morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Auburn, Mass Ramada Inn

To: St. Andrews Episcopal Church
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to count one of my six days off for the wedding as a zero day. Spent the day driving and being driven. Placed two caches and then drove to Graylock Community Club to leave my truck. Parrothead met me there and drove me back south to Kent, CN where I am spending the night at the church rectory building. There are about six hikers here sleeping on the floor. I'll catch a hitch to Bull's Bridge where I left off a week ago.Had a nice wedding celebration, but I am ready to resume. Knee is better, although I am still aware of it. A trip to the doctor resulted in a better knee brace and some prescription anti-inflammatory. No damage to the knee itself, just tendonitis.Happy New TrailsP.S. I must mention the excellent service from Big Agnes, the sleeping system people. I fortunately discovered, while at my brother's that the pad would not hold air. The valve seemed to have stripped threads. Not something fixable with the repair kit. On to the internet. Got the phone number. Called. New pad was on its way that afternoon. No charge and a prepaid shipping label for return of the old pad. That's service. Thanks Big Agnes.
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Bulls Bridge Road

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Had a warm hike today. Used a lot of water. Don't know if it was the weather, or the layoff, but the hiking was slow today.About a mile or so before the shelter, I took a little swim in the river. Very refreshing. Two women thru-hikers just came in, Snort and Clover, from Canada just as the rain started.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Stewart Hollow Shelter

To: Mountainside Cafe Cabins
Miles today: 16.2

Long hot day with a lot of climbing. Over 4000 ft of up and downs. At the Mountainside Cafe Cabins. Passed and was passed by Snort & Clover all day. Had a little trail magic at the end of the day. Fellow was passing out oranges and gave me a short lift to the cabins.Must sign off. Almost forgot to do the entry for today.Hot Trails
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Mountainside Cafe Cabins

To: Brassie Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 14.8

What a difference a day makes. Or rather, what a difference a change in the weather makes.Yesterday was an almost 11 1/2 hour struggle in the heat. Today was at least 10 degrees cooler, no solar load and almost 1000 foot less of climbing. It was a 10 hour day including a two hour break in Salisbury, CT for lunch and a library Internet visit. It did rain for several hours but it kept things cool.I am really liking Connecticut. The trail is reasonable and they don't run you over every rock pile. When there is a rock climb, there is something to see. The view from Lion's Head was one of the best I've seen.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to

To: Lantern House Motel, Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Stopped at Rt. 7 and had a pickup from the motel owner who I called. Three significant climbs today and some good views. Sunny but not too hot. Last night was cool enough to sleep in the bag. The bug bivy that I got keeps the mosquitos off and is usable in the shelter.Left Connecticut behind and entered Massachusetts. The descent into Sages Ravine is very steep and I managed to slip and smack my head on a log. Didn't break the skin, but did raise a goose egg. Very slow going early due to the rocky climbs and descents. After getting down to the flatter terrain, I was able to cover the last eight miles in four hours.Beautiful waterfall in Sages Ravine.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Lantern House Motel, Great Barrington, MA

To: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

A cool damp day. Sort of tried to rain all day, but never seriously did so. Still makes for wet rocks and a need for caution.Since I couldn't get a commitment from the motel owner for a early ride back to the trail, I just called a taxi rather than try to hitch.With a solid cloud cover, it is amazing how dark it was in the woods, particularly, in the hemlock groves with open forest floor - no undergrowth.Met several new folks today. A retired fellow named Gadget was slack packing with his wife meeting him with the vehicle. He is almost done with the AT over several years. We hiked together for several miles. He is an electrical engineer and worked on the South Texas Nuclear Project at Bay City. So he knew who Celanese was.Met my first southbound (sobo) thru-hikers. One was Bo Jangles and I missed the other one's name. They started May 27 from Mt. Katahdin. I asked them about the black flies, and they said they were pretty bad. They said they had head nets, but still that doesn't cover everything and how do you eat.There is a section hiker, Jesse, here in the shelter tonight. He is going to go do the John Muir Trail next month. We've had a nice conversation about that and gear and AT hiking.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Interesting piece of trail today. Some parts were very easy and some parts were reminiscent of Pennsylvania with rocks that battered the feet. Also, had a few blueberries right off the bush that were really delicious.At the Upper Goose Pond Cabin for the night. There are at least twelve hikers here. The suggested donation is $3. There are caretakers here and there is to be pancakes in the morning.It rained last night about as much as it had all day. Still have to be cautious on the rocks.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6

