morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Free State Hiker Hostel

To: Raven Rock Shelter 
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another short day planned - slept in a bit, then spent some morning time updating the journal, and making some phone calls. Had to walk pretty gingerly starting out as overnight thunderstorms made the mostly rocky trail pretty slick. Dried out after a while and enjoyed some challenging uphills leading up to the shelter. Arrived at Raven Rock Shelter midday, had lunch and did PT stretching and strength exercises. No one else at the shelter through late afternoon, then 4 hikers and 2 dogs trickled in. A pretty laid-back and friendly group; spent several hours through dinner and up to bedtime exchanging trail experience and advice. Heavy thunder and lightning storms predicted for tonight, so spent my first night in quite a while sleeping in the shelter (vs. tent).
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Raven Rock Shelter 

To: Home
Miles today: 5.0

If you read above, today's destination reads "Home". I am ending my 2014 AT hike today. It has been amazingly beautiful and fulfilling so far, but I believe I lost my "mental momentum" in my 4 weeks recuperating off-trail. The leg has responded well to treatment but I want to hike (or not) on my terms and in full enjoyment ( not by just logging miles), and I haven't been feeling that since I have been back. One of many benefits of this hike so far has been the uninterrupted opportunity to think and reflect, and I want to live life on the same terms and with the same enjoyment as the hike. So I am going to close the 2014 chapter with the intent of finishing the physical hike in 2015 (hopefully!) or beyond, and with the intent of living life the same way into the future. So, thank you, Sherri, Dave G, Dave K, Bill S, Brian R, Nina G, and others, and (if any of you are reading this) my trail mates for getting me this far. Please check back for some posts in the next few weeks, as I plan to add some other reflections and thoughts (both random and insightful!). Thank you, O-Positive.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: North Adams

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter, North Adams, MA
Miles today: 3.0

Back on the trail today, O-positive fans! Only a 100 mile section hike this time, but any day on the AT is a good day. The day started with a Peter Pan bus ride to Williamstown, MA. Trip highlights included: 1. Waiting in South Station and chatting with 2011 AT thru-hiker Old Grand-dad, who was headed to Maine to join a friend for the last 200 miles of his thru-hike. 2. Riding through Pittsfield MA watching setup of the St Joseph's Church Annual Summer Polish Picnic (mmm, pass the kielbasa). 3. Riding the local bus from Williamstown to North Adams with an elderly woman who delighted in telling me "with this year's rain, the apple trees on Route 7 should really be something!"The start of the days hike was not quite as delightful, as it took an extra 45 minutes to find a poorly marked trailhead. Though the hike was only 3 miles, it was an extremely steep uphill (1300 feet). Got into camp fairly late, so a quick tent setup and dinner, and lights out at 830p. Good to be back out here
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

It was a dark and stormy night - on the side of old Mount Greylock, that is. But not so stormy that I wasn't able to sock in 10 hours of sleep, and I'll take that fresh mountain air anytime, cowboy. Remembered my camp breakdown routine pretty well, and was on the trail at 8am. Today's trail picked up where yesterday's left off (well duh, that happens every day), by that I mean very steep and straight up, as in 3 hours to the top of Mount Greylock, highest point in MA at 3491'. A heavy wet fog blotted any views, but the view of pancakes and bacon on my plate at mountaintop Bascom Lodge was more than sufficient substitute. Back on the trail, there were more downs than ups but even the downs were tough, made more so by very warm and humid weather. The end of the day cleared nicely though, and ended with a meadow walk, and a stroll into Cheshire. Settled on a bench across from the Post office to call Sherri, and then weigh the local dining and lodging options. Unfortunately, the local business options in Cheshire range from "limited hours" to "out of business". Well, by God, the Catholic Church is still mostly in business, so bunked in for the night at Saint Mary's of the Assumption/Father McCauliffe Parish Hall. No showers or laundry, but a dry floor and a bathroom, all for the excellent price of "donations welcome". Eight of us all together, and though a smellier bunch than I'd prefer to spend much time with, all were very nice. Cooked dinner in the parking lot, washed some clothes in the sink, did some reading and writing, and lights out at 9pm.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

