morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-11
From: MA23

To: stream/beaver dam
Miles today: 6.2

Another day of making huge miles... Well, maybe not. Unlike yesterday, today was perfect hiking weather. The rain cleared out the humidity, there was a nice breeze, and the temperature - in the mid-70's - was as good as summer gets. Starting out, the trail was nice and easy. It seemed somewhat familiar. That's when it hit me. This area is where I was first introduced to the Appalachian Trail, where I first had a thought of hiking the entire trail. It may not have been this specific area, but I believe it was.More than 20 years ago, I went on a hike with the Boy Scouts along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts. I've spent nearly a year trying to remember when I first got the idea to thru-hike. Now I know...Within just a few miles, I came upon a beautiful pond - Benedict Pond - complete with a small picnic area and a beach. Although not yet 10am, there were already people on the small beach, and a few canoes and kayaks on the large pond. I decided to hang out for a bit, take a quick dip, and enjoy the scenery and the weather.Well, a little bit became several hours. Although I had a short day yesterday, I'd pulled some big miles the week before. I was having such a relaxing time, why be worried about hiking? The trail would still be there tomorrow. It wasn't going anywhere.In the late afternoon, I finally decided to get moving. I hiked along slowly, taking my time. After just another 4 miles, I noticed it was going to get dark soon. I'm still adjusting to the fact that the days are getting shorter. Rather than hike into the night, I found a nice flat spot on pine needles (my favorite type of campsite) near a stream. I set up my tent, made some dinner, and turned in for the night.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: stream/beaver dam

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Another short day, but better than the last few. I slept in until 8am - unusual for me while hiking. It was another clear, beautiful day. Although I should have been in a rush to get going - wanting to camp just outside of Dalton, MA tonight (over 27 miles away) - I just couldn't get motivated. More accurately, I was enjoying the cool morning air, the sound of the stream, and my tent site. I finally got my backside moving around 10 am.I came upon a camping area just 3 miles in and decided to munch on another pop tart. While relaxing a bit, I cracked open a book I picked up in Great Barrington. Big mistake. At 5pm I closed the book, finished. So much for 27 miles!! Moving again, the trail was great and I was making good time. Of course I was motivated. There is a cabin just over 9 miles away. Normally this wouldn't excite me too much, but there are rumors that the caretakers of the cabin make breakfast for thru-hikers. Even more importantly (more important that food???) was the prospect of being inside and away from the mosquitos. The bugs have been worse today than any I've ever experienced (with one exception from many years ago in the Adirondack mtns.) Smoke-resistant mosquitos abound; Bite into your neck without a sound; Swat left, right, all around; In my tent respite is found. - Crooner JamI finally arrived about an hour after dark. After a quick dinner of peanut butter and jelly on flour tortillas, I pulled out my notebook to jot down this entry. Time to finish up and head inside, away from the ^$^#@$* mosquitos.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Fantastic trail magic today, and completely unexpected. Up early, the caretakers of the cabin had coffee brewing and pancakes on the griddle. They were served until everyone had their fill, which was more hotcakes than I want to think about right now. After breakfast, I was the first one out. I had a goal of hiking 20 miles into Dalton by 4:30 to get to the post office and pick up my hiking poles, watch and other miscellaneous items. It was a nice day, and I crossed Route 20 and the Mass Turnpike quickly (I didn't know about the tradition of mooning the traffic on the turnpike until afterward.) Moving along, I crossed over three mountains with easy climbs, and came to Pittsfield Road around 1pm.This is an important road crossing. Why? It's home to the cookie lady. Marylin owns and runs a blueberry farm. She's also known for offering thru-hikers delicious cookies. Well, she certainly didn't disappoint. The cookies were excellent. After lunch, I headed back to the trail. At the trailhead, I ran into a southbounder who was getting dropped off by Rob. It turns out that Rob runs a free "hostel" in Dalton, MA. It's not published anywhere - just known by word of mouth. He offered to take my pack with him, permitting me to slackpack the final 10 miles. This was just what I needed if I wanted to make it to the post office in time. So carrying only a 1 ltr bottle of water and two candy bars in my pocket, I was off. I was so light, I started jogging. Moving fast, my foot caught a root and the next think I knew, I was airborne, heading towards a wooden plank used to bridge particularly muddy sections. It's amazing what goes through your mind in a split second. In this case I was thinking "Well, this isn't good" and "I wonder how many teeth I'll be donating to the trail." Luckily, I got my hands up before hitting the plank, cushioning my face from the fall. In the end, I only suffered a skinned knee. (This adds to the skinned back, sustained in the morning when I got out of the lower bunk I was sleeping in and hit my back against the wooden support for the upper bunk.) This slowed me up a bit, but not too much. I finally made it to the post office at 4:25, just in time to check on my package (which wasn't there yet, of course. It was there the next morning, however.) Within half an hour, an old friend I was waiting to see showed up. I've known Amy for about a decade, and she drove an hour from the Troy, NY area to spend a few hours. Once she arrived, I called Rob and he showed up and led us to his house, which has been converted into a hostel. Refusing to take any money, he hosts hikers, does their laundry, drives them around, and serves as trail angel extraordinaire. All he asks is for your contact info and a small note to go along with the photo he takes of everyone passing through. So far this year (a slow year), he's hosted about 150 thru-hikers. A great, generous and kind man. After a shower, dinner with Amy and hanging out a bit at the hostel, it was time for Amy to head back, and me to turn in. What a great day.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Notch Road

