morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-27
From: 1 mile before Fernside Road

To: US 20 Lee, MA
Miles today: 12.8

This morning I awoke to buzzing. I could see the mosquitos lined up on the ridge line of my tarp; just waiting for my Red Cross donation. I dozed for an hour, hoping they would go away...but they were hungry and patient. I tore open my bug netting and ran for the bear bag where my deet was. I put the repellant on and they buzzed around me. I quickly broke camp and had a quick bite to eat. Off I went.It seemed that I had to stop for a break or water every hour or less. Hiking was not going too well, and it was terribly hot. I kept at it and eventually got into the swing of things. I ran into Snail (actually, he ran into me) around Goose Pond Rd. He hiked ahead for a while and we ended up at an outlet for Goose Pond. He was sitting, eating lunch. I decided to take a break,then Cocca Bean came and sat down...we were all worn out. Snail was going to stop at the October Mountain Shelter, past Lee...but ended up staying at Upper Goose Pond cabin. I hiked into Lee and am the Super 8 Motel. A hiker I met earlier was here at the Friendly's and he's going to stay with me until his wife picks him up to go home. I'm going to read and take it easy. I've heard that a lot of hikers headed into towns today. Between the heat and the bugs it's been tough. Time to read now.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-28
From: US 20 Lee, MA

To: Dalton, MA (The Byrd Cage)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

I got a shuttle out of Lee and was on the trail by 7:40 AM. It was lightly reaining and I had a major climb, but I was ready. I took off and kept a good, steady pace. As the day progressed, so did the rain. 7 miles later I was at the October Mountain Lean-to and ready for a break. The rain was pouting and I wrung the water out of my clothes. I ate lunch, then continued North. I had 9 miles to the next shelter and 3 more after that to Dalton. I met a group of hikers from PA called "The Pod". I told them about this hostel in Dalton that isn't advertised...the Byrd Cage. They decided to go too. I ran into a group of girlscouts who didn't look too happy. The leader asked me how far it was to October Mt. Lean-to. I told her an hour and the grils were listening VERY carefully. I started getting tired about a mile before the next shelter, but I kept going. I eventually got to Dalton. Rob, who runs the Shell station, has a hostel called the Byrd Cage. This is a great place, but very crowded. Search and Rescue, Moosie, tea break, snail, cocca bean, the pod and a couple more people I don't know are here. Amazing place!Peace!
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Dalton, MA (The Byrd Cage)

To: Mt. Greylock summit (Bascom Lodge)
Miles today: 17.0

I'm sitting at a gas station in Cheshire, waiting for a second thunder storm to pass. I was at the post office when the first one hit. I've resupplied to get me to N. Adams...tomorrow morning or mid-day. There, I'll resupply for Bennington, Vt. The Byrd cage is great. I really enjoyed my stay there. I even was able to shower and shave. Massachuetts may have been hard and buggy...but it's been good for showers! I was hoping to get to Mt. Greylock today and stay in their bunkroom, but I may have to settle for the Lean-to 3.4 miles south of it. It mainly depends on these storms. I had hoped to be hiking again by now. It's 4.4 miles to the Lean-to and 7.7 miles to Mt. Greylock...almost all uphill. I can see a hiker crossing the open field. I wonder who it is. I've not seen any flashes lately, so I may go for it. I hate storms.(later)I hiked to the summit of Mt. Greylock and am staying in the bunkroom at the Bascom lodge. I'm having breakfast in the morning and a burger tonight....and....you guessed it, a shower. It was a cold one, but it still counts. In five days, I've showered for four days. Some days even more than once....Amazing!Once I got to Saddle Ball Mt., I was above 3000 feet for the first time since the Shenendoah in VA. Even at a low elevation, it's still a lot higher than anything I've hiked this trip. The woods were evergreen and it felt a lot like Roan Mt. It smelled wonderful, just like Christmas. Tomorrow I hike into my next state...Vermont. From here on out, the elevation will get higher. New Hampshire has Mt. Washington, which is over 6000 feet and above the tree line. Lots to think about.9:25 PMA huge storm has rolled in. This place is cool in a storm, but I'm glad I'm not out in this. Tomorrow is supposed to be a pretty day.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Mt. Greylock summit (Bascom Lodge)

