morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Shamrock Inn - Dalton
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Cool night last night even though I was indoors. Had to wear socks, tights and long sleeve shirt. Looks like I will be needing my bag sooner than Hanover.Up at 6, finished packing then when down for coffee and blueberry pancakes. Frankie and I left the shelter at 7:25 and was on the main trail at 7:40. Obsidian was waiting for pancakes and RW was waiting with him.We had a good downhill to the Mass Pike then had an 800' climb but it was gradual to Becket Mountain. The trail flatten out with small downhills. We got to October Mountain Shelter at 11:20. Lunched here and called for reservations at the Shamrock Inn in Dalton. Shelter was not marked with a sign but we saw it from the trail.Left at Noon with the trail relatively flat. Arrived at Washington Mt. Road which is the road crossing for the "cookie Lady". But we were met by Ron Bird of Bird Cage fame. He used to run a hostel in Dalton called the Bird Cage. He now lives in Unicoi, TN but does slack packing and trail magic. Got some sodas and cookies from him. He was waiting for 7 hikers who were slack packing.The trail was wet and muddy with the usual ups and downs. Arrived at the junction for the Kay Wood Shelter. Left a note for Obsidian and RW that we were going to be at the Shamrock. Left the shelter at 4:15. RW caught up with us. He left before Obsidian finished breakfast. The trail turned rocky and steeply down hill so it was slow going. Got to the railroad tracks then did a road walk into Dalton. Nice big homes. Took High Street to Daly then went to the motel. The pub around the corner which everyone suggested didn't look open and this was confirmed that they are not open on Sundays.Checked in and turned in our laundry which they did. Showered then checked my food bag to see if I needed to restock. I really only need 1 dinner and some snacks. The convenience store across the street didn't have much but did get some drinks.Went on the computer to check email then to dinner at Angelina's. Had there Cheese Steak Bomb with peppers, onions and mushrooms along with french fries and fried clams. Lots of meat. Obsidian showed up at 7:30 and ordered the same meal as I had.Back to the room to sort laundry. I checked out the Cumberland Farms which didn't have any restock items. I did get a Milk Shake. Called home to have my bag shipped to Manchester Center. Bed by 10:30Weather was good with low humidity and no rain. Trail was favorable and we had good trail magic. Great lodging very hiker friendly. Some hikers who were staying in town visited with those at the Shamrock.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Shamrock Inn - Dalton

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 7 finished packing then went to Java's for breakfast. Had a great spinach tortilla with egg, ham and Cheese. Very filling and good.Frankie got his mail drop and sorted his food. He gave me some snacks and 1 dinner so I don't need to restock. Checked the computer for buses between Manchester Center and Bennington for the weekend.Left at 9:30 and on the trail 20 minutes later. Trail went down High Street for about 3/4 mile then into the woods on a flat road. Obsidian and I kept a very fast pace. The trail then went up to Gore Pond. Lots of beaver dams and houses. Trail was muddy. Passed more SOBOs. Had some minor ups and downs then we arrived in Cheshire, MA. at 1:30. Stopped at Nancy's Twist, an ice cream and sandwich shop, right on main street next to the bike path. Other hikers and bikers having lunch. While the others were ordering I headed down the street to find Draggin's business. I think I found his house but I didn't stop in.Back at Nancy's I ordered a Roast Beef sandwich, chocolate milk shake, pepsi and pasta salad. Very filling and delicious. Called the Bennington bus line to check on the schedule. The last bus leaves Manchester at 6, or 6:25 AM on Sat.Obsidian called the motel where his mail drop was being delivered in Williamston. They did not have any rooms nor did the other motels due to a festival. Checked on the bus from Cheshire to Williamstown. He and RW may spend the night in Cheshire then go to Williamstown tomorrow.Frankie had already left when I left at 3:15. Had a gradual uphill then it got steep and rocky. Past a group of NY Kids on a hike. It rained for 1/2 hour again just to make things wet. Caught up with Frankie who was talking with some SOBOsTrail then climbed up 500' but with some level breaks. Got to the shelter at 5:20. Tent sites were small and in the woods. Decide to set up our tents as bug flys in the shelter. I was on an upper bunk. Made dinner of BBQ rice, ramen and chicken that I got from Frankie. Also had 2 bottle of drinks. Lots of people came into the shelter. We seem to be in a bubble.Good day with good food, a little rain, and a nice town of Cheshire.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

