morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 14.5

We got up early in the morning to have breakfast at the youth camp before being shuttled back to the trail. It was almost 9:30 before we were heading north again crossing the Hudson River, via the Bear Mountain Bridge. It was such a pleasant walk across the bridge on this beautiful sunny and comfortably cool morning. It seemed as though the trail was a little easier going than it had been recently, and when I reached the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center I stopped to eat lunch at the picnic pavilion set up especially for thru-hikers. Swamp Foot was there when I arrived so I talked with him while eating. The remainder of the day was uneventful with only one view to speak of, and, of course, going up and down the many hills we crossed. I stopped at Dennytown Road to get water from a spigot on the outside of a pump house and found a good place to camp just beyond the road. Backfire came in about an hour later and he set up his tent for the night there too.Total Ascent:        3,820'Total Descent:        3,200'
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Dennytown Road

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

We woke up and got on the trail early because we knew we had a long day ahead of us. It was sunny and cool, but a little more humid than the past two mornings. I missed a turn in the trail by Canopus Lake early in the day, and by the time I had figured out my mistake Backfire had caught up to me. The view from the top of Shenandoah Mountain was very nice as you could see in all directions from its mostly bald summit. We were anticipating a good meal when we arrived at the RPH Shelter for lunch, but for some reason they had shut things down at noon. Seems kind of strange to advertise something like this and not say it would be closing at noon. We hiked the next five miles to NY 52, where we followed it to a pizzeria for an early diner by the time we got there. After stuffing myself until I could eat no more we hiked the last four miles to the Morgan Stewart Shelter for the night. Also there for the night were Swamp Foot, Backfire, Nuclear, and Ox. Just before going to bed I found a tick on my waist and pulled it off. Hopefully, it will be okay.Total Ascent:        4,540'Total Descent:        4,070'
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

I got up early and packed up right away because it looked as though it could rain at any time. Fortunately, the rain held off long enough to get everything packed up and to eat breakfast. Generally speaking, if I don¢t have to pack up or set up my tent in the rain I don¢t mind what mother nature sends our way. I was no more than a mile down the trail when it started, and it rained only very lightly at first. It was not enough to stop and put on the rain gear, but later in the morning as I was approaching Pioneer Shelter the rain really picked up in intensity. I took a really long break with Nuclear and Ox at the shelter, hoping that the rain would quit. It was to no avail, and I considered staying at the shelter for the night. Eventually I forced myself out in the rain and back on the trail. Mentally speaking, that is always one of the toughest steps you take on the trail, but after getting out into the weather it¢s really not so bad. It continued to rain the rest of the day, and I decided to stay with Backfire at the Wiley Shelter for the night. This will be our last night in New York.Total Ascent:        4,680'Total Descent:        5,120'
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.7

I didn¢t want to get out of my sleeping bag in the morning, but when I did I spotted a couple of small patches of blue sky mixed in with the grey and overcast morning. It¢s always uplifting to see blue sky after you have hiked an entire day in the rain. After getting back on the trail it didn¢t take long to pass into Connecticut and say goodbye to New York. You could almost notice an immediate improvement in trail maintenance and construction.I didn¢t sleep well during the night so most of the day was a struggle for me. Finally, I did make it into Kent, CT, where I spent the afternoon doing the usual chores to take care of when you go into town, and, of course, a fair amount of eating. Backfire and I had dinner together, and after that we joined Nuclear, Ox, and snowplow in tenting behind one of the local churches for the night.Total Ascent:        3,230'Total Descent:        3,550'
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 17.0

There was a fog with heavy dew overnight, and the tent was as wet as if it had rained. Everything else in the tent was damp too. Ox, Nuclear, Backfire, and I all decided to get breakfast before heading back to the trail, and by the time we had finished eating the fog had lifted revealing what was sure to be a hot day on the trail. When it gets hot like this it really slows me down, and with all the hills we had to climb during the course of the day made for a long and tiring day on the trail. There was a very nice walk long along the beautiful Housatonic River sandwiched between all the hill climbing, but overall it was a tough day. When we got to the Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To for the night we were greeted by mosquitoes like I have not experienced on the trail before. The mosquitoes were just swarming, and I worked as fast as I could to get my tent up for a place of escape. Once inside the tent you could hear a collective buzz, which had an eerie sound to it. I just hope this isn¢t a sign of things to come.Total Ascent:        4,450'Total Descent:        3,750'
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The mosquitoes were still buzzing in the morning, although not as bad as yesterday evening. The skies were overcast and it was very humid, so the hiking was uncomfortable most of the morning. About mid-morning Flying Turtle, Rain Dog, Backfire, and I went to the Mountainside Caf© for breakfast, and it was definitely worth the road walk to get there. After getting back on the trail we went by the Great Falls of the Housatonic River, which were very impressive to say the least. After that it was nothing more than a race for Salisbury as we all had a case of town fever on this very warm and sunny day. When we got there we all went to Brenton¢s for the night. After getting settled in, I walked over to the library to use the internet and then walked around this beautiful historic town. After taking care of the usual chores while in town and eating dinner, I was off to sleep in a real bed.Total Ascent:        3,330'Total Descent:        3,500'
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Salisbury, CT

