morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Goddard Shelter, VT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a quick 10 mile hike of four hours, Guillermo and I found ourselves on VT9 trying to hitch in Bennington. Of course we failed miserably and sked a lady from Bennington after she dropped off a SOBO (Deep-Dish) and a NOBO at the trailhead parking lot for a ride. Without hesitation she obliged and took us into town.We were dropped off at the Friendly's and Shell, and being in town our first mission was to buy something, anything from the Shell station. An ice cream later, weheard about the Vortex from a local and went across the street to find it.The Vortex is aptly named because it is a free, trail magic hoster owned by Chris and Arla, two hippies, of course. Arla was very nice and let us stay in the barn which was more of a "pool house" barn because of the billiards table taking up most of the foor space. It was very nice. Toys, posters, postcards and pictures lined the walls. Then we got to see the house.Arla first gave us a tour of the kitchen, computer and bathroom, but after that, she was much more interested in showing us her art. She's a sculptor and her specialty is artistic bicycle sculptures, which hang in her studio, on her porch, and around town. She's obviously into "local" art and urban revival.We borrowed some bikes from the bike share and rode off to do our laundry. Of course, we enjoyed our free hot shower and towel first. Stopped at the service station and almost got our bikes stolen. Found the laundry and went to the library. No time to wait so back to the laundry and a resupply at the Dollar General store. Had a snack of hot dogs at a street food place and dinner at a brewery. Yum, food and beer. Time to chill and sleep. Fun fact: Robert Frost is buried in Bennington.
Date: 2010-08-25
From: Bennington, VT

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 20.0

Good Morning! I had a good stay at the Vortex in Bennington, VT. It's a pretty chill place. On to Mass!Had a good day- 20 miles in 8 hours. I didn't even hit the trail after leaving Bennington, VT, until 1 pm, and now, I'm in Williamstown, MA. Guillermo and I had a good dinner at Desperados (for free!!) and will sleep at the Howard Johnson. Good times. We'll be meeting another Trail Angel named Rob Bird tomorrow for a slack pack over Mt. Greylock. It's perfect! I normally wouldn't do this but it's free and just too convenient. Tomorrow, we'll have our second day of walking from town to town to Dalton. Here we come!Also, we passed into Massachusetts tonight around 7:00 pm. I took a great picture!
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slack pack=Party Pack. Had a great day slackpacking 23 miles to Dalton with Guillermo and 3 NOBOS (Boston, Apocalypse and Thor) Yeah, they had to hike south for the day! Greylock was steep and the last 3,000 ft mountain until Virginia. There's a road and a hut on top. Nice Break. I took a picture of the giant statue on top. Spent most of the day talking to Apocalypse and Thor. Apocalypse started in mid June and has hauled ass while Thor is a great guy that lived in Knoxville and went to UT. Good trail conversations. Met up with Deep-Dish and Paul Bunion, two other SOBOS at the Bird Cage, great place, good stay! Rob really knows how to treat hikers. Now on to Upper Goose Pond for a zero!
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Dalton, MA

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started to leave town but hit the Post Office. Had to stock up for our Zero at Upper Goose Pond. Breakfast was ice cream at Tom Lavardy's in Dalton, and then a soda at the trailhead.Deep-Dish, Guillermo and I headed out together but after much walking, Deep-Dish pushed on. He's a very fast hiker who just got the slack pack record at the Bird Cage-5 hours and 12 minutes. We met back up with Deep-Dish at the Cookie Lady's house and blueberry patch on Washington Mountain Road. Spent half an hour picking berries but the only ones that went into the bucket were the ones that missed my mouth. We had to pick them for our pancakes and coffee at Upper Goose. Looking forward to our zero...that's why we've been pushing. Endless miles, a break at the MA Turnpike pedestrian bridge, and then eventually arrival for our ZERO!
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Dalton, MA

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a great zero day at Upper Goose Pond Cabin today. The caretaker made coffee and pancakes, delicious but got up earlier than I wanted so we could eat. Paul Bunion had stayed the night and got a late start leaving. We did a work for stay by taking the canoe on a trip to the spring to get 7 gallons of water. The caretaker had to go into town so left us in charge. We spent the time on the porch reading and relaxing. Even had macaroni and cheese for lunch. The pond and rope swing provided some fun and we took the canoe out on the pond to an island and down the channel to Lower Goose Pond. It was a super day of rest and a break from the town activities on zero days. Back on the trail tomorrow with 42 miles to Conn.
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Limestone Spring Lean-to, CT