The shelter was noisy but I slept okay. Up at my usual 6:30. Packed up had breakfast and was on the trail with Frankie and Mokie at 7:30. My usual 1 hour from bed to trail.The usual morning climb up 400' but it was a steady uphill. Trail continues to be muddy and rocky. Arrived at Mt. Greylock, highest mountain in Mass., at 9:05. Decided to have a 2nd breakfast at the cafe. Many other hikers already there or passing thru. Had tea and rassberry pancakes. Called for our reservation at the Autumn Inn in Bennington. Also called my racewalk friend to inform him I will not be able to get to the race this weekend.Weather was cool with clear skies. Left at 10:20. Great views from the top of the mountain. The trail returned to the woods and went slowly down hill. Had a steep uphill climb to Prospect Hill. There was a Camp Greylock group at the top of Prospect hill. Could see North Adams from the hill.The trail then went sharply down with very quick descent. Hard on the legs going down. Got to Phelps Ave. 5-6 hikers were headed into town 1/2 mile for the buffets. Crossed Rt. 2 then a foot bridge over the river then over the railroad tracks. Walked 1/10 mile on the sidewalk then turned left thru a yard. As we passed the house there was a hose set up for AT hikers to get water. We decided to sit on the bench and have lunch at noon. Had my sausage bagel.Left at 12:40 for the afternoon climb of 600'. This was not an easy hike with some major rock scambles. We passed many weekend hikers and boy scout groups. We continued to climb to a total of 1600'.Got to the MA/VT border at 4. Took the usual border pictures then we started to experience Vermont mud. Passed 2 SOBOs and talked with them. They had already made a reservation for Bearded Woods. Trail was flatter but still with lots of mud passed a stream then realized it my be our last water source. Backtracked and filled up our bottles. Arrived at the Seth Warner Shelter at 5:50. Lots of tents already. Miracle and Hydra and the Germans were already here. There was rumbling of thunder so I quickly set up my tent and cooked dinner of cheese sauce and ramen tuna. Got it cooked before it rained and ate it in the shelter.Went to put my food in the bear box but it was locked. Had to find a tree to hang my food. This was difficult since the trees didn't have any limbs to hang it on. Found a limb which was low. It started to rain harder so I got into my tent at 7:30. Then the skies opened up. It rained so hard it was splashing under the fly. It appeared to be a cool night so I wore my tights and long sleeve shirt.Good breakfast at Mt. Greylock. Weather was good until we got to camp but was able set up dry. Nice trail magic in North Adams with water. It appears I'll be about 5 miles from making my race.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Autumn Inn Bennington
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain last nite was relentless. Also it got colder so I put on my rain pants and down jacket. Definitely need my bag back. Long time to pack up due to the wet condition of the tent. The tent bottom even got wet under the sleeping pad. Other found the same condition.Retrieved my food bag and discovered a critter had gotten into the bag and got one of my granola bars. Not sure if it was a raccoon or chipmunk. Frankie was slow packing up since tent got even wetter than mine.On the trail at 8:50. Usual morning climb on a muddy trail. Today we have 2 miles to go up 800'. The trail then flatten before climbing up Consultation Peak. Weather was cool so I had my long sleeve shirt on. Crossed lots of streams then we got to the pond. Trail was very muddy.Arrived at Congdon Shelter at 12:30 for lunch. The shelter was older but had 4 bunks and a table in the center. Made peanut butter and jelly sandwichs. Left at 1:05. Again a slow climb up. Passed 2 SOBOS as well as lots of weekenders. The descent into Bennington was very steep and rocky. It also had lots of steps. Got to the road at 3:10. Tried calling the motel but no reception. I walked down the hill and was able to call. Reboot and Too Long joined us on the ride to the motel. He charged us $20 which was bad since the guide said $10 but we didn't know if that is per person or car load.Checked in at 3:40. Was able to dry our tents on the grass while we did laundry. Checked out the market across the street. It was mainly a meat market. Got some sausage and some drinks.Decided to walk to town to the Dollar store. Weather was sunny and warm. Checked the menus at the 2 restarants. Got my resupply items at the Family Dollar store. Called home then waited at the Mountain Brewing Company for the others. Had a beer and visited with Hydra and Miracle. 7:15 everyone arrived. Ended up in the bar area since there was a wait for a table. I had the all you can eat fish and chips and a second Berliner Weisse beer from Long Trail. Fish was very good, lightly breaded. Ended up with 2 helping. I walked back to the room while Frankie and the others took a cab.Packed my clothes and redid my food bags. After many months I now unpackag my rice and ramen so I have less trash.A very wet start to a short cool day. Good dinner and good location to do laundry and dry things.
