morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Straton Pond shelter

To: Bromley Sun Lodge
Miles today: 10.6

It was a tough night fighting the bugs, and I think Two Step didn¢t get much sleep. They did calm down once it dark and the air cooled. Morning came ,and we were out of there and on the trail by 6:45.         I did forget to mention that there was a snake at the shelter last night, but it stayed under the shelter. It probably heard the air assault going on in the shelter and thought it was wise to stay where it was. It was safe there.        It is much warmer today but it¢s good that it will be a short day for the hike to Bromley. We should get there some time around noon.        Vermont sure has proven to be a very challenging so far, and has a very beautiful wilderness area. We got to Vt 11 by noon and Joyce, the owner of the Bromley Sun Lodgecame to pick us up and brought us back to the lodge. The lodge is just next door to the Bromley Ski Resort. They use the resort for other summer activities, like a cable that goes to a tower at the top of Bromley Mtn. Then two to four people can sit in a seat, and then I guess they release a brake and you go flying down to the bottom, and right before you think you¢re going to crash into the tower at the bottom, they hit the brake. ¢ What a Rush!!!.¢ It looks like more fun than I can describe. There was miniature golf ,and many other fun things for a whole family to do.        After we took showers, we just hung out. I called Navi to tell her where we were. She was getting in the swing of things at the girls camp in Maine. Doesn¢t sound like much fun to me. Give me a day of hiking anytime.        We did some laundry, had dinner at the bar, and just chilled the rest of the day. Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Bromley Sun Lodge

To: Lost Pond shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: 0

It was a comfortable night for sleeping even though there wasn¢t any air conditioning, at least there weren¢t any bugs.        We had breakfast just after 7am and James, Joyce¢s husband, said he would be giving us a ride back to the trail.         They bought the lodge tree years ago, and James said it¢s a constant work in progress. The lodge was built in 1977 and it looks like the winters were pretty rough on the building. Apparently the lodge was closed up before they bought it.        James dropped us off at the trail around 8, and just as we were getting ready to shove off, a car pulled up and a hiker by the name Blue Toes emerged. We met at Stratton Pond shelter, and yesterday he decided to go to the Manchester center instead of coming with us to the lodge. I think maybe there was more to do there. He¢s a pleasant guy and can move along at a good pace. I guess the name Blue Toes comes from having problems with his feet, like me.         Our first ascent was to Bromley Mountain with an elevation gain of 1,400ft in three miles. I thought it would never end, but the views were well worth it. Then we had another climb to Peru Peak at 3,429ft elevation, with even more spectacular views. We can thank our beautiful clear day for that, but it was hot and muggy.        There was the descent from Peru Peak, and then a climb up to Baker Peak at only 2,850ft, and by that time I gained a small heal blister. I had slowed down a bit, so Blue Toes stayed with me in case I had any other problems. The heat and the climbs had taken there toll on me. We were both worn out when we got to the shelter.        Two Step on the other hand was ready to go on to the next shelter, but we all decided to stay here at Lost Pond Shelter. Time to rest up to get ready for tomorrows hike. Not a bad day.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Lost Pond shelter

