morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: RPH
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Day #92 On The Trail!3 months ago today I set forth from Springer Mountain. Awesome.The weather strayed towards the cool side last night and this morning, which is fantastic. Most of the people who stayed at Graymoor opted to hike back a half mile to get breakfast at the nearby deli, but I decided that it was best to keep moving north.The terrain has gotten remarkably easier in New York after a fairly taxing first few days in the state. And there was a nice bit of trail magic awaiting us up on the top of a hill, where somebody kept a cooler full of cold sodas, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.Later in the day, we hiked down off the trail down to a lake, where there is a concession stand, mostly to fulfill my goal of getting ice cream, making it 7 days in a row where I have enjoyed a frozen treat. Then I took my first midday nap on the trail. It was glorious, and upon waking I found that Sparky and Vegemite had joined us down there.And then we trekked on to the RPH shelter where after a bit of scheming we were able to order a feast of delivered pizza. They gouged us on the price, but made up for it in quality.Tomorrow, we hope to mange a 12 mile day so we can spend the weeknd with A-Game's family and reunite with our friends Blackfoot and Smiley. Plus it seems there I a deli 5 miles down the road. Cheers
Date: 2011-07-15
From: RPH

To: Rte. 55
Miles today: 12.3

Day #93 On The Trail!Today, was a short day, so I will keep things brief. The crew we've been hiking with had big plans for the day, but we all stopped in at another trailside deli for a mid-morning snack. Fantastic. My ice cream streak maintained for another day, holding steady at 8 days in a row.And then we got picked up by A-Game's brother, who had cool drinks for our compadre's. Then we swooped south to pick up Blackfoot and Smiley, whom I hadn't seen in nearly a month. Good times. We are off for the next day, and back on Sunday.Trail Story of the week: Sparkplug ran into Vegemite and proceeded to hike and chat with him for a bit. At the end, Vegemite told her that he appreciated the conversation as he usually hikes alone and converses with his hat, quoted as follows:Vegemite's Hat: Great job getting up that hill Vegemite. You deserve a Snickers bar.Vegemite: You know darn well that I don't have any more Snickers bars.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Pond Eddy

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #95 On The Trail!Today we got back on the trail, but decided that we would only hike 4.5 miles in order to allow Smiley and Blackfoot to catch up with us.I was able to get ice cream at a gas station just before we got on the trail, extending my streak to 10 days. Perfect.Then we took a long break at Nuclear Lake, before getting to camp early whereupon I gathered much firewood for the evening.Tomorrow, we start cranking out the miles again.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Mt. Algo Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #96 On The Trail!Having had a day off, and after taking it slow for a while, we ramped the mileage back up into the 20s today. Connecticut, although short, is provingto be a somewhat challenging state, with some steep climbs and rocky spots.We encountered my first SOBO today, a hiker doing the whole trail who started in Maine. This came just before we crossed the CT state line and the 2/3 completion point. What a celebratory day.We took a nice long break along the Ten Mile River as it started to rain a little bit, on what we anticipated to be a nice sunny day. And then as we went over Mt. Algo it began to pour pretty good.But the sun came back again, and since our campsite was only .3 miles from the road into town, we ventured down and ate some Japanese food. I voluntary resigned my ice cream streak. I couldn't stand the pressure any more I guess.Tomorrow, we walk along the Housatonic River.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: Sharon Mt. Campsite
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: few clouds

Day #97 On The Trail!Things were a little damp and muggy still this morning from yesterday's precipitation. But, the sun quickly came out and dried things off nicely.After a good climb up Caleb's Peak, we dropped down on the, unfortunately, polluted Housatonic River. We followed it for a few miles, and the terrain was nice as well as the views and there was a lovely breeze coming off the water. It would have been a nice day for a swim, but apparently the river still has high levels of heavy metals in it.Then we took 3 breaks in less than 2 miles. One on the river, because it was nice. The second was to get water from a campsite that had a water pump. And then, when we got to the next road we decided to venture a quick attempt at a hitch down to the Cornwall Bridge general store. We got picked up within a minute. So I had some Ben and Jerry's ice cream, no 'streak' strings attatched. Fantastic.The rest of the day proved to be moderately hilly, but we reached camp before 7, just in time to get settled before the resident mosquitos began their evening swarming.Tomorrow, we venture into Salisbury, CT and almost make it into MA.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Sharon Mt. Campsite

