morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I've been pretty testy today - just not in the mood for people. I woke up with swollen eyes and I didn't get started until about 8. I got in 15 miles before 4:40 - good for me. I think I can do 15-17 milers on a regular basis, but I have to get more confortable with stealth camping because the shelters are just not spaced in a way that fits that schedule. I'd really like to make Harpers Ferry by 10/1.I can hear Hanover in the distance. A few folks have strolled by in sandals and no water - so, I'm clearly near civilization. I hope I don't get a bunch of late-night rowdy drinkers. It is Friday afterall.Planning to hit town early and do chores and then take off to the next shelter. I'm only planning two stops in Vermont, I'm hoping to hit Mass in 10 days.The shelter here is new with a clear plastic roof - the stars are shining through - lovely.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

My first stop in Hanover was the co-op - what a treat! Unfortunately, I bought about 20 pounds worth of food. Sat in the parking lot and sorted and rebagged everything. Found the library and spent two hours updating the journal and such - still only got to the 5th or so.So, by the time I finished up there, the PO was closed and it was too late to do same day wash and fold. There's no coin laundry in the town proper. I will just have to stink for another few days, I suppose. Also, saying "white Blaze" at the counter at Ben and Jerry's does not get you free ice cream.On the up side, I scored my free slice of pizza and Brick and Brew. Thanks! Also, free cake at Lou's which was celebrating its 65th anniversery. Thanks! And so young ladies were handing out free cookies just before getting back in the woods. Thanks!The lean to is made of stone - and again tonight, there's a fire. I'm sleeping on the second floor by myself. Here with Tejas (Sobo), Backyard Boogie and Weekender. Were'enjoying a little boxed vino, black cherries, Vermont cheese, and pate from the co-op.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

What a pleasant day! I love Vermont! Slept in until 7:30 this morning. Then I hiked 4 miles to the West Hartford General Store. I had an amazing breakfast there of a split johnny cake with creme fraische?, fresh berries and vermont maple syrup...and lots of coffee as I read the Sunday paper. I managed to make it another 1/2 mile up the hill out of town to an overlook where I took a nap. Afterward, I spent an hour or so picking blackberries. Yum! I finally made it to the lean to at about 3 p.m. It was supposed to be my lunch stop, but oh well.Here tonight is Marco Solo, Spock and (can't read my writing).
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 11.6

Okay, so the big miles have yet to materialize; but, I am really enjoying my Vermont experience. I spent a long lunch at the Farmer's Market on VT 12. Had smoked chicken with rosemary, local tomatoes and homemade mint ice cream. I sat on the porch and watched the 10 minutes of rain that fell today.Raspberries were the berries on the trail today. MMM.I'm just going to the next lean to tomorrow - trying to get the timing right for my mail drop at Manchester Center. Also, it turns out that the Long Trail festival is in Rutland this weekend -so, I'm not sure what's going to happen in the next few days.We've got a great fire tonight- it's supposed to get down to 40...so, tomorrow should be a fabulous hiking day.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The highlight of today's hike was the Lookout cabin - 360 degree views from the platform perched on the roof. Had a long breakfast there. Would have been a gret place to sleep last night. Unfortunately, there's no water there. I like to camp near water - mostly so I can wash up and start off fully tanked in the a.m.Junebug and I both called it an early day and are catching up on our reading. I'm carrying two books that I've found (Postcards - Proulxe and Good Omens - Gaimon and Pritchard) and would like to finish up one and leave it here.I'm planning on lunch at the Mountain Meadows Resort on Kent Pond - they also have Internet so, I'm hoping I can catch up on my journal. Then, I'm going to try staying at the Inn on the Long Trail (Best beer on the trail from what I understand) if they have a room available - If not, on into Rutlasd to the Home Again Cafe run by the 12 Tribes of Israel.By the way, thanks to everyone who has emailed me and signed my guest book. It is so good to hear from folks back home and everywhere else. I promise to get some pictures up soon - I haven't taken many, but, I will start. I'm looking pretty different these days.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: The Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 8.1

