morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Laurel creek campsite mile 1504.2

To: Tom Leonard Shelter mile 1523.5
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tom Leonard shelterI am not sure which is more fun, hiking on a clear, sunny day or in a thunderstorm, but today was fun! The day started w/ a walk through a spruce forest in a cloud. See pic. A red fox flitted across the path ahead while birds sang and a cool breeze moved the cloud along. The trail continued along the rocky ledges of Mt Race, the socked in, windy weather adding to the rugged feel. See pics. Heading up Mt. Everett, the clouds released their deluge. Although, it made the steep walk up treacherous & slow, the beauty of the rock slabs were heightened by the rivulets of water cascading down. The mountain top was once again, rock slabs, scrub oak and "bonsai" pine. See pics. The walk down for the most part more gradual and consisted of a trail instead of the rock slabs, allowing one to splash through the puddles w/ reckless abandon.. Later, resting at a whiteout view point on Mt. Bushnell, another storm rolled through. Sitting curled under my umbrella, enjoying the mid morning snack, a lightning bolt and thunderclap sounded so close, I thought sure I would see a tree come down. Instead, Hot Sauce & Ghostbuster came walking from that direction, unscathed other than feeling the "buzz" of the lightning's energy release. The descent from this mountain was treacherous but fun with only a couple of harmless falls. We finally got a view of the valley below as the storm cleared. See pic. Trail magic at Shays Rebellion Monument was a pleasant, if unhealthy surprise! Shay's Rebellion in 1787 was the 1st post revolution rebellion -fought between Massachusetts government vs the farmers over taxation. see pic of the monument. Now in the valley of mosquitoes, I allowed myself only 2 more pictures in the pretty woods. See pics, otherwise kept my "out run the mosquito pace " up until I was on East Mtn at a breezy, non buggy viewpoint. At the shelter, I saw Cruiser, Clease, Rod n Reel, Aquaman & Tricks. The shelter is in a pretty area of spruce and large boulders making for a lovely hammock hang. The mosquitoes weren't the worst but required DEET to keep away. Into the hammock by 7:30 to minimize contact w/ the enemy. Embracing the rocks of PA was 1 thing, not so sure I can embrace these buggersAll for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Tom Leonard Shelter mile 1523.5

To: Upper Goose Pond mile 1544.6
Miles today: 21.1

Upper goose pondWell, if I didn't get enough splishing & splashing in the puddles today, I will never be happy! I estimate @ 30+% of the trail I walked today was under water. ! see pic. It all started w/ an early morning beautiful storm which gradually worsened to the point that I was sure the rain could split the cuben fibers of the tarp. I headed out as it stopped w/ the brooks to cross & trail overflowing & no way of avoiding wading through. let's just say- I Aqua-blazed!! The initial forest was spruce, w/ large boulders & a foreboding appearance for morning. There were a few short steeps @ the ledges to manage, then a bug free respite at a pond w/ very vocal bullfrogs(not a sound I hear very often). I sat and listened. I chatted w/ Clease on Beartown rd, while I was eating an early lunch (few bugs & a rock wall to sit on). At the top of Cobble Hill, I met a group of day hikers, very difficult to understand but fun to chat w/. Next, Baldy Mtn felt like a noteworthy up and as I ascended, the forest began to darken and it was only 4 pm. I re donned the rain skirt. The forest darkened further, ie 8:30pm dark such that the AT white blazes appeared luminescent. Then the clouds released a gully washer for an hr w/ a bit of lightening & roiling thunder. The next 4 miles was essentially under water. Nora-V and her group passed me w/ 1.6 miles to go, and a few others further in. 20 something's can do that you know. However, I was definitely the most comfortable of all strolling along under the umbrella. Once at Upper Goose Pond Cabin, I was allowed to hang my hammock down at the beach!!! After setting up, went for a refreshing swim. Life is good! Quite a few of us stayed at the cabin. Longhorn, Nora-v's group, I met smurf, Phoenix, brace among others such that I couldn't remember the list of names. The cabin (see pic)is an adorable hostel type place owned by the ATC, which has a caretaker that serves breakfast! The pond (see pic) is a beautiful, clear body of water great for swimming & canoeing. A must stop for hikers.Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Upper Goose Pond mile 1544.6

