morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a beautiful morning this morning. Woke up to the mosquitos, whichwas not so beautiful. But, the sun was shining and everyone was just moving at a liesurely pace, just enjoying.We sat around eating breakfast, not too worried about hiking right out as usual because we weren't going very far. Compost and Silverfoot hiked up and we convinced them to join us on our very relaxed day. It doesn't take much to convince a thru-hiker to slow it down for food, expecially a picnic.We woke up at 7:30 AM and didn't actually hike out until 10:30 AM. And Swansons and I barely went a mile before we came to a big stream, perfect for showering in. (Which we were and are in desperate need of). So we stopped and took more time hanging out in the water. The water felt amazing on a freakin' already 90 degree day.To our wonderful surprise, Charlie Foxtrot came making his way down to the stream. He had spent the morning talking about how he was going to catch a bus out of here. We thought he was going to quit, and tried to convince him otherwise, but he seemed hell bent. Then there he was, still with us with his same old glowing, dry British sense of humor. We were extremely happy to see him.Then as if the river wasn't good enough, two day hikers came down the trail as Swansons and I started up, and handed Swansons a cold can of beer and me a packet of pringles. Beautiful thing and I was just getting ready for a snack as usual.We hiked on again only to stop and have lunch a few miles later. My new thing is a bagel with mustard and easy cheese. Holy Wow that was good. I'm so sick of everything else that I have to resort to new combinations which is getting difficult.It was so hot out that Swansons and I decided to hang out at the shelter 5 miles short of our destination for awhile...We had a good hour long nap time before getting back going at 5:30 for our last 5.2. It was nice to let it cool off and give our feet a break for a bit. But, I really hate having to start hiking again after such a long stop. My feet get confused and belligerent because they thought we were done for the day. But, it only takes about 1/2 a mile for them to accept their fate and get back into the hiking groove.Tonight we are on an awesome overlook enjoying some trail magic from our sexy ridgerunner who even now that she is off duty has stuck with us for one more night. The group tonight is Deadbear, sexy ridgerunner, Compost, Silverfoot, Charlie Foxtrot and Swansons and me of course. All of us together have had 3 of the best days I have had yet out here. So sad that we are going to have to start doing some serious miles again soon.As I read on the wall at Kincora, "My hiking is really getting in the way of my trail experience".   Or something like that. The stars are out in force tonight and Marlisa and I even got to see a shooting star. Tomorrow a short three miles and then Hiker Picnic! I feel like it's Christmas Eve!
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Hydroelectric Plant
Miles today: 0.0

Nero today! Thanks to Privy Boy and Walkie Talkie being so good to us and making it oh so hard to leave. They are two thru-hikers from 97' and they set up camp right outside the hydroelectric plant where the trail runs thru and there is an out door shower there! Two wonderful things-free food and a cold shower on a hot day.We got there nice and early and quickly scarfed down 2 hot dogs and coleslaw plus 4 or 5 cans of coke right off the bat. It was wonderful. They had a picture of Katahdin set up for us all to gawk at and dream about. There was lots of lounging in the shade and talking about nothing and eventually through the day 25 through hikers had showen up. It was a definite party.After dinner, Dinosaur, Hellbender, Mo, Ponche, Compost, Dead Bear, Jelly Bean, Bare Bear, Swansons and I all headed back south on the trip to a rope swing we had all spotted over the Housatonic River. We were all very excited about this concept until Swansons waded out into the river and it turned out to be only about 2 feet deep. Bad situation. Dead Bear decided it could still be done. Bad situation. We all stood back with cameras ready bracing ourselves for injuries that might come.But he made it. Fell in on his back, bounced a little but made it without damage.   Sill a bad situation. Now Compost was in line for the rope. Again we watched, cameras ready. Compost swung, dropped and landed straight down on his feet...very hard. And that was the end of the rope swing.He hobbled back to the picnic and Dinosaur and Ponche set him up with a sling to keep his foot up. Another thru-hiker getting injured always bums everyone out...none of us wanted to see Compost have to quit or go through this. We all know what it's like. We left him relaxing and icing up his ankle and strangely all went searching for more fun at the swimming hole up the river.For about an hour we watched cray Kayakers launching themselves off the waterfall and into the river. Funny that we thought THEY were crazy!The night ended with about a million tents propped up next to the street. A true thru-hiker end to a party! We had an awesome day thanks to Privy Boy and Walkie-Talkie! Despite our buddy getting a little roughed up by the river.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Hydroelectric Plant

