morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Hosner Mtn

To: East of County Rt 20
Miles today: 15.0

Woke to fog and mist.Looks like rain today. Ita a short hike to Rt 52 and a nearby deli. Great coffee and other goodies...Where else could you eat a   Hagen Daz bar for breakfast and feel good about it.Off to the trail and the rain begins.Heavy at times but it's warm and the mosquitos are on and off.We had a brief lunch at the Morgan Stewart Shelter then back to the trails.The rain stopped about 2 pm.After passing through a mosquito breeding ground we found a good tent spot and enjoyed a deli sandwich for dinner. Almost forgot...We passed the Nuclear Lake today. Site of the Nuclear fuel proccessing plant till 1972.The government says the water is ok. But if Too Much begins to loose chunks of hair we'll know otherwise
Date: 2006-07-23
From: East of County Rt 20

To: Schaghtoke Mtn campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained off and on much of the night. We left our soiled clothing out for a rinse.Putting on cold wet clothing in the AM is a beast!Started hiking after some coffee.No more rain so the cloths dried quickly. We were pleased to see the sun.We had a great trail magic experience before the Wiley Shelter. Pop tarts, cheezits,water, gatorade plus chairs to sit in. Thank you trail angel!Met 2 South bounders...Z and Hobbit. Awesome!Passed out of New York and into Conn.. Our campsite is actually up on a ridge spread and spread out.Bruiser Cornbread and Bird Man are also here.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Schaghtoke Mtn campsite

To: Kent Ct.
Miles today: 3.5

We heard coyotes last night, otherwise a quiet night.We plan to stop at Kent so we slept late. We met 2 section hikers on the way. There are fewer hikers now.Even on the weekends.The hike into Kent(CT 341) took us past the Kent School. The town seems friendly and there was much good food to be had.Now we're headed for the Fife and Drum Inn for the night.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Kent, Connecticut

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Reluctantly left a very comfortable bed this AM - the Fiie and Drum Inn was a good choice. Breakfast in town - Kent Conn. overall gets a B-B+. Remember though - no laundromat at this time - cost us $10 to get our laundry done.A long section of today's 13 miles was along the Housatonic river. Much of the trail is now ups and downs - showing a more rugged reality - more steep ascents and descents.We got to the campsite around 6:30. Met Fortune Cookies - a southbound hiker coming from Canada to New York (part of the Long Trail). Found out that Feng Shui is 1 1/2 days ahead.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Prospect Mountain
Miles today: 15.0

Quiet night - woke up to early AM sun - already hot at 7:30am. Hiker harder today. High heat and humidity really slowing us down. Stopped at Pine Swamp lean-to. A single hiker came in after us - turned out his name is Warren Doyle. Very friendly and helpful. For anyone who doesn't know him, he has done the AT many times and runs a class for future thru hikers.Pushed on - Too Much having really bad toe pain - shoe rubbing again. Passed the Housatonic river again - stopped at the hydro electric plant for water. Up prospect mountain.Have to call it quits for tonight.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Prospect Mountain

To: Salisbury, CT White Hart Inn
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Severe foot pain/blisters last night for Too Much. The boots are not working. Opened 2 blisters. Somewhat better in the AM, but any long hike is out. We decided to go into Salisbury and try to get some shoes that fit. The town is small and walkable, but very expensive. Stayed in the White Hart Inn - great food.Too Much ordered some shoes from NB express. If this doesn't work our hike may be over for this year.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Salisbury, CT White Hart Inn

To: Laurel ridge campsite
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Started the day with half a chocolate cake for breakfast (milk, eggs, flour) as Bill Cosby said.Resupplied @Le Bonne - OK but expensive ($2.00 for 1 balance bar).Ten the news got bad - the shoes Too Much ordered were not shipped. We are both feeling pretty low - perhaps it is time to end the trip. We will make Dalton, MA is about 5 days and see if we can go on. Talked to Lauren and Brian. Brian is going to come up and hike with us 8/8.this section of the trail is very nice. High vistas and beautiful streams. Rained while setting up the tent - Oh well....
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Laurel ridge campsite

