morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Bascom Lodge - Mt. Greylok

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

I woke up and put my pack together after filling up my water bottles. Going downstairs, I found coffee ready and fresh made blueberry muffins which were so good that I sat and drank 4 cups of coffee and ate 4 of the huge muffins! I also stuffed 4 muffins into a ziplock bag to eat later that day. It was an arduous, wet and steep descent from Mt. Greylock of 3,000' going over Mt. Williams and down to the Wilbur Clearing Shelter where I stopped in for a snack break. The weather was drizly at first but then cleared up as the day went by. It was a short but tough climb up Mt. Prospect and then the big downhill began and ended up at the Hoosic River where there was a RR Crossing and a bridge. Once past the Hoosic river there was a climb of over 1,600'. The trail was wet and there was a lot of mud and slippery rocks. The descent was made easier by a massive amount of labor put into stone stairs, some of which are very large rocks weighing many hundreds of pounds. It felt great to cross into Vermont and into my 12th state!! WHOO HOOO!!! When I arrived at the Seth Warner shelter there was a group of high schoolers who were prospects of Yale University off on a short outing. They had the shelter filled, but were kind enough to let me set up in a tarp and ground cloth that they had set up. I got settled in thankful that I had a dry place to sleep for the night. I went downstream and took a bath and rinsed out my clothing before hanging everything out to dry on surrounding tree branches. I found a comfortable log and began eating the dinner of muffins that I had brought from the lodge, they were very filling and still awesome! I have downloaded "The Legend of Korra" and have been watching an episode a day. I'd like to get the next season for when this is done. It is a great story with beautiful scenery and music. Kids like it but the themes are definitely of an adult nature. I hung out with the students and answered many questions before going over to the area a short distance away where most of the thru-hikers, north and south were hanging out. When I came there, I saw Joker participating in a safety meeting in progress, and I was invited to participate. At this point we are meeting many south bounders coming from Maine and it's always interesting to hear what the trail is like ahead. I have such respect for the soutbounders. We nobo hobos have it easy with regular stops and trail angels galore! The terrain is much harder in the north and you have rivers to ford, hordes of blood sucking insects, a 100 mile wilderness and a dearth of hiker services and trail angels. It was an exhausting day so I turned in early and put on my iPod headphones for my nightly ritual and went to sleep.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Mellville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It was another hard and hot day and the rain started at around 2am. I woke up to rain and hurriedly checked to see if everything was dry under the tarp, which it was. I watched for a short while before going back to sleep. It was not raining when I woke up and my clothes were, for the most part only a little damp when I put them back on. I made breakfast and put my pack back together afterwards and my rain coat on as at the end it was starting to rain again. I wrote in the journal under the cover of the eves and several of the students read what I wrote and were very impressed by my prose. I wished them luck with their applications and hit the trail in the rain. It was very slow going and the rain had brought the colder weather so I didn't feel hot in my rain jacket with the arm pits unzipped and the sleeves rolled up. Also I wore my brim hat and tucked my hood around my neck. I hate hiking when it is very humid as my glasses always seem to fog up and I end up taking them off and hiking without. I climbed over Consolation Peak and stopped in at Roaring Branch Pond, that is slowly being overtaken by all of the aquatic plants. Then it was up and over another mountain before descending down to the Congdon Shelter on trail where I stopped for a snack break and a breather. Along the way I saw some clusters of bright red berries growing on red stalks. Some time later it stopped raining, before Harmon Hill and I took the rain suit off but the humidity kept the glasses off. I can see clearly up to about 10' away and ok to about 50' but not with great detail. Today there were wineberries galore along the trail and I indulgently ate mouthful after mouthful until my hands and mouth were red! I rinsed off, got dressed in my camp cloths and grabbed water at the stream at the end of the trail to the shelter, not knowing how far up the shelter was. I saw some very tiny florescent orange mushrooms that I took some pictures of. It is cool that I am not only hiking the A.T., but am now a section hiker as well, on the Long Trail! Once at the shelter I claimed a spot and started making dinner. I made 2 packages of Spicy Beef Ramen Noodles with a package of beef jerky, Sriracha seasoning and olive oil. I saw some hikers from the night before as they ranged out and set up their tents around the shelter while others set up in the shelter on the other 3 bunks. Joker arrive and a number of us retired behind the shelter for a nightly safety meeting. It was getting late so I watched an episode of Korra, listened to the Bible for awhile and then went to sleep.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail was tough but I was determined to make some miles so I set out for the Story spring shelter and was off at around 7:30 in the morning after my coffee and oatmeal. That morning I went through HELL! Not really, but I actually went across the Hell Hollow Brook on a footbridge. It was cooler and the views from Porcupine Ridge were beautiful along the way. I swung by the Goddard Shelter for a quick break for a snack.The Glastenbury Mountain Lookout Tower was sweet and I got a good view which included 4 states that can be seen from the top. Then it was off to the Kid Gore Shelter where I stopped briefly before pressing on. I passed two beaver ponds and numerous streams and took a great number of pictures. I have noticed that the ground is so much softer and my knees and back are feeling so much better that I was able to crank out some decent miles today even after a pretty decent climb. When I arrived at the shelter I claimed a spot and set my stuff down and had a seat. A female hiker came in who I had seen before who was surprised to see me. She said that she had seen a pack like mine along with hiking poles that looked like mine back on the trail. So I cast my gaze around looking for my poles and couldn't find them anywhere. I asked a day hiker if I had been carrying them when I arrived and she said no. I was told that my poles were 1.5 miles back by a stream at the first of two beaver ponds. I raged at myself for such a boneheaded move and why I made it so far without noticing. I knew where it happened at a spot where I had stopped to take a picture and had set my poles against a tree by a stream. When I returned to the shelter they were amazed that I had returned so fast and I explained how I didn't want to lose those poles that I have had since 2010 when I had hiked Gulf Hagas to the Katahdin Iron Works with my brother's family. It was there that I met a thru-hiker and remembered my promise to myself that I would thru-hike the AT and began to make plans to do so. I went to the source and took a bath and rinsed out my clothes, hanging them out on a clothesline that I found at the shelter. I went down to the stream below the spring and stripped down and cleaned both myself and my clothes and put on my camp clothes which now included my thermals underneat my shorts and shirt along with my Darn Tough Socks. I made dinner and visited for awhile. I took my safety meeting away from the shelter as there were children present. I was so tired form pulling a 20.4 mile day with the extra walking for my poles. I went to bed and watched an episode of Korra and the Bible and fell asleep right away.
Date: 2015-08-26
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