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

Today I left the Berkshire mountains of MA and entered the Green mountains of Vermont. The James Taylor song "Sweet Baby James" means a lot more to me now. It talks about the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston, and the Berkshire mts. I've actually seen these places now, and the song makes a lot more sense.Right now I'm in my next state...Vermont and it's pouring rain. There are ten of us packed in this shelter...just waiting for the rain to let up. Tomorrow I have 11.5 miles into Bennington and seeing Mary. My maps of Vermont are in Bennington, so I have no idea about the trail profile. They were supposed to be in N. Adams, but I by-passed the PO there. I did go to the grocery store and an icecream store. Icecream is very important here on the AT.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Vt 9 Bennington
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

As I write this, I'm sitting in a Chinese resturant in Bennington. I got a hitch from some roofers...thanks by the way! I picked up my key from the Nature's closet and I'm waiting for food. Vermont is a beautiful state! There is the perpetual smell of Christmas so far, and the Beavers are VERY busy. I actually had to walk across one of their dams today.Arla, the lady who is letting Mary and I use her house, warned me to wash all the mud off before going into her house. I thought...sure, but I usually don't get THAT muddy. Well, she knows her mountains! My shoes are black with mud and so are my legs. I want to take a moment to thank Arla and her family for letting me stay in their home. I am a total stranger, and thier kindness will allow my reunion with Mary to be with out a lot of hassle. They are GREAT trail angels.I woke up this morning at 5 AM and packed up all my gear. The only thing I couldn't get to was my food bag, which was in the shelter. I went to the shelter and saw that my food bag was hanging underneath 5 other bags. Everyone was asleep, so I tried to quietly remove the other bags to get to mine. One bag had a pot and fork in it and it was so loud. Another one dropped on a sleeping hiker. By the end of this experience, three hikers were awake and I was embarrased. Several hikers are meeting people in Bennington...Snail is meeting his mom, Rescue is meeting his dad and I am meeting Mary. All of these people are going to hike for a while. Well, I'm going to finish lunch, then get ready for Mary. She should be here in 2 hours...yipee!Peace!
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Vt 9 Bennington

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a nero day. We spent it mailing food & gear drops to points north, including my hammock, tarp, peapod & blanket ahead to where Mary & I will end up. I am tenting for the first time this trip - but I'm sleeping w/Mary - so the trade off is good. Bennington is a great town, VERY hiker friendly. The downtown is very lively, w/lots of shops. They have yellow bikes at different shops that are for hikers. We borrowed two & cycled out to ¢Blue Benn¢ diner ¢ which was great food, we then went to Wal-Mart. Yes, even in Vermont Wal-Mart is King. I downloaded all my pictures from PA to VT onto a CD & mailed them home. Mary will upload some of these after she gets home ¢ so look for pictures. They will be added to the journal pages & you can also view pictures by date & title. Leaving Bennington was hard, but we got a shuttle w/Nature¢s Closet (an outfitters) @ 6:15 pm. We hiked the steep 1.6 miles to the shelter & will do a much longer hike tomorrow. The trail was beautiful & tonight it¢s supposed to get down to 48 degrees. PeaceShades of Blue
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early & made hot chocolate, then started to break camp. We had to tear through our packs hunting for the tent sleeve. We finally found it & began our day. The hike had several major climbs but Mary is a trooper & she did well. We took a break @ Goddard Shelter, and then had great views from the fire tower on top of Glastenbury Mt. We then hiked to Kid Gore Shelter & set up for the night. Quite a few people are here & one guy was talking about "Model T." I said, "Do you know Jigsaw?" He said, "I am Jigsaw." I've seen his & J-Bird's name on Whiteblaze & it's neat to see someone from Whiteblaze. Time to sleep. Life is Good!!PeaceShades of Blue
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

Happy B-Day America!Today was a long day. We began @ 7:30 am & hiked until 8:15 pm. We climbed several places, but Stratton Mt. was the largest Mt., we gained 1606 feet. Mary worked very hard today, 15 miles is alot for a second full day of hiking. When we arrived - we found out that water was @ the pond - .2 miles. Rainman (a Long Trail hiker, Lawyer, & judge hopefully) kindly gave us extra water so that we didn't have to hike a .4 mile round trip for water.Thanks Rainman!We are sleeping in the loft of this shelter, listening to the bound of fireworks. Tomorrow is a trip into Manchester Center. This is my official 1/2 way point of my trip to Maine this year. I'm surprising Mary w/ a Bed & Breakfast stay @ the Alpen-Rose.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchest Center Vt 11 (Bed & Breakfast Alpen-Rose)
Miles today: 10.6

