morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-17
From: MT Wilcox South Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin (1539.0)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Chuck Berry, Dave Berry, Hallie Berry, and Blueberry.What a treat it was to reach the top of the climb out of Tyringham and find this absolutely incredible Blueberry patch! I must have stayed there for a half an hour or more devouring handfuls of the biggest, sweetest blueberries I have ever had. I ate perhaps a pint and hardly had to move. The bush was maybe five feet high and ten feet in diameter and the berries were hanging in clusters, just like grapes. I called it lunch. We finished the day at the AMC cabin on Upper Goose Pond. Oh so Sweet! I dropped my pack on a bunk then went down to the pond for a swim then laid on the dock for a nap. Sooo nice. After I fixed my dinner, I went to bed about 7:30 or so. At some point someone came up to wake me and tell me that there was trail magic waiting for me downstairs. When I got there, I discovered that someone had brought 6 half gallons of Friendly's Ice cream for us. Life is good.Teach your children to eat their ice cream slowly.
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Little rock Pond Shelter (1661.6)

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter (1684.9)
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another reminder of what exhaustion feels like. The morning was real nice and we were rushing to get to VT103, 12 mile ahead, and go to the Whistle Stop Restaurantm for lunch. On the way, we stopped at the food cache left by a SOBO Long Trail hiker, Tom, who we met at Stratton Pond Shelter. It was awesome. We took what we wanted/needed and left with full food bags. Thanks Tom, we hope to see you again in Hanover. When we got to VT103, we found out that the Whistle Stop was closed on Mon! Dang! So we ate our lunches in the parking lot and chilled for an hour or so. Ohibro set off first, I followed sometime later. The shelter lay about 12 miles away and it was 2PM when I started out. The first order of business was to climb out of Clarendon Gorge, up 1000' to Beacon Hill. After that, we had a long (6 or 7 mile) 2800' climb up Killington Peak to our destinatio- Cooper Lodge. It was so long and so exhausting for me. I arrived sometime around 7:30. The shelter was a mess. I swept off my sleeping platform and set up my sleeping area. Teh wind was really blowing and the temp was dropping. I put on everything I had to stay warm while I got water, cooked, and ate. Mice were running around the shelter in daylight, unafraid! I was the last to go to bed and slept very well.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter (1684.9)

To: Stony Brook Shelter (!701.2)
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

I've stayed at the Ritz (Partnership shelter in VA) and now I've stayed at the Pits. Cooper Lodge Shelter was beyond a doubt the trashiest Shelter I've stayed in so far. It was a mess, trash all over the place, dirty, and open to the prevailing westerly winds which made it cold and very uncomfortable. a beautiful view though and I guess that takes priority to some folks. When I got there, I swept off my sleeping platform. It was filthy: dust, dirt, mouse droppings and food wraPPERS. aNYWAY, WE GOT UP LATE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HEAR ANY BIRDS WHICH ARE our normal alarm clock, but we still managed to get on the trail by 0630. We hhiked mostly downhill for about 10 miles to Killington. Once there it was a short walk to the Outfitter for fuel and then on to the Deli for a sandwich and some Ben and Jerry's. The PO was next so I went there to bounce a box to Hanover. Teach your children good Dental Hygiene.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Osgood Tentsite (1855.3)

To: Pinkham Notch/NH16 (1860.1)
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

319.0 mi to goOh a good night's sleep is so precious. In the tent is the way to go. At least if it's not raining like crazy and the wind's not blowing like mad. We were walking by 6AM and the trail to Pinkham Notch was pretty easy. We got to the Visitors Center in time for their AYCE breakfast. We arrived at 0820. Breakfast closed at 0831! When I got to the serving line, it was empty! "What's up with this?" The cook offered to cook me some French Toast and eggs. I told him I was really hungry and could he please make a lot of both for me? He said OK and told me to find a seat and he would bring them to me. OK, I went to the dining area, got some coffee and fruit and a while later the French Toast and eggs came. It filled me up. The next step was to hitch into Gorham. It took just minutes before a car stopped. We climbed into the backseat of a little sedan with our pack on our laps. The folks had a little Schnauzer who was very friendly and interested in us. I scratched his head and neck and after a while, he climbed over the front seat and found a place to lie down on my pack. Cute. We checked into the Barn, one of three hostels in town- I had stayed there before. For $20 it was good enough. We went to BK for a quick fill up-yuck! then walked around town for a while and checked out the Outfitters etc, but basically we were just killing time waiting for dinnertime. At 5:30 we ( Ohibro, Jersey Mike, and I) went to SAALT for dinner. Kinda an upscale Yuppie place with an interesting menu and small portions. We ate then went over to the gas station and bought a pint of ice cream to satisfy our hunger a bit. We returned to the Barn and called it a day. Good night
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Pinkham Notch/NH16 (1860.1)

