morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-14
From: churchill scott shelter

To: Clarendon shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Took off early today and hiked with duster and honey whom I had met at the shelter last evening. They are very friendly and I enjoy hiking with them. We hiked up to Cooperlodge about five miles up the trail and ate lunch- then walked .2 miles on a side trail to the summit where Honey asked the gondola operator (its a ski lodge but does mountain bike and other adventure things when there is no snow) if we could have a free ride down the mountain. After a brief discussion and promises to return someday and ski- he gave in and let us go on for free! Awesome. Me, duster, and honey took a ride down Killington Mountain on the "scenic gondola" which had fantastic views all around, especially southward. It was a round trip and took about 15 minutes. Sweet! From there we hit a milestone- The 500 mile mark from our starting point at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Its location is marked by a cooler of soda,etc. put there by trail angel "Mad Hatter"~! We signed the "Mad Hatters Tea party" register, took pics, then headed south. I heard the Mad Hatter keeps the cooler steadily full which I feel takes a very cool person to take the time for that! Trail angel people rock!!! Including all the rides we get to and from towns!
Date: 2008-08-16
From: big branch shelter

To: Bromley shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Myself duster and honey took off today knowing that we were only going 14.5 miles to Bromley shelter so we can go into Manchester Center, Vermont in the morning. The main road VT11/30 is two miles from the shelter and once at the road its an additional 5.5 miles to the right (for sobo's) into the town. We stopped at Mad Tom Notch where we found a hand water pump (the old metal ones) and filled up our water bottles while chatting with some cool northbounders. Continuing southward we found a nice vista view and a look out tower on the top of Bromley Mountain. Theres also a ski lift up there which we took pics sitting on since its not in operation at this time in the season. There was also a warming hut there which was nice because at higher elevations the wind really turns alot colder even in warm weather! On this mountain I decided to try to make Microwave popcorn on my little stove. Its worked like a charm but when it started to pop the only thing I had near me to put it in was a plastic bag! That of course melted..hahaha...duh.....haha. Screw it..we ate the popcorn anyways..Yum!!!! We hiked to Bromley shelter which is a new shelter built in 2003 and is impressive and beautiful. Had a great nights sleep. At the shelter were Myself, Duster, honey, firedog, finder, and this cool nobo named zero zero.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Bromley shelter

To: manchester center, vermont
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In the morning we all hiked down to Vermont11 road and hitched into the town of Manchester center. Honey hadn't had his thumb out for even ten seconds and none of us were even to the road when a guy in a pick-up truck pulled over and gave us a ride straight into towns outkirt and then a couple heading the other way stopped and asked where we were going. We told them "Friendlys" and they turned around then gave us a lift there! Thank you trail angels! Me,firedog, honey,beetle, finder, and duster all ate breakfast then went to EMS (great outfitter) where I replaced my sneakers with a pair of winter boots on sale. I also purchased white gas fuel. It totalled 38 dollars because of the sale! Awsome! We then went to price chopper supermarket and re-supplied. In the market we ran into Jeff - the owner of The Green Mountain House hostel. We had previously made reservations with him to stay at his hostel. He gave us a lift across town to the house and Ive got to tell you - I was blown away! Everyone was! The hostel opened four weeks ago and the place is a very large house with a full equipted kitchen, high speed internet computer, plush new furniture in the living room and dining area. Theres a new High Definition flatscreen television. Upstairs has three rooms with really comfortable beds and bunkbeds in them. There is also the washer and dryer on the second floor and behind that room is the bathroom/shower. Theres extra shorts and shirts to change into while your doing your wash. He keeps the refrige stocked with Ben and Jerrys ice cream and assorted sodas. There isnt a flat charge to stay there but donations are accepted. Its a great place to stop coming off the trail. I caught up a bit on my trailjournal entries and then made a good dinner in the kitchen. My hostel rommies were Vagabond and his girlfriend Frogger. Vagabond had previously completed a northbound A.T. hike and was now doing the "Long Trail" northbound with Frogger. Great people and we became friends instantly. Sometime during the evening I was starting to sew (finally) my sleeping bag since I had so many tears in it. My sewing work was pretty pathetic (o.k.-really, really pathetic) when Frogger said she would do it. She sewed all the stuffing back into it like she used a sewing machine!!! You Rock "Frogger"! I learned alot about the Long Trail from Vagabond and plan to call them when I get to Virginia where they are from. Got some much needed rest tonight.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: manchester center, vermont