There was a full house at the cabin last night. And at breakfast there were at least 15 hikers. They couldn't make the pancakes fast enough. Some of them were talking about going to a Sunday all-you-can-eat (AYCE) brunch near the next road crossing. Heard later that it was not open. Bummer.Today was a nice cool, mostly sunny day. There was a 900 foot climb early and then the rest was a ridgewalk at 1600 to 2000 foot elevation. Encountering more trail covered by tree roots. Understand Maine has a lot of this. It beats your feet up almost as bad as rocks but not quite.The Cookie Lady was not home (on vacation) which I knew, but I stopped to get water. Picked up my second cache of this section plus Parrothead had arranged a stash of Gold Bond powder, hydrocortisone cream and some shorts. The new hiking pants from REI are not working - chafing badly. I've basically been hiking in my long john pants the past several days to obtain some relief.Also have the new pair of Bite sandals on. I sent the old ones to the company with some specific recommendations for improvements, if they really want to make a hiking sandal. They are pretty good already, especially with the toe guard. I have had many other hikers comment and ask questios about the sandals in the last few days.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Kay Wood Lean-to

To: Bascom Lodge, Mt Greylock
Miles today: 20.0

Was alone last night at the Kay Wood Lean-to. It has a nice loft in the front overhang of the roof. Slept up there with all my gear in case the porcupines show up. They will chew anything that has salt in it which describes everything I have.Everyone else had gone into Dalton to camp in Tom Levardi's yard (and hit the bar). A shelter with a privy beats camping to me.Got an early start by skipping breakfast. Wanted to be hiking by 6 a.m., but got rolling by 6:15. Stopped at Tom's house in Dalton for water, leave some trash and get rid of some extra food in the hiker box. My pack was too heavy. Things have been adding in as I go. Going to have to do a clean out at the next resupply.I then had a very nice breakfast at a deli/restuarant with Cuss, Truckin' and Paparazzi and went by the post office which had the only pay phone around to make some calls. Hiked to Cheshire, had a root beer float and made calls.I was then planning on hiking part way up Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, and staying at the Mark Noepal Lean-to. When I got there I found there was no water. I had about a quart of water, so I could have not cooked and remained there. There was a couple who were staying.Instead I hiked the remaining 3.3 mles and 750 foot climb to the summit in record time, just because I was annoyed. So it turned out to be an inadvertent twenty mile day with almost 5000 feet of climbing. Hiking day was thirteen hours but two and a half of that were the two breaks.I now have a room at Bascom Lodge right on the summit. The guy running the place rustled up some left over dinner for me. There are pancakes in the morning. Knee feels o.k. considering the day. Very sleepy. Off to bed.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Bascom Lodge, Mt Greylock

To: Redwood Motel, North Adams, MA
Miles today: 6.3

After yesterday's unintended twenty miler, I only had 6.3 to do to get to my truck. Took my time as there were some steep downhills, but still I was done by 1 p.m. - less than four hours. When I left my truck at the Greylock Community Club, I wasn't sure how far off the trail that was. As it turned out it was only a tenth of a mile. Can't get better than that for a good place to park the truck.This morning Bascom Lodge breakfast wasn't until 8:30. Worth waiting for as it was the full deal. Pancakes, sausage, hash browns, fruit plate, juices, banana bread, tea and coffee. And this was supposed to cost $6, but I got charged $4 when I checked in last night. I think the hiker hunger is beginning to kick in. When I got to my brother's two weeks ago I had lost 27 pounds from when I started. I'm curious what it is now.At the Redwood Motel for the next two nights to get set up for the next section.Doing the usual chores, like laundry, and making phone calls, visiting the library to check email. Tomorrow is a zero day and the shuttle is set up for Thursday morning.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Redwood Motel, North Adams, MA

