morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Overcast skies but at least it was dry for now. The first mile was uphill to Bromley Mtn. Part of the trail there follows the skislopes up to the summit allowing for some good views and a fun walk in the grass with the wildflowers. At the top a new skilift had been installed. It looked like something out of space here amidst all the greenery. Next to the skilift is a warming hut and an observation tower. I walked up in the tower and took a few photos a couple of seconds later the clouds blew in over me as a fog and everything disappeared. It was really amazing to see how fast the clouds could move. Better get down the mountain now incase the fog should get thicker. After descending 3-400ft the weather "cleared up" again to normal overcast but no fog. The next peak of the day was Styles/Peru Peak. In a matter of 1.3 miles I ascended approximately 1000ft to an elevation of 3429ft. It was a tough steep climb but it was also relatively short. On top I met two guys. One of them was from Tn, and the other guy had lived there briefly before. Going from Styles Peak to Peru Peak there were a lot of bog bridges, which by the way are very slick in wet weather. No sooner had you read this as I was down face first in the moss. I had slipped but luckily I had slided off the side of the bog bridge and landed in the wet but soft moss. Before a mile had passed, though, Dodger was playing copy cat and took a fall on another bog bridge. Luckily he too was OK. At the bottom we passed Peru Peak Shelter, which is a $5 fee site. Next, passing Giffith Lake, I arrived at Baker Peak. Dodger had not told me anything about this place as he wanted it to be a surprise. I love uphills that are all boulders and big rocks. It was a semi steep climb and had a beautiful outlook as I reached the top. More pay shelters to pass: Lost Pond shelter, which is full of mosquitos, and Old Job Shelter, which is a mile of the trail. Then We arrived at Big Branch Shelter. It was 17:00 so Dodger and I both went down to the stream to wash clothes. Back up at the shelter Messenger had arrived. It was fun to meet him as I had followed his trailjournals for a while. Then came the downpour! It really poured down hard and you would think that would keep the bugs down, but no, they all decided to come inside the shelter! In the middle of the night I finally gave in and put up my tent inside the shelter so not to get mosquito bite number 36. It had been too hot to hide inside my sleeping bag. No more bugs that night
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Took a slow morning in packing up as it was raining AGAIN! I was really dreading getting out in the rain, tired of tramping through the mud, getting all soaked, and fighting the bugs. I looked at Dodger and he looked at me and we both looked at the rain again - and then we unpacked again! We were taking a zero day in a shelter. First time for me to take a zero day in a shelter. The day was spent reading, eating, playing Su Doku, and writting in my journal all the while the rain was pouring down. A couple of hikers came by during the day - they were all muddy and completely soaked. Mede me all the more happy about the decision to stay. At 18:00 there were a short break in the rain so Dodger and I walked down to the creek that by now was a riveting stream. Back to the shelter again as it had started raining again.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

No rain - Lets get outta here before it starts again! Uphill through mudpuddles and a trail which had become a running stream itself. We passed by Lula Tye Shelter and a beautiful Little Rock Pond. There were bog bridges all along the pond - and they were all very slick making me walk very carefully and rather slow. Stopped by Little Rock Pond Shelter to "inspect" the privy and to take a little break. About 3 miles and 1000ft higher in elevation I came up over a hill that was clad in spruce trees. There were several big boulders upon which hikers had started a small rock sculpture garden. Dodger and I dropped packs and gave a contribution of our own creation! The mosquitos had found us so we moved on. A mile further we came upon the side trail to White Rocks Cliff. At the trail junction area was a whole forrest of small rock cairns . It was incredible how many cairns there were. Can't imagine the many hours combined it must have taken for the thru-hikers to build these little rock structures. The side trail said 0.2 miles to outlook but it was more like 0.4 miles one way and the view was not anything spectacular compared to what I had seen at other places. o.5 miles to the Greenwall Shelter trail (plus 0.4 from the AT to the shelter itself.) The shelter was situated in such nice surroundings that I decided to stay there for the night. The shelter was sitting down in a hole, with a couple of streams running right by, and the old AT used to go right in front of the shelter. Not very far today but a rather adventuresome one with ponds, rock gardens, and the White Rocks Cliff Trip.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

