morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Morgan Stewart shelter 

To: Ten Mile River shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Peeper has gone ahead for her Visa appt. She called late last pm and reported she was safely in het tent at the Telephone Pioneer shelter, meeting Shane her cousin at rt55. She has to push 10 miles this am. We will pass her today, but she will be dropped off tomorrow at rt 55 and slackpack to Kent, we expect by noon.Hawk and I expected a long hot day. Left early about 7:00. We expected to try and take breaks during the day. We got to Nuclear Lake (unsure why so named but our AT hiker book reassures us it is safe) at about10:00, time for a swim. Very refreshing and no evidence of radiation sickness. We were concerned though with what mutant creatures might lurk in the depths. We only saw sunfish, bass and fellow hikers. We met Frenchy, The Noodles(rotation and ?)a couple, and many section hikers from NJ. We stayed here about an hour,then moved on.Hard to move on,our comfort lasted about 10 minutes after we left. We walked until about 1:00,when we reached rt 22. We passed the Dover Oak, the oldest and largest oak on the AT. I had a spiritual tree hugging experience. Wow, a huge tree. We walked in a marshland for about a half mile on an elevated boardwalk. Then a Half mile road walk, hot as a frying pan, to a deli for lunch. Icecream, sandwich, and a soda later we got a ride back to the trail. Fortunately at this trail head there is a hiker friendly gardening store who allow hikers to rest and cleanup. We stayed for the heat of the afternoon, napped showered, rehydrated and moved on at about5:00.It was 94 deg in the shade at the nursery.We hiked into the evening, got to the shelter in the dark. It was cooler hiking glad we waited.Peeper got to her appointment without a problem and gets to stay in a bed tonight. The pack of six will all be reunited in Kent tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Ten Mile River shelter 

To: skiff mtn area 
Miles today: 10.5

Hawk and I had 8 miles to get to Kent, CT. All Smiles,Blues Clues, and Wiffleball have met up and will arrive in Kent this am. PEEPER has been dropped off a few miles back, at her previous pickup point and will slackpack to catchup at Kent. We should all be ONE again for a reunion hiker feed/picnic, sponsored by my brother Steve, his wife Ann, daughter Jackie and Blues Clues parents. Exciting day. Hawk and I struggled with some more strenuous hiking than we have had for the past week, Peeper just ran through it, made it look easy. We all got to Kent by 12:30. We celebrated with a delicious picnic, swimming and great cheer. We hit the trail in the cool of the evening, few stayed back for a bar nightcap, but tucked into our tents by 10:30. GREAT TO BE TOGETHER AGAIN.THANK YOU ANN,STEVE,JACKIE AND BLUES PARENTS FOR A TRAIL MAGIC DAY .On we go.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: skiff mtn area 

To: Sharon mtn camp site
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

All Smiles and I left at 6:00 to get some miles before the heat of the day. We climbed down steeply to the Housatonic rivers walked about6 miles then climbed up onto the ridges. The others caught up by noon. The heat wa oppressive, We found a swimming hole and swam for about an hour. Very refreshing stream. Distant thunder by 1:00, by 1:30 er found ourselves in raising,hail, thunder and lightening. We climbed through the storm and carefully made our way through many rolling hills. The forest was cooler and smelled pine fresh and clean, it's great to be back in New England. We had a brief second storm, then a humid, buggy late afternoon. We hiked until dusk,settled into our tents by dark. Enjoyed a rehydrated meal for dinner. Some goof cheer around the tents before turning in.We had some climbing in rocks, cliff areas this pm, saw a nest with a juvinial vulture and mom right next to the trail. We all did well today, Blues continues with some foot problems. Tomorrow we will be 2 miles from MA.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Sharon mtn camp site

To: Riga shelter 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

All Smiles and I woke up early, wanted a head start before the heat of the day. We had plans to get to Falls Village for breakfast and Peeper's and my mail drop. We walked the first 6 miles by 9:30, got to Falls Village to find the breakfast place wasclosed on Modays. Disappointed, All Smiles moved on and I picked up our mail drop. I waited for Peeper split up our supplies and moved on. The lady at the p ostoffice kindly gave us some cokes. PEEPER got a Bday gift from her aunt, and I got a great card from my Mountainview residents. Thanks to al.Hiking out of falls Village we are beautiful water falls on the Housatonic river, then climbed the ridge towards Salisbury. Humid but cooler weather. Hungry for some lunch, missed breakfast, Salisbury is known for good resupply. Lunch on our mind, I hurried. We ran into other thru hikers No Trace and unbreakable, a wife and husband who have done many long distance trails, and also "T", a teacher from Kentucky. We all met in Salisbury for lunch and waited out the miday heat. Excellent food fruits and vegetables. We enjoyed the discussions, and other trails. The John Muir trail sounds enticing, possibly the PCT in the future. In the afternoon about 4:30, we felt we should hike onto the first shelter. We had a long steady climb, more than 1000 feet elevation get to Rigad. We had some very pretty views of northwestern CT. Views into MA, bear mountain area. Er had a good day, everyone in good spirits. Cool sleeping night.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Riga shelter 

