morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Happy Hill shelter

To: Thistle Hill shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

September 2--Happy Hill shelter to Thistle Hill shelter--8.8 hot milesSweat. That is the word of the day! The forecast was for rain, but it never came. Every so often I would feel a drop of water, think the rain was coming, then realize that the water was sweat from my brow. After a relatively good night's rest, I awoke at the decent hour of 6:09, filled my pot and heated up a cup of excellent Starbucks Via coffee. As I sipped my coffee, I re packed my backpack and dressed. Siva called to check on me about 7, and I joined her for breakfast after taking down my tent. We were on the trail by 7:30 and were enjoying the pine needle covered path. Now, this is hiking! We ambled along through the woods, chatting and laughing. After about three miles, we came out upon a road and walked along the White River. We reached the deli I had stopped at the last two time I had hiked this section only to discover it boarded up with a big For Sale sign on the front porch. A small disappointment for our packs were still heavy with nearly a week's worth of food. We headed for the bridge to cross the river and heard a loud bell. At the house near the river stood a man waving us in from his front porch, offering to feed us breakfast. A trail angel! But we waved and thanked him then continued on to the beach across the river. We took a break, eating from our packs and soon heard that bell again. Sure enough, two thruhikers were crossing the bridge, and the nice man was offering them breakfast. That happened several times while we sat on the beach with our snacks. We ended our break, shouldered our packs, and headed up the long ascent. The trail was very pleasant, but the day was heating up miserably. At one point, I told Siva that I needed to take a cool down break. I was so overheated that I feared becoming ill. We took several more cool down breaks after that which made the day bearable. By 3:00, we reached the turn for the shelter. The advantage of arriving early to a shelter is that no one is there. We traded our shoes for Crocs and headed for the water. The first stream was just mud, but we could hear water in the distance. I swear I could even smell it. Soon, we saw a glorious waterfall, perfect for a shower! We took turns jumping into the icy water. Another ice bucket challenge. But this time, we welcomed the cold full body wash. It was heavenly!By the time I set up my tent and organized my stuff, thru hikers began to filter in. We had a very cordial group of four hikers--2 NOBOs and 2 SOBOs. One guy built a fire to chase away mosquitoes and another--Hermes--pulled out his Uke and played a few songs. I could barely stay awake and retired to my tent first. I can hear the fire crackling as I write with crickets in the distance. Time to rest. Tomorrow is a longer day, but I know it will be fun. Life is good!
Date: 2014-09-03
From: Thistle Hill shelter

To: Winturri shelter
Miles today: 12.0

September 3--Thistle Hill shelter to Winturri Shelter--nearly 12 milesToday was too long. We got a late start because everything was wet from last nights downpour. With humidity at 100%, it's pointless to try to dry anything. But we hoped the sunshine would at least take care of some of the water weight. The sunrise was spectacular, sending orange rays throughout my campsite. What a contrast from last nights thunderstorm and downpour. My tent held up well thank goodness, because my headlamp is not working. The trail began with gentle ups and downs, and a cool breeze soothed out thoughts of the long day. As we trudged along, and the humidity rose, my pace slowed. We took lots of breaks and felt strong...but very sweaty. Our SOBO friends, Pork chop and Tbone, leapfrogged us all day. It was fun to know that I could actually keep up with younger hikers. But Poekchop is having knee problems, so I guess it's not a fair compArison. By 3:00, we had done 8 miles, and sat beside the stream along Rt 12. It was hot, and I was tired. I was not looking forward to the 3.5 uphill climb in the heat of the day. Just as I was about to complain, a man in a white pickup beeped his horn and invited us to visit the barn. Pork chop explained that it was a nice hostel that even served food. To top it all off, Baltimore Jack was there! What a surprise it would be for him if I showed up! But Siva was concerned about our schedule, and the thru hiker crowd is not really her thing. Staying with Siva was more important for me, so I shouldered my pack and headed up. Those final miles were killer, and I really slowed down. I was the last one in and was in a foul mood because it was nearly 6 pm and I had a lot to do. I grabbed my stuff and went to the stream. After gathering my water, I went downstream for a bath. I poured the icy water over me so much that I became numb and enjoyed it. My spirits rose and I returned to the shelter much happier. Now I'm fed, clean, and somewhat organized. It's 8:15--12 hours after we began our hike and now hiker midnight. Life is good.
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Stony Creek shelter