5:00 in the morning I hear the rain pounding on the roof. 8:00 It is still raining. 9:00 It is still raining, 10:00 it is still raining and I am still in the shelter. I have decided to go on a strike "No hiking if it rains". I make a deal, if it stops raining before 14:00 I will go on hiking otherwise I am staying for the day. 13:55 it is raining hard and here comes Una Mas and Suds. That's it, I am not going anywhere today. It has rained since June 2nd. Will it ever stop? As the rain tapered off a big group of girls walk in and a little while later another group this time boy scouts walk in. It is going to be busy here tonight. But the boy scouts had decided to go home instead of keeping on in this this weather and were going to be picked up in a few hours - can I come too? Before they left they gave us hikers a lot of their extra food. Thank you so much for all the food, hot cocoa, and the marshmellows. I cooked up Mac'n Cheese for everyone in the shelter. This night I went to ded on a very full stomach - felt really good.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Rutland Econolodge
Miles today: 9.2

4:30 in the morning and I can hear a distant thunder, which is getting closer. Hmm, better use the privy now before it starts raining. I had barely made it back to the shelter before once again the rain was pounding hard on the shelter roof. The thunder and lightening got louder and was now right above us. By a miracle, though, the rain stopped at 8:00 so out I went. I half-way walked and half-way slid along on the trail as it was one big mud puddle. Places that barely had been a trickle were now roaring streams. I stopped by the old Minerva Hinchey Shelter. It used to be an inclosed cabin with a wood stove but has now been opened up to a regular 3 wall shelter without a stove. Had a nice short break there and then went on to Clarendon Gorge. There were so much water in the gorge that it would have been extremely dangerous to go for a swim at the regular swim hole so instead Dodger and I went around the bend and upsteam for a little while to find a place where we could wash off the mud on our boots and gaitors. At the Vt 103 we hiked down past the Whistle Stop and hitched a ride into Rutland. A little motel research yielded The Econolodge as the best option. The room was nice, price was relatively cheap, computer access was available, and breakfast was free. We put the socks in the bath tub and before our eyes the water turned all murky and brown with mud. That is why I soak the socks before I wash them in the washer with my other clothes!!!Dodger went to do laundry while I went online to update trailjournals as much as I could. Dinner was a luxurious 6-pack of chicken from KFC - made me feel right at home all the way up here north. It was great to sleep in a real bed with clean sheets wathing Andy Griffith and eating cookies for dessert. It is such a nice feeling to get pampered once in a while.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Rutland Econolodge

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: light rain

Plans Too Much is a trail angel that lives in the area and he was coming to pick us up at 11:00 to take us back to the trail. Breakfast was fresh baked waffles, fruit, cereal, and English muffins all really good - even the second time around Before leaving town I stopped by the store across the street to pick up some extra food. It was noon before we got back to the trail. Dodger's foot was still hurting so we stopped after a full whopping 1 MILE!!!However, it turned out to be a great decision as it started raining a little later. Clarendon shleter was a nice place with plenty of water and later in the evening Mark came in - hadn't seen him since the RPH shelter in N.Y.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 5.0

Leaving Clarendon Shelter the trail goes up the steep Beacon Hill. After that climb the rest was pretty easy. Walking along on the bog bridges we came to a tiny stream. In the stream a couple of trail angels had set up a little fence which held a lot of soft drinks that were cooling off in the water.Three other hikers were at the stream too and one of them had counted the bog bridges since Williams Town and we had just crossed bog bridge number 1000. I was thoroughly impressed that someone could keep count while hiking and REMEMBER the numbers as he went along!!! Then it happened again. Shortly after crossing a road another trail angel had left a cooler with soda and peanut butter crackers. I had never seen trail magic happen that close to one another. Thanks. Walking along I came up on a small ridge and on both sides a stream was running. It was great to see, hear, and walk between the two streams. Just before crossing a bridge my eyes caught sight on a piece of paper laying at the side of the trail. It was information about a secret shelter. Sounded interesting so we decided to take a sidetrip to go see it. The shelter was on private land and was built by Swansong and River Dog. It was a really well built and neat log shelter. Dodger and I decided to spend the night there. Swan Song and River Dog stopped by to say hello and later brought down some grilled chicken and corn on the cob. It was a fun evening. The shelter was built in response to all the trouble there had been at the old Governor Clement Shelter just a mile further north. Skiers, snow mobilers, and locals use that shelter as a party place so it is really run down and is not as safe a place for hikers as most other shelters.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: The Secret Shelter

