morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-11
From: NY-CT border campsite

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 14.6

Silver Hill campsite 10 PM. Today I was hoping to get on the trail early but did not leave until 8. Last night NoRush passed by my tent at 9:30 and still had one mile to the camp where his friend Strider was tenting. That was the first night hiker I saw in a while. It was actually cool when I had my last small breakfast. My pack is almost empty. I passed campers on the way down the mountain and many weekenders. I skipped the shelter and by 10 was road walking into Kent. The town was very busy with tourists and bikers. Even at 11 the sidewalks were full of people. I headed to the IGA and bought 45 dollars of food. The most I spent on the trip. I also met Piper in the store, another northbounder who stayed in Kent win her parents. After packing my food I headed to the busy coffee house for great coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and a bearclaw. From there I headed to the outfitter for aquamira and fuel. The adjoining ice cream parlor and deli had free wifi so I spent 2 1/2 hours charging and using the Internet. Many thru hikers were arriving in town, some planning on camping behind a store. I got back to the trail and started up the mountain with Mailman. The 3 mile climb to a nice view was not tough but the steep rocky descent to the river took a long time. The 5 mile stretch along the river was fun and easy. I hiked with Mailman and Uke to the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter where I found Roadkill and Doc Spice. I had not seen them since Trail Days. Even though it was 6:30 I decided to hike on to the campsite. On the climb I caught up to Firstgear and Greenlight. About 7:30 we arrived at a grat camping area with a pavilion, water pump, picnic tables and a platform with a swinging bench.I had a cold dinner after setting up my tent. So far CT has been a fun section of the trail but in 30 miles I enter Mass.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 14.8

Bearded Woods Hostel. 10 PM. I had planned on leaving the nice campsite early but it was 9 before I headed up the trail. It was a steep drop down to a large stream through pines and I found trail magic after the highway. Cold sodas and cookies with piles of ice next to the bag. I had a cold drink and headed up Pine Knob passing many small streams. Up a mini lemon Squeezer I met a ridge runner and an AMC worker. Apparently I just missed GMA who was ahead. I had not seen her since Clingmans Dome. At the shelter I met a section southbounder and soon Firstgear and Greenlight arrived. I had lunch on the picnic table and ended up staying till almost 1 with Piper and Wonderboy. The trail has a few challenging climbs and I fell twice on a steep section. I passed a few groups and one southbounder. Finally at 4 I arrived at US 7 and crossed the Housatonic River. A road walk and short river walk took me to Falls Village where I found Firstgear and Greenlight. After hydrating at a faucet I actually road walked too far and had to return to the village where I used the phone at the fancy Falls River Inn to call the hostel. On the ride we picked up Mailman and 2 northbounders. I also passed Piper and got my hat back that I dropped when I fell. I was happy to have my hat again. At the hostel I shared a room with Mailman, took a shower, got rid of my dirty clothes and by 7 we were all having wine, salad, burgers and ice cream for desert. Hudson and Big Lu are great hosts.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Bearded Woods Nostel

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

Brassie Brook Shelter 8 PM. Today started with scrambled eggs with smoked turkey and really good coffee. The porch area for dining is great here. It started raining during breakfast and it was not until 10:30 that I loaded my pack in the truck and headed back to the river. Mailman had to go back to Kent for a lost item. The climb up Mt Prospect was easy through the pines. I stopped at an interesting rock formation next to the trail. On the descent into Salisbury it started raining harder and the road walk was no fun with speeding cars throwing water next to me. I cut through a cemetery to get to town rather than continue on the busy road. I arrived at the grocery store soaked and when I walked in the door the air conditioning was freezing. Coffee and a Danish plus some shopping and soon I was in the Bistro having wine and a roast beef sandwich. The good life in New England! The rain ended but I had a 1000 foot climb up Lions Head but at least there were views at the top. Riga Shelter was full of kids with tents so I pushed on to the next shelter which was only one mile. By 6 I was in the shelter having a tuna/cheese burrito and drink. Hopefully the bugs will go away if it gets colder. Another night alone at a shelter after an easy day.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: campsite 1 mile north of June Mtn.
Miles today: 20.5