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

In the past I promised myself I would never again slackpack south. After the horrible experience I had way back in Erwin, TN, why tempt fate? Well, tempt it I did today - and I survived.I had a choice: hike north up a 7 mile medium uphill and a steep downhill with a full pack and camp somewhere in the woods; or hike south up a 3 mile steep uphill and a long, gentile downhill with a daypack and spend another night at a great, free hostel. Hmmm....In the morning, Rob drove Rambo (a southbounder) and I just north of Mount Graylock, the highest peak in MA. Rambo got a 1/2 hour headstart, as I was eating my breakfast at the trailhead. I didn't see her again all day (until back at the hostel.) As I mentioned above, the trail started out with a very steep uphill, but after a mile or so, the worst of the climb was over. Up and down two smaller mountains, I made it up to Graylock around 1pm. What beautiful views!!! What beautiful weather!!! Usually you can drive up Graylock, but they have it closed down for the next two years to repair and upgrade the road. Even so, there were plenty of people on top, driving half-way to the peak and walking the final mile or so. You can see in one direction all the way to the White mountains, and in the other into New York. There's also a huge monument on top that originally served as a massive lighthouse. I spent a good two hours there, and finally decided it was time to get moving. Enjoying the day, I made it into Cheshire, MA around 5:30 and stopped for a milkshake (priorities), before realizing I still had 10 miles to go. After another 1,000 foot climb, I jogged the final few miles after cresting the hill. I made the final 8 1/2 miles in just under two hours. I'm at the hostel again, with a new crew, listening to two guitars, a harmonica and other assorted instruments in an impromptu jam. Pizza has been ordered, and beer consumed. Another great night.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: VT11/30
Miles today: 10.6

It was a cold night last night. Wearing everything I had in my bag (shorts & rainpants, tee-shirt, fleece jacket and rain jacket, fleece hat and wool socks), I was almost warm enough, but not quite. I did finally fall into a deep sleep, only to be woken up by some other residents of the shelter, up with dawn, lighting-up their very loud stove, and talking over it. Not too happy about that.It was only 11 miles to the road crossing where I needed to hitch into Manchester Center and get my cold-weather gear which Ally had sent. The trail was great, and I averaged over 3 miles an hour - extremely fast by Vermont trail standards. I was hiking with Tenacious T and Radar, and I was able to surprise them with a cold beer at the road crossing. I'd left some beer & food there Sunday morning before I was dropped off at the trailhead. Hitching in, we took care of the usual town errands: food, resupply, laundry, etc... Of course it took longer than expected. And the post office closed half-an-hour earlier than the posted hours, preventing me from mailing back my summer sleeping bag. So...a few of us decided to spend the night and split a room. We found a "hotel" with small cabins, and ultimately 8 thru-hikers chipped in to get two cabins. With a few beers in the fridge, a pint of Ben & Jerrys waiting to be consumed, and a shower, it's shaping up to be a great night.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Sherburne Pass Trail
Miles today: 18.3