To: Pine Swamp Lean-to, CT
Miles today: 12.3

Sweaty night at Pine Swamp. The bugs were as bad as in Maine. Guillermo slept in his tent in the shelter and I slept in my hammock in front of the shelter, no chance of rain whatsoever. Even though it was hot and muggy, I had to sleep on top of my Z-Rest in my hammock because the mosquitoes were biting me through the hammock bottom.
Date: 2010-09-13
From: Jim Murry's Cabin, NJ

To: Gren Anderson Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Had an excellent stay at Jim Murray's cabin last night and an even better stay the night before (9/11) at the Outhouse in Unionville, NY. Arriving late at the Outhouse, we got 2 meals, shower, laundry etc. for $10.00. Well deserved too! Bill and Butch were just too good of company. By that I mean they were grumpy but funny old men!On 9/12 we had a late start and resupply. Took lunch at the bar where Guillermo got to watch the Cincinatti Bengals lose. We packed up some beers and stayed at Jim's cabin 1.8 miles south. Big Day!!Today we woke up late and talked with Jim for the second time. Nice guy. During lunch we found some food the the Jersey boys (Holden, Creamer, and Gramps) had left for us. Dodged an afternoon thunder/hail storm at the next shelter so we collected rain water because it's so dry. Got to Gren Anderson late.
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Gren Anderson Shelter, NJ

To: Mohican Outdoor Ctr., NJ
Miles today: 20.9

Woke up in the shelter with it all to myself. Semi-early start. Stopped by the firetower for a second and then down to Branchville, NJ for some water. Bought a coffee and sandwich at Joe-to-Go and the grumpy old man refused to give us any water. Trying to avoid treating pond water, we walked down to the next place, a bar. Open at 10:00 am we went in for beers/water. Two hours, two beers, a hotdog and fries later, we hit the trail again fully tanked...with water! Terrain was a joke. Not even trying, Guillermo and I walked segments between Gren Anderson and Mohican Center at 3-4 miles per hour. Spent the night at Mohican Center, the AMC's southernmost place. Camped for free, bought two cokes and shower and extensivley used their lobby and facilities. Very nice and the shower felt great!!
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Mohican Outdoor Ctr., NJ

To: Kirk Ridge Shelter, PA
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up in New Jersey and will be sleeping in Pennsylvania tonight! It feels so good to knock out another state, and I'm even more excited because the halfway point is close and so is Harpers Ferry even though that is still a ways off. So, we saw no bears in NJ or NY. Guess we smell too bad. However, we had a peasant stay at the Mohican Center. It was cold last night so I was glad to be able to make and eat breakfast in the lodge. Ten uneventful miles later, we found ourselves in Delaware Water Gap. The bridge crossing was fun. I think our new favorte pastime is to wave at cars and get trucks to blow their horn. Let's just say we were popular today. Long bridge walk though!Picked up my bounce box and took out my down jacket and rain pants. the weight is not welcome but the warmth is. Quick stop at a pizza place. The outfitter had closed early, bummer. We have to go into another town tomorrow because the quick marts were not good resupplies.
Date: 2010-09-17
From: Smith Gap Road, PA

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter, PA
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After crawling out of bed at 8:00am this morning I spent the entire day exhausted. We stayed up until nearly 1:00am talking to John Stempa. Don't stay up that late ever these days! Anyway, had a slow start hitting the trail after 10:00am. Exhausted, didn't I already say that!? Hiked through the Palmerton Superfund Site. Terrain is very rocky and we stopped early at 5:00pm because night hiking was unattractive. Oh well!
Date: 2010-09-27
From: James Frye Shelter, PA

To: Toms Run Shelters, PA
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: moderate rain

Just passed the midway point after walking in rain all day. I mean big drops of rain. Haven't been this wet yet. But, now that I'm halfway, the miles are counting down. Harpers Ferry and a visit with my parents, here I come!Also, Guillermo and I ate lunch in a bathroom at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. At around 1:30pm we hit the park. Suspecting the half gallon challenge place to be closed we dried out and ate lunch in the bathroom whick was actually very nice, dry and clean with hand dryers-useful for more than your hands. Power plugs, benches and showers. Very Nice!
Date: 2010-09-28
From: Toms Run Shelters, PA