To: JUNE MOUNTAIN
Miles today: 15.0

We got slightly wet putting the tent up last nightbut stayed dry despite some light rain during the night.Laurel Ridge is and "OK" site. The pads could be better.Hiking started around 8 am.We discovered alot of "rugged reality".7-8 miles of rocky ridge scrambling. We did get some great views of mountains ahead and T-Mobile worked for a change.Water is scarce in this section so we got some from the Housatonic River [Wing Foot lists it as a water source].Later we note a sigh saying "do not eat fish caught in the Housationic".PCB contamination.Met a large group from Upward Bound. Well behaved high school students. I might like to work with a large group like that.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: JUNE MOUNTAIN

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started climbing early.Started to cool a little in the AM'S. Went to Tom Leonard Shelter.Talked with Baltimore for a while.Ran into a party of elderly hikers-Monday Mountain Boys.There must have been twenty to thirty of them. Ages 60-80. They were having a great time.Passed Wilcox Lean To. Moving on, Ran into Kiilgore Trout.Trying to get back on the trail with possible episode of lime disease.E Rock may also be back on.In the last 3 miles we ran into "Treck Man" walking the AT in bare feet-Raising awareness of PTSD in Vets. We cant imagine how his feet can stand it.Ours hurt with shoes.Slept in the shaver campsite.Alone except some nearby cows, Former (1700's)Shaver settlement.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Finerty Pond
Miles today: 15.0

Shaker Campsite was great.But lots of mosquitos. Hiking...Started a little early to get some of the work inbefore the extreme heat. Passed Upper Goose Pond.Brief stop to eat.Passed over the Mass Turnpike(Loud!!!)On the Hill.We were surprised to find Birkinstock behind us.He had been sick but now is on the trai again. He's got long legs and he's fast.Also ran into Moon Beam agin going to the cooky ladies place. After we set up our tent "Chef" from Baltimore came by.Another hot, hot, hot day. Hard to believe we will soon need the winter gear. I almost forgot, we got 2 SOBOS- Gypsy & Moss Man.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Finerty Pond

To: Dalton Pond
Miles today: 16.0

Despit some thunder the rain held off last night.Too Much has been connecting with the Man Upstairs.Started early again to try to out run the heat and humidity.Heat,feet and a need for deet are making hiking difficult. We passed some shelters, Passes the Cooky Ladies House. Met Kilgore Trout.We hiked for 5-6 miles and caught up with what was going on with some of our friends. We made it to Dalton early. Too Much hiked FAST today.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Dalton Pond

To: Mark Noepel lean too
Miles today: 14.0

Rain in the morning kept us in bed late - so much for an early start! Stopped raining at about 9:00am. We were able to get to the coffee shop for a triple mocachino.After lugging our "bounced" boxes to the Post Office, we hit the trail at 11:30. Today was mostly uphill, but we made good time. Too Much is wearing new shoes - hope they work!She Bear caught up with us, but is taking a zero day. It was great to see her.Stopped at Cheshire for ice crea. We practiced a little medicine (owners daughter near fainting).Pushed on up to Mount Greylock and to the tent site. Group of inner city kids here - should be a good night - if they get quiet.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Mark Noepel lean too

To: Seth Warner campsite
Miles today: 17.5

First order of business for the day - after coffee - is climbing Mount Greylock four miles of up hill/rocky trails. The summit tower has great views of where we have been and where we are going. Looks like a well visited mountain.We descended the mountain slowly - trails wet. After several more hours we got to Pattison Rd. and a boyscout troop (or 2 parents) gave us some trail magic. We then went on to the Stop and Shop in North Adams MA - resupplied.Back to the trail and more hills and wet trail. One milestone - we are leaving Mass. and going into Vermont - 11 states down & 3 to go. At the campsite - 589 miles to go. We are now on "The Long Trail" for about 104 miles.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Seth Warner campsite

To: Melville Neuhelm Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

First full day in Vermont. The hills are starting to get higher. The forests seem more remote - though maps tell us they are only marginally so. Trails remain wet, often muddy. the major road crossing today was VT 9 - the route to Bennington. After a steep descent we came out onto the road and met Paddy-O doing trail magic. Great guy, travelled from White Plains NY to do this. He had actually left water out for us before in NY. He was very encouraging. He is a former thru hike - 2000. After leaving him we went over Rt. 9 and started to climb the 1 1/2 miles to the shelter. On the way we met Andy C. from Bennington. Despite a heart condition he climbed 1300 feet. He still has a dream of completing the 4000 ft mountains of Maine, NH and VT. He is a great inspiration.Oy yes, Paddy-O tells us that Aloha summitted Katahdin today - congrats!
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Melville Neuhelm Shelter

