morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-01
From: North Adams

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A Long day!   Started off on a cool morning and crossed the Hoosic River on a pedestrian bridge. Then a nice ascent along the banks of a stream ¢ I love streams ¢ nice and easy going. A sign that said ¢Bad Weather Bypass¢ warned me of the upcoming boulder field, which was rocky and steep,but mercifully short and I was soon at Eph¢s Lookout ¢ but nothing to see in the mist filled valley.   The Massachusetts-Vermont border had only a faded sign for the start of the Vermont Long Trail ¢ which goes all the way to the Canadian border. Kat, just starting on her thru-hike of the Long Trail, joined me there. She is a high school English teacher. At a stream we met two hikers SOBO on the Long Trail, who gave some useful information on the trail ahead.   I let Kat hike in front of me, convinced that she would be the faster hiker. As it turned out I stayed about 50 yards behind her for the next half-hour. She finally stopped to adjust her gear and I went on by. I think she just didn¢t like an old wheezing, farting, pole clanking, old geezer hiking along behind her. I made decent time on the ascent and was at my halfway mark of Seth Warner Shelter in good time.   On the rest of the trail it was down to Roaring Branch and then up again to Consultation Peak. I never did see the trail to Sucker Pond, but the duck walk along the edge of the pond was flooded, due to the recent rains and a strategically placed beaver dam. The duck walk itself was hard to see and follow in the overgrown foliage,   I saw a sign that said ¢View of Mount Greylock¢ To see it you have to turn around. There was nothing to see today because of the fog and mist on the far slopes. But it did inspire my thought for today!   Then it was down along the banks of Stamford Stream ¢ I love streams ¢ and on to this shelter. Kat arrived about half an hour after me, and Greg ¢ who is section hiking the Long Trail - has also shown up. He is a Pulmonologist, who has just [6/30] finished his fellowship and is scheduled to start as an attending in the ICU at Boston Deaconess Hospital in a few weeks.   As I write I can hear the rumble of the approaching forecast storm and am happy to be already in this shelter ¢ and to have all of my gear dry and hopefully both I, and it, will stay that way!   This shelter is on the banks of the stream and the sound of the water running over the stones is a constant soothing noise in the background.Thought for today ¢ Sometimes the best view is over your shoulder.And sometimes the things you leave behind at home are far more valuable than anything that you will find on your journey!
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goodard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

So it thundered last night ¢ crashing, rolling, continuous thunderstorms with rivers of water pouring on down past the shelter. We all three cooked on the table that is fixed between the bunks and it was like a cozy little restaurant.   We were all up and out early. I left first and have not seen the other two since, although they also plan on staying here tonight. It was a nice cool sunny morning and I made good time down to the road ¢ a very steep decline down to VT9. An ingenious set of steps leads the way down, a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Green Mountain Club members who maintain this section. Did you know that ¢Vermont¢ means ¢Green Mountain¢? A less steep ascent on the other side, but again with strategically placed stone steps. Someone here has clearly reduced the making of these steps to an art form!]   The trail passes through an interesting Split Rock on its way up to Melville Nauheim Shelter, and there I met the ¢Three Little Maids From School¢ who are interning at a New Jersey bird sanctuary and are out for a long weekend hike. We have leapfrogged all day long and they have just arrived here ¢ including ¢Tail End Charlie¢ on her first overnight hike, who was slow and behind ¢ which did not seem to bother the other two.   After Hells Hollow Brook, I came across two very wet young ladies who had camped out by the side of the trail during last night¢s thunderstorms. They and all of their gear are soaked. They have come on here also and have spread out all of their gear to dry in the warm late afternoon sun.   Just before the last ascent of Glastenbury Mountain to this shelter, I came across Snail hiking with his Mom, and Search [who has a hiking brother Rescue, get it?] and his Dad. Us three old folks plodded on up the mountain and I discovered that I was at least faster than Dad, but not as fast as Mom!   In the shelter were two hikers and a bunch more are still arriving. Looks like a full night.   We often neglect very important certainties in our lives to search for dreams and illusions.         ¢So year after year on the oceans blue rim         A shadowy land did appear, but so dim            Men thought it a vision of sunshine and bliss            And they called it Hy-Brasil, the isle of the Blest¢Thought for today-   Hold fast to that which is good!
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Manchester Center