To: Redwood Motel
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day in North Adams preparing for the next section. Visits to the library, post office, outfitters, store, etc. It was actually raining quite hard for a time this morning, so I dodged that bullet again. Gave a ride to Cuss who was hitching into the post office in Williamstown for a package.Driving to Hanover early tomorrow morning dropping off caches on the way. Meeting the shuttler William Cox for a ride back to here. Hope to be hiking by noon.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: North Adams, Rt 2

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Drove to Hanover and left caches along the way. William Cox met me and drove me back to North Adams. A trip of well over 100 miles. When I asked him what I owed him, he said nothing. He requested that a contribution be made to the AT conference for land acquisition. I will be more than happy to do so. I was able to get on the trail by just after 1 p.m.The climb out of North Adams was about 1700' and then it was a ridge walk. The shelter has five hikers. There are about four tenters and a family of five just came in and are looking for a camp site. Got up early to drive and got to bed late, so I am off to bed.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-18
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nanheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: mist

Had some rain toady. The first time on the trail in awhile. The steep climb down and up from Rt. 9 wasn't too bad since there were rock steps much of the way.The shelter is quite full tonight. There is a group of high school girls from a summer camp. There are a number of others who are tenting. Not much else to report. Need to get to bed.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Melville Nanheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

It is definitely cooler in the mountains. I was able to sleep zipped up in the sleeping bag very comfortably. Today is cool and sunny and the hiking was fairly easy.Made a lunch stop at the Goddard Shelter and then another 0.3 miles up was the fire tower at the top of Glastenberry mountain. The view was the best of the trip. This was a 360 degree view and very clear so the mountains were visible all around.Have been traveling along with Fish, Two Paws, and Footslogger so we have been in the shelters together.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

The bugs have been easy. Haven't used the bug bivy the last two nights. Someone said it was in the mid-40's last night. Very cozy in the sleeping bag.Had another 1700 foot climb today to the top of Stratton Mountain for another spectacular 360 degree view from the fire tower. Also got a reminder of why the winter gear will be needed above treeline in the Whites. As soon as you climb above the treetops on the firetower stairs, a very stiff and cold wind would hit you. The top was enclosed so you could stay on top.After coming down off the mountain we arrived st Stratton Pond. Everyone took a swim. After the initial shock it was nice - for a short time. It will suffice in lieu of a shower.The shelter here is an enclosed cabin with a door and a stove that could be used in winter. Lot of room for the eight hikers who are here. Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left early this morning before anyone else got out. That is very unusual. I hiked out to the road, about three miles and hitched into Manchester Center for breakfast and a stop at the supermarket. I was back on the trail in a little over two hours.Met up with Felipe, who was on his first day out, and we hiked together. Rain has been predicted for over several days, but it held off until after we were in the shelter. Then it poured and thundered. Very nice to be in the shelter and watching the rain come down.Creature, a southbound thru-hiker, went through Felipe's pack and really helped him lighten up.We have five here in the shelter tonight. The caretaker came by to collect the $6 fee. Some steep climbs today, but the trail way wasn't too outrageous.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

