morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Out House, Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Tue Jun 2, Day 84: Today we left bright and early. Made it to the Heaven Hill Farm here at NJ94 which is near Vernon, NJ. Found a store with pies and that sort of thing. I found a half-price blueberry pie, got an orange and a root beer. Split that with Hot Wheels. Chilled out for a while to rest up for the next trek up the mountan. We made it to the Wawayanda Shelter, about five miles further on the trail. It¢s been a great day. Weather was overcast and threatening rain but the sun kept trying to break through. No problems here. Everything¢s fine on the AT! Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Holiday Inn Express, Ft Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 14.2

Thu Jun 4, Day 86. Got up at my normal time and was on the trail by 0630 hrs. My hiking partner, Hot Wheels, did not make it into the shelter last night and ended up camping about a mile away from the shelter. He simply ran out of daylight almost like I did. The rain has held off today but the rocks are stilled covered with wetness. I am hyper-observant of these damp rocks especially since I fell so many times yesterday. My goal is to remain vertical! The trail is heading mostly downhill from the shelter as it approaches the Hudson River, which by the way, is the lowest elevation on the entire AT. Somewhere as I close in on the Hudson River I get lost and end up back tracking to find the white blazes. Thank goodness it's only a small diversion. I get turned around again as I try to find my way to the town of Fort Montgomery. I walk over the Hudson River bridge before realizing I should have turned left at a traffic circle on the other end of the bridge- ARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!! These little diversions cause me to reach town an hour and a half later than expected. To make matters worse I have to hump 1.6 miles further just to reach the motels! I finally check into a Holiday Inn Express, grab a shower, then walk 0.8 mile back to the Post Office to get my maildrops. I have a new pair of boots here since the Pennsylvania rocks have really done a number on the ones I currently wear. Getting new boots is always a highlight for me.Hot Wheels makes it into town so we split the room and both agree a Zero Day is in order. My legs need the rest. I can tell since they have felt so heavy over the past three days. I'm working on the audio post and should have it online soon. Please keep checking back in! Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt. Algo Lean-To
Miles today: 21.1

Mon Jun 8, Day 90. [transcriber's note: The Machine is cranking the mileage back up!] The Great Adventure has now officially reached New England! Crossed into Connecticut at mile 1444.4, then trail wandered back and forth across the NY-CT line for a few miles. Spent the night in the Mt. Algo Lean-To, near Kent, CT. Details to follow, in the meantime listen to the audio journal (below) for an update from Kent.The guidebook gives this ominous warning about the Constitution State: Camping in Connecticut is permitted only at designated sites, and no fires are permitted anywhere. Ridgerunners patrol in summer months and most spring and fall weekends. Looks like Big Brother may be watching for the next 50 miles... Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Caesar Brook campsite mi 1469.5

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

Wed Jun 10, Day 92. Making the miles through Connecticut. Plan a Nero day tomorrow in Salisbury, CT. Details to follow. Click here for audio journalLast Page Note:This journal is updated twice - first from the audio posts (that happens fairly quickly) and then again when Spokes sends in his paper journals and pictures and video to be uploaded to the site. The second ("full") updates contain lots more detail but take a little longer (OK, a lot longer) - so keep checking back to see previous days that have been updated. It's worth the wait, there are pictures and videos on the pages for each day's hike. New update Wed 6/3: As of today, the full updates are current through April 16, Day 37. It's worth your time to go back and check them out
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Limestone Springs Lean-to

To: Maria McCabe's, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: broken clouds

Thu Jun 11, Day 93. 3.4 miles into Salisbury, CT. Today will be a Nero Day. Details to follow. Click here for audio journalLast Page Note:This journal is updated twice - first from the audio posts (that happens fairly quickly) and then again when Spokes sends in his paper journals and pictures and video to be uploaded to the site. The second ("full") updates contain lots more detail but take a little longer (OK, a lot longer) - so keep checking back to see previous days that have been updated. It's worth the wait, there are pictures and videos on the pages for each day's hike. New update Wed 6/3: As of today, the full updates are current through April 16, Day 37. It's worth your time to go back and check them out
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Maria McCabe's, Salisbury, CT

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 14.1

Fri Jun 12, Day 94. Welcome to Massachusetts! Crossed the CT-MA border at mile 1495.9, then broke the 1500 mile barrier just before arriving at the Hemlocks Lean-to. Still rain and clouds. Check out the audio journal for a more complete update. Click here for audio journalLast Page Note:This journal is updated twice - first from the audio posts (that happens fairly quickly) and then again when Spokes sends in his paper journals and pictures and video to be uploaded to the site. The second ("full") updates contain lots more detail but take a little longer (OK, a lot longer) - so keep checking back to see previous days that have been updated. It's worth the wait, there are pictures and videos on the pages for each day's hike. New update Wed 6/3: As of today, the full updates are current through April 16, Day 37. It's worth your time to go back and check them out
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7

