morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-01
From: Boardman Street

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to more rain during the night.Despite my poorly set up tent I stayed dry. Packed up and took off in the misty morning air. My glasses kept fogging up and then with the poor visibility from the mist I was really seeing in a haze. Heard noise in the trees and thought it was just the wind blowing last nights rain off the leaves. Wrong! it was heavy rain coming. Before long I was soaked. It probably rained for the better part of an hour. The rocks were slippery and the steep climbs were slow.Stopped in at the Tom Leonard shelter and Newheart, Noodle and Lightening Rod were there. They were just getting going for the day. Seeing more evergreen trees in the woods now. Birds and chipmunks were the only animals I saw today. There was a beaver house on a pond but no activity when I went by.Had lunch at Mt. Wilcox South Leanto and Lightning Rod was there getting water and eating too. Caught up with Noodle and Newheart later in the day, they were going up on Baldy Mt to camp tonight. I could have went beyond here today but decided to stop and rest. Tomorrow will be a shorter day and rest in the afternoon again because I don't want to miss Upper Goose Pond Cabin. I hear it's a place not to pass up.
Date: 2005-08-02
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Woke in the night to it raining so jumped up to get my clothes off the line before they got real wet again. Just like clockwork I was awake at 5am so prepared to leave. Just over the top of the mountain outside Tryingham, MA, I ran into Noodle and Newheart. I thought they were going much farther last night. A couple miles down the trail this guy is all set up with a camera, telescopic lens, and tripod taking pictures of insects. I told him about the insect I saw in CT that was about 3/4 of an inch long and as big around as a dime but it looked like a hummingbird. He didn't skip a beat just quickly informed me it was a hummingbird moth. We discused it a little and then I was off again. Next I ran into a guy out checking property lines in the middle of the forest. Seems someone wants to sell 450 acres and he is assessing the plant life to see if it unique or valuable. May try to convince the state to purchase it. My walk today was very enjoyable and the woods were really beautiful. The walk along Upper Goose Pond was nice too. Made my way to the cabin and checked in. Spread my tent out to dry and then tried to repair my Big Agnes pad again. Sure hope it works this time so I don't have to send for another one. Then it was a swim in the lake and rinsed out my socks. Had my lunch and visited with Peggy the volunteer. The breeze is cool but wish there was a little more sunshine as I lay here in the hammock. Enjoyed that hammock for couple hours and even got a little sleep.More and more hikers came in as the afternoon went on. Total there are 12 of us, mostly southbounders. Stilts did come in who I had not seen since north of Pearisburg,VA.It was a frenzy of sharing food at dinner time and now everything has quieted down. Just heard Clearwater has come in, haven't seen him in a long time either.
Date: 2005-08-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Started off the day by helping Peggy get the breakfast ready. It was fresh blueberry pancakes with syrup and coffee. Got on the trail later than usual especially with so far to go. When I was about an hour out I realized that I had forgotten my 3 pairs of socks I had left drying in the sun. One pair of dirty socks, what would I do? The miles ticked off quickly as I kept a good pace. There weren't any real views today except one pond. The ferns were really pretty through one section and some were about 4 feet tall where the sun shone in alot. Made it to town in record time and went to see about staying at the Birdcage. He was over full and said there probably wouldn't be room in the shuttle tomorrow because so many were going out. Suggested I go back to Tom Levardi's and stay and see if he would shuttle me. I am staying here at Tom's in my tent but he won't be able to slackpack me tomorrow. Guess I will just have to walk out. There are seven of us here tonight, Che & Peanut, Peanut Butter, Clearwater, Stilts, Mule and I. We all piled into Tom's Jeep Cherokee and he drove us to the Country Buffet for dinner. Then we went to Walmart and I got some temporary socks until I can get to an outfitter for better ones. Need to get to bed, another long day tomorrow.
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Dalton