Campsite 1 mile north of June Mtn. 9PM. Last night I had an unexpected big thunderstorm after dark. I had to get my clothes and boots from clothes line. It boomed for about 1 hour and the wind blew through the trees. By morning the temp. had dropped to about 50 and the air was dry. It was a quick hike up Bear Mountain with great views but the descent was rocky and steep. At Sages Ravine I hiked through Hemlocks and cascading streams. Soon I was at the Mass. border and climbing Mt Race. Wonderboy caught up to me on a rocky ridge walk with great views of the valley. I climbed Mt Everett with Piper and at Hemlock Shelter I stopped for a quick break. At the end of a short ridge walk I made another steep drop to the valley floor and MA 41. I crossed most of the valley with Nomad but at a footbridge I left him and his friends for the final 4 miles across the valley and another 800 foot climb up June Mtn. to a small spring next to a rock chasm. I was tired when I arrived but still had over one hour to make camp and eat. Today I had been on the trail for about 12 hours and covered some hard terrain.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: campsite 1 mile north of June Mtn.

To: Campsite at large stream north of Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 13.9

Campsite at large stream north of Shaker Campsite. 8 PM. Another cool clear morning and by 10 I was at the Tom Leonard Shelter. I met a mother and sun out for a week who just moved to Boston. They wanted to know all about thru hiking. After they left I ended up staying for 2 hours and also met a southbounder. After passing a large pond, I climbed up to the old Mt Wilcox Shelter and 2 miles later a larger and newer one. I saw only a few day hikers and both shelters were empty. The long gradual descent through the Beartown Forest was in a pine forest on a soft pine needle path. By 6 I was at the official campsite but I opted to hike on through some farmland and found a great spot next to a large stream under pines. For a change I was not tired and had plenty of time to enjoy the quiet evening next to the cascading water. An orange glow hung over the water as the sun set.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Campsite at large stream north of Shaker Campsite

To: Cookie Lady's Home
Miles today: 21.0

Home of the Cookie Lady. 9 PM. Today I was packed and on the trail just after 7 for the quick climb up the Cobble and a nice walk through farmland around Tyringham. The almost 1000 foot climb up Baldy was long but on easy trail through pines. On the northside of the mountain I met Smirks and Smiles packing gear. In a few miles I was within view of Upper Goose Pond. A few canoes were on the lake and I wanted to take the side trail to the cabin but it was only 11:30 and I wanted to do 18 miles. Smirks caught up to me talking with a day hiker and remembered that we met way back in Virginia near Partnership Shelter. At the Berkshire Lakeshire Lodge we all spent over 2 hours in the breakfast room using the free wifi and having snacks. I decided to go with them to the Cookie Lady home rather than stay at a shelter. It was still 10 more miles, a tough climb in the beginning, and it was almost 2:30. I flew past a pond, a shelter and by 6:30 arrived at the tenting area on a blueberry farm that also sold eggs and flowers. About 10 hikers are here and I have gotten to know all of them since the Delaware River. I had my last meal from my food bag and bought 2 Klondike Bars from the owner which came in a basket with 2 cookies. Today I passed about 15 southbounders, that is a record or me. Two of the southbounders were carrying 2 pounds of blueberries or pancakes at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. I was told that is the job or southbounders.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Cookie Lady's Home

To: Shamrock Village Inn
Miles today: 9.5

Shamrock Inn. Dalton. 10PM. I started my day by picking some blueberries to put in my oatmeal. Since I was only going to Dalton I lingered at the farm till after 9. The trail was not difficult and at Warner Hill I met a ridge runner and got my first good view of Greylock. It looked very far away and yet I would be there Sunday night. I hiked with Smirks for a bit until she bounded up a hill. I found Whisperer soon and we walked together to the Kay Wood Shelter. When I hiked 25 years ago I stayed at Kay Woods home and I read her obit at the shelter. She was a special lady. I hiked into town with 3 other northbounders and stopped at a home that let's hikers camp in the yard. I met new northbounders but wanted to get to the motel so I headed down Main St and found the Shamrock. It was only 2 so I had plenty of time to shower, eat and relax. I started with a cheesesteak next door and at 6 went to the church up the street for a chicken dinner in the parish hall. Dalton is a quaint town that has not been taken over by tourists like Kent. I did laundry at the motel and rested for my first big climb since Virgina.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Shamrock Village Inn