Big, big day!!! I was up early, but enjoying all the company in the morning. After a big serving of oatmeal, I was off and hiking. It wasn't long before I hit the first memorable experience of the day. TRAIL MAGIC!! Sitting in a stream were two dozen sodas and a note from a trail angel, urging us onward (with the help of caffeine) over a large mountain we'd be coming upon later in the day.The next memorable event was even better. Just 2 miles from the trail magic, I came upon a chair, a cooler with more sodas and a container with peanut butter crackers. Time to celebrate. Why? ONLY 500 MILES TO GO!!!! I can't remember being more excited about any previous milestones. I'll be in New Hampshire in just a few days, and climbing Mt. Katahdin in 4-5 weeks. I'm definately in the home stretch. I couldn't relax too much. After all, I had Kilington Mountain still ahead of me. The 2,200 foot climb wasn't too bad, but it was windy and cold at the top. A large group of us gathered for lunch in a shelter at the top, where I accepted a very difficult challenge. The "007 Challenge" or the "James Bond Challenge." I'm not sure I can manage it, but Sir Bogdnish threw down the gauntlet. To complete this challenge, I'll have to take two zero days, followed by a 7-mile day. I'm not sure if anyone has actually accomplished this feat, but I plan on being the first.Heading down Kilington, we decided tonight was a good time to celebrate the 500 mile mark. So down the trail we went to the Long Trail Inn, where I shared a room with Genesis and Mate (pronounced mah-TAY). Coach and Cimchi, C-Shot, Sherpa (C-Shot's father) and Sir Bogdnish were also there. After a much needed shower, lots of food and several beers on Ally, it was finally time to turn in. Oh, while eating, we ran into a former thru-hiker who runs a "hostel" on the coast of Maine. After finishing the hike, he offers thru-hikers the chance to unwind, regroup and say goodbyes while enjoying the ocean and fresh lobster. I just might have to take him up on his offer...
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Sherburne Pass Trail

To: Sherburne Pass Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Two days ago, I wasn't planning on stopping before I hit Hanover, NH. Last night, I planned to stop into the Inn for the night and hike out. Today...well, things change. After enjoying a big breakfast at the Inn, I was getting ready to hike out when I ran into two Long Trail hikers I'd met two or three days ago. They were looking for split a room someplace in town to keep the cost down. With the looks of rain in the sky, plus the enticement of live music at the Inn in the evening, I decided to accept. The day was spent wandering in Rutland, VT, eating, hitting the library, and eventually finding a great hole-in-the-wall tavern. That was our home for most of the evening. They also had live music (trust me, listening to a country version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album was...interesting.) I also learned what you get when you cross a bear with a deer. Anyone? Anyone?BEER!!!Several bears/deers later, we stumbled back to the motel and passed out for the night.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Sherburne Pass Trail

