morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-30
From: falls village

To: lions head
Miles today: 10.9

This morning I woke up to fresh coffee, pancakes and home made chicken sausage at the Bearded woods hostel before heading out on the trail. My feet were feeling a little better and once I started walking they actually felt good, until I twisted my ankle! Not too badly, just a pop, no grind and I walked it off. While hiking I've been getting texts from Paul Bouchard, a Lt. at the Enfield prison. He was excited to see I was back on the trail and wanted to come out and hike. I was ecstatic to see someone actually have that much enthusiasm to drive nearly two hours to hang out with me. He said, " what do you need?" I replied," something cold and wet like water or Gatorade, something not too sweet unless its a Guiness!" About two hours later I received some great trail magic when Paul, whom I've never met, shows up on route 44, hops out of his car, opens his trunk and pours me an ice cold pint of Guiness in a pint glass. Paul and I hiked about 6 miles up to Lions Head and back to the car. He is preparing to retire soon and wants to thru hike the trail and has a lot of questions about what it's going to take to do this trek. He is an experienced hiker and will do just fine. I hiked a total of 13.5 miles today although 10.9 counted because we hiked back to the car 2.6 miles down the mountain. Tomorrow I say goodbye to Connecticut as Massachusetts awaits me with about 96 or so miles of trail. I'm hoping to take no more than six days and be in Vermont by the 21st. If my time frame works, I could have sixty Vermont miles under my belt when I go off trail to witness the marriage of my godson mike and his beautiful bride to be Victoria on the 26th of July. Better not get too far ahead though, I still have to get thru tomorrow! Peace Out! :-)
Date: 2013-07-15
From: lions head entry trail from parking lot. +.8 mi. 

To: race brook falls campsite
Miles today: 9.0

This morning I had a nice breakfast with coffee and left the hostel about 10:30 or so and was dropped off at the lions head parking lot where I hiked half mile to the trail 3 tenths from the summit south of lions head. It was easier to rehike 3 tenths of a mile and get on top quicker. The views were spectacular this day on Bear Mountain and I met up with Oreo and quahog along with several other thru hikers and climbed Race Mountain this stretch of the Taconic Range is stunning and if you're up to the challenge it's worth the hike. At least three quarters of a mile of exposed trail with views that will set you down to look! Check out my pictures and envision yourself right there!I ended up hiking Nile miles, Nine hard fought miles in almost 100 degree heat, got my first blister ever on top of my big toe and had my hands full staying hydrated. I am camped at race brook falls campsite with several other thru hikers and a couple dogs. No issues though with the dogs which are well behaved. For dinner i made spaghetti and meat sauce that surprisingly tasted pretty good, thanks Paul, or should I say, Seven Stops! Always one more stop before getting I the trail. As I'm texting Seven Stops, I hear a bear outside my tent about twenty or so feet trying to step lightly but the twigs give him away. I hope the light from my I-phone doesn't make him too curious because I'm just too dam tired to start scrapping with a bear right about now. I can still hear it walking around near me as I type this blog. Do you think I should discharge a one second burst of pepper spray and check his reaction? Yeah, you're probably right. Not the smartest thing to do. Don't forget that I use odor proof bags and do not hang my food but, I don't cook near my tent and make no messes that might attract one. The hair on the back of my neck tingles when they are right next to the tent and you can hear them breath and move around you. Gentle Ben, is that you?! :-(
Date: 2013-07-16
From: race brook falls campsite

