morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Campsite before US 44
Miles today: 14.1

Well, we all know if you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans...it turned into such. Gorgeous day after starting out with rain that I made plans to just take it slow and easy today; find a campsite close to Salisbury; chill out for the evening and stroll in tomorrow for breakfast. All of that happened except going to town cause that's tomorrow. The stickler is it's raining again. I had to quickly put up my tent and throw everything in. It's all fine and will be fine. Just have to deal with a wet tent. Again, not a big deal; time to laze in be shade while the tent dries in he su . Still, I was so enjoying cooler temps and nice sunshine. I'm grateful I got to enjoy them today.Seriously, it was a Greg day. After a not so great night with rain, mosquitos ND not being able to get comfortable temperature wise.There was a quick shower in the earlyorning hours. I set off with my rain jacket on cause it was overcast and cool and the trees were dripping. Quickly took off the jacket and enjoyed nice breezes and cooler temps than over the past week. The walk was good today. A few steep ups; all manageable. Water was available and drinkable. At the US 7/CT 112 crossing there is a garage with a drink machine - it had Barqs so I treated myself. Crossed the HousTonic River there, the bridge has AT emblems embedded on it. Can't see them until you are on the bridge but they're neat (pics). Walked past the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Big complex, very impressive. Hope they take advantage of the AT. Also was on the wheelchair accessible AT path today. Nice wide level path which is partially by the river. I didn't see any tire marks and only one other person, a hiker. And the Hydron Plant. Very nice people, showed me where the outdoor shower is locTex and the electrical outlets so I could charge my toys. I was there at least an hour. It was relaxing and I was planning to go to lunch in Falls Village after I was clean. When I finally found the restaurant it was closed soni walked back to the park, sat in the shade and had my PB&H with Fritos. The IGA in Kent, of all places, had Fritos. Crossed the Housatonic one more rime on a one lane bridge and then could see the falls. Pretty. Reminded me of Laurel Falls with the big tiers (pic). Big climb up Mt. Prospect and in to Rands View which is a field with a great view of the mountains (pic), and back into the hardwood and evergreen forest which was very pretty. I took another long break just enjoying the view, cool breeze and how nice it was.Now I'm chilling in my tent. It actually is getting cooler. May need to pUt on dry socks. Rain has almost stopped - mainly dripping from the trees. Yea!Finishing up my dark chocolate with cranberries from the choc store in Kent.Today I'm grateful for the reminder that God is in control.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Campsite before US 44

To: Vanessa Breton Hostel
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Long rainy night. It drizzled on/off most of the night and I was on more of a slope than I thought when I picked the site si I kept rolling downhill. I did sleep, good deep sleep so I was ready to go when I woke shortly after 5. That was too early since I knew I had a short walk in and things wouldn't be open.It was an easy walk I . I checked everything out then went to the coffee shop while waiting for the breakfast place to open. Wandered down and sat in front of the beautiful stone library. Shortly after 8 I went to the Country Bistro for breakfast - Eggs Floorentine - which were great.I went to the PO for my drop box but it wasn't there so I got my room at Vanessa's; took a shower and then went to do my laundry cause her washer is broken. While ther I called G and got drop box, guide and cd weather clothes dates figured out. When I returned my box had arrived at the PO so I could make my resupply list. Before going shopping I hung my tent in the back yard along with my socks to dry. Had lunch at the Country Bistro, they are the only game in town; it was good. I had a lunch special of 3 of their salads on greens and a glass of Rose. They are not open for dinner except on the weekend... After lunch I did my resupply then sat in the courtyard and did TJ updates all afternoon. I want to send home the written journal cause it is full. Felt good to get them all done. This is the final one for book 2.So many people showed up today, including Flame, whom I am sharing a room with. At one point the courtyard looked like a flea market cause everyone had their gear out to dry.I had a chicken salad and a quinoa sale with a beer for dinner then a pint of B&J Triple Caramel. Good stuff.Tonight I'm grateful for a dry place to sleep.PC told me there are 'several' young guys who think I am 'so hot'. Just made me laugh. I tolh her they just don't realize I am almost old enough to be their grandmothers. She said it was major courgaring. LOL
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Vanessa Breton Hostel