To: The Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 14.2

We got up in the morning and went to breakfast before heading back to the trail again. First up was the climb to the top of the Lions Head, and, other than the low hanging fog, the views were outstanding. Then we finished the rest of the climb to the top of Bear Mountain where we got a good view our next two big climbs after crossing the state line into Massachusetts. We were returning to the land of real mountains once again. After taking a break in Sage Ravine we crossed into Massachusetts for the first time. That makes ten states finished and four to go. Then we made what seemed like a never ending climb to the top of Race Mountain. On the way to the summit there were many fantastic views while following the trail along the rock ledges. After making the climb down from the summit we were faced with yet another very steep climb up to the summit of Everett Mountain. After making the long descent from the summit Backfire and I stopped at the Hemlock Lean-To for the night. Also coming in much later in the evening were Ox and Nuclear.Total Ascent:        4,060'Total Descent:        2,750'
Date: 2007-07-28
From: The Hemlocks Lean-To

To: Tom Leonard Lean-To
Miles today: 14.4

We woke up to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance, and by the time we were packed up and ready to go it was raining. Going up and down the rock slabs proved to be very slippery, but luckily neither Backfire nor I fell. Later in the morning when it did quit raining we were in the lowlands of Massachusetts, and the mosquitoes were swarming. I was hiking as fast as I possibly could to escape most of their bites. When we got to the US 7 road crossing we took a short break for ice cream at a farm market and then hitched a ride into Great Barrington to pick up supplies and get a good meal. It didn¢t take as long as I thought it would in town, and we were lucky enough to meet up with a nice family while there who gave us a ride back to the trail. As it turned out the mother and father were former caretakers at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin, and they gave us some information about the area. When we got back on the trail we hiked the last five miles to the Tom Leonard Lean-To where we decided to spend the night. We learned from others camping there that Nuclear went into the hospital. I just hope it¢s nothing serious. I set up my tent when I got to the lean-to with the intentions of sleeping in it rather than the shelter, but later in the evening I could hear thunder and lightning strikes in the distance. I decided to sleep in the shelter tonight rather than deal with a wet tent in the morning.Total Ascent:        4,180'Total Descent:        4,550'
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Tom Leonard Lean-To

To: Webster Road
Miles today: 16.0

I should have stuck with sleeping in my tent last night because I got my worst night of sleep while on the trail. It was a combination of people coming into the shelter very late, a dog barking inside the shelter, and not being very comfortable sleeping on the wood plank bed. All this combined for not much sleep, and I knew that combination would mean a struggle on the trail today. Very early in the day I tweaked my knee on some very slippery roots. Even Backfire took a fall on the wet rocks later in the day. After skirting around Benedict Pond we climbed up to South Wilcox Shelter, where we took a break. Raindog was also there, and we watched the garter snakes slide in and out of the rocks surrounding the fire pit. In the afternoon we had two more climbs to make, and they were both a struggle. The heat and humidity were taking their toll on both of us, but eventually Backfire and I found a nice place near a stream to set up our tents for the night. I keep hearing thunder in the distance, and, hopefully, the rain will hold off for another night when I¢m sleeping in a shelter.Total Ascent:        3,590'Total Descent:        3,540'
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Webster Road

To: Washington Mountain Road
Miles today: 16.0

It was another battle with the mosquitoes when we got up in the morning, so we didn¢t waste any time getting packed up and on the trail. Backfire decided he would get off the trail at the US 20 road crossing to get more food, rest the blisters on his feet, and then would rejoin me when I zeroed in Dalton, MA. Once we were on the trail I went real slow to test out my knee, but it wasn¢t even 15 minutes after starting that I slipped on a root again and destroyed one of my trekking poles. When I took the pole apart I found that all three of the carbon fiber sections had shattered making the pole completely useless. I¢ll just have to go with one pole until I get to Dalton to see what I can find in the way of replacements. Early in the day I went by Upper Goose Pond, and I can see why it is such a lovely attraction here in Massachusetts. Later in the day I went by Finery Pond, and though not as big, it was more secluded and just as beautiful. Late in the afternoon I decided to make the push to the Cookie Lady¢s for the night. When I got there I picked some real nice blueberries, helped them mow around the blueberry bushes, and of course, had some cookies before retiring for the night. There were also a couple of section hikers and Old Yellar who came in later and decided to set up their tents for the night too.Total Ascent:        2,840'Total Descent:        2,470'
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Washington Mountain Road

