morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Great Barrington Mass

To: Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

While I have been blessed to be awakened most mornings by the sounds of the forest, today was not one of them. Instead, it was shelter noise that brought me out of a deep slumber. What is shelter noise you might ask. Well, it's the sound of sleeping bag zippers being zipped, the cracklings of celofane wrappers being opened, the clomping of heavy boots on the hard shelter floor, and cooking utensils banging against pots, and worst of all, the loud voices of inconsiderate people who think that because they're awake everyone else might as well be too, at 5:00 a.m.! It's enough to make even a saint start the day grumpy. I'll continue to tent and avoid the shelter crowd at all cost thank you very much. Once underway, and with some distance from the shelter, the day began to improve. It always seems to. The trail has a way of wrapping you up into an almost trance-like state with its rhythm, its ups and downs. One's mind is never far from the task at hand. Each foot placement evaluated. How high. How low. Should I step on that rock or avoid it? Whoops! That wet root was slippery and almost took me down. Won't make that mistake again. And so it goes. Step after step. Mile after mile. Following Katahdin's call.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Wilcox Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This was one of those days on the trail when you know before you start that it's gonna take a lot to make your distance goal. With that weighing heavily in the back of your mind it's hard to stay open and receptive to the beauty that surrounds you. If you're not careful the trail can become nothing more than an endless, rocky, rooty conveyor belt. After a long day of hiking I finally came to the shores of Goose Pond. With only the half mile side trail standing between me and the campsite I found a nice boulder along the shore and sat for a long time, soaking in the beauty of this place. Before long my stomach growled to remind me it was time to move on. I hiked the remaining distance, set up camp and cooked some dinner. The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains a cabin at Goose Pond. It's rustic. There's no electricity and no running water. There are wooden bunks upstairs, a rudimentary kitchen and a gathering room downstairs, and there's a large porch with a table and chairs out front. They also make canoes available for use on the lake, and cook pancakes and brew coffee for guests each morning, and it's all free of charge. There are also tent sites nearby, which we called home for the night.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Blueberry Hill
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

7/1Goose to Blueberry Hill 11 miles First spruceFirst firFirst red squirrels. Amazingly, after a night's rest the trail to Goose Pond Cabin, the same half mile side trail that seemed several miles long at the end of yesterday's hike, was behind us in no time and we quickly found ourselves back on the AT. Our destination- the Kay Wood Shelter some 18 miles distant. It was going to be a big day, with 3100' of climbing. It didn't bother me in the least that it was spread out over 18 miles. Fortunately we had an ace up our sleeve, a kind soul known simply as "The Cookie Lady" lived just a short distance from the trail at mile 11. Our plan was to get to her place by early afternoon, take a long mid-day break, and knock out the remaining miles in the cool temps of late afternoon. At least that was the plan. Our hike this morning took us through a bit of boreal forest, the first the trail has traversed since the high mountains of southwest Virginia. We will gradually see more and more until it becomes the dominant forest type. We arrived at Washington Mountain Rd, a quarter mile from the Cookie Lady's place at Blueberry Hill, at 1:00 in the afternoon. When we got there no one was home. The wind was picking up and storm clouds were gathering. We checked the weather and discovered that severe storms, hail and damaging winds were in the forecast. It was decision time. Should we sprint the rest of the way and try to beat the storms to the shelter or stay put. Although she wasn't home, we had heard that the CL would sometimes allow folks to camp on her property with permission. We cooled our heals for an hour and a half waiting for her to return. The storms were about to hit when we finally set up our tents in an area that was somewhat protected from the wind. Sometimes you just have to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. It was about that time that the Cookie Lady returned. She welcomed us with open arms and even gave us a cookie and sold us drinks and ice cream. It wasn't long before the first large drops of rain began to fall. We dashed to our tents and settled in for a long night of wind, rain, thunder and lightning. The remaining 7 miles we had planned to hike would have to wait.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Blueberry Hill