Rained some and blew during the night. Just as I got up this morning it started to rain again. We all kind of waited around to see if it would let up. Sitting in yesterday's damp clothes, I got chilled and started to shiver. So I stripped and got back into my sleeping bag and warmed back up.The rain did let up and three of us started out together. Eric, a young man, and Bob, and I. There was a nasty rock climb that we bypassed on the bad weather trail. Today certainly qualified.Bob is an ex-tax accountant and now a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics at Tufts. Interesting fellow that I will keep in touch with. Bob and Eric are doing the Long Trail before returning to school.The day actually turned out fairly nice. The sun came out in the afternoon. We are still supposed to have a few days of off and on showers.I had been having thoughts of trying to make Hanover by Saturday to get to the post office as I have several packages arriving. It would have required doing two 20 milers in a row. The late start today sort of blew that plan away.So now I'll back off a bit, try to get in Sunday and hit the post office first thing Monday.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Governor Clement SHelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Right on schedule, at 10 minutes to 5 this morning, it began to rain again. Everytime it slacked off a little and I would think about getting up, it would give a burst of rain. Finally got up and out on the trail by 8 a.m.The official mileage for today is 14.6, but I know it was longer than that. There was a new relocation that I know had to be longer and turned a less than 600 foot climb into a climb of more than 1000 feet.At Vermont Rt. 103 there was a restaurant a half mile west, the Whistle Stop Restaurant. I was planning on stopping for lunch with the attached road walk. However, a very nice trail angel named Ernie was shuttling people back and forth so I got a ride both ways. Apparently he does this regularly. Eric showed up and we had large lunches. Big climb tomorrow but shorter day to the Inn on the Long Trail. Off to bed at 8:20 p.m.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Governor Clement SHelter

To: Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 10.6

Today started out with a 2000 foot climb up Killington Peak. I skipped the final, steep 0.2 side trail to the very top. There was no chance of seeing anything with the mountains in clouds. It sort of tried to rain all day while hiking, so it was poncho time, mainly was a pack cover.I had already decided to stop at the Inn on the Long Trail. The prospect of a hot shower, a bed, laundry to get the mud out and dry out and Irish pub food was too good to miss. I started at 7 a.m. and reached Rt.4 at 1 p.m. That is also where I had my second cache.All this turned out to be a good call, as it rained hard late this afternoon. There are many hikers here, including a contingent of south-bounders. Tomorrow and Saturday doesn't mention rain.Muddy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Inn at the Long Trail

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

The day turned out pretty decent. After breakfast at the Inn (part of the room deal), got going at 8 a.m. There were grey low hanging clouds even though the weather forecast didn't call for any rain. It did clear off, but thundered this afternoon.Had a 1400 foot climb later in the day. Was to the shelter by 2:20 p.m. The next shelter is 9.9 miles away, so no way to go on for me.Kent Pond was a very pretty site. Paused for a few minutes.The shelter has six hikers here including the ridge runner. Fish, Footslogger and Two Pa have caught up and the last one in is Iron Toothpick.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Cloudland Shelter
Miles today: 19.7

Today was a tough day. It became evident why when I looked at the altimeter logbook on the watch - 6000 foot of ascent and decent. The most that I recall. The trail footing was pretty good. Not too rocky or rooty. But William Cox is right. Eastern Vermont you are either going up or down, sometimes quite steeply. It was also a bit warm and water consumption was high to try to compensate for all the sweating.Since the AT split off from the Long Trail the shelters and spacing has resumed being a problem. It was either go 9.9 miles or 19.7 miles if you want to be in a shelter. Otherwise it is camp out time.This shelter doesn't show on the official AT list. It is a private effort by some nearby friends of hikers.Very tired. Still have about 17 miles to do tomorrow into Hanover, NH.Up & Down Trails
Date: 2003-07-27
From: Cloudland Shelter

To: Super 8 Motel, White River Jct., VT
Miles today: 16.4

Thank goodness for Rick and Tina's Country Store and Snack Bar in West Hartford, VT. After yesterday's tough day, I was dragging right from the start. The Country Store is right on the trail as you pass through West Hartford. Every hiker was there partaking of the opportunity. After a full breakfast, quart of milk and a Pepsi, I felt much better. The trail was pretty smooth and the last two miles into Hanover, NH, was a road walk.Stopped at Ben & Jerry's in Hanover. Not sure what is so special about their ice cream. Then on to the parking lot to get my truck. Now at the Super 8 motel and a zero day tomorrow.Not sure what piece to plan on next. Depends on some phone calls about shuttles.Happy Motel Trails
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Super 8 Motel, White River Jct., VT