It rained this morning before I took off - but, I only got hit by a few showers throughout the day. I had a wonderful lunch at Mountain Meadows on Kent Pond - lots of tasty food for 10$, free internet access and a lovely setting. I wished I had just stopped there for the night...I set out for the Inn however on a very full stomach so it took a little while. It was a very pretty hike though, down the Sherberne Pass. This was the old AT/LT. I'm at the point where the Long Trail and the AT overlap for a hundred miles or so. Double the hikers, double the fun! I was so ready for a bath at the Inn - I promised myself one every 500 miles. My tiny room had a sink on the wall and a little shower stall and toilet separated from the room by a plastic corrigated door. Apparently, they do have rooms with tubs, but you have to ask for them. In any case, I'm squeaky clean and so is my gear.There's this trail-famous pub here where I can't drink and smoke at the same time - not even outside. I totally resented giving them my money - but, I'm in the middle of nowhere. This is it for victuals...and they're really pretty good.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: The Inn at the Long Trail

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 13.9

Breakfast this morning was great - almost makes up for lack of bath tub. I hiked up to Cooper Lodge and dropped off my pack. Then I hiked up the side trail to Killington Peak. Thru-hikers get to ride the Gondola at a special discount - free. I just took the spin - didn't even get off at the bottom. Then, I stopped at the snack bar at the top for a coffee. Beware all hikers of the beverage nazi. I wentto top off my 2.50 small coffee and she came storming over to inform me that there were no free refills and that I needed to pay for a second cup. It seems that with a little training, the corporation could teach the employees how to pour individual beverages instead of having them constantly monitor the self serve beverage island in order to publically chastise folks who don't read the multitude of signage.I pushed on to find the secret shelter beyond the Governor Clement's Shelter whiich is the local high school hangout. Found it finally after passing the intersection and seeing the sign posted for Nobos. It is really clean and interesting. Thanks to the folks that make it available to us hikers.We're in the midst of a thunderstorm right now - glad to be under cover finishing up Good Omens.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Secret Shelter

To: Vermont Fairgrounds - Long Trail Festival
Miles today: 5.4

I hiked out to the highway this morning and made my way a half mile to the Whistle Stop Cafe for a late breakfast - mmmm. Once back to the trailhead, I met up with a trail angel, Mala, and his dog Tucker handing out sugary sodas. I turned it down, but did decided to take him up on his offer to drive me over to to the festival. I hung out by the Gorge for an hour or so and then we took off.After a grocery stop, we hit the fairgrounds. Not many folks here yet. It's very low key. There was a little parade and some speeches and now local musicians are playing till midnight.Tejas came back from Rutland and is staying with the 12 Tribes rather than tenting. His new trail name is Cracker Don - origin is Crack of Dawn said with a cockney accent. He and I were the only AT Sobos in the crowd last night. Happy hiking Tejas.I've been told that most of the Nobos I encounter from here forward are of the drinking/partying persuasion and that is why they are at the end of the pack. So far, this seems to be quite true. I can't believe the number of folks who drink and smoke WHILE they're hiking. Stay safe guys (and gals).
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Vermont Fairgrounds - Long Trail Festival

To: Vermont Fairgrounds - Long Trail Festival
Miles today: 0.0

I'm taking advantage of my alotted 60 minute internet time at the library to updat the ole journal. It's been a busy morning. I've forwarded my Wallingford and Manchester Center packages on to Dalton Mass. I've decided to do a 8-9 day stretch without a stop - maybe one resupply day in the middle, but no overnights. The only problem with forwarding to Dalton is that I'll be about 3 days without a map or guide which are in the boxes.So, the paper yesterday prominently displayed three big sunshine pictures for Fri/Sat and Sun. Yet, it rained all night and is still cloudy and drizzly all morning. It is definitely cool out and that's nice.I hit the farmer's market and am listening to some local guitarist while I rearrange my papers and such. I just bought a new wallet at Walmart - and a radio. It has am, fm, tv and weather...it weighs 3 oz. I decided against the MP3 player/audio book idea - it would just be too much hassle to use the libraries for downloading...and it's expensive.Harry Potter movie is playing here and I'm about to go catch the 12:30 matinee. Then, we're cooking out - steaks and salad - this afternoon before the music and hiking programs gets started this evening.Back to the trail bright and early.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Vermont Fairgrounds - Long Trail Festival