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Autum Inn Bennington

To: Story Springs Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 7:30. Finished packing and had cereal and coffe in the reception area. Left at 8:50 and on the trail at 9:10 with Frankie, Too Long and Reboot. The uphill trail was wet but not overly muddy. Some rocky crossings then into the forest. Arrived at Porcupine Ridge at 11. Continue to climb but not real steep uphill. Got to Goddard Shelter at 1:50. Lots of people at the shelter. Nice Shelter with a covered picnic area. Had lunch of cheese, peanut butter and beef stick. Frankie checked the weather since we were hearing thunder. According to his phone it looked like we were going to get a major storm within the next 1/2 hour. We decided to stay put for a while to wait out the storm. It was cool in the shelter so I ended up putting on my jacket and rain pants.After a while the others left since it hadn't start to rain. We left at 3:10 for Kid Gore Shelter. We had an inital steep climb to the lookout tower then we went down. We got to the Kid Gore Shelter at 5 so we decided to push on to the next shelter. We had an intial uphill then the trail was mostly dirt. I got separate from the others, I was moving at my usual quick pace. Trail had some muddy spots but not as bad as yesterday. Got to South Alder Brook and Pond. Major Beaver houses on the Pond. Arrived at Story Spring Shelter at 7:15. Lots of people in the shelter and tents. Limited tent spots. I found one that was flat near the shelter. The other arrived later. Frankie and Too Long were going in the shelter and Reboot found a tent spot.Got water from a great stream, bear bagged my food, and made dinner. Rice, ramen and sausage. In my tent at 9. A cool night but Frankie loaned me his summer bag since he had received his winter one.We had made a reservation at Green Mountain house for a bunk room for the 9th. It looks like I'll need 5 days of food out of Manchester.A long 19 mile day in 11 hours. Seeing more SOBOS but also seem to be in a significant NOBO bubble.
