morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 21.4

BeerWell, whatever else did you think would conclude the beverage trilogy?Today, I set my sights for town. My last zero day was in Pennsylvania and I was yearning for another. Only 22.4 A.T. miles and a one mile road walk stood in my way. I was off to a strong start when I slept through my watch alarm and got up at 5:30AM rather than 5:00 AM. I had a somewhat restless night as my tent was pitched on a slope and I was semi-conscious of an ungoing battle to avoid rolling down the mountain. Cheese headed out a bit ahead of me, but I felt I would catch up at some point. As the shelter area lacked a reliable water source, I stopped at the purple house at the first road crossing and filled my external water bags from the outdoor spigot located on their fence. I then set off at a brisk pace as I felt the burden of the many miles that lay before me. A light rain started as I crossed a pasture. I dropped my pack and put on the rain cover as it intensified. Soon, I arrived at the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station which is simply an elevated blue and yellow platform located along side the tracks. After crossing through several cow pastures and climbing over the obligatory stiles, I found trail magic in the form of bottled water. I did not need to carry any more, so I cameled-up by drinking a bottle as I stood. More trail magic awaited just past Leather Hill Road in the form of large slices of watermelon in a cooler--boy was that good! A few minutes after noon, I crossed the NY/CT line. Welcome to New England! After a mile or so, I began the long pull over Ten Mile Hill then descended to the scenic Ten Mile River. I stopped at the Lean-to to pump some drinking water, rinse out my shirt and bandana, and take a quick sponge bath to cool off. Afterwards, I ascended 900 feet to the summit of Schaghticoke Mountain subsequently followed a very rocky, undulating ridgeline that overlooked the Housatonic River to the east. Progress here was frustrating to say the least. I desperately wanted to make it to Kent where a re-supply box and a room at the Fife and Drum were waiting, however, the rough terrain, steep climbs, and precarious descents reduced my pace to below two miles per hour. Additionally, I had broken off my right walking pole tip two days before, reducing my agility further. After several eternities that included a sore right knee, swollen toes, and burning, painful feet, I emerged onto the road to Kent. I stuck out my thumb with the hope of "hooking" a ride as I walked down the right side of the road. Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the outfitter/ice cream shop where I picked up my resupply box and ordered a rootbeer float. Later that evening, having done some town chores and being freshly showered and shaved, I headed out for the big reward: a tall frosty pint of Long Trail lager. Life was in focus once again.True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Kent, CT

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

RecapYay for zero days!!!Let's review the progress thus far. Yesterday, I completed the fourth month of the adventure. I have just passed the 2/3rds milepost. I have entered my tenth state and am now in New England, the final segment of the A.T. I am less than two months and a mere 722.4 trail miles from the summit of Mt. Katahdin. On a more personal level, I have lost 45 lb of useless blubber and have reduced my waistline by six inches. I feel fit. Something is always sore. I am living life deliberately. I have made many new friends. I am content.I head back on the trail tomorrow morning. Thanks for following along.The year was 2081, and everyone was finally equal.-Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Kent, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

Hiking from Town to TownNothing seemed to be going right this morning. I planned to catch the shuttle from Backcountry Outfitters to the A.T. at 10 AM, a bit of a late start for a 17 mile day, but possible if I kept rest and snack breaks to a minimum. The shuttle leaves an hour earlier the rest of the week, but today was Sunday. I arrived at the outfitter by 9:40 just to be safe. By 10:30, the store had not opened and no shuttle appeared. And, I had spoken with an employee of the outfitter last evening to confirm the time. I wasn't going to let this ruin this beautiful day, so I hoisted my pack and started the road walk up the hill to the trail.I reached the trail-head by 11AM and shortly, I was laboring up a steep 500 ft climb that brought me to a ridge walk and finally ascended further to Caleb's Peak. The trail passed St. Johns Ledges then steeply descended down boulders and 91 stone steps to the Housatonic River. Although I had instructed myself to be disciplined about keeping breaks few and short, I could not help but linger on a stony beach along the way. The river flowed strong and clear. There was a thru-hiker enjoying a swim, and a young couple who waded in with their clothing. I sat there for nearly an hour mesmerized by the rushing current as it coursed through the rocks. In spite of the size of the river, it smelled clean.I finished my snack and headed back to the flat river walk. I soon came upon Gordito and Bumpin who were sitting on rocks at the edge of the river. Their section hike will end in Massachusetts-I will miss these guys when they leave the trail community and return to the slave world. It was 5 PM when I reached CT 4 and it was decision time. I could continue on my mission to reach the next shelter which would involve hiking six miles over five more climbs and would likely get me there at dark or dusk, or I could simply hike 0.9 miles down the road to Cornwall Bridge where I could stay in a motel. As the consummate woodsman and adventurer, I chose the latter option and took a right on CT 4.We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap. -Kurt VonnegutYes we can!-Barrack Obama
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Cornwall Bridge