To: Sherburne Pass Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Time to finally get moving. Really. I mean it this time. I'm hitting the trail. What? Harmony's sister surprised her with a paid for room (actually two rooms) at the Inn at the Long Trail? I'm invited to take the second room? The pub is already open, and Guinness is flowing? Ok, ok, twist my arm. Another zero day.This one worked out well. In the mid-afternoon, a severe thunderstorm rolled through. When I say severe, I mean 70 mph winds, power at the Inn flickering, trees coming down, tornado warnings, lightning everywhere. Over the next few hours, any hiker within 10 miles seemed to flock to the Inn and shelter. Big Blue and Bill the Pony showed up. Walkin' Will wandered in. Yellow Snowman made an appearance. Several others found their way to the pub as well.The bar filled up quickly. The Inn was celebrating its 35th (or was it 30th) year of ownershop by the McGraths, and they had live music booked throughout the weekend. I saw an interesting slideshow, noting the Inn was first opened in the mid-30's to house skiers at one of Vermont's earliest downhill ski resorts. It was part of a resort that included a building built even earlier across the street (that had burned down in the 60's) by the Green Mountain Club as their headquarters, and located right on the Long Trail at the time. The Inn at the Long Trail was built with the local landscape in mind. Furniture built on-site, building over a massive boulder (and using it as a natural architectural element inside), etc... An interesting place.Chatting with other hikers, I eventually had to get some sleep. I really, really need to get hiking tomorrow. Really.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Sherburne Pass Trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After two unplanned yet thoroughly enjoyable zero days, it was time to get back on the trail. I was moving a bit slow (perhaps from a few too many beers?), starting out around 10am and moving at a slow pace. [I have to note that the Inn at the Long Trail has the best Guinness on the AT. I'll have to stop back there and pick up their tee-shirt that states: "Best Guinness on the Trail - Now Get Walking."] The weather was great (high 60's) but I had to watch for wet roots and rocks. The power of the thunderstorm that had passed through yesterday was evident, with several trees down across the trail.In the early afternoon I came to Stony Brook Shelter and got caught up reading a book. As the afternoon wore on, I decided to stay. I figured I'd hiked about 7 miles - perfect to complete "The James Bond Challenge." To accomplish this feat, you take two zero days, followed by a 7-mile day (007). A nice, relaxing day.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After all the zeros and neros, I knew I had to get moving. I need to hike 80 miles by Friday to meet Ally for a few days and celebrate my 35th birthday. In the past, this wouldn't be too difficult however the terrain is getting much harder, and hiking 20 miles a day will be tough.I was on the trail by 7am. With the AT heading directly east into New Hampshire, there were constant ups and downs. Most ridges run north to south, so instead of following the ridgeline, I was going up, over and down ridge after ridge. And these weren't nice, gentle hills. They were tough, steep climbs. It was great hiking, but draining. Walkin' Will, Choco and I hiked together most of the day. We treated ourselves to a pint of ice cream at a store just off the trail near a road crossing. We continued on, enjoying occasional views of the White Mountains, finally rolling into the shelter soon after dark. Tomorrow, New Hampshire!
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Overall, a good day. Knowing it would be an easy day, I got off to a late start around 9am. The trail was great, with pine needles underfoot, not too many rocks or roots, and more downhill than up. Within just a few miles I came across Walkin' Will, seated in an Adirondack chair, looking down into a beautiful valley. Soon after, we came into West Hartford, VT. With the trail going through town, we couldn't pass up the deli/country store on the route. Great food, great people. At the store were two southbounders, Talker Man, Bum Bum and a few others, with Choco rolling in as well. It was so relaxing, we hung out there for about 2 hours.Easy day or not, there was still hiking to do. After another easy 7 miles, the trail follows roadways from Norwich, VT all the way into Hanover, NH - about 2 miles. During that stretch, I came across a cooler full of watermelon for AT hikers (thanks parents of "The Brain", GA to ME '07), and an offer of snacks and a cold soda from another trail angel. What a way to finish Vermont! Crossing the Connecticut River, I entered my 13th state, New Hampshire. "Live Free or Die" - the state motto.Home of Dartmoth University, this is the last large trail town on my journey, and it's been hyped up by many over the past few months. After enjoying a Ben & Jerry shake and a shower at the college athletics building, I stashed my pack at the edge of town and searched for food and drink.I look forward to trail towns for a few reasons. Good food and a shower are givens. After that, I enjoy the chance to either 1) catch up with "old" thru-hiker friends, who invariably congregate in towns, or 2) get away from the AT for a bit and enjoy the company of people in the "real world." Unfortunately, neither of these was on the agenda. Since classes haven't started yet, Hanover was quiet. Very quiet. Very, very quiet. Very, very, very - ok, you get the idea. At a local bar/restaurant, I did run into some southbounders, as well as Baltimore Jack, who's from Hanover. Rather than catching up and having an enjoyable evening, I found myself in a heated debate about politics. A very frustrating debate. In essence, my "opponent" believes that all terrorism is caused by the Muslim community in general, and that every Muslim on earth wants to rape Christian women and cut everyone's heads off. An intelligent discussion with this as the premise was impossible. Finally escaping the bar, I returned to the edge of town, pulled out my sleeping bag, and cowboy camped. Tomorrow, after running a few errands (picking up a small mail drop, resupplying, buying new shoes, etc...) it's back to the trail.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

