morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-22
From: US 9/NY 403

To: RHP Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

We got off at Peekskill yesterday in the pouring rain. After a $30 taxi ride, we located a motel room for $80, 10 miles from the trail. Yes, it was another 30 bucks back the next morning.It was an easy, but very long day on a wet trail. Not much to see today, but Waterboy and I passed the 1400 mile mark on the trail. Didn't see any other northbound hikers today.It was very humid today, but no rain. Rain is in the forecast for the next 5 days.We passed Canopus Lake and climbed Shenandoah Mountain. We will be out of NY and into Connecticut sometime Friday.
Date: 2009-07-23
From: RHP Shelter

To: NY 22/Appalachian Trail Railroad Station
Miles today: 19.9

One of the first mild nights in my tent since being on the trail. Hard to imagine being the middle of July.Climbed Hosner Mountain, and had breakfast at a deli on NY 52. Hiked on and climbed Mt. Egbert at 1329 feet, and then looked for the yellow school bus hot dog stand on NY 55, but it was not there. Hiked past Nuclear Lake, which was the site of the nuclear fuels-processing research facility until 1972. The lake has a clean bill of health now. Hiked over West Mountain and on to NY 22 and the Appalachian Trail RR Station, with yours truly sitting at the station. AT Railroad StationThe forecast is for rain tonight, so we are tenting on the porch of the Garden Center near NY 22. Owner is very hiker friendly, and allows camping on his nursery. Thanks Pete.Tomorrow we leave NY and enter Connecticut. Tenting on the porch of the Garden Center
Date: 2009-07-24
From: NY 22/Appalachian Trail Railroad Station

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 18.3

Last night was an episode from Lost. Set up our tents on the Garden Center breezeway as rain was coming. Little did we know what was coming. Rocky the dog and her master were there after a long chase, after Rocky's nose came in contact with an electrical cow wire. While tented and raining under the Garden Center porch, the sister of the hiker and her husband, Shaun, came to her rescue with food and beer. After an exchange of NJ delight's (food and beer), Shaun and his wife took Rocky the dog and her hiker master to safety. Thanks for the food and beer. A little confusing I must say, but you had to be there. Pete the trains, planes, whizzing trucks and rosters calling were all special. Thanks for the experience and hospitality.This is a weird journal entry, as nothing I'm trying to say is materializing in text. I'm tired! Three days and 57 miles of hiking. Glad to be out of NY. See ya, NY.
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Kent, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

Rained last night in Kent. Great night's sleep. Lazy morning with a good breakfast at the Villager. Late departure hike out of Kent. Steep early climb, but leveled off on the mountaintop for about 4 miles. A very steep and tricky climb down from St. Johns Ledges. Afterwards, a 5 mile, level walk along The Housatonic River. We finished at Cornwall Bridge.Just as we were discussing whether to hike on or take a short day, a Bobcat dashed across the road (CT 4). Highlight of the week! Bobcats are rarely seen on the trail. Most reported sightings along the trail are made up or false. That's why seeing one was so incredible!Rain is forecast for tomorrow. I have not had computer/internet access since PA. For all of you who sign my guest book, I will return your emails when I get the opportunity. Until then¢¦
Date: 2009-07-26
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Iron Bridge, Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 14.1