To: Dalton, MA mile 1565.2
Miles today: 20.6

Upper Goose pond to Dalton, MAWell, Mother Nature didn't allow me a sunrise view over the pond but the early morn was still pretty. See pic. Inside the UGP cabin(see pic), we all devoured our pancakes and hoped for more. Unfortunately no SoBos had brought any of the berries from the cookie lady further north so plain pancakes it was.If yesterday's fun was splishing & splashing, today's was sliding, splatting, sloshing & slogging through the heavy, sticky but slippery mud. See pic. I estimate 35+% of the trail was significant mud, 5% water. The creek's were more manageable & were a respite for clearing the mud from the inside and outside of my shoes.Overall, the trail continued through spruce & deciduous forests w/ gentle hills & lots and lots of creeks. At mile 1555.5, the iconic "cookie lady" stop is just off the trail. See pic. Here you can purchase some snacks, hard boiled eggs and she gives out cookies. Best of all, it is a pick your own blueberry farm. 1200 bushes planted between 1930-1960s. The Wiley's moved here in the 80s & from the day they moved in, hikers came looking for water & so it has morphed into an iconic stop. we of course can't fathom why anyone would need to look for water, but perhaps this is a stellar year for water "on" the trail! This was my first blueberry picking venture-I could have picked all day but remembered I still had to carry them while there I chatted w/ True Story (from NJ also) & met Bismarck & Hopper, both who were aghast at my walking thru the water & mud earlier. I had advised, "just like the rocks in PA, embrace it"Powered by blueberry, the next 10 miles to Dalton went relatively quickly until it came to managing the hill down into Dalton. Here the mud was particularly sticky and slippery and the rocks covered in it from previous hikers walking on them. The effort to stay on ones feet was quite the comedy act! The day's hike completed w/ a stroll thru the cute little town to Shamrock inn. I got the last room (no cars were parked there)-guess we all wanted dry feetEnough for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Dalton, MA mile 1565.2

To: Harbour House Inn, Cheshire, MA mile 1574.5
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Dalton to Harbour House Inn, Cheshirep, MAA bright, beautiful, cool day for a walk in the woods. Breakfast first at the Java house, where it met Journeyman & Catfish. Journeyman (in his 60s) had zinged by me yesterday, feeling much spryer since having been diagnosed and treated for Lyme's disease. Catfish may be the oldest hiker North Bounder this year at age 70. The walk through town was pleasant, w / everyone very friendly. The trail entered a stately old spruce forest at the edge of town and proceeded up Crystal mountain. I couldn't believe it but there was so little mud, I didn't get my socks wet The audiobook of the day was Robinson Crusoe. This 10 mile walk went quickly w/ easy footing, a gradual climb and perfect temperature. Have to & Mobile zipped past me. We had met initially in Port Clinton, PA. They of course recognized my pack w/ the ALS sign on it. I met Wanderer headed southbound preparing for his hike of the John Muir Trail. I met Pokey, a section hiker who had 6 more days and had taken a 2 week break in the middle of this hike to hike one of the trails in Iceland. Rough life he leads. Wow, were the pictures from Iceland gorgeous!! I arrived at The Cobbles, a marbled stony out cropping of rock above the town of Cheshire and its Reservoir. What a view! Mt Greylock (highest elevation of the trail in MA) is the town's backdrop. Let's just say it made for an excellent lunch and long dawdle spot. see picsFinally heading into town, in which there wasn't a lot of town per say, (more a residential area) but their streets were lined with American flags. There I met Southbounder, Soggy Bottom (of course I thought of the Soggy Bottom Boys in oh brother where art thou). Onto the Harbour House Inn, one look and I knew I was in for a treat! Wow, is everything, perfectly decorated to fit the old house's persona! The gardens enviable, the guest common area was an absolute delight. A must visit for anyone coming to MA.! Eva is such a wonderful host and fun to discuss her upcoming pilgrimage of the el Camino de Santiago. I stayed in the country sunshine room. Of course fit for a princess. See pics. To top it off, nothing doing but The Levine's had sent a goodie box to power me up Mt Greylock! see pic. Delicious brownies & candies. Will try to share... Later, I met Dirt Doc & Nails whom I joined for a fun dinner. They are hiking various sections in a variety of ways this year as Nails thru-hiked it in 04. They have had some pretty interesting trail angel experiences!! Quite a long entry for only a 10 mile day,Enough for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Harbour House inn, Cheshire, MA

