morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Stewart Hallow Brook Shelter

To: Hitching Post Motel, CT 4, Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

I got up early and packed quickly. As I hiked out of the tenting area I wished Luigi luck and touched base with all the newbie hikers and reminded them all to stay hydrated. The newbie campsites looked more like REI garage sales. No wonder their packs were huge!The AT followed the river for about 2 miles. Again, white blazes were few and far between. Then the climb started. It was a tough climb, and I was glad I was getting it done early in the morning after a good night's sleep.Before I knew it I was at CT 4, the road to Cornwell Bridge! I started walking down the road towards town. It was not far, and I am not keen on hitchhiking alone. My first stop was the Citgo station for ice cream and Diet Coke. Next stop was the Package Store for an AT passport stamp and a free beer. Then on to the motel for a shower and to see about getting my clothes washed. My resupply box was also waiting for me there. I have a love/hate relationship with the resupply boxes. It is nice to get them, but they also make my pack very heavy, at least until I eat some of the food.After cleaning up and getting my clothes washed I headed to the Cornwall Country Market for something to eat. To my surprise I found one of the 3 newbie guys, the one who was struggling yesterday. He decided to get off the trail. I invited him to join me, and while we were eating, the remaining 2 newbie guys decided to get off the trail too. I returned to the motel to work on my pack and rest. The AT is calling. After at least 1 zero, I will be back.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Hitching Post Motel, CT 4, Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Hitching Post Motel, CT 4, Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept in until 7. What a treat! Then I went through my pack AGAIN to see if there is anything else I can send home to reduce my pack weight. I stopped by a flyfishing outfitter to find a different, more effective bug spray. I mailed a box home. Then I stopped at the Cornwall Country Market for something to eat. I spent the rest of the day working on my trail journal.The weather was beautiful, cooler and less humid. I wish I was hiking. But I know I need to take a break. I am hoping my left foot will get better. My trail buddy Joy recommended Arnica gel, and I am trying it.The AT is calling. I am anxious to hike especially given the great weather, but first I may take just 1 more zero.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Hitching Post Motel, CT 4, Cornwall Bridge

To: Hitching Post Motel, CT 4, Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I still felt tired, and I did not get my trail journal all caught up. I also wanted to give my foot another day to heal. So I took another zero.Once again I went to the Cornwall Country Market for food, and then spent the rest of the day resting my foot and working on my trail journal entries.The AT is calling. I will be back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Stealth Camping North of the Missing Bridge 

To: stealth Camping North of Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

The rain started during the night and continued into the morning. I hate to set up or take down my tent in the rain. It was not supposed to last all day, so I decided to roll over and sleep a while longer until the rain passed. Unfortunately the rain lasted a few hours longer than predicted, so I got a very late start on the trail.Once on the trail I had a steady but fairly easy climb and descent. The trail offered several beautiful views of fields and lots of the rock walls I love. I was really enjoying the hike.At about 5:30 p.m I noticed it seemed to be getting really dark. At first I thought it was because of the thick tree canopy. Then I realized another storm was coming. The wind picked up and the temperature started to drop. I checked the weather on my phone. Sure enough, a band of storms was fast approaching. I found a nice flat spot to pitch my tent near one of the lovely rock walls. I had just enough time to get the tent set up and my dinner made before the storm hit. I was glad to be warm and dry inside my tent. But I was disappointed I did not get more miles done.The AT is calling. I will be glad to answer the call but first rain, rain go away!
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Stealth Camping North of Salisbury CT