To: Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 17.2

Bascom Lodge Bunkroom. 10PM. Since I had my first big climb in a long time, I was up before 6 and at 7 walked over to the coffeehouse and a had a breakfast sandwich and good coffee. The town was quiet, only a few runners on the streets. By 7:30 I was hiking a one mile road walk past homes. The climb up Crystal Mountain was easy in the cool weather. I fast northbounder named Cornflake flew by and after the campsite I met 2 young women out for a few days. I hiked with them to the Cobble and down to Cheshire. Nothing was open on Sunday morning and I decided not to visit the church hostel so by 12:00 I was at the base of Mt Greylock. The overcast sky kept the climb cool but it still took me almost 4 hours to reach the lodge. I stopped for water 3 miles from the summit and rested at a nice shelter. The place was empty even though I had past 3 groups of kids earlier on the trail. The trail near the summit did have a few day hikers who informed me that there was a happy hour from 5-7. Soon I was in my bunkroom with a cool view and ready or wine on the porch. About 6 hikers gathered around the table and we had beer and wine while talking about hiking. I met a northbounder who started 3 days after me and Catsup who I met at Bearded Woods also arrived. At 7 we all headed into the dining room for a gourmet dinner. Salad, beef, fresh vegetables and homemade ice cream with strawberries for desert. The dining room was full and met lots of people from all over the region. It was 10 PM before I staggered up to my bunk and crawled under clean sheets in a bunkroom that is only half full.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Bascom Lodge

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Seth Warner Campsite. 9 PM. Even though I did not sleep that great in the bunkroom I was up at 7 and down in the dining room around 8 for coffee. They also served warm muffins and great danish's right out of the oven. I stayed at the lodge until 10 before beginning the almost 2500 foot descent to North Adams. The descent was gradual until Prospect Mountain. I met a trail maintainer working on a sign at a view. I could see Williamstown below and wished I could visit the town if I had more time. Catsup flew by me and by 1:30 I was road walking to the grocery store. I spent 2 1/2 hours at the stripmall getting groceries and eating with Catsup at the Chinese buffet. Finally at 4:30 I got back to the trail and met a young group from Yale. The trail followed a nice stream for a bit and finally climbed steeply up rocks to the Pine Cobble Trail. Finally at 6 I reached the Vermont border and the beginning of the Long Trail. It was almost 7:30 when I reached the shelter trail and since it was busy decided to camp near Catsup. I just had enough time to get water and get clean before it got dark. No need for a hot meal, I was still full from the buffet.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Goddard Shelter tent site 8 PM. It was after 7:30 before I was packed and on the long muddy ridge walk to the Bennington Hwy. I passed a few beaver ponds and missed a turn and added 1/2 mile to my day. Before noon I arrived at Congdon Camp and had a snack with Catsup. I knew it was a tough drop to the highway and up to the next shelter but by 2:30 I was making coffee for the final 8 miles to Goddard. I visited the shelter and found Whisperer and Slider gathering wood.   At 3:30 I began the 3 hour hike to Goddard. I met a few southbounders doing big miles from Manchester. Finally at 6:45 I came to the busy shelter, found a tent site and had good water from a pipe spring. It was cool and after dinner I zipped up the fly and rested. I am not sure when I last camped above 3500 feet.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Stratton Pond Shelter. 8 PM. On the trail at 7:30 after a good night sleep in my tent. It was a quick walk up to the firetower and I climbed to the top for a hazy view. From the summit I walked with a Canadian doing the Long Trail and a young woman from Zurich here for a week of hiking. They are going to Story Spring Shelter. I walked past the trail to Kid Gore Shelter and planned on resting at Story Spring. The trail was rocky with small ups and downs so I could not really make time. It was almost 1 when I stopped at the shelter and met a few southbounders. It was an easy walk down to Black Brook and I found Catsup getting water for the climb up Stratton. Around 2:30 I began the long climb to the summit. The climb was only tough in the beginning, the last mile was rocky but not that steep. Back in the firs and cool breeze I finally reached the firetower at 4. About 6 northbounders were making hot meals but I needed water so after climbing the tower I walked to a spring and made a cold strawberry milkshake. I had good chocolate to go along with the drink. Down the mountain and by 6 I was at the empty shelter. I decided to take a swim in the pond. The water was wonderful and I actually felt clean. Back at the shelter I made Asian noodles with pepperoni. Since I decided to go to town, I have been eating all of my good food that might have made it to Killiington. The mosquito's are bad in the shelter, I hope I can sleep.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Sutton's Place