Today has been a hard day. Mary's knee started hurting on the down hills & by the time we reached Spruce Peak Shelter - her knee was swollen. I had planned for the owners of the Alpen-Rose B&B to pick us up @ 3:00, but I didn't think we'd make it the 2.8 miles to the road by then. I called them & they were willing to pick us up whenever we are ready.We were @ the summit of the ridge that descends to the road when I felt raindrops & heard thunder. We put our rain covers on our packes & kept going. The heaven't opened up & there were flashes of lightening. by the time we reached teh road, we were as soaked as two hikers could be. Some day hikers from NC (of all places) gave us a ride into Manchester Center. We are about to eat Chinese, shope for my resupply & go to an outfitters. We've decided to take a zero day tomorrow, then Mary is going to fly back home. If she can't walk - she can't do clinical & pass nursing. I don't want to take the chance w/her knee(At Alpen-Rose)This is a great place. One of the owners picked us up @ the supermarket. We saw Turtle, Rescue, Senator & Chairman @ the EMS Store and it was great catching up w/everyone. I bought a new pair of shorts & groceries for tomorrow & the resupply.The B&B is great, the owners are very nice & helpful. The building itself is beautiful. We are going to relax and let Mary heal.PeaceShades of Blue(From Mary)Thank you to everyone who supported me. The kindness of strangers is overwhelming and alllows me to say with confidence, that people are good. I will miss the trail very much. I didn't like coming off early, as I am sure no one does. I gained such greater knowledge of the challenges of the trail on my few brief days and my hat is off to everyone who is on the trail. Keep up the work and Hike Well.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Manchest Center Vt 11 (Bed & Breakfast Alpen-Rose)

To: Manchester Center Vt 11 (Bed & Breakfast Alpenrose
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today has been a wonderful day, but it has the unpleasentness of knowing that tomorrow I have to say good-bye to Mary. We watched several movies, I worked on my schedule for the trip and mainly tried to give Mary time to heal. We went out to eat at the Outback in Walhall (not the chain). Great atmosphere, expensive food.I cannot express my gratitude toward Ann at Alpenrose enough. She shopped for me, took care of Mary...allowed us to use their internet and her husband drove us to dinner. These people went far and above what a normal innkeeper would do. If you are ever in the Manchester Vermont area, I highly reccomend this place. I know I want to come back. They are good people and they made a bad situation not as bad.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Manchester Center Vt 11 (Bed & Breakfast Alpenrose

To: .2 before Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today began with a great breakfast and a sad good-bye. Ann drove Mary and myself to the trailhead and I said my good byes to Mary. She got back in the van and I continued North (after finally finding the trail). Mary is still in transit and it's 7:48 PM. She isn't due in Hickory until 9 PM and with the tropical storm in NC, I don't know how that will affect her trip.The hike started foggy and cool. The hike up Bromley Mt. was well graded. I reached the top just as the clouds and fog were lifting. There were awesome views from the observation tower. I hated that Mary missed it, but her knee would have never made the descent off of Bromley. I crossed over 4 peaks in all today and was even able to pay the care taker at Griffith Lake for my stay at Stratton Pond. She seemed really confused, but I felt like it was something I should do.I spent time with Slow Walker at Peru Peak Shelter. He is a very interesting man. I also met Frogcaller, an older woman who amazes me with her grit and stamina. She averages 7 miles a day, but she's out here. I hiked to Big Branch shelter, but it was overflowing. They made room for me, but it was so crowded and I didn't feel like crowds tonight. I decided to back track the .2 of a mile to the suspension bridge over the river, and I set up my tent. I did the usual camp things and now I'm taking it easy.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-08
From: .2 before Big Branch Shelter