To: tom leonard shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Last nights bear activity made it hard to sleep. I did sleep ok and got off to my earliest start at about 8:00. Today I climbed mt Everett and enjoyed the early cool temps but by the time noon arrived, it was scorching hot. 16.5 miles and hundreds of mosquito bites later, I stopped at Tom Leonard Shelter. After setting up my tent I walked down into the crack of the mountain .3 miles each way to get water. If I was paying attention I would have carried water from the last hole and conserved more energy, something I'm really lacking at this point. Feet are starting to feel better but my groin is starting to act up again. Maybe too many miles too soon for me. The bug bites are irritating combined with hot and muggy temps and its hard to relax. Oh, did I mention the chafing?! I did receive good news today and will have My friend Craig and seven stops hiking Friday thru Sunday. Well hike just under forty miles and see some excellent places. I'm excited to spend some time and help give these guys some pointers as they have the fever in their blood for a thru hike. I've adjusted my hike a littl to accommodate my friends but just so we can stay at upper goose pond shelter. There we can swim and get breakfast in the morning, it'll be a treat!If my planning is accurate, I should be in Dalton on Sunday which should give me two days to get over Mt. Greylock and into Vermont. My hiking friends m-80 and trooper are hiking with their dog Willow. trooper, who is m-80's wife has the lead, Willow and m-80 is the anchor when suddenly trooper looked up and saw a ginormous Blackbear standing only feet away. She turned and said to her husband, "Bear!" M-80 grabbed Willow in tight so as not to antagonize the bear but the bear is still walking at them. They backed up for several feet as the bears kept advancing and by now you can imagine the scene. The trail is too narrow for comfort and still the bear advanced so m-80 said to trooper,"give me a rock" and she complied. M-80 pulled his zipper down and whipped out his , lets just say his manly connection and urinated on the rock. Trooper said,"What are you doing" to which he replied, " they do this all the time with grizzly bear out west, the bears hate it". M-80 threw the rock towards the bear and the bear sniffed the rock and became furious and agitated. Guess that didn't work! After a few minutes the bear left the trail enough for them to get by and create space. They told me this story before I went to bed last night and then to have a nosy bear really put me on edge. In any event, be advised the urine covered rock trick only works on grizzlies! VERY IMPORTANT!!!! :-/
Date: 2013-07-17
From: tom leonard shelter

To: great Barrington
Miles today: 2.0

This morning started out uneventful after a somewhat restful night. I got up and broke camp, then made some breakfast. You know, three eggs over easy with a side of extra crisp bacon, home fries and coffee. NOT!! Just plain old oatmeal and instant coffee. Started down the mountain and right off the bat my chafing began. By the time I got to the second road crossing and after excruciating pain and discomfort, it was time for a hotel. For the second time in a week I stuck my thumb up and the second vehicle stopped and picked me up, the first vehicle was a septic tank vacuum truck. I must have really stunk! The town of Great Barrington is only 3 miles from the trail and I was dropped off in front of McDonald's where I could t help myself and had a quarter pounder with cheese and fries and a large ice tea. It was AWESOME!! Didn't feel too good for a little bit but it was worth it. The comfort inn was my destination as they advertised they had a indoor pool and hot tub, enough said. On a whim, I called this hot chick I've known for some time now and enticed her to drive 2.5 hours, after work to have dinner and play in the pool. Now before you go off on a tangent about my intention or my moral fiber as a father and husband, this hot chick I've been involved with since August 12th, 1978, the day after my fifteenth birthday and Alison still gives me butterflies to this day. My bride and I had a nice dinner at Four brothers and enjoyed a nice evening together without interruption. Tomorrow we will be up early because she's not retired yet and back to work she'll go. As for me, about 12 miles or so and hopefully without the burning fire in my crotch! Alison, I really appreciate your love and support for me while I adventure then this beautiful country and continue to improve my health, both physically and mentally. I couldn't do what I'm doing without your love and support and can't wait to trek with you. I Love You sweetheart! :-)
Date: 2013-07-18
From: great Barrington