To: Minerva shelter
Miles today: 14.9

I was having a good nights sleep till 2am when I realized my hand was in a puddle of water. The bite valve on my bladder was left open, and on leaned on it when I was asleep. I wiped up the mess and went back to sleep till 5am, then as I was working on my feet, we had a storm come threw the area that delayed the start of our hike for the day. It was a light rain when we left the shelter and it stayed with us for a short time. When we reached Old Job shelter, the rain had already stopped so the rain gear came off.        A few days ago ,Two step and I met a young man who was out hiking the Long Trail with his dog named Lucky. His dog would run up to you barking like he would attack at any moment. We didn¢t feel comfortable with the dog around, and it looked like the owner didn¢t have much control of him either. Well, once again he showed up at the shelter and the dog would run at you and bark with any move we made. The hiker insisted that his dog would not bite anyone.         This is not a good dog to bring out hiking, and I¢m not all that impressed with his owner.        When we got to Greenwall shelter at noon for a break, Two Step asked me how my feet were because he would like to go to the Whistle Stop Restaurant for dinner. I said it would depend on my feet . We have only one good hump to go in less than 6miles to get to the Minerva shelter. We got there at about 4pm and my feet said it was the end of the day for me.        Two Step decided he felt good enough to go on to the Whistle Stop and then on to Clarendon shelter which is another 4.5miles from Minerva shelter. I told him I don¢t have any miles left in me today.        I stayed with two other women hikers who are teachers here in Vermont. There also was another young hiker staying with us. I think he said he just got out of high school.         Just as we all finished with our dinner, our friend Lucky the dog came in with his owner. Lucky had to make himself known by running and barking at one of the teachers who was coming back from a nature call. She let out a scream when he ran at her barking.         I got so mad that I told him to get the dog tied up. Then it got pretty silent for the rest of the night.         Two Step left for the Whistle Stop and said he would meet me at Cooper Lodge at the top of Killington Peak. I said that was fine, I would be there.        Even though it was a tuff day, I enjoyed the hike as I do every day. There was area an in the forest that smelled like a Christmas tree. I think the smell was more intense because of the rain and then if you brushed up against a branch, the scent was even stronger.        What a day. I hope Lucky is quite for the rest of the night.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Minerva shelter

To: Clement shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: 0

Morning is starting out pretty good as I head out on the trail at 6:10. It is a little overcast, but the sun is still peeking threw fog and when I got to a couple of view points, the sun made some awesome sights coming threw fog. I managed to get a couple of pictures.         As I was descending into Clarendon Gorge, I spotted Two Step sitting on a rock threw the trees just below. Obviously he didn¢t go on to Killington Peak. I was glad to see him and I think the feeling was mutual. After crossing the suspension bridge we got to VT 103, took a left, and walked that half mile to the Whistle Stop for breakfast. The coffee came first, some juice, water, and then the pancakes and bacon. The breakfast was good, but to me, It wasn¢t worth an extra 2.5 miles for me yesterday. On the way to breakfast, Two Step said he almost upchucked his dinner as he was climbing the 300ft to get to the Clarendon shelter. I think if I had done that 4.7 miles last night, I would have been very upset at myself for letting Two Step convince me to go on. Good decision on my part.        We got to Gould Brook and as we crossed, there was some trail magic, the second of our hike. We had our soda, took pictures, and boogied on down the trail.        It started to rain as we approached the last couple of miles to Clement shelter, so we decided not to push for Killington Peak. We set up our tents, then spent some time in the shelter with another hiker by the name, 2 Bunion. I think maybe he lives on the trail. He did say he goes into town for supplies and returns to the woods.        When I went back to my tent for something, I couldn¢t believe my window seams had sprung leaks, so that meant I would sleep in the shelter tonight. The rain was hard and consistent but it didn¢t stop a church group of young kids that came in loud and wet. They set up their tarps right where Two Step put his tent. I felt sorry for him because the kids didn¢t calm down for a long time.         It rained so hard that we couldn¢t get to the water source so I took my gatoraide bottle and set it on a log and caught the a small stream coming off the tin roof. So ended the water problem. I heard that the rain would end tonight and cloudy tomorrow. That was the report from 2 Bunions small radio he carries.        It¢s been a long and wet day, but we did manage to get our clothes dry with the fire we started in the fireplace.        I enjoyed the short hike today, but I would enjoy the hikes more if I could see some wildlife. Even a deer would do. I¢ve heard many different kinds of birds, but no eagles or hawks.        Well I¢m signing off for now, the rain tends to make you tired. Oh yes! I did meet three more south bounders today.        Be Safe and Happy Trails to All You Hikers
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Rutland, VT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