To: Carter Notch Hut ((1866.0)
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

313.1 mi to goRestless night at the hostel as all night long logging truck kept roaring by. Can't say I got much sleep at all. In the morning we went to Welsh's for breakfast. Mine was a soggy Veggie Omelet. When it came it was real runny and swimming in oil or butter and seemed undercooked. Yuck. I ate it anyway then ordered a pancake to "wash it down". We left to finish our errands then at 10 or so hitched out of town back to the Notch. I was feeling a little nauseous at this point. On the way up the Wildcats, I threw up repeatedly. Eggs, pancakes, veggies, everything. I saw them all! The climb absolutely wore me out and I was totally dehydrated. By the time we got to the hut I was shot. I asked for a work for stay and luckily got one. Miles wanted me to clean the chest freezer- the same thing that I did in Lake of the Clouds. We crashed in the woodshed for a while. I tried to rehydrate with some gatorade but threw that all up too. I did my WFS quickly and had half a bowl of Tomato Sup then asked if I could sleep in the woodshed so I could get to bed early. No problem. I had a restless night. Lots of mice!
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Carter Notch Hut ((1866.0)

To: NH2/Gorham
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

297.9 mi to goMy night was restless but no more vomiting, and that's god. I sipped Gatorade throughout the night and was able to down about 16oz of the stuff. I was reluctant to try to eat much for breakfast so all I had was a bagel, before we set off. I was really not sure what I'd be able to do today. I just trudged on slowly up the Carters. It was very difficult and tiring but I did it. We passed Imp Tentsite at maybe 8 miles and I felt like I could make it another 6 miles or so to the Rattle river Shelter so we pressed on. I told Ohibro that I wanted to take a break at the summit of Mt Moriah (our last climb of the day.) I madeit there and rested for a while. I actually fell asleep for 15-20 mins. then proceeded on. At this point, I had eaten the bagel and 4 crackers! We got to the shelter at about 3 something and found out that the Gorham PO was open until 5:30. since we both had mail drops there, we decided to go it since it was only 2 miles to the road. Time to "suck it up" Trashman. Like my grand daughter says, "You can do it Grandpa.") Well, wwe in fact made it, then got a room at a Mom and Pop Motel then went to dinner. (me with great reluctance, 'cause I wasn't sure how my stomach would handle it's first meal in a while.) Fish would be good, lots of protein- but fried? What the heck Trashman, go for it. Well I ate it, it stayed down, and I'm beginning to feel better.On the way back to the room we went by Dunkin' Donut so I stopped in for one! Back in the room it was lights out with the trash can next to the bed. Just in case.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: NH2/Gorham

To: Trident Col Tentsite (1888.1)
Miles today: 6.9

291.0 mi to goAwoke after a decent night's sleep feeling a little better. It seems as though the problem has now moved a bit further south. I now have diarrhea! Dang! Hitched to Walmart for a quick resupply. Among other things, I got some Imodium. So far it seems to be working. All I have now are minor cramps and a whole lot of gas! Although I had very little energy today, I do think I'm on the mend. Breakfast was dry cereal, lunch a bagel, for snack I had a protein bar, and for dinner a large Salmon pack with mayo and relish and another bagel. I'm full and feel pretty satisfied right now. The bad news is that I think Ohibro is now coming down with the same thing or something similar!
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Trident Col Tentsite (1888.1)

To: Full Goose Shelter (1902.6)
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