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I was up super early and took advantage of the secret shelter in the janitor's closet in the fairground bathrooms. I was packed, fed and ready to go at 7:30. At 8:30, I was still waiting for everyone else to rise from the dead. The bleary eyed who were awake were in no mood to play trail angel and drive me to the trail head. So, I hoofed it most of the way. I finally got a hitch and hit the trail around 10. Thanks, Terry. Ironic that I couldn't get a ride from the hiker festival.I met three more sobos today, Green Flash, Tea Leaf and his dad Papa Bear, at the Gorge suspension bridge and leap frogged with them most of the day. I also passed Uncle Silly and his dog Katie Daley who I hung out with for awhile at the fest. He paid me a very nice compliment, which completely made my day. He said that my trail name suited me because I was worth a second look. I have to say that I don't often get comments like that in my old age - thanks!
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to 45 degrees...chilleee. Hiked all morning with my fleece and knit cap. Strange for August - but, I'm not complaining; it is awesome hiking temps.Went over three mountains today- Peru, Styles and Bromley. It was a gorgeous day, so I was able to pick out my route for the coming hikes.This lean to is really nice with a covered porch and wrap around sesating. I'm here with a crew of ministers from Indiana: Trail Boss, Boots, Yellow Jack and Buck. They've built a great fire, for which I am grateful after this very long day.I LOVE my new radio. It is sometimes difficult to maintain a consistent signal. Overall though, it is very entertaining - everything from BBC news to People's Court :-]
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm writing from memory since I forgot to journal yesterday. I got to the shelter pretty early after plodding over rocks, rocks and more rocks. The hike was fairly easy though. Today's hike was either going to be 12 or 22 given the shelter spacing. I opted for 12, which gives me most of the afternoon to do and dry laundry.It has been extremely cold - unseasonably so - in the 30's last night. Tonight promises to be the same. As soon as there was no more sunshine to stand in, I had to get into my sleeping bag.This is a nice shelter, two stories, large covered porch with a picnic table. The H2O is ridiculously far away though. Many Nobos have arrived - don't have names; I've been fairly antisocial as I'm huddled up in my bag reading. However, I did discover that one is a tech services librarian in a health library and another has a wife who's a reference librarian at a community college...small world.This crew has had a lot of great things to say about Bennington and Green Flash did too. I might just have to make a town stop there.I swapped out Proulx's Postcards for Perfume, which I've been meaning to read for about 15 years.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hike today over Stratton. I had great views from the fire tower and was able to scope out my next two big climbs: Glastonberry and Greylock. The shelter here has a great view- but the interior is awkward - there's no floor space whatsoever. There are two wide bunks on either side with a long table between them. It's a little uncomfortable - and not so efficient.I'm with all Long Trail Nobos tonight - rather than AT Nobos - as the trail is colocated for a while.I'm in the bag again and it's only about 5 - I am so freaking cold. It should be another night in the 30s. Fortunately, my 15 degree bag is keeping me warm enough.Here come some clouds.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Bennington
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to spend the night in town rather than the shelter. I really needed a shower. The motel - Autumn Inn was 65 - and what a dive! The magnetic strip was the only thing keeping the mini fridge door in place, the smoke alarm was hanging on the was by one wire (the other disconnected), the soap dispenser in the tub enclosure fell into the tub while I was showering. On the bright side, the water was hot, the sheets were clean and there was a fridge, microwave and tv.Got fuel, resupplied, doing laundry and plan to dine on hot pockets and watch tv.I got a ride into town from Carol, a school teacher from Connecticut. She was even kind enough to offer me her house for the evening (after she went to the theater). I just couldn't wait till 11 p.m. to get clean.It's supposed to rain for the next three days. I'll probably get to Dalton wet.Bennington is an okay town - nothing all that though.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Bennington