A pretty comfy night sleep at St. Mary's. Some fresh cherries and a KIND bar and on the trail (actually the road in SHHH very quiet Cheshire) by 745am. The good part of staying in small trail towns is access to shower, laundry, re-supply etc. The only downside is the towns are usually settled in river valleys, which means a long climb back up to the trail. But we knew that when we signed up, right . So a 1,000 foot plus climb to the day's peak, humid but at least cool. Nothing notable as far as views or wildlife, just lots of chipmunks and the occasional frog. One abundant sighting has been mushrooms in a rainbow of colors - red, yellow, orange, white, black, purplish-gray, and green so far. A relatively short day (9 mi), with the last mile through the streets of Dalton, MA. Was hoping for a room at the Shamrock Inn, but no vacancies. Grabbed a large sandwich and drinks at Angelina's while considering my lodging options. Settled on backyard of Tom (last name?), a private resident who lets hikers tent in his yard for"donations welcome". A quirky place and low on amenities (like a bathroom - thanks, Cumberland Farms!), but a welcome place to tent out of the rain for a dozen hikers on this night. A suppertime rain drove most of us scurrying for cover early, so finished my sandwich for dinner, caught up on some reading, and lights out.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Dalton, MA

To: Becket, MA
Miles today: 9.3

Good morning -- last night's rain cleared out the humidity and made for a restful night's sleep judging by waking up raring to go at 530am. Mostly I was raring for a cup of coffee which I hadn't had in 3 days so I made the early dawn walk across the Housatonic River to the Cumberland Farms convenience store. Got the large coffee, Pop Tarts, and bottle of bug spray to go...mmmmm. Made a leisurely departure from camp and headed up, up, and up. Like most of this section, the morning was mostly shaded and view-less. Not until 1130am was there a chance at seeing open sky. Took a left on a short side trail onto Warner Hill. What a great lunch spot -- large sloping boulders, 360 degree view, sun, a breeze, and --- wait for it --- blueberry bushes!! It is peak picking season and along with a father/son hiking team, there were more blueberries than we could possibly eat (though we tried). The rest of the day was a breeze, over mostly flat ground. I had called ahead for a ride to a motel. Got to the road crossing early so made a quick trip down the road to the AT legend "Cookie Lady"'s house who makes free cookies for hikers and lets hikers tent at her small farm if you ask nicely. Got back in plenty of time for my shuttle to Becket Motel by mid-afternoon. Simple accommodations and a little pricey, but an immensely satisfying afternoon of hot shower, laundry, and takeout supper from a local restaurant.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Becket, MA

To: Stealth campsite north of Tyringham, MA
Miles today: 14.6

So here we go again, writing a journal entry 16 months after the fact, armed only with my AT guide and map, my photos, a Boulevard pale ale, and my steel-trap memory. Ummm¢¦yeah, good luck! Despite that meager toolbox, I have some pretty sharp memories. Most of the trail was flat (boardwalks early) and soft (pine needles later) terrain. Crossed the Massachusetts Turnpike at midday, which was pretty cool, not because it was terribly scenic (it wasn¢t), but as a MA native, I¢ve driven under the overpass a thousand times and said, ¢Hey, cool, there¢s the AT¢. I did not say, ¢Hey cool, there¢s the Mass Pike¢, more like, ¢I am so glad to be away from cars and highways if only for a short time¢. Chatted for a bit with some polite teenage hiker guys near Upper Goose Pond. At mid-afternoon, started thinking about where to camp, as I was sort of sluggish all day and decided to knock off early. I have become a bigger fan of the stealth campsite (as opposed to at shelters), settling down when I feel like it. As long as you can plan out a water source/supply and find an established tent site, the benefits of privacy, quiet, and empowerment are definitely worth it. Had trouble for a long while finding water near a campsite, until I ran across a southbound German hiker who I chatted up for advice. He pointed in a seemingly random direction and said ¢60% of the time you can find water on the other side of a hill that looks like that¢. Huh? Well, you know that old expression ¢ always trust advice from the first random German hiker you see in the woods. And of course, I did, and of course, there was water where he guessed! Turned into a very relaxing late afternoon/early evening at a cozy tent spot with a large rock/table (see photo). Great dinner, a phone signal, WIFI, and a chat with my dad ¢ what a way to end a great day on the AT!
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Stealth campsite north of Tyringham, MA