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Salisbury was a good trail town. Staying at Vanessa Breton's worked out fine. Flame and I shared a room and it was comfortable. I slept as well as could be expected with street noise and the church bells evey 15 minutes and binging the hour. I really love the bells. They do take some getting use to. Vanessa came in and talked to is for quite a while so it was probably 23:00 before we turned out the light. I had some leg cramps, probably from not drinking enough water; they kept kw wiggling a bit.Got up about 6. Fiddled with packs and stuff before going to the coffee shop at 7 and the. To breakfast at 8. Vanessa joined us for breakfast. Afterward we went to the P9; I sent home 2 pIr of socks and the used guide pages along with my 2nd full journal. Lightening the load. Then I went back to the hostel, finished packing up and headed out.Beautiful day: good temps, not much humidity and some great breezes. Still Steve and I hiked together till the Riga Shelter where we stopped for water and met up with Pixel, Shazam and Phelgm. Tomorrow is Phelgm's last day; he is getting off to go back to school. He really is a disgusting individual and I don't see how those 3 hiked together all this time. Anyway, they caught up with me on Bear Mountain and I let them pass only to catch up to them not 30 minutes later sitting in the middle of the Trail. I never saw them or Still Steve the rest of the day.Bear Mountain was quite the climb.Then I crossed the CT/MA state line. Yippee! And the 1500 mile mark. Two biggies in one day. I had a Double Chocolate Whoppee Pie as. Celebration ...almost 800 calories; and we wonder why the US has so many fat people.Sages Racine is a pretty area, it is a ravine with a stream running in the cleft. Lots of cascades and some pools of water that looked fairly deep. Interesting to see how the water has worn the rock over the decades. I had lunch by the stream: pistachio butter and honey sandwich with Fritos and an apple.After my Whooppee Pie treat all I could thin was I've got to start weaning myself from all this junk cause all the sugar and fat is addictive and I can't keep eating like this.Mt. Race has some steep climbs as well and then awesome views from the ridgeline. At first I didn't honk it would be too good cause where I had to walk was kind is scary but the long range views with mountains and lakes was very nice. Now I can't remember which summit had the 360 view. Could have been Everett. Now that one was llong and steep. Just hD to keep pulling. Done!At the Guilder Pond picnic area I got Trail Magic from a lady who works at the Blueberry Farm; she was filling the water cooler and offered me 2 gatorades. When I got to the shelter Larb was there so I gave home one. He has 2 friends from CA out with him for the week. Nfun.Really good day. If the terrain is really as good as it looks in the Guide I'm going to do a 19 mer tomorrow and make up for my slacker days.Tonight I'm thankful for cooler temps.Met SoBo Fire Marshall today.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-29
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelters
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the day I finally understood how hiker can just quit.I slept well. Neons up feeling fine, ready to get walking. The Trail has some fairly level spots and I was thinking a 20 miler was in store. Not too long after starting I just wasn't feeling it. Everything seemed off. Nthe weather wasn't great: overcast, very heavy and the Mosquitos and gnats were our in full force. Lots of swampy spots with board walks just infested with bugs. I took a long lunch at the East Mtn view - watched a storm roll across the valley. Nfelt a fee drops myself sonheaded out. A couple miles later was the Tom Leonard Shelter, I was almost out of wTer so I stopped in there. Hot Sauce was there chilling. I got water - long steep down/up - came back to the shelter and decided to take off my shoes and chill, too. I got out my Kindle and laid down on one of the bunks. I read about 3 pages and thought, 'if I had a glass of wine I could take a nap'. Well, I ended up taking a nap without wine. Quick power nap that really revived me. Amazing! I packed up and took off. Made the 5.4 miles in less than 2 hours with some big climbs.Not sure what was my problem but the nap fixed it plus I go some good miles in today.I did enjoy the pine forest with all the ferns. Smells nice and made a cushy walk.Not much birdsong here either. Squirrels, chipmunks and 1 newt today.Tonight I'm thankful for that power nap.Met Stride, SoBo, started 13 June.We had a detour today right after the RR tracks.'mthe detour was to go back to the tracks and walk east then thought the construction company lot to the street. Beavers had built a dam and flooded the area.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelters

