morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Happy Hill Shelter, VT

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 20.4

No rain today. After 3 days of fog, mist, and rain, I was beginning to doubt the sun was still up there. Today was a pleasant day with fall like temperatures¢¦perfect for hiking. I was a little late breaking camp this morning so I didn¢t get going until after 7. The day started with some easy downhill hiking and about a mile or so of roadwalk by the area called West Hartford. Unexpectedly, the trail goes by a small general store and restaurant just before the trail crosses the White River. Although I had gone only a few miles, I couldn¢t pass up the opportunity so I stopped in for breakfast¢¦pancakes and sausage. No hiker could pass that up.As it turned out, I needed the fuel to keep me going over Thistle Hill and this afternoon¢s long climb from Woodstock up to the shelter. Today¢s 20 miles felt longer and there was a lot of uphill walking. The scenery was beautiful and the trail was in good shape however, so it was a nice walk. I arrived at Winturri Shelter around 5:30 ready for a break. A good, long day. Tonight, I¢m staying in the shelter with Zepher, a section hiker nearing the finish of the AT after 10 years. Tomorrow, I will be hiking to RT 100 near Rutland, VT. Donna is driving up with her mom, Florence, and we plan to meet at the trailhead tomorrow evening. I will be taking a zero on Thursday so we can explore the area and just relax a bit. I¢m really looking forward to the visit. Five weeks is a long time to be apart.
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Winturri Shelter

To: RT 4; Rutland, VT
Miles today: 19.9

I was up early knowing I needed to cover 20 miles to Rutland to meet Donna and Florence. It was another cool morning and, although cloudy, it didn¢t rain. Another good day for hiking. The terrain covered two mountains today. The larger one, Quimby Mountain was only 2600 ft to it was not a real strenuous hike. I am really enjoying the trail here in VT¢¦the climbs are gentle and the rolling hills are beautiful. I flushed out about 25-30 Pheasant along the way today. They are really plentiful in this area and seem to flying out of the brush about every half mile or so.I arrived at the RT 4 crossing east of Rutland around 4 o¢clock and called Donna to see where they were on their trip up. I was about an hour ahead of them so I walked the road east to the Inn at Long Trail and checked in for the evening. I was showered (I¢m sure they appreciated this) when they arrived around 5 pm.We had a very enjoyable evening with dinner in Rutland and relaxing back at the Inn. Tomorrow, I will be taking my first Zero of the southbound trip. I¢m looking forward to the rest.
Date: 2010-09-16
From: RT 4; Rutland, VT

To: RT 4; Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

A very enjoyable Zero today. After enjoying a huge breakfast at the Inn this morning, Donna, Florence, and I drove east past Killington, the town of Woodstock, and visited the Quechee Gorge. It was fun being a tourist for a few hours and the drive over was beautiful.I instantly fell in love with the village of Woodstock. It is a charming little town, well preserved, and quaint in its architecture and ¢the green¢.This afternoon we shopped for a few supplies and new pair of hiking shoes. I¢m now on my third pair so I¢m hoping I can finish with these. Tomorrow, I plan to be on the trail by mid morning beginning the trek over Killington. The forecast is calling for clearing the next several days so I¢m looking forward to better weather while walking the southern part of Vermont.
Date: 2010-09-17
From: Rt 4, Rutland, VT