The forecast for today is hot, hot, hot, in the 90¢s and very humid, up until Wednesday. The plan for today is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. I spent part of the day sealing my leaky tent, then did some journaling, and even took a nap.         Two Step and I have really had a great time here with Wayne & Kathy, their real names, and the last name is Krevetski. Kathy is a nurse, and Wayne is retired social worker from state. They also open their home to skiers, friends, and anyone who is an adventurer. Wayne also spends time fixing up his old house which was built I believe in 1886. I just love old houses because they have such beautiful woodwork and especially the hardwood floors. Their yard is very nice with summer flora, and a small garden.        Kathy had to work today, and Wayne had a few errands to do, so we just hung out all day. I had a bath before dinner. After that we sat around and chatted for awhile. Then it was off to bed. We have a rough day coming up tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Rutland, VT

To: Winturri shelter
Miles today: 20.0

What a great night of sleep. At 5am, I was up and working on my feet, and actually they were healing very good.        We had breakfast early with Kathy & Wayne because they were part of a festival they had to be at by 8. We told them how much we appreciated their hospitality, and the time we spent with them.        Mad Hatter got us to the trailhead by 7am, and we were on the trail by 7:20 after saying so long to Mad Hatter.        It¢s a beautiful day, but very warm. Lucky for us the ups and downs aren¢t to bad. When we got to Chateauguay Rd, we had to decide to look for a tent site or move on to Wintturi Shelter which is a 20 mile day. There wasn¢t anything good enough for a tent so we move on. I couldn¢t believe how good my puppy¢s felt. I think I could have gone father if I had to. I was amazed that Two Step looked a little tired though.        We reached the shelter around 6:30. Two Step pitched his tent and I decided to stay in the shelter only because I felt lazy after the twenty miler. Nothing special happened today, lots of forest, heat, sweat, and no wildlife. Just an ordinary day on the trail.         Another hiker came in by the name of Posie Picker who I met in Harper¢s Ferry when Navi and I volunteered there this summer.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: 0

. Before leaving one of the wealthiest campuses in the country, I just had to throw that in there. We stopped for breakfast at the Dunkin Donuts in town and Two Step also bought muffins for the Jukebox Girls and Posie Picker. We met the girls on the trail on our way out of town and also ended up giving them a lesson on how to keep your Whisper lite stove clean by taking it apart. They couldn¢t believe how simple it was. They were very grateful to say the least. Two Step and I ended up eating Posies muffin because he wasn¢t there to enjoy it. It was hot, but a good hiking day anyway. When we got to Trapper John shelter at 16.7 miles, Posie was there and we told him what he missed out on this morning. He was very disappointed. Once again, no wildlife, but great views.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Trapper John shelter

To: campsite near brook
Miles today: 15.0

. Another warm day but some great views from Smart Mtn, and the fire tower where we met a hiker and his 10 year old daughter enjoying their day hike. Up in the tower, the father showed me the different mountain ranges and where we had hiked from. He said that he and his daughter have gone on many hikes all over the world, and they have hiked this range many times. We were not happy with the trail signs and the Hexacuba Shelter. The water source was .3miles from where the sign is for the shelter. The shelter was nice and big, but not worth the climb, so we hiked about another 5miles to a campsite near a brook, no problem for water, but it took some time to find a decent spot to pitch a tent because there was a group of about 7 hikers already there. I turned in after having something to eat. Not a bad day after 15 miles.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: campsite near brook

To: Glencliff, Welcome Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 9.8

. It was a short day into the Welcome Hiker Hostel in Glencliff. We were greeted by the host Phapp Chapp who is very knowledgeable about the trail and really helpful to all the hikers who pass this way. Many of our hiker buddies are here for a day or two, Posie Picker, the Jukebox Girls, and many other hikers that started their journey from the Hiker Hostel in Georgia this year. The hostel was full so we had to go into a hut for the night which was okay because our friends Moonchild (Bret Hayhurst) and his dad Soy Boy (Don Hayhurst) are coming to hike a day with us. Navi will join us later also, but will not stay because she is still working at the girls camp and has only a couple of hours to spend with me before she has to go back.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Glencliff, Welcome Hiker Hostel