To: tiryngham
Miles today: 12.2

Alison had me up at 4:55 am this morning as she has to drive 2.5 hours back home to go to work after our little tryst. She missed a great breakfast that the inn puts together which they should seeing we payed enough. We had an enjoyable evening and look forward to the next spontaneous connection. Today I hiked 12.2 miles and ended up hitching three rides and 17!miles before ended up back in great Barrington where I met up with invisible man, Jacko and army ant for the first time since Damascus. We treated ourselves to a nice steak with all the trimmings and several beers from the Barrington Brewery. Excellent place to relax and enjoy a nice meal. Right now I'm sleeping on the floor at the comfort inn in Jacko and invisible mans room for 20 bucks, the same place I just payed 142 dollars the previous evening. Breakfast Is gonna be great again! Tomorrow I will meet up with my friend Craig and seven stops and hike about 30'miles by Sunday, stopping after only 7 miles at upper goose pond shelter for swimming and a pancake breakfast in the am before hiking 17.6 miles to the Kay wood shelter. They'll finish with about a 4 mile downhill to their other vehicle and I'll keep stepping north. Imm hoping to be into Vermont by Tuesday. I'm trying to Vegas far north as I can before I go off trail for my godsons wedding on the 26th. I'll leave the 25th and return on the following Monday. Weddings are always exciting and I'm looking forward to welcoming miles new bride Victoria into our family fold. Time to close these eyelids and rest. Good night my friends and sleep tight! ;-)
Date: 2013-07-20
From: upper goose pond shelter

To: kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: haze

Last night was hot and not much air movement but, the moon was bright and the water was nice for dipping. I only slept about maybe 3 hours as my right big toe is infected and was throbbing until I ripped off the dressing, squeezed the puss out and reapplied ointment and wrapped it. At about 1:30 or so this morning I heard a loud thump which I thought was my pack falling from the hook but instead was a 7 year old thru hiker who goes by the trail name, high five!, had fallen off the top bunk and bounced off the floor. High five is thru hiking the AT with his mother and his two sisters. The oldest girl is 15 and tutu is 12 and has Down's syndrome. The mother is home schooling the children while thru hiking and I must say I'm amazed and elated to see this beautiful family out here in nature and am very impressed with their happy and positive attitudes. Where was this concept when I was growing up? By the way, high five barely woke up and his mom put him right back to bed without issue. After only a few hours of rest, we woke up and had pancakes and coffee, compliments of the caretaker of the shelter. We left the shelter about 7:30 and seven stops and "the cuban!" (Craig's trail name ) hiked about 18.3 miles( 17.6 counted) and ended up at the Kay Wood shelter. Tomorrow we'll hike into the town of Dalton and the Cuban! And Seven stops will part ways with me as I continue my northern trek over Mt. Grey lock and into Vermont. Today I went over the hundred mile mark since July 10th when I started the New England section. I'm hoping to be in Bennington for pick up either Thursday night or Friday morning for mikes wedding and be back on the trail by Monday. Right now I am totally exhausted and the phone keeps dropping out of my hand as I go in and out of contiousness ( get spell check to help me out here) try to finish up tomor
Date: 2013-07-21
From: kay Wood Shelter

To: cheshire,ma. rt. 8 crossing
Miles today: 12.3

The last couple days have really been enjoyable for me. I had a chance to hike with friends from home and we covered about 30 miles of trail thru the Taconic range into the start of the Berkshires. We saw lots of great views, walked over fresh moose tracks and this morning watched a large doe walk along in front of us with little or no concern for our presence. We also experienced trail magic from peoe we met for the first time, water and Little Debbie's at the side of the trail and today as we hiked thru the town of Dalton, young man in a car stopped suddenly and shouted out the car window,"you guys thru hiking?", as I acknowledged him, he thru sealed packs of Little Debbie's cookies to us. It's truly a great feeling to receive a random act of kindness from a stranger. Their is a common bond among hikers and most trail angels are people that have previously hiked the trail or have a friend or family member who thru hiked at some time and received this same magic and are excited to help a hiker out when they see one. This morning after stopping at java and juices I parted ways with The Cuban! and SevenStops and hiked over Crystal mt. Into Cheshire, ma. For some reason my feet just won't cut me a break and the struggle has me walking funny, so much so that I developed more chaffing and quickly became aware that if I didn't do something now, I would have serious issues later so I decided to call the Harbour House Bed and Breakfast and man it was a smart move. A really nice lady named Eva picked me up and in no time I was at the beautiful New England farm house, taking a hot shower and reenergizing my body and soul. After I got cleaned up I was given a ride to EMS where I bought anti chafe roll on, blister pads and boxer briefs that should help cut down or eliminate my chaffing issues. I also picked up Neosporin to use on my sore spots tonite to take care of any infections. Tomorrow after breakfast I will climb mt. Greylock and will decide wether to stay at Bascom Lodge located at the top or hike to the next shelter. The veterans war memorial is on the summit of Greylock and is a true place of honor I recommend all to check it out either by hiking or by car. I also think its free parking for all veterans as they have already paid with their service to this great country, otherwise it's like 4$ I think to park and check out the monument. Thank you vets and your families for your service and dedication helping to allow me the freedom to do what I do!
Date: 2013-07-22
From: cheshire,ma. rt. 8 crossing

