morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Mt Wilcox South lean-to

To: October Mountain lean-to
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 6am in the very buggy Mt Wilcox South lean-to. Still wasn't feeling too well, but I ate, packed up & was on the Trail by 8am.It was fairly cool & sunny on the mountain, but a 1'000' descent into the valley brought some humidity. I made good time up the next ridge & was at Upper Goose Pond cabin by 2pm. A 3 hour lunch siesta...swimming & sunning. I chatted with the caretaker "Gramps" & 2 section-hiking twins Liz & Mollie.I hit the Trail at 5pm for the final 9 miles of my day. Up & down some bumps & through lots of mosquito-infested swamps. I made the October Mountain lean-to by 8pm & met Boogeyman, Bison & a half-dozen thru & section hikers, but I was mainly interested in setting up my bed. Sleeper rolled in & we finished our dinners, chatted for a bit & off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: October Mountain lean-to

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up at around 7am at October Mountain lean-to & made breakfast with Sleeper & a few section hikers. Restless sleep - buggy hot & humid night. I had the recurring "nightmare" of waking up & thinking I'm actually asleep on the Trail - just my sleeping bag & pad cowboy camping. This time it was a muddy trail. This all stems from when I did this for real south of Harper's Ferry, WV. I put it all out of my head & headed out with Sleeper.We went to see the "Cookie Lady" who runs a pick-your-own blueberry farm. No blueberries, but the cookies were delicious! I continued on at a good clip & made the nearly 12 miles to Dalton, MA by 1:30pm.My first stop in Dalton was Cumberland Farms convenience store for ice cream & snacks. My next stop was the Shamrock Inn for a room as I needed a shower, bed & laundry service. The sign on the door said "back by 3:30 at the latest!", so I ate some snacks & played the waiting game. Enjoying my snacks on a sunny afternoon & Denali & Afterburner roll up. Denali had planned to stay at a locals' house & Afterburner asked if I'd be interested in sharing a room. I agreed & we waited around.At 3pm Linda the manager showed up & Afterburner & I were soon in our room. Linda was so nice & did our laundry for us - then it was time for showers. Clean, in beds...thoughts turned to dinner. Linda brought us the menu for a local pizza delivery place called "Hold the Anchovies," so it was pizza & wings. We hadn't heard the outcome of the World Cup final of France vs Italy & we found the rebroadcast. The evening was set! Great food, great soccer game & an all-around great day!
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Dalton, MA

To: Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 17.0

Woke up at 6am at the Shamrock Inn in Dalton & it looked stormy out. Afterburner headed out for breakfast & I made a pot of coffee, snacked on leftover pizza & watched some news. A thunderstorm moved through - violent but quick. Afterburner was off by 8:30 am & I laid around watching stage 9 of the Tour de France 'til 10:30am. 9 miles brought me up & down the 1,000' of North Mountain & I was in the village of Cheshire by 2pm. I saw a gathering of hikers around an ice cream shop called "Diane's Twist" & I had to stop. Boogeyman, Bison, Baltimoron, Baltimore Jack & others were basking in the sun & post-rain humidity eating sandwiches & ice cream. I grabbed a couple of dogs, chips, banana bread, gatorade & a shake & I was on my way,By now it was 2:30pm & I had made reservations for dinner & a bunk at Bascom Lodge atop Mt. Greylock, so I had to move to make the 9 miles by the 6pm dinner bell. As 2,500' climbs go, it was relatively easy & I made it to the lodge by 5:30pm.At Bascom Lodge, I was greeted by Tom & shown to the bunk room & showers. Denali & Afterburner were already there. I got cleaned up & headed for dinner. Denali hadn't made reservations, so it was Afterburner & I along with about 20 other diners. Great family style diner of flank steak roast, zucchini, rice, homemade bread, soup, salad, cake & coffee. We pigged out!After dinner, I toured the grounds - climbed the war memorial monument - watched the thunderstorms to the south...and relaxed. A bit of sitting & chatting with Denali & Afterburner & I was off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Bascom Lodge