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

A Walk in Solitude and BeautyI was glad that I left the last six miles of yesterday's hike for this morning. It was too beautiful a section to rush through. Today was about getting back in balance; finding my center. It seemed that the last few weeks were more focused on making the miles rather than collecting the smiles. So this morning, I took my time during the first six miles of this difficult yet sublime trail and reflected on the purpose of this grand undertaking.There is something primordial about a pine forest. The tall trees that carpet the ground with bark, needles, and cones making the treadway soft and deadening the sound of my footsteps. I hear the complex rhythms of quick flowing stream lined with rounded stones that migrate with the floods. Emerald moss is everywhere covering rocks, soil, and fallen trees. Ferns and green undergrowth soak up the few patches of sunlight that penetrate the canopy above. I feel insulated from the clamour of the outside world and from the dissonant clank from within. I walk wrapped in a blanket of serenity and beauty. A few miles later, the pine needle floor is replaced by mouldering leaves as the conifers are replaced by a deciduous forest. I emerge from my meditation, turn, and void. Such blessed relief and elation from this simple act.I find Bumpin and Gordito at the Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to. They are taking a break. I always enjoy talking with these upbeat lads from Texas who are living the adventure of a lifetime. I catch up with them later in the day as they are sunning on some rocks at an overlook and end up hiking several enjoyable miles in their company. We collect water at a faucet provided by the hydroelectric plant and then part company. They will spend the night at the Limestone Spring Lean-to. Once again, I am heading for town where I can shower, wash my sweat-soaked clothes, and sleep in a bed. The final seven and a half miles were not flat, but the trail was smooth, for the most part, allowing me to speed hike into Salisbury, CT where I now reside in the home of Vanessa Breton, who makes beds available to hikers. Tomorrow, I leave Connecticut behind and enter into the eleventh state: Massachusetts.Thanks for coming along!Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say? -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Salisbury, CT

To: The Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 14.2

Welcome to MassachusettsBoy, I hope I spelled that right!Highlights for today: passing the 1500 mile mark, entering my eleventh state, and experiencing a rain storm that erupted near the summit of Race Mountain. Storms are more impressive at high elevations without tree cover. It's been a while since I got to hike with wet feet--I guess that I was due.The climbs are getting more substantial since entering New England. The trail crests Bear Mountain, the highest peak in Connecticut at 2,316 feet. Mount Everett is the second climb in Massachusetts and exceeds 2,600 feet in elevation. Tomorrow, I head into Great Barrington to resupply. He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.-Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-14
From: The Hemlocks Lean-To

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Wet Feet, Part 2It started to drizzle as I prepared breakfast. I was glad that I decided to pitch my tent in the spacious loft of the shelter where it remained dry. The mosquitos were more prevalent over the last few days, so the tent's netting provided peace from the onslaught while I slept.The rain became more steady as I hiked out making the going slow over the undulating rocky ridge that included numerous scrambles up and down steeply-pitched rock slabs and boulders. Clouds enshrouded the ridge and peaks depriving me of sweeping vistas. However, the rain and mist brings a slightly out-of-focus soft emerald glow to the forest, not unlike a Monet painting in texture, although, I don't recall any of his paintings that quite captured this color. The rain brought out the red efts and I must have spotted at least fifty of these small terrestrial salamanders over the course of the day. As my boots slipped on the slick wet rock, I remembered that a new pair of boots would be waiting at the Great Barrington post office. Somehow I survived the descent from Jug End without incident or injury.The trail dropped down to bogs, swamp, and meadows where mosquitos were out in force. I felt a sharp stab in my right palm and found a blood-engorged mosquito there. It takes a pretty tough mosquito to be able to get through that thick skin. I quickened my pace to reduce the amount of blood left behind in the swamp.By this point, my socks and shoes were making an audible squishing sound with each step. It was reassuring to know that I would be in town within two hours or so.I called a taxi once I got to US 7 as Great Barrington is three miles away. In no time, I was soaking in the hot tub of the Comfort Inn.I head out on the trail tomorrow with a new pair of boots-wish me luck!Many people die at twenty five and aren't buried until they are seventy five. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Great Barrington 

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Leaving Great Barrington"Don't drink any water from the Housatonic" said the taxi driver as I got out. My pack was very heavy as I bought too much food at Price Chopper. It always seems to be a good idea until you have to carry it on your back. I enjoyed visiting Great Barrington, the swimming pool, the hot tub, and the great Mexican restaurant. As always, it was hard to break orbit, and I finally got on the trail by 10 AM.I ran into Jibitz and Seeker in the course of my travels and we all ended up at the same destination. We were later joined by Wrong Way, Crusher, Ichabod, Gordito, and Bumpin. A festive mood ensued in spite of the swarm of mosquitoes. I took the opportunity to lighten my food bag and passed around a bag of Gummi Bears. A grand time was had by all. I will miss this fellowship when I leave the trail.I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