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take the day off and go exploring in the nearby area. In the woods we found some old foundations from houses that had been built during the time when mining was big business in that area. River Dog took us on a tour of Swan Songs house and the property, and later in the evening ESP and two Long Trail Hikers stopped in for the night. It had been a fun and unusuall day.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: The Secret Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We said our good byes to the Secret Shelter and ESP. Only a mile away we arrived at the old GOv. Clement Shelter. It really was in a rough shape as parts of the bunks had been ripped off to be used as firewood and a lot of glass pieces were on the floor. we quickly left that place. Next big event of the day was the hike up and over Killington Mtn. It was long but not too steep and close to the summit was the old Cooper's Lodge. The lodge is another old and worn out shelter that has been heavily used by skiers. The walk down the mountain was easy and I soon passed Pico Camp and arrived at the new shelter Churchill Scott. I was tired so I talked Dodger into stopping there for the day. Nobody else were there so we set up our tents inside the shelter to keep the bugs out. Took a nap before dinner and then it was bed time. It had been the first really sunny day without any rain since June 2nd.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Thundering Brook Rd
Miles today: 5.6

Happy 4th of July Dodger and I slept in late and after we finally got started we took a detour down U.S.4 to the Inn at the Long Trail. We were going to celebrate the fourth with a beer and a burger. However, after learning that Germany was playing against Italy in the World Cup at 15:00 we deciced to spend the entire day there. The Inn at the Long Trail has an Irish Pub so the soccer game was naturally displayed on a big screen TV. Outside the pub the sesonal flag even had a soccer ball on it and as it became time for the game to begin the pub slowly filled with soccer fans. It was a fun afternoon. The game went into overtime and in in the last minuttes Italy scored two goals. It was with tear in my eyes that I packed up and went back to the trail - how could Germany lose? The trail goes right through Gifford Woods State Park, which contrary to my expectations had not been filled up. Passing the Park and the pond we finally found a great campsite sitting up high on a hill just above a brook. Falling asleep I heard a lot of fireworks but never saw any of them laying there underneath the trees.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Thundering Brook Rd

To: Dana Hill
Miles today: 20.1

First thing was getting over Quimby Mtn. I was glad we hadn't tried to do it last night as it was one long uphill, though not too steep. No views from the top, it was a PUD (Pointless up and down). Briefly stopped at Stony Brook Shelter before heading on. I was trying to make miles today after a lot of slow or no-go days. On the way up to the look out I met a father and his 13 yr old daughter out hiking, Al and Jahna. they were out enjoying a trip in the outdoors on the AT. This was Jahna's first trip out and she was already out-hiking her father They gave me some of their extra food as I was running low among it was a piece of fresh Spinach Quiche - Uhmm, tasted soo good The Lookout is a privately owned cabin but the owners let people stay there as it is not much more than any of the shelters with the exception that it is fully enclosed. On top of the roof is a small platform from which you can see the Whites. Next stop was Wintturi Shelter. This is an older shelter but the spring, which is the water source, is like a small but beautiful fall as the water cascades down the rocks and collects into a stream. As I was about to leave the shelter from my break Al comes in and asked "Is Jahna here?" I hadn't seen Jahna so I assumed she had miss read the sign to the shelter and instead had continued on north. I told Al to wait at the trail junction into the shelter while I went on North. About a mile later I found Jahna. She had finally stopped thinking it was a long 0.3 mile into the shelter. I dropped my pack took hers and followed her back up to the shelter. That was a most happy father and daughter reunion. Now it was time for me to hurry on down to VT 12.I ended up doing the 4 miles in about 1 hr and 10 min - pretty fast for me. All that was left was fetting up a steep mile up to Dana Hill, where Dodger and I camped out in a field at the top. Long but great day with lots of good views.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Dana Hill

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

It was a beautiful morning up at Dana Hill the sky was so pretty. We packed up our tents, walked down the hill, and took a right onto Woodstock Stage Rd leading into South Pomfret. The little general store there had a deli and we ordered two breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese, and bacon. Uhmm, I would really recommend their sandwiches. Stocked up with food I hit the trail again. This time the trail went up over Thistle Hill from which you could see the entire valley below. I met Bugs just shortly before that. She was northbound too. Stopped to take a lunch break at Thistle Hill Shelter. The privy there was rather unique. It was an octagonal structure and had mosquito netting all the way around on the upper half so you could look out while using the bathroom! 9 more miles left in the day. Down Thistle Hill to West Hartford, VT where the AT crosses the White River. From there it was 4 miles and a 1000' elevation gain. Not very steep but a little buggy with all the mosquitos. The shelter was full of mosquitos so we pitched tents, although the shelter was nice with a little loft. Tomorrow we were going to Hanover, N.H.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, N.H.
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