To: Glencliff, Welcome Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

It was nice to get a shower before everyone got here, then we all went into town to eat. I really hated to see Navi leave, but she had a two or three hour ride back to camp. Tomorrow, the plan is for the four of us to hike us to hike to the Beaver Brook Shelter for the night.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Glencliff, Welcome Hiker Hostel

To: Beaver Brook shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: 0

When morning came, Soy Boy decided he couldn¢t hike because he didn¢t get enough sleep and wasn¢t feeling very good, so the three of us hiked to the shelter. We got there just in time before the sky opened up and started a very wet night for many hikers. We managed to get 11 hikers in a 10 hiker shelter, and if we tried harder, we could have gotten at least 2 more in. Six more hikers tented out around the shelter. It sure was fun. I¢m sure glad that Soy Boy decided not to do the hike up to Mt. Moosilauke because it was a bear of a climb from 1,400ft elevation, to 4,802ft.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Beaver Brook shelter

To: Lonesome Lake hut
Miles today: 17.2

It finally stopped raining at about 5am. I was a little worried about the descent because the last time I descended from Beaver Brook trail in 04¢, I slipped and fell, and since then my right shoulder hasn¢t been the same. There are days when I still experience extreme pain. We took our time descending and had a good time stopping and taking some pictures along the way. Soy Boy met us at the Beaver Brook trailhead where we would have to say our goodbyes because Moonchild has to be at a friends wedding in a few days. I enjoyed the time we had together even though it was short. Two Step and I continued on our way to Kinsman which was a very long climb, and a tough one at that. What an introduction into the White¢s. It rained most of the day, but it was great when we saw the sign for Lonesome Lake Hut, our first hut in the Presidentials. Lucky for us that Navi called to reserve us a bed at the hut because it was full. I didn¢t realize there weren¢t any showers but that was okay, at least we were dry. It¢s not the first time I washed up in a sink. The food was great and we even had some entertainment from the hut crew. They do it for tips, but after paying for the stay, there¢s no money left. That¢s why most thru hikers try to work for stay. 17.2 miles today. Here we are at Lonesome Lake Hut, and what a beautiful day it is as we dry out our gear. As I was dumping out my pack when I noticed a little corner of a ziploc bag peeking out on the bottom of my backpack. I was never so happy to see a cell phone, and my journal to boot. Mystery solved.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Lonesome Lake hut

To: Layfayette Place campground
Miles today: 4.9

It will be a short hike today to the Lafayette Place Campground where Soy Boy & Moonchild dropped off some food and gear so we could go light today. Thanks guys. Before we left the hut this morning, some of our friends started coming in, The Jukebox Girls, Posie Picker, Doc Jones & Snake Bike and another hiker named Chipper, a young women from Okinawa. We spent a little while talking and before leaving we got some great pictures of Kinsman from the hut. When we came off the trail we had about a 2 mile road walk to the campground but it was worth it for a shower and washing our clothes. Turns out that there was another hiker we know staying near us by the name Greg or Mud Diver. We had a good laugh when he told me how he was dubbed ( Mud Diver ). It seems he has spent some time in the mud at some point on the trail. One thing we have had plenty of is, mud, mud, and more mud.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Layfayette Place campground

To: near Galehead hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

I slept like a rock which is good because it looks like a grueling hike for today with our elevation starting at 1,450 and up to 5,249 at Mt. Lafayette, a gain of 3,799ft in a little over 6miles. The climb was tough but the views were just awesome and worth every step. We did four mountains and the last one being Garfield, which for the second time on this hike, I broke the same toe trying to climb up a 9 or 10ft.rock. What a pain in the a.., if you know what mean. We thought that we might be able to work for stay at Galehead Hut since I was in such pain and being so exhausted. The crew chief at the hut turned us down, even tough there was plenty of room on the dining room floor. We were forced to hike another 200 yards down the trail to an illegal campsite that we were directed to by the crew chief. Needless to say I was totally ballistic, but it did take my mind off the pain in my foot for a short time. I still have a hard time believing that this organization would turn down any injured hiker when they had plenty of room. It felt so good to get my tent set up and get off my feet. Tough day.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: near Galehead hut