To: Story Spring shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Rained from 4:30-6:30 AM. Too Much woke with the first few drops and we got out in time to keep it dry.the day was wet, but no actual rain. We passed several shelters. The Goddard shelter seemed like a good place to stay, but early in the day. Shortly after that is an observation tower - old fire tower - you can see 4 states. Great view...Long day - we were glad to get to the shelter. We made our usual Ramen with Peanut butter and had a good chat with Robin and Mapman, Pill box, Kentucky #2 and G man. We hope to sleep better tonight.It is now 8:40 pm we are in the tent and I can here thunder in the distance - its been a rainy wet few weeks.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Story Spring shelter

To: Woods Rd area
Miles today: 15.3

Though the possible rain never materialized, we slept poorly due to the slanted and uneven tent site. Getting in last is a disadvantage. The mornings are definately getting cooler. Robin and mapman already have their cool weather gear.The trails today led us to Stratton Mountain - spectacular views and stratton pond. Some hikers went swimming - too cold for us. The trail mud continues - dark thick mud. Slowing our progress somewhat - overall though we are moving pretty well.Tomorrow we meet Brian for two days of hiking. Looking forward to that. No phone service though "T-Mobile Bad" so we hope he has enough information to connect with us.Camped by an old pond tonight - overgrown and we thought not used. Strange to see 6 mountain bikers come rolling by while we were eating.
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Woods Rd area Stealth site

To: Manchester VT.
Miles today: 5.8

The nights are definately getting colder. We will soon need the cool weather gear. The bugs are decreasing also as every change brings good and bad.Shortly after breaking down the tent we heard someone coming up the trail. Much to our suprise it was Brian - more trail magic!. I am impressed - he found us even on the side trail. It was great to see him. After flying from Atlanta to Boston and driving to Vermont, he slept in his car then started hiking early. He ran into some hikers at the shelter who told him where we were - approximately - but we were off on a side trail - he must be a real bloodhound!After greetings we hiked 5 miles back to VT. 11/30 and Brian's car then drove to the Bromley Sun Lodge for the night. We are heading back to Manchester to get reorganized and come out tomorrow 30 miles north to hike south. Brian called and arranged for a shuttle for tomorrow then he took a nap while Too Much and I did laundry. We had dinner at the lodge - not real great, but the bar tender was entertaining and overall it was a good place to stay.Sundance - if you see this note Tater was here 7/17. We miss you!Feng shui is about 4 days ahead - still hiking with Burner.
Date: 2006-08-10
From: USDS Rd #10 VT

To: Bromley Mountain warming hut
Miles today: 15.0

Shuttle to USFSR #10 by son of outfitter at Manchester Center - the wrong Rd. but it was with good intentions.We started hiking south with Brian. This gave us a chance to see some of our friends ahead and introduced Brian - AKA Trackman.Moving ahead the clouds suddenly started building. We increased the pace and got to the top of Bromley Mountain just as the rain started. Great spot - a ski warming hut. The weather raged and we were dry and warm - great visit!She Bear got in late - wet, but in good spirits.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Bromley Mountain warming hut

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed dry during the night. Brian got to talk to Cornbread and She Bear. In the AM we hiked 3 miles to VT 11/30. Brian suggested he slack pack us from USFS Rd #10 to VT 140 - great idea! We had lunch in Manchester and some good but expensive ice cream (B&J). We (Enuff & Too Much) got back to the trail for 8.3 miles. We passed some great spruce forests & mystical groupings of stones - white rocks. When we got to VT 140 we found Brian had been giving out trail magic while he waited for us. He made a big hit with the NOBO's and Long Trail hikers. He helped us with some additional arrangements then it was time for him to head back to Boston. We sadly had to say goodby - he is such a positive person and great to be around. What a great son.We hit the trail again for the last 3 miles. The trails were in good shape. We press on to Killington tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Night filled with animal noise - can't sleep. Killington climb starting - up to 4000 ft. today. Trail magic twice today ("hiking Gnome" and "The outhouse repair man" first, then from the "Mad Hatter" later).Scenery becoming more dramatic. Streams flanking the ridge we are walking on - rocky ravines and deep gorges. Trail to Killington long and challenging - many blow downs and slanted trails. Got to shelter, not impressive.Went to top of Killington - very impressive 360 degree views - windy, getting colder. Sleeping in the hut - former thru hiker 2005 Tree Top with his wife and 5 year old daughter. She did very well.Going to sleep - noted great sunset & frosty breath - its cold.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Cooper Lodge shelter

