morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, Ma
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

July 26, 2010 ¢ Day 113 - MondayWoke up to the smells of coffee and pancakes being made. I was the first one up and met Tom (caretaker for the cabin) setting the table. The hikers, 12 in all, consisted of an all male SoBo and NoBo thru hikers. Information on water and trail conditions were reviewed again. Several trail names were mentioned to see if they are still in the GaMe (Georgia to Maine) and if so, where are they. The hikers get fewer and fewer and go off trail for a number of reasons.Tom said the reason breakfast is made is to fuel the hiker for the climb up Becket Mountain. Tom was right. The mountain climbs are getting serious. It is my belief that hiking south to north prepares the hiker for the terrain better. The southern Appalachians builds strength and endurance, VA teaches one how to endure the heat; PA and NJ - how to walk over rocks; NY - what it¢s like to go rock climbing and CT - welcoming the hiker to the New England states. MA trains one to apply all the ingredients learned so far for the final exercise of hiking through New Hampshire and Maine.The afternoon turned into one of those legendary hiking days you hear about. The humidity was low, a constant northerly breeze kept me cool and the temperatures were in the low 80's. I finally had a day, a day I suffered all those other days for, a day that made all the not so bad days go away. It was a day when the terrain and weather finally came together for an awesome experience. A small clearing on top of Walling Mountain revealed a beautiful valley with Mt. Greylock in the background. The trail goes around more mountain ponds. I love the beauty and silence of each pond.A hiker named Hollywood, Sticks and I found the largest blueberry tree I have ever seen. It must have been about 12 ft. high. The tree was full of the sweetest, plumpest blueberries I've ever had cross my taste buds.I stopped at the Cookie Lady's house for her famous AT cookies and water. Several SoBo's I met going to Dalton were praising a house dedicated to hikers. I figured I would give it a look since it was directly on the trail. I didn¢t know what to expect as I was walking onto the property. A man introduces himself as Tom (that¢ two Tom¢s in one day!) , gives you the rules (which are very simple) and tells you he is there for the hikers. In fact, in hiker lingo, it¢s Hiker Heaven.Word traveled fast on the trail and the place was full with hikers in the house or tenting in the back yard. Several hikers were telling me about a slack pack from MA 2, zero days and how great it is to stay here. I was in overload. I just arrived and people are telling me and asking me... STOP I said. Let me take my pack off take a breath and, WOW, what a great place, Tom!I was one of the last ones in so I had to tent in the back yard. No problem I had my own room, the weather making me feel human again and soft grass to lay my sleeping bag on. My feet were giving me some pain, but here on the trail in New England the pain takes a back seat.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Dalton, Ma

To: MA 2 North Adams, Ma
Miles today: 23.3

July 27, 2010 ¢ Day 114 - TuesdayEver since arriving at Tom's house hikers are talking about the slack pack over Mt. Greylock going north to south from Rt. 2 in North Adams, Ma. The more I thought about it the better it sounded for me. The slack offered me two nights in one place, less weight to carry and less work for my feet. I told Tom I was in.Woke up and headed out early with Tom to the deli for breakfast. By 9:00 I was on Rt. 2 going SoBo as a slack pack with Steve, Jake, Sticks, and Hollywood. The trail up to Mt. Greylock from the north is fairly steep and an upward ascent for about 6 miles. The climb was steady and since I was the slowest going up I became the sweeper (picking up any gear left by hikers ahead of me). I am pushing up the mountain about half way up I see Sticks and Hollywood heading north, towards me. I yelled to Sticks, "Hey where ARE you guys going?" The look on Sticks face was priceless. Hollywood at first starts shaking his head to and fro saying, "No way! No way!¢, then breaks out in a continuous laughter. It turned out they had gone 20 minutes the wrong way after a break. So now I can say as a sweeper KrispyKritter sweeps gear and hikers.Mt. Greylock was locked into a beautiful Class 1 day. The humidity haze was gone, the temperatures pleasant and one could easily view the outstanding vistas of the mountains and valleys surrounding Greylock. The lodge at the top is always a must as a rest stop if only for a few hours. Overnight is even better. However, I was on a slack pack and needed to hike south back to Dalton. The hike down was steady and uneventful. I walked into Cheshire and visited the church hostel. I tried to find an old friend there without success.Got back to Tom's around 8:00 in the evening, tired, refreshed and hungry.The weather report for tonight and tomorrow morning was not good. Thunderstorms expected after midnight running through the day. Tomorrow is another day. Tonight all I wanted was to stay dry.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-28
From: MA 2 North Adams, Ma