To: williMstown, ma. 
Miles today: 14.3

Last night I stayed in a classic New England farm house in Cheshire,ma. At the Harbour House Inn BnB. It was an extraordinary experience to literally step into yesteryear with all the character and charm of a classic new englander. I recommend anybody going to the Berkshires for leaf peeping season to give Eva a call, you won't be sorry!Eva,Thank you for opening your home for me. You made me feel welcome from your first smile, even under the stress of caring for your beautiful mother, you made time to help me when I needed help. That is the sign of genuine,good hearted person and I'm praying for you and your family as I write this to you from the southern slope of Mt. Greylock. My friend, Sister Patty will tell that god is watching and when your time comes, I'm sure he's got you on his list for a seat on the bus with a cushion! :-Today I climbed over mt. Greylock and into the town of williamstown. I climbed multiple peaks for the first time since the southern mountains. Mt. Greylock towered over the other two at 3491ft., mt. Williams at 2966 and Prospect mt. at 2524ft. I decided to hike fartherin order to get to Bennington Tuesday night instead of Thursday or even later. I'll know tomorrow if I'll hike the 18 plus miles I need in order to be with my girl. I will giv it my all to be with her the extra day. Only about 14.3 miles today and I had a lot less pain from my feet. When I get home I can't wait to go to REI and return my pack which ripped and other gear I've had issues with. I boughtba pair of boxer briefs at EMS yesterday and had no chafing and won't be wearing my thong, I mean my banana hammock, I mean my bikini, I mean, I mean, just sayin!'
Date: 2013-07-24
From: congdon shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Broke camp by 8:30 am and hiked 18.7 miles over Glastonbury Mountain at just under 3900 ft. While climbing, I get a call from my family doctor that my sugar levels are excellent and my cholesterol is slightly elevated but in good shape. He said I don't need to take the meds anymore. I thought to myself, self, I stopped taking my meds three months ago and I've met my goals of losing weight and ridding my body of diabetes. I want to get down to 200 lbs by the end of this trek and keep it off! Sounds like I'll be a walking fool into my eighties? OK!!!!!!!
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: manchester center 
Miles today: 25.7

I think I'm starting to finally figure this hiking thing out, huh! I had a fine tuned pre-start this morning with oatmeal with raisins and coffee. The morning sun beamed right into my tent and Man it felt great! Initially I had planned a15 mile day to Stratton pond shelter but when I saw the garbage and food stuff one hiker swept out, I opted to tent it and avoid the mouse house so I hiked two more miles and am stealth camping by a stream. Tomorrow I'll hike 8.7 miles and take a Nero in Manchester center, shower, laundry, resupply for four days worth of food and get a nice meal. I wish I could solve this chafing issue, it's NUTS!!! Just sayin! :-/I'm thinking of adding Vermont to my real estate interests as I just learned that if you are within 100 ft of water, you can be nude, at least that's what I heard, ya heard?It's 12:17 pm and I'm sitting in the lobby at the Econolodge in Manchester center waiting for a room to open so I can get cleaned up. The Indian at the desk was trying to get early check in fee but I told him I'd wait till three. Then he says that the room could be ready in half hour or so and I asked if its ready do I have to pay the early fee and he said no. I guess when I suggested the inn across the road might better accommodate me, he made a compromise. Anyway 8.7 miles today and time to rest and take care of the routine of shower, laundry, resupply and eat a good meal. I haven't even looked at the next resupply but I do think its about 60 miles to Killington so four days worth of food should do. Noticed it was nippy out this morning as I got up and donned my fleece jacket and hat. Welcome to northern New England weather. Might need Alison to bring my down best and gloves to north Woodstock. I don't remember if I mentioned it but August 11 I officially enter the second half of my century and more importantly, August 12th marks 35 years I've been together with Alison. Lets me tell you slots happened in this time frame. I'll save that for another time but I will freely admit Alison is my soul mate!! Love you baby! :-D
Date: 2013-08-05
From: inn at long trail