To: Sherman Brook campsite 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Harbour house inn to Sherman Brook campsiteA leisurely morning over an exquisite breakfast(Eva allows for hiker portions ), then off to climb Mt Greylock. Loaded rather heavily for me (6 days food & a few extra items I am carrying for lack of using a USPS bounce box), I am very aware of the pack weight on the way UP. Picture a Spruce forest & all that comes w/ it. The up is gradual, allowing better time than anticipated. Less than a mile to the summit, I met a fun couple from Minnesota that were curious about my hike & the AT itself. While chatting, Longhorn, True Story, & Stiles came along whom I followed up to the summit & Bascom Lodge & joined for lunch. Nice to enjoy a hot sandwich, but it doesn't lighten my pack weight(which I typically consider every meal does). Bismarck & Hopper had stayed at the lodge overnight. This is their 3rd thru hike! Mt Greylock, wow, the views were hazy but expansive. Several wind mills were evident to the northeast. A large war memorial w/ a beacon that shines nightly in remembrance is present at the top. See pic. The beacon doesn't shine a few weeks during certain times so as not to confuse some of the migrating birds. Wonder who figured that out?I left before all @2:30 w/ 8 miles to go, & a relatively steep path. Views from Mt Williams allowed an improved viewing of the windmills and that at Mt. Prospect of the incoming storm see pics. 1/2 mile from camp, the clouds opened up. Fortunately I was prepared and stayed dry w/ minimal delay. Kindly, the rain stopped before I set up the hammock. Dinner consisted of leftovers from the Basswater grill, when I dined w/ Nails & Dirt Doc. Amazing it provided 2 meals! Friday will be a great day as I have family joining me for a weekend hike! The day will be spent getting into position(17 miles away) to meet them at our rendezvous point! Who of all people are their shuttlers? Yep, the Wiley's (Pick your own blueberry farm)!!!small world. All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Sherman Brook campsite 

To: VT 9 - mile 1607.8
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

Sherman brook Campsite to mile 1607.8A leisurely start out of camp and the best tasting, ice cold water from Pete's spring before heading out. 2 miles up the trail & I enter Vermont, where the VT Long Trail & AT run singularly for 105 miles. There wasn't an abrupt change in scenery but gradually it became a younger appearing forest of Birch & Beech predominant, I think and the abundant underbrush continued. However the under brush up here is much prettier & less poisonous & prickly than that in the Shenandoah's. Along the way, I met Loggun, (not sure of the spelling). He is a SoBo section hiker & his trail name is Swedish meaning "not too much, not too little". Clever. I also met a petite Grandmother (thru-hiked it in 09), trail name Kermitt, who was out for a SoBo section w/ her Granddaughter. I also leap frogged w Stiles, Longhorne & True Story. I finished my book @ lunch time and noticed how it slows my pace. So for the afternoon, I kicked it up a notch to ensure my prompt arrival to VT 9. This was somewhat difficult as the trail was quite muddy as others had alluded to. The difference being that in VT, there are rocks & roots strewn in the middle of the muck that makes one believe w/ a little extra effort one can keep their feet dry. And so I strived-sometimes successfully! See pics. Along the way, I passed ponds and went over tree covered mountains. One of my favorite parts of the trail was a walk along a boisterous stream (don't know its name) as it crashed down a boulder wash and the spruce had returned. An oddity I noticed in VT was that the mosquitoes fly more slowly such that could catch them mid flight. A few more successes & I am going to try my hand w/ chopsticks.The descent to VT 9 was laudable. See pics. Quite the knee stressor in a series of steep, winding, somewhat awkward steps. This likely means the way up on the other side will be similar. However, I made it w/ a bit of time to spare. As scheduled, Marilyn dropped The family members off, later earning the trail names, Moosletoe, Kermit, & Snickers. See pic. ( I felt a little bad naming my brother in law moose droppings, but see the later pic to explain all! They fed me a delish deli sandwich, I shared the last of my brownies from Sara w/ them (see pic), & I finally got re packed and up the hill we went. As mentioned it was quite the UP. Once through split rock,(see pics) the ground leveled adequately for camping as it neared dark, having hiked up 0.7 miles. I advised them of camp curfew and they immediately complied. It is going to be an awesome weekend!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-02
From: VT 9 mile 1607.8