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Suttons Place, Room 2   Manchester Center   Went to dinner last night with Kat and Prairie Dog and David at the Sirloin Saloon ¢ great fun was had by all, as well as great food. Good company adds spice to the meal. Prairie Dog does a lot of Internet trading on the stock exchange, and says that he makes money every time that he comes into a town that offers Internet access ¢ the rest of us spend money!   Slept well and late. Had breakfast at ¢Up For Breakfast¢ ¢ you have to climb up a stairs to get to the restaurant ¢ of roast wild turkey hash with poached eggs, and a very large glass of orange juice ¢ delicious! ¢ one of the best breakfasts that I have had so far on the trail.   I discovered that I broke off a piece of one of my teeth at dinner last night, so as I walked to the PO, I passed a dentists office and decided to drop in and get it checked out. It turns out that the dentist spent a year as a student at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He took a look at the tooth and reassured me that it was fine to wait on any treatment until I got home again. Much reassured I collected my drop box ¢ strict demand for ID ¢ and sent my disposable cameras and maps back home with my weekly letter to KT.   Spent an enjoyable few hours sorting through the supplies and the new maps and guides. I now figure four nights and five days to the Inn at the Long Trail outside Killington. Everybody says that it is "the place" to stay; so much so, that Rainman's desire to stay there was a point of discussion with Fish regarding spending a night here at Manchester Center. When I called to make reservations ¢ it fills up fast I was told ¢ they said that there is a shuttle bus into Killington every two hours. I have decided to stay at the Inn for two nights.   Met the Two Wet Ladies heading back to the trail, as well as Senator and Ohpa, and chatted with Prairie Dog at the ¢ realy good ¢ bookstore. Frank Sutton has suggested that I bum a ride from the local workers who have coffee at Mrs. Murphy¢s Donut House in the morning prior to heading up to Bromley to work. I have Taxi numbers as a backup!   Spent a lot of time on the phone with KT and the kids. We have acquired a new kitten ¢ Sienna.      Overcast here today, but no real rain. People are now saying that it is due tomorrow. Will check on what the weather channel has to say later.      I fell good ¢ ready for the next section, on to Killington!Thought for today ¢   To labor requires one to also rest.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Manchester Center