To: Salisbury, Connecticut
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast from our picnic trail angels! Sausage and grilled eggs! So freakin' good. We got a nice early morning start. We left with the plan to stop in Salisbury to visit Compost. He ended up not being able to walk very well this morning and he got a hitch into town to give it a rest. We were just going to stop by and visit and resupply.But the hike in was so easy but very very hot! And we heard on the radio that it was going to reach 105 degrees this afternoon. Not appearing to a person with 40 pounds on their back and mountains to climb. And Compost had the air conditioning on and it was so wonderful.We all dropped our packs in his room and headed out to eat and shop. And we just got hotter. All the other thru-hikers we saw were feeling the same thing. We all sat around in the Village Square drinking alot and trying to figure out what to do with ourselves.Well, we sat so long we decided to just keep our wounded soldier company for the night. So Foxtrot, Sexmunk, Deadbear, Swansons and I hung out staring at TV and making Compost keep his foot up as much as possible. We'll start the real hiking tomorrow, we told ourselves.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Salisbury, Connecticut

To: Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: light rain

Out of Connecticut and into the great Massachusetts! And what a way to intrduce itself to us. We are climbing real mountains again. It felt so good to get back up again. And the views Massachusetts gave us were incredible. We were higazy rocks. I had to go slower than ever on the way down for fear of my ankles getting angry at me.   So we had some tediously long climbs down. Swansons was very patient. I also busted my but on the rocks in front of a bunch of boy scouts. They were all sitting on the tail and I was trying to hop around them a little too confidently. I tried to pull it off smoothly but the blood on my shin gave it away! Oh well. I had to embarrass myself on the trail eventually. At least it was just boy scouts.   And they didn't laugh. Very cool of them. I, however, did laugh. I'm an idiot. I had to laugh!We kept trekking on, thoroughly enjoying Massachusetts and pushed on 22 miles all the way to Great Barrington. It felt good to finally get in some big miles. We feel back to normal. But, we miss our Dead Bear, Compost and Foxtrot! Compost, I hope nothing it broken! No more rope swings for any one near any of us for a long time!
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Great Barrington, Massachusetts

To: Mt. Wilcox North Leanto
Miles today: 13.5

Well, we let the old flip of the quarter decided our day today. We were supposed to go 17 and camp but when we hit the shelter four miles before, the weather report was not looking great. And, have I mentioned all I think about is trees falling down on us? So we flipped a coin to let the fates decide. and the quarter spoke and we stayed. That means 23 tomorrow. But, Oh well. We plan to start very early.This morning we had breakfast at Friendly's for 4 bucks. 3 eggs, 4 pieces of sausage, home fries and toast......$3.95. A beautiful thing. Nothing like starting out with a full stomach and 3 cups of coffee in you. Lots of ups and downs again, but we finally have some breathtaking views again and I'm actually excited about climbing mountains again.We went for a swim and ate lunch at a glacial pond. It was very nice to be able to take a nice swim in the middle of the day. Well, what we thought was the middle of the day, but turned out we only hiked 3 miles after that. We should have swam longer.The coolest part of the day was the little beaver dam we saw and their little beaver house. We even got to see the little beaver swimming into his apartment. Very cool to see how these guys have flooded a football sized piece of forest with their little dam.   A nice giant home for themSo, now we're hanging at the shelter with Energized Bunny, Pumpkin and Wild Bill. For the first time this adventure, I ate two dinners tonight...I couldn't stop, I was so hungry. I felt like Swansons. I ate a Lipton pasta side that serves 2, then a pita with onions in it then an Idahoan potato mixed with like 4 servings with more onions. Plus, wonderful koolaid. I should be good for along day tomorrow now. I'm living it up while I can. Won't be able to pull that off in the real world. Unless I start running 20 miles a day!
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Mt. Wilcox North Leanto

