morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-12
From: East Mountain Retreat Center

To: Stealth before Goose Pond
Miles today: 14.6

We left the solitude of Rev. Rose's retreat, 1.5 miles back to the trail, then up, up, up. The trail had a lot of climbs but nothing spectacular. It was a hard day for me - my legs are stiff and my knees hurt. I spend the morning trying to just keep up. The afternoon I finally loosened up and I can hike better. We made our last climb and found a campsite by a stream. It was about 7:15pm when we got there. We set up and ended up eating in the dark.Jumped into bed. I'm tired tonight - cool night - great sleeping weather.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Stealth before Goose Pond

To: October Mountain lean to
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Planned to be on the trail sooner but we were hiking by 8:10am.Today the weather was perfect in the mid 70's overcast skies - perfect for hiking. Only three more days in Mass. The hike today had one climb not bad. We passed lots of beaver ponds and no potable water.Our path consisted of a mixture of roots and rocks. It was a short day mile wise, but we still managed to stretch it out into a full day.We arrived @ the shelter about 6:30pm, there was a Sobo "Black Eagle" and a section hiker Chris. Welll Chris was not quite right, in fact very odd. I got a very uncomfortable feeling from him but discounted it because I was not alone. I did after several comments move up to my hammock about 100 yards away from the fire pit where he was. Swift finally joined me and I told him if he heard creepy foot steps during the night it was his job to protect me. Not more than 5 minutes went by when we heard creepy foot steps stop outside our tents. Swift spoke and Chris responded with "are you guys chillin or what", when we said yes he walked back to the fire he was tending. It was already dark @ this point but even Swift was uncomfortable now. So we considered pacing up and hiking but Swift said he would lay so he could see outside his tent. Then we heard voices down by the fire pit and soon a headlamp headed up toward our tents, Oh God were going to die!!! Then we heard "Swifty" it was Ziggy and Thin Mint, friends of ours so we felt much better. They pitched next to us, so we were safe in numbers. But tomorrow out early for sure.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-14
From: October Mountain lean to

To: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

After a creepy nite, I actually got some sleep. I was up before 6am and alive, I woke up Swift @ 6:07am and we were on the trail by 6:56am. We wanted to get to Dalton @ a decent hour.The hike was easy today, well AT easy. Was glad to be hiking and away from that odd duck. But we have enjoyed a few laughs @ his bizarre behavior.Our first stop the Cookie Lady's house for w ater, she was gone so no cookies. You can also pick blueberries there but we didn't. I hiked out, Swift stayed to talk.The trail today was lined with blackberries, they were delicious, and we stopped many times to eat berries. I never seem to get tired of them.We were hiking thru an open field with a narrow trail, tall grass on the sides and I managed to step in a depression and twist my ankle. I had to sit for a while cause this time I really hurt it. I got up and walked around without my pack for a while just to make sure I could walk. Then I put on my pack and hiked on, slowly to Dalton. Tomorroqw we are planning to slack 23 miles over Greylock Mtn (highest peak in Mass.), guess we'll see what the ankle feels like. Oh yea not my 1st fall in MA - my record is still intact. I have fallen in every state thus far. Well we made it to Dalton and headed for the hostel. The Birdcage hostel was crowded so Rob put us in the loft above the garage. We got our showers, laundry, met and talked with all the other hikers. I iced my ankle which was now swollen and elevated it. A group of us went to dinner, got some food for the possible but unlikely slack for me tomorrow and headed back to the hostel. Booze and cigars mixed with good conversation filled the air till midnight before Rob shuts it down. I, however, bowed out early and went to bed @ 10:30pm.I did decide not to hike on my ankle, it is to swollen and I don't want to make it worse. I hope 1 day off will help.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel

To: North Adams/Howard Johnson
Miles today: 0.0

This morning Swift and I took the shuttle to North Adams and zeroed there, me because of my ankle and Swift wanted to check out the outfitter for shoes.The outfitter had no shoes. I don't think you can be called an outfitter if you don't carry hiking boots - but thats just me. I laid in bed most of the day to stay off my foot. Put ice on it, got my pain meds filled, bought an Ace wrap. I should be good to go. I also got some potassium and am increasing my protien intake.I plan on hiking tomorrow, but will spilt up the 23 mile slack of Greylock into two days one 14 mile and one 9 mile day.Watched a great movie "A man with no Country" I think. Now it is time for sleep.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-16
From: North Adams/Howard Johnson

To: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early so I jumped on the computer @ HoJo's. Rob (owner of Birdcage) picked us up @ 10am and dropped us at the trail head. The plan is to hike South over Greylock to Cheshire and Rob will pick us up and take us back to the Birdcage.I have heard from most hikers that the climb up Greylock was steep. It was a climb but it felt good. I didn't think it was that bad. In fact, I caught myself thinking " thats all you got Greylock, bring it on". I felt strong today, my ankle felt good - everything was going well and then the thunder began.The storm stayed at bay until we were .y from the summit and the lodge. Then the heavens opened up, bolts of lightening but we pushed on, no where else to go. Of course, as soon as we got to the lodge the skies cleared. At the lodge we saw "Ice" and his mom, "Grizz", and "Food Network". Mom brought some food so I ate, dried, and sat by the fire. We still had hiking to do - so we headed out once again. We still had about 8 miles to go to get to Cheshire. The rest of the day was downhill but I slowed down because of my sprained ankle. I cautiously placed each step. We ran into Cervasa and Powah Nap and we spent sometime talking to them. Skies started getting dark again so we headed out again. About an hour to go,m we were almost dry from the first storm when, you guessed it, it opened up again, drenched again.Got to the road walked to a shell station to call Rob when a young couple offered to give us a ride. Thanks Josh and Jill and Jack Straw (the dog). We made it back to the Birdcage (hostel), showered, relaxed and to bed.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel

To: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Another slack today to finish up Mount Greylock. This should be a short day.We had Rob drop us in Cheshire and we hiked back to his place, the Birdcage. We started with a climb, then flat and finally down to Dalton. Overall pretty easy hike. We were back by 3pm - spent the rest of the day lounging around, watched hikers come in. So many new faces.At 7:30 we got shuttled to dinner but Swift and I had errands to run. When we got back I stayed in the room where I was going to sleep and did my food bag. Rob had 23 people there for the night.Tomorrow we are going back to North Adams and will be hiking North.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Dalton, MA/Birdcage hostel

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Rob got us to the trail head by 9:45am and we were on the trail by 10am. Today was a good day, we didn't take many breaks but somehow we still spent all day getting to the next shelter. I believe we arrived at the shelter around 7:30pm.I set up quickly but ate and cleaned up in the dark. Crawled in myl hammock, journaled for a bit and off to sleep for me.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start on the trail by 7am. It was a long day. The trail coming down to VT 9 was all rocks and quite steep, then on the other side it was 10 miles of up Glassenbury. The guide books that most thru hikers use have profiles - well let me tell you that these quide books LIE. A lot of climbing today, we started out strong but in the afternoon Swift had gear malfunction and we stated taking many breaks. We stopped for lunch @ Hell Hollow Brook and soaked our feet. We said we were going to do this a lot but it has been so dry tyhe streams aren't flowing. So this was a real treat!On to Goddard shelter, we took another break on a nice stone - it was a good break!!! Once again this day had gotten away from us. It was getting late we were tired and still had a climb to the shelter which is .2 miles from the summit. WOW the up was an up, rock steps, long rocky trail, more steps on and on - finally I see a faint wooden frame, a shelter - whoopie!!Camped, ate, passed out!Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Goddard Shelter 