To: mile 1618.9
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Mile 1607.8-mile 1618.9Our first stealth camp (15 feet from the trail, so not particularly stealth-ish) a success, we trod on up the hill. At the water source, Moosletoe met one of his colleagues from work! He is hiking w/ a friend (Mr. Birthday) on the Long Trail while Moosletoe & company had joined me. What are the chances of that? We continued to leapfrog w/ them throughout the course of the day. Snickers & Kermit made their day plying them w/ mini snickers bars at dinner.The trail continued through the lush Birch n beech forest w/ ferns and other undergrowth, that I hadn't necessarily expected, for much of the day. I am still amazed not to see any poison ivy! (I hear it is too cold perhaps for it). Porcupine lookout was our lunch site, where we had a good view to the distant windmills. We reached Goddard shelter @ 4 & decided to dine then move on instead of recline. The spring water there was as good if not better than at Pete's spring in Mass. I saw Biscuits & Off my Meds, whom I hadn't seen since the Shenandoah's, Cowboy & Trippy had passed us en route, True Story came through & we had dinner w/ Moosletoe's friend, the Captain, Mr. Birthday, and Ninja hiker. .3 miles up, we summited Glastenbury Mountain and went up the lookout tower for a view of views. Now this is the VT I expected-wow! Evergreens as far we could see, huge mountains fading off into the hazy distance 360 degrees accompanied by a chilly breeze. See pics, imagine the breeze. We hiked on another mile +, and ended up stealthing next to Mr. Birthday's group as flat sites were scarcely to be found. On a side note, it appears VT has not met Verizon in these neck of the woods! Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-03
From: mile 1618.9

To: woods road mile 1631.2
Miles today: 12.3

Mile 1618.9-1631.2(woods rd.)12.3 milesSunday dawned another nice day. The plan, don't stop til we drop-Just kidding. The trail meandered through more beautiful spruce & fir trees w/ 1 area having the most intense fir / Christmas tree fragrance ever. We aren't talking Yankee candle manufactured smell here! I could have stood there all day. We saw a few areas w/ moose droppings but no moose. We had lunch at a small spring outlet near 1/2 way through our mileage and continued on w/ Snickers as our pace car (this girl can walk!) in the more Birch & beech tree forest. Not sure why some of these trees seem to have a hard time growing straight up. See pics. We came to a couple of beaver ponds & Kermit pointed out the pitcher plant, see pics & has helped me w/ a lot of the other plant identifications. At the last brook crossing before reaching their car, we had dinner, & Mr. Birthday's group joined us. Funny to see how much the paths have crossed back home for my in laws and them. At the car, we lightened our packs as much as possible, and I devised a scheme for Snickers to drop the current mail drop they brought me at my in laws who will me meeting up w/ me Wednesday It is all about lightening your load you know, especially w/ Stratton Mountain next on the list My faux Paux quote of the day..."I have the pot & alcohol"!!! Really meaning pot for boiling H20 & denatured alcohol for the alcohol stove so they could have coffee & oatmeal in the morning w/out lugging their humongous cook sets & stoves up the hill! I promiseWe then hiked 1.4 miles up to a relatively flat spot in preparation for Stratton Mtn in the morning. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-04
From: woods road mile 1631.2

To: Mile 1648.0
Miles today: 16.8

Mile 1631.2-mile 1648The day dawned w/ just enough rain to make one concerned about the view from Stratton lookout. Actually, it rained so little it didn't drop through the tree canopy. It was one of the darker woods to camp in w/ so little ambient light, I couldn't see my tarp when lying in the hammock.Packs stowed so the musketeers could walk up Stratton Mtn unencumbered, off we went. Given the contour profile, the walk was much easier than anticipated and through more beautiful fir/spruce, rock & moss combination that makes it feel like a storybook setting. See pics of the way up. Once there, our concerns re low visibility were confirmed. See pics, so we waited and were rewarded moderately. While waited several more hikers joined us - of course, The Birthday crew(see pic), section hikers Humbuck(the name has something to do w/ electric guitars from the 50s) & just Doug, 2 long trail hikers, & Cozy hiking South now whom I had met in the shenandoahs. She is the Bear whisperer that showed us the huge bear hanging around our shelter down there. Well after another stint up the tower, Moosletoe, Kermit & Snickers had to head back South to reality . What fun it was to hike w/ them. Before they left, I had them try on my pack to give them an idea of what to strive for re weight/volume. See picHeaded North through more storybook settings (see pics), I met the Stratton Shelter caretakers, Jean & Hue, doing trail maintenance. This is their 46th year!!! Down to the pond (see pic), a delightful dip in order. Most everyone there -day hiker, section hikers and thru hikers swam for a refreshing break from the trail. I tried to touch bottom but couldn't. Onward & upward along the meandering path. I had found out that Vermont's nickname is Vermud definitely warranted this year! However, I am not complaining because the ample creeks meant little water had to be carriedA stealth camp near a gentle babbling brook and the day is done in time for curfewTil later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Mile 1648.0