To: Vt 103 (country squire motel)
Miles today: 16.1

What a day. I started at Big Branch, packed up my gear and started North. The sky was ovaercast and threatening rain. Supposedly a tropical storm was supposed to alter today and tomorrow's weather. I hiked to Little Rock pond and met the care taker there. He is an outdoors Major and was very interesting to talk to. He reminds me of the sea turtle in Finding Nemo. Very laid back guy. Parts of the days hike were steep and my mind was elsewhere...thinking about missing Mary and home. Generally pretty unhappy. There was a re-route that took the AT over Bear Mt. (third one this trip). The climb wasn't too bad, but it was a steady, sustained climb. That's when the rain began. Nothing torential, just steady and messy. I passed six-pack on the way to Minerva shelter for a break. When he arrived, I found out why they call him six-pack. He pops open a 16 oz. Budwiser, that's around 6 lbs of weight in beer. Now that's a beer lover. He was nice and we chatted for a while. I moved on and arrived at Vt 103 around 4:05 PM. Early enough to make the Post office if I could get a ride, but no one wanted to pick up a wet hiker in the rain. I walked the 1/2 mile to the Whistle Stop resturant and ate. I then went back to hitch. After a while, I got a ride behind a volvo in a small trailor. I had my rain gear tight and my hood pulled over my face. They were nice to give me a ride though. The motel has no phone and 3 channels on the tv. The shower is the best one in a hotel yet! The lady who owns the motel has a cordless phone she will let you carry to your room for short phone calls. I called a guy "plans too much" who helps AT hikers. He is going to give me a ride to the post office and trail at 7:30 AM. I don't know how I'd get there without his help. I will try Mary again later...didn't get her the first time.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Vt 103 (country squire motel)

To: US 4
Miles today: 17.4

I woke up to rain and a messy day. Plans too much picked me up and we went to the Post office. It wasn't open, so we went to breakfast. We went back to the Post office and I asked Plans if he knew of any slackpacking opportunities up north. He then offered to slack me to US 4. I thought about it, then decided to go for it. The first half of the day was great. Even though I had started late...9:32 AM, I made good time and the weather wasn't too bad. Once I reached the summit of Little Killington, the weather went down hill. The rain came down in ernest and the wind picked up, while the temperature dropped. I had 7 miles to go so I hiked as fast as possible. I had my rain gear zipped and cinched up. I arrived at US7, but had called ahead to let Plans know how far I was. I had also found out that the Inn at Long Trail had no rooms. Plans and his family are letting me stay here for the night. Time to rest.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-10
From: US 4

To: .4 past Lakota lake lookout
Miles today: 16.2

Today started with homemade waffles and Vermont maple syrup. ...ummm good! I packed my pack and then got into plans car (thanks again Plans!) The early part of my day saw me leave the Long Trail/AT and go off only on the AT. For 105.2 miles, the AT and the Long Trail were together. I saw Kent Pond, which was awesome and then climbed many steep climbs. Today was a physically demanding hike, but now it's over...at least until tomorrow.. My right knee is doing some weird popping sounds, I mostly feel it, but it's not painful...so hopefully there won't be any problems.Bad part of the day....steep climbs.Good part of the day.....Lots of beautiful places and great weather.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-11
From: .4 past Lakota lake lookout

To: Thistle Hill shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

How this became a good day, I have no idea. I had the worst attitude...weary, and feeling sorry for myself. I hiked so slowly. Some how, it seems today was full of beauty, which clashed with my attitude. At the Lookout (a cabin with an observation tower on it's roof), I saw mountains upon mountains. The wind was blowing and I just laid down and gazed at everything. At the bottom of the ridge was a barn that hikers were allowed to stay at. I spent an hour there talking to Bones...who is very ill. I hope he'll be ok.I climbed very steep climbs and saw wondorous views from open fields. I sat beside cool, fast running creeks, yet my attitude was bad. I recognized the beauty and drank it up, but my soul is so tired.Upon reaching the shelter, guess who was here? OPA! We talked for a while, and he offered me a ride from Katahdin to Bangor to fly home at the end of my trip (he lives in Maine). I sit here in my hammock, still tired physically, but spiritually much happier.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Thistle Hill Shetler