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early this morning and left the hotel before 8am. Donna and Florence dropped me off at the trailhead around 8:15am. After our good-byes, hugs, pictures, etc., we all headed south ...they went by car :-). It was hard to walk off into the forest leaving them there. Hopefully, Donna and I can meet again in a few weeks. The five week stretch was too long.The weather forecast called for clearing today after last night's rain, but it never happened. There were a few minutes of light and a brief glimpse of sunshine around 2pm. Otherwise, it was a cloudy, dismal day.I hiked over Killington Mountain today which was a good workout after the rest and all the eating the past day and a half. Due to the weather, there were no views so I didn't hang around too long at the top. Instead, I kept going thinking I would get out of the clouds and fog as I came down the mountain... didn't happen.Due to the later than normal start this morning and the wet, muddy trail, I didn't log as many miles today as the recent days here in Vermont. I'm hopeful tomorrow's weather will be better with some sun and dryer trails.I'm turning in early this evening. Sounds like an owl will be keeping me company tonight. It keeps hooting or whatever it is that owls do. The hoots and the rustling water in the stream next to the shelter is all there is... a quiet night in the forest.All is well.
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was a very nice day today with clear skies and sun. The trail was rocky and muddy so I wasn't able to step along as well as I'd like, but it was a nice hike. Being Saturday, there were a lot of day hikers on the trail. It was great to see more people out here and I enjoyed chatting with a number of them.After going through Clarendon Gorge this morning, I climbed Button Hill, White Rocks, and most of the way up Baker Peak. The shelter is near the top. It was a very tiring, but enjoyable day.Tonight I'm staying in a brand new shelter. I can still smell the fresh wood. According to the register, it was just reconstructed as the original was destroyed by fire. Needless to say, I was very careful cooking my dinner keeping my stove away from everything combustible.Tomorrow's route looks to have a few more peaks to climb, then a larger mountain before leveling off. Hopefully, I can get some views from the peaks.So far, I'm really enjoying the walk through Vermont.
Date: 2010-09-19
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Stream at William Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an up and down day with a series of small mountains. I went over Baker Peak, Styles Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Spruce Peak. I had a little difficulty at the top of Bromley Mountain. It is a ski resort and the trail actually comes down one of the slopes. It took me a while to figure this out as it isn't marked very well for south-bounders. All said, none of the climbs were really tough or long, but collectively- they wore me out.Today was a grey day with heavy cloud cover. The forecast was for sun but it never happened. I'm hopeful tomorrow will be better so I can get a view from Stratton Mountain. It will be the last large mountain in Vermont.The weather must have affected the local hikers as I only passed 4 hikers all day... unusual for a weekend. Things will be changing soon as I'm beginning to see the leaves start to change. It will be a while before it peaks but I'm excited about seeing all the foliage as I walk south this next month.Tonight I am camped beside a small stream just north of the William Douglas shelter. I had planned to stay at the shelter, but decided against it when I found this spot by the stream. The shelter is a half mile down a side blue-blaze so I chose to stay closer to the trail. One thing I've learned is that thru-hikers don't walk any further than absolutely necessary when off the trail... we need to conserve the energy :-)
Date: 2010-09-20
From: Stream, William Douglas Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a picture perfect hiking day with cool temperatures and blue skies. It was one of those September days that one savors knowing that it will be a fond memory in a few months.The walk today began with a vigorous climb up Stratton Mountain with views in all directions from the top. I was disappointed to see signs at the foot of the mountain announcing that the fire tower at the summit was being repaired so it would be closed to the public. All the way up I was thinking "Bummer..I want to climb the tower".Well, guess what... the workers didn't show up today. There were no signs, no barricades, no work being done, and no stopping me as I bounded up the stairs. I could bound only because I left that backpack at the bottom :-) Needless to say... great views from up there.After leaving the summit at Stratton, the trail descended over the next 5 miles with smooth treadway so it was a beautiful walk.Things became a little more tough this afternoon with rocks, roots, and that wonderful dark Vermont mud so the progress slowed a little on the climb to the shelter this evening.Tonight, I'm staying at the Kid Gore Shelter with two delightful gentlemen from Maine. Caribou and Gavel are section hikers who have been friends since college and have been hiking the trail for years. They are both retired judges having served in state court in Maine. It was great chatting them this evening and sharing stories from our previous carrers and more importantly, our hikes.The view from the shelter was awesome this evening looking out over the mountains to the east. A near full moon finished off the day with clear skies and the promise of good weather tomorrow.A good day on the trail.All is well.
Date: 2010-09-21
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: VT 9, Bennington, VT
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