To: manchester center, vermont
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Jeff dropped me off in town and I did some serious shopping at "Price Chopper" grocery store. I bought alot of veggies and high calorie foods. Lots of food to give me fuel on the trail and to pick up my weight. Its normal to loose 10-15 lbs on the trail. Im a small guy and i really cant afford to be loosing lots of weight. So Im being more attentive to my "trail food choices". I then went to the Sutton House hostel and got a room. (yesterday I did not zero..it was a nero). The room cost thirty bucks. Finder, firedog, beetle, and my old hiking pal Bungie were there. We watched a bit of the olympics and I organized my food bag. It weighs a freaking ton...hahaha.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: manchester center, vermont

To: Stratton Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.6

Headed out to go to the trail with bungie (whom I met in town) and also we met a guy named Dinner fer two who is finishing a southbound long trail hike. Before I left I ran into Gash and Dank who said they were having money problems and were going to head north back to Katahdin since they dont have enough to finish there southbound hike this year. Thats to bad. I hope they have fun going over those cool mountains again. So me, bungie, and dinner fer two headed south on the trail and stopped at the Stratton Pond Shelter". All the hikers (sobos) I was in town with showed up along with many other hikers. Total at the shelter were 13. Its a pay shelter and costs 5 bucks. Its very nice and large enough for 13 people but not more. The temperature really dropped tonight and for the first time I realized how fast my sleeping bag could become infiltrated by the cold. It wasnt quite freezing but it was chilly. To early to carry a winter bag though.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Stratton Pond Lean-to

To: Kid Gore shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The hikers at the Stratton Pond lean-to were a fun bunch. Everyone sobo took off really early. Me, bungie, and dinner fer two summitted Stratton Mountain (3936') where we came across an awsome firetower with excellent 360 degree views. This is said to be the probable birthplace of the Appalachian trail- Its said Benton Mackaye said he first thought about an eastern continental divide trail while sitting in a tree on the summit. Pretty cool history there. Hiked through the day and ended at Kid Gore shelter. I hung my hammock near the shelter and read my book "girl with a pearl earing". I woke up during the night and noticed the moon was bright as a silver spoon and totally lit up the forest. Pretty sweet.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Kid Gore shelter

To: Melville Nauheim shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Hiked out early. Today was a typical hike all day kind of day. Since I restocked in Manchester Center my pack weight is a bit uncomfortable. The right strap has rubbed the skin off my right shoulder and also the pack has rubbed the skin off the small of lmy back. Pretty minor but sucks anyways. My solution is to reduce my food bag weight and then get rid of any unneccesary items. Also throw out any trash Im packing in the next trail town. I also ran into Juicebox from way back at Baxter State Park. Swing and Juicebox are the hikers who picked me up hitching from Millinocket, Maine into Baxter State park. Im glad to see they are both still hiking. Slept in Melville Nauheim shelter tonight!
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Melville Nauheim shelter