To: Brassie Brook Sheter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #98 On TheTrail!Today we all but wrapped things up here in CT. We broke camp at a decent hour, and the hiking went swiftly for most of the morning as we made our way into Salisbury. The hydroelectric plant on the Housatonic had a cold outdoor shower that poved vital in cooling off during the rising heat of the day. And shortly thereafter we were treated to a nice view of a good sized waterfall.Salisbury is a super quaint town, with a slight touristy/retiree feel to it. They have a really nice market, and a library where I found a great chair directly above an a/c vent. Apparently, the library was the first free, tax supported library in the USA.We let the heat of the day pass, and then cruised out of town and up the mountain to a sweet view from the 'lion's head.' And then found a nice cool breezy spot to camp near Brassie Brook.Tomorrow, we climb above 2,000 feet for the first time since VA. And we head into MA. It's supposed to be a hot weekend. Stay cool.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Brassie Brook Sheter

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

Day #99 On The Trail!Bear Mountain, the tallest peak in CT proved to be an easy ascent, but the drop into Sage's Ravine was tricky. But once on the other side, we found ourselves in MA. Cool. 4 states to go.The forecast had called for temperatures in the 90s for the next few days, with 100% humidity. Yikes. The heat and tricky terrain made for some slow miles. We had planned on hiking 23 miles on the day, but upon reaching the road to Great Barrington, we decided it was prudent to beat the heat and head into town, along with our new pal Jellypants.Great Barrington is a very nice town, with a heavy tourist draw. The Travel lodge has a nice swimming pool, and cold a/c. Tomorrow, it's still going to be hot, but should start cooling off into the weekend. Hopefully it's a bit cooler up in the mountains.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Wilcox Mt. Shelter North
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Day #100 On The Trail!Wow. The days are now in the triple digits. Crazy. And also fantastic.Opting to sleep in and take it easy during the second day of the heat wave, we finally hitched out of town around 11. Once we got into the mountains, it was still warm, but at least a bit cooler than it was in the city.We lazily hiked on and off into the evening, taking several nice breaks for water and a quick dip at Benedict Pond. We encountered 2 more southbound thru-hikers, who gave us some good tips on what lay ahead. Thanks buddies.And tonight at the shelter we met mother and father from FL out for 10 days with their 10 year old daughter. It's refreshing to see a child her age out here 'doing it.' Tomorrow we will take another light day to get to the Upper Goose Pond cabin. I hear they have canoes there and that the caretaker cooks up pancakes and coffee for breakfast.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Wilcox Mt. Shelter North

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Day #101 On The Trail!What an exceptionally wonderful day today was. After a bit of a restless night, the allure of Upper Goose Pond goaded me on through the balmy morning.The weather is starting to cool off a bit, but it was still pretty steamy today. Thankfully, we only had 14 miles to trek to reach the AMC cabin, right on a beautiful lake. I went for a swim, took a bucket shower, did some bucket laundry, played euchre, enjoyed many fine snacks courtesy of the caretakers, paddled a canoe, and met some more southbound thru-hikers. Quite a perfect day really, and tonight there are more than 20 hikers staying here.Tomorrow, we hope to cruise into Dalton, where there is rumors of 'the birdcage' hostel. But only after a stop at the home of 'the cookie lady.'Cheers
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day #102 On The Trail!Today was another goodie. Of course, any day that begins with blueberry pancakes can't be all that bad.The southbound hikers we encountered at the cabin informed us about an unofficial hostel in Dalton, MA called the Birdcage, so most of us continuing north set our sights there for the day.The terrain was easier, and the heat had finally backed off a bit, so the hiking was pleasant. 10 miles in, we found ourselves at the cookie lady's house. For the last 20 years or so, she and her husband have been providing free cookies and tenting for hikers. Plus, they have a 'u-pick' blueberry patch charging $2/lb, and she sells hard boiled eggs for $3/dozen. Needless to say, we stayed there for a good while, and I picked 2 pounds of blueberries.Then onward we cruised to Dalton. 6 of us reached the Shell Station, where after a quick phone call, Rob Bird picked us up and took us to his house, with bunks, laundry and free sodas. Upon arriving, we discoverd several familiar faces who were in the middle of taking their second day off at the Birdcage.Rob Bird is an awesome person, saying that he's spent a fair portion of his life helping troubled youth, housing foster children and problem teens. And also smelly hikers.After we cleaned ourselves, Rob ran a few shuttles to the nearby Old Country Buffet and the Wal-Mart. Awesome.Tomorrow, we summit Mt. Greylock, our first climb above 3,000 feet in a long long time.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 16.5