Heavy rain, lightning and thunder at 2 a.m. Got starting hiking north a little late at 8:46 am. First obstacle we had to tackle was fording the Guinea Brook. Too wide and no suitable stepping stones on this fast moving 3-4 feet deep brook. After tracing up and down the brook's bank looking for a safe spot to get across, both Waterboy and I chose different locations to cross. We both opted to take shoes off and wade across in our bare feet. Thankfully no mishaps and we were on our way north.The first 5 miles were up and down and all around on wet rocks and slippery footpaths. Rain was forecast, and it came and went around 1-2 p.m. There was a detour at Route 7 & Conn 112, but we went over the Housatonic River bridge anyway that was under repair. We passed the hydroelectric plant (pictured) and had dinner in a picnic across the river. While we were eating, nearly 30-40 emergency vehicles approached from all directions. Apparently someone was drifting downstream in the swift moving Housatonic River that is a favorite for boaters. Rescue boats of all kinds appeared. The scenario continues as I type this.We are tented near the hydroelectric plant as thunderstorms just broke loose about 20 minutes ago. Still pretty excited about yesterday's bobcat sighting. Still have about 15 miles of CT left before entering Mass. Housatonic RiverPicture is taken from Iron the bridge in the direction the person(s) were floating down towards the hydroelectric plant. Sounds like all the rescue trucks are going home now. Hope all turned out well.
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Iron Bridge, Falls Village, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Short day! Packed up a dripping wet tent and started walking north at 8:06 a.m. We were unable to determine if anyone was rescued in last night's ordeal.The vegetation along the trail was saturated from last night's rain and it wasn't long before we were drenched from head to toe. The mosquitoes were out in force as we walked closer to Mass. We saw some very good foot prints in the mud that we were pretty sure were bobcat foot prints.We passed the Great Falls of the Housatonic River (pictured). Nothing but raw power! Great Falls of the Housatonic RiverIt was a very steep climb down towards U.S. 44. We walked the .4 miles to the town of Salisbury, where I picked up a resupply box at the White Hart Inn. Waterboy and I made a command decision to take the afternoon off to resupply and plan our next week of hiking into Mass.Saw Sailor J and a few others hikers who were headed back to the trail. Salisbury is another expensive hiker town.
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Salisbury, CT

To: MA Route 41
Miles today: 18.5

Entered my 11th state on the AT today. Crossed the CT/MA border about 11:30 a.m. today. Really tough day with four hard mountains to conquer. Started with Lion's Head Mountain at 1738 feet, then Bear Mountain at 2316 feet, followed by Race Mountain at 2430 feet, and finished with Mt. Everett at 2602 feet. Picture is me after climbing Race Mountain.We thought we would have an easy climb down from Mt. Everett to MA Route 41, but the Jug End, as it was called, was a nightmare. Nothing in the data books or elevation maps described this twisted ridge walk followed by a treacherous climb down about 1000 feet.We are now tented in a farm field near Route 41. Mosquitoes are horrible. You sweat to death climbing in the humidity, which washes off the deet, so repeated applications are needed frequently. A hiker stink with a touch of bug spray to add to the aroma. Not very pleasant to be around. View from Bear Mountain
Date: 2009-07-29
From: MA Route 41

To: Lake Buel Road
Miles today: 11.1

Stopped by the new, local ATC house on Rt. 41 after packing up our gear. It was about 0.1 of a mile from where we tented late night. Got water and moved on.Hiked about 3 miles to a road and walked to the Corn Crib. The owner's husband had passed away, and there was not much on hand for hikers anymore except fresh water, which was fine. We got water, and Waterboy and I moved on.We climbed East Mountain, and stopped at a shelter as a we heard a thunderstorm approaching. Hikers at the shelter were Navigator, Topshelf, Geeze, Lunchbox, Sailor J, Windbreaker, and Bam.Topshelf, Geeze, Waterboy, and I decided to hike 1.5 miles off the trail to the East Mountain Retreat Center. It was a tedious hike to get there, but the hot shower and warm food made it worth the trip, as it was pouring rain outside. In retrospect, I probably would have skipped this side trip if I had known how far off the trail it was.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Lake Buel Road

To: US 20
Miles today: 21.6

Packed up early at the Retreat Center, and started walking the 1.5 miles back to the trail. We came down a mountain road, that led to the paved road, that goes back to the trail; however, it had rained so hard last night that there was 2 feet of standing water between us and the paved road, with no way around it. What to do? No hesitation: we walked straight through it knee high. Shoes were wet from the get go.It was a long, long day hiking through mud and mosquitoes. Seemed the day would never end. Waterboy took the side trail to Upper Goose Pond Cabin and I headed on, hoping to hitch into Lee, MA, at US 20. Got to US 20 just before dark, and tried hitching into Lee, with no luck. So, I walked back to the trail and tented in the pitch black, right on the trail. It was late enough that no other hikers would be passing by until morning. I went to sleep with the idea of hitching into Lee in the a.m.
Date: 2009-07-31
From: US 20