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter, PA
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Got in half decent miles today but I want to get back to the twenties. Getting picked up tomorrow by the parents. Not sure when or where, but looking forward to it. Falling asleep in Rocky Mountain Shelter after meeting a flipflopper, Double A.Maryland tomorrow!!
Date: 2010-09-29
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter, PA

To: Hotel in Frederick, MD
Miles today: 16.0

Hiked in light rain off and on all day. Parents drove up from Knoxville and were waiting at Pen-Mar County Park where we crossed the state line and the Mason-Dixon. Dad hiked with us to High Rock and we got three more miles in. Mom picked the three of us up at the point where hanggliders jump and fly out over the Pennsylvania countryside. Crazy grafitti on the rocks!
Date: 2010-09-30
From: Hotel in Frederick, MD

To: Towns Inn in Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

The rain is coming down so the guys are glad to be indoors these two nights. The tropical depression moved up the coast dropping inches of rain. Good timing to be dry in hotels. After getting up and repacking packs, they decide to hike even in the downpour in order to make the mileage to get back to Harpers Ferry early on Saturday. Temperature in the mid 70s and very windy. Mom drives to drop off at Pen-Mar and then plans the pick up at the parking lot near the footbridge over I-70. Dad goes along with One Pace and Guillermo for the afternoon. Dark and foggy at the finish but a good dinner and hot showers make it a good mileage day in spite of the weather.
Date: 2010-10-01
From: Towns Inn in Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Knoxville, MD
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

One Pace's parents drove the guys back to the I-70 footbridge after dropping off some items at the hostel where they plan to spend the night. It's a beautiful cool clear day following all the rain. Will be windy but great weather for hiking. One Pace picked up his replacement boots from Lowa at Harpers Ferry PO and reports later that they felt great. They arrive at hostel with pizza and spend the night there with Double A. Pancakes in the morning and off to Harpers Ferry to pick up Guillermo's boxes at the PO and have their pictures made at the ATC and be counted as offical SOBOS.
Date: 2010-10-02
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Knoxville, MD

To: Blackburn AT Center, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another terrific day. Woke up at the hostel in Knoxville, Maryland, (thanks mom and dad) after an exhilarating night talking with "AA" (AT flip-flopper) and another family. Free pancake breakfast with leftover pizza!! Yum!! Pack is really heavy though due to the abundance of food that mom loaded me down with. I probably should have thought about what I was taking before I took it, but when all the food was just lying there, I had to take it all. Besides, I'll eat it. I know I need the calories.Left the hostel a little before 10 am and had to walk 1.2 m back to the trail, which sucked. I hate road walks, but the trail into Harpers Ferry was nice and flat. I loved that tow path. It followed the old canal system by the river. Too bad trains were invented...Moreover, we made it to Harpers! Big AT milestone. We really enjoyed the ATC visitor center too. I relaxed, wrote some post cards, checked the hiker log to see some new faces, chatted with Dave (the welcome center guy), and generally, sat on display like an animal in a zoo for all the "tourist" types who walked in. Good times.However, we got sucked in a little bit, wasted time, and left only around 4 pm. Of course, we had to check out the outfitter on our way out... Should have bought an ultra-light hammock that was incorrectly priced at $20... Oh well.Yet, we hiked on out. "Black Eagle" (another sobo that we just met) left before us and must have camped at the shelter we planned to stay at, but on the way, we heard about an ATC/PATC party-pig roast at the Blackburn AT Center, so we decided to crash the party and possibly get something to eat.Super full on BBQ, veggies, tamales, and dessert. Even though we night hiked to get here, it was well worth it. However, they are all drunk and won't share any more wine than they already gave us, so Guillermo and I called it at 10 pm to go to the shelter and sip some whiskey. Shelter/Hostel is nice. Bunks. Wood stove (no wood!). And it's all to ourselves. Good day. Good night.
Date: 2010-10-03
From: Blackburn AT Center, VA