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

At Frank Suttons suggestion, I had an early breakfast at Mrs. Murphy¢s Donut Shop. As he had predicted the place is frequented by early morning workers getting their eye-opening cup of coffee and a donut. Although the first person I approached regarding a ride was going in the opposite direction, he must have told someone in the parking lot of my request, because the next customer in, said he would be happy to take me. The upshot of all of this was that I was on the trail at 6:15AM climbing out of the valley along the banks of Bromley Brook and up into the mists.   The ascent of Bromley Mountain was not as bad as I had feared ¢ it was just a little rocky and muddy ¢ but it was well graded. It got realy foggy as I climbed up, and by the time I was at the warming hut at the top, I could hardly see the adjacent ski lift. I met with Bones, who had stayed overnight in the warming hut ¢ no water here however ¢ and who treated me to a delicious fistful of blueberries, while I changed into full rain gear regalia. It had turned very cold and wind gusts were driving the thick mist like a minor cold wet rainstorm.   A long ridge walk was followed by a descent to Mad Tom Notch ¢ you got to love the names ¢ where a hand pump fulfilled a need resupply of ¢ pumpish ¢ water. There I met Easy Money, who remembers me from ¢03 in Georgia!   A stiffer, but shorter, ascent of Styles Peak led only to another misted out vista ¢ a misty vista! ¢ followed by another ridge walk to Peru Peak. A rapidly improving weather situation led to a piece by piece disrobing of the rain gear, until I was back in summer mode, except for the pack cover, by the time I arrived here.   I have met Tom Cat as well as Stealth and Ninja ¢ whom I had met briefly before ¢ and Pigpen. Spent an enjoyable lunch with Packrat and Kopi [his girl friend]. The caretaker here ¢ also called Jen ¢ took our photo, which Packrat has promised to email to me.   Frog Caller ¢ who knows Stumpknocker and Jan Liteshoe - a native of Maine, is here for the night ¢ and thinks that September hiking in Maine is very doable. Four brothers and sisters ¢ two of each ¢ who were at Sutton¢s Place last night have just arrive and are planning on staying the night as well ¢ so we will have a full shelter.   It was a foggy day but a good hike. Good drying conditions right now, means that all of my gear should be dry for tomorrow ¢ which is predicted to be wet! No cell signal however.   I had worried a lot that I would have trouble getting a ride at Mrs. Murphy¢s this morning. I need to have more faith in my fellow humans ¢ both in Frank Sutton making the recommendation, and in the workingman who was happy to help out.Thought for today ¢         I must have more faith in others!
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Prairie Dog arrived late last night with the disturbing news of massive terrorist attacks in London, with 30+ dead and hundreds injured. Apparently it is related to the Middle East war and not the IRA. Bad news travels fast.   Prairie Dog insisted on a fire, and did an excellent job of building a good one out of pretty wet material. Frog Caller retired for the night early ¢ smart lady. The rest of us sat around the fire talking ecology ¢ ¢the last of the cheap oil¢ ¢ and politics. I have yet to meet an admitted Republican on the trail. Prairie Dog has a great interest in - and knowledge of ¢ American politics. I went to bed at 9:30PM, in the dark, and they were still at it!   Frog Caller was up and about at 4:30AM ¢ early to bed and early to rise¢¦. ¢ and I was underway by 6:30AM, bidding adieu to her with reciprocal promises of emails and visitor book signings on trailjournals ¢ all else were just beginning to stir.   Dull, overcast and cool, a day that started with a hike about Griffith Lake with the early morning mist still curtaining the waters. The trail then veers away from the lake to ascend to Baker Peak ¢ the last bit of which is steep and up over bare rock to a summit view of a fog enshrouded valley and misty looming distant mountains.   Stopped in briefly at Lost Pond Shelter, and after crossing over a realy neat ¢ and shaky ¢ suspension bridge over Big Branch ¢ had my second breakfast at Big Branch Shelter, enjoying the sight and sound of the water of the branch just outside the shelter.      Pretty soon I was at the Danby-Landgrove road ¢ having been passed by two old men happily jogging by SOBO on their way to Peru Peak! Got a good signal at the road and spoke with KT.   On my way up to Lula Tye Shelter, I met with Rick, the caretaker here, out doing a little trail maintenance. He told me that the spring has deteriorated to a seep, and to use the pond itself as a water source. The trail here parallels the Little Black Branch [of the Big Branch] so I was walking once again along the banks of a companionship stream ¢ I love streams. Soon however the forecast rain began to fall, it had been threatening all day long, and now began to leave big wet splotches and splashes on the rocks. Got some good photos [I hope] of Little Rock Pond as I passed on by, with the rain just beginning to dimple the surface of the pond, and I made it in here and got water just before the real downpour began.   I am sipping on my coffee as I write and listening to the rain pouring down outside. Once again faith has been kind to me, holding off the rain until I was sheltered and watered. Isn¢t this great?   I was thinking today of a particular expression that we call an ¢Irish Bull¢ in Ireland. It is an apparently logical statement, that on closer examination is completely illogical [That statement itself is an Irish Bull]. For example:1. It is so crowded that no one goes there any more!2. You will get there in plenty of time if you hurry! Thought for today ¢    A logical thought can be expressed illogically!
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