To: Seth Warner Lean To
Miles today: 11.5

I had a great breakfast at the diner in Bennington and hitched a ride (finally) with a nice lady in a convertible. Fun :-]Headed uphill all day; but, never crossed any peaks. It was a bit uneventful. It was really hot and humid - drastic switch- from 30s to 90s. It promises to be so tomorrow as well. I scored the first Mass map from a shelter gnome this evening - I don't have to go into Dalton blind.I'm sharing the shelter with the Hobbits - three of them - who have given me tons of notes on places to stay and things to do over the next several weeks. Also here is Worldwide.I've been working it out numerically and making Harpers Ferry by 10/1 will be a real challenge.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Seth Warner Lean To

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean To
Miles today: 9.9

What a freaking hot and miserable day for hiking, especially uphill. I could not bear one more mile. Today was a day for celbration however - it is my 2 month anniversay on the trail and I passed into Mass, completing three states! I celebrated by overeating at the AUCE oriental buffet in North Adams.This required an extra 1 1/2 miles of road walking however, which pretty much bites in 90 degrees and 85% humidity.Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the area tonight and the show has just begun. lightening everywhere and non stop rumbling of thunder. It is getting closer now; the shelter is starting to rumble with the thunder - too cool. I hope it holds up to the hail. Going to hunker down now.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean To

To: Tom's in Dalton
Miles today: 20.3

My first 20! What started out as a not so great day got progressively better. I hiked up to Mt Williams first thing - almost to the top of Greylock - and ended up getting turned around (no signs). I wound up back at the lean to where I started and sighed heavily. You can add an extra 1 1/2 miles to that 20.3. Once on top of Greylock the nightmarish signage was made even more indecipherable by the dense fog. After circling the monument and lodge for a half hour or so - I finally spotted someone coming out of the woods and they were headed North.The Mass trail maintainers have a whole different meaning for their double blazes - apparently, they mean that while there is an alternative trail/route/direction ahead, you should NOT take it. Usually, the double blaze indicates a turn. So, I kept turning when I saw them and then kept having to backtrack and go straight through. (This seems to fix itself later in Mass).Of course, I stopped at Joanne's in Cheshire for ice cream.   While lounging on the lawn chair out front, up pulls Tom from Dalton along with two hikers that he's dropping off for a late slack pack. The two hikers double up their gear into one pack, give me the other so I can slack also, and Tom takes my big pack back to his place. Thanks Tom, Dirt and Hong Kong Phooey!I made it to Dalton around 7, hoofing 3 mph without my pack. Showered and had a great burger at the tavern.Tom Lavardi runs a hobby hostel and lets hikers stay there for free. He is so generous and kind to open up his place to us smelly beasts.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Tom's in Dalton

To: Tom's in Dalton
Miles today: 0.0

I picked up my boxes at the PO this morning - sure enough my boots that I had packed slightly wet in Glencliff got a little moldy. This necessitated a zero day at Tom's. I scrubbed them down, lysoled them, and left them in the sun all day. I hope that saves them - they've got a lot of life left.Meanwhile, I took one of the bikes available to us hikers into town, did laundry and hit the Internet at the library.When I returned everyone was prepping for a big picnic - brats, pasta, salad, corn on the cob...and ice cream sundaes!Later, we rented a movie and shared some whiskey. Good to meet Dirt, Hong Kong Phooey, Wyoming, Google, Dozer, Dionysus, Lentil, Tom's brother and the others snoozing on the floors and sofas whoes names I've forgotten.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Tom's in Dalton