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

I was the first one up and out from the Cookie Lady¢s in the morning. It was cool with a little breeze and sunny skies to begin the hike, but once back in the woods the mosquitoes were out in full force. I had no choice but to stop and coat my exposed skin with deet. Early in the day I found some trail magic just beyond a road crossing, and the cold sodas really hit the spot. Thank you! Once I reached the top of Warner Mountain there was a great view of Mt. Greylock in the distance. Beyond that, I had a case of town fever because it had been quite a while since I had taken a zero and I was really looking forward to it. I arrived in Dalton around noon and checked in at Tom Levardies to spend the night. After taking a shower he was kind enough to make sandwiches for everyone there, but after eating that, I was still a little hungry and headed into town for some burgers and fries at Duff & Dells. For dinner Tom made a big boiled dinner to feed everyone there, which had swollen to about 20 hikers by this time. Backfire came rolling in just about dark and Nuclear and Ox were not far behind. With the excellent weather forecast I decided to set up my tent for the night.Total Ascent:           720'Total Descent:        1,520'
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had two major issues to resolve today, and I got both of them taken care of. I didn¢t have any choice but to buy a new set of trekking poles, because I destroyed one of them in a fall two days ago. The poles were still under warranty, but there was no way I would get them replaced without taking some time off here in Dalton. Ultralight poles work fine in most situations, but I think you need a little heavier set of poles to take the abuse on the AT. I also had to either get a replacement part for my water filter or get a new one because one of the seals was going out. I took the bus to the nearest EMS and, after a little going back and forth with them, they replaced the entire unit for free. You just can¢t ask for any better service than that! Now I¢m all set to get back on the trail.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepel Lean-To
Miles today: 13.7

We got up early to get one more meal in our stomachs before getting back on the trail. and besides, you just can¢t get enough of those delicious blueberry pancakes served up at Duff and Dells. After eating we packed up and hit the trail but Backfire still had some other business to take care of in town. We planned to meet up at the shelter later in the afternoon if everything went as expected. The mosquitoes were out in full force to begin the day, and after about 20 minutes of slapping at the bastards, I decided to stop and apply some insect repellent. I try to avoid using the stuff, but it usually does the trick when I do. I rolled into Cheshire, MA about noon and got a sandwich and ice cream for lunch, and after filling my stomach, I started the long climb out of Cheshire leading up to Mt. Greylock. Even though I stopped short of Greylock¢s summit for the day, it was the longest uphill climb we have tackled in quite a long time, and it felt good to gain some elevation once again. I got to the Mark Noepel Lean-To early in the evening and later in the day, Big Brother, Ron, and Elf also stopped in for the night.Total Ascent:        3,220'Total Descent:        1,670'
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Mark Noepel Lean-To

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

I woke up to a nice breeze blowing through the trees, which helped keep the mosquitoes at bay. Backfire came in late last night after I went to sleep, but didn¢t find where I had set up my tent. I took my time getting around and worked to reorganize things a little before leaving the shelter because my pack had not been riding real well the past couple of days. Back on the trail it was a matter of picking my way through the stones, roots, and bog bridges on the way up to the summit of Mt. Greylock. Once there it was a little hazy, but beautiful views in all directions. There was also a beautiful breeze blowing, so Backfire and I took a nice long break to enjoy the moment. The descent down to North Adams was an especially steep one, and the day was really heating up. When we reached the road Backfire and I went in opposite directions. I walked down to the Chinese buffet where I found Circuit Rider, his friend and Sherlock filling their stomachs. After getting more food at the grocery store next door, I walked back to the trail and finished the remaining two miles to the Sherman Brook Camp. Not long after getting my tent set up it began to rain, hail and lightning. Some of the lightning strikes have been very close, but hopefully it will all end before I get up tomorrow.Total Ascent:        2,800'Total Descent:        4,080'
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