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Late morningIt rained hard last night and for a good while. So, everything is wet or damp. I just came out on a sunny hill with a nice view and decided this was the time and place to dry everything out as much as possible. There is no shade so I'm sweating instead of drying but there is a nice breeze...I'm not complaining. Happy for sunshine.It's been a pretty morning. Sunshine on/off, nice breezes and a little bit of birdsong. Reminded me of those gorgeous mornings in VA. Nothing has matched those. Saw a turkey, chipmunks, squirrels and efts.Later at Upper Goose PondReally nice day. The weather has been outstanding - much cooler, sunny and great breezesBaldy Mountain was quite the climb; one of those that kept going forever. I was feeling pretty strong and made it without stopping -whew!Lots of swamp areas, foot bridges, board walks and nice pine forest. If it wasn't for the awful bugs MA would be rather interesting.Made it to UGP around 15:00. Bunch of folks here: Gimli, Pink Floyd, Double Check (whom I just met today), Hot Sause, Flacco, Buttons, Milo and Smiley. It will be a full bunk house. I could have had a bunk but it was hot up there and I knew it would be smelly and someone will be snoring. I set up my tent and am happy. It's col and should be quiet. I expect more folks will be along.The UGP Cabin is on the UG Pond which is the highest natural body of water in MA, I believe. It's pretty. I would call it a lake cause it's large and has an island in it. Lots of locals come up here; there ate boats, rafts, swimmers. I had intended to go swimming but changed my mind. I did rinse odd and rinsed out my clothes. 2 more days, I'll shower and do laundry.A couple of other hikers have feeling this 'slump', too. We are attributing it to: 100+ days on the Trail, heat, humidity,; bodies needing more food and just wearing down.I felt better today. Sunshine definitely helped as did the cooler temps. Trying to eat more and better food. I write that as I've just eaten about a quarter of a dark chocolate bar - yummy!Tonight I'm thankful for a positive attitude.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Tom Levardi's
Miles today: 20.5

Mid-dayChilling at 'The Cookie Lady's after picking blueberries. Such a beautiful day. Neat place, too. In addition to blueberries they have red currant. G...thinking of you, Sweetie. It's nice here, quiet now that the guys have moved on. Jack Rabbit, whom I haven't seen in weeks. He had limes disease and was odd Trail about a week; Larb, Handstand, Pink Floyd, Hot Sauce and Gimli. They are headed for Dalton. 10 more miles. Definitely doable but I'm not. I'll make the next shelter, 7 miles and hit Dalton in the morning for breakfast.The husband of the Cookie Lady told me they bought this property because it has an air strip and he has a Piper 4 seated; the blueberries cam with. Lol. They have over 10 varieties of blueberries. Lots of folks out picking. Delicious.I had a really good night's sleep. It was cool, quiet and I was tired. Woke up to birdsong, just laid there listening. There was some pretty singing. I got all ready then went to the cabin for blueberry pancakes. The caretaker makes the pancakes and if a SoBo is being a Trail Angel and brings berries there are blueberry pancakes. NoBo's be sure to say thanks.I hike on with Hot Sauce. Nice it hear about his family. His Mother is a former IBMer and his Dad in the AF; once the kids were in college they moved to Europe. Lived in the UK and Spain. Sounds good. I'm ready to do France.20:30This was not my plan...to be at Tom Levardi's. After my break at the blueberry farm I headed for the shelter. Made it by 17:09 and decided if I pushed it I could be in Dalton by 18:30. I actually made it in a bit more than an hour. Now I've had dinner at the Tavern, a shower and my laundry is being done. Hit the jackpot and definitely made the right decision to come on.Nothing exciting in the afternoon. Pretty pine forest. I saw moose droppings. Now I just need to see a moose!Met Leaf and his girlfriend, Savannah DragonflyTonight I'm thankful for Tom and his generosity.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Tom Levardi's