A Swim in Upper Goose PondThe walk today was pleasant, but the highlight was arriving at Upper Goose pond for a swim. The blue gills seemed curious and hovered next to my legs and feet as I waded in. The clouds were rolling in and there was the distant rumble of thunder, but I was going to swim. The water was clear and clean and surprisingly warm. It was wonderful to wash away the dust and sweat of the last two days.The cabin has a great crowd including Pacer, Kentucky, Stambler, Gordito, Bumpin, Crusher, Jibitz, and Ichabod for an evening of conversation and fellowship. And tonight, I get to sleep on a bed!May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.-Edward Abbey
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6

Visions of Mt. GreylockGrampie, the kindly caretaker of UGP Cabin, rose early to make blueberry pancakes and strong coffee for the hikers. It was a great start for the day. I spoke with Grampie during breakfast. He lives in Connecticut and serves as caretaker one week per year. He thru-hiked the A.T. about nine years ago when he was in his sixties. He knows quite a bit about the history of the place. I was glad to get to know him.About a mile into the hike, I crossed the Mass. Turnpike. I remember how my pulse would increase a bit as I drove under the overpass with the large sign identifying the trail. It is near the crest of a hill on the turnpike and seems to be so remote and so far away from home. I had trouble imagining the effort that it would take to hike this far. Now, I am finally here.About halfway through the day I came to a small farm at a road crossing known as "The Cookie Lady's". Here, I purchased four cans of lemonade, two cans of Coke, and half dozen hard boiled eggs. It was a nice second lunch.The trail passed through dark forests with stands of huge pines, carpeted with only pine needles, cones, and cast off bark as the canopy was too dense to allow anything else to grow. It had a unique and magical quality. I came to a ridge where I could see the profiles of the mountains to the north. I could make out the outline of Mt Greylock with its memorial tower on the distant horizon. I hope to be on top of this peak in a mere two days. My last two visits to Greylock denied me views as the mountain was enveloped in clouds. I am hoping that my luck will change on my third ascent.Thanks for following along...One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothin' can beat teamwork.-Edward Abbey
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Kaywood Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 11.9

Another Beautiful Day in the BerkshiresLuckily, I set up my tent in the loft of the shelter because heavy rain, thunder, and lightning raged through much of the night. Kentucky, Pacer, and Stambler tented outside and, probably, did not stay as dry. I only had a three mile hike into Dalton, so I was the last to leave and got moving down the trail by 8:30AM. Just before reaching town, I was graced with trail magic: a crate full of soda cans. I chugged an orange soda and a ginger ale then strode down the trail belching with gusto. I crossed the railroad tracks and entered the quintessential small New England town. I whistled Hank Williams¢s, ¢I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" while passing by quaint well-kept homes. A young woman holding a baby called out "hello" from her front door. The sky was blue, the grass green, the temperature was just right; it was Sunday morning in small town America. I felt as if I belonged.A half a block later, I arrived at a house with white blazes on a tree inviting me to the front porch. Hiking poles were stuck in the grass and lined the sidewalk. This is the home of trail legend Tom Levardi. Tom is an avid hiker who shares his front porch, yard, and home with thru-hikers. Tom introduced himself as I was signing in at his trail register. He sat down and we had a leisurely conversation. He gave me very useful advice regarding where to eat and stay in the next few trail towns. Thanks Tom!Heading into town to Angelina's Sub Shop, I ran into Jibitz and was subsequently joined by that wild and crazy French Canadian, Crusher. Crusher was excited about his stay at Tom's as it was his first shower since Unionville, NY (which is on the NJ portion of the A.T.) He raved about the great hospitality so generously provided by his host.After a filling meal at Angelina's, I headed out of town. As I entered the woods, I was chased by a horde of mosquitoes. In my haste to escape exsanguination, I hiked down the wrong trail for half a mile. It took some time and some meandering (looking for white blazes) before I realized my blunder. Finally, I backtracked until I saw the familiar white blaze. I was surrounded by mosquitoes until I gained several hundred feet of elevation and encountered a delightful breeze. The woods and trail were beautiful as I followed the undulating ridge and skirted bogs and ponds on the mountain tops. Finally, the trail descended to the small village of Cheshire which boasts a wonderful place: Mason Hill/Wayside Hiking Hostel. I am sitting on their deck in the cool of the evening in a thick, white, terry cloth robe as I pen this entry. Life is truly good!Tomorrow, I make my third assault on Mount Greylock. I am hoping for some views from the top this time.Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best. -Edward Abbey
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Cheshire, MA