To: Beartown State Forest Campsite
Miles today: 13.7

* Note: another entry being written 16 months after the fact (see 7-21-15 entry), so a little lean on details...but here goes! I have a vague recollection that the hike around Benedict Pond was quite flat and pleasant, but be attentive to the trail markings, as it's not entirely clear which way is the AT and which way is the Benedict Pond trail. My only specific recollection is the awesome campsite I had for this night. I arrived mid afternoon on a pretty hot day and sought out a park ranger to pay my $10 camping fee. Upon finding a ranger (and not really wanting to pay the fee), I put on my really tired AT hiker face and body language, and....Score!...the ranger waived my fee! Notwithstanding my waxing poetic in yesterday's entry on the virtues of stealth camping, once in a while, one needs at least semi-civilization to recharge the batteries (literally and figuratively). This state park campsite features bathroom/locker room building with electrical outlets, flushing toilets, sinks, and trash barrels. And though it lacks a shower, a beach and swimming pond is available. After a hot hiking day, a quick dip in the pond served to cool me off and at least remove my outer sweat and dirt layer. To top off the day, I secured a secluded and scenic campsite, watching the light fade over Benedict Pond.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Beartown State Forest Campsite

To: Stealth campsite, South Egremont, MA
Miles today: 13.8

Despite relatively flat terrain, today was a challenging day at 13.8 miles, primarily due to the heat and scarcity of water sources. Much of the latter part of the day was spent trekking through flattish farmland, which is a landscape that I have grown to enjoy immensely since hiking the AT through Virginia in 2014. With the extended heat this summer, normally available water sources have been reduced to a trickle or mud. I was hoping to emergency hydrate at a soda vending machine at a repair shop a short way down Route 7 about 10 miles into the day, but frustratingly, the shop was closed for good. My last hope was at Route 41¢¦a market and caf© were advertised just over a mile down the road, but I wasn't sure I could get there before they closed. In a stroke of good fortune, just before the road, I came across a stream that was not marked in my guide and was flowing just enough to get drinking water! Not sure what I would have done if I hadn¢t found that. A heads up to do some better planning next time, I guess. Anyway, I ended up stealth camping a short ways from the road, and had a warm but pleasant and quiet night¢s sleep. PS my favorite sight of the day was the Shay's Rebellion marker (see photo, check your history book) right on the trail. The time passed since this historic event (almost 250 years!), the care taken to maintain the marker area, and the "rebellious" angle that the marker is leaning at were an inspiration.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Stealth campsite, South Egremont, MA

To: Sages Ravine Campsite, CT/MA border
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Awoke to a beautiful morning with a plan to walk the 1.2 miles down Route 41 to Mom's Country Cafe in South Egremont. With a name like Mom's, how could I go wrong? Now let it be said there is not an AT hiker who wants to walk extra miles off trail. So despite the rugged physical specimen I am (ha!), upon reaching the road, I employed my trudging & slightly limping gait. Bingo! A car pulled over within minutes and I had a ride to Mom's! Got to patent that hobble. Mom's was every bit as good as I hoped - a heaping delicious breakfast in a homey atmosphere. Not wanting to anger the trail gods, I hiked back to the trailhead and re-joined the AT near the grounds of the ATC regional office. Argggh, if only I had read my guidebook a little closer, I would have noticed they have an outdoor water hose, and I would have had no water supply stress yesterday. Oh well, another lesson learned. Having a full belly, great phone reception, a relatively short hike planned, and a wonderful view, I sat for a bit to relax and make a phone call. The trail called eventually and I answered. A challenging 1800' climb on a hot day over 5.5 miles brought me to the top of Mt Everett. Great views and a hearty lunch were the reward. If that weren't enough, after a steep decline, a long half mile plus stretch along the Mt Race ridgeline provided beautiful views and a reminder (as if it was needed) of why one comes out here. I hoped that stretch would last forever, but alas the trail eventually and gently returned to wide, soft and shady paths leading to tonight's resting place at Sage's Ravine Campsite near the MA-CT border. After an early dinner, the camper sharing the same tent site was too chatty for the solitude I was seeking on my final night on the trail, so I retired to my tent for some reading and well-needed sleep.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Sages Ravine Campsite, CT/MA border