To: Super 8 Motel
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day with the usual chores. All my packages were at the post office. I have seen numerous people at the p.o. be disappointed. That can sure mess up your plans.Just going to do a four day stint before meeting up with the truck this time, so no need to do caches. Wanted to be closer to the Whites and assess timing and conditions before venturing up there and trying to get reservation space at the huts.On the internet today I checked the weather on top of Mt. Washington. It apparently had been foggy but ok earlier. Today the temperature at Mt. Washington was just under 40 degree F with 64 mph winds and a 25 degree F wind chill. Take the winter gear, folks.My right knee (the other one) has started to act up as of yesterday. Another reason for a short stint.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Super 8 Motel

To: Moose Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

I had a shuttle today from Kinsman Notch, where I left my truck, back to Hanover. The kind person is Jean Ackers, a sking friend of my sister-in-law. Fairly easy hike today with a smooth trail and a few climbs.The shelter has three old guy hikers and a group of ten girls from some camp that are going to have to camp.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Moose Mtn. Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a bit warm, and a long day with 5500 feet of climb. Shades of things to come. The view from the firetower on Smarts Mtn. was another 360 degree spectacular. Just a heck of a climb to get there.The shelter tonight is actually hexagonal, and Mt. Cube is the next climb. Hence the name. I understand that the privy is a pentagon, although I haven't seen it yet. Here with the other two section hikers from last night and two southbound thruhikers, Cub and Whisper. The two section hikers have been doing the AT piece by piece since 1991 and have three more years to go. Also met Gadget again today, the vehicle supported day hiker. Also met two NOBO (Northbound)thrus yesterday. Rest Step and Beekeeper who started mid-March.Off to bed at 8:30 p.m. Tomorrow should be a bit easier.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 14.7

Had five hikers in the shelter last night. Had a fairly easy day today into the hostel. The trail was not too bad.Tomorrow is the first big climb into the White's above treeline.The hostel here is also the home to Moonbow Gear. I had them make the poncho/pack cover/tarp that I am carrying.Lots of folks here and interesting conversation. Will go into town for some food later.The food run was made. They call in the orders and go get it and return to the hostel. A feeding frenzy then ensues. I had a 12" pizza with toppings. No problem wiping that out.Happy Hostel Trails
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH

To: Jean Akers Home
Miles today: 9.5

I am presently at the home of Jean Akers, a very nice lady who is a skiing friend of my brother's wife. Warm, dry and out of the rain.Today was a short, but intense hike over the first of the White Mountains. I was out before 6:30 in hopes of beating the rain. Didn't work out. The agenda was real simple. Climb 3700 feet in 5.7 miles to above treeline for the first time. Then descend very steeply for 2900 feet. It started raining just as I was getting to the top.The descent has places where wooden steps are set in the rock face and even rebar for hand holds. The book says can be dangerous in icy or wet conditions. No kidding? I went very slowly and carefully all the way down. No mishaps, but the knees are sore from the long descent. It had taken me three and a half hours going up and over three hours to come down. Got a hitch down to Mike Lannon's house and got my truck.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Jean Akers Home

To: Jean Akers Home
Miles today: 0.0

Very nice to stay at Jean's place. Took a zero to try and figure out if I could get reservations at the AMC huts and work out the schedule for getting thru the Whites.Jean and I had been planning on hiking for three days from Gorham to Grafton Notch thru Mahoosuc Notch. However, she had a knee injury from last month. She tried a test hike today and it did not go well. So we had to cancel the plan. Bummer.Jean did help me out with shuttles. Took my truck to Pinkham Notch and left it in the AMC lot.Have to resume tomorrow as my first AMC hut reservation is tomorrow night.Happy Trails