To: Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Slept 'til 7:30am at Bascom Lodge - got out of bed & down to the dining room for a great breakfast with Denali & Afterburner. Bacon, eggs, pancakes & syrup, homefries, toast, cofee & juice. There was way more than we could eat...not that we didn't try. I was slow to get my stuff together - made a resupply list, talked to Boogeyman & Bison who had rolled in from the last shelter & wrote some post cards. I said good-bye to Denali as she would be off-trail for a month & I probably wouldn't be running into her again. At 11:00am I headed out.It was quite overcast & rained off & on during my descent from Mt Greylock and across a large road crossing to Williamstown, MA. I made it to the Stop&Shop market for groceries & lunch items & ate & sorted my pack while a heavy rain came down. By 3:00pm the rain had let up & I continued on my way.The 1,500' climb up the Green Mountains was rainy & slick & my boots were soon soaked. I was planning to go a bit further, but I called it a day at the filled Seth Warner shelter...but we made room. I met Murph, Junior, Ashley, Bedbug - and there were 2 other hikers asleep on the far side of the shelter. Out of wet clothes & into dry & I was soon making dinner & settling in.I'm excited to be in Vermont, but not overly pleased with the wet weather - I'll survive!
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Seth Warner shelter

To: Glastenbury Lookout
Miles today: 19.1

Woke to rain at Seth Warner shelter. The 2 southbounders had headed out, so there were 6 of us milling around, cooking breakfast & procrastinating. No one was in a hurry to pack up & head out into the rain, but by nearly 11am I was the next to put on my wet clothing & hit the Trail.Rolling hills, rain, mud, slippery roots & rocks and "Trail rivers" made the going slow & uncomfortable. I got to Congdon shelter (7 miles) by 2pm & had a snack & water. I pushed on - the rain had stopped & it looked like the sun would break through. I headed down a steep, rocky slope to a road crossing leading to Bennington. I entertained the thought of a hotel, but quickly headed north out of the gap...who needs comfort! I hadn't had my real lunch yet & I planned on stopping at the next shelter, but it was overrun by a kid's outing group & I didn't have the patience, so I pushed on. As I climbed Maple Hill, I ran into 2 northbounders - Tree Frog & Show Me. I stopped for "lunch" at 5:30pm and put some clothing in the sun to "dry" while I ate.The next few hours were sloppy, muddy trail with deep puddles, so my feet stayed soaked. At dusk I found a camping spot near a spring & I called it a day. Tent up, dinner made & into a dry sleping bag!I was disappointed to read that Bugs got off Trail. It seems she planned to hitch to Bennington on 7/3 for a party & come back in August to "finish the Long Trail." She and I had started on the same day & had crossed paths a number of times. It's hard to blame her as this journey takes its toll. When times are tough, it's often hard to find an answer for "why?"
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Glastenbury Lookout

To: Stratton Pond
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: few clouds

Up at 6:15am at my tentsite below Glastenbury Mountain & I was packed & on my way by 8:45am. The 1,000' climb up the mountain was easy & I was feeling good in the cool, sunny morning. At the top, I found Goddard shelter occupied by Squirrel, Superman, Red B & his dog LP. We hung out & chatted for awhile - I'd seen Superman in PA, but it had been since Trail Days (May) for the others. I cruised to the top of the mountain & up the fire tower for some amazing views & chilly breezs...time to hike!Beautiful hiking today - my boots were still wet & I was constantly slogging through mud & ankle deep water, but my feet didn't complain. The rains had washed, flattened & changed the trails & they looked like beautiful sand art. Mossy fern-shrouded brooks ran crystal clear at the side of the Trail - the world looked magical.I made a quick stop at Kid Gore shelter & ran into Highwayman who works for Mt Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, VA. He remembered me shopping for an orange shirt! He & his friend Uncle Walt were southbound, so they gave me some tips for my northbound journey.After nearly 12 miles, I stopped for lunch at Story Spring shelter & met Gut, Sam, Pink Blaze & Little Moose. All are doing the LT (Long Trail) except for Gut who is a northbound AT thru-hiker. Some drama between them & Riff-Raff, but I didn't want to get involved.The rest of the day flew by - up the 1,700' of Stratton Mountain (to 4,000'!) & I enjoyed the view from the fire tower for a few minutes. A quick 3 miles down the mountain & I was at Stratton Pond.I met the caretaker at Stratton pond & opted for a tent site rather than a buggy shelter bunk. 1/2 mile trek to the wooden tent pads & I set up, made dinner & read for awhile in the bug-free comfort of my tent.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Stratton Pond