To: MA 2 North Adams, Ma
Miles today: 0.0

July 28, 2010 ¢ Day 115 - WednesdayLater that night after settling in from the slack pack, the hikers who did the slack the day before told how wonderful it was to zero the following day. I had no intention of taking a zero so I didn't pay the close attention. It is amazing how 60% chance of rain can change my thinking. That's what happened this morning.I woke up with a light rain hitting my tent. By daybreak dark ominous clouds surrounded Dalton. The first two shuttles went out before the rain came. Tom came back from the last run and announced the third and final shuttle. Steve said he didn't feel like going out and getting wet. I thought Steve was joking around. Jake didn't care one way or the other. I stood up and said, I'm out, going to zero", playing it up with Steve's comment. And then I thought, I am sooo tired of being wet. For the time being, if I can stay dry, I'm going to take it. "No really,¢ I said. "I¢m staying - zero day.¢ It didn't take much for Steve and Jake to stay. Spent the rest of the day re-supplying and then back at Tom's watching movies. The three of us moved up in status at Tom's. The zeros from yesterday left this morning, making space available on the porch and an indoor place to sleep (the house). New hikers coming in were told the house was full (like we heard when we first came in) but there was room on the back grass to pitch a tent. Night fell and a new patch of tents mushroomed in the backyard; a garden of hikers.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Hell Hollow Brook

To: Kelley Stand Rd.
Miles today: 0.0

July 31, 2010 - Day 118 - SaturdayMy hiking schedule was now off track. I got to sleep in and made sure Ace was ok. Her boyfriend was due in. Mala and I left town and traveled the back roads to the trailhead at Kelley Stand Rd. I set up my tent on an old logging road as Mala cooked us steak, corn and a salad. We sat up and talked until dark thirty. I wanted to get a good sleep tonite not knowing what Murphy had in store for me. It will be so good to be on trail again.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Kelley Stand Rd.

To: Bromley Mt. Ski Patrol Cabin
Miles today: 20.5

August 1, 2010 ¢ Day 119 - SundayI left the road early so I could catch an early morning at Stratton Pond. The serenity of being with sky, water and mother earth was refreshing. The waters were so still the trees and mountains had a mirror reflection off the water. I stayed for awhile by the lake shore to reflect too. Energized, I hiked to Prospect Rock where I sat and had lunch overlooking Manchester Center, Vt.Mala was there at VT 11 & 30 when I arrived mid afternoon. We went into town re-supplied and headed for the trail head. Mala made a Chicken Alfredo dinner that was outstanding. While eating dinner Mala asked how I felt and would I consider doing another 3 miles up to Bromley Mt. Ski Patrol Cabin. I wanted to overnight on my first visit, but the timing wasn't right. This time I was in the right location with plenty of daylight left. "Hell ya!" I'll go.Mala, Tuckerdog and I, started our climb up Bromley Mountain a little after 5:00 pm. The coolness of the late afternoon made for a pleasant walk. We reached the cabin just before sunset. I was hoping for a good sunset but rain clouds blocked the sun. I cowboy camped on the cabin's porch and watched a golden half moon rise over the mountains. I went to sleep full of moon beam energy. Not a bad way to end a day.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Bromley Mt. Ski Patrol Cabin