It was great sleeping under the stars. Up at first light, I was in town and finished by breakfast by 8am, bought a book by 8:30, picked up my mail when the post office opened, and then hit the library to use the internet. I thought I was doing well with time, but after updating my journal, eating lunch and making a few phone calls and hitting the store to resupply, it was 1pm. Hiking didn't start until after 2.Planning on a 16 mile day, the steep climbs persuaded me to stop even earlier. I pulled into the shelter just before 7pm and found Critters Dad, whom I haven't seen in over a month. Two trail angels also showed up, carting up water to leave at the shelter. A good thing, too, as the water source up here is barely a trickle. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Talker Man rolled in and we enjoyed good company and a gorgeous moonrise. Got to get up early to make up the miles...
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Moose Mtn. Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

I'm tired, beat, worn out, exhausted. It was a tough day. It started out easy, up before dawn and hiking by 7. There were some good climbs that got me sweating, calves burning and short of breath, but not too bad. At a road crossing there was a sign for water at a nearby house, and the owner - Bill - came out with ice cream sandwiches for Walkin' Will and myself. Then the real climbing started.It's only a 2,100 foot elevation gain up Smarts Mountain, but it seems like much, much more. New Hampshire doesn't believe in switch backs (trails that cut across the incline, on a Z pattern.) Trails go straight up, mo matter how steep. And this particular mountain...it's not satisfied with going straight up. Oh, no. Once you get about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it drops about 400 feet, so you then have to go up again. It kicked my butt!!! I don't remember a climb this tough since Tennessee!It was nice on the top, with a firetower and a cabin that serves as a shelter. But after an hour, I had to get moving again. I was looking at a 25-mile day (massive in this terrain) which would give me a 17-mile day tomorrow. So down I went. A few miles later, while getting water at a brook, lightning flashed overhead - literally. It was close! It's been hot and humid for the last few days, and it was time for a good thunderstorm. Just not when I'm on the trail!With 1 1/2 miles - mostly uphill - to the next shelter, I started moving very, very quickly. I just couldn't outrun the storm. Soaked from a strong rain I pushed on, going over exposed rocks and dancing with lightning. It was a fast, exhausting mile and a half. Of course, the shelter is 0.3 miles off the trail -- and all uphill!! "*#$%#@&" was the comment I was muttering when I saw that. But a shelter never looked so good. Shutterbug, a flip-flopper now heading south, was already there. Walkin' Will showed up a bit later. Finally dry, I ...........THIS JOURNAL ENTRY HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED DUE TO FALLING ASLEEP....made dinner and decided to stay for the night. Not sure how I'll make it to North Woodstock in time to meet Ally tomorrow, but I'll figure it out in the morning. Got to sleep for now.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: NH25

To: NH25
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, another zero day. This one wasn't planned, though. I'd planned on hiking ten miles over Mt. Moosilauke, a 3,200 foot climb, and the largest so far on the trail. Well, getting out of the bed and breakfast early just didn't happen. So instead, Ally and I took our time and enjoyed the day. We made our way to Lincoln, NH to Chet's Place, a hostel further up the trail, where I dropped off food and other supplies I wouldn't need for a day or two. Then on to the Hiker Hostel in Glencliff, where I'll spend the night and get going early in the morning. After driving a group of thru-hikers to the store to pick up some food and beer, Ally got back on the road to New York. Thank you so much for the birthday weekend hun. It was a blast!!There's a large gathering of hikers here this evening. Everyone's watching a great, classic and highly intellectual film: Team America - World Police. It will be an interesting night. Time to go.