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a sunny but buggy morning at Stratton Pond. The caretaker "Lycopodia" came around to collect the $5 fee for the site. I packed up & headed out. Perfect hiking weather, but more muddy trail to deal with. I was trying to figure out my resupply as I had 2 days provisions left. If I pushed hard today, I could make it the 60 miles to Rutland, VT - but I thought that'd be a bit much. By 1pm I had made it to a road crossing to Manchester Center, VT & I decided to head in for resupply & stay the night.I got a hitch in with Carrie - a young woman who's husband worked as the town vet. She dropped me at the shopping center & I stopped at EMS outfitters for new hiking poles. My old poles were bent & in danger of breaking. Then a stop at the Price Chopper grocery store for dinner & snacks. My next stop was "Sutton's Place" - a hostel-esque B&B run by Lary Sutton. He got my room ready while I ate & showered.At about 4pm I got out & went to Northshire Bookstore to peruse the racks & use the internet. Time for more food...I had pizza & beer at Manchester Pizza House & then went to the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" at the theatre next door. I enjoyed the movie, but could only fit a medium popcorn, soda & swedish fish! When the movie let out, it was past 11pm. Back to the hostel for bedtime.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Manchester Center

To: Big Branch shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I was up at 7:30am at Sutton's Place & out by 9am. To the market for resupply & then to Mrs Murphy's Doughnuts for breakfast. By 10:30am I was hitching back to the Trail & Matt gave me a lift.Up & down the 1,400' of Bromley Mountain - up & down the 1,000' of Peru Peak & it was late lunch at Peru Peak shelter. It had been hot in town, but it was sunny & in the low 80's with low humidity in the mountains.I pushed on another 6+ miles to the empty Big Branch shelter & was soaking in the cool stream by 7:30pm. A little dinner & off to sleep by the rushing water.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Big Branch shelter

To: Woods Road
Miles today: 21.9

I woke at 5am at Big Branch shelter and decided to sleep for another hour. Up, fed, packed & out by 7:30am for a few hours of cool, sunny hiking. Up & over the 700' of White Rocks Mtn, the 600' of Bear Mtn & to Minerva Hinchey shelter for lunch. A cute shelter with windows & it's also known as "Mrs Gorp's shelter."The afternoon became hot & humid & I drank literally gallons of water to keep up with all of the sweat. Down into Clarendon Gorge & up the 1,000' of the other side. I sweated out the late afternoon hiking to the secret "Swansong shelter."A beautiful shelter on private property built by River Dog & Swansong. Two hikers with big hearts! I knew from the journals that Sandman would be there & it was good to see him & get caught up. Marti aka Swansong brought me a burger, chips & fresh strawberries. with a cold beer from a nearby stream, my dinner was complete.Two Trail magic sites today...lots of sugar & treats to keep me going. The weather is supposed to cool a bit tomorrow which is good news as the first ascent is 2,000'+ up Killington Mountain...ouch! I'll be heading into Rutland tomorrow for a hostel stay, laundry & LOTS of food!
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Woods Road

To: Inn @ the Long Trail
Miles today: 11.4

Had breakfast with Sandman, packed up & hit the Trail. Mostly sunny, mid 80's & moderate humidity made for good hiking up the 2,000'+ of Killington & down the other side. I made it to the road crossing, walked a mile up the road & was at the Inn @ Long Trail by 2pm.My first chore was food - a burger, big plate of nachos & beer. Next to my room for a shower & nap. At 5pm I took my laundry down & saw Sandman. We agreed to meet at 7:30pm for dinner & drinks. More napping & a bit of reading & I was back at the pub with Sandman & Master Plan. We ate & toasted to "Caroline." Sandman's 6th grandchild was born today! we chatted, had dessert & by 9pm it was time to call it a night. A little reading & off to bed...in a bed!
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Inn @ the Long Trail

To: Wintturi shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Slept in 'til 7:30am at Inn @ Long Trail & went straight to breakfast. I ordered eggs, bacon, homefries, coffee & toast & Sandman soon joined me. He's decided to go home for a few days to rest & go to the doctor. He's been feeling run down & has what looks like a brown recluse spider bite on his wrist. I saw Master Plan, Billy Goat (AT NOBO thru-hikers), Just Jim and Jolly Green (LT SOBO hikers) at breakfast as well. I got myself packed up, reshowered & walked the mile back to the trailhead.It was 11am when I finally hit the Trail & the weather was perfect. Mostly sunny, 80's & low humidity. A few 1,000' climbs & descents today, but nothing too difficult. My feet hurt a bit more than usual today - maybe because I didn't take ibuprofen...they'll live. I made it to the shelter by sundown & started my dinner in an empty shelter. Fed & in my sleeping bag...time for a little reading & off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Wintturi shelter