To: US 4
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

September 5--Stony Brook shelter to US 4--10 milesI'm lying in my comfy bed at the Yellow Deli hostel. Today was filled with water fun and friends on the trail. It's late and I have to be up at 5:30 tomorrow, so I can't write much. I awoke at 5 am, eager to get started because I knew today was to be a scorcher. The stars sparkled in the sky as I emerged from my tent at 5 to make coffee. I crawled back into my tent and began packing. I was on the trail by six thirty and sweating before seven. Phew!We had several long climbs, but the best part of the day was our swim at Kent Pond and our whirlpool bath under a waterfall. Llyn, a hiking buddy of ours, met us on the trail in the afternoon and is staying at the hostel with us tonight. It is so good to see her and spend time with her. Everyone is asleep, so I guess I should turn out the lights. Life is good.
Date: 2014-09-08
From: Minerva Hinchey shelter

To: Little Rock Pond sheltet
Miles today: 10.0

September 8--Minerva Hinchey shelter to Little Rock Pond shelter--10 milesThere's a chill in the air. Red and orange leaves litter the path. Fall is coming. Anxious to spend time at Little Rock Pond, Siva and I were up and out by 7 am. We faced a steady climb but were able to move with speed in the crisp morning air. We were up and over Bear Mountain quickly; although the long descent pounded our knees. I was happy for the break at the creek below Rt 103. After some food and rest, we began the climb up to White Rocks Cliff. Words spelled out in baby ferns on the rocks amused us and distracted us from the steep climb. "Magic," "Life" (is) "Good," and "Work" were the words that led us up the mountain. I wondered if the person who had gone through the trouble of spelling out words with baby ferns was a faster hiker, waiting for someone as slow and steady as I. When we neared the top of the climb, Siva was surprised and amused to see dozens of rock cairn sculptures. Some were even in the crevices of trees. It was quite a spectacle. I had come across these "sculptures" when I hiked the Long Trail ten years ago. I was happy to see that they were still here. We walked just a little further when we crossed paths with a very familiar face. A woman who looked to be my age chatted with is a while and explained that she was completing her thru hike that she had begun last year but was unable to finish due to an injury. I told her I was doing the se and asked her her name. Rerun! Yes! I did know her! Well, that was it! We sat down and chatted for about an hour. She explained all the travails she had faced and I relayed mine. Siva laughed and exclaimed that we had the common sense of an avocado. Both of is had hiked through injury and illness, and both of is had wound up in the hospital. Rerun explained that she believed the pain sensors become dull when doing a long distance trek. That and determination were what kept is going beyond what most people would consider reasonable. Talking with Rerun was wonderful, and we exchanged contact information. I suspect that that encounter will not be our last. With the afternoon upon us, Siva and I scurried off for Little Rock Pond. The footing was rocky which slowed me down considerably. However, I was within sight of the pond within an hour and a half. As I picked my way through the roots, rocks and mud around the pond, I scanned the trees for the shelter sign. Finally, near the southern end of the pond, I spotted the caretaker's tent and then saw the sign for the shelter. A brand new shelter with bunks, benches and a large eating porch awaited me. No tent tonight!Siva and I swam to the middle of the pond and played through the afternoon. As the wind picked up and a chill set in, I dried off and put on my sleeping clothes. A loon just called from across the pond. And it's time to make dinner. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Life is good!
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Stratton shelter

To: Story Spring shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

September 12--Stratton Pond shelter to Story Spring shelter--10.1 milesFall has arrived! Some will say that the air is crisp. I say it's downright cold!Last night, I was cold in my sleeping bag. Tonight I have on every piece of clothing I've brought with me--even my rain jacket. We've been told that the temps will drop below freezing tonight. The good news is that the day was beautiful. Blue skies and soft white clouds. When I sat in the sun, I was warm. I awoke early this morning and tried to pack up without waking anyone in the shelter. Again, I was the first one out. But Slow n Steady is never the first one to camp. I guess it will always be that way. As I climbed up Stratton Mountain, I slowly stripped off layers until I was down to my hiking clothes. A cool mist whirled around the mountaintop so I had to put my fleece back on when I reached the top. Siva and Clark were already at the summit, munching on a snack. Even though I left as they were just eating breakfast, they breezed past me on the trail. The descent was easy, and I was able to let my mind wander as I strolled down the mountain. Siva and I met for lunch on a sunny stretch that was used for snowmobiles in the winter. But today, the grassy area basked in the sunshine and the sweet smell of ferns wafted past us. I could've stayed there all day!The difficult hiking began in the afternoon. We had a four mile ascent that varied from mud bogs to roots to rocks. I became very tired and threatened to just quit and set up my tent for the night. Of course, there was no place for a tent on the narrow, steep pathway. Finally, at about 4, I reached the shelter. There were already four guys there and the shelter looked full. I set up my tent and later discovered that it was on the path to the privy. Oh well. Go around me. The sun was shining on that spot and I hoped that my tent would retain se of that heat. It didn't. The spring was excellent so I washed up and gathered my water. Dinner warmed me up and the conversation was lively. Most of us are over 60. Some are way over and look like they live in the woods. Interesting characters. A woman from Switzerland arrived at dinner time and we talked about languages and how difficult it is to understand humor in a foreign language. She was fascinating. Siva and I have a new member in our group--Mary. She and Siva had planned to meet at this shelter so she could complete a section with us. She's a corporate tax accountant and seems very nice I look forward to getting to know her better. The chill has crept into my tent and I must zip up my sleeping bag. Time for rest. Life is good.
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Story Spring shelter