To: Greater Barrington
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

All Smiles and I watched a beautiful sun rise. The others remained sleeping, we left by 6:15. We had some very pretty views all day. It remains warm and sunny. Climbing Bear mountain was a real treat with ledges overlooking the valley most of the way. Wemet 3 Flip Flopping hikers who came up from Virginia. (Flip Flop is when you start in the middle and go to one end, then go back to your start and go to the other end.) They had issues in the Shanendoah's with drought and fires, part of the AT had been closed. . We enjoyed talking with them.All Smiles and I continue,er went down into a fantastic notch with a flume like stream. Tempted to swim, but it was still early in the day. We crossed into MA here. The youngsters caught up with us at this point. Er climbed back up on the ridge, went through a very aromatic Hemlock Forest. Thank God the Valley Alegid that has decimated the southern Hemlocks has not reached the North. We ate lynch at a viewpoint looking towards Mt Greylock and the Northern MA terrain We climbed down towards Greater Barrington, walked through about 5 miles of bog/swamp, fought of hords of flies and mosquitoes. Grateful to get out to the main road. Trail magic at our exit. SODAS AND WATER. Thru hikers from 2008, Bear Walking and Button. They also offered to put US up for the night. Blues, Peeper, and I took them up on there offer. Wiffle had already gone to town ahead, had gotten a hotel room, All Smiles and Hawk had agreed to day with Wiffle.BEAR WALKING drove Peeper,Blues and I to do our laundry and shopping for resupply. We washed all our groups clothes. Button and Bear Walking went way above and beyond for US and about 10 other hikers. Peeper slept in their Livingston, Blues and I slept in our tents on their back yard. Our group went out to dinner downtown, had s fun night. Hit the ice cream and candy store on the way back to our quarters. All Smiles bought some candy with fried bugs mixed in, he plans to offer it to other thru hikers, always the jokester. A joking lawyer?
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Greater Barrington

To: Shaker tent site
Miles today: 17.5

We all had a good night in Greater Barrington. I went to breakfast early, All Smiles called at 7:00, asked if I was ready to go,he met me at the restaurant, we walked back to Bear Walking and Button, Peeper was also ready, and Bear Walking drove US back to the trail. Great trail angels, the best! The others got a ride later, after they finally got up.We continued to walk through the valley,fields, and some boggy stars of the Housatonic River, crossed the river again. Had met Kit Fox and Mancub at Bear Walking's, a young couple that started in early March. I enjoyed talking with them at breakfast and on the trail. We climbed back onto the ridge, it was again sunny and humid, in the mid 80's. Many of the stream beds were dry, water again was somewhat an issue. We climbed down somewhat, came to a ravine, climbed around, but still verylittle water. Not until near the notch road, about 10 miles did er find a stream. We returned to some boggy areas, came upon some beaver dams and ponds. VERY PRETTY All Smiles reported seeing the beaver. We had hoped to go swimming at Benedict Pond, but found it mostly dried up. We missed our swimming. The day got hot and long, we climbed down off the ridge through a 1/4 mile of Jewel Weed, was like a maze, breathtaking. We came to our camp site,settled down for s warm and very buggy night. We had the talking tents,for we three not to venture into bug haven. Warm and muggy.All in all a pretty day Hawk was happy for in MA you can have camp fires, no fires in CT.We heard fireworks all around US in the early night.HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Shaker tent site

To: October mtn shelter 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Left a very buggy tent site. Left at 6:00. Pretty but humid day. Checked if we could buy a breakfast at the B and B a few miles up, but they said only if we sleep there, we tried. Walked through more marsh, then climbed back to the ridge. We are in the goose pond area. Crossed the Mass pike. The others went to swim at goose pond, reported to be beautiful, I met a friend for lunch. Ken and Nancy, thanks for the shower and excellent lunch, I made out better than the group. YUM!We joined back up, went to the shelter, met few section hikers, also Mercury a thru hiker that started May 3rd.Cooler night, better sleeping.Tomorrow into Dalton, plan to meet Hawks parents and stay at their camp while we slack pack a few days.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: October mtn shelter 