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Lost Pond Shelter 9 PM. I started my day with a hungry hiker breakfast at Up For Breakfast. I sat next to a couple who I had not seen since Roan Mountain. I also met a B and B owner who offered to take me back to the trail after breakfast so I hurried back to my room and packed. By 10:30 I was back at the trail headed up Bromley. It was cool and low humidity after the storm. At the shelter I met to trail maintainers doing composting at the privy. The shelter was large and well maintained. By noon I was at the summit and with the good visibility I could see many of the major mountains in the region. Down to Mad Tom Notch to a water pump I stopped for a snack before the next climb. The 1000 foot climb to Styles and over to Peru was not that hard and soon I was down at a shelter taking another break. I still had about 5 miles to Lost Pond and it was 5 PM. The cliff walk on Baker Peak was great with the good views thanks to the low humidity. Before long I was at the shelter with Sparks2Fire making my dinner. It might drop to 47 degrees tonight.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Clarendon Gorge Campsite
Miles today: 17.5

Clarendon Gorge Campsite 10PM. Today I woke up to a cold shelter and did not want to get out of my bag. It was almost 8:30 before I headed out and did the easy hike to Big Branch and up to Little Rock Pond. I passed a GMC hiking group and 2 southbounders. At the pond I missed the shelter side trail so I took a long break along the pond before the trail climbs to White Rocks. It was another blus sky day and if it was warmer I would have taken a swim in the pond. The 4 mile climb to White Rocks was long but I still took the side trail to a view. Dragonflys were swarming the area around the rocks. A few day hikers were taking pictures and eating. It was Saturday and the trail was busy. I took another long side trail to Greenwall Shelter but found no water. On the drop to the road I did pass a nice stream but did not get water. I still had 7 miles and another Bear Mountain. By 5 I was over the top and heading down to another shelter. I stopped for a quick break and met a few hikers. It was a quick 2 1/2 miles down to Clarendon Gorge where I took the path along the river and found a nice campsite but lots of trash. Jeff, a trail angel/shuttle person was camping with Huckleberry and Copperhead. After falling in the river and hurting my butt, I made dinner and walked to their campsite. Over the fire Jeff made hot dogs and hamburgs for the group. I stayed till almost 10 before heading to my dark campsite.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Clarendon Gorge Campsite

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Inn on the Long Trail. 9 PM. Last night I had light rain but I stayed dry including my gear in the tent vestibule. I was on the trail before 8 for the descent to the highway. The trail was slippery for the rain so even though I was anxious to get to the inn, I took my time on the muddy trail. Soon I reached an important trail junction. The Long Trail headed north and the A. T. headed east to Hanover. I decided to take the 1/2 mile trail to the Inn which used to be the A. T. By 10 I was at the Inn with King but I had to wait till 11 to get my room. After showering I did laundry and when the pub opened at 11:30 we had lunch with 3 other hikers. I took the local bus down to Rutland to buy food for the 40 miles to Hanover. My food bag was completely empty. Before shopping I visited the Yellow Deli Hostel which still had a few hikers. Apparently he place is full every night and it sleeps 24 people. I had a surprise at Walmart when I ra into Kobe who I had hiked with in PA before leaving the trail for 17 days. He took time off to visit towns along the way, that is why I caught up to him. I bought my own dinner at the store to bring back to the Inn and by 5 I was back in my room. After organizing my gear and eating I went down to the common room and talked with a section hiker and Tune who I met at Bascom Lodge. The inn was not very busy, only a few people watching tv and reading.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Inn on the Long Trail
Miles today: 3.8