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Today was a day for Swamp Fox - not hikers. Hitched into Lee, MA, first off and had breakfast and picked up some food and bug spray. Got a ride back to the trail, and was dropped off in the pouring rain.Had a climb: then the trail leveled off into 20 miles of pure swamp. The entire trail from Lee, MA, to Dalton, MA, was literally under water. What trail was above the swamp level were trails of waterfalls charging at you. It's a day I won't forget any time soon.Wish I had taken more photos, but with the rain and potential for dropping cameras and phones into the slop, the hardware stayed sealed in Ziploc's. We somehow made it to Dalton before dark with a set of hands and feet that looked like prunes.Man, did the long, hot shower feel good. One day I was glad was over. Big question, was there more of this swamp mud hiking ahead?
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 16.9

Started hiking out of Dalton with nice dry gear and clothes. Got close to Cheshire and it started to rain, but not too hard. The 7 mile trail to Cheshire was pleasantly on the dry side compared to Swamp Fox Day a few days ago.Waterboy and had lunch at Diane's Twist, and we moved on in the rain to climb Mt. Greylock. The climb was long, muddy, and foggy as we neared the summit.Bascom Lodge has reopened under new management and they were able to offer us a bunk bed, warm shower, and dinner. Nice because the wind and fog were howling outside as the day resembled more like winter than a day in August.It was nice to be out of the elements especially on top of the highest spot in Mass; however, there were no views today.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at Bascom Lodge and took some pictures of the war memorial before leaving. Climb down Mt. Greylock was not bad, just muddy in many places. Crossed over into Vermont today - our 12th state on the AT. The Long Trail starts in Vermont and shares about 104 miles with the AT.Waterboy and I continued on, and finally arrived at Seth Warner shelter after a long and very muddy day. Lots of people at this shelter, of which many were section hikers. Found a spot to tent, crawled in and lights out early. Not very hungry.
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Rt. 9 Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

We were packed up early and started hiking before anyone else. Back hiking a very black and muddy trail.Since my cell phone crapped out on me, I ordered a replacement from Verizon, which was waiting for me at the outfitter in Bennington. We got to the road for Bennington and had no luck hitching the 5 miles into town. No cell signal to make a call, so we started walking, in hopes a cell signal would materialize. About a half mile down the road, we got a ride into town. Went to the outfitter and picked up my phone.Not much in Bennington, so we got a ride to North Bennington where there were more services. Spent the night in a hotel reprogramming my replacement cell phone. Kind of a hectic stop in town, but still can't beat a hot shower, food and a soft bed, even if it was rushed. Good thing I'm back connected so I can report my hiking experiences.
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Rt. 9 Bennington, VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start out of Bennington because we had trouble arranging transportation back to the trail. Had a 1500 foot climb from the get go, up many well-placed rock steps. The trail was not as wet as previous days, which was a welcome relief. We could actually hike today instead of sliding our way along the trail.A few section hikers reported seeing a young moose. We climbed up Glastonbury Mountain which was 3748 feet high. We then climbed the old fire tower on top of the mountain. Great views (pictured), but the wind was blowing us around and it was really cold. Dew point right now at the shelter is 48.4 degrees.I called home for some winter gear today, as I've been freezing at night lately. Changing over to cooler weather gear sooner than expected. Will wear all my clothes I have tonight to stay warm!
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Winhall River
Miles today: 17.1

Was really cold last night. Didn't get much sleep. Wasn't real cold with all my clothes on, but not warm at all. Lousy night.It's Waterboy's 60th birthday today. Sailor J had other hikers sign a card, which was a nice gesture on his part. Big challenge of the day was climbing 4000 feet up Stratton Mountain. Before we got to climbing, we had to hike 7 miles through more mud holes. Wasn't long before my foot slipped off a rock and plunged midcalf high in nice, black, watery mud. Nice feeling!Climb up Stratton was not bad at all, just long. There was another fire tower at the top with spectacular views. After a brief rest, we headed down the mountain and passed by Stratton Pond. In Vermont they charge you for staying at some shelters. Rip off city!Headed into Manchester Center tomorrow to pick up some warmer gear being sent there from home.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Winhall River