To: Dalton Mass
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Early in our trek the woods were brown and gray, dormant with the exception of a few deer, some squirrels, grouse, and loose flocks of nuthatch, chickadees, titmouse and the woodpeckers that call these mountains home year-round. As early spring arrived the woods turned dozens of shades of green and we began to hear turkeys gobbling, grouse drumming and the songs of the early avian migrants like ovenbirds, thrushes, peewee and whippoorwill, some of whom had flown all the way from South America. All were establishing territories and finding mates. Love was in the air. Now the woods are full of youngsters. Turkey hens frantically try to keep tabs on as many as a dozen chicks. Momma bears closely guard their playful cubs. Spotted fawns of the whitetail lie still in the tall grass or chase about on wobbly legs. Thrushes lead me away from their nests. And chipmunks are everywhere, scurrying across logs and diving into their burrows at the first sign of danger. It is a time of plenty; plenty of fresh grasses, leaves and mushrooms for herbivores. And plenty of young and inexperienced herbivores for those at the top of the food chain. For some, life is short. For those who survive the cycle will continue. They'll be here next year to usher in a new spring with youngsters of their own. I march on, intrigued enthralled and amazed by it all. When we arrived in Dalton we made a B-line to Manny's Pizza, ordered lunch. Then scooted next door to the laundromat so our clithes could wash while we ate. Once our appetites and thirst were slated and our clothes were clean we sprinted (as well as one can sprint with a 30 lb pack) across town to the local community center for a shower. Almost giddy with the anticipation of being totally clean and with clean clothes to boot, we climbed the steps of the center only to find that they had closed early. We were crestfallen. With nothing to do but press on up the trail, I left a very dejected Panda and went in search of Gatorade for us both. Just for grins I stopped by the Shamrock Motor Court to see about a room. They had just rented their last one 5 minutes prior to my arrival. I thanked the lady at the front desk and started out the door. As I reached for the door handle she said "Hold on. Let me make a phone call." One thing led to another and before I knew it she had arranged for us to tent in someone's back yard in town and invited us to come back for a free shower on our way back to the trail the next morning. Amazing.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Noepel Shelter Site

To: Wilbur Clearing
Miles today: 7.0

7/4 Noepel Shelter- Wilbur Clearing 7 miles 1626/2058'Today we climbed to the summit of Mt Graylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. With an elevation of a little under 4000', it's a small mountain compared to Mount Mitchell, Clingman's Dome and many others in the southern Appalachians. That being said, it also presented the most continuous climb since Virginia. Due to its more northerly latitude, the climate and plant communities on top are like those found at much higher elevations down south. As we reached the main ridge leading to the summit we entered a boreal forest habitat more commonly found much farther north. The white and yellow birches gave way to red spruce and balsam fir. And I heard red squirrels for only the second time of the entire hike. They are well adapted to life in the boreal forest zone and make their displeasure with our intrusion well known with their loud and boisterous calls. These calls are why they're also called "boomers" in some areas. Being a fairly short day and with glorious weather, we had ample time and inclination to enjoy the full splendor of Mount Graylock's Summit. There's a lodge and restaurant on top that caters not just to hungry hikers but also the motorists and cyclists who drive and pedal to the top via paved roads. I hadn't planned to purchase anything more than an ice cold beverage but when I saw sloppy joes and angus burgers on the menu I just couldn't help myself. Before I knew what was happening I was half way through the most delicious burger I've had since Falls Village Connecticut. After lunch I went on a naturalist-led hike to learn more about the mountain and its history. Many of its buildings and trails were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression of the 1930's. A ski slope was also built, and many of the local boys who learned to ski on it found themselves in the famed 10th Mountain Division during WWII. Graylock was also climbed by Thoreau, an experience he wrote about extensively it so impressed him. It being July 4th, I've been invited into town to see the North Adams fireworks display. I was speaking last night with a Massachusetts Department of Parks and Conservation Department Ridge Runner who offered to pick me up from the trailhead 1/2 mile from tonight's campsite and take me to see them. More trail magic, although it does mean a solo 1/2 mile night-hike back to camp when he brings me back. I guess I'll be living up to my trail name tonight!
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Wilbur Clearing

To: North Adams Mass
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

7/5 Wilbur Clearing Tentsite- North Adams Mass 3.2 miles 279/ 1897The North Adams Mass regional Independence Day fireworks display was excellent but got started late. By the time the ridge runner dropped me back off at the trailhead the witching hour was fast approaching. It was overcast. No moon, no stars, no ambient light whatsoever. After his tail lights disappeared around the bend it was like being in a cave. Until I turned on my headlight I literally could not see my hand in front of my face. There was nothing to be done but head into the woods and pray that my light would not malfunction on the way to camp a half mile away. I made it after a brisk 15 minute walk and dived into my tent, thankful to be "home". A brief rain shower heralded in a new day on the trail. We packed our now wet gear and headed for the summit of Mount Williams, traversing it before descending 2 miles into North Adams Massachusetts. Upon exiting the woods we came upon a small home-made sign welcoming us to town and describing a bike loaner program offered by none other than a town councilman. A quick left off the trail and a half-a-block stroll took us to his home where we found a bike rack with exactly 2 bikes sitting in it. The bikes were unlocked and available free of charge for exploring North Adams. I felt a bit like James Coburn in the movie The Great Escape as we pedaled off down the street. We truly looked like vagrants riding these beater bikes while wearing our packs but it sure was better than walking 2.5 miles down the road to town. More trail magic indeed.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: North Adams Mass