To: USFS 10, Brooklyn Rd.
Miles today: 14.8

August 2, 2010 ¢ Day 120 - MondayA light rain fell during the night. I was inches from getting wet, but was protected by the roof's overhang. I would have been soaked if the rain had fallen any harder.I woke up to the light of a big orange ball blazing on top of the mountains. The clouds behind the sun had a yellow orange glow. I looked around for the TV cameras thinking I was in a beer commerical. The air was cool and the sunrise further charged my energy and I was ready to hike.So far Vermont has lived up to its hiker nickname as Vermud. I am thankful for the light rain we have been getting otherwise the bogs and trail dirt would have been a muddy mess.I climbed Peru Peak at 3429 ft and Baker Peak at 2850 ft. I had lunch sitting on top of the rocky summit of Baker Peak overlooking a long valley. Passed another mountain lake called Griffith Lake. The water was cool and very clear. There was a detour because a bridge was out over Big Branch River. The water levels have been low so I decided to chance it and stay on the AT. I passed a Sobo and he said the river crossing was a piece of cake. He made it across without getting his shoes wet. So did I. There is a suspension bridge being built neat the AT crossing. Very similar to the bridge at Clarendon Gorge called the Mill River Bridge.I met Mala at USFS 10. I had a cold beer waiting for me in the refrigerator. Mala was heating the Alfredo leftovers that tasted even better than the night before. I laid out my sleeping pad and sleeping bag on the ground and was fast to sleep in no time.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-03
From: USFS 10, Brooklyn Rd.

To: VT 103
Miles today: 14.6

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Marcel ProustAugust 3, 2010 ¢ Day 121 - TuesdayI was up early to get another morning start. The humidity was going to return. My saving grace was I am now in the mountains and the temperatures are lower. Another plus for me is Mala. He has rejuvenated my spirit and given me a new pulse to go to Maine. Dropping down the mileage has also relieved the pressure at the balls of my feet that have been causing my pain.The mountain forests are a combination of hard and soft woods. The trail is littered with pine needles from the firs giving the ground a cushiony feel as I plant my steps. The smell of pine in the mountains is so refreshing. Water is no longer a problem. Streams are flowing into the ponds and lakes making the beaver very happy.I came to one of my favorite places in Vermont called the Clarendon Gorge. Mill River flows through the gorge giving all the rocks a round shape. Walking across the suspension bridge and looking down into the gorge gives the observer a bird's eye view of what water can do to solid objects over a period of time.I met Mala at the gorge on VT 103. He was making dinner when I arrived and told me to sit down. Mala presented me with a huge salad followed by fish cooked on the grill and boiled red potatoes. I was pleasantly stuffed and very appreciative of his trail magic.Hollywood came out of the woods and walked over to Mala and I. Hollywood was going to camp on the other side of VT 103 but changed his mind when I told him about a site on top of the gorge in the forest. Hollywood and I said goodnight to Mala and set up our tents (our homes) before dark. Listening to the waters below cascading over the rocks was a soothing lullaby that soon had me sleeping like a baby.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Rt. 4 Rutland, Vt