276.5 mi to goToday was a good day for me. I was able to eat again and I feel that my GI problem is pretty muck over. Ohibro on the other hand seems to be dealing with it now! From register entries in the shelters, it seems as though there are a bunch of hikers that have experienced the same sort of thing. Most suspect the problem started at Lake of the Clouds Hut. Could be, I ust don't know. Anyway, tomorrow is a big day with Mahoosuc Notch right off the bat. I'm glad I'm feeling better and I'm really psyched! Good Night.
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Full Goose Shelter (1902.6)

To: Baldpate Lean-to (1914.6)
Miles today: 12.0

264.5 mi to goAnother good day. As usual, we were up and out about 6AM. We were in the Southern End of Mahoosuc Notch by 0715 and began working our way through the maze of boulders and other obstacles. It seemed much better blazed than the last time I did it so it felt a little easier this time. All told, it really wasn't all that bad and we were on our way up the Arm at 0845. The Arm, which is a 1600' climb is steep and arduous. It also took us an hour and a half to complete. That left the pretty dramatic climb up Mt Speck to do after lunch. Tough but "no problema". We got down to Grafton notch about 3. In the parking lot was "White Jeep" and "Seminole". They were waiting for Saguaro, Sherpa and Raphi, who we had sheltered with the night before and were somwhere behind us. Anyway, they were giving out trail Magic. (Nesquick Choco milk, fig newtons, Little Debbie Cherry pies (pinch me am I in Heaven?)Yum. So far, he has dispersed over 1000 bottles of the milk! We stayed and chatted for over an hour. As it turns out, they plan on moving to Argentina and staying there for a year so they were interested to know that I had liveed there and wanted to hear about my take ion things. We then made the 1.9 mile hike up to the shelter only to find that it was full with girls from an inner city Boston Leadership Program and out for a 10 day or so stint. They were 14-15 year olds and full of energy and ambition. They were great to talk with and did a lot to restore my confidence in our country's youth! As it turned out, they were, in fact, tenting and at llast vacated the shelter (their meetin/hangout place) and left us in peace. Ohibro had already staked out a tentsite and set up but I was in the shelter with Aikido Joe, Saguaro and Sherpa.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: East B Hill Road/Andover,ME (1922.6)

To: Stealth Campsite on Old Blue (1933.5)
Miles today: 10.9

245.1mi to goStarted the day with an incredible "Deuces Wild" Breakfast. (That's two of everything: eggs, French Toast, pancakes, English Muffins, sausage and bacon- I substituted two more eggs for the meat. It was served on two plates! I could hardly walk when I left. Ohibro had to eat the last pancake for me, in fact. We got a shuttle back to the trail and were putting one foot in front of the other by 0845. Had a moderate ascent and descent of Wyman Mtn but the climb up and down Moody Mtn was much more severe. We got to south Arm Road about 2:30, found some trail magic (beer) and stopped for lunch. It looked like rain so we started up Old Blue Mtn (very steep) in search for a tentsite. Almost a mile up we found what we were looking for and decided to set up before the rains came. We're settled in for the night now. We've eaten and are ready for bed. No rain yet. I hope it holds off. We're supposed to get thunderstorms tomorrow around noon and we're hoping to get over Old Blue and to the next shelter tomorrow before they get here.
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to (1949.7)

To: ME4/Rangeley (1959.1)
Miles today: 9.4

Apparantly the moose bellowed all night long but I only heard him in the morning. Another misty cool morning greeted us but with "reckless abandon" we tore off to Rangfeley, only nine miles away. The trail was muddy and all the bog bridges were wet and slippery but we still managed to make very good time. My goal waas to be seated in a restaurant eating breakfast by 1130. We got to the road by 1030 and thought we'd try hitching instead of calling for a shuttle. There was little traffic but the second car stopped and brought up to the incredibke BMC Diner. I ordered breakfast ( Swiss and Mushroom Omelet with homefries and home made raisen toast.I washed it down with two cups of Capucchino and ffinished it off with a big bowl of oatmeal!) all for $8.95! Life is starting out good in Rangeley ME. The next stop was the PO to pick up some mail drops and restocking our food bags before bouncing the boxes on to Caratunk. the Library was open so I spent a couple hours on the computer updating my journals and checking emmail. After that, I joined Ohibro down by the lake where we dried oput our tent, shoe, socks and other wet things while we waited for dinnertime to arrive. About 5:30 we went to Sarge's Pub and Grill for eats then we went to the Frosty Pine Ice Cream shop for dessert. We called the hostel and in no time Bob Obrien, the proprietor was there. We ran up to the IGA to pick up a few thingsthen we were off to the Gull Pond Hostel. Claimed a bed, did some laundry, watched a little TV and finally went to bed around 10!Look, only 220.0 mi to go
Date: 2010-08-18
From: ME4/Rangeley (1959.1)