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Story Spings Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

Did get cold last nite so I used Frankie's bag. Up at 6 but went back to sleep till 7. Found out the others were ready to leave so I hurriedly packed up and didn't eat breakfast. They left at 7:40 and I left at 7:50.I moved quickly even on the uphills and caught them in 1 1/2 miles. I then was well ahead so I stopped for breakfast. They passed me and we were flip flopping the rest of the morning.Trail was downhill to Stratton Road then started the 1700' climb up Stratton Mt. in 3 3/4 miles. It was a slow and steady clim with some breaks of flat trail. Weather was cool and overcast but no rain. Got to the summit at 11 and the rest arrived at 11:20. Spoke with the caretaker then climbe the tower with views of Killington, Mt. Snow, and Greylock. This is the mountain that inspired Benton MacKay to develop the AT.We decided to have lunch here. I had a bagel with cheese and sausage. We left at 12:20. I took it slow on the steep rocky downhill plus I was having some left lateral knee soreness.Got to Stratton Pond at 2. Had to take a detour into the woods due to flooding of the trail near the pond. The flooding was due to beaver dams. Stopped at a stream for water then continued to the shelter. Arrived at the trailhead of the Willam Douglas shelter at 4 then the trail went down a gravel road for 3/10 mile.Arrived at Spruce Peak Shelter at 5:15. Nice shelter with 6 bunk areas to sleep 12-13 people. Very limited tent options but I found one small spot. Frankie staying in the shelter with Too Long. He decided not to go into Manchester Center tomorrow.Made dinner of sausage with rice and ramen. Walkabout mentioned that a critter got into his hung food back and Reboot said something went thru his tent into his bag.Called home and found out we are having car trouble. Will check on that next week.Hiked alone today although I was with others at times. Good hiking weather with cool temperatures. Called my friend in Greenville who has my winter items to be shipped. She is to mail it today.Short day tomorrow to get to town for breakfast, mail pickup and restock
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Green Mountain House - Manchester Center
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 7, Cool night so I used Frankie's bag again. Packed up quickly and returned Frankie's bag since we will be parting ways in Manchester.Left at 7:50. The trail was gradually downhill. Remembered I owed Frankie $5 for the Bennington shuttle so I waited for them. Then I passed them. Crested the hill then it was down to the road. Arrived at the road at 9. Changed shoes and shirt. Attempt to hitch for 15 mins then Frankie, Reboot and Too long came in. A gentleman who had been fishing was in the parking lot and offered me a ride into town. He was from Long Island but has a place in the area.Very interesting upscale town. Lots of upscale factory stores as well as book stores. Went to Up for Breakfast which was highly recommended. A little pricey but very good food. I had maple sausage and lamb hash with eggplant, mushrooms and potatoe and 3 eggs.Went to the outfitters to get my mail drop and get some maps of the White Mts. Sorted my food and made my grocery list. Was able to leave my pack at the outfitters while I went down to the grocers.Got my resupply items also some items for dinner. Got a sandwich at a cafe for lunch later. Called Jeff at Green Mt. House for pickup. Called the Stray Cat's Hostel in Hanover for a Friday reservation. He arrived at 12:30.Short drive to the hostel. Excellent hostel or house. It is a whole house with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, computer room, 3 bedrooms and a laundry area. I was outside in the bunkroom but that was find. Still got full use of the house. Frankie did not call to tell Jeff he wasn't coming but I told Jeff so Marathon got Frankie's bunk space. Guests at the hostel also get free sodas, a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and there are supplies to make breakfast - eggs,cereal, pancake mix. Unfortunately I had bought 3 bottles of soda since I didn't know about the free sodas.It's a full house with Grandma Pepper also there. Did laundry and showered then went on the computer to check email and check lodging in Maine. Made dinner at 6 - steak and pasta with veggies then had my ice cream. Will have a baked pototo and my second piece of steak for breakfast.Visited with others, did some more computer work. Repackaged my food bag - probably too much food since it weighs 13#. Called home about my mail drop location in Hanover.An excellent day. Weather was perfect for the short hike. Was able to get a quick ride into town. Great meals and great lodging with great people. I can see why this hostel gets booked to capacity.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Green Mountain House - Manchester Center