To: Goddard shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

September 13--Story Spring shelter to Goddard shelter--9 milesBrrrrr! How can it still be summer? I wore my fleece and raincoat all day today and as I sit in the shelter this evening with the rain hitting the metal roof, I wonder if I'll ever be warm again. I am wearing every item of clothing I brought, including my cap. I was up at 5 in the darkness and cold. But I was awake and wanted to get an early start. The advantage of sleeping in my tent is that I can get ready to go without bothering anyone. I heated my water for coffee and sat with my hands around the warm pot. The coffee warmed me enough to start packing my pack. I was out by 7 which was not a speedy exit but was still early. The morning mist dampened the trail, and I wondered if I should put my rain cover on. I chose not to and continued down the trail. As I walked alone, I listened to the wind in the trees and noticed tiny waves in the beaver pond. I was protected from the wind and rain by the dense forest. I saw very few people as I hiked along, even though today was Saturday. The darkened skies may have kept the day hikers at home. I was greeted by one hiker who said that there was a cool shelter with views "just around the corner." That would be the Kid Gore shelter. I was thrilled that I had gone five miles so quickly. I hadn't. A half hour later, I finally reached the shelter that was just around the corner. Bit then, I'm Slow n Steady. Maybe it was just around the corner for that young speedy guy. I was starving when I sat down at the shelter and practically tore open my pack. As I sat there, enjoying my snack and the view, the wind picked up and blew right into the shelter. I couldn't imagine staying there on a cold and rainy night. Soon, Siva and Mary arrived and settled in for lunch. We hung out until we were too cold and left to warm up. A few drops of rain prompted Mary and me to cover our packs. That always seems to chase the rain away, and it worked this time as well. We walked for four miles through misty forests without rain. However, when we reached the Goddard shelter, the skies opened up. All our gear was dry. We had once more escaped the rain. We set up our spaces in the shelter and slowly wet hikers arrived. They were an animated bunch and soon we were all laughing and sharing stories. Two guys set up next to us and we soon discovered that we were fellow Vermonters. They said they worked for the University of Vermont in agriculture and business design. I asked if they knew RJ and yes! One of them was closely involved in several projects with RJ. He'd never seen him face to face but still knew him well. We had a great time thinking up shelter stories that we could give to RJ. Chris will tell RJ that he went hiking and shared a shelter with a very strange woman named Slow n Steady. If RJ is reading this, the joke will be on us. The night is very cold and I need to climb I and go to sleep. It's been a great day on the trail. Life is good.
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Goddard shelter

To: Rt 9
Miles today: 10.0

September 14--Goddard shelter to Rt 9--10 milesI am showered, fed and in a warm bed at the Paradise Motel in Bennington, VT. Life is good. We awoke to freezing temps this morning and it was very difficult getting out of my warm sleeping bag. It was still dark as I lit the stove for my coffee. I went on a hint for the privy and got lost so I went back to the shelter to drink my coffee as the sun sleepily brought daylight. I was on the trail by 6:30 and loving it. The skies were blue, the trail gently descended for miles and the terrain was brilliant in fall colors. The newly washed forest was alive in sweetly scented foliage. It was a great day to be on the trail today. Life is good. (Short entry because I am very tired after hiking, doing laundry, eating a huge and wonderful burger with beer, and shopping for snacks)
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Rt 9