Sat Jun 13, Day 95. Dedicated this day of hiking to Ricky and Sharon and the rest of the Boogiers (see below). Not sure how their day went but for me it was almost 20 miles spent serving as a buffet for approximately 1,000,000 mosquitoes. Even 100% DEET doesn't seem to be making that much of a difference. Ended up at the Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to.It's Boogie Day! At 1800 EDT this evening my good friends Ricky and Sharon take on the Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie 50 Miler. They will run through the night with other members of the Mangum Track Club. Stay strong, Ricky and Sharon! Good luck to all MTCers and the rest of the Boogie 50 milers and Marathoners.SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Ricky and Sharon BOTH finished the 50 mile run. How many 100 mile couples do you know? Congratulations, Ricky and Sharon! Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Sun Jun 14, Day 96. I sound like a broken record but it rained hard last night. Definitelty the hardest rainfall of the entire trip. So glad to be under cover. The result was horrible trail conditions. I have not seen as much water on the trail since the Smokies. It was like walking in a creek! There were ankle deep puddles on the trail and swift water flowing in all the streams. Wet walking, click on picture to see full size Soggy trail - or is that a creek?Yes, there were green, slimy, slippery rocks but luckily I did not fall once. I refuse to let the slippery rocks be my nemesis! Some of the creek crossings were difficult since the high water covered the normal stepping stones. Talk about mud! We had our share of it today. I'm very surprised about how much bog and swamp-like land there is in Massachusetts. The only consolation was it was a pretty easy walk. The mosquitos are out in force even though I douse my body a couple of times a day with 100% DEET. They mostly attack as soon as you enter a hemlock stand. Hmmmm. The trail winds around rocksThe destination today is the Upper Goose Pond Cabin which is a caretaker facility. It's a big house with bunks upstairs and a kitchen, fireplace, and den downstairs. There is no power in the entire cabin. They serve pancakes in the morning! Yum. Upper Goose Pond CabinI arrive about 1400 hours and there are two other hikers here, Claire and Ferro. They have been flip-slopping around the trail. Thru-hikers Claire and FerroI meet the caretaker Dave and his daughter Michelle. All the caretakers do one week stints and it's all voluntary. They have about twenty volunteers who manage the cabin. Cool! Goose Pond caretaker Dave DessertThe Upper Goose Pond is just down the hill from the cabin and offers picturesque views. If it wasn't so chilly I'd take a dip. Upper Goose Pond Upper Goose Pond Canoe on Upper Goose Pond Upper Goose PondMy chores now include trying to dry out my boots and equipment. That will be tough. If all goes well I should be in Dalton, MA tomorrow. I'll need to resupply but only enough to get up and over Mt. Greylock. That should be a beast. Bring it on!p.s.: Pulled a deer tick off the outside of my left leg today. Man, was it tiny!Boogie Day Update! Early this morning, Ricky and Sharon BOTH finished the 50 mile run. How many 100 mile couples do you know? Congratulations, Ricky and Sharon! Click here to see pictures from the 50 and read race reports Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Home of Tom Levardi, Dalton, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 20.3