I was up early at 5:30 and made breakfast, drinking extra coffee to warm up. My clothes were still a little damp so it was cold getting dressed. I soon had my pack together and was on my way. The trail just seemed to fly by under my feet and Mt. Stratton was much easier than I had anticipated so I was amazed to find myself at the fire tower at the top. I met a hiker and after visiting with him - offered the trail name of Gandalf as he cut quite the Wizardly figure. He pondered it for a few moments and graciously accepted the moniker. The clouds covered the top so I passed on the 50' climb and moved on to Stratton Pond which was beautiful. Did I mention that I, along with hiking the A.T. am also doing a section hike of the Long Trail which parallels the A.T. for like 100 miles and is the oldest long distance hiking trail in the U.S? I have been seeing more hikers than normal due to the influx of South bounders and Long Trail hikers. Right off of the trail I had to stop as there was a rock that looked like a stone coffin that even had a rock on top that looked like the lid! I then passed by the William B. Douglas Shelter, but didn't go there as it was .5 miles off of the trail. There was a good dirt abandoned and active road walk before the shelter and I had to climb around a gate onto a paved road. I stopped for a peek at Prospect Rock with a stunning view before heading out. Right when I reached the shelter I had to decide to stop at the shelter or go almost 3 miles to VT 11&30 and hitch the 5.4 miles into Manchester Center,VT. It was 4:45 and there was still time but I decided to stop for the night and nero into town in the morning. The shelter was a rustic log cabin with a wood stove, bunks, indoor picnic table and covered front porch with chairs. Outside there was a fire pit and picnic table as well. What a great cabin! I wouldn't mind living in a place like this, but my wife probably wouldn't go for the idea! I ran into Waldo and an older couple at the shelter. The older couple decided to start a fire in the wood stove and the trail provided a wool hat that someone had forgotten at the shelter. I had lost mine somewhere along the way and missed it greatly. It fit and would keep my head warm while I was sleeping as it was getting colder by the day. I cooked dinner which included a cold MRE package of cornbread stuffing, a Knorr Side dish with 2 packs of beef jerky, Sriracha seasoning and olive oil. I enjoyed the fire in the stove and I filled up my water to get ready for the morning and then went to bed around 7:30 after having a safety meeting with Waldo. I put on my headphones for my nightly routine and then drifted off to sleep.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center - Green Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