To: Ledyard Spring
Miles today: 16.6

Today I woke up early and started hiking with a vengence. I had town food on my mind, and I pushed myself to get to Hanover. The hike had steep parts to it, but it wasn't as bad as it was yesterday. In the process of this day's hike I saw these trees with tubing hooked to them and connecting all sorts of trees together. I had learned in Rutland that this is how Vermonters sap Maple trees for syrup. I've now eaten the syrup and seen the trees it comes from. How cool. Today's hike took me across another state border...now I'm in New Hampshire! This state, and Maine are the two toughest states on the AT. I just looked at my maps for the White Mountains...and I about......well, you can imagine. My mileage is about to drop to around 10 miles a day, and that will be with all day hiking. I've also heard that these are the two most scenic states on the AT. I've spent the afternoon in Hanover, and plan to stay here until it's about dark. I will then hike to the supermarket on the edge of town and resupply. There are supposed to be some camping sites just on the outside of town near NH 120, so I plan to camp there for the night. One more thing...I think my camera has dried out from the slackpacking day...hopefully my pictures will be good ones.Peace!
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Ledyard Spring

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike went well. I played "Leap-frog" w/Senator, Opa, TomCat & Coca Bean all day. TomCat is a young man who I was shopping @ the food co-op in Hanover. He's very nice & wants everyone to know he met lots of goddesses in Hanover. The climb up Moose Mt wasn't bad & the shelter was new. The descent was steep & then we went straight up Holts Ledge. This was a very steep climb. I arrived @ the shelter around 5pm & have been relaxing. By the way - we have been seeing loads of SOBOs lately. They have all done Main & the Whites. Opa & Senator have been trying to make me see I have plenty of time to finish. I worry, but am more hopeful now.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: .6 mi from Bracketts Brook
Miles today: 14.5

Today was physically very hard, some of the toughest climbs yet. It was a very rewarding day too. The views were awesome. The 1st real climb was up Lambert Ridge. It was tough & as I looked out, I could see the fire tower on Smarts Mountain. I just thought....oh sh..... that looks hard & it was. It took 4hrs & 40 mins to hike 6.7 miles. The fire tower was awesome. We thought we could see the whites, but it was hazy. I spent an hour in the fire wonders cabin & then took off. I was headed to Bracketts Brook if the weather held & Hexacuba shelter if it stormed. As I got to the valley before the ascent of Mt. Cube & Hexacuba shelter, the clouds turned dark & it began to lightly rain. I thought - looks like 12 miles & the shelter. By the time I reached the trail to the shelter, it was sunny & the sky was blue. I decided to go for it & summit Mt. Cube. This would make for a shorter day into Glencliff. I reached an open rock ledge, from this point I could see the fire tower on Smarts Mt. I realized that earlier in the day I was alot further away - looking @ the same tower, I was euphoric. I had just made a tough climb - done 2 other tough climbs & I felt tired by great. I thought...soon I'll descend the 1.5 miles to camp. I walked across the flat ledge for quite a while - suddenly - I started ascending again. I thought what is this? Then I saw it...Mt. Cube - I still had more miles to climb. My euphoria went away, but not my determination. I ascended Mt. Cube - then flew down to camp. All the while 100's of bugs were chasing me. Now I'm here & listening to the wind pick up & it thunder. I'm hopefully in a protected area if it storms. A great day!Peace!Shades of blueIt's around 9:20 pm & something exciting just happened. I was trying to sleep when a large animal was walking around my camp making lots of noise. I got a cold chill - Maybe it's a moose or a bear. I don't have my sticks (I'd moved them cause I thought it was going to storm.) I turned my headlamp on to see whatever it was - but it went away. It was LOUD! Ah-excitement in the woods.Peace,Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-07-15
From: .6 mi from Bracketts Brook

To: Glencliff (Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 12.2

Bugs. Little bugs, big bugs, mean bugs. I hate bugs!I spent most of the day running from swarms of mosquitoes, from NH 25A to Ore Hill Shelter, they were especially bad. I had run out of Deet 2 days ago - but it's been bad on everyone. The hostel is great & its very peaceful here. I picked up my cold weather gear (a lot heavier pack!) I was going to zero here tomorrow, but I figure I better go for it (the Whites) while I still have the guts. Tomorrow I enter a new phase of my hike, wait for the next journals to see how it turns out.Peace!Shades of Blue