Day #103 On The Trail!Last night there were 19 hikers staying at the Birdcage, and most of us sought a 20 mile day, getting up and over Mt. Greylock, close to the VT border.I got a bit of a later start than most, and enjoyed a long stretch of hiking alone. I ran across 3 southbound hikers, and spent some time chatting with them. One of them, Firemrshall, is the son of the owner of the Applehouse Restaurant in Linden, VA. I told him the story of how his dad gave my friends and me a bunch of free donuts when we visited there back in June, and had told us about his son hiking south. It was cool to finally complete the connection.Then I passed in and out of Cheshire, MA, and began the long climb up Greylock, and felt thankful for the cool weather. However, about 3 miles from the top, I got caught in a growing thunderstorm, and by the time I reached the top, I was completely soaked. So, I stopped in the Bascom Lodge amidst the fog and rain.And then A-Game's parents arrived to take us out for Indian food, so with the temperatures in the low 50s and my clothes totoally soaked, I called it a day and stayed at the lodge for the evening.Tomorrow, we cross under 600 miles to go, and head into Vermont. Three states to go.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Mt. Greylock

To: The Vortex
Miles today: 24.7

Day #104 On The Trail!This morning, after some delicious raspberry muffins, we headed down off Greylock. The clouds lifted as we descended down the mountain, and by the time we reached the bottom, the sun was shining nicely.Having cut the day short yesterday, we were trying to make up 3 miles we had lost, pulling a 20 mile day. And with cooler temperatures prevailing, we were moving along nicely.In the early afternoon we left MA and began Vermont. The first 60 miles of so of the AT in VT are a part of the 240 mile Long Trail that winds all the way up to Canada. Then we saw a porcupine waddling down the trail. It was very cute.Almost as soon as we crossed the border, we began to hear thunder. Just as it started to rain, we passed a side trail to a shelter, and were faced with a decision: wait it out, or press on 7 more miles. We chose to press on, and felt better about our decision once we passed a group of 20 teenagers who were racing down to the shelter.Then it rained for at least an hour, but when it broke I found myself sitting in the sun next to a beautiful beaver pond. So, I aired my stuff for a bit, before heading to the next shelter. When we got there, another large group of teenagers were dominating the area. With this less than ideal situation, we decided to head 4 more miles into Bennington, where wehad heard rumors of a free place to stay called the Vortex.We got an easy hitch, thanks to Jim. And, with a bit of luck and investigation, we discovered the Vortex. Chris and Arla are two artsy people who allow hikers to stay in their barn/game room, have showers, use the internet, and cook in their kitchen. What a fortunate turn of events. Tomorrow, we only have to hike 14 miles. Perfect.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-27
From: The Vortex