To: October Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Got a latish start today since I had to make a trip to the post office to send forward my now dry boots.Mid day, I stopped at the Cookie Lady's house for some still warm chocolate chip coolies -mmmm. Tea leaf was still there munching his. He's taking a few days off to visit friends. I picked a quart or more of blueberries from their farm for 1.50. They were amazing - powdery, sweet, bursting open at the bottom. It is my responsibility as a Sobo to bring these blueberries to Upper Goose Pond so the caretaker can put them in our morning pancakes. I did my duty.quite make it to Upper Goose Pond Cabin today, however. It would have been dark when I arrived and I really wanted to enjoy the place - it's supposed to be very cool.Besides, I'm overloaded with food from my drop box - I'm going to eat like mad tonight.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: October Mountain Lean To

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Pretty light hiking today - I arrived before noon and have really been enjoying this spot. There is a full on cabin with a gas stove and lights and an upstairs for sleeping. The porch looks onto the pond which is as clear as a bell. I went swimming and took the canoe out for a spin to the island. Then, I spent the rest of the day reading in the hammock. No complaints here.Pete, the rock star, volunteer caretaker has been extremely accomodating. He even brought some veggies and wine back from town this afternoon. Again, I have feasted on great local food. I've noticed that Mass is really into their locally grown food - that's very cool.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: South Wilcox Lean To
Miles today: 15.8

Nice hike today after a yummy blueberry pancake breakfast at the cabin. It was pretty uneventful except for one thing...Three times now I have passed this couple on the trail. That's not odd in and of itself - I think they are taking sections in a southbound direction using their car and hiking each section northbound. The odd part is that they are stopped and the fellow in this couple always has his back to me and I have never seen his face. This is unusual. People look at each other on the trail. I noticed this the first time we passed and that's why I remember them so clearly. The lady, always looks at me and says hi as she rummages through his pack for something. I noticed that he wears a conspicous back brace - maybe he's had an accident or something and is disfigured.Today, I kept looking back. And she was watching me and he was maneuvered so that he was always full back facing me. I don't get it.I met a Nobo yesterday named Nugs of Knowledge that says he spoke to both of them and there was nothing unusual. If I see them again, I will engage them in a conversation.Alone in a brand new lean to - 1 month old. Thanks to the Berkshire chapter of the AMC - great work! there is a group of incoming freshman at Smith at the other lean to this evening. This is the adventure portion of their orientation - how cool is that?
Date: 2007-08-31
From: South Wilcox Lean To

To: Corn Crib in Great Barrington
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I felt a little weary on the hike today. It wasn't difficult, but I sure was drained after these few meager miles. I'm thinking I may have missed my synthroid dose recently.I'm camping behind a green house this evening. It's close to the trail outside of town. The place has seen better days - but, it's free so I can't complain. Ruth, the owner is quite generous to let us pitch on her property.Of course, the fist thing I did was indulge in some of the corn that had just been dropped off here by the farmer - and a pint of Coffee SoCo ice cream -also local. I was initially going to walk the two miles to town for dinner. I stopped shot though at the Rt 7 Grill which was FABULOUS! I had a ribeye with local beef, and cucumber and tomoto salad - I am loving this eat local mentality!Never made it into GB proper - Linda, you'll have to tell me all albout it next time we talk.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Corn Crib in Great Barrington

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Thought I might pass into Ct. today, but I fell short by about 1/2 mile. Got off to an early start today after some creative visualization at the Corn Crib. If I blocked out the dilapidated green house, the rusting farm equipment and trash, I could see horses surrounded by tall greass and wild flowers against a backdrop of rolling green hills. Just lovely...almost.The trail was jagged and rocky - slow going - and my feet hurt. So, I decided to save Bear mountain for the am. Passed the mysterious couple today again. They were stopped and he had his back to me. I started a conversation. He did speak to me - but did not turn to look at me. Her name is Half Pint and of course, I've forgotten his. Just crazy.I called Mrs. McCabe and reserved a room in her home for tomorrow in Salisbury. I need a shower and more food. I ate pretty much all of my food tinight - nice light pack tomorrow!This campsite is beautiful - perched over a stream - with lots of old growth. There are lots of city folks here for the long weekend - hope they don't snore.