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To (1969.8)
Miles today: 10.7

Well the bed was comfortable enough last night but it got a little chilly during the early morning hours. I had to double up my blanket to stay warm. Somtime around dawn, a moose started bellowing not to far from the hostel and then I thought I heard a loon out on the pond. I got up aroound 0630 and went downstairs to shower. While in the bathroom, I reset the clock that was in there from 0830 to 0630 and did some minor dusting to get rid of some messy cobwebs up on the ceiling. That done, I went back upstairs and took my bedding apart the went back down for some cereal, coffee, juice and toast. At 0815 Bob took Ohibro Raphi and I back to the trail. The climb up from the road was steep but soon became more gradual. We made the 1.9 miles to Piazza shelter in about 45 min. We met and tallked with a young couple (Andy and Carli) who were SOBOs. Back on the trail toward Saddleback. The climb continued to be mostly gradual and we were up on top by 11. We had a long break up there and the went over to The Horn, then Saddleback junior where I had lunch. The ascents and descents of both the Horn and saddleback Jr were pretty steep and hard. I really glad it wasn't wet. We got to the shelter about 3:30 and I set up, napped, did some journalling and ate. We are now in a little bit of a slowdown mode because we have more than enough time to get to Katahdin.Only 209.3 miles to go!
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To (1969.8)

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite (1984.0)
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day and remarkably easy. The climb up Sugarloaf wasn't bad and the descent wasn't that bad either. The two fords that we had for the day had me a little apprehensive but they turned out to be nothing more than some rock hopping. I didn't even get my feet wet! I still haven't seen a moose. There have been lots of tracks and lots of poop but still no sightings. Today I took my time and every time I came to an area that looked kinda "moosey)" I stopped, looked around and waited a bit, but still no luck. Most of the other hikers have seen them but not us. I think we're hiking too fast and are spending all of our time looking at the ground in front of our feet. Maybe tomorrow? Also tomorrow we're going into Stratton for a couple of days. As for now, it's a beautiful afternoon so I think I'll just spread my bag out on this sleeping platform and send the night under the stars. Life is beautiful, out here!Less than 200 miles to go! (195.1)
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite (1984.0)

To: ME27/Stratton (1991.3)
Miles today: 0.0

I got into the bag before dark last night and since I had a cell signal decided to make some calls. Home: no ans/ Tom: no ans/ Mike answering machine/ Lowell: no ans. What's going on? Anyway I tried calling home several more time but ultimately fell asleep. I awoke about 1030 with the phone on my chest. I noticed that the wind had picked up a bit and there were no stars. I sensed rain, so I got up and got some bug rocks so I could use them to "stake" out my tent on the platform if I needed too, then I got back into the bag. At 1115 I was awakened by a big flash of lightning a followed by a big clap of thunder. Quickly, I got up and set up my tent and got everything insiide befor te rains came. I rained and thundered and lightninged for a couple of hours then stpped. I'm so glad I got into the tent before it started. The rain caused us to be a little slower getting out of camp but we still managed to be underway by 0630! The hike up the Crockers took about an hour and a half and the five mile descent took about three. Anyway, shortly after 10 were on the road where we met a 2008 thru hiiker who was giving out Trail magic. I mean the real thing Trail Magic. He had everything: donuts, drinks, chips, Whoppie Pies, muffins, apples, Bananas, cookies, everything. he told us to eat until we were full, he wanted to get rid of everything! We tried but about that time the proprietir of the Stratton Hotel and Hostel came by and asked us if we neededd a ride into town. We did and she brought us right to the hostel where we will spend a couple of days, killing time.We're rockin'. Only 187.8 miles to go!
Date: 2010-08-21
From: ME27/Stratton (1991.3)