Less than six miles and most of it downhill I ended up walking really fast over the rolling hills through the forrest not because I could but because of the numerous blood thirsty mosquitos that seemed to be everywhere. 1.5 miles before Hanover the trail goes through a little neat town named Norwich. We stopped at the general store and bought 1/2 Gal. chocolate milk - just to make sure we "could make it" the reat of the way to Hanover! In crossing the Connecticut River I also crossed the stateline from Vermont into New Hampshire. Two states left to walk across: New Hampshire and Maine. Erik had contacted me through the Trailjournals as he was planning on starting his AT thru-hike in January, of 2007. So he invited Dodger and I to come stay with hime while in Hanover. We had a good time talking about trail life, winter hiking on the AT and Erik's upcoming hike of the Long Trail. Eric treated us to lunch at the local pizza place and in return Dodger and I cooked dinner for everyone. Hanover is an upscale college town due to the presence of Dartmouth College. There are a lot of neat stores such as a Northface store and a little out of town there is an EMS and an L.L. Bean store. The evening was spent packing as I was leaving to make a short trip to Nashville the next day. I sure will miss the trail during that time.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Hanover, N.H.

To: Nashville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Erik Took me to the train station at White River Junction, VT. I had checked on prices and surprisingly enough Amtrak was cheaper than the bus. I took the train to Hartford, CT. A taxi from the train station to the airport, and then flew Southwest to Nashville. I had just made a trip in one day that had taken me six months to walk! - Enough said.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Nashville, TN

To: New Haven, CT
Miles today: 0.0

Back at the airport I am now on my way back to the trail. I flew back to Hartford, CT on Southwest and it happened to be the same flight attendant as last week. That had never happened to me before. Flying to Nashville I had told her about my AT hike so as I got off the plane this week she had packed me a to-go bag with Dr peppers, peanuts, and pretzels and wished me a good trip. What a wonderful service. From the airport it was with limo service to New Haven and then a taxi to final destination at a friend's house for the night. I sure do like walking better you get to see more and you don't feel car sick!
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept in late as I had arrived late the night before, the rest of the day was spent repacking and replenish our food supplies. Ed had also sent a new stove - the Pocket Rocket so I was trying that out, while eating a few "museum pieces". Thanks a lot for the card, chocolate, goodies, and the stove.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, N.H.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Dodger woke up not feeling well at all and after a few hours of waiting and a little walking we decided to stay in Hanover til next day as Dodger progressively felt worse as the morning passed. Spent the afternoon talking with Jennifer, Eric's roommate. Dodger had gotten some medicine and by late evening he was starting to get better.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the CLouds Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: fog

Once again an early start at 6:00. It was an easy walk from Ethan Pond to Crawford Notch. Hinds-Feet was there waiting for friends of hers to come pick her up. My pack left me here to take the shuttle bus to Pinkham Notch, where I should arrive tomorrow night. With me I had the brain of my pack with clothes, journal, food, first aid, and a fleece bag strapped to the outside. It was a tough climb out of Crawford Notch up Webster's Cliffs to Mt Webster. From there it was a relatively easy walk to Mizpah Spring Hut. Inside they had "All you can drink" for $1.00. The lemonade and fruit drink tasted soo good. Had barely left the hut as thunder could be heard - not too good as I was pretty much out in the open on Mt Pierce. No lightening and the thunder seemed to come from a distance so I just hurried up and the last 4 miles were rather easy. Arrived at Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 14:00. Behind the hut I could see Mt Washington. The summit was enshrouded in the clouds and only once in a while for very brief moments could you get a peak at the top with all the antennas. Inside the Hut I asked for Work-For-Stay and was given the chore of sweeping after breakfast. Guests can reserve a bunk space ($85 for non-AMC members) amd it includes dinner and breakfast. The afternoon was all mine so I went outside to look around, got cleaned up a little, and wrote in my journal. As the afternoon passed by more thru-hikers came in. They too got work-for-stay. Right before dinner time everybody (guests and thru-hikers) seemed to gather at the dinning room. It wasn't until I went outside to get my t-shirt that I understood why - it was pouring down rain! Dinner was Turkey, salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, and fresh baked bread Us thru-hikers ate together with the croo after all the guests were done. After that most wonderful dinner I played cards with a few of the guests til 21:30 when the lights were turned off. The bunks were all filled up with guests (This is the biggest of all the lodges in the Whites and it can hold around 80 guests!) so us hikers got to sleep on the dinninig tables - made you real careful everytime you had to turn on your side during the night! Before I went to bed I went outside. The sky was so amazing with bright stars filling up the sky and the air was so cool and crisp, and you could hear absolutely nothing but the wind. Inside I could look out at the sky from the table I had picked in the corner right next to two huge windows. It didn't take long to fall asleep.