To: October Mountain Leanto
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Early morning today. I told Pumpkin to wake us up when he got up because we had a long day ahead of us. Well, Pumpkin was stirring and packing at 4:30 AM and at 5:00AM I heard, "Kurly, you awake?" I grunted an "OK" and Swansons and I both sat up groggily hating to see that the sun wasn't even up yet.But once we got started we were glad to have such and early start to such a long day. By the time we had lunch we had already done 16 miles. Right before we had lunch, we passed a bunch of day hikers standing in the middle of the trail. As we squeezed by them one of the grown women waved a snotty hand in front of her face and said "ewe, stinky!"   So, I politely returned her compliment with thanks very much and refrained from kicking her as I walked by, best I could. I know we stink, everyone knows we stink, but, at least wait until we walk away! (The trail name for this is (Eau d'hiker!) Talk behind our backs at least, sheesh!!We are proud of our stinky selves. That's what 2 weeks of no real showers and no laundry being done will get ya.Tonight, I'm going to bed early. My legs are cramped already and I feel like a kid at Christmas Eve. We are meeting my parents on the trail in Dalton at 11:00am tomorrow. Showers! Laundry! I get to see my parents! And real food! Oh, yeah, just like Christmas!
Date: 2006-07-22
From: October Mountain Leanto

To: Dalton, Massachusetts
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: haze

Woke up early this morning to wonderful rain once again. Looked like we would be getting that shower before we saw my parents afterall. The first half of the hike went smoothly with easy terrain and just drizzle here and there. But when we got down to the last 2 and 1/2 miles Swansons and I stopped to take a break because we had time to kill before the folks picked us up at the road crossing, and the skies opened up on us. The rain came down in buckets, causing us to ditch our break plans and run the last 2 1/2 miles. We were down at the meeting point in no time at all, soaked to the bone and covered in mud.Our sprnt over and down the mountain left us hanging at the road for 45 minutes till my parents came. But when they finally did come we were beyond happy to see them. Expecially since they came with cold sodas and a dry car! My mother's first comments, of course, were directed at how dirty I was and the gash on my shin. And my Dad just wanted to know where all the other hikers were. He wanted to give them all cold sodas! It was so great to be with my parents. I knew their visit would go too fast, but the next time I get to see them it will be after summitting Katahdin back down at the bottom. So that is something to look forward to, and it also makes us see how close we are.Mom and Dad took us out to eat then to the hotel for a long awaited shower and then laundry. Never before have I turned a white wash cloth brown, but we were really filthy this time around. I imagine the cleaning ladies just threw them out.Clean clothes, and bodies plus new shoes for me. My New Balances were coming apart at the seems and my feet were feeling every pebble on the ground. So it was a switch to Montrail Hardrock for me and hopefully they will take me the rest of the way.Got some bad news tonight as well. We heard that Pebbles had gotten off the trail. I had to call her to confirm it and it was true. Made me very sad knowing how determined she had been. But it also made me realize how lucky we are to still be out here and still with high hopes of making it all the way. We have overcome so much, so many stupid little hurdles, and some not so stupid. And we are still here and determined as hell. I wish we could have been with Pebbles to maybe motivate her but she did what was best for her. And those missed miles can always be finished some other time.This isn't the easiest thing we have ever done, probably one of the hardest. Sometimes more challenging mentally than physically. Now only 28 miles of the Vermont border, three states left....I hope our strength and determination plus our feet carry us onward and upward not matter what....
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Dalton, Massachusetts