To: Private home, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 7.5

With a short hike planned for the last day , took my time getting out of camp. A rigorous start it was though, with an 800' climb in a mile to the peak of Bear Mountain ( the highest peak in Connecticut at 2316' ). Pretty fabulous views which I took the time to stop and soak in. After that high point (haha) of the day, a mostly gradual 6 mile descent to Undermountain Road and into quaint, beautiful, and expensive Salisbury CT. Just under a mile of road walking into town. Had a room booked at the Vanessa Breton hostel/home, and decided to treat myself to a private room. After a much-needed shower, I walked the few steps into town, and grabbed lunch, a used book, and a patch of grass. From there, I summoned all the strength I had left, and lazily ate and read for the remainder of the afternoon. Have I mentioned I could get used to this life? Headed back to the house, did some blog writing, and other assorted chores. Vanessa invited the 3 other guests and a friend of hers to a homemade dinner in her kitchen. Successfully hurdled my social anxiety barriers and had a quite enjoyable time before retiring for the evening. PS The fabulous Sherri reprised her Trail Angel role and drove out to Salisbury the next day to drag me back to the so-called "real" world. Till next time, AT....
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Hanover NH

To: Happy Hill Shelter, Norwich VT
Miles today: 5.9

Back on the AT again in 2015! Starting a new job with the Town of Framingham MA in a week, so why not crank out a few more miles on the AT while I can? Hopped on a northbound bus from Boston on Saturday morning and hopped off a few hours later on the scenic town green of hiker-friendly Hanover, NH. Good memories of visiting Dartmouth College as a Bentley College runner in the early 1980's and as a Boston Running Club runner in the mid 90's. And there's the Hanover Inn, where I once spent a night I'll never forget, if only I could remember it. But on to the trail.... a quick resupply at CVS, and a water and bathroom stop at the Student Center, and I'm off headed south to Vermont! The trail (which for the first 3+ miles today is sidewalk/road) descends steeply for the 1st half-mile to the Connecticut River. Great scenery crossing the river and into Vermont - 2 new AT states for me in 1 day! A steep uphill right back up, and into historic and quaint Norwich, VT town center. A quick phone call to Sherri in front of a snappy-looking granite stone and marker ("dedicated to Captain Alden Partridge...founder of Norwich University, innovative educator, notable engineer, and extraordinary pedestrian...who hiked hundreds of miles in the region conducting topographical surveys before there were any trails" -- thanks, Captain!!), and onward out of town. Roadside trail magic (red Twizzlers and strawberries) on a table, and then exploring a stream/river crossing under the road (see photos). Took my time at the stream as a short hiking day was planned, and had to "camel up" on water as the water source at my planned campsite was forecast to be pretty dry. A steep uphill, and then - woohoo! - more trail magic - a roadside cooler with icy sodas. Properly caffeinated, headed into the woods for the last 2 miles. Fairly easy stroll to Happy Hill Shelter. Nobody there upon arrival, and it stayed that way all night. Enjoyed the quiet (though a little spooky), and a laid-back night.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Cloudland Shelter, South Pomfret VT
Miles today: 10.6

Rain overnight and still some lingering this morning. No one else in the shelter so I was fortunate to be able to break down my tent in there. A 4-mile mostly downhill walk into East Hartford, Vermont. Passed a few wild turkeys on the way. Heads up guys, Thanksgiving's coming soon! Pretty excited for the "big breakfast" at Full Belly Deli as listed in my AT Guide. Walk by one of the only buildings in the town center and it has a For Sale/Lease sign on it. Hmmm. Get to a road crossing a little further on and a guy doing yard work asks if I'd like a cup of coffee. "Not me, I'm going to the Full Belly Deli!" "No, the deli's closed down" he says, pointing to that same building. "Arrrggghhhh", why didn't I spend the $15 and get the 2015 AT Guide, instead of using last year's? Well, Bob (maybe not his real name) and Linda (her real name) saved the day, and apparently those of many other AT hikers. With the closing of the deli (and attached general store), they have started offering food and lodging to hikers on a donation basis. They invited me in their house for coffee, pancakes, sausage and some great stories of past hikers (google Bismarck, AT hiker) and of Hurricane Irene ( a real hurricane that hit Vermont badly several years ago, not a really fast female hiker). Back on trail late morning; saw baby snakes and treated to some tasty freshly-fallen apples. Mostly rainy and misty all day. Would have gone further if not for rain in the forecast. Met a northbound hiker full of deep quotes - "You always know where you start but you never know where you'll finish". "I'm not doing a thruhike. I'm doing 180 day hikes." Whoa, deep.....Made it to an "abandoned" hut a half mile off trail (Cloudland Shelter now on private land but not well or at all maintained) Had the shelter all to myself, spooky again but quiet. In the sleeping bag at 6pm, asleep by 645.
Date: 2015-09-14
From: Cloudland Shelter