The previous evening turned out to be quite a storm with all the lightning and hail, but once again we survived. In the morning the tent was almost dry, so I was happy about that. After getting back on the trail it didn¢t take long to reach the VT/MA state line and the southern terminus of the Long Trail, so now I am down to just three states left. It is actually beginning to seem like there is an end to this trail! About lunch time I came to a power line clearing, and I took about an hour break there to dry my gear in the stiff breeze. The trail was very muddy in spots throughout the day but manageable in that there were rocks to step around the mud most of the time. Late in the day I made it to the Melville Nauheim Shelter for the night. Lunar caught up with me just before got there and decided to tent next to the shelter. Backfire also came rolling in just before it got dark. I must say this has been one of the nicest days we have had for hiking in a long time. I just hope the weather continues like this for a while.Total Ascent:        4,890'Total Descent:        3,790'
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Today is my four month anniversary since starting the trail in Springer, and as it turned out was one of the nicest days on the trail so far. It was very cool in the morning, and in fact, so cool neither Backfire or I wanted to get out of our sleeping bags in the morning. Eventually, we did get up and on the trail albeit a little later than normal. The hike in the morning was such a beautiful one on this magnificent day. It brought back memories of my Long Trail hike in ¢03, but this time I had clear blue skies for the views. After eating lunch at Goddard Shelter I hiked up to the top of Glastenberry Mountain and climbed the firetower. Again, I had no views except fog from here in ¢03, but today the views were outstanding. I met up with Backfire late in the day and we hiked the final miles to Story Spring Shelter for the night. Also in for the night were Lunar, Spock, Water and Bucket, Riggy, Riggy¢s dad, and many who were section hiking the Long Trail.Total Ascent:        3,780'Total Descent:        3,350'
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

I woke up very early in the morning to the pitter patter of rain landing on my tent, but it was not supposed to rain until late in the day. So I scrambled to get things packed up before it had a chance to really cut loose. I was on the trail by 6:30, and it was mostly a downhill run before beginning the big climb up Stratton Mountain. It did sprinkle occasionally, but only enough to keep me guessing about whether to leave the rain gear on or not. The climb going up Stratton was a long one (1,700¢) but fairly easy as climbs go on the AT. The summit was socked in fog when I got there, and it began to rain lightly so I didn¢t waste any time there. However, in my haste to get back in the forest, I took the wrong trail and ended up at the Stratton Ski area. Eventually, I found my way back to the summit and took the right trail down to Stratton Pond, where I met up with Backfire and Spock. We decided to push on to Spruce Peak Shelter for the night to set ourselves up for an easy day into Manchester Center tomorrow. Lunar also came in for the night shortly after we got there.Total Ascent:        3,740'Total Descent:        4,280'
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley Mountain
Miles today: 5.8

We got up early because it was going to be a ¢town¢ day, and only three miles to cover to the VT 11/30 road crossing. It didn¢t take but an hour to get there as the trail was mostly downhill. When we got to the road crossing we stuck our thumbs out to get a ride, but wound up getting a ride from a fisherman coming out of the woods at the trailhead across the street. Our first stop in town was to get a king size breakfast at the restaurant, and after that, we walked across the street to do laundry. With the Whites coming up soon I decided to pick up some new gloves at the local EMS. Of course, after taking care of all that it was time to eat again as we stopped in for some delicious pizza, and then off to the grocery store to get enough food until the next town stop. After all that we hitched a ride back up the mountain to the trailhead and climbed to the top of Bromley Mountain for the night. It¢s too bad we didn¢t have a clear evening because this is one of the best views on the trail. Oh well, maybe the next mountain top, but tonight Church Mouse, Backfire, and I all spent the night in the ski lodge.Total Ascent:        1,850'Total Descent:           680'
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Bromley Mountain

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

It rained from about midnight on, and it was still raining intermittently when we got up in the morning. I was really glad to have been inside such a nice place on what turned out to be a very wet night. We decided to delay leaving the warming shelter in the hope that it would stop raining, but when it hadn¢t stopped by 10:00 am we decided to venture out anyway. There really is not much you can say about hiking in this type of weather except you, and most of what you are carrying, are going to get wet. The rain did quit by the time we reached Peru Peak Shelter for lunch, but things were still very wet in the forest. After eating lunch, it wasn¢t long after getting back on the trail that I slipped and took a nasty fall on one of the very slick bog boards. I landed on my butt, so it was mostly just my pride that was hurt. We rolled into the Big Branch Shelter around 5:00, where Riggy, Lunar, and Spock all followed soon after for the night.Total Ascent:        2,220'Total Descent:        4,010'