To: Stony Creek shelter - tenting
Miles today: 16.5

Very cold night - the sleeping bags are OK but not much longer. Said goodby to some of the "Long Trail" hikers we have been hiking with. Mud in Southern Vermont is decreasing, Moose Poop is increasing.Some steep climbs. Trying to keep the miles up before we get to the Whites.Too Much's feet doing well. Feels like the cold might be here to stay.
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Stony Creek shelter - tenting

To: Woodstock stage rd - tent site
Miles today: 15.4

Night warmer - perhaps the cold will be short lived. Trails dryer - in fact areas almost seem arid. Evidence of recent logging. Met Copper Top - SOBO. SOBO's are different.Flowers beautiful - almost like spring in the south.Found a great stealth site.
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Woodstock stage rd - tent site

To: Happy Hill shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Brief rain during the night - we stayed dry. Tomorrow a town visit - Whoopi!hiked with "#2" for a while after finding him sitting on top of a mountain enjoying a panoramic view. - He had seen a moose yesterday.We planned on stopping for ice cream at Cloudland Rd. (.2 east) - organic root Beer and pies. When we got to the road a sign notified us that the store was closed. We are now in a sour mood - no treats!The trails are not in great shape - DOC needs to get out here - they get a "c" for a grade.Lunch at Thistle hill shelter - dried tent out. some beautiful fields/views.Happy Hill shelter for the night - tenting.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Hanover NH

To: Goose Pond Rd. (tenting)
Miles today: 14.0

Hanover has been a great town to zero in. Free bus service, lots of places to eat and freindly townies. Most of the town is within walking distance. One night at dinner (the Canoe club) we even got free desert (5 months on the trail)!After doing all of our chores for the day we left Hanover at about noon. Later than we like, but that's the trail. Passed Velvet Rocks shelter - trail overall pretty good. It is hot and the mosquitos are back.Ran into "Cosmic Punchline" getting back to hiking after a bout with Lyme disease.Passed the second shelter and decided to go on. We planned to do 15 miles today, but now it seems unlikely. Found a flat spot at about 7:30pm - getting dark - time to stop.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Goose Pond Road (tenting)

To: Hexacuba shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite some kind of animal making noise near the tent much of the night, sleep was good.Early start - The hills hit us quickly. step ups and downs. Cloudy all day but no rain.We thought we could do 15-16 miles today, but as the day progressed we realized it was unrelealistic. We will go 11-12 miles. Hope to make up the shortage tomorrow.Started to rain when we were about 1.3 miles from the shelter. Got to the shelter wet and cool. Fortunately the shelter was not full, 3 NOBO's, 1 SOBO's and 1 Husky.Dinner then sleep.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Hexacuba hut

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 15.8

Rain most of the night. My neighbor in the hut was a huskie who had a GI gas problem. It was a long night.waking to rain, we decided to go anyway. The first few hours the rain wasxed on and off - not to bad. We made some good time despite the wet rocks. Later in the day the rain got serious - no flooding yet, but wait a few days (shades of Pennsylvania). We got to NH 25 about 5pm (good for us). A short walk to Glencliff (0.2 miles) and the hiker hostel. Guess what....almost everyone was there waiting for the rain to stop. She Bear, #2, Sleepy, Old Drum, Pill box, Juke box, and others. the weather looks bad for the next week - bad luck.We ate after a trip to town (very hungry). Then watched a movie. also decided to slack tomorrow - Moosilac.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Rt. 25 Glencliff