To: Happy Hill shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 6:30am at Wintturi shelter & got fed & packed up. Mr K stopped in for water & headed out. I was on the Trail by 8:30am. Another beautiful day for hiking. Mostly sunny in the low 80's with moderate humidity...no complaints! The terrain was rolling hills with climbs of no more than 1,000'. I did 12 miles to Thistle Hill shelter for lunch & spent a good while relaxing. At 3pm I headed out to complete the last 8 miles to Happy Hill shelter. Lots of vistas full of rolling hills, wildflowers, wildlife & berries! I ate MANY blackberries & raspberries today. I scared up some wild turkey, grouse & deer. The miles rolled by - I felt like I was coasting.I arrived at the Happy Hill shelter by 7:30pm & saw Mr K (NOBO thru-hiker) & Opus (SOBO section hiker) finishing their dinner, so I got to work on mine. well fed, I retired to my sleeping bag to plan my events for the next day...resupply, eat & push on. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow - off to bed!
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Happy Hill shelter

To: Moose Mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Woke at 6:30am at Happy Hill shelter & got to making breakfast. Opus was reading & Mr K was packed up from the tentsite & headed out. I was packed by 8:30am, said good-bye to Opus & hit the Trail.It was an easy few downhill miles to Norwich, VT & I stopped at a local store for resupply & snacks. As I was sitting on the town green repacking, I saw Master Plan stroll into town. Off to New Hampshire! About 1 mile of road walking brought me to Hanover, NH - home of Dartmouth College. I stopped into the DOC (Dartmouth Outdoor Center)to have a look around & use the internet. Then I ran a few errands - fuel, post office & lunch. I stopped at a local outfitter for new gaitors & boot laces & hit the Trail.It had drizzled in Hanover, but it was mostly sunny & humid for my 10 mile hike up Moose Mountain. Easy hiking & fairly dry, I made it to Moose Mtn shelter by 6:30pm & saw Mr Breeze, Moat & Sticker. I hadn't seen the latter two since Central VA, so it was a nice reunion. Dinner, good conversation, some reading & off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Moose Mountain shelter

To: Firewarden's cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Woke at 6:30am at Moose Mtn shelter to cool & overcast conditions. I made my breakfast in bed while Sticker & Mr Breeze packed up & headed out. Moat & I took our time & I was packed & out by 9am.A light mist on & off for my 1,500' descent from Moose Mountain & it was back up & down the same altitude of Holt's Ledge. By the time I started the 2,500' ascent of Smart's Mountain, there was a good rain coming down. It was 2pm by the time I made the 6 miles to the summit. I was soaked & cold, so I pulled into the Firewarden's cabin to dry off & have lunch. Hot tea & a bagel with peanut butter satisfied me, but I wasn't thrilled with the prospect of heading out into the pouring rain. Moat was in the cabin when I arrived & Sticker & a section hiker "Fancy Feet" pulled in to eat & dry off. A few more hikers including Mountain Dewer came in & I decided to call it a day. I set out my pad & sleeping bag & got to making dinner. It was a cozy spot & I read my book "Trail of Tears" until dark & went to sleep. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't push on, but the extra 5 miles just didn't seem worth the misery.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Firewarden's cabin