With only a short but very steep 2.8 miles down to the road I slept in and didn't break camp until about 10:00. I picked up some more safety supplies as it was basically given to me, and I had been "sponsoring a lot of safety meetings" along the way. The hike down to the road was pretty steep but not that difficult. I ended up walking a lot of the 5.4 miles into town before catching a ride from this crazy lady named Mary, who asked if I minded if she played "dirty songs" and then played parody songs like about Bill Clinton's Schlong. She was fun to talk to and told me that if I needed a ride when she drove by to give her a thumbs up, if not thumbs down. She took me to the post office where I found that my package had not yet arrived. She then dropped me off at the grocery store where I picked up groceries and then went next door to the Mountain Goat outfitter next store and bought the largest fuel canister (about 6" tall!)and called the Green Mountain Hostel for a shuttle. While waiting I ate lunch and shared some food with the hikers at the picnic table outside. In no time at all I was whisked off to the hostel where the introduction was a free pint of my choice of Ben & Jerry's Icecream (I chose Cherry Garcia of course!) and a soda! I picked out a bed and was surprised at how nice the place was. I raided the hiker box like a blood thirsty Viking sacking a village! I took advantage of the free laundry service, and loaner clothes to take a hot shower. Oh! How good the simple things like a hot shower after taking baths in cold mountain springfed streams feels! We watched a movie or two and listend as someone played the guitar for a few songs. I even played a game or two of chess to pass the time. Having finished reading the Golden Compass I was happy to see the movie on the shelf and watching after reading it added a whole dimension to the experience. I'm going to look for other books by Phillip Pullman in the Dark Matter series. I picked up another book and left mine in its place. I heard that they provide breakfast food so I looked forward to the morning after a good nights sleep. I went to bed early as I was told that there was one shuttle to the trail and it left early so I wanted to be well rested.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Green Mountain Hostel

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast at the Hostel was Bacon, eggs, toast and coffee and was very filling. the owner rounded everyone up and soon we were loaded up and on the road with Rocky, a fellow thru-hiker. On the way to the trail we stopped by the post office where I picked up a food drop at the post office from one of my trail angels - Tara Reed. The post office was still closed but the hostel owner knew about a window for package pickups that we could use outside of business ours and so I was able to get on the trail then and not have to wait and then hike back to the trail. I found a new foot for my hiking pole at the base of the sign at the trail head. Mine was wore out and the metal was poking through and making noise every time it hit a rock. We crossed a footbridge right of the bat and were on our way. The hike to the Lost Pond shelter was full of beautiful climbs and views starting with Bromly Mountain where we passed the top of Bromly Mountain ski run and there were chair lifts and I sat in one and posed for a picture. We stopped for the panoramic views and took plenty of pictures. Then there was Mad Tom Notch and up to Styles and Peru Peak (Peru Peak Wilderness in the Green Mountain National Forrest). We entered into the Big Branch Wilderness of the Green Mountain National Forrest. Going along we also passed Griffith Lake and Baker peak before descending to the Lost Pond Shelter. We arrived at the shelter just before dark and I picked out my spot in the shelter while Rocky set up his tentsite. The shelter was situated by a beautiful, clear burbling stream about 30' away. I always picked a spot by the wall so that I could use the wall to help myself up or to prop my arm on to ease my shoulder pain. Ever since before the Dragon's tooth when I fell on my shoulder my arm has been giving me hell. I cannot raise or use my left arm sideways above 15o without severe pain and the joint will frequently pop with a stabbing sensation and a loud noise. This makes it very difficult and painful whenever I have to use my arms to climb up as I have to do all the work with my right arm and some climbs are most easily done with the left. I can however use my hiking poles without problem which is important to me. I went below the water source and refilled up my water along my spare bladder for dinner and breakfast and then cleaned up myself and my clothes. Feeling much refreshed I made dinner and hung out with the other hikers, accepting an invite to a safety meeting at the shelter around the campfire before turning in for my nightly routine.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: The Lost Pond Shelter