To: stealth by Stratton Pond
Miles today: 19.1

Up and out early, big day. We want to try to get over Stratton Mountain at the end of the day but that would be a long day.We hiked well - morning is my slowest and Swifts' best hiking, so I spend most of the moring talking under my breath and trying to keep up.We had wanted to go to the next shelter yesterday (another 4.3 miles) but Glastenbur4y Mountain kicked our butt yesterday. So today we do the extra miles. The trail between Goddard and Kid Gore shelter was not easy and would have been tough hike yesterday. The rest of the hike was good and we made good time. We made it to the base of Stratton Mountain by 3:15pm. Okay here is the break down: 2.7 miles of some serious climbing to the fire tower then only 3.2 to the shelter. I started up the mountain around 3:50pm and made it to the summit @ 5:37pm. The goal was 6pm so I did well but it was a long, tough climb. I waited for Swift who got there a little before 6. I climbed part of the fire tower but it was high and windy - and i don't like heights. We only stayed on top for a short time because it got cold up there, elevation 3936'. The care taker said in the Whites it was in the low 30's at night. BrrrI hike down the Mountain in a hour flat and we stealthed just short of Stratton Pond. We are exhausted, Must eat and sleep, but it is cold tonight, I think down to 44 deg. Hope I stay warm.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-21
From: stealth by Stratton Pond

To: Manchester Center, VT/Green Mountain House
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

As tired as we were - up at 5:30am. It was cold last nite low 40's. I did not get the best nights sleep, my head was in and out of the sleeping bag all night.We hiked the .2 to the pond and ate our breakfast there, very nice. We got water and headed out. It is about 7:55am and today looks easy, AT easy that is. A 10 mile day. We walked about .5 and Swift had to find a privy in the woods, so I hiked on. I hiked for about 30 min and then sat by a stream and waited for him, 10, 20, then 30 min go by and no Swift. I started to worry so I doubled back to find out what happened, I did not find him and I went all the way back to the pond. I asked everybody I saw on the trail if they had seen him and noone had. I decided to go ahead and hike north to where we had planned on going. I figured if something had happened, he would try to get in touch with me there. I was worried though - not knowing makes you have crazy thoughts. I was glad the terrain was easier than normal and that it was a shorter day. I arrived at the road around 2:45pm and got a ride into Manchester Center. I charged my phone at the outfitter and went to the grocery for a fizzy beverage, still no Swift. I had by that time contacted the police and an officer had come out to talk with me. The police officer left to run an errand and guess who showed up, thats right Swift. Thank goodness, he had scared me, I was very happy to see him get out of the car. He told me and the officer the story of what had happened, he had gone deep in to the wood and got turned around and it took him about 1.5 hrs to find his way back to the AT trail. Well the man hunt was called off and yes lots of people knew so Swift had to repeat the story many times but we're back on track now. Lesson learned that even experienced hikers need to stay aware of their surroundings because it is easy to get turned around.United again, we did our shopping called Jeff (hostel owner) and he picked us up. We arrived at the hostel - great, great place. The hikers have the house and Jeff/wife stay above the garage. There is a full kitchen, real beds with fitted sheets, HD TV, computer and very clean. I told Swift I was moving in here with Jeff and his wife. We fixed dinner, I did some computer stuff and in bed by 10pm, it had been a long day.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Manchester Center, VT/Green Mountain House

To: Manchester Center, VT/Green Mountain House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wake up this morning, told Swift I was very comfortable, thats right another zero day. But we deserve it and it is suppose to rain today.Hopefully I will catch up on entries. Today I went to town, bought a few things at the outfitter and wandered about Manchester Center. Called home talked to Jessie and my sister, Margie, it's fun catching up.I had Jeff (hostel owner) pick me up around 3:30pm to go back to Green Mountain House. Ordered Greek salad and pizza for dinner, ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's (Cherry Garcia) yum and watched "Stand by Me". Then went to bed and talked and did some more journaling.As I lay in bed the wind howled outside - 30 mph gusts - I was very glad we zeroed today, it would of been a horrible night to be in the woods. In fact, if this wind/rain continues we might double zero. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Wow, that wind is crazy, glad i'm safe, dry, and warm.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Manchester Center, VT/Green Mountain House