To: Big Branch Creek mile 1663.6
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Mile 1648-Big Branch Creek mile 1663.615.6 milesSee pics eventuallyWell I have to admit, Vermont may be my new favorite part of the trail in spite of the lack of internet connectivity & the biting flies. The mountains, the firs & spruce, beech & birch, the clear running creeks, and the variety of mosses just create a beautiful walk in the woods. This morning, I continued my way up Bromley Mtn, followed a green ski run to the top. Can't say I have ever walked up a ski slope. See pic. There True story & a group appeared in a hurry-- apparently a storm due at 4pm, so everyone hoping to make the day's walk by then. Up to styles peak which was an overgrown vista, but a bare rock in the sun allowing my stuff from yesterday's swim dry while I lunched. The haze added to the diminished view. Along the ridge continued in the storybook firs and mosses. I passed Griffith lake but didn't see a good swim entrance. However, the boardwalk seemed mesmerizing. Each board is 3 steps. Don't ask me why I kept counting them over & over & over.The trail continued up to Bakers peak, my favorite rock of the day. See pics. It allowed some good veg time I finally left the peak at 3 & made the 3.something miles to big branch creek by a little after 4 since I began to think perhaps starting w/ dry feet tomorrow wouldn't be a bad thing at all. The creek, a huge boulder wash, allowed a bit of a bath and water for the next day. Camp set up, dinner cooking & the rainstorm arrived(fortunately a bit later than suggested). Others weren't quite so lucky as me. Into the hammock WELL before curfewAll for now,Red RobinP.S. The in-laws are coming, the in-laws are coming- the Buffalo clan that is. Coming for a night on the town in Rutland, VT tomorrow. Read that thru-hiker chores
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Big Branch Creek mile 1663.6

To: VT 103- mile 1679.6
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Big branch creek(mile 1663.6 -VT 103 (mile 1679.6)16 milesA light rain overnight & a fresh, bright start to the day. The plan - 16 miles to meet the in-laws at VT 103 @ 4pm. The trail was initially quite the super highway allowing arrival at Little Rock Pond @ 8:30, in time for a quick, delightful dip. What a way to kick start the day.(see pics) The water temperature was cool and refreshing, not the-I can't stand to get in cold water temperature.Along the way, I entered my favorite forest-fir, moss, rocks, my footsteps silenced by the fallen fir needles. Breath taking. See pics. I envied the stealth camper his overnight site in the woods. Next time.White Rock Gardens was cute to see in the middle of my favorite woods. A collection of cairns (rocks piled to typically signify trails), but in this setting created as artistic expressions of hikers over the years. See pics. There were 2 collections of them. At the northern rock garden, I took the steep trail to white rock cliffs for a lunchtime view that was the clearest I've had of VT. What a treat. See pics. As one VT day hiker advised-this is why she lives in VT. I spent quite a bit of time there, lazing upon a rock shaded by a stunted fir tree, overlooking the opposing mountains and valley. Vermont's version of Bear Mtn, was not particularly bearish as the 1200 foot climb was gradual w/ no technical footwork necessary, through a beautiful deciduous forest. The climb down a bit more laborious and the next peak, I felt more given the steepness of the grade. I was able to call "the in-laws" when 1.4 miles out to confirm our rendezvous point. Slightly further along the trail, a view of Rutland Regional airport w/ a place to sit and take in the view. See pic. The trail down to the suspension bridge over the river was steep, a knee stressor as good as any of them. There coming up the AT, should I see? Yup, the in-laws. I gave them trail names, Mr. Peabody & Cruella Deville. Can you believe I can get away w/ that? see pics.The river flowed through a small gorge in a smoothed boulder wash. See picsRunning errands in Rutland proved more difficult than expected, but eventually, my to do list was done.Til later,Red Robin