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain continued into the morning. It must have been quite a storm. I woke to find slugs every where! They were on my tent, on my rain fly, under the rain fly, and even between the tent and foot print. It was a little weird opening my eyes in the morning and finding the little critters stuck everywhere - especially over my head.I carefully flicked all the slimey little critters off the tent, fly, and foot print. I did not want to accidentally roll one up with the tent and crush it, which would have made a terrible mess. I knew a climb with a view was coming up fairly quickly. I decided I would dry out the tent and eat breakfast up on the ridge. I also had clothes to dry. After hiking all day my clothes are usually soaked with sweat at the end of the day. I try to wear the clothes while I set up camp at might so my body heat dries them. But last night when the temperature started to drop I had to change out of the wet clothes to prevent getting chilled. So the clothes were still wet. I put on my spare clothes and packed the wet ones close to the top of my pack.Sure enough, after my climb up Lions Head there was a nice ridge with exposed rock viens. I dug out all my wet clothes and wet tent parts and layed everything out on the rocks to dry while I ate breakfast and enjoyed the beautiful view. This beats a laundromat any time, and everything dried very quickly. The down side is that it takes time away from hiking, and everyone who comes by gets to see all my dirty laundry, including my granny panties and bra. On the trail you just have to accept the fact that there is very little that is kept private.I briefly stopped at the Riga Shelter, where I had hoped to stay the night before until the storm hit. As noted in the AT guide, the view from the shelter was absolutely beautiful. I also stopped briefly at the Brassie Brook Shelter. It was the only shelter in CT that I saw that did not have the porcupine gap.I had a somewhat tough climb up and over Bear Mountain. Unlike the Bear Mountain in NY, there were no beautiful rock steps either up or down the mountain. On the top, there was a very crudely built rock tower, which was more like a pile of rubble.According to the AT guide I crossed into MA somewhere during the descent from Bear Mountain. I hoped to make it to the Laurel Ridge Campsite, but decided to stop at the Sages Ravine campsite instead. I was pretty beat after Bear Mountain, and the Sages Ravine area was absolutely beautiful.   The forest and trail smoothed out, and then I saw the brook with the moss covered rocks and ferns. It looked like a scene out of a children's story book. The camping area was also nice with good water, a privy, and a bear box. I set my tent up on a platform, had dinner, and then talked for a while with a ridge runner staying in the campground before going to bed.The AT is calling. I cannot wait to see more of the Sages Ravine area in the morning.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2

I was the first one up and out of the shelter. Packing up goes so much faster when I do not have to deal with taking down a dewy or rain soaked tent. Initially it was going to be a nice day, but rain was predicted for early afternoon. I wanted to get in as many miles as possible before the humidity and rain set in.The AT guide mentioned "Ledges", which I was afraid would be walking out on the rocky edge of a mountain top again. Fortunately it was just exposed rock veins on the ridgeline. I was SO relieved! I also saw lots of the rock walls that I love. Sometimes the AT ran along side the walls, and sometimes the AT took us over the walls.Gray Goat and I kept leap froging along the trail. (His legs are longer, so he can hike faster. But I catch up and pass him when he takes breaks.) I skipped past the Mt. Wilcox South shelters. The Mt. Wilcox North shelter is .3 miles off the AT, so I skipped it too. But I noticed a sign at the turn off for the shelter warning of bear problems at the shelter. (One more reason not to go there!)The humidity was building all day. The mosquitoes were also terrible. I was hoping to make it to the campsite before the rain hit, but it did not work out that way. As Gray Goat and I were descending into the gap the rain hit - about an hour early. It was a torrential downpour, making the trail one long down hill muddy slip and slide. And it became very dangerous. Fortunately neither of us fell, although we came close.About the time we reached the Shaker Campsite the rain stopped. But the mosquitoes were out with a vengeance. We quickly pitched our tents on the platforms, hung our wet clothes to dry, made our dinners, and sealed ourselves in our tents for the night. There was an informational sheet with the trail journal which explained about the history of the area. Very industrious Shakers once occupied the land. A stone wall from one of their many buildings still stood at the campsite. Unfortunately they apparently were not treated well by the local Christians. The Shakers were celibate, and eventually their numbers dwindled to the point where the site was essentially abandoned. A local guy out for an evening hike stopped by to say hello. We talked to him through the bug screen of our respective tents. We could not figure out why the mosquitoes were not eatting him alive. We asked him all sorts of questions about the area and local celebrities, like the cellist Yo Yo Ma, singer James Taylor, and comedian Whoppie Goldberg.The AT is calling. PLEASE make the bugs go away!
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Shaker Campsite

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

The heavy rain reduced both the humidity and the temperature. According to the AT guide, there were no steep tough climbs ahead. We also questioned southbounders, who told us the trail ahead was relatively easy. (Unfortunately we did not realize they meant as compared to Katahdin or the White Mountains.) So I decided to shoot for a high mileage day.I stopped at the exposed rocky ridgeline on Cobble Hill to lay out my wet clothes to dry. Once again my granny panties and bra were layed out along with my other wet clothes for every hiker passing through to see. Lucky me, Gray Goat and 3 other men decided to take a break at the very same spot.I had cell service so I decided to make a reservation at the only motel in Dalton, where I had 2 resupply boxes and new boots waiting for me at the post office. The motel was full Saturday night, but I was able to get a room for Sunday night. Now I just had to hike the 30 miles to get there.Baldy Mountain was a bit of a climb. In fact the entire trail was a bit more challenging than it appeared in the AT guide. But at least it wasn't raining and the bugs were a little better. Best of all, the humidity stayed low so I could breathe.Everyone said Upper Goose Pond was a great place to stop. But it was 1/2 mile one way off the AT. The big draws were pancakes in the morning and swimming/canoeing on the pond. I am not a pancake fan, I have no interest in swimming, and I can canoe/kayak whenever I want in Florida. I kept going.I stopped at a brook with a wooden footbridge to collect and filter water. Afterwards I sat on the bridge, ate a snack, and watched a huge snapping turtle make its way down stream.I also took a break and talked with some southbounders about what to expect in Vermont and New Hampshire.Near US 20 I saw signs for and then a portion of a trail used for snowmobiling.   It was hard to imagine several feet of snow on the ground. But the locals told me that usually they have 3 feet of snow on the ground in the winter, and last winter was particularly hard.After about 14 miles I was starting to lose steam. The trail was rougher than I expected, and I was worried I had bitten off more trail than I could chew. Gray Goat caught a ride into a town for some McDonalds food and caught up with me just a few miles before the shelter. We trudged on and reached the shelter just after dark. I pitched my tent and went straight to bed, skipping dinner. I was having a hard time falling asleep. Suddenly, at 10:15, a chorus of coyotes began howling and yipping. At that point I was glad I was still awake. It sounded like quite a large group and fairly close. What a treat! The AT is calling (and so are the coyotes). What a great way to end a long tough day.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Dalton, MA