We woke early this morning to a beautiful red sky and a mountain sunrise that was awesome. I photographed it, of course, but I doubt I captured it in anything resembling its splendor. It was captivating as I sat watching it while sipping the morning coffee. I was also enjoying my down jacket as it was a brisk 38 degrees this morning. Great sleeping, but hard to climb out of the sleeping bag :-)Everyone was packed early this morning and one by one we hit the trail. I said so long to Caribou and Gavil as they were heading north this morning as my aim was south to Rt 9 and the town of Bennington.I had a short day hiking as I needed to get to town for re-supply, laundry, shower, and eating everything in sight ...the usual town visit.Bennington is a quaint little town and I was able to walk about a mile from the hotel to eat, shop, and take care of everything.I plan to be back on the trail around 7am tomorrow. I will be crossing into Massachusetts sometime tomorrow afternoon. I've enjoyed this past week in Vermont. The Green Mountains are beautiful and the walk at times reminded me of my home state of Virginia. I've really enjoyed the walk.
Date: 2010-09-22
From: VT 9, Bennington, VT

To: Sherman Brook Campsite, MA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I was back on the trail shortly after 7am this morning after getting a ride from the hotel owner. I had a hard climb the first mile up to Hamon Hill. From there, the terrain was rather gentle all day.The trail was deserted today and I met only 3 hikers all day. Unfortunately, two of the northbound section hikers brought me news that changed my plans for the day. I had planned to hike past North Adams to the south so I could camp at the base of Greylock Mountain and be ready to ascend it first thing tomorrow morning. I learned today that camping is prohibited in the area due to the poximity to the resevoir for the town.The news forced a change in my plans so I stopped earlier at the Sherman Brook campsite. It's not a huge deal, but I would have liked to go a few more miles today and be closer to the mountain. As it turned out, I had a lazy day and stopped at 4 o'clock... what a slacker!I finished the trail in Vermont today and I'm now a few miles into Massachusetts. Tomorrow, I will be hiking Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in the state. It appears it is the only substantive mountain I will cross.
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Sherman Brook Campsite, MA

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

I had another perfect weather day for climbing Mt. Greylock today. I got an early start leaving the campsite by 6:30am. I started the day hiking down into the town of North Adams. It is a sleepy little town and I saw about three people out and about as I crossed through town and began climbing the mountain.The cool temperatures and clear blue sky made the climb a little easier as I knew there would be views from the top. I reached the summit around 11am and enjoyed a cold drink and a snack at the Bascom Lodge. The lodge is a very old facility built in the early 1900's using stone and timber from the mountain. I had a very pleasant chat with a couple there who were traveling through and wanted to know about the AT and all about the hike... I think I may convinced them to give it a try :-)I left Greylock before noon and descended gradually over the next 8 miles to the town of Chesire, MA. The trail goes through the residential section of town, then ascends to the Cobbles Outcropping and Crystal Mountain where I'm camped this evening.I saw very little activity on the trail today despite perfect hiking weather. All total, I saw 3 hikers and 2 porcupines. These were the first porcupines I've seen, but I hear they are more prevelent in southern Mass and Connecticut. (Pictures have now been posted from 8/12/10 until 9/21/10, enjoy!)
Date: 2010-09-24
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: Becket Mountain
Miles today: 22.4

Congratulations Kim and Scott!!Our daughter Kimmie is engaged!! Yep, let me say it again... Kim and Scott are engaged!!We just got the news. Well, actually I knew it was coming. Scott called me earlier this week to ask for her hand... a time honored tradition. He would have asked in person, but I'm hard to track down on the trail :-)Donna and I are thrilled with the news and we (well, me) are already asking dates, location, and all that, etc.That's the big news of the day. Everything else seems to pale in comparison, but...I saw two more porccupines today and...I was on the trail at 7am this morning and quickly covered the 5 miles into Dalton, MA. I needed to re-supply so I was in town for a few hours getting everything I need for the next 4 or 5 days. I also managed to have a couple of sodas and a number of snack items while I shopped around.I finally crossed the railroad tracks leaving town around 11am. Once I made the short climb leaving Dalton, the trail was gentle with only a few hills.I stopped for lunch on Warner Mountain enjoying the views and a nice breeze up there today. It was unseasonably warm today with tenperatures in the mid 80's. I Spoke with Donna and she said it was mid 90's in Virginia so I'm not complaining. I've become convinced this flip flop approach allowing me to hike south in the fall is the way to go. Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler with projected highs in the 70's.I went over a series of small hills this afternoon finishing up this evening on Becket Mountain. It is much cooler up here with a nice breeze so I'm hoping to sleep well.
Date: 2010-09-25
From: Becket Mountain