To: North Adams, MA
Miles today: 14.4

Mt. GreylockI love hiking from town to town! It is wonderful to shower daily and to set out in clean clothes. This cannot last, but I will enjoy it while I can.I loved staying at Mason Hill Hiker Hostel. It is a wonderful place and a great deal. Unfortunately, I had the whole place to myself, so it was a bit lonely.I was back on the trail by 8 AM. The mosquitoes were out in full force again, so I speed-hiked to gain altitude. Along the way,I met a friendly volunteer trail maintainer who told me what to expect for the next few miles. The hike to the summit was not bad. It was a bit cloudy when I first arrived, but the skies cleared after I ate a filling lunch at Bascom Lodge. Finally, I was rewarded with views from the summit of Greylock!Thunderstorms were predicted, so I raced down the mountain. I met a friend of Jibitz on the way who was hoping to surprise her on the trail. He was carrying cold beer. I told him that she was several hours ahead of me and was likely in Vermont. He continued hiking southbound. A short while later, I met my first SOBO thru-hiker: Easy. He was struggling with the climb as he had just eaten at an AYCE Chinesse buffet in North Adams. He said that I would love the rest of New England. I told him that the hardest part of the trail was now behind him. We wished each other well and continued on in opposite directions. I finally emerged into a residential area and road walked to Rt 2. I saw an SUV pull over just ahead. It was Jibitz's friend! He gave me a ride to the Holiday Inn in downtown North Adams . He handed me a dark chocolate Dove candy bar as I got out. What excellent trail magic! I hope he catches up with Jibitz.I am excited about entering Vermont tomorrow. When I was about 20 years old, I hiked the section from North Adams to Rutland. That event planted the seed for this thru-hike. I wonder whether I will remember any parts of the trail.Thanks for coming along...A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.-Edward Abbey
Date: 2010-07-20
From: North Adams

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Welcome to Vermont!I had trouble leaving Massachusetts. Not for sentimental reasons, but rather because I bought too much food and there was a long pull up East Mountain. Finally, after much sweat and consternation, I arrived at the sign announcing the Long Trail. The Long Trail is 100 years old and was the inspiration for the A.T.Vermont or "Vermud" is known for its squishy trails and did not disappoint today.The trail passed several beaver ponds and skirted a very long dam that retained the water about three feet higher than the trail-I hope the beavers keep this dam in good repair. I am now meeting a bunch of SOBO thru-hikers: two hiking the trail and three at the shelter. They are a great source of information for what lies ahead.Tomorrow I cross the 1600 mile mark and continue this odyssey in Vermont. I am down to my last three states with the most beautiful sections ahead.Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.-Edward Abbey
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Green MountainsAlthough I hiked this section of the trail over 30 years ago, none of it is familiar. Everything is green and moist. There is plenty of mud. The brooks and streams run strong, most with clear water, but some are tinted brown. All is green and growing. The overlooks marked on the map have been long overgrown with trees and offer limited views at best. Today, I walked in a long green tunnel of tranquility and peace.I continue to meet many new people, usually at the shelters; more SOBO thru-hikers and a few NOBO's who are hiking longer days than me. It is truly great to get to know them as they play a crucial role in my quest to get better acquainted with America.Happiness depends upon ourselves. -Aristotle
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Stratton MountainI was glad that I stayed in the shelter last night as there was a thunderstorm and high winds. The winds continued through the morning and blew banks of clouds across the mountain.I packed up and headed up the mountain by 6:50 AM because I had many miles ahead. I was at the summit of Glasenbury Mountain by 7 AM and didn't bother to climb the firetower due to the fog. I was hoping that the strong winds would clear the skies by afternoon for the Stratton Mountain fire tower ahead.I stopped for breaks at the Kid Gore and Story Shelters as they were conveniently located at 4-5 mile intervals. I next stopped at the Stratton-Arlington Road where the climb up Stratton begins. I met Jibitz who was waiting for a ride from a friend. I also met the family of a father/son thru- hiking team (Draggin' Tail and Sherpa) who was treating them to lunch and a resupply. I was offered a beer which I gladly accepted as I needed some fortification prior to the long climb.I met a number of day hikers on the climb as they headed back to their cars. One was a friar dressed in traditional garb and sandals. I reached the top within an hour and a half--not bad! I was buffeted with high winds as I climbed up to the top of the fire tower and was rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.Afterwards, I ran down the mountain. The shelter seemed crowded, so I stealth tented down an abandoned trail. I had to duck the caretaker as tenting in undesignated areas is not allowed. I did pay the five dollar fee, but let her assume that I was staying in the shelter.Tomorrow I head into Manchester Center for resupply.Nature does nothing in vain. -Aristotle