Tue Jun 16, Day 98. This morning we left Tom's house and walked down the street to eat breakfast at Duff and Dell's Variety. Hot Wheels and I are on the road by 0700 hours. Duff and Del's Variety - they offer a killer breakfast in Dalton. MA!Click on picture to see full size AT blaze in the middle of Dalton, MA How nice - a place for me to cross Beautiful pond and cabin on the trail to Wilbur Clearing Our trek will take us up and over Mt. Greylock, the highest climb since Virginia. At 3,491' it should wake up the quads!Suprisingly, the hike wasn't too bad. The trail was still wet and muddy in spots. We reached the summit at about 1500 hours and sat around resting. Summit of Mt Greylock War Memorial Tower atop Mt. Greylock View from summit of Mt. Greylock Spokes on summit of Mt. Greylock View from summit of Mt. GreylockI struck up a conversation with a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Resources (DCR) emplyee and found out they had a small snack shop open inside the Bascom Lodge. The Lodge has been closed a couple of years due to a road renovation project and since then has been taken over by a private group. It is officially slated to re-open on July 4, 2009. Bascom Lodge Pure Cane Soda - High Test!From here we only have 3.1 miles to go to reach our shelter at the Wilbur Clearing Lean-to (elevation 2,325'). It's pretty old (built 1970) but functional. Two section hikers join us later in the evening.Tidbits and Observations:T&O One: My feet are pretty bad off with some extra hot spots developing on the interior and exterior heel area. It is due to the wet socks and boots. Nothing to do but keep them powdered in the evening and wish for sunny weather. Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Wed Jun 17, Day 99. It got really chilly last night. I also noticed the side stitching on the zipper baffle on the LaFuma sleeping bag coming undone. Bummer - the bag has been on the trail less than two months! I'll try to call when I can to see how well they honor their warranty.The sun peeked out today but the trail continues to be a muddy mess. Muy boots just won't dry out and my feet are taking a beating. I've been keeping mercurichrome and neosporin on the hot spots. I hope that keeps them from getting any worse. Moleskin helps. If only my socks would stay dry.Hot Wheels and I walked about three miles to the MA State Route 2 road crossing then went left 0.4 mile. This is North Adams and there we found a Stop and Shop grocery. I devoured three large deli donuts and a large cup of strong black coffee first, then began shopping. You know you're never supposed to grocery shop on an empty stomach. I got four days food and a ton of snacks.I found out my old buddy Jerry Sennett is in Bennington, VT visiting his mother. I called him and if it all works out I'll see him tomorrow!After grocery shopping the pack feels heavy. Public Water but No Trespassing?This sign makes no sense.Click on picture to see full size. Yikes!!!Back on the trail I have several tough climbs. It's slow going but manageable. I stop every two hours for a break. That always helps.The highlight of the day was crossing over into Vermont - the Green Mountain State. I can't wait to experience it! The Vermont Border One more state!Funny, but someone wrote in the trail register "Welcome to Vermud." How true. There is a lot of mud and water on the trail. The bugs have not been too bad which is always a plus. Beautiful pond on the trail to Congdon ShelterAt about 1615 hours I pull into the Congdon Shelter which is right on the trail. There is a stream right in front of it and plenty of trees around to hang a clothesline. I get water, treat it, then get into my night clothes. Evething then gets hung up to air out. I immediately tend to my feet. They look pretty nasty but feel good once out of those wet boots and socks.Soon several other hikers show up. It's a full house with two others tenting. Tomorrow should be Bennington, VT and if all goes well a nice visit with my friend. Later... Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: moderate rain

Thu Jun 18, Day 100! I woke up about 0100 hours to the pitter patter of rain on the shelter roof. I couldn't help but sigh and roll over in my sleeping bag and try to get as much good sleep as I could. My wristwatch went off as usual at 0510 and 0520 hours. I changed into my trail clothes and fixed instant cream of wheat and coffee. It took the chill off.Hot Wheels was packed and ready to go. The slosh of boots hitting mud tells me I'm back on the trail. The rain is cold and relentless. Yes, the rocks and exposed roots are slippery. After a brief climb the descent to VT9 and Bennington begins. Once at the highway Hot Wheels and I say our goodbyes. he'll press on while I call my old buddy Jerry Sennett who is visiting his Mom in town for a stay. As I begin to take off my backpack to get my cell phone I hear a car horn. An SUV has stopped and a lady yells at me wondering if I need a ride. "Yes!" I reply. I put my backpack and poles in the back and crawl in the rear seat. My Trail Angel is Betsy, a midwife, who works in Bennington. She offers me a fresh apple and five organic energy bars. Wow! I really enjoyed talking with her. Betsy drops me off at the square in downtown Bennington and I call Jerry Sennett who's surprised that I'm already in his home town. In minutes Jerry pulls up and we head over to his Mother's house. I grab a quick shower and wash my clothes. Man, does it feel good to be clean and dry! Jerry and I catch up and eat lunch. He then drives me to the local outfitter to get fuel. I'm even lucky to see a matinee movie with Jerry and his (grown up) kids Jenifer and Christopher. After the movie we go to the grocery store so I can pick up some odds and ends. The evening activities include attending a graduation party for a relative. I am so fortunate to have good friends and happy the AT hike took me through Bennington VT while Jerry was here. It was good to have some real food and a real bed. Thanks for the hospitality! Spokes, Christopher, Jerry's Mom, Jerry, Jenifer; click on picture to see full size. Jerry and Spokes - retired guys sure look relaxed!Tomorrow I'll be back on the trail. The weather calls for rain for the next five days and cooler temperatures. I say "Bring it on!!" Oh, by the way my LaFuma x650 Pro 40 degree bag has developed a tear along the inside zipper baffle. That should not happen, especially after only six weeks on the trail. I called LaFuma and explained the problem and without missing a beat they agreed to send me a new bag. I will return this one to them upon delivery of the replacement. Now that's customer service!
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Bennington, VT