To: west hartford, Vt. 
Miles today: 34.4

The past two days have been long and grueling but the scenery has been stunning! Yesterday i hiked 18 miles and was literally on a roller coaster the whole day. Today I hiked 16.4 miles and the PUDS were twice as bad, but again, the forests and the berry patches on the mountains were breath taking. Right now I'm sitting in my tent surrounded by about 8 other hikers tents in the back yard of an avid hiker named Steve. He lets hikers tent in his yard without a fee and the restaurant thre doors down made me a fabulous sandwich, onion rings and drinks. I decided to stay away from beer until Saturday and I'm sure to tip a glass for my fiftieth! I just figured out I have 62.6 miles to north Woodstock and I don't think I'll be hiking three back to back twenty plus mile days. That's ok, I can get picked up at any point on the trail where a road crosses so ill still be living large by mid day Saturday. I feel pretty good for hiking over 144.6 miles in just 9 days. That's an average of 16 miles per day for nine days straight without a zero day. I'll end up about 10 miles short of my goal but, pretty happy still. I need to make a list for Alison to bring up, stuff I'll need to get to Katahdin. I can't believe it's right around the bend, only 452 miles to go!
Date: 2013-08-06
From: west hartford, Vt. 

To: steves back yard
Miles today: 0.0

What's today, Monday ? I don't know why but it seems you forget calendar weekdays out here. I need to hike 19 miles per day in to be at the Woodstock station for Saturday. Recalculating NOW! I have 79 miles to reach my weekend destination so about fifteen or so miles a day will get me there in good shape. Today I hiked out of the inn after nine and was still able to log 18 miles. I'm staying at Winthrop shelter and am about 26 miles from New Hampshire. I did a lot of elevation this day and tomorrow will be a 20 mile roller coaster with at least ten different ups of four and five hundred feet each and are called PUDS or, pointless ups and downs. From this point forward, it's gonna be harder with bigger ups and more of them as the white mountains are the biggest challenge to date. When I started hiking New England, the distance to Katahdin was 739 miles and as of today I have 468 miles to go. My feet issues are improving and my new friend is gold bond medicated powder, solving the chafe! I am afraid I've reinnured my groin and had some pain going on today. I don't feel anything bulging but am thinking its still in the beginning stages. I hope I can manage it ok so I can get this section done at least. It's 6:02am and I just realized its Wednesday, not Thursday and I Misfigured my mileage by one day. 62 miles is doable in four days and I'm gonna give it a go!If I can get to Glencliff by Saturday morning, I'll have 10 miles over mt. Moosilauke and into north Woodstock. I really need to pay more attention to the calander. Still, this retirement thing is just starting to get interesting as the day really doesn't matter, it's what you do in the day that counts. Right now I'm sitting next to a babbling brook in the green mountains of Vermont and am not worried about punching a clock, roll call, putting gas in my truck or any thing that resembles responsibility, just have to pack my tent and pack before having a nice breakfast and hit the trail for a twenty mile hike. Not too many ups today as I'm transmitting between the green mountains and into NH this day where the biggest challenges await, the White Mountains.