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.0

Woke up early and needed to use the bathroom but, there isn't one available here. That meant getting going so I was out of town. Thankfully found a restroom open at the ballfield. The miles from Dalton to Cheshire went pretty quickly so I was in town again by 11.Decided to hitch to the outfitter for some new socks. The hitch there was quick and that was right where the person was going. Got 2 new pair of socks, a new platypus water bladder and some fixit tabs for the platy. Went out to hitch back and waited for a while. Then a guy in a truck pulled over. We chatted a little on the way back to the trail and I mentioned I'd forgotten to fill my water bottles. He said he lived by the trail and I could get water there and then he'd run me back. When we pulled in I said I would get water from the hose, he said no come on in and fill up. Ahhhh ok. Once inside he asked me if I smoked pot? No. Well he needed to take a break and roll one. Long process and then he smoked it and smoke was everywhere. Well then I wasn't sure I wanted to get back in the car with him. Long story short I got the ride back and am safe.The rest of the day was a 7 mile uphill hike of Mt. Greylock. It is the highest point in MA at 3491'. Hadn't thought I would get to the summit but made good time. Once there I decided to take a bunkroom at the Bascom Lodge. The guy running things even said he could squeeze me in for dinner so bought that too. Talked with two different groups of people at dinner about my hike. They had so many questions. After dinner I went up in the tower they have erected there for a look at the view. Not much view because it was very hazy. Found out our digital camera isn't working right. When I spoke to Randy he thought maybe it's to much moisture.Spoke to a older gentleman who was also staying in the lodge. They were there for a 24 hour HAM radio contest. They will be erecting a bunch of towers tomorrow morning.Once back upstairs I heard voices out back. It was Che and Peanut and some other people. When I got down there was I ever surprised it was Break a Leg and Longhaul. Big hugs and hearty hellos. They both had injuries that took them off trail, they got back on further south but there were no other hikers so they jumped up to Cheshire. Enjoyed hearing what had been going on with them. I was ready for a comfy bed so off I went.
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: haze

The wind blew hard all night long and I had to shut the window to get some sleep. It was still blowing this morning but it wasn't a cold wind. Wound my way down the mountain and got myself turned around. Thankfully I recognized some rocks I'd gone past and ended up the right direction. Made it down to Williamstown by 10am. Needed to resupply so went down to the Stop N Shop. Had to carry 4 days of food so the bag would be a little heavy. Found everything pretty easy because it's the same kind of store I shop in at home. Laid out almost identically. It was another 7 mile climb out of town but with a heavier pack. At the 4 miles in mark I crossed the MA/VT border. Only 3 states and 592.2 miles to finish! Met several Southbound thru hikers today and they were praising Vermont. Break a Leg, Stilts, Cuppa Joe and Longhaul are here tonight. After resting in my tent a while I joined everyone at the shelter picnic table. Longhaul had made a fire and it was nice with the cool breeze blowing to have it warm us. Laughed and talked until after dark.
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Glastenberry Lookout
Miles today: 19.1

The cool breeze lasted most of the night and I kept the flaps on my tent closed. Wasn't in any hurry to get up this morning because of the chill in the air. Finally got going around 7. Kind of a non eventful day until I got to the Congdon shelter. Lightening came in and a dog was following him. It was someones beagle with a radio collar. As we left the shelter the dog ended up following me. After a couple of miles I decided to call the number on the dogs collar. The owner said he had him out this morning with another dog and this one didn't come back. Arranged to meet him at VT9 to pick up the dog. So for 4 miles today I had a dog! Stilts came along right before VT9 and he helped me with the dog on the rocks. The guy thanked us and got in his truck. Stilts was going into town and had his thumb out, the guy just drove right past him. We sort of thought the guy might be thankful and give him a ride, no way.Ate my lunch in the hiker parking lot and then started the long climb up. The heat and humidity have been better so it made it more tolerable. Decided to go past the shelter and camp out. Went an extra 4 miles and found a nice camp spot. While I was making dinner Cuppa Joe showed up. He was headed to the Goddard shelter another 4 miles up. When I was cleaning up from dinner Stilts and Wilderness Bob went by going to the shelter too. They made sure I didn't need anything before they went on. Thanks guys. In my tent now away from the bugs checking maps, mileage and journaling. I'm yawning like crazy and it's only 7pm, guess this will be an early evening to bed.
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Glastenberry Lookout