To: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

There was no point in getting up early. I could not check into my room at the Shamrock Village Inn until afternoon. My tent was also wet from the dew. I decided to go to the Dalton Diner for breakfast while my tent dried. Gray Goat joined me.By the time I got back, my tent was almost dry. I layed what was still wet out in the sun to dry as I packed. I thanked Thomas and then headed for the motel. I was able to wash my clothes while my room was being cleaned. I took a quick shower before Thomas took Gray Goat and me to the mall in Pittsfield. I picked up a few things, then Thomas gave me a ride back to the motel.I picked up a chefs salad and ate in my room. Before going to bed I took another shower - a long hot shower.The AT is calling. It will have to wait. Tomorrow I am taking another zero.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A

To: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Gray Goat and I went to the Dalton Diner for breakfast, then I stopped by the post office to pick up 2 resupply boxes and new boots. (Gray Goat headed back to the trail.)In addition to the usual supplies, my husband sent me some smaller clothes. I have lost so much weight I had to really cinch my belt tight to keep my pants up. I looked like a little old man who pulls his pants clear up to his chest. I was really looking forward to the smaller pants.I was hoping that the new boots would help with my left foot pain. The Arnica has helped with the pain and swelling, but I hope that new boots will eliminate the cause of that pain and swelling. I opened the box and immediately noticed that the new boots seemed to be larger than the old ones. Yep, they sent me the wrong size! I just wanted to cry. I planned to break in the boots today and get back on the trail tomorrow.I called 76 Outfitters in Franklin, NC, and they agreed to ship the correct size via overnight delivery. But I had to stay off the trail another day to wait for the boots.I spent the rest of the day working on my trail journal entries.The AT is calling. But first I need to get the right size hiking boots.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A

To: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I again had breakfast at the Dalton Diner. My boots arrived (again), but this time (thankfully) they were the right size. I immediately put them on and wore them all day to break them in.I put together boxes to mail home to my husband, worked on my trail journal entries, washed another load of clothes, and started to put my pack together.Because of my foot pain and the high humidity slowing me down I am afraid I may not make it to Katahdin in time. So I decided to bump ahead to NH. Tomorrow I am renting a car and driving to Norwich VT. On Thursday I will return to the AT and cross into NH. That will give me an extra 2 weeks to get to Katahdin. After I reach Katahdin, I will come back and hike the section between Dalton MA and Norwich VT before heading to Harper's Ferry to hike south to Davenport Gap. The AT is calling. According to the ATC, as long as I hike the entire 2,189.2 miles of the AT within 12 consecutive months I will be a thru hiker. I hope I make it.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Shamrock Village Inn, Dalton, M A

To: Norwich Inn, Norwich, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The ads for Enterprise rental car sound so easy and promising. "We'll pick you up!" Yep, if you make about a half dozen phone calls to make the arrangements to be picked up and dropped off at all locations yourself. I think it may have been easier to hitchhike, although obviously not as safe.Once I got the car I ran a few errands and then headed for Norwich VT. I was looking forward to the trip. This would be my third time visiting Norwich.   The first time I attended a 4 day baking class at King Arthur Flour and stayed at the Norwich Inn. I also visited last year, but I only stopped for a few hours as I passed through on my way to Pinkham Notch to climb Mount Washington in the White Mountains.One of my first errands was to stop at AAA for road maps. I miss my Subaru, Maggie, and my GPS. Of course the rental car did not have a GPS, and Enterprise had no maps.About half of the trip was on 2 lane country roads and the rest was on an interstate highway. I saw several quaint little places I would have liked to stop, but there was no point. I could not buy anything because I would have to put it in my pack and carry it.Northern MA and southern VT are beautiful. Although I saw road signs warning about moose, I did not see any. Darn!I dropped off the rental car in White River Junction and got a ride to Norwich and the Norwich Inn. My friend Gail was already there. She and her husband are in the area hiking portions of the AT. She took a break to meet me and slack pack me while her husband continued to hike.We had dinner at the Inn. We both had the goat cheese salad - it was excellent, then headed to bed. I knew the NH mountains were going to kick my butt.The AT is calling. Boy I hope I am up to the challenge!
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Lyme -Dorchester Road