To: Dalton
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

We knew we had a shorter day, plan to stay for a few days at Hawk's Family hunting camp. We hope to slack pack for the next 3 days and come to the camp at night. We have 12 miles to go to be picked up. Plan to get to Dalton by 3:00.The Cookie lady is known to be only a few miles from Dalton. We hiked to the farm, she was gone but her husband was there and graciously welcomed us. We got cookies, soda,ice cream and picked Blue Berries. He is a retired Engineer, flies his plane from his runway in the back yard. He took us through his Hanger, he has many projects going on. Had a good time sharing stories and visiting.Thank you Roy.We continued down to Dalton, had a small bite to eat before we met with Sandy and Wally, Hawks father and friend. On to the Camp, had an hr drive into Vermont. Plan to return in the am to Dalton to continue our hike, but Slacking ( Not carring our packs for we will be picked up each night to go back to the camp. This will be a very nice relief for a few days.We had some views of Mt Greylock on our climb into Dalton, Tomorrows climb, the highest Mtn in MA.Drive to the Camp was pretty, we had two cars, snacks and drinks. Got to the camp at about 5:00. Cathy, Hawks mother met us there, Guy their friend was also there. We had to walk over Hawk's bridge to get to the camp. We were promised that it could take all our wt. Trusting.We had a wonderful meal, Cathy went way beyond expectations. We had a great night of family and friends, we finally went to bed at about 12:00, to get up early to Slack pack through Mt Greylock.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Dalton

To: Pattison Rd, North Adams
Miles today: 20.8

We awoke at about 5:30, to be on the trail by 7:30/8:00. Had muffins and fruit, donutes for breakfast. Made sandwiches for lunch. Too only small packs for the days hike. Slackpacking. We being well fed, rested and light expect to do more miles today, climbing Mt Greylock. Then after to go to Keene NH to see my Grand daughters Softball game. Kylie, who I have not seen for 4 months. I am very excited.We got dropped off on time, we quickly moved on. Peeper and I had a mail drop to be picked up at Cheshire, MA, had to be there by noon. We had no problems in our schedule. We met at Cheshire, got the mail drop, ate the cookie snacks in the box, mailed back the excess. We needed to move on to Greylock. I got to see the view of the climb from the Cobbles above Cheshire.( see picture).Climb up the highest peak in MA was also uneventful and relatively easy. We again met on the peak and had a snack at the hotel on top. Met some other thru hikers at the Hotel, Frenchy, the Noodles, Trog. I visited the monument briefly, looked at the views into NH, VT. The future climbs of the AT. We did get altittle rain, it was somewhat overcast. Time somewhat of a factor, we made our way down a steep trail to North Adams. Few areas poorly marked and a few wayward steps. I got down last, at 5:45, a little late. Peeper was well ahead of me, Blues and I arrived about the same time. We met Sandy, Guy, Walley and Cathy at the bottom, were given sandwhiches and sodas, packed up to get to Keene, NH for the Softball game. The ride was a bit longer than expected, but we got there for the 6th inning. I walked into the dugout to a very suprised, tearful catcher, Kylie. It was great to see her. I have really missed my family. We stayed for the end off the game, visited and introduced our hiking group and Angels. Saddly had to leave to get back to the camp and our Hike. What a wonderful thing to have friends that will go so far out of their way to let Peeper and I see my Grand Daughter/ Niece. I can't thank them enough. Nick her coach also helped to guide me there and kept a secret of my possible visit for the week. Paula, my wife, unfortunately could not come due to her medical issues, I really miss my wife. Four months away, and hopefully only a few more weeks until I can see her too. On to Vermont. A great day on and off the trail. We got to the camp in the later pm, had some very tasty leftovers, good cheer and went to bed for another slackpacking day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Pattison Rd, North Adams

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

We had a wonderful breakfast this am, we were alittle less rushed to get out. Cathy, Sandy and Guy went well beyond expectations again. We made our lunch, packed our slack packs and were on the trail again by 9:00. We climbed through North Adams, and back up on the ridge. We wer in VT after 4 miles. We will be following with the Long trail for the next 100 miles. Great to be in VT. Nitrous Oxide was getting out of a car as I climbed up from North Adams. We have not seen him for a few months, he had been a few days ahead, but he had taken some time off. Good to see him. Frenchy, the Noodles were also on the trail. We walked a nice ridge, came upon many Beaver ponds. Very few views though. We ran into some Long trail thru hikers starting their northern trek. Not suprisingly they were overburdoned with too large and heavy a pack, they will learn as we did at the beginning.Our hike was uneventful and pretty, we got to Bennington with a very steep decent, and came back to the camp for dinner.We had a wonderful Pasta, meatball sausage meal, more food than we could eat. We had another fun, good cheer night to go to bed by 12:00. We were undecided on what plans were for tomorrow. Some consideration to take a zero day to let some healing occur and resupply before our long trek into VT.Guy and Wally left, Cathy and Sandy plan to work with us on our plans in the am. Another great day.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Bennington VT