To: Bascom Lodge on Greylock
Miles today: 17.1

It's August. My birthday month...yea!Great day. Had breakfast with Tom at a neighborhood place with most of the guys who had spent the night. Again, can't say enough good things about Tom and his generosity . He had been helping hikers for 30 years. Long time.My pancake (blueberry), egg and ham breakfast powered me all the way to Cheshire. Has lunch and an ice cream at Diane's Twist - cute little shop and nice lady. Cheshire itself is a sleepy little town with not much to offer hikers. I had a difficult time finding any resupply items which turned out just fine since I ate nothing from my food bag today...lolSeems I've been writing this frequently...'this was not my plan'; I ended up doing Greylock today. The weather was good, I was feeling strong and I talked to a SoBo who told me Bascom does a work for stay. I decided I could make it by 18:30 and either do the work for stay or get a room. The hike up had it's challening moments. The first mile was tough - a big up, then it leveled ND there were several places where the going was easy and I made great time. The summit was steep for for the last mike. Definitely worth the climb. Amazing views and a neat lodge. So, when I got here, first thing I see is Milo hoeing up weeds; he told me who to talk to about WFS and next thing I'm out with Milo picking up weeds. 3 hours work gets a free bed, dinner and breakfast. We owe hem about 2 more hours in the morning. Not a problem at all.The woods were beautiful. I'll not forget the great pine smell and the dappled light. Got to the summit and was almost speechless. There is a huge monument on top that was lit by the setting sun; so pretty.Met Moss, another women hiking on her own; from Ireland. She just got back after returning from her Mother's funeral. God Bless!No critters today.I'm thankful for beautiful mountains and amazing views.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Bascom Lodge on Greylock

To: Williamstown Hotel
Miles today: 6.4

Guess I'm counting this as a Nero; seems I decided any day under 7 miles was a Nero.Good day. Vermont tomorrow.Still woke up shortly after 5 this morning even being in a great lodge with cool temps and really comfy bunk with a soft blanket. Had a nice dinner last night. Tried 2 different beers from the Berkshire Brewing Company and talked to the four guests at the Lodge. It was fun. Milo and I were out early this morning to finish our gardening duties and, just as we were finishing, Buttons, Catalyst, Moss and Flacco showed up so we all had breakfast together then climbed to the top of the memorial tower. It was a bit cloudy so the views weren't great but still fun.I took off downhill knowing I was going only as far as Williamstown. Maybe that's why I was so un-energetic. Just lazed my eat down and in to town. I should have hitched to the hotel and the PO but I walked, in he heat. It's ok. My new guide book pages were at the PO and there is a Wild Oats market here - I was so excited. I had the most delicious fresh yogurt from a local farm - Skyr. So wish we had something lime it at home. G said I should make my own when I get home. Maybe I should.For dessert, after dinner, I had ampint of SoCo Mission Fig ice cream. Oh My Goodness! It was divine. Seriously! Good thing that isn't available in GA or NC.The decent on Greylock was not nearly as steep as I anticipated. It had it's moments but all in all rather tame.Met a group of about 12 AMC folks out to work on switchbacks. Just want to give them a big shout out of Thanks for the terrific work.Congratulations to Elizabeth! Just found out she is getting married. Blessings!I'm thankful for Nero days.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Williamstown Hotel