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #105 On The Trail!Bennington was a great little town, full of coffee shops, book stores, small markets and brick buildings. Our hosts provided us bicycles, so we cruised the town, did laundry, had breakfast, went to a reclaimed goods store for resupply, and then got a hitch out of town.It was a steep climb to get back into the mountains. Vermont is proving to be both challenging and beatiful. It feels like we are finally back in the wilderness. Then the rest of the day pretty much breezed by, as we worked out way up to the top of Glastenbury Mountain, where the firetower offered an epic panoramic view of the area. Gorgeous.Tomorrow, we plan to do more miles so we can ease into Manchester Center on Friday morning. I hear that there are moose in this part of the country.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: William P. Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #106 On The Trail!Today was another great day in the mountains. A few hours into the morning, we came across some SOBOs leaving camp, and enjoyed a nice exchange of thoughts and experiences for a bit.Then onward toward Mt. Stratton, the only substantial climb of the day, which proved to be relatively easy. At the top of the mountain, which is almost 4,000 feet, stands another firetower, offering exquisite views in all directions. And then we dropped down to Stratton Pond, an alpine lake reminiscent of the ones back in Washington state.Vermont is also very muddy, and the rest of the day was spent navigating over bog bridges, streams and mud pits. But the shelter for the evening had an awesome piped spring, and I got a roaring fire going as we passed the evening entertained by conversation from Bean Pole and Do What.Tomorrow, on to Manchester Center and it's notoriously lovely hostel.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-29
From: William P. Douglas Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

Day # 107 On The Trail!Today, we pulled a short day into Manchester Center, with the intention of staying the night at the Green Mountain Hostel. Manchester Center is a cool little town with a wide mix of stores, from Gucci to a small independent natural food stores. The big draws in town are the two outfitters. EMS allows hikers to store their packs in the doorway, which was nice. So we saw a bunch of people we knew, and I bought a mosquito net and some new shoes, which will hopefully get me through the remaining 540 miles.Then Jeff picked us up and took us to his awesome hostel. Sparing too many details, it is the best hostel on the trail for the money. I cut my hair, shaved my face clean, had a shower, did laundry and ate a pint of Vermont's own Ben & Jerry's.Tomorrow, we begin to head towards New Hampshire.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Manchester Center

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #108 On The Trail!Today, our party of four opted to be on the latest (9:30) shuttle back to the trail, planning on a relatively shorter day.The trail slowly wound it's way up Bromley Mountain, a peak replete with observation deck and stunning views, once again, of the Vermont mountains.At one point, we passed a lady headed south, hiking the Long Trail. She informed us that the trail ahead of us was 'just a walk.' Phew. Thanks.Eventually we found ourselves down at camp, a bit on the early side, and we proceeded to enjoy a long fire and I strung up my new bug net for the first time. It seems that it will suit my needs perfectly.Tomorrow, 18 miles, setting ourselves up for a drop into the northern trail town of Rutland.Cheers
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Day #109 On The Trail!Today was just a walk really. Early on in the day, we paused at Little Rock Pond, yet another lovely spot here in the north. I skipped a few stones with some success before moving onward.The weather has been mostly perfect in Vermont, with highs in the 70s. Awesome. I took a sitting nap by a stream after refilling my kanteen and, feeling much refreshed, surged up and over the next few hills to find myself at a great shelter campsite. It even had a mirror, flower boxes, and enough firewood to last until morning.Tomorrow, we are Rutland bound with the mighty Mt. Killington as our only roadblock. We shall persevere.Cheers
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 16.4

Day #110 On The Trail!I've learned that some people say 'rabbit, rabbit' on the first day of the month. Something to do with good luck I guess. So today, I said 'donkey, donkey' as we greeted the new day. We'll see what happens.Early in the day we passed a sign that read "500 Miles to Katahdin." Great celebration ensued.Then our path took us straight to the top of Killington, the second highest peak in the state of VT. It was even a bit chilly up top, as we enjoyed the view with several day hikers.And then down we went, where we got picked up and taken in by A-Game's friends, who fed us fine foods and let us take care of our hygenic needs. Good times.Tomorrow, we begin the road to NH, hoping to be in Hanover early Thursday.Donkey, Donkey
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Rutland, VT