To: Harmon Hill
Miles today: 3.4

Headed into Bennington, Vermont this morning. Coming out of the woods onto VT9 highway and hitched. I ended up hitching about two miles before a van pulled over. The driver had picked up duster and honey previously so now I was in the trail angel van! YaY. We all got dropped off on Main st. where we split up. I immediately went to a coffee shop and inquired about where to find a gift shop and the post office. After purchasing gifts for family back in Pennsylvania I cruised over to the post office and sent them out. The convenient thing was that the local outfitters "Natures Closet" let me leave my pack in their basement while I took care of business! Around three I decided to head back to the trail and halfway there I ran into a couple who were very interested in thru-hiking! I answered what questions they had then they offered me a ride to the trailhead! Awesomely! By the way- Bennington has the coolest life size realistic statues of people doing everyday things lined up and down the sidewalks. A site worth seeing. Arriving at the trail I summited Harmon Hill. When I noticed a path leading out to a lookout point. I followed this out to a grassy outlook overlooking the city of Bennington and the distant mountains. I also met a very beautiful woman hiker there. She was stunning. We chatted a bit, started a fire, watched the sunset over the horizon, and we cowboy camped while a billion stars lit up the heavens! It was quite an enchanting evening.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Harmon Hill

To: mt prospect trail-stealth site
Miles today: 17.3

We woke up in each others arms about eight a.m. and said our good-byes. I watch her as she headed down the trail northbound and wondered if I would ever see her again. If not, that's o.k. - the evening is a special memory and was most enchanting. I then headed Southbound. I came to woods road (mile 581.6) and out of the forest to find a ma named Paddy-O doing trail magic! It was quite a surprise to find he was making grilled foods and had much to drink. I had two strombolis and 2 brownies and packed out a baggie full of cookies and a ham and cheese sandwich. Awsome! Paddy-O travels up and down the trail doing Trail Magic and has been for years now. Thanks a million Paddy-O!!!I then continued on and stealthed by Mt. Prospect trail on the south side of north adams (I guess..ha ha)
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Cheshire, Ma.

To: Dalton, Ma.
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving Cheshire, Ma. I stopped at the post office and "bounced" a bunch of food up to Salisbury, Ct. to lighten my pack weight. I then sat on a bench across from the P.O. and made a few phone calls. Duster and Honey pulled up in a shuttle to pick their mail drop and were heading back to North Adams to return to where they exited the trail. I hope they catch up to me! The trail actually goes through Cheshire and makes a left in front of the post office before it goes back into the forest! I then hiked straight thru to the town of Dalton. The trail also goes thru the town of Dalton very near most hiker re-supply and food joints. Here I came across Toms hostel which is in the thru hikers guidebook I carry. Its a free hostel. I found out Bungie was staying at the house also! I left my pack and went into town and grabbed a sub before heading to the library. I updated my journal there before heading back to the house. I slept very well!
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Dalton, Ma.

To: upper goose pond cabin
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Me and Bungie had breakfast in Dalton with Tom before heading back to the library. Once it opened I paid my bills then went back and got my gear together. We took to the trail about 12:30pm with the intention of pushing to Upper Goose Pond Cabin 20.6 miles away! We did some night hiking and arrived a little after 10:00pm exhausted.
Date: 2008-08-27
From: upper goose pond cabin

To: Mt. Wilcox South lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Upper Goose Pond cabin is fantastic! Its a large cabin with bunkbeds on the second floor. That's where I slept! On the first floor is a dining area (kitchen table) and a full kitchen with a gas stove. The caretaker Pete was absolutely awsome. Just a great guy! He cooked pancakes and made coffee for all the guests at breakfast. It was so nice to finally get off my feet after yesterdays haul to the cabin! I have that blood blister on the back of my heel (the back of my foot) that really sucks when I go uphill.Like so many times before I have decided to just walk it off. Everything passes....that's a fact of life! No pain - No Georgia! We left the cabin about seven thirty.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Mt. Wilcox South lean-to