To: Kinsmans notch
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slack packing is a good thing. We decided to slack to Kinsmans Notch and hike south. This should make it safer as we are going up the more difficult side of Mount Moosilake. Phat Chap drove us to the drop - but first we stopped for a good breakfast. The food is more reasonably priced in New hampshire.The ascent from Kinsman (south) is quite spetacular but steep. A waterfall cascades down much of the first mile. there are created foot holds and rebar rails which help. The summit was our first above tree line in the Whites & like being in a cold cloud - no visibility & windy. The trail at times gets lost in the fog. The descent is long and slippery but doable.Back at the hostel Phat Chap gave us a weather briefing and helped us plan the next five days.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Kinsmans Notch

To: Kinsmans Pond (tent site)
Miles today: 11.5

Last night we got to occupy 2 single bunks instead of one (we were last in), so we slept much better. We planned to get on the road by 7:00am and we did. Phat Chap drove Ranger Dog, Model T, myself and Too Much to Kinsmans notch - after a stop for breakfast. On the way we saw our first moose - actually 2!The trail took us steeply out of the notch then down and to the difficult south peak of Kinsmans mountain. We met Sleepy the Frog along the way. The trail is largely boulder/rock scrambling - twisted roots and steep up hills. we did pass spetacular views of the mountains of NH and prstine looking rivers.we passed a group of young people who had spent about 5 hours walking the trail from the campsite we were going to. We planned on getting there in 2 1/2 hours - they thought we were senile I suspect. We made it in 2 1/2 hours as scheduled - no rain buts lots of clouds. On arrival some of our friends asked us to look at Old Drum. He had fallen on the trail - his right knee was swollen and had lots of abrasions. He needs a few days rest.Tomorrow our plans are unclear - we are tired now - tomorrow we will figure it out.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Kinsmans Pond

To: Little haystack mountain
Miles today: 8.1

Despite a loud snorer in the next tent pad, the night went well. Old Drum seems better today. We are going to split his gear among the five of us & go to the next hut (2 miles) where he will stay for a few days and rest. the descent to Lonesome lakes hut was steep and wet but went OK. the hut staff, college kids were expecting him and had space.we descended to Rt 93 - a bunch of hikers went into town from there (N. Woodstock) to re-supply. We continued up to Liberty Spring - long but not steep. Met a couple from Toronto on a day hike.It was early so we went past the campsite and stealth camped at 4200ft.It's getting colder - about 50 degrees - time to get into the bags.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Little haystack mountain

To: near South Twin moutain
Miles today: 12.0

We woke at 5:00am (need to push toward Crawford Notch) These miles are harder than any we have done so far. Rough trails, steep climbs and descents. Started hiking about 7:ooam. After little Haystack, we climbed to Mt. Lincoln and then Mt. Lafayette (Franconia Ridge trail). This has got to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We could see past Mt. Washington and different mountains without names - awsome spectacle. For a while Too Much and I were the only ones on the whole ridge. After lafayette we descended a long ridge to Mt. Garfield. Nasty climbs and descents - seemed to take all day. Next stop at Galehead hut. There we met Voyager and caught up with Uphill. Uphill is staying and doing work for stay. We had a good discussion about the AMC and thru hiking in the whites. We also had a great cookie bar from the hut. Got water and hiked up South Twin Mountain. Easier, but still steep. After the summit we went along the ridge to a stealth site. While preparing dinner, we had our first confirmation that it is getting colder - hail for a few minutes. Time to get in the sleeping bags.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: near South Twin Mountain

To: Crawford Notch Gen.Store & Campground
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: fog

Quiet night. Again started early - need to do about 14 miles to stay on schedule. Up over Mt. Guyot. Brief period above tree line. some rough going initially then to Zealand Falls hut. Brief stop for water and a brownie - pleasant staff. the trail got smooth for a while after the hut, following an old railroad bed. Also some great views up the valley and back toward the hut. Passed the Ethan Pond campsite and a long boggy stretch. Lots of mosse footprints - no moose sitings today.Met a couple from PA day hiking on the trail. Pushed on to Crawford Notch. Just as we were getting there a couple started talking to us - they were from Canada - visiting on their first anniversary (Ryan and Becky). We talked for a while and when we reached the parking lot they agreed to give us a ride to the campground (3 miles) - trail magic again. Staying in the bunkhouse at the campground - we are the only ones here.