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 12.0

September 15--Rt 9 to stealth campsite--12 milesThere is nothing quite like a good night's sleep, and that's what I got last night. After several nights in the damp and frigid cold, sleeping in a warm bed was sheer Heaven. I think I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow, and I'm sure I didn't move until my alarm crickets went off at 5 am. I crawled out of bed, took another hot shower and dressed for the day's hike. Siva and I were out the door by 6 am. We met Mary at the car and headed for Sunnyside Diner for breakfast. After two cups of coffee and a waffle with Vermont maple syrup, we headed for the trailhead. The ascent from Rt 9 was a steep climb up stone steps. I was grateful for the cool morning air as I climbed ever higher. When we reached the top of Harmon Hill, Siva and I took a break at a viewpoint that overlooked the town of Bennington. Most prominent in the landscape was the tall needle like memorial. The hiking was exquisite all day. I feel like I have my trail legs so the hill climbs don't hurt any more. The cooler temperatures also help. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, stopping to appreciate a view or to soak our tired feet in a stream. We reached the final shelter in Vermont and decided to hike a little further to get water and to find a stealth site. Siva gathered se water from a barely running stream before climbing up the hill. I went on ahead, sure that a better water source was ahead. I was wrong. Siva was carrying nearly 2 liters, and I had about a third of a liter. She said that we had enough to get through the night and so we kept walking. Why is it that we see so many awesome stealth sites during the day but none when we are looking for one?We reached a woods road and decided to walk up the road a bit to see if a flat space might be available on the side of the dirt road. Just as we were about to give up, I looked ahead and saw what looked like an opening of some kind. We walked further and came to a small meadow--a perfect campsite! We have the whole place to ourselves--my little tent at the edge of the grassy meadow. I am all tucked in and listening to the Barred Owl hooting out, "Who cooks for youuuu?" It's peaceful and absolutely wonderful. We only have five or six miles to hike tomorrow so we will sleep in. Life is good
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Stealth site

To: North Adams
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

September 16--Stealth site to Williamstown--6.7 miles plus roadwalkBye bye Vermont! Hello MA! Today, we crossed the VT/MA border and reluctantly said goodbye to my favorite state so far. The trails were gentle for the most part. The swimming was awesome. And the forest was beautiful. We awoke to rain that wouldn't let up do we had to break camp with wet gear. My lightweight tent was not so lightweight with five pounds of water wrapped into it. The water weight really made the hiking difficult, and my arthritic knee was screaming on the steep downhills. I just figured that the rain was Vermont's way of saying goodbye. We had had blue skies and dry trails for most of Vermont, very lucky for us!The hiking was very nice until we reached the border. The well graded paths turned to boulders and rock scrambles over slick wet rocks. We picked our way down very slowly. I was grateful for my new Keen Targhees for they gripped the wet rocks, and I didn't slip once!We reached the road by noon and tried to hitchhike with no success. I was about to give up and call a shuttler. I pulled I rainpants down so I could get to the pocket of my hiking pants, and a car stopped! I guess I should've taken my pants down from the start!The woman who picked us up knew the friends of Siva's and took us right to their house! What a lucky break!After showers and laundry, Steve (our host, and his wife, Joan), offered to drive us to the Clark, a wonderful little art museum. I was transported from the woods to another world as I wandered from one Impressionist painting to another. Exquisite!After our museum tour, Steve took us to an ice cream place where I ordered a chocolate milkshake. My weight has dropped to 108, so I am trying to down the calories while in town. After our ice cream, we returned to the houser where Joan and Steve proceeded to put together a gourmet dinner of monster proportions--grilled salmon, caprese, green salad with feta, pesto pasta, and brownies and fruit for dessert. Divine!I'm well nourished in body and soul--good friends, good art and good food. You guessed it--Life is good!
Date: 2014-09-17
From: North Adams

To: Mt Greylock/ Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

September 17--N. Adams to Mt. Greylock--7 milesThe real deal. That's what a day hiker called me today when he saw me climbing Mt Greylock with my full pack. I met day hikers Mike and Irene from Ohio for the second day in a row. Yesterday, they were heading to the trail as we were starting our roadwalk in North Adams. I was tired and wet, my knee was killing me, so I must've looked pretty bad. When I ran into them on the trail today, they commented that I looked much better. I'm sure that the warm hospitality that I received from Steve and Joan Fogel contribute to my smiling face. The cool weather and bright blue skies added to my mood. I awoke after a great night's sleep, refreshed and ready to hike. Although my puffy eyes made me look like a raccoon, I felt great. After a breakfast of Greek yogurt and fruit, we climbed into Joan's car for a ride back to the trail. The trail was steep but was occasionally broken up by switchbacks. The long climb did not seem too difficult and we summited several mountains with nice views. I moved slowly, appreciating the way the light played among the trees. It was a glorious day!We reached the summit of Greylock by early afternoon and have been enjoying the day relaxing and taking in the views. Homemade ice cream was a real treat and I am now anxiously awaiting dinner. I could eat the entire lunch menu and am working hard to resist gorging on a grilled cheeseburger or crab salad or any of the wonderful selections. I may have to grab a mayonnaise packet and suck on it. Dinner can't come soon enough. Maybe I'll go take a shower. All wonderful choices. Life is good!