To: Cheshire, Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0

From one town to the next. Very nicely done if I don't say so myslef. Swanson's Mom is meeting us on Saturday in Manchester, Vermont so it allowed us to take a nice leisurely day today.Yesterday, we spent an awesome zero day with my parents, eating and going to the mall and what not. So we were really in no mood to hike out afterwards. Actually we were really more in the mood to sit and watch TV and eat Chinese food, so that is just what we did.This morning we slept in and went and had breakfast before finally hiking the trail around 11:00 AM. It was an awesome hike, despite the fact that I was sick having eaten way to much food at breakfast. Or maybe it was the 2 coffees and the liter of blue gatorade I chugged. Maybe it wasn't the hash and egg sandwiches plus the pancakes.Massachusetts has really been a great hike so far, but I'm really looking forward to Vermont and the mountains everyone keeps warning us about.Oh, and I forgot to mention that on our hike into Dalton on Saturday, we saw our first moose tracks. I didn't believe my own eyes. We weren't sure if moose came down this far, but we asked the guy at the sportsman shop and he confirmed that they were certainly around here. Very cool, new wildlife to be seen. Sorry, just a little side note.As for Cheshire, MA, where we are now, it is a very cool, friendly town. You walk right through it and right up to a little hot dog/ice cream shop. I had the best turkey sandwich that I've had in a long time made by the sweetest old lady. We even went back later for banana splits and hot dogs.We are staying at the town's catholic church tonight which is a hostel of sorts.They graciously let us hikers hang here and sleep in their meeting rooms. They ask for no money, and even come by to check on you and make sure everyone is cool.   Cheshire has my vote! Tomorrow we climb our first mountain over 3,000 feet since I don't know when. I hope it feels good to get back up there. Mt. Greylock even has a snack bar at the top....good incentive when you are hauling up there!
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Cheshire, Massachusetts

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

I got my butt handed to me on a sliver platter today. All day long...my legs, mostly my knees bitched and complained. I think my knees forgot we were hiking all the way to Maine and not just Massachusetts.It may have had something to do with Mt. Greylock and the fact that our first 7 miles this morning were all up hill. Our first big climb since I think Virginia. I thought I was in awesome shape..but today made me think twice about that. The moutains never let you get too cocky about yourself.Despite the fact that it whooped me, the climb up Greylock was very pretty and smelled like Christmas trees all the way up. We were at the top by 11 AM and eating turkey sandwiches at the snack bar while playing chess.Swansons and I also got our 15 minutes of fame today to our surprise. A family visiting the highest mountain in Massachusetts asked us where we were coming from with our packs. Now, this question always throws me a little off guard. I'm never sure if they mean where are we coming from today or in the grand scheme of things. So I answered "Georgia" kind of unsure whether that was the right answer or not.The entire family looked like we had just told them that we rescued their puppy from a burning building. The usual questions ensued, "Walked here? Where?, how? why?" and so on. Before we knew it they were taking pictures with us and the kids wanted our autograph. Swansons and I didn't even know how to autograph something.We were pretty embarrassed by all the attention, but were happy to see how excited the kids were about it. Future thru-hikers maybe. Their enthusiasum gave us a little boost and reminded us how cool it is that we get to be out here living this crazy adventure.Right now, however, I am sitting in the dirt, my calves are covered in dirt, and a fly is doing laps around my head. So it is hard to imagine that 6 hours ago someone wanted my autograph. If they treat dirty thru-hkers like stars, I wonder how they treat famous people....Oh well, it was nice while the 5 minutes lasted. Back to washing my dishes with dead leaves and dirty water.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Bennington, Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

