaningful it was to stand there, happy, healthy and strong. Although we haven't gotten to Maine yet, I feel the doubt has been squelched and though uncertainty remains, I don't question our gumption. Although the future is never certain, I believe that we will stand on Katahdin together, having walked all the way there.Tonight we are at the Inn at The Long Trail. We went into Rutland today and saw a movie. Two glorious hours setting in A/C! We played barfly in the pub decked out in our rain gear while out laundry washed. I always feel like a chump sitting around in my rain gear when it's 90 degrees out and there's no A/C. We were consoled for being chumps though when a generous gentleman bought us a couple of cold Guiness fresh off the tap. He and his wife were very friendly and we talked with them about our adventures while we savored the tasty dark ale.Two thunderstorms rolled through this evening and seem to have brought a cold front with them - GLORY!! It is supposed to be much cooler the next few days which will make the walking far more pleasant. No other AT thru-hikers here tonight. We part ways from the friendly LT couple we have been with the last few days. At Maine Junction they head north towards Canada and we jaunt east towards New Hampshire. I am beginning to wonder if we'll ever see other AT thrus for more than a day before this adventure is over. I expected this hike to be a very social experience and as of the past couple of months it really hasn't been. I'm not disappointed per se, just a little surprised. It was nice to see Loki and Ironfoot the other day(s) though. I do hope all those behind and ahead are doing well. Some that are ahead are getting close to finishing, hard to imagine but I think we'll be there before we know it too...Danger