To: The Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

I slept soundly, thanks to the serene sounds of the lullaby brook beside the shelter. I was up at first light and threw together some oatmeal, breaking up a large peanut butter Snickers Bar to switch things up a bit! It turned out pretty good and I think that I'll do it again. So far I have added trail mix, praline pecans, Sourpatch Kids, Heath Bar and Peanut butter Snickers. Gotta keep it interesting as even fruity oatmeal can get old at times if you don't switch it up. I do the similar things with my flavored Cream of Wheat and Grits as well. We were soon packed and on the trail. We soon passed the trail and sign to the Old Job Trail and the Big Branch Shelter. The ground in places is much softer due, I believe to all of the pine needles turned into soil. This is so much better on my back! We crossed a footbridge and a stream before heading uphill past the Little Rock Pond Shelter & Tenting Area which has a great shelter with a large covered front porch with wrap around benches. We stopped in for a bite to eat and for a quick breather. We crossed another footbridge over a stream before we were halted in our tracks by a beautiful rock cairn garden! We were greeted by a vision of hundreds of simple to extremely complex and beautiful works of art. Some of the elaborate rock sculptures seemed to defy gravity, perched precariously upon one another and took our breaths away! Thank you one and all who contributed to these rock gardens by the trail to the White Rocks Cliffs! The White Rock Cliffs were a beautiful short walk away from the trail and well worth the short jaunt to the beautiful vistas. Not long after we made it to the Greenwall Shelter which is mostly enclosed with an opening on the front. There is a sleeping platform and table inside with extra light provided by the windows on the sides of the building. I picked a spot in the shelter and went to clean up and get water while Rocky set up his tent site. Back at the shelter Joker had come along and had set up for the night. It was good talking to him as he is a very interesting person. We all safety up during the discussions and dinner while the sunlight dwindled away with our energy. Soon the frogs, crickets and were singing a lullaby and we drifted off to our beds and to sleep.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: few clouds

We were awaken by the loud and rowdy serenade of dueling songbirds. It was light out and I had slept soundly all the way through the night and felt well refreshed! We ate, packed up and thereafter the trail carried us away towards Katahdin. Soon there was a beautiful view to the Rutland Airport, far below, which was soon followed by the rugged descent to the beautiful and rugged waterfalls sweeping 30' under a sturdy suspension bridge. We pressed on to the Whistle Stop Caf© where Rocky treated me to breakfast while we charged our devices and refueled ourselves. I highly recommend this caf© as the food is awesome and plentiful and the coffee is pure hiking fuel! The staff are very helpful and hiker friendly, making us feel like family. Then was one hell of a climb up from VT140 up Bear Mountain which involved using both hands up a rock scramble where at the top we were rewarded with a wonderful view. Then it was down to the Clarendon shelter which was more like a 1/4 of a mile than .1! We had gone for water but the spring was dry. We still had some and so carried on. We soon found water, cammeled and filled up and were on our way. I have been enjoying hiking with Rocky as we have been talking and loving the pine scented air and soft ground of the pine forest, he is a very knowledgeable hiker and we discussed our likes and dislikes about gear, the trail, the weather and all matter of hiker lore. The flowers along the way are bursting forth in a riot of glorious colors and scents. We took a short detour on the Cold River Road to the W.E.Pierce Groceries where we got something to eat. Rocky warned me to get quarters for the showers at Gifford Woods State Park so I got $5.00 worth. I also packed put 2 beers with me for the shelter. The first thing that I saw was a huge apple tree behind the shelter that I went to raid, attacking the tart apples with a gusto! The shelter itself is an impressive stone building with a fireplace and overhanging porch with a bench. There are tree stumps for seats inside the shelter and plenty of room beside on the sleeping platform. I claimed a spot and got set up before going for water and cleaning up myself and my clothing. I was in a lot of painful as the climb today really aggravated my back and shoulder, but the ice cold water helped a lot. While at the stream I put the beer in the stream to cool off. Feeling refreshed and temporarily energetic, I prepared dinner and retrieved the ice cold brews, giving one to Boogie Pilgrim. Spider Man and Bookworm who had also arrived and we talked for awhile and caught up on news and gossip. We started and socialized around the campfire with two section hikers. We had good conversation and made sure that we were adaquately safe. With pain lifted I listened to music while laying down to unwind before going to sleep. It was a wonderful day on the trail!