To: Stealth Camping Between the Peaks of Mt. Cube
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

In the morning Bill Ackerly offered us coffee and saw us off. He truly loves to meet and talk with the hikers. He has such a gentle spirit about him. I gave him a big hug before I left.Gail and Dan dropped me off on Lyme-Dorchester Road at the trailhead.I then started the long climb up Smarts Mountain - over 2,000 feet in about 3 miles. I stopped about midway up at Lamberts Ridge to enjoy the wonderful view and a short break. I had the spot all to myself. The pictures I took did not do the view justice. Unfortunately that is true of most of the pictures I take along the AT.I climbed higher to the next ridge and found the guy from the night before. He was just sitting there as if he was trying to figure out what to do next. I stopped to talk with him for a few minutes. He is not an experienced hiker, and he has several issues he is trying to work through, but I determined he is probably harmless.I continued my climb. Before reaching the summit I encountered log steps and rebar steps, both were anchored into steep slick rock. The AT is getting serious, and it is only going to get worse. Luckily today it was not that hard or scary.The summit has a great place with a view for lunch, a cool old fire tower, and the firewardens cabin, which is now a shelter. I took a short break to check everything out and to have a bite to eat.Water was relatively scarce today. There was plenty of good water in the brooks, but stream water was either undesirable or nonexistent. I was glad I was carrying extra water today. The descent was long, about 4 miles, but gentle and relatively easy. I stopped at South Jacobs Brook for water, then started the climb to Eastman Ledges and up Mt. Cube. Because it is .3 miles off the AT I decided to skip the Hexacuba shelter and pressed on. I hoped to make it over Mt Cube and down to Brackett Brook by the end of the day, but the terrain was steeper and rockier than I expected, and it started to get dark. Rather than push on and risk getting hurt, I decided it was safer to search for a flat spot and stealth camp. Fortunately I found a nice flat spot carpeted with soft needles. Although I had not seen one, other hikers told me they had seen bears in NH. Rather than risk attracting a bear with food odors I decided to skip making dinner. Instead I ate a quick snack and promptly hung my bear bag. The AT is calling. It will have to wait until morning, when I can see and safely navigate the steep rocks.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Carriage Motel, North Woodstock, NH

To: Carriage Motel, North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Thru hikers never really get a day off even when they take a zero. There is gear to dry, laundry to do, errands to run, logistics for resupplying. to work out, etc.I got up and gathered my laundry to wash. It was already raining, and it would rain steadily most of the day. I was SO glad I was not coming down the AT into Kinsman Notch today in the rain.I picked up a breakfast sandwich and OJ from the convenience store across the street and headed to the laundrymat. With nothing left to wear, like most true thru hikers, I had on nothing but my rain jacket and pants. That is all I had to wear all day as I walked around town. I was lucky it was cool and raining so I did not look out of place. Usually it is warm and sunny, and nonhikers wonder why the thru hikers are wearing hot rain gear.Once my laundry was washed and hung all over my room to dry (I do not use the driers). I explored the little town, had a late lunch, and worked on my trail journal entries.The weather looked like more rain was coming. I was a little sore from the fall, and it appeared I may be catching a cold. I also needed some time to figure out resupply logistics in the Whites. Undet the circumstances I decided to take another zero.The AT is calling. After what the AT put me through yesterday, the AT will just have to wait.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Carriage Motel, North Woodstock, NH

To: Carriage Motel, North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I stripped my pack again in the hopes of trimming some more weight before entering the Whites. I worked out the resupply logistics for in the Whites, checked out more of the town, and mailed out a couple of boxes - one home to my husband and one bouncing extra food up the trail. I also continued to work on my trail journal entries and started to put my pack back together.It rained in the afternoon, so I was glad I decided to take a second zero. I had ice cream at Coneheads, and picked up a chef salad for dinner.The weather is supposed to be good the next few days. I am hoping to get an early start in the morning and make some miles. Of course I have to hitchhike back to the trailhead first.The AT is calling. I hope it is easier on me the next few days.