Inn on the Long Trail. 9 PM. Last night I had light rain but I stayed dry including my gear in the tent vestibule. I was on the trail before 8 for the descent to the highway. The trail was slippery for the rain so even though I was anxious to get to the inn, I took my time on the muddy trail. Soon I reached an important trail junction. The Long Trail headed north and the A. T. headed east to Hanover. I decided to take the 1/2 mile trail to the Inn which used to be the A. T. By 10 I was at the Inn with King but I had to wait till 11 to get my room. After showering I did laundry and when the pub opened at 11:30 we had lunch with 3 other hikers. I took the local bus down to Rutland to buy food for the 40 miles to Hanover. My food bag was completely empty. Before shopping I visited the Yellow Deli Hostel which still had a few hikers. Apparently he place is full every night and it sleeps 24 people. I had a surprise at Walmart when I ra into Kobe who I had hiked with in PA before leaving the trail for 17 days. He took time off to visit towns along the way, that is why I caught up to him. I bought my own dinner at the store to bring back to the Inn and by 5 I was back in my room. After organizing my gear and eating I went down to the common room and talked with a section hiker and Tune who I met at Bascom Lodge. The inn was not very busy, only a few people watching tv and reading.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Inn on the Long Trail

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Winturri Shelter. 9 PM. Since I stayed at the inn before, I knew the breakfast would be good. I went down to the common room around 7 for coffee and at 7:30 had blueberry pancakes and sausages. It was 10 before I headed out for the easy hike to Kent Pond, passing through a quiet state park campground. The trail passed a nice waterfall and a long boardwalk over a marshy area. I was not ready for the 1000 foot climb up Quimby Mountain. My legs felt dead and it was warm. Finally at 1 I arrived at Stony Brook Shelter and had a snack. The bugs were bad and decided not to rest too long. The 7 miles to the Lookout seemed long because the trail was a roller coaster with no views. Finally after 5 I climbed the side trail to the cabin. Wheels, a southbounder was camping at the cabin and we talked for over one hour. The view from the roof was great and it would have been a great sunset. At 6:30 I left for the 2 1/2 miles to the shelter. It only took 50 minutes but I barely had time to get water before it got dark. Two southbounders were in the shelter and a fast northbounder who started May 26 arrived. One more day and I enter New Hampshire.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Winturri Shelter

To: West Hartford
Miles today: 16.4

West Hartford backyard shed. 9 PM. Since the store 2 1/2 miles from the shelter did not open until 10, I did not leave the shelter until almost 8:30. It was a quick hike down to the store where I found Greenlight, Firstgear and Limey. When the store opened we split 2 pies and ice cream. The picnic table was located in farmland between two large hills. I bought homemade cookies before leaving and started up the next hill. The first hill was a 600 foot climb and descent to a nice stream where I took a cool bath. The next hill seemed easier after bathing in the stream. On the summit of the next hill there was a view which was something new after all of these pointless climbs. Near the bottom of the next descent I saw a cooler and bags of garbage and thought there was trail magic on the trail. It turned out the goodies were all gone including the jugs of water. It was 4 PM when I reached the trail to Thistle Hill Shelter and I needed water so I took a break and found a small stream near the shelter. It was still 4 1/2 miles to West Hartford and a hiker friendly deli. I found Limey back at the trail and since it was 4:30 we had to hike fast to get to the deli. The hike was mostly downhill and by 6:15 we were in the deli ordering food. Outside a thunderstorm started and we were lucky to be inside and not hiking. I had a burger, fries, milkshake, cookies and more milk. Since the place had free wifi, we stayed until almost 8 before walking down to a home that allowed camping in the yard. The owner allowed me to sleep in the shed and when Greenlight and Firstgear arrived, we all squeezed into the shed. Limey set up his hammock even though the storm was not over.