To: Stratton (1991.3)
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero day today and it was so nice. No rush, no sore knees, just relaxing all day. Cool. It rained gently during the night and the sound of the rain on the metal roof was so soothing. Just like home. The bunk room was full with five of us (Old Goat, his wife, Low Step, Ohibro, and I. Teh other bunk room had Fields and Homeward Bound, while the downstairs had Matlock and Backgammon, a couple of German guys, on couches. In the morning the place cleared out so after breakfast we pretty much had the place to ourselves (Homeward Bound (from GA), Ohibro and I)No one else came into the hostel for the night but many came into town to resupply and stopped in to say Hi. Later in the day, Buckwheat and Piece of cake came in and got a room in the motel part. In the afternoon, I helped Homeward Bound make a nice "cat food" stove to replace his old "Wood Burning Kluge". Then he made one by himself so now he's a happy camper. That evening I walked over to a local B&B that also sells pies. I bought a Blueberry Custard one and brought iot back to the hostel and cut it into three pieces and shared it with Ohibro and Homeward Bound. Gulp! Burp! Good! Read for a while as the others watched "Smokey and the Bandidt" then went to bed around 10. Good night!
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Stratton (1991.3)

To: Horns Pond Lean-To (1996.4)
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke this morning to the sound of squirrels "playing tag" or something on the roof. Got up about 7 and went next door to the market for a cup of coffee and came back to the hostel, made a toasted bagel and cream cheese, and watched the morning news and weather. At 9AM we turned on Meet the Press then packed up and lefty shortly thereafter. Sue gave us a ride to the trailhead and thus ended our delightful stay at Stratton Hiker Hostel. We started up the Bigelows for Horns Pond Lean-To. We arrived at about 3PM, I quess. There were two shelters, so we picked the one that seemed to be out of the wind the most. Pig Pen and Dutchess were in the other one for a break (I hadn't seen him since TN!) A little while later Jibits came in to spend the night. (I hadn't seen her since Kent, CT.) The caretaker, Otis, came by and we chatted for an hour or more. When he left we realizes that it was getting late. I called home and I called my Aunt. All is well with them both. It was almost 7 by this time and I still hadn't eaten, so I fixed something quick, cleaned up and got ready for bed. Earlier Otis had told us that the caretaker at Piazza Rock lllean-To had had his cabin broken into and had lost a lot of food and some batteries about 4-5 days ago. Ity disturbed me because we had come through that area about that time and I realized that we may have come into contact with whoever might have done it. Later, I recalled that while we were staying at Gull POnd Lodge, there were several "hikers who seemed strange and out of place. They didn't strike us hikers at all in fact. During the evening, one of them was going through his "food Bag" (a big black trash bag). The contents included all kinds of canned goods including at least 5 cans of Vienna Sausage!- very strange hiker food as it's too heavy. In fact, the whole bag that he had probably was over 20 lbs!!!. I bet those guys were the thieves and went over to tell Otis.Hey, only 182.7 miles to go.
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Horns Pond Lean-To (1996.4)

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To (2006.6)
Miles today: 10.2

We woke up this morning to a cold damp wind blowing quite hard. It was probably around 40d so it was very hard getting out of the bag. But we did manage to get underway by about 0620. The morning involved some pretty big climbs up the Bigelows, West and East Peaks, then Avery Peak. the wind was howling on the ridges (maybe 40 to 50 mph) and it was cold. I felt like I would be blown off the mountain at times! The summits for all but West Peak and Little Bigelow were all in the clouds so the views were minim,al today. Noteworthy waas the fact that we crossed the 2000 mile mark today! Pretty big deal. An exceptional photo op. Took a few pics and continued on to the Shelter. I got there early (maybe 2) and fixed some lunch, then took a one to two hour nap! I've just finished dinner now and it's 7:30 so I think I'll clean up, check for a cell signal and then turn in. Tomorrow we have an easy 17 mile day.Only 172.5 miles to go!