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Lunch timeVery pretty morning. Reminded me of those soft mornings in VA. Not as much birdsong but a little with the dappled sunlight and a few nice breezes. The temps are great. It was actually cool this morning when I left the Williamstown Hotel; had on my jacket. Once I got walking I took it off and have been comfortable.I want to give a big shout out of thanks to Scott, from the Sports Department at Williams, and his daughter, Mariah, for being Trail Angels giving me A ride back to the Trailhead this morning. Hope y'all had a great hike; you certainly made my morning!I met SoBo Perwinkle at the MA/VT state line. He started 8 June. Just met NoBo. Snakefarm; can't believe we haven't met previously. Also talked to at least 8 locals out for a few days to a week. This is a very popular area.Saw a deer.   Heard some chipmunks. Also scared some grouse; they went flying off in a big rich of wings. The terrain has been ok. I understand why it has the nickname 'Vermud' as there are definitely muddy patches all along the Trail. Also lots of roots and ... Rocks. Surprise!I'm making pretty good time so I'll probably go on to the shelter past Bennington, about 9 miles more.20:10Long afternoon. A big decent, boulders into Bennington followed by 1.5 climb to the shelter about did me in. Big crowd at the shelter and at least 6 tents. I came back to the AT, crossed the creek and am tenting. Still in the Melville Nauheim Shelter area. Water supply not great. Hasn't been a good clear water supply all day. It's like tea colored; I used drops for the first time since I can't remember when.Vermont is very humid. I guess those ponds/swamps, muddy spots, creeks and streams will cause that.I found N interesting nutblend at the Wild Oats market: pistachios,'sesame seeds, pepitas and dry figs with harissa which I added to my couscous tonight. It was good and something different.Very pretty woods all day. I particularly enjoy seeing the mountain laurel up here. I bought they were a southern shrub. Also those wonderful fragrant ferns and different evergreens today. Sky a beautiful blue. Nice day.Tonight I'm thankful for the stamina to make it that final 1.5 uphill...whew!I should sleep well tonight.No cell service G; can't check in.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Springs Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Chilly tonight at the Story Spring Shelter. Right at the 3000' level. Watching the sunset while waiting for couscous to finish plumping.Just met Mr. Burns, a NoBo doing a section. Nice gentleman; he went to St. Lou's. Small world. Moss must be booking it, I thought i might catch her today. I was hoping to go another 7 miles over Stratton Mountain but I didn't have it in me. I pooped out after lunch. Not a big deal just means I won't be in Manchester Center tomorrow. I'll go in Saturday morning, resupoly and maybe stay at the Green Mountain House since I've heard such great things.Beautiful today. The temps were low. The woods are very pretty: lush, lots of ground cover and shrubs. Not as many maple trees as I expected. Where does all that syrup come from? The Trail is rocky and rooty; it certainly slows me down and is playing havoc with my knees and feet. In addition to the Advil I'm taking aspirin, seems to help.Crossed the Trail with lots of people today. Not too many name exchanges: older gentleman and a young man NoBo LT; young couple SoBo LT; guy started 13 June SoBo AT; anothr father and daughter SoBo AT. Guess that's it.Tonight I'm thankful for the sense to stop when I wanted to go on.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Story Springs Shelter

To: Spruce Pine Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Happy Birthday, Polly! So glad you're older than me.Less than 550 miles left. Unbelievable!Another really pretty day in Vermont. The weather here is interesting. It was cloudy this morning; could literally see the clouds I was walking into and see them blowing thru. The sun ce out and it was the soft dappled light. By the rime I reached the summit of Stratton Mountain it was sunny with clouds blowing by. Not much view from the firetower. I could see Steatton Pond. Met the caregivers, Jim and Jean. Great people, talked to them about the area, the Long Trail (LT) and AY for quite a while. Since Steatton is where McKaye got his vision for the AT, and the LT already existed, Jim was joking that they are petitioning to get the AT blue blazed. Laughed and said it would be a great joke. I could have stayed on the mountain top a long time - like move there. All evergreens, smells amazing and dozens of dragonflies. Very pretty, calm and relaxing.Met a minister from Birmingham, Piece of Cake; he is SoNo to finish his AT hike, can't remember where, so sorry...Stratton climb was like Greylock; it had it's challenging moments but mostly long and gradual. It was the roller-coaster climbs later that got me. That area looks flat on the profile map but it isn't. I'm just losing stamina in the afternoons. Not sure why unless I'm expending more energy than I realize with all the rocks and roots. It's constant picking up feet and maneuvering over those obstacles. I know you are thinking 'what the heck is different now than before'; guess it's just more of it all the time. I had lunch, late, at Stratton Pnod. Pretty with thousands of bigs on the water which made it look like it wad raining. Talked with the caregiver there; nice young guy. He was hoping for rain so he didn't have to do any work. I told him it wasn't going to rain. It didn't. Yea!I'm in for the night at the Spruce Pine Shelter. Pretty area, pretty birdsong as the sun sets. Short walk into Manchester Center in the morning. I have a reservation at the Green Mountain House hostel which is suppose to be nice. Looking forward to a quiet afternoon and evening. Sunday begins my Birthday week. Fun, fun!Tonight I'm grateful to G for finding out how to rest my Kindle.Hike on!Scribbles