Usually, I don't do a journal on zero days...I'm too lazy. But, I wanted to remember this day. It was unlike any zero day we've ever had.We woke up early and piled into Ann's car with Fred to head to Home Depot for a spring. Afterwards, she ran us by the convenience store and we bought breakfast ingredients, and made her late for work...(sorry, Ma'am!)   But, breakfast was amazing. Ann left us with the run of the place (brave soul) and Fred whipped up a dozen eggs, bacon and toast for the three of us and we consumed it all in seconds. 4 eggs each.Then, it was off to work on the lawn mowers for Fred and Swansons and kitchen duty for me. I even got to vaccuum...which for some reason was thoroughly enjoyable after doing nothing like housework in 5 months. It felt awesome.Outside, the guys toiled away at the mower and I stood by hoping we didn't make things any worse. But, by the end of the day, they had both mowers running. Swansons and I had to take a side trip to town and stole two of her bikes to do it. Her mowers needed gas! But, oh man, were those VT hills rediculous on a bike and it made me realize just how crappy my knees are after 1600 miles. I can't even fathom trying to run when I get home....they are going to be shot!Anyway...we became the landscaping crew. Fred on the riding mower, Swansons on the push mower (the green monster) and me following behind with the clippers kicking the weed's asses! We were more exhausted at the end of the day than if we had hiked 20 miles. We aren't used to this kind of labor.So we ended the day of hard work the only way or the best way we knew how. Cracked open a few beers and sat in the pool. It felt so good, like we were in paradise. Then, Ann came home and treated us to pizza and more beer. We thought maybe we'd stay there forever...if only we could have brought Maine to Bennington....
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Melville Nouheim Shelter
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: few clouds

What and incredible week we have had. It is times like these that make me so very happy we are taking our time on this trip and not gunning through everything worried about miles and finish dates. We are really making the most out of this, and we should. This is a once in a lifetime adventure and I don't want to take it for granted. I know some of our friends further up are a little curious as to where we are and what is taking us so long....we haven't quit, we aren't having a hard time.....we are having a great time and are taking in the sights along the way. We've got Maine in sight and can't wait to get to New Hampshire and take it all in.That being said....In typical Kurly and Swansons fashion, we spent three days loving Bennington and the people who live there. We spent two nights at Ann's and one night at Chris's after Swansons caught a little stomach bug and we didn't hike out. (Again, how typical of us!) Chris is a guy in town who once in awhile takes in thru-hikers and makes them feel right at home. Awesome guy with a cool place.From Chris's, Swansons' Mom picked us up Saturday and took us to Statton where she proceeded to spoil us with a condo and dinner. Plus Marguaritas! Mom and her friend Amy took great care of us all day yesterday and today. We got to hang around Manchester and catch up with a few thru-hikers who are ahead of us.The reason we only did the 2 miles to the shelter today was another typical bad luck moment on our part. Another thing for us to laugh at ourselves for. When we got to the trail head around 4 o'clock we were saying our goodbyes when Swansons realized his brand new Nalgene was leaking. So, we all piled back into the car and headed back to our favorite trail town, Bennington, to remedy our problem. By the time we were throwing our packs back on it was 5:00 o'clock. So a short hike up the mountain it was. It doesn't seem to matter to my mind whether I do 1 mile or 25, when 6 o'clock rolls around, it is time to stop for the night. Quittin time, dinner time is more like it.I'm very glad we chose not to go further though....as we were making our dinner, out of the corner of my eye I see a figure walk up behind me....I turn and who is it---none other than Charlie Foxtrot! We were incredibly glad to see him again. We weren't exactly sure where he was. It's a nice feeling when you find your friends again. Especially Foxtrot who is probably one of the funniest guys we've ever met out here.So, all's well that ends well. We do big mile days and we do low miles....We walk fast on the trail, slow when in town. And we have met a hell of a lot of people along the way. I don't think it matters how many miles you do in a day or how many days you fart around....as long as you make an adventure out of it and don't give up. Just keep on walking towards Maine....
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Melville Nouheim Shelter

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

First cold night last night in a long time. I don't remember the last time I shivered in my sleeping bag. It was actually nice, instead of being too hot. But we just hope we are going to remain warm enough in our summer bags so we don't have to trade them in for our heavier warmer bags. I think I may be able to pull it off with my 40 degree and my liner for the rest of the time. I'm hoping so since my summer bag is some 2-3 pounds lighter than my winter bag. Not looking forward to carrying that weight.Today was very uneventful...lots of hiking with my head down watching the rocks, roots and mud, making sure I don't end up knee deep in it. We only stopped once, for lunch and made it to the shelter nice and early at around 3:30pm. No moose sightings yet, but lots of prints around. They are definitely in the area. There's always tomorrow.