To: Sam Moore Shelter, VA
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a very nice breakfast with the PATC after I had fixed my own. From talking with Steve ("Sore Foot"), Guillermo, Black Eagle(who had arrived just in time), and I were offered a short slack pack 9 miles to Bear's Den Hostel. We were glad to accept. Nine miles later and crossing the 1,000 mile mark, we arrived at the hostel at 3 pm (AKA very lazy slack packing). Picked up our bags, drank some sodas, checked email and watched football. Out by 4 pm.A few miles later, we arrived at Sam Moore Shelter to find Boss Lady and Sherpa, two other SOBOs we had been following in the shelter logs. Naturally, we stopped early to talk and socialize with new SOBO friends. Cool couple, but they had been stopped for 2 days due to the fact Boss Lady had been stricken with Poison Ivy in a very uncomfortable place. HA!
Date: 2010-10-04
From: Sam Moore Shelter, VA

To: Dick's Dome Shelter, VA
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started out late. Nearly 11 am. Partly due to rain and good company. Wet and cold today, but fortunately no rain. Tucking in at Dick's Dome with Black Eagle and Guillermo in tow. Two other old guys too... Not excited about the snoring.Should have pitched the tent like Guillermo did. Worst night of sleep yet.
Date: 2010-10-05
From: Dick's Dome Shelter, VA

To: Tom Floyd Wayside, VA
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much happened today. It was overcast most all day. Actually kind of cold. We spent the night at Tom Floyd after arriving right at dark. Shorter days now. Black Eagle, 2 other guys and an ex-Army dude were good company. We are almost in the Shenandoahs! Plus, I saw a bear cub today!
Date: 2010-10-06
From: Tom Floyd Wayside, VA

To: Stealth Campsite, SNP, VA
Miles today: 17.2

Entered Shenandoah National Park today and it was a good day of walking. I'm glad to be back in real mountains. The trail conditions are excellent! I saw a bear on the trail. It was my first really good sighting but no chance for a picture. Tried to camp at a locked cabin, but our plan to dump gear and hike .9 miles to a wayside for a beer was foiled when an odd couple arrived who had rented the cabin. After having an awkward conversation with them, we walked to the wayside and it was already closed. Still can't believe they sell beer in a NP. We ended up stealth camping near an intersection with the AT. Earlier in the day, "Dr. Dick", a shelter maintainer, gave us a tip on all the good stealth sites in the park. It was the first full day in Shenandoah where we picked up Black Eagle. We will probably hike with him for a time.
Date: 2010-10-07
From: Stealth Campsite, SNP, VA

To: Rock Spring Hut, SNP, VA
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Got an earlier start today at 9:00am. Stopped by a good spring and hiked until we got up to Mary's Rock. What a view! Dropped packs at the junction and climbed up and down the rocks. It was a beautiful warm day with a great mountain. Took a break at Eagle's Nest #3 and talked with a ranger, then we pushed on until we got to Skyland Restaurant where Guillermo and I enjoyed a great dinner. Had a bowl of soup, fried chicken and ham sandwich, Pepsi, fries and ice cream, blackberry at that! Coffee too! We left Skyland in the dark and wind, hiking a 4.5 mile night hike. Looking forward to a shower and laundry tomorrow in a campsite!
Date: 2010-10-08
From: Rock Spring Hut, SNP, VA

To: Bear Fence Mountain Hut, SNP, VA
Miles today: 11.5

Short day today. I guess that's what happens when you take 2 1 1/2 hour breaks. We did laundry and took showers at Big Meadows Campground, and then resupplied on snack food at the Wayside there. Had some beers too. Still can't believe a NP sells beer!Talked to a nice older couple, Ruth and Hal who told us all about their thru hike in 1987, a good year! I was born in '87!Called it early. Why not? We will go for an easy 20 tomorrow. Also, did the rock scramble over Bear Fence Mountain. It was spectacular! I felt like i was back up north!
Date: 2010-10-09
From: Bear Fence Mountain Hut, SNP, VA

To: Pinefield Hut, SNP, VA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Good night last night in my hammock. The Shelter was crowded so I camped. I didn't really feel like listening to a three guy snoring competition.Twenty easy miles today. We took lunch at South River Campground where we bumped into Ruth and Hal again. Such a nice AT couple. We hope to see them around their home near Brown Mt., VA. Told them about Trailjournals.com.Not much to report, just kept moving all day. We are at this hut with about 20 other hikers due to the Columbus Day weekend. The park is packed. I'm camping again to take a break from the 20 question game although it is an ego booster to talk about my hike.Plan to stop by Loft Mtn. Wayside to re-supply on snack food. I've already eaten my way through the snacks I have bought. Just can't stop eating.
Date: 2010-10-10
From: Pinefield Hut, SNP, VA