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke, ate well, had a Groupo meeting on future plans. Wiffle has concerns of his shoes and has new ones comming in two days, wants to get them overnight 2 days up the trail. Everyone want to take a rest and start very early in the am.We also have decided to try and all stay together all the way through Maine. Priority to stay together, our hiking family. They agree to try and get to Katahdin by 8/16/12, for Peepers sake. We really are enjoying our Hiking family.R and R, resupply and good cheer, off and hiking early tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Bennington VT

To: story spring shelter 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

We awoke early to get started, somewhat sad to be leaving hawk's family cabin. We have had a great time centering out of this area for the last 4 days. Friends we will miss.We were dropped of again at Rt 9 in Bennington, we quickly climbed back on the ridge. Ran into "T", Dose, Also 5 pair, and Nitrous Oxide, as ee climbed. We also had some OF hikers in the area. . We moved on with hiking in a pretty day. Everyone congregated at Goddard shelter for lunch, then climbed to Glastenbury tower for excellent views of the area. Higher and more climbs to come, Ski slopes in the distance. Mt Greylock on the southern horizon.Moved on with some ups and downs, some beaver ponds, then to our camp,after 19,miles.We enjoyed visiting with old friends at camp. Some fun, candy confrontation( they stole and hid my candy, feel I am addicted), but this was resolved by adjusting All Smiles food background then returning my precious candy supply Peeper had the same addiction, could be worse.Nice productive day, very enjoyable.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: story spring shelter 

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

ALL SMILES and I again awoke early, only "T", getting out of camp before us. Some confusion smAll Smiles heading south from camp, though he denies this. I couldn't find him for the 1 st 2 miles, I turned around to find him behind me. He had left before me. He denies confusion, though I wonder, did he go south by mistake. Hmmm. Wiffleball soon caught up, all Smiles and he moved ahead to get to Manchester Center. We others were not planning to go to town. We got to the tower on Stratton , again a very prettyview. Wiffle and smiles moved on.The other 4 of US gathered on My Stratton. I got a phone call there and found out that a very good friend of ours wad very sick, Peeper and I felt we should go home to visit, and possibly say our goodbyes. After long discussion with our group, we decided to all get off the AT for a day and go back to Wolfeboro, NH, our home. Paula my wife would pick us up at 4:00, on RT 11. Very proud to be with such good friends. We all hurried on, had a quick 13 miles through some very pretty area. We met Paula at the trailhead by 5:00. Wiffle had gone to town, so we met him there, had dinner at Friendly's, then a long 4 he trip home to NJ. GREAT TO SEE MY WIFE AFTER 4 MONTHS. Arrived in Wolfeboro by 12:00 midnight.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Manchester Center

To: Wolfeboro,NH
Miles today: 0.0

Visited our friend, got him situated back at the Nursing home, I fear we said our farewells,he is very sick. Returned home with family and our group, test, resupply and visited. Plan to returning to the AT tomorrow. Great to see family,but even harder to leave again. Fear if we stay longer it will ne even harder to get back to the trail. Peepers mom and Step Dad ( John), as well as Peepers Grandparents, the Cadman's, and my Wife,Paula were great. Thanks for this opportunity to say our goodbyes to our dear friend Allan.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Wolfeboro,NH

To: Bromley Shelter 
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started back by 10:00, after some sad goodbyes, Casey, Peepers mom and the Cadman's, brought US back to the trail. We got to our tent site by 5:00. Good to get back to our hike, but hard to leave our love ones after such a short visit. But er have a trail to finish. Camp fire tonight was somewhat subdued, but good to be with good friends. Plan for a 22 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Bromley Shelter 

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

Smiles and I awoke early again, love to hike in the early morning and it lets the day be a little less rushed. Climbed to the top of Bromley Mountain and ski resort, had some great views though the view tower was taken down in the past year. There is a shelter/building on the top for summer thru hikers, winter an aid station. We ate breakfast here, Philly Steve joined us after a few minutes. Then we moved on together.We enjoyed good conversation while traversing Styles and Peru Mountains. We had a debate on the American Legal system, put All Smiles on the spot. We decided there should be a nonprofit legal system, of course Smiles, the lawyer was squirming. Also long discussion on smoking and trying to convince Philly Steve to stop, so far unsucussfully. ( The doctor is always on duty)We had two good swimming ponds today, and took advantage of both. It was hot and humid, so the swims were refreshing and clothes cleansing.Ate dinner at the last pond, then climbed 5 more miles. We climbed into dusk, came upon some very interesting rock art near the shelter at the White Cliff view trail, hundreds of artistic piles of rock, fairy homes ect. Got to our tent site at dark. Nearly got carried away by the bugs. Setup our tents quickly for refuge. Over all a very good satisfying day.