To: Home for my 35th
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Headed home today to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary with my wonderful wife, without whom I would never have started this grand adventure. Speaking of adventure, getting home certainly was one. It involved catching a BRTA bus to Pittsfield, an AMTRAK from Pittsfield to Boston, and a flight from Beantown to my home in Raleigh with a connection in Baltimore. I arrived in Pittsfield late in the morning for my 4:00 train. That gave me plenty of time to check out the town and stop by a bookstore before departing for Boston. As it turned out I had even more time than I anticipated since my train was 3 hours late. I was glad to have had the chance to pick up a book or two to pass the time. We pulled into Boston's South Street Station a little before midnight and the busses to the airport from there stopped running at 12:30. Feeling a bit like Cinderella with her magic pumpkin coach I caught a Silver Line bus just before they shut it down and arrived at a deserted Logan at half-past 12. All the ticket counters were closed so I pulled out my sleepin pad and bag and snoozed on the floor in front of the Southwest counter until they opened at 4. Once I checked my pack and got the boarding pass for my 8:15 flight it was smooth sailing all the way home. Roughly 27 hours after boarding the first BRTA bus in Williamstown I was holding my wife, my love, my soulmate tightly in my arms. I will return to the trail on July 19th. Lord willing, my next stop will be Katahdin.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: North Adams Mass

To: Congdon Shelter site
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

North Adams- stream near Congdon shelter 14 miles 3982/2517It was great to finally get across the Mass/ Vermont state line but our first day back on the trail was a tough one. It's amazing how quickly one looses fitness. Before leaving the trail we would often hike ten miles before lunch then loll along for the last 4 or 5 miles during the afternoon, and still get to camp by 4 or 5. Not anymore. It took all we had to make camp before sundown. Even though it's only late July, the faintest signs of fall are beginning to appear, especially in the higher elevations. The sun is already rising a bit later and setting earlier. Dawn no longer brings a cacophony of bird song. Fall wildflowers like goldenrod are starting to bloom. Spring wildflowers like trillium and Solomon Seal are turning yellow and setting seed. Gone is the perfect, fresh green foliage of spring. In its place are the worn, insect-eaten, leathery leaves of late summer. I must say it makes me a bit melancholy to think that another season is passing, and so quickly it seems. We did experience a first-of the-trip today. As we hiked along I began to notice fresh scratches etched in the rocks along the trail. While the carbide tipped trekking poles will leave scratch marks, these were different. Rather than a single scratch these were multiple, side-by-side marks. Then it dawned on me. These were crampon scars left behind from winter hiking trips when the temps are well below freezing and these trails are ice-covered. The crampons worn by stalwart winter hikers had cut through the thin ice and left tell-tale scars on the rocks below. Anyway, after a long hike we made camp in a hemlock stand on the banks of a small stream, cooked dinner, and immediately went to bed. Hopefully we will recover enough to hike another 14.5 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Congdon Shelter site

To: Glastenbury Mountain
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

July 21Congdon- Goddard 14.7 4338'/2721'Another tough day on the trail but hopefully we'll start getting our hiking legs back after a couple more like this one. Starting to see more spruce-fir habitat as we move farther north. We camped in a beautiful stand if spruce on top of Glastenbury Mountain tonight. It was very much like the higher summits in NC and TN. Here however the boreal zone begins at around 3000' elevation, rather than 5000' like it does down south. The sound of the wind blowing through the spruce trees is entirely different than when it rustles the leaves of the hardwoods. It whispers a lullaby like no other.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Glastenbury Mountain

To: Story Spring Shelter site
Miles today: 8.7

July 22 Glastenbury Mountain- Story Spring Shelter site 8.7 miles 1416'/ 2359'This section of trail was gorgeous, with many miles of spruce, beautiful stands of knee-high ferns, and huge yellow birch trees. And with the exception of one, 500' climb, it was fairly flat to undulating. It also presented an opportunity to climb a fire tower with spectacular views in every direction. There was a lively crowd at the shelter this evening. This section of the Appalachian Trail is shared by Vermont's Long Trail, so there was a combination of north and southbound AT thru hikers, Long Trail thru hikers, and section-hikers out for the weekend. In the "it's a small world" category, a couple of the southbound thru-hikers camped here tonight just graduated from my alma mater. Not only that, while there, one stayed in the EXACT same dorm room that I lived in, 35 YEARS AGO! And the other's parents were in my graduating class way back in 1981! Ya just never know who you might run into out here in the middle of nowhere.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Story Spring Shelter site