To: Benedict Pond
Miles today: 20.0

The day began where yesterday ended... my mind wrapped in excitement about Kim and Scott's engagement. They are in my thoughts today and I'm anxious to know more about the date, location, and all of that. This hasn't been decided according to Kim, but she may be holding out on us.I'm biased, of course, but they are a great couple and I'm thrilled for them. They both graduated from VA Tech and they are avid, I mean AVID Hokie fans. They were friends for several years... always doing things together, traveling, etc. Donna and I saw how well they enjoyed being together and quietly talked how the friendship might blossom to more. It did! And now we're thinking about wedding plans and all that. Well, actually they're thinking about all those things... I'm supposed to be thinking about finishing the trail :-)So, to that...Today was a long day. It was hot, there were a number of hills, and a shortage of water. It was a little cooler than yesterday, but more exposed to the sun today; especially on some of the climbs. I know, I'm whinning.The scenery was beautiful and the walk around Upper Goose Pond was especially nice. The foliage is changing but it doesn't have the vibrant in color yet. It may be too early or the dry summer may be affecting it. In any case, it is still very nice. I've always liked the fall of the year.A note of concern to me for the coming days and weeks is the shortage of water. Today, I was able to get water from a few ponds as the streams and the springs are mostly dry. I visited two shelters today that had no water.Earlier in the year, trail angels were leaving water at the road crossings, etc for the hikers. I haven't seen any recently but I'm hopeful they will continue as long as it's so dry. There are still a number of southbound hikers on the trail needing water.In the interim, pray for rain. I don't really enjoy hiking in the rain all that much, but it is sorely needed.
Date: 2010-09-26
From: Benedict Pond

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 18.4

A good weather day today with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Today was another day with rolling hills and a few hard climbs mixed in. And, the water situation seems to be worsening. However, I have a great story to tell this evening...This morning as I was climbing up Ice Gulch toward Tom Leonard Lean-to I met about 8 men hiking north. They all stopped to say hello and we bagan to chat. The first fellow and I spoke a minute, then he asked me my trailname. When I told him he offered his hand and told me he was Pilot and he had been following my hike in my journal. We continued to chat and began comparing notes on the available water sources. He wanted me to be aware of all the dry springs and the fact that the Housatonic River is polluted. We continued to talk another few minutes and we all went on our way.A few minutes later I met a man and a lady hiking north as well. We stopped to chat a bit and he asked if I was thru-hiking, etc. and then asked me my name. Upon my reply, he also extended his hand and said he'd been following my progress on Trail Journals as well. Obviously, thing are boring in this area of New England :-) His name is Battle Ax and I apologize as the lady's name escapes me. He asked if I had passed the group of men ahead of them and commented on how pleasant they were and the fact that they are all Scout Leaders. I remembered seeing the Scouting emblem on one of the shirts. We chatted a moment longer and proceeded on our way.The next few hours I reviewed my maps and guide as I walked to determine where I might find water. I decided that if I didn't find any before leaving the Barrington area I would get off the trail and walk toward town knocking on doors of any homes I passed.As I crossed the bridge over the Housatonic and turned right to follow the trail I remembered Pilot's comments about the water. I also saw signd saying the water was polluted, don't eat the fish, etc.   And, I saw something else... by the sign post sat 2 gallons of pure spring water and a note from Pilot;"Quarterpounder, Some fresh water for your walk."My brother Gary was an Eagle Scout. I have a dear friend whose son was an Eagle Scout. I was also a Scout, but never reached the Eagle rank. However, I remember the principles and the creed. Pilot's deed today exemplifies them and I'm sure he is an exceptional Scout Leader. Those young men will witness character.I know some may be thinking it's only water, but it meant a lot to me. Thank you Pilot, my friend.God bless you.
Date: 2010-09-27
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: US 44, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Much needed rain arrived this morning shortly after I started hiking. I'm thankful I was able to break camp and pack before it started.I started the day with a couple of climbs over Mt Everett and Race. These were the two last mountains in Massechusetts. I entered Connecticut shortly before noon. The entry was dramatic with a steep climb up Bear Mountain. Unfortunately, no views today due to the rain and fog. I had a rather short day as I planned to stop in Salisbury. I arrived in town around 1:30pm and went to the Country Bistro for lunch. It is a very small place so I decided to eat outside on the patio despite the light rain as I'm sure I would have brought a new and unwelcomed aroma to the dining area. There were umbrellas on the tables so it wasn't bad out there and I felt better about the whole thing.After lunch, I checked in at Vanesa Breton's house where she offers rooms to hikers. After a shower and finishing my laundry, I went shopping for a few supplies. There is a great little market there called LeBonnes. Not cheap, but great selection. Later, I had dinner at the Tap Room at the White Hart Inn. I didn't want to pay $300 for a room there, but the dinner was reasonable and very good. I had a nice "nero" day and I needed the rest. It felt good lying in bed tonight listening to the rain outside... I will sleep well. Tomorrow, I plan to hit the trail again. It will be raining, but that's OK.
Date: 2010-09-28
From: US 44, Salisbury, CT