To: Stealth Camp, SNP, VA
Miles today: 17.2

Stopped by the wayside a noon. Had a late start but that's ok. I met a girl from Taiwan last night named "Hot Pants". She had just finished with the Rocky Top Crew in the Smokies and had plenty of stories to share about some friends we have in common, Glen and Jameson. The campstore was nice and I bought enough snacks to get me to Waynesboro! We hiked on and cooked dinner at a shelter because we planned to stealth camp on a ridge tonight near mile 1320.We made a great camp and I hung the best bear bag yet!Shenandoah National Park is beautiful. I love it but there are just too many people.
Date: 2010-10-11
From: Stealth Camp, SNP, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked on out of the park and to Waynesboro this morning. The trail conditions toward the end were kind of annoying. We got to the road, hitched a ride and found the YMCA where we had a good shower and got cleaned up! Set up camp back of the YMCA near the river.As we were leaving the Y, Black Eagle, who was an hour behind us on the trail, pulled up in a car with a NOBO we met in Vermont outside the Inn at Long Trail. Timon finished his hike on Oct. 2. Well, we were in for a treat because he and his sister bought us sodas, took us to the library, bought us dinner at Mings, an AYCE Chinese buffet, and helped us resupply at Krogers. He and his sister were too generous, but it was so nice! Waynesboro has been a great place! Would recommend a Zero here!
Date: 2010-10-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Maupin Field Shelter, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up around 7:00, packed up and took a shower. Of course we bought too much food at Krogers. We picked up our boxes at the PO and all I wanted were my maps so bounced to Pearisburg. We ate breakfast at Weasies where we met Margarita, a Trail Angel, who waited for us to eat and do laundry. I think she enjoyed watching. What a dear, sweet old lady! She took us to the outfitter to buy fuel and back to the trail! We hit the trail late but were determined to make this shelter. The 4.5 hour night hike sucked and we didn't get into the shelter until 11:00pm but we did it.I have been on the trail 100 days today having taken only 6 zeros. That's alot of hiking days! Guillermo has me by 2 days!
Date: 2010-10-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter, VA

To: The Priest Shelter, VA
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Good day though woke up late after that dumb night hike. Hiked over Three Ridges and The Priest today. What a day, but not at all as difficult as anticipated. Switch-backs make life so much easier. Tonight I am in the shelter with Guillermo, Black Eagle, Sassafrass, and Daddy Long Legs, two section hikers.
Date: 2010-10-14
From: The Priest Shelter, VA

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter, VA
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: moderate rain

The nights are starting to get cooler. Woke up to rain, but it stopped before breaking camp. Sassafras and Daddy Long Legs beat us out of the shelter. Maybe they were getting tired of thru-hiker company. No matter, we'll see them tonight.Cloudy, windy and cold. First stop was at Spy Rock and even though the weather was not permitting, Guillermo and I climbed up to see a gray view. Oh well. The clouds broke for a seoond, and we both agreed this wilderness area would be good to visit again. We are convinced Spy Rock would normally be spectacular. Black Eagle arrived after we came down and agreed a return would be good.Stopped in at Seeley-Woodworth Shelter for lunch. A local from Lynchburg named "Muddy Waters" arrived too. Nice guy. He gave us the lowdown on resupply and the hiker shelter in Glasgow, VA. I know I will be seeing my parents near there so I might not get to experience this newly hiker friendly town. An almost empty bottle of cheap bourbon left at the shelter lifted our spirits but the rain before and after lunch didn't.Easy hiking today. We saw a swing at Hog Camp Gap so we had to stop and play, at least for a little bit. Finally, only one last climb over Cold Mountain separated us from home at Cow Camp Gap Shelter and surprisingly or not so enough, we were in no rush. Cold Mountain was spectacular and beautiful. Cold, yes, but I'm so happy to be back in the southern Appalachians. We stayed to watch the sunset, getting in to the shelter after dark. It was a good day even with the early morning and mid afternoon weather and ending with a cold night.