To: Tom Leonard lean-to
Miles today: 5.3

The trail in the morning was gradual with ups and downs. I took a bunch of pictures of the gulches and the high rock formations along the way. Also, more dead trees sticking out of the ponds. At MA.23 I decided to go to the general store down the road. As I was standing by the road I saw a small bear run across MA23 while cars were coming down the road! Yep..so cool. I then hitched 3.5 miles to the Monterey Gerneral store. I was picked up by this really cool couple Amanda and Pat who were just finishing up a week long camping trip. They drove me to the general store and when I finished shopping for a few things they loaded my food bag with a bunch of food!!! awesomely. Its was sweet! I had been down to my last pack of ramen noodles and thats it..haha. They even offered to take me into the larger town to a regular large grocery store. I decided to go back to the trail and thats where they took me. I took pics of them and got their email address. I started doing that a while ago and wish I had done it from the very beginning. I've witnessed the kindness of so many awesome people its amazing! That was great trail magic! The trail then turned into a nice forest with slight ups and downs - and also a very picturesque gulch. The stone cliffs looked almost prehistoric as I hiked on through the area. I then came to the Tom Leonard lean-to. Bungie was there. Also the freshmen orientation group (Foot:freshmen outdoor orientation trip) lead by Matt and Elanore. The group is from Yale U. They did a torch lighting at night and posed for some pics for me. All the students were cool and I told them stories and answered some questions at the last lean-to with two northbound thru-hikers. I also hung out with an orientation group from Smith College lead by Matt Emerson and Stevie Bergman. Really great group of people. Also at the lean-to where sobo's Lightning Rod, Songbird, and Ozzie. The Yale group kept the fire going for a bit which kept things nice and toasty.
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Tom Leonard lean-to

To: Great Berrington
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The Lean-to was fairly comfy last night. I awoke about six a.m. and ate breakfast. Hung out with the Smith College group for a bit before heading out. The trail was very nice with a few ups and downs as usual in this area of the state. I went into Great Berrington where I took care of some business (recharging camera and phone batteries, ate, purchased a new pair of boots AGAIN!!). I had to buy new boots because the ones I got in Manchester Center outfitter where killing my feet. I have a large blood blister still on my right foot and if I wore those boots another week was sure I would loose my right toenail. Every step hurt. F-that!! I bought another pair of Hi-Tec Altitude 4 boots. They feel so comfortable and are the boots I started with (the ones Maine took all the tread off of)..I love Hi-tec boots! I wont buy anything else for the trail from now on! Ive learned my lesson. Enough on that subject. Slept in Great Berrington at a Friendlies.
Date: 2008-08-31
From: Hemlock shelter

To: Limestone spring lean-to
Miles today: 17.5

The area I stealthed at last night was absolutely awsome. Very beautiful large tall trees with hardly any brush around them. Todays hike was likewise wonderful. Perfect weather. Not to hot or cold. I hiked through nice mostly flat forest up to Bear mountain. On the way up (or shall I say at the Mass./Conn. border) I met some very cool day hikers. We hiked up bear mountain together. The one named Jake seemed very interested in doing a thru-hike someday and we chatted about gear and food, etc. - Where I met them at was the spot where I crossed the border into Connecticut and didnt even know it until half way up Bear Mtn.!!! haha. The climb up Bear Mtn. eventually turned into a little steep rock scamble. I loved it. At the peak there is a rock obserbvation tower. I had lunch there with the hikers I had me. The trail down was a gradual desent over rock and root but eventually travelled through the most beautiful forest again. Connecticuts trails are impressive. I wouldnt mind coming back here sometime to camp for a while. I pushed on to where a road leads to Salibury, Ct. where I had bounced my food but since its Sunday and tomorrow is Laborday I blew past it and plan to have the food box sent ahead again on Tuesday. I hiked into the night until I came to the Limestone spring lean-to sign. It said .5 mile down a blue blaze trail but in the dark it got pretty tricky trailing down the side of a steep ravine drop-off down to the shelter. I slept in the lean-to with a very polite and friendly family on holiday vacation. 17.5 miles hiked today.
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Limestone spring lean-to