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:30 and started to pack. Used the computer to do another journal entry. Made breakfast of baked pototo and steak. Very filling. Others were making pancakes or cereal. Read some online journals. Didn't weigh my pack figured it was very heavy with my 13# of food and winter items.9:00 loaded up and headed to the trail. Said our good byes and on the trail at 9:25. Started hiking with Grandma Pepper and Lightheart - the lady who makes the light weight gear from Asheville. We didn't stay together long since they stopped and I headed on. Had my usual morning climb of 1400' in 3 miles. It was a good climb but I was doing well and had a good pace. There were rocky section that slowed me down. Got to Bromley Shelter at 10:10 and Bromley Summit at 10:35. This is the top of the Bromley ski Area. Actually part of the trail is on one of the beginner slopes. From the top you can see Stratton and Killington areas.The descent down was very steep and rocky so again slow going. There was an 800' down then an 800' up. Weather was cool so the climb wasn't too bad. The trail then flatten along the ridgeline.Arrived at Peru Peak Shelter at 1:50. A large group of boys were in and around the shelter. They slowly left in various groups. Had my pepperoni and cheese for lunch. The mother and daughter who were at Green Mt. House stopped for lunch. I left at 2:25.The trail crossed a creek then went along Griffin Lake finally going up to Baker Peak. Very steep rock scramble up to the Peak. With a rocky downhill. But then the trail went along a great mountain creek which was Big Branch. Passed the Big Branch shelter which was very small with no obvious tent areas.The trail then became a road walk for 1/4 mile then a gradual climb next to another creek. I arrived at the Little Rock Pond Shelter at 6:25. 9 hours for 20 miles. The caretaker wasn't there. There were tent platforms but also some flat gravel areas. I was tempted to tent in the gravel area but I ended up sharing a platform with a weekend camper. There were 2 hikers in the shelter asleep. There was about 5 other tents around the shelter. Very strange group which appears mostly weekend hikers.Attempted to bear bag with moderated success. Dinner at 7:30 of rice, tuna and ramen. Caretaker returned at 8 to collect my $5 fee. Told me that my food would be okay in the shelter so I moved it there. Then a couple with a small child arrived and he had them tent behind the shelter. This is new and unique experience.In my tent at 9.   A good 20 mile day over 2 big climbs. Great streams. Less than optimal camping site. Felt strong all day even with my heavy pack. Will probably do another 19-20 day to the Inn of Long Trail since it is supposed to rain tomorrow. Passed 6 SOBOs no NOBOs and lots of day Hikers.
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Up at 6:30 Slept well but did use my sleeping bag in addition to my tights and long sleeve shirt. Packed up and had breakfast. Interestly never heard the baby during the nite. On the trail at 7:35Initially the trail ran around the lake of a rocky trail then it started the 2600' climb. It was gradual so it wasn't as hard. Made some phone calls home, and to the Inn at Long Trail, and Green Mt. House. Left a message for Jeff that I think I left the change from my traveler's check in the loaner pants. The descent down the mountain was again the usual rocky and steep but then it ran along Bully Brook and was smooth. Crossed VT 140 then had a 2nd climb of the day this time 1200' up another Bear Mt. Passed some SOBOS and day hikers. Got to Minerva Hinchey Shelter at 12:45. Obsidian and Frankie are 1 day ahead of me. Got a call from Jeff at Green Mt House that he found my money and I told him how to get it to me. Had quick cheese and pepperoni sandwich to hold me over to the Whistle Stop. Call them to check on hours. They are open till 3 so I have 1 1/2 hour to do 3 miles. Left at 1:15Fortunately the trail was forgiving and I made good time on the downhill. Clarendon Gorge was impressive with lots of swimmers. Took the 1/2 mile road walk down to the Whistle Stop Cafe. No Legs, Chevy Chafe, and Lt. Dan were finishing lunch. The staff was very helpful and hiker friendly. They had snacks and offered to fill our water. I ordered a Maple Milk Shake, Rasberry tea and Burger with cheese and onion rings with fries. Great food and great service. They just reopened in Feb. with new owner. They are closed on Wed. and Mon and Tues they are open from 7 to 3, Thur-Sun 7 to 7. Visited with a couple next to me about the trail. Got my water filled up and headed out at 3:20 and on the trail at 3:35. I had 7 miles to the shelter. The trail went thru a field then went straight up a rock scamble for 1/2 mile. Difficult climb then the trail continues to climb although not on the rocks. Was doing well on the smooth trail. When I got to the Upper Cold River Road there was a detour due to construction at a bridge damaged by Hurricane Irene in 2011. It was a 1 mile road walk then back into the woods. Stopped to put on my pack cover due to some sprinkles. Arrived at the shelter at 7. Decide to stay in the shelter since it may rain. Only 3 others in the shelter. Nice tent spots along the creek and other location. Lots of hikers present. Visited with the others. Journaled and in bed by 9. Another 20 miler with 2 major climbs. Good food and a shelter experience. Lots of tree damage from the 2011 hurricane still present in the woods as well as in the creeks. Looks like I'm in a small bubble.