To: Manchester Center, VT/Sutton's Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning to power outages, downed limbs - still windy. Came down staires checked the weather. It was calling for rain and wind today. So we decided to go into town to Suttons Place. Jeff has a two night max, which we used. So Jeff took us over there around 9:30am.We waited for awhile then walked around town. Manchester Center is a great little town - we hit the outfitter then got hungry. We went to Cristo's for panni's. Then headed back to Sutton's to see if we could get in our room. The room was ready, so I got cleaned up and then took a nap. I went back into town to take care of some bank business and hit the country store for some candy and the Rite Aide for monsters and mountain dew.Spent the rest of the day reading. Went out for dinner, so so and overpriced. Came back, crawled into bed and read some more. About 9:51pm, time to shut off the lights and close my eyes. TOMORROW WE HIKE!!!!Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Manchester Center, VT/Sutton's Place

To: Lost Pond shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving today after a double zero is not easy but made arrangements for a ride back to the trail yesterday so we didn't get trapped in town. We were back at the trail head by 9am.First thing we had Bromley Mountain, it was a good climb. I enjoyed the climb. After the rest both Swift and I felt good. We hiked like Gods today. But even Gods fall, yes I did, actually three times. So my record is still intact, fallen in every state. The best one was a slow motion face plant but the one that hurt was a slide and my leg rammed into a stump with a branch sticking up. I will have a nice, deep bruise there. I will take a picture when it gets some color. Its been a long day but I'm feeling good. Arrived at the shelter around 6pm - instead of 7:30pm, it was a nice change. There was a group of college kids from Bennington here for orientation. We had also passed a couple of groups from Yale out for orientation also. Several other hikers where at the shelter, talked for a while then off to bed.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-25
From: Lost Pond shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and hiking by 8am this morning, but I was sore from my falls yesterday. Oh and my bruise is looking nice!! Last night my right leg was cramping up. I also have forgotten to take my potassium for a couple of days. Whatever the reason - I wasn't feeling strong this morning.Two 700' climbs todayl but before either of those, we had mud and rocks. Now I usually don't mind the rocks but today my ankle was feeling particularly weak and these rocks were the perfect ankle rolling kind. Eventually the rocks ended and the first climb began, it wasn't as bad as it looked. The trail took us into a gnome like part of the woods, where we came across some boulders that had cairns (hiker built rock statues) on them. I added a rock to one of them ate lunch and moved on. There were more cairns further up the trail and they lined both sides of the trail it was very cool. Swift and I added our part and repaired some that had collapsed.Today we also passed a beautiful pond but no time to swim and it was actually cool today. One more climb then 1.5 miles to the shelter - oh and yes I fell again and sliced my knee. Cleaned up and started hiking. This climb started and continued up at a pretty decent grade for 2.1 miles. Swift and I both think it was closer to a 1200 - 1500' climb, not the 500 - 700' climb the guide book led us to believe. Well whatever it was it kicked our butts, but we did well anyway. We took a break, laughed, complained, and laughed some more then hiked on to the shelter.A couple of section hikers and another Yale group were at the shelter. We found a site to camp, ate and I turned in early.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Minerva Hinchey shelter

To: Rutland, VT/Twelve Tribes hostel
Miles today: 2.7

This morning we only had a few miles to walk to the road. We got on the trail at 8:15am. By 9am we were enjoying a beautiful view. Walked down to the gorge crossed the suspension bridge then to the road.We hitched and caught a ride before we even crossed the street and she took us rite to the hostel. Nice! We are staying at the Twelve Tribes hostel - very nice people and dorms. They also own a cafe' and outfitter next door. I got an organioc berry smoothie, very good. We had boxes sent here, so we picked them up, I seem to be missing some boxes (not sure where I sent them, may have to replace some winter gear). Oh well.Sat around and relaxed - talked with hikers. Then went to the Chinese buffet before our resupply at WalMart. Later we went to a moveie "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Roberts. I thought it was good, I enjoyed it. After ran by the store bought some Ben & Jerry's and went back to the hostel.Tomorrow we are doing a slackpack over Killing Mountain about 17 miles, I think. Better get some sleep.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Rutland, VT/Twelve Tribes hostel