A Great Day!   After Penny came Lauren ¢ also AT thru-hiking NOBO ¢ and then a large influx of very wet campers. There were a total of six of them ¢ three pre teens and three late tens [councilors?] ¢ from a youth camp, who are out on a three-day hike. So the shelter was filled to capacity with wet gear and hikers. The campers had brought a huge block of cheese - The Big Cheese ¢ which they shared, and also extra chocolate for their smores. So I not alone eat dinner - despite the grinder ¢ but had a cheese and chocolate dessert!   It continued to rain most of the night, but had stopped by morning. I set out ¢ behind Perry and Lauren, in what turned out to be a great hiking day. The trail started off with a small climb up to Beacon Hill, which supports an aviation beacon, and then runs mostly flat across a series of roads. Close to two of the road crossings, I found trail magic. The first was soda in a stream, corralled in a neat little net, to keep it cold. I had a Dr. Thunder ¢ the Sam¢s Club version of a Dr. Pepper. The other was an ice cold Coke and a disposable camera to take your picture, and a book to enter your name and the exposure number of you photo ¢ neat idea. I did both.   At Upper Cold River Road, I hit the ¢500-Miles To Go¢ mark on a bright sunny day with everything just clicking along all honky dory!   There were trailside instructions to a ¢Private Shelter¢ on private land just one mile before Governor Clement Shelter ¢ at which overnight stays are not recommended by the GMC. The only hint of impropriety that I saw at the shelter was the Budweiser can used on the mouse hanger!   Then began the big climb. The trail rises 2000 feet in the next 4.4 miles. It turned out to be OK. It was well graded and easy to get into a smooth rhythm of hiking. It does get a little more steep and rocky near the top, and there is a section with a lot of tree roots that acts like a boulder field,   Then I was here! This is an enclosed stone cabin, and yes! the ¢intermittent spring¢ is running well. I have had a late lunch, and am sipping on my coffee, as is my want, as I write in my journal. All of my gear is spread out in the warm sun and on my cloths line, to dry. There is a constant stream of hikers coming on through ¢ the shelter is directly on the AT and a lot of people are taking advantage of a bright sunny July Sunday to climb up here.   All of the trail magic today reminded me of generosity. We are all connected, and what we give to one, we give to all, including ourselves. Maybe this is why we feel so fundamentally good about giving to other people.Thought for today ¢      All generosity is returned!
Date: 2005-07-12
From: The Inn at the Long Trail

To: The Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

¢The Twelfth¢The Inn at the Long Trail, Room 24Had dinner with Kat last night and repeated the process with an early breakfast this morning, before bidding her good-bye ¢ she to complete the Long Trail, and I to continue on my saga on the AT ¢ with mutual promises of keeping in contact and sharing our photos.   Have spent a long and very relaxing day here. Returned to Killington on the shuttle bus ¢ Kat gave me her unused pass ¢ and got pop tarts, which I had forgotten to add to the drop box, and a disposable camera, that I had just plain forgotten yesterday. I then planned out my route to Hanover. I plan on staying at the Lodge at Kent Pond tomorrow night, and then at each of the next four shelters, before arriving at Hanover on the 18th.   It now seems clear, that even if I return to hike in September after the August hiatus, I will not finish the trail this year. I will plan on ending this session at Hanover, which is close to an airport and a rental car, and drive home from there. I can then pick my time for optimal hiking to finish next year. We shall see.   Had a great lunch in the bar with a crowd of, mostly, hikers watching Lance Armstrong take the lead in the Tour De France. Sorted through all of my stuff and organized my food and maps for the next week.   Great weather today and the forecast is mostly good for the next several days. All but one of the next stages are < 10 miles a day. Maybe I should start a club ¢The Less Than Ten Miles A Day Club¢ for hikers who average < 10 miles a day while hiking on the AT ¢ but who do finish it! Or I could call it the ¢Almost Ten Miles A Day Club¢ which of course would be known as the AT MAD club! Thought for today ¢All things in their proper place and time.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: The Inn at the Long Trail