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

The night was chilly again but I slept well thanks to my husband who brought me my warm bag last weekend. My first climb for the day was Glastenbury Mt. Stopped at he Goddard shelter before the summit, they will be repairing it in 2 days. The summit has an old firetower that you can go up in. It was magnificent with a 360 degree view. Saw Greylock where I'd been a few days ago and also Stratton where I was headed. Far to the south I could see a bunch of those wind vanes for making power. Most of the rest of the day just rolled along up and down mountain after mountain. Stopped to read the register at the Kid Gore and Story Spring shelters. When I reached a road crossing there was trail magic, a nice cold Pepsi! Then at the parking area I ran into Wilderness Bob, Stilts, and Sunshine and Camel who I hadn't seen in a long time. Some friends of Sunshines had come to see her. We all sat and talked, joked and laughed for about an hour. Once I started up Stratton Mt I decided to try and get to the shelter. It was 6.9 miles up and over Stratton mt. and it was already 5pm. I hate night hiking so I went into fast mode. Made the miles in a little over 2 1/2 hours. On my way in about a mile from the shelter I saw a bull moose. Wasn't real big so I guess it was a yearling. We both stared at each other from about 75 feet and when I stepped back to get a better position for a picture off he went crashing through the woods. The only picture is etched in my memory.When I got to the shelter I quickly made dinner. The caretaker came around to collect the $5 for staying and said I could set my tent up in the shelter. Great no fighting the mosquitoes after all. It's rigged up kind of funny but it's working to keep the skeeters out. Sure didn't plan this 22 mile day when I started out but it kind of feels good to know I can pull a big day over big Mts. Feet are sore but not much more than usual. Better cover up and get some rest.
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well slept at least a bug free night. Hadn't stayed in a shelter since NJ so hadn't had all the shelter noises. Like snoring, rustling of things, mice! Only had a little less than 10 into Manchester Center so didn't really rush. Nothing real exciting hiking in except running into Crazylegs, Ug, and Professor Nutbag who I hadn't seen since NJ. When we reached the road to town Cowboy 95 and Sinsi 98 were doing trail magic. Dogs, chips and drinks, thanks guys!Ann the lady from the Mountain Goat outfitters gave us a ride into town. One of the guys was Stumpknocker who I met last fall when he and Hippie Longstockings were finishing up their hike south. Resupplied at PriceChopper and am now at the laundry getting clean clothes and socks. Finished my town chores and want to send my pocketmail so I'm sending this before I finish today. Will end up on Bromley Mt. somewhere.
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Manchester Center

To: Little Rock Pond Tenting Area
Miles today: 16.9

Wow, I figured miles and didn't realize I went so far today. They must have been easier miles than I thought. Did spent the night on Bromley Mt. and really enjoyed the sunset and sunrise this morning. Shades of briliant pink in the clouds. When I was just about to come down from the viewing platform I saw a huge porcupine. Glad I didn't run into him when I was up early to use the privy. Enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Griffith Lake and a rest in the grass. The miles from there went quickly. Met a family at the Big Branch shelter who are over here from Ohio hiking for a few days. It was only another 4 miles to Little Pond with the promise of a nice swim. Count me in!Arrived to find no tent spots left so set up in a spot where I could tell others had tented. Then it was a jump in the pond, it felt so good. Once the caretakers showed up they said my campsite was ok. The Green Mt. Club hires caretakers to manage the busier campsites and charges a small fee. This year if you stayed at one fee area you got another one free. My stay at Stratton Pond was paid so tonight is free. There are lots of people camping here and only 4 of us are thru hikers. Getting dark so I'm turning in. Good Night.
Date: 2005-08-10
From: Little Rock Pond Tenting Area