To: Crawford Notch campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Today was a pretty good day, feet wise, weather wise, and the trail was kind to my feet, but always testing my strength and mind. We took a short break at Zealand Hut, then continued on. Two Step was ahead of me headed for Crawford Notch and when I caught up at the parking lot, this women was there and asked me how my toe was doing. She said that Two Step had told her what happened on our hike. This women and her husband felt so concerned that I knew I could Yogi a ride to the campground that was three miles away. This couple was so nice and we were very thankful for the ride but, I did feel like I took advantage of them for the ride because my foot was doing fine and I had already said that to Two Step this morning. We had a good laugh later because I knew what Two Step was up to when I started talking to the women, and how we used my feet to get a ride. The campground had a bunkhouse, showers, laundry, and a well stocked general store. The owner of the campground was very nice and very helpful with our needs. Later on the bunkhouse filled up with the Jukebox Girls, Doc & Snake Bite, and a few other hikers. We had some sun showers which allowed me to get a great picture of a rainbow near the bunkhouse. I topped the day off with a pint of my favorite Ben & Gerry¢s , Phish Food.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Crawford Notch campground

To: Mizpah Spring hut
Miles today: 0.0

We all went on our way this morning and knew we would probably meet again somewhere on the trail. It¢s a short hike today but some good pulls to Webster Cliffs at 3,910ft where we took a long break and some pictures of the awesome views. The wind was really kickin coming threw the valley. It was a short climb to Mt. Jackson at 4,052ft, then down to Mizpah Spring Hut at 3,800ft. The hut was packed and full of kids with their parents up for the weekend hikes. The food was great along with some interesting conversations with the guest. We met a women hiker by the name Jo Ann who is an avid hiker offered to take us to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center from Gorham, to catch a shuttle to Mt.Washington. That was really nice of her and it would save us a bundle of money . Lucky for us, she has a car. At one point I walked out of the hut for some fresh air and a young girl with a fiddle was sitting on a rocky ledge playing a tone. She played so well that I could close my eyes and picture myself back in Scotland last year. This crew did a funny skit which put a nice ending to the day, even though my feet are really taking a tremendous beating from this range.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Mizpah Spring hut

To: Mt Washington(Gorham)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

The day started out pretty good but deteriated fast as we hiked toward Mt. Washington. The fog rolled in and the wind picked up which made the going a little slower for safety sake. There were times when we couldn¢t see the trail until the fog rolled on by. We made it to the Lakes of the Clouds where we took a break and saw 4 Today, Sarsaparilla, and Crumbs who has sprained her ankle and is taking a zero at the hut. It would have been nice to stay ,but we can¢t do everything, not to mention the cost. The girls said their goodbyes to Two Step because it would be the last time they would see him since he is leaving the trail at Gorham. Then it was a1,000ft climb to Mt. Washington so we had some nice hot soup before we left the hut. It was clear till we got about 200ft from the summit and it started to sprinkle. At 100ft from the top, it came down in buckets. We were drenched in a minute before we summated and got into the building. We had something to eat and then bought the $42.00 each ticket to ride the Cog rail down the mountain. ¢Oh Well.¢ We had to bite the bullet. I was the 13th one to get on the train but it didn¢t change the weather on the way down. Fog, rain, and no views. When we got to the bottom at the station, it only took fifteen minutes for our ride to show up from the Hikers Paradise Hostel. Bruno the owner gave us our room and we went in and dropped our packs and just chilled for a few minutes. I made a call to Navi and found out that she got my phone activated again. That would have helped at the station. Jo Ann knocked on our door not long after we got in. She said she would be here to get us in the morning at 7:30 or 8:00am. We said great and thanked her again for doing this for us. This would save us about $100 between shuttles and the ride back up Washington. The last thing to do now is to shower, and to fill our bellies.