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Day #111 On The Trail!We awoke this morning to an awesome feast of blueberry coffee cake, oj, and scrambled eggs. Thanks so much Chen family for your exceptional hospitality.We started hiking around 9:30, and Laurel Chen came with us for the first 7 or so miles as we finally veered off of the Long Trail and headed directionally toward NH. We passed Gifford Woods state park, walked along the lake for a bit, and passed a nice waterfall. Shortly after we summitted Quimby Mt., we realized that we had crossed over the 1,700 mile mark. Yeehaw.I had been tipped off about a cabin that would serve as a good campsite, except for the fact that the nearest water was more than 2 miles away. We stopped for a late break there anyways, and enjoyed the view for a bit.At the shelter we met several more southbound hikers, one of whom had hiked a strawberry-rhubarb pie 4 miles up from the farm/pie stand on the next road north. As he proceeded to thoroughly enjoy it while we dined on our usual slop, we quickly developed our morning breakfast plans.Cheers
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 17.5

Day #112 On The Trail!At the end of my sixteenth week on the trail, I've decided that I will be aiming to finish my hike on September 1st. Let the countdown begin. Crazy.Boy. Today was a lovely day. Even though we were in what seemed to be super rural territory, we feasted constantly on food bought along the way. The four of us made our way down to the On The Edge farm stand for breakfast, and efficiently devoured 2 whole pies, one strawberry-rhubarb and one blueberry-peach. I also enjoyed a fine Vermont maple soda. And though the terrain was tricky, the day proved to be increasingly rewarding. At another road, it was a short walk to the Cloudland Farm Market, where we enjoyed some local organic ice cream in the middle of the day. The ginger flavor proved to be the best.And then we found ourselves in a vast patch of wild blackberries and raspberries. Delicious.Then to cap it all off, we ended up tenting in West Hartford at Steve the signmaker's place. He lives conveniently down to road from the town deli. So, after an evening feast, we wandered back to Steve's place where we enjoyed a nice campfire before bed. Thanks.Tomorrow, we cross the Connecticut River and into NH. 2 states to go.Cheers
Date: 2011-08-04
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Day #113 On The Trail!(28 Days To Go)Today, we waltzed into Hanover, fueled by promises of free pizza, bagels, coffee an other goodies provided by the businesses of this trail town.Once in town, we took a moment to plot our movements, and to throw the frisbee on the Dartmouth green. Then the rest of the day was a whirlwind of getting mail, buying socks, resupplying, meeting all kinds of new hikers, eating Indian food, sending a stinky shirt home, organizing and general chaos.Thankfully, A-Game's brother has a friend in town who whisked us away to his cute manor in the hillside where we were able to rest easy for a bit. He also made us some stellar pesto pasta. Thanks Marcus and Lindsay.Tomorrow, we begin to approach the formidable White Mountains. Bring it on!Cheers
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Day #114 On The Trail!(27 days to go)This morning, our gracious host Lindsay made waffles and sausage for us, before dropping us off at the trailhead. Thanks again friend.For the past few weeks, we had been seeing most of the same people on the trail, but upon arriving in Hanover we found a whole new group of hikers who had lingered in town for a bit. So, the trail was a bit more crowded than usual.About halfway into the day, we found out that a good percentage of the water sources listed in our guide book for the next 20 miles or so had gone dry. But, being the saavy thru-hikers that we are, we found a way to keep going.Tonight at the shelter, there are close to 15 people, most of whom are new faces to me.Tomorrow, we get to meet the ice cream man.Cheers
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Day #115 On The Trail!(26 days to go)Our first goal for the morning was to make it to the ice cream man's house, mostly because he allows hikers to come and get water at their leisure. When he is home, he gives them ice cream.Bill is a former Harvard professor, and a delightful gentleman. He brought us each an ice cream sandwich, then brought out a tray of coffee for the four of us, and even tried to lure is into playing a game of croquet.But, we had some miles to do and a couple of good climbs to conquer, so we pressed on after we finished our treats. New Hampshire is proving to be a more challenging state than any we have seen in the last few months. But the views have been nice, and today we were above 3000 feet a few times.Tonight we seem to have temporarily outrun the Hanover exodus hiker bubble. Tomorrow we knock off our first major climb of the White Mountains: Moosilauke, elevation 4800 feet. Cheers