To: Claredon Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Had a good nights sleep and was in no rush to get going. Ozzie the dog greeted me in the morning and that was nice.Stopped by the pond and just stood there for a few minutes. It was so peaceful and the reflection of the forest in the pond was beautiful. Went up to the shelter and signed in, not to many people had stayed there. These were miles Randy and I had walked before but I only remembered some of it. Walked with Wilderness Bob for a while and we talked about a variety of things. Stopped at White Rocks for a break. People have piled rocks up in probably 30 different cairns. It's a sort of rock garden. The climb over Bear Mt was tough in the heat. Most of the plants there were wilted or already dying. Stopped in at Minerva Hinchey shelter for lunch. When Wilderness Bob passed me again he said I just missed Apple Pie. Thought I would see her at the gorge as long as she didn't take a nap. Made my way to the gorge and took a long swim. Apple Pie did show up, it was good to catch up with what was going on with her. After we dried up a bit we headed for the Whistle Stop Diner a half mile away. Got a cheese burger with fries and lemonade. Later we got ice cream too. Stringbean and Jason came in so we stayed while they ate because it was so hot out. Finally around five we started back to the trail and the mile up to the shelter. Set up my tent, checked the register, ate a snack, hung my food and am now journaling. It's only a little after 8 but I'm tired tonight, it must be all that swimming and food!
Date: 2005-08-11
From: Claredon Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Awoke early but didn't want to get up. Knew the mileage wasn't big today and I had plenty of time. The big climb was up to Killington Peak. There was the promise of food at the gondola restaurant too. Found trail magic in the creek at the foot of the mountain, some sodas. Just the sugar boost I needed to help get up the mt. Not much wildlife today just the usual birds, squirrels and frogs. Saw some moose poop but no moose.Made it to the top in early afternoon, left my pack at the shelter and hiked straight up to the summit. The views were great and there was a slight breeze blowing. Didn't take long for me to find the resteraunt and order some food. Took some pictures from the observation deck and then went back down to the shelter. A bunch of southbounders were there and Buttah, Proteus, Jax, Mag & Dag and Hareball northbound. Talked with everyone for a while and then collected water and read my magazine. It was a story about deep water diving. Set up my tent here in the shelter again tonight. They say we are to have meteor showers tonight so some are up on the roof to check out the conditions.Feeling pretty excited today because I have only 500 miles left to go. I remember distinctly the point where I was 500 miles into this hike so today was a bit of reflection on the trip. Excited to be meeting Randy tomorrow for a day off.
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Cooper Lodge

To: River Road
Miles today: 11.2

Woke up at a little after 5 and started to get ready to leave. Knew I didn't have alot of miles today but didn't want to keep Randy waiting. Wasn't sure how rough the decent off Killington would be either. Being early I was hoping to see a moose but nothing was around. When I got to the Churchill Scott shelter P Diddy was there, he was the only one overnight. Many take the old AT down the Sherburne Trail because it leads right to the Inn at Long Trail. They're suppose to have one of the livliest pubs around the area. Most of the trail was downhill so it went rather quickly. There was a lookout spot where I a great view of Killington Mt and where I was yesterday. When I got to the road I couldn't connect with Randy by phone so just sat and ate a snack. Half hour later I reached him and he still has an hour or more to come. Told him I would walk on another 2.4 miles and meet him at River Road. That's where I am now.Got picked up and went to the Inn at Long Trail for lunch. Gypsy LuLu, Touk, Mouth, Linix, CrazyLegs, Professor Nutbag, Tink, Ug and Hareball were there. A bunch of them are going to meet up with Brownie & Soulman at a cabin for the weekend. We took off for Burlington. Got a motel, got cleaned up and headed to the mall. Found a couple dresses on real extreme sale that will work for the wedding. Was tired from the long day so went back to the motel.
Date: 2005-08-14
From: River Road

To: VT 12
Miles today: 18.0

The Inn offered breakfast to guests as part of our room cost. So we stayed to have breakfast. Got back on trail about 8:25. As I went up the trail there was a cooler with trail magic. Took a Gatorade to have with lunch. Wasn't up the trail a half hour and it started to pour. I got completely soaked. As the day went on the rain would come and go. Reached the Lookout cabin and had intended to stay but it was very early. Then when I got to the trail to the shelter it was still early and decided to go on and see about the barn shelter. Part way down the trail Many Names showed up and said he was going to the Barn shelter. He told me what he knew about the place and it sounded good. Without knowing about it I wasn't sure it was a place I should go alone. When I arrived LowBridge, CrazyLegs, Professor Nutbag, Ug, Patch and Toolman were here. This place is an old barn with a bunch of matresses and misc. other stuff in it. Dan has a shower set up at his house across the street. Later Dan and Linda showed up with a cake Linda had made for us. Chocolate with chocolate frosting yummm! The guys are all playing Trivial Persuit and it is dragging on now past 9:30. I think I will try and sleep anyways.
Date: 2005-08-15
From: VT 12