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early after another sleepless, cold night. Only good thing was I watched two episodes of Friday Night Lights on my Ipod.It was a quick hike into Manchester Center. Staying at Sutton's Place. Manchester Center is a bustling little town with all the high brand name shops. Seems like everyone had a push baby carriage. Preppy I guess.Waterboy and I are very tired. Laundry first. Taking Mr. 60th Birthday for dinner tonight. Won't be cheap, I'm sure.Cold weather gear did not arrive, so I'm stuck with my lightweight gear. Fifteen pound backpack is nice until night time arrives; then it's cold time! My nephew says a warm front is headed this way. I hope so!Recovering from a fall the other day. Scraped up knee and sore groin muscle. I'll survive.Half day rest days are too short. Nice to visit new little townsthough.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero day - no hiking. Nursing injuries from a fall. Nothing serious, just a perfect day to do nothing in the bustling little tourist town of Manchester Center.Getting cold up here. I need warmer clothing. Bought some at the outfitter to get me through the next 100 miles to Hanover, NH, where I'll get my cold weather gear back.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Little Rock Pond tenting area
Miles today: 20.2

Had dinner with Nature and Phyllis in Manchester Center last night. Phyllis hiked part of the AT in VA this year with Raffle Queen, and that's where I met her. Nice night. We climbed up Bromley Mountain to the Bromley ski lift (pictured). It's not a space ship landing on my head. Today's hike was one of the easiest in weeks. It was long with some nice views, but not very hard at all. A nice relief for a change.The weather threaten to turn nasty all day, but just continued to rain lightly and was foggy at higher elevations. We finally made Little Rock Pond around 7 p.m. in a heavier rain and paid the Caretaker 5 bucks for tenting on one of the platforms. It's an environmentally sensitive area, I suppose. In my tent now as rain drops drip from the trees onto my tent. Should be on Killington mountain in a day or two. Waterboy at Bromley Mountain Ski Lift
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Little Rock Pond tenting area

To: VT Rt 103
Miles today: 12.6

Rained all night. My sleeping bag air mattress sprung a leak, so I was sleeping, or should I say not sleeping, all night on a wood tent platform. Really lousy night. Everything dripping wet in the morning. We slept in a bit because of the weather.Heard my first loon last night. Got started walking north about 9:30 a.m. Cloudy weather gave way to sunshine and warm temps. We passed a series of cairns along the way (pictured) in the dense pines. Some people spent a lot of time working on these.Hiking today was difficult because of the rocks and stepping. Seems weird, but all the rocks were in the wrong places to make good hiking time. Every step was awkward and slippery because of last night's rain.We got to VT Rt 103 and someone offered to take us into Rutland, so why not! Severe thunderstorms predicted for tonight. Climbing Killington tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: VT Rt 103

To: The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 18.2

Tough day all around. Started hiking at 8:58 a.m. with a long steep rocky climb out of Rte 103. Up past Clarendon shelter and Beacon Hill at 1760 feet. We slowly worked our way up and down towards the base of Killington Mountain. Very long climb up 4000 feet to Cooper Lodge Shelter.Thunderstorms and heavy rain came during our 7 mile muddy downhill to VT 4. Met Joe, a dentist from NJ, who later gave us a ride to The Inn at the Long Trail, where I am tonight. Forgot to mention that the AT shares about 100 miles with the Long Trail in VT.Seeing a good number of Southbound hikers now that started in Maine and are now headed to Springer, GA.Met Wishbone at the Inn tonight. Last saw him and hiked with him in VA before Damascus. That's the trail for you. Licking our sore bodies tonight. Seems everything hurts in different places each night. Thanks to all who sign my guest book and offer support.
Date: 2009-08-12
From: VT 4, Inn at the Long Trail