To: Rt. 4 Rutland, Vt
Miles today: 0.0

August 5, 6, 7, 2010 ¢ Days 123 thru 125 ¢ Thursday thru SaturdayAbout a week ago I was examining my boots and noticed the heels worn through and several area of the sole delaminating. These boots started in Daleville, VA went over the harsh rocks of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York and lasted into Vermont. I called Justin from Outdoor Sports Marketing who reps for Vasque and told him the condition of the boots. Both Vasque and Outdoor Sports Marketing are sponsoring me on the AT in boots and without hesitation he sent me a new pair to Rutland. Murphy's law kicked in because it involved a mail drop.I was a day early to pick up the boots which fell nicely into my zero day. Everyone was leaving until they saw the weather report. It didn¢t take much convincing for them to take a zero at the inn. After the storms pass the humidity was dropping as well as the temperatures. Yhea!! So I had familiar faces staying with me until I got my boots.The next morning, on my zero day, I go into town to pickup my boots at the post office. No boots. All the mail is in so I need to come by the next day to check. I call the next day - still no boots. In a panic because I cannot hike further with the condition of my current boots, I go to Eastern Mountain Sports outfitter to see if they carry Vasque and what they could do. Yes, they carried Vasque but I would either have to buy a pair or wait the next day for the rep that was going to be at the Long Trail festival. Have I told you I hate mail drops!The Long Trail Festival had free camping for hikers who helped setup for the festival. So there I was building stages for musicians, setting up trash containers and being a handy man, I mean handy hiker as much as possible. Justin called me in the afternoon and explained the problem. I gave an address for general delivery of US Mail and Vasque only uses UPS. Thankfully UPS was just down the street from the Vermont fairgrounds where the festival was located. Finally my new pair of boots were on my feet. Thank you Justin, Vasque and Outdoor Sports Marketing!!!The one day festival started the next day so I stayed and watched bands play on two different stages and watched movies about different animals and hikes. Several NoBos and SoBos camped at the festival for the entertainment. I was surprised at the turnout and quality of the bands for only being their 4th year. Great job to Mad Hatter and the Green Mountain Club of Vermont.So, in a nut shel,l that was my 4 days in Rutland. I lost time away from the trail which was bugging me to death, but as we have said on the trail this year, "it is what it is."If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Rt. 4 Rutland, Vt

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

"Courage and Perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." ~ John Quincy AdamsAugust 8, 2010 ¢ Day 126 - SundayIt took awhile but I finally said goodbye to old and new friends, got a ride out of the fairgrounds and to the trailhead. By the time I was on trail it was 1:00. It felt good to be in new boots and walking north once again.I stayed for about an hour around Kent Pond watching kayakers and avoiding the midday heat. I wanted to keep today a low mileage day to make sure the boots were broken in. I also bought a new pair of Superfeet insoles that made a huge difference in comfort. The original insoles that I had were Superfeet size 8 1/2. When I got my first pair of new boots I had to go one half sizes larger. That meant the Superfeet were too small in the boot which was causing compression blisters on my heels. I took the insoles from the new boots and McGyvered (the character who could do anything with anything on a TV show) the Superfeet to fit. It worked and I have been wearing them since Daleville. They are now old and have lost their comfort. Since I've hiked 80% of the trail and only done 20% of the work (meaning the toughest part of the trail is coming up) I wanted my feet to be stepping in top condition.I have now only 477.9 miles of trail left on the AT. God willing and with good weather the last two states New Hampshire and Maine will complete my 2010 AT odyssey.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Cloudland Road
Miles today: 19.2

"It ain't a fit night for man or beast." ~W C FieldsAugust 9, 2010 ¢ Day 127 - Monday I left the shelter early and had a wonderful morning hike through a hard and soft wood forest. I have not yet seen Bullwinkle (the moose) yet but ever since Stratton Pond I've seen his piles of nuggets along the trail.Word on the trail involved a farm stand .2 miles off the trail on Vt 12. I was coming down off Lookout Mountain when I heard an emergency broadcast on the radio of severe weather for the area. I was hiking in an open area when I saw dark clouds and heard the distant sounds of thunder. I got to Vt 12 and a sprinkle started so I headed the .2 to the farm stand. I am so glad I took the chance. I came to "On The Edge Farm" and met the owner Dana. Fresh vegetables, homemade pies, and cold drinks were available. Several other hikers came in just as the rain got heavy. Dana let the hikers look at the radar screen on her computer. The bad weather was north of us. I decided to move on to Thistle Hill Shelter during a lull in the rain. Ahead of me was a girl named Red who also took off north. I was north of Vt 12 and climbing a hill when I met Red on the trail. Just before crossing the bare hill top the skies opened up in heavy rain, thunder and lightning. I told Red I was not crossing the hilltop. Red followed me into a grove of young trees where we hunkered down to wait out the storm. No sooner did we get our rain gear on and in position in the trees when dime size hail started to pelt us. I always get a chuckle when I pop open my umbrella to see hail bouncing off the umbrella in different directions. The heavy weather moved on after a 40 minute wait and we crossed the hilltop. The rain never stopped as we walked through mountain valleys with layers of clouds and mist covering portions of the mountainsides. The dark blue grey skies heavy with moisture hung above the mountains. The energy swirling in the clouds was intense. The scene before us was beautiful.And then, the rain became extremely heavy and never let up. A Pomfret city worker by the name of Jim pulled alongside Red and I in a front end loader. Jim yelled for us to go over to the red barn on the side of the road and he would be back to pick us up. Jim shows up in a dump truck and once we were loaded into the dry cab asks where we are going. Jim told us of a farm on Cloudland Road that lets hikers stay in the barn. Red and I get to the farm and sure enough Cloudland Farms set up a stall in the horse barn with chairs, bed and a couch. It was warm and dry. The barn smells reminded me of another lifetime where horses were a part of my life. All night long the rain fell and the skies lit up with lightning followed by the sounds of rolling thunder. I was at least under roof and dry thanks to a man named Jim.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Cloudland Road