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 4.2

Inn to Inn   Way to go!   I toil   The trail grows hard   It goes up   I sweat   I pant   I am tired   I am weak   My legs are rubbery   And then,   A single cobweb stretches    A rainbow of color across the trail   And I am happy!Slept late and had a very large breakfast. The day was a little foggy at first, but the climbing sun dissolved the mists and produced warm and sunny weather for the hike.   Despite the resupplied full pack, I had a pleasant road walk back to the trail and experienced once again the sudden transition into the woods. It is a nice smooth ascent to Deer¢s Leap Mountain and the Maine Junction, where the Long Trail heads for the Canadian border, and the AT to Maine.   Met stumbles SOBO shortly after. I had first met him in the bar at the Inn last evening ¢ he had come up from Killington and was now heading back south on the trail. A nice walk along the crest and past Ben¢s Balcony ¢ the only lookout today - and then down to Gifford Woods State Park.    The going was easy and the leisurely pace gave me ample time to compose the opening poem. One needs to have leisure to create culture.   There were lots of hikers on the trail today. Gifford Woods SP is a large and popular site, and Kent Pond just beyond it is also a favorite spot. I had many greetings and tellings of ¢my sad tail¢ during the day.   Hiked along the banks of Kent Stream ¢ I love streams ¢ with it¢s miniature waterfalls, to Kent Pond, placid and lovely on this calm day, with it¢s very own beaver lodge. Then it was on here to my very own Mountain Meadows Lodge!   It is very nice here. The Lodge overlooks the Pond and the room is great. It has it¢s own shower and TV, and a non-functioning phone, but a good cell signal. They do not serve Lunch or Dinner here, but they do prepare Lunch Boxes, which will do fine for both for me.   A very leisurely day. Short days and Inn-to-Inn hiking could easily spoil one. But remember - there is nothing wrong with being happy!Thought for today ¢Culture requires Leisure!
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Mountain Meadows Lodge

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Had the boxed lunch for lunch and another one for dinner ¢ not bad [boiled eggs!] A hot and muggy night, but I had CNN to update me on all of the world events. Great cell signal and had a long talk with KT. I am realy looking forward to being home again.   The forecast for today was rain in the morning and severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. A light mist had burnt off by the time I started out after an 8:00AM ¢extended continental breakfast¢ i.e. nothing cooked! The morning was great ¢ a little muggy but warm and sunny. During a very pleasant hike to River Road, I met with Michelle the receptionist from the Lodge, out for a walk with her very small frightened barking dog. She asked if I was ¢Enjoying the hike?¢ I am not sure how to answer that question when it is asked. It is hard work ¢ not enjoyment ¢ but there is enjoyment in, not alone the achievement of the journey, but more importantly there is great satisfaction in what I have learnt about others and myself during this journey. So I just answer, ¢Yes!¢   Then came the big ascent up Quimby Mountain. Not too difficult, thanks to the excellent trail work of the GMC members who have constructed an excellent series of switchbacks for the 1000-foot climb. A hot and humid, but not hazy, day did make it a little tough on me today. During a long and thirsty ascent, I met with Blaze SOBO and spent an enjoyable break exchanging trail information.   After the majority of the ascent was over, it was a long crest walk, still climbing to the tree-covered summit. Arrived here in the early afternoon with rumbles of thunder sounding as I got water ¢ it is north 0.1 miles on the AT, not at the shelter Wingfoot! As the thunderstorm hit, Red thru-hiking NOBO arrived to sit out the storm. We were soon joined by Poke ¢ as in Slow Poke ¢ SOBO, and then during the storm a total of eight AMC hiking club members arrived. The youngest and fastest hiker who arrived first is named Miranda. This is the third day of their five-day hike.   Once the storm passed the thru hikers left. Many of the hiking club members are planning on tenting out, so there will be plenty of room in the shelter, and it will not be as packed as it was during the storm.   A nice and easy day, and a series of < 10-mile days left to Hanover.   I have learnt a lot, hiking on the AT, but it means nothing unless I can integrate the lesions that I have learned into my future life.   Thought for today ¢Knowing the right thing to do, and doing it, are two very different things!