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

Had a good night's sleep in the barn. Only thought I heard mice or something once. The morning was overcast and grey and drizzly. It seemed like the miles went so slowly. At one place I followed an old rock wall for over a mile. It was remarkably well perserved. Had a section of road walking through West Hartford, what a waste to walk through a town with no services.Ran into Lightning Rod at the creek, he had taken a couple days off in Killington. He got his name because as a kid he was struck by lightening twice. About a mile before the shelter I saw Many Names, he said all the guys were headed to the shelter too. About half have showed up so far and it's already after 7.
Date: 2005-08-16
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mth Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Before falling asleep last night I listened to the sounds of the guys getting excited everytime the mouse trap would go off. I guess the nightly total was 6.It was an easy 6 miles into town this morning: misty and damp but I did see one deer.Before I got all the way into Norwich I noticed some commercial buildings, a bakery, probably not open. Yes it was, so in I went for some coffe and a danish. Real swanky place so I took my stuff to go. When I reached the underpass to Interstate 91 and came around the corner I could see the bridge over the Connecticut River. Tears weld up in my eyes and I could hardly keep from crying, you see this is the VT/NH border. I had so many doubts about getting this far and now I was going beyond. Now only two states and 430.9 miles to go.Walked on into Hanover,NH and went directly to breakfast at Lou's Bakery. After resupply, bank chores, and a visit to Ben and Jerry's(the only one diectly on the trail)for some ice cream it was time to hike out of town. Got going around noon and still had 11 miles to do. It must have been the combination of coffee (not decaf like usual) and ice cream because I was really buzzing down that trail.Of course the long hard climb came at the end of the day but even that wasn't too bad. Saw a few day hikers but no thru hikers all day. When I reached the shelter Mad Chapper was there. I had never met him and we enjoyed conversation and keeping the fire he had built going. Nice young man and we had some hiking mishaps in common. I had carried some lasagna out of town and enjoyed that for dinner.Then it was time to fire up the pocketmail and see if I recieved an emails. Surprise surprise, my cousin who I haven't seen in 28 years signed my trailjournal guestbook. Hi Bev great to hear from you hope all is well with you and your family! Then there was another one from my cousin Richard. Wow it sure is great getting to read the entries from my guestbook. Thanks everyone! Peg, my socks haven't reached me yet but hopefully they will, thanks.Better get off this thing and get some sleep, long hard day tomorrow.
Date: 2005-08-17
From: Moose Mth Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in a little, but still got going by 7. Had several really big long climbs to do today. Made it up to Holts Ledge which is a peregrine falcon rookery. Didn't see any falcons though. Just past that I got myself turned around and lost the trail. Ended up walking down a ski run that basically parallels the trail but didn't know where I was when I came to the road. Called Randy and he said, "oh you'll figure it out." [I don't think that is quite right. But what could i say?] I did figure it out but it was a little stressful. Had a long hard climb up Smart Mtn and thought it would take me longer than it did. Had planned to stay at the Firewarden's Cabin but it was only 2:40 so didn't know what to do. Went on up the firetower to have a look, it was beautiful. High mountain lakes, rock cliffs and rolling terrain were all around me. Could see where I'd come from today and the mtns. ahead to be climbed. Decided to push on as the next shelter was 5.3 miles and 4 of that was basically downhill. When I reached the shelter Mad Chapper, Leviathan, Chainsaw and Buzz were there. No place for my tent so I'm in the shelter again. There's quite a chill to the air tonight glad I didn't stay on Smarts Mtn. as it is almost 1000 feet higher than here.Hope to make it into Glencliff tomorrow before the post office closes, time will tell.