To: Stratton Pond
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today the trail took us up and over Stratton Mountain, the location of a famous ski resort and the place credited with having given Benton Mackay the idea of creating what was to become the Appalachian Trail. There also happened to be a fire tower on top affording views as far as New York to the west, Connecticut to the south and New Hampshire to the north. Further, it was actually possible to catch a free ride on a ski gondola from the mountaintop into the town of Stratton (a full 2000' below the ridge) for lunch! This was an opportunity I simply could not pass up. But the real story of the day was one of trail magic. We hiked 3.6 miles to a road crossing trailhead and immediately were offered an ice cold frosty beverage, a chilled navel orange and a banana. We then found a ride to take Captain Panda to town for medical evaluation. After seeing Panda off I began the 3-mile climb to the top of Stratton. I topped out after an hour and a half of non-stop elevation gain (1700'), reached the fire tower and learned of the gondola. I sprinted the .8 miles to the lift shed, arriving just as huge drops of rain began to fall. I was on my personal, enclosed ski gondola within 45 seconds and quickly wisked down the mountain, out of the clouds and rain into a gorgeous New England summer afternoon. Views from the cable car were astounding. Stepping off the lift I walked directly to the Stratton Deli and ordered the largest sandwich on the menu. While eating said sandwich at an outside table I was approached by someone who wanted to know if I was a thru-hiker. I responded yes, at which point they handed me a 5-spot and told me to buy myself an ice cream with it. I was dumbfounded. I soon found myself back on the aerial tram, jetting to the summit. Reaching the top, I exited the car to the sounds of not-so-distant thunder. With almost 4 miles between me and my destination I shifted into high gear and headed down the trail as fast as an old man carrying a 40lb pack can hike. Long story short... It was a Saturday evening and I hoped to stay in one of Vermont's most popular trail shelters, and thunderstorms were coming on fast. It rained pretty hard on me the last 1/2 mile and it was so dark at only 6pm that I could barely see my way along the trail. I made the shelter just as the bottom fell out and lightning flashed all around. Sure enough, there must have bee 20 people there already. With a heavy heart I joined them in order to wait out the storm before setting up my tent. But hey, even that was truly a blessing. Then it happened. I discovered there was actually room in the shelter! Not only that, there was a group of weekenders having shrimp Alfredo and wine. Of course I was more than happy to assist them in disposing of the left-overs. After two glasses of wine I called it a day, turned in and slept like a baby while rain drummed on the shelter's tin roof. A magical end to a magical day!
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Stratton Pond

To: VT 11
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

July 24 Stratton Pond- VT 11 (11.3 miles)Today's hike provided a welcome respite from the climbing and descending of the previous few days. The terrain was gently undulating with an overall net elevation loss. Last night's storms had all the streams and springs running so finding water was no problem. In fact, the spring at the Spruce Mountain Shelter may have had the coldest, best-tasting water since Virginia. Speaking of the Spruce Mountain Shelter, it was quite the structure. It was fully enclosed, had a porch, a door, windows, and a wood stove inside! It could have easily been Thoreau's cabin. I made the trailhead by 1:30 and pulled out the lucky thumb, hoping for a ride to town. I had heard it was easy to catch one into Manchester from the spot where the AT crosses the road and I was about to find out for myself. It was a very busy road and several hundred cars went by. I was hoping for a ride in the back of a pickup truck because I smelled rather ripe from four hot, humid days of hiking. And it's always easier to tumble into the bed of a truck with your pack and trekking poles than try to fit them into a car. Trucks of all shapes,colors and sizes whizzed by without so much as a brake light coming on. After about 20 minutes of this I was beginning to have my doubts about my "lucky thumb". Just then a minivan slowed to look me over. I guess I didn't paper to be a serial killer or a hobo so they actually stopped and picked me up. I immediately apologized for my pungent aroma and thanked them profusely. Fifteen minutes later I was climbing out at the local grocery store and heading in to buy food for the next 3-day-long section of trail. Fortunately Panda had already arranged for us to stay at the Green Mountain Hostel, one of the nicest on the trail. I let them know I was ready and was picked up by the proprietor 15 minutes later. In just a few more minutes I was luxuriating in a hot shower and washing a load of clothes.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: VT 11

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

With time to plan a dinner and a full kitchen at our disposal, Panda and I decided to purchase all the fixings for a real meal. I'm talking 16oz sirloins, saut©ed mushrooms, huge russet potatoes, salad, the works. We grilled those puppies up and had a feast fit for a king!