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: moderate rain

I got a great night's rest last night and I was happy to be inside a house during all that rain. It rained all night with reports of nearly 2 inches which is great news. I was packed early and on the trail by 7:20am this morning. It continued to rain on and off throughout the day so the progress was slowed a little by the wet rocks and leaves on the trail. The terrain was mostly rolling with no major climbs, but the downhills were treacherous. Surprisingly, there were several hikers out today, all section hikers heading north.I reached the campsite around 5:15pm and quickly pitched the tent while it wasn't raining. I was fortunate to get everything done including dinner while there was a break in the weather. It's raining now, but I'm in the bag and everything is dry.Tomorrow I plan to go into Kent, CT for a mail drop and supplies. Then, I will be pushing for New York on Thursday.
Date: 2010-09-29
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Mt Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 13.9

A light day as I stopped in Kent today for a mail drop and re-supply. Unfortunately, the mail wasn't there so I will not have maps for New York and New Jersey. I don't really need them, but it's nice to know the surrounding area I'm hiking through. The trail guides describe available services, etc. I just like having the maps.Originally, I had planned on going a few more miles today and camping at the next campsite to the south. However, with tropical storm Nicole projected to arrive tonight with 3 or more inches of rain, I decided to stay in the lean-to here at Mt Algo. I don't mind hiking in a downpour but I hate pitching and/or packing the tent in heavy rain...so I'm being a whimp again.The rain will be a blessing as the area is still really dry despite the rain a few days ago. Tomorrow, I plan to cross into New York.
Date: 2010-09-30
From: Mt Algo Lean-to

To: Telephone Poineers Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: moderate rain

Tropical storm Nicole arrived as scheduled today dumping several inches of sorely needed rain. It started raining about 6:30am this morning and rained the entire day. More is forecast for tomorrow. I hit the trail at 7am this morning and, of course, I was soaked within an hour. Fortunately, it was warm today with temps in the 60's so it wasn't bad hiking wet.I left Connecticut and crossed into New York shortly after noon. That's about it for details on the hike today. No views, no photographs, just walking in the rain... all day. Tonight, I'm staying at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter about 10 miles south of the state line. I'm sharing the shelter with Rico and Don. Rico is a southbound flip-flop like me. He is heading to Daleville, VA to finish. Don is doing a short section hike to Deleware Water Gap. It was great having some company tonight as the past several nights on the trail have been solo.