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Fri Jun 19, Day 101. Man, did it feel great sleeping in a real bed last night! My head hit the pillow and I was out like a light. I woke up early and did the usual routine. Jerry got up at 0600 hours and started breakfast. Eggs, toast, English muffins, OJ, and coffee. It made my belly happy. We drove through downtown Bennington so I could get some pictures then headed off for the trail head. What a wonderful time I had visiting Jerry and his family. I appreciate the Trail Magic! Watch out for the aggressive moose in Bennington!Click on picture to see full size. A golden moose Wonder if we can ride this thing Town Square in Bennington I never saw a Blue Moose, I never hope to see one...On the trail at 0700 hours. Overcast and drizzle. I hunker down for a climb up Glastenbury Mountain (3,748', 2,400' up from where I'm starting). It's not too bad considering the muddy conditions. Roaring stream on the trail North of BenningtonI stop at the Goddard Shelter (about mile 10 for the day) and the Kid Gore Shelter (4 miles past Goddard) to eat then press on. Checking out the map in the Goddard Shelter, mi 1610.6 What - me worry? You find feathers in the strangest placesMy left foot slips on a rock and jams against another sharp rock protrusion and Bam! my left Keen boot sole near the front slices open. This is bad since the entire sole can come apart. I limp into the Story Spring Shelter and assess the boot. I think I can duct tape repair it and hope that lasts until Manchester Village, VT 20 miles away. There's an outfitter there where I can buy a new pair. I was hoping these boots would last until Glencliff, NH but no such luck. Oh well! A mouse baffle - keeps the mice from climbing down the line into your food bag Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Sat Jun 20, Day 102. I got up at 0430 hours today just because I am so worried about this boot situation. My goal is to make it to Manchester Center which has an outfitter. The other option is to go short and stay at the shelter just before town and go on in the morning. All will depend on how early I get to the last shelter. The rain has held off but it's forecast to start raining later this evening. No matter what, the trail is still the same - muddy!I duct tape my boot and hope it will last the day. Duct taped boot, click onpicture to see full sizeIt lasts three miles. I have a spare shoe lace so I try that and it works a little better. On top of Stratton Mountain (just past mile 7 for the day) there is a caretaker's cabin. Caretaker's cabin on Stratton MountainWhen I go by I stop and take a picture. The caretaker comes out and offers me some Gorilla tape for my boot. It lasts another 5 miles. Out comes the shoe lace again. After 15 miles the shoe lace is gone. Onward! When boot soles delaminate Stratton Pond, mile 1630.0I make it to the Spruce Peak Shelter, three miles from Manchester Center at 1300 hours and decide to keep moving. I arrive at VT11/30 (the road crossing closest to town) at 1415 hours. My thumb goes out and within 15 minutes I have a ride. Now it's 5.5 miles into town and this is a tourist town. My ride drops me off at the EMS Outfitter. I walk in and all eyes are on me. I'm wet, muddy, smell bad, and want a new pair of boots! The salesman David helps me. I decide on a pair of Garmont GoreTex boots and a new pair of Darn Hiker socks. They feel fine but the real test will come tomorrow. I have the moleskin ready.I hit the McDonalds then head to Suttons Place. I grab the last room with double beds. I met another hiker, Carolina, at the Story Spring Shelter and we are splitting this room tonight.I've already done laundry and gone shopping, so all is good. Time to re-pack and get ready to hit the trail tomorrow. Click here for audio journal
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Sun Jun 21, Day 103. I never got to meet Mr. Frank Sutton. I wanted to pay him. When I got up this morning he left an envelope in front of our door for payment. Carolina woke up when I did and I told him my half of the money for the night's stay was in the envelope. He said he would track Mr. Sutton down later. Hot Wheels and I left out at 0600 hours and immediately hit the McDonalds for breakfast. Then we walked down to a local donut shop where we got more coffee and a couple of donuts. We hear this is a good spot to get a hitch back to the trail. Being Sunday (and Father's Day) the traffic is light. After we finished our second breakfast we walked outside and struck up a conversation with a fellow who gave us a ride back to the trailhead. He was a contractor who has a second home in the area. Sorry we didn't get his name but thanks for the ride!The first day hiking in new boots is always interesting. Your feet need time to mold the coverings and you always are sensitive to any potential hot spot. I covered my feet with Body Glide and wore sock layers just to be on the safe side. I'm happy to report no outrageous problems. The boots took some spills on trail puddles but so far the waterproofing has held up. Dry feet are happy feet! Trail sign on the way to Big Branch Shelter, click on picture to see full size Ski lift atop Bromley Mountain Warming cabin on Bromley MountainWe crossed over Bromley Mountain early ((3,260'), but the biggest, rockiest climb today was up and over Baker Peak (2,850'). Scary! Prior to that, Peru Peak (3,429') was just a long pull upward.The rain held off until about one mile before the destination, the Big Branch Shelter. Then it came down hard. No sense putting on raingear, I'll just let the clothes dry out once I'm at the shelter.I'm anxious to get Vermont over with. I anticipate the New Hampshire rocks in my mind all day long. 500+ miles until Katahdin seems so close yet so far away. Perhaps the weather will improve the further North I go? Sure hope so. My corner in the Big Branch Shelter Clothes drying at the Big Branch Shelter The trail here was kinda muddy! Letting the boots dry out