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 20.0

Woke up at 7:30am to cool, overcast & misty conditions at the Firewarden's cabin. I was glad I stayed - I felt cozy, warm & rested. Ready for whatever the Trail would throw at me today - I headed out by 8:30am.The descent from Smart's Mountain was a river, but my boots had been soaked for days, so it didn't matter. Up & down the technical 2,000' of Mt Cube in a light drizzle & the last 10 miles of the day was rolling hills of no more than 1,000'. The sun had broken out by late afternoon, and it was a welcome sight. I hit the road to Glencliff & took a 1/2 mile roadwalk to the "Hikers Welcome Hostel" for my night's stay.When I arrived at the hostel, I was met by many of the hikers I had been aroung for the last week or so. Phatt Chapp, the hostel owner, immediately made me feel at home & showed me the showers, bunks, etc. I claimed my bunk & hit the outdoor shower & I felt GREAT. It wasn't long before Phatt Chapp loaded up the van for the shuttle into the town of Warren for resupply & hot takeout from "Twig's Restaurant."We headed back to the hostel & chowed down. Time to enjoy the evening - some watched "Space Nuts" & I updated my journal, did a bit of reading (finished my book) & joined the crowd. We snacked, talked & watched TV 'til 11pm & I was off to bed.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Eliza Brook shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 7am at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel, got out of my bunk in the "overflow tent" & headed inside for coffee. Lots of chores - drying gear in the sun, situating groceries, post office, phone calls, mending hiking pants & updating my internet journal. It was a clear, crisp & beautiful day. I had everything done & I headed out by noon.The 1st challenge of the day was Mt Moosilauke - a 3,800' ascent. Going up was fairly fast & easy. Beautiful views & I lingered at the top for awhile. The descent was tricky with steps carved into slick rock & rebar hand/foot holds. The late afternoon was a roller coaster ride up 1,700' to Mt Wolf & halfway down before darkness set in. I had anticipated a bit of night hiking due to my late start - I broke out my headlamp.I was less than a mile from Eliza Brook shelter when I came to a large flat rock. I looked up & the stars were amazing. It was already 10pm, so I figured I could be a bit late - I stopped, sat & watched the stars. I heard a commotion on the Trail -it was "Mercury" from the HIker's Welcome Hostel also doing some night hiking. He sat with me for awhile & had his dinner & watched the stars, too. We packed up & headed to the shelter.The place was full, but I found a tent site behind the shelter & quickly set up & made my dinner. I was beat, so I cleaned up & went to sleep.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Eliza Brook shelter

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 18.0

Woke at my tent site behind Eliza Brook shelter - got fed, dressed, packed & was on the Trail by 7:30am. I headed out with Mercury & Conductor - up the 2,000' of Kinsman Mountain. It was a rugged & steep trail with sections of cliff climbing, but the top afforded amazing views under mostly sunny skies. A tricky descent brought me to my 1st "hut" experience - Lonesome Lake hut. Great buildings with no road access - the only way to get there is to hike! Mercury caught up & we had 1st lunch. Bottomless bowls of potato dill soup nourished us & it was time to head out.Three easy miles to Franconia Notch & I decided to have my 2nd lunch before moving on. Up & up the 3,700' of peak-bagging over 9 miles. Little Haystack, Mt Lincoln and the "big one" of the day was Mt Lafayette at an altitude of 5,249' above sea level. Stunning views from these alpine peaks which were all well above treeline. The weather was holding even though the forecast called for afternoon thunderstorms - a blessing. To be caught on these peaks during a storm can be life threatening.The late afternoon showed signs of a storm, and I heard distant thunder, so I found a tent site by Garfield Pond before dark. Nice spot - I set up & had my dinner. I was off to sleep, but a 2am I heard a nearby hiker who was in a bivvy tent say "we've got company - bear or moose!" I got up & we looked around with our lights. Snorting, crunching & wide-set eyes about 20 yards away...I knew it was a moose. I headed back to my tent to resume my slumber.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Garfield Pond

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: fog

Woke up a bit groggy from the late night moose encounter. I didn't get myself packed & situated 'til nearly 9am. The hiking day started with a very steep climb up & down the 700' of Mt Garfield. I saw a couple sitting on the Trail & learned the woman had broken her ankle! They had sent word with other hikers, but I would make sure they knew at the next hut. On the 2 remaining miles to Galehead hut, I passed the "croo" member from the hut with 1st aid gear, so I knew the situation was under control.I stopped at Galehead hut for a snack & water & it was up 1,100' to the top of South Twin Mtn & along the ridge for 7 miles. I descended to Zealand Falls hut & had pumpkin bread while I soaked my swollen feet in a cool stream. When I got back to the hike, the skies opened up for a few minutes. I didn't mind the rain as I was out of the "mountains" and on an easy gradual 7 mile descent to Crawford Notch.I made good time to the road crossing at Crawford Notch & by 7pm I had hitched a ride with "Oregon Man." He was in the midst of meandering the country in his Honda hybrid - interesting guy. He dropped me off at the Crawford Notch Country Store & Campsite. I learned the bunkhouse was full & said "hey, I'll sleep on the floor." That worked & I headed to the bunkhouse with a coke, sandwich & chips.Many old & new faces at the bunkhouse. New: 2 Step, Old Guy, Sasparilla & Crums. Old:Rosie (Snakebait), Dr Jones & 4 Today. I ate, chatted, showered & off to bed!