To: Stoney Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Both Waterboy and I were sore and tired after yesterday's hike up Killington Mountain. Some climbs just take it out of you more than others. Sliding around in the mud all day doesn't help either.Had a nice breakfast at the Inn and got a ride to the trail head. Started walking about 10:43 a.m. Made my first trail mistake on the trail. We came to the junction where the AT splits from the LT. I followed the white blazes for a half mile before I was told that the LT also uses white blazes to mark their trail as well. We got back to the AT, logging an extra mile hiking today that didn't count.We stopped by Mountain Meadow Lodge for lunch. A beautiful oasis on a lake right on the AT.We climbed the very steep Quimby Mountain and made Stony Brook Shelter at 6 pm. Thunderstorms threatened, but we were lucky and nothing materialized in our path. About 476 miles left to Katahdin.
Date: 2009-08-13
From: Stoney Brook Shelter

To: Cloudland Road
Miles today: 19.2

Started hiking at 7:17 a.m. this morning. It was a real tough day with many tough climbs. I definitely burned a lot of calories today.Sometimes you need a little help on the trail. Only the second ladder we've seen on the trail since Springer. Waterboy standing on ledge by ladder.Stopped by Edge of the Woods Farm at VT 12 for ice cream and water. After that, some grueling climbs, one right after the other. Some serious sweating occurred during those climbs. So steep I was on my toes most of the time. Only good thing, the trail was through nice pine trees with a nice pine needle laden path. The climb offered a spectacular view of Vermont looking south over many of the mountains we had already traversed.We have another tough 17 miles to make into Hanover, NH, tomorrow. All our winter gear and resupply boxes are awaiting us there, so we can prepare for hiking through the White Mountain of NH.
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Had a nice stay at the Cloudland Farm. Very nice people. Started walking north at 7:47 a.m. Climbed over Thistle Hill and made a quick 7 miles to VT Rte 14 and the West Hartford General Store. A great place with great food.Had 9 more miles to Hanover, NH, and had to get to the Mountain Goat Outfitters before 6 p.m. to pick up my resupply and warmer weather gear boxes. I pushed hard and made it to Hanover by 5 p.m., which included a 2.5 mile road walk in very hot sun.No hotels in town, so staying at the Sunset Motor Lodge 2 miles east of town. Now going through gear, deciding what to take into the Whites and what not to take. Forecast is for a warming trend in the next day or so, but night time temps can go down in the 40's and even 30's in the Presidential Mountain Range.Counted 21 southbound hikers today. There are also many northbound hikers in town, most of whom I've never met. I'm excited about heading north.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Much needed day off with lots to do. Working feverishly going through resupply boxes to decide what clothing to take into the Whites. Notorious for bad weather. One has to prepare for the worst and hope cold weather gear is really not required in the end. Every hiker has heavier packs when heading north from Hanover.There was a measuring tape in my resupply box so I started taking measurements. I lost 2 inches around my neck, 2 inches around my thighs, and 1 inch on my calves. When I left for my hike I measured around my big gut and it was 44 inches. I'm happy to report that current reading is 34 inches. Ten fat inches, and I eat anything I want when in town. Now that's a darn good thing!Oh gosh, it's dinner time. See ya; time to go eat some more. Picture is the Connecticut River behind the motel where were staying, that is about 2 miles out of town. Crossing the Connecticut River into New Hampshire
Date: 2009-08-16
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Got a ride into Hanover around 7 a.m. and had a great breakfast at Lou's Bakery. After resupplying at the Hanover Food Co-op, we were hiking north at 9:47 a.m.Had some steep rocky climbs to begin with, but trail turned somewhat tame until Moose Mountain. Long climb, but not too steep with a nice view of mountains to come at the top (pictured). Long climb down to Goose Pond Road, and then a very steep and long climb up to Holts Ledges.Made it down to Trapper John Shelter along with about 15 other loud and unsettling young hikers. Night for ear plugs for sure.Tomorrow will be a tougher day with bigger climbs. Should arrive at Glencliff by Tuesday, and Wednesday we enter the Whites. First climb will be Mt. Moosilauke at 4802 feet and 9.5 miles up and down. All depends on the weather. North side of Mt. Moosilauke is known to be very, very steep and slick. My second pair of shoes, which got me through PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA and VT