To: Rutland, VT/Twelve Tribes hostel
Miles today: 17.4

Caught the 8:15am bus to the trail head and slacked Killington Mountain heading south back to the hostel tonight.I seem to do better when I am mentally prepared for a big mountain. So even though this is a 6 mile climb, it didn't seem that bad. It was twelve miles down hill though. It was a beautiful day - I had a good time hiking today. The climb was good, felt good.Once we got to the road we tried to hitch - nothing. I went over to the parking lot and found us a ride to Rutland from some day hikers we passed on the trail earlier in the day, what luck. Thanks guys. They got us back to Twelve Tribe hostel. We showered, ate and a Japanese House (tempura and sushi)Back at the hostel, men and women have separate dorms, which is nice - I had the dorm to myself tonight. Journaled for a while did some reading and fell asleep without disturbing anyone.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Rutland, VT/Twelve Tribes hostel

To: Killington, VT/Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up this morning - packed up boxes for sending ahead and for home. Then we ran some errands and got breakfast. Went back to the hostel got our packs and caught the bus to Killington to the Inn.I made reservations, all they had was the fireside room, very nice. We kicked back and relaxed for the rest of the day. I do enjoy my zero's. Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-29
From: Killington, VT/Inn at the Long Trail

To: Killington, VT/Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Breakfast was included in the price of the room - so we went over to the dining room. I had the blueberry pancakes, with Real maple syrup. They were great. After breakfast we went to the Adirondak chairs in the front lawn and finished our coffee (well fizzy drink for me). I apparently didn't look like I wanted to hike, cause Swift asked me if I wanted to take a zero. He was right, I didn't feel like hiking. I don't know if it was the relaxing setting or the fact that I ate blueberry pancakes but I was tired and not feeling it. Double zero!!!!I believe it was the right choice even though I felt a little guilty, because I spent most of the day sleeping. Maybe I was a little run down. The day was great but went to fast as most zero days do. It is 11pm already. TOMORROW I WILL HIKE!!! Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-30
From: Killington, VT/Inn at the Long Trail

To: Stoney Brook shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Didn't get on the trail till 10:30am. It was a hard day coming out of town. We ate breakfast again, but this time I stayed away from the blueberry pancakes. I made sure I ate a reasonable breakfast.We have several climbs but one big one with three peaks, Quimby Mountain.   We hiked past a beautiful pond today but it was a cool day so we didn't swim. By the pond was a lodge and a big grassy field so we stopped for lunch and sat in Adirondak chairs like humans. While sitting there Swift heard what we thought was a dog walking up behind us and turned around to find a 70lb+ pig. I think Swift was a little unnerved. I got a few pictures. After lunch we hiked on, still had that mountain to tackle before the day was over. The day was getting away from us (as usual). I suggested we stop at the shelter and make up miles tomorrow. The days are getting shorter and neither Swift or I like hiking or setting up camp after dark, so we try to pull into camp around 6pm now. Because we don't seem to be hiking any faster, plus as we move closer to NH the terrain is getting a little tougher.Tigerlily
Date: 2010-08-31
From: Stoney Brook shelter

To: Winturri shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Up early - on the trail by 8am and started with a climb. I don't like mornings like this. I still need the morning to get my legs under me but the trail doesn't care about that.Started climbing and right before the summit we took a break. Well that set the tone for the rest of the day. It seemed to be a harder day for us, I think a mind set but nevertheless, it was hard.Patch, a friend of ours, who had gotten off for a while caught us today. So we stopped and took a long break with him. I started hiking while they talked some more. The temps were rising again after about a week of cooler weather, and Swift does not like the heat as much.Today was choppy lots of ups and downs. Some were unexpectedly steep, which is never a good thing. Similar to seeing a "bad weather trail" sign, you know something hard is up ahead. We finally reached the trail for the shelter - sat down and discussed our options. We had planned on going 4 more miles but it was already 4pm. As we sat and discussed hiking or staying at the shelter, the time ticked away making the decision for us. So we grabbed our packs and headed down the trail toward the shelter.When we got there "slightly inappropriate" a nobo was there - nice cat. It was nice being at a shelter at a decent hour. We had time to do all the necessary chores and still had time to relax.Time for bed.Tigerlily