To: Winturri Shelter, Woodstock VT
Miles today: 9.8

On trail by 8am. Thought I might be faster after a long night's sleep, but slow going instead. Many grassy hilltops/balds with great views. Made the first river ford (ok, fine, it was a stream, but still) of my hiking career. Swapped my hiking shoes for sandals, waded across, switcheroo again, and off I went. Either the cold water of the streamside soda trail magic was enough to shake the doldrums and I flew for the next 2 hours. A quick roadside lunch to dry clothes, tent, feet, etc. Saw one northbound hiker, 2 southbounders, a dozen not-so-friendly cows, and 20-25 red efts on the trail today. Sharing a cozy shelter with one other section hiker tonight.
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Winturri Shelter, Woodstock VT

To: Stealth Campsite, Quimby Mt, Killington VT
Miles today: 13.4

There are only a few memorable things about this section, notwithstanding I'm writing this entry 14 months after I hiked it. I do remember wanting to stealth camp at the top of Quimby Mountain, in the desire to see a mountaintop sunrise. Alas, there were no (as in NO) campsites that i could invent and I ended up hiking several miles longer than I wanted before finding a spot almost all the way down. But it was a great spot, with sunset and sunrise views, a watersource, WIFI, and a shorter walk tomorrow. What more could a hiker ask for?!?
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Stealth Campsite, Quimby Mt, Killington VT

To: Route 100, Killington, VT
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Last day on the AT for 2015! Always a good sight to see the sunrise from inside your tent upon waking up. A beautiful morning, a quick packup, and a short steep downhill to the road. I'm probably fortunate to have weather like this in Vermont in September, but it makes me feel like hiking forever. A boardwalk walk for a half-mile or so through swamp and bog, sunlight twinkling on dew-heavy spiderwebs. Loud and picturesque waterfall next to a beautifully maintained red barn/mill building. A mile or so through woods, and then a flat walk around a stunning pond. The pond reflects and so do I. A little more flattish woods, and then out to sun-splashed Route 100 where Sherri and I had planned to meet. I'm here much earlier than planned, so a phone call to brother Frank until she arrives. The usual (but no less fulfilling) joy upon her arrival, then off to Killington for lunch. A leisurely afternoon of Vermont sightseeing, then homeward. Happy for the opportunity for 50 more AT miles this season. Almost 200 miles for the year, 1,197 miles in total, and less than 1,000 to go! See you next year!
Date: 2016-05-28
From: North Adams MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter, VT
Miles today: 7.0

Another year, another segment of "O-Positive Walks in the Woods"! Took the 10am Peter Pan bus from Boston to Williamstown via Lee and Pittsfield. A short wait for a short shuttle bus ride to the North Adams Stop & Shop, a half-mile from the trailhead. Highly recommended re-supply stop for thru-hikers as this store is ENORMOUS and close by. Got a deli sandwich, re-filled water bottles, bathroom stop, phone call to Sherri, and off we go! Hot day - 91 degrees to start! A 4pm start, which is a little late for a 7 mile mostly uphill hike but with late sunset and an ambitious 112-mile total, yuh do what yuh gottah do! Crossed MA/VT border at 3 miles, 7 states done, 7 to go, hoorah! 4 more miles to Seth Warner Shelter. Arrived after 7pm but plenty of sunlight for a leisurely tent setup and supper. Great to be back on the AT!