To: Caesar brook campsite
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Upon waking up I found out Firedog, Finder, and Beetle were also camping there at a campsite nearby. We said our hellos and they took off a bit earlier than I although we did cross paths about mid-day half way up Sharon Mtn. I had stopped at a small mtn. spring to get water. As I approached the spring six frogs jumped into the small area i was getting water from. I filled up two gator aid bottles for the evening water as firedog, finder, and beetle come hiking up! They brought me a really tasty brownie from the restaurant they went to in the last town. Very cool of them. Firedog offered his water pump if i wanted to filter the water there and I accepted. Finder said the Frogs in the spring means that the water is safe to drink. I believe she might be right but I took Firedog up on his filter offer none the less...hahaha. We all stayed at Caesar brook campsite. I now have passed the Seven hundred mile mark from Mt. Katahdin!!! Yahoooooooooooo! Oh...just a quick note at this time of glee- The privy at Caesar brook campsite has no walls around the hopper! haha. seriously! Its the only crapper on the A.T. that smells great..hahahaha!!!
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Caesar brook campsite

To: stealth site near St. Johns Ledges
Miles today: 10.1

Woke up and headed out a bit after firedog and crew. Hiked over Bread Loaf Mtn. and had a snack at the peak. As I was sitting there I met a man who fills the trail map box's and had pleasant conversation about the trail and about my journey. Nice fellow. I then decended onto Ct$ road and went to Cornwall Bridge, Ct. where I resupplied (batteries, salami sand., blah..blah) and had my mail bounced ahead from Salisbury to Pawling, N.Y. Now I dont have to hitch back to Salisbury to pick up my mail bounce!! Yahoooooo!!! I returned to the trail and stealth camped on top of the mountain - on the west side of the mountain that St. Johns ledges are on). St. Johns Ledges is a large boulder type rock scramble up the side of this nice sized mountain. The views up top are pretty sweet. I stealth camped at the furthest west lookout point (Calebs Peak) about 100 feet into the forest there.
Date: 2008-09-03
From: stealth site near St. Johns Ledges

To: Ten Mile River lean-to
Miles today: 12.2

Woke up on Celebs Peak and had breakfast. Hiked on to Kent, Ct. (.5 off the trail and first had a hot breakfast followed by going to the library) - On the way out of town I stopped at the Kent Caboose Gallery to see their exhibit. Then it was a quick exit out of town. I passed through the Schaghticoke Indian Reservation, past Indian Rocks Vista, hiked along the Ten Mile River where I took a bath when I reached the Ned Anderson bridge. I then proceeded to the Ten Mile Reservation lean-to where I slept.
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Ten Mile River lean-to

To: Edward R. Murrow Park (Pawling, N.Y.)
Miles today: 12.0

I woke up and hiked through the day heading for Pawling, N.Y.- At Hoyt rd. (mile 734) I crossed the New York-Connecticut border but I didnt see any sign. I was hiking breifly with LightningRod and Songbird. They are pretty cool people. I eventually came to NY22 where I looked to the left and saw Tims hotdog van. Since I just came through a bunch of farmers fields I was very hot and thirsty as hell. I grabbed two dogs and a soda. Tim was running the van and he also gave me Nacho chips with melted cheese on the house! Awsome. I continued past the A.T. train station (and took pics) until I got to the turnoff for Pawling, N.Y. - where I needed to pick up my mail bounce I had sent ahead to the post office there. I made it just in time before it closed. I then stopped in to the public library and then over to CJ's (I have to look the place up..not sure if thats the name)..restaurant. The people I met there were great. In the evening I went back to the Park and slept under a Pavilion there. The pavilion has electricity and there is a shower on the side of the restroom building across the park. There is also a sandy beach at the park around a small lake. I took a shower, ate, then slept.
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Edward R. Murrow Park (Pawling, N.Y.)

To: Edward R. Murrow Park (Pawling, N.Y.)
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to Zero today. I got up and walked a short distance to town and re-supplied at assorted stores. There seemed to be limited re-supply but by shopping around most hiker supplies can be found. I returned to the park about six-thirty. I met two couples that night from the area. Really great folks. I had some really cool conversation with them for a bit also. They were so nice to give me pizza and a drink to wash it down with. Sweet!!! Now, tonight is supposed to be stormy because there is a tropical storm off the east coast or something like that. I made sure I was close to the center of the pavilion. It rained cats and dogs at night but I was sound asleep through-out most of it. Great zero day.