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

August 10, 2010 ¢ Day 128 - TuesdayWoke up to the sounds of chickens and horses sounding the morning alarm. It rained throughout the night and it was a comfortable and dry sleep in the barn. Bill, the owner, came out and talked with Red and I. The farm is over 1000 acres and he raises angus cattle. The farm has been in the family for 5 generations. All the rain created an atmosphere laden with moisture. Clouds of mist settled over the valley. However, as the sun rose above the mountains, the heat hitting the cold air created a fog that got thicker as the morning progressed.I would have loved to zero and worked the farm for a couple of days. Red and I needed to push on to Hanover, NH and continue our hike. Hiking in the forest fog was spooky and very mystical. As the sun burned off the fog, beams of sunlight would pierce through the tree's canopy. These beams of slanted light would reach the forest floor in a golden light. If you caught the light just right mini rainbows would refract off the large drops of moisture hanging in the air. I walked through several groves of different young trees, each magnificent in their loveliness.The sun finally busted through the foggy morning as I crossed the White River and stopped for a break at the Deli in West Hartford, Vt. A large grassy area was located next to the store where 10 hikers had boots, socks and gear spread out to dry. The cold drinks and grinder sandwiches were delicious.Late afternoon I was walking over the Connecticut River and crossed over into my 13th state New Hampshire. I was going to re-supply then head out to the next shelter above Hanover. The skies that were so beautiful throughout the day suddenly turned dark and nasty looking. It did not take much convincing to geta few other hikers together and stay at a hotel. Good choice since it rained most of the night.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."   ~ E. B. WhiteAugust 11, 2010 ¢ Day 129 - WednesdayDude and Baltimore Jack came by the hotel, picked up the hikers and took us around town for re-supply. The first group of hikers left in the early afternoon. Red still had to go to the post office and go over her pack so I said I would stay and leave town with her. Baltimore told me the weather didn't look good for the weekend and asked if I would be interested in an alternate plan. I can always listen then, say no.The plan was quite simple. Dude would drive us to the Hikers Welcome in Glencliff this afternoon. Tomorrow would be the best looking day and Red and I could hike south from Rt. 112 over Mt. Moosilauke back to the hostel. The next day leave the hostel and hike south back to Hanover. We could then easily get a ride back to Rt 112 and head north. I personally liked the idea since the last time I went over Mt. Moosilauke it was wet, cold and windy. That combination of weather conditions meant no views. I really did not want to do that again.Red finally showed up at the Dirt Cowboy Coffee Cafe and we presented the plan. Red liked it as well. We took our time finishing our coffee and watched the Dartmouth College crowd walking Main Street. Spent a couple of hours at the compound where Dude and Baltimore live and enjoyed sitting next to a great pool and waterfall.By dark thirty we were back at the hostel enjoying the company of other hikers. I knew tomorrow would be an exhilarating day, so I went to the tent and quickly fell asleep thinking of majestic mountain views.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe