morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Ten-mile River shelter (mile 1454.5)

To: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter (mile 1470.2)
Miles today: 15.0

Good day from a hiking perspective, sunny and warm, but not excessively humid. A lot of ups and downs, Connecticut is a more challenging state from the terrain perspective. We stopped in the city of Kent, Connecticut. Where we had an excellent sandwich and a cup of coffee at JP Giffords coffee shop. The town is definitely upscale, and in general we could see lots of mansions from the mountainside. Lots of expensive motorcycles and almost a touristy feel to the town. We also stopped at an outfitters and had some ice cream. We got some trail magic when we got to the road to go into town, Dora the Explorer, who had hiked the Pacific crest Trail last year, was gearing up for the Appalachian Trail next year. She is a nanny, and lives/works about 20 miles away. She brought a cooler full of beer and another one full of soda, as well as some cookies and have them there by the roadside. We also met "whiskers", who is visiting Stark, one of our fellow thru-hikers. We hiked the preponderance of the day with "moving on". She went into town with us, she has approximately the same pace as us and a good sense of humor. She is a nurse from Asheville North Carolina, but currently does some other things for work. The last part of the trail was relatively pleasant, very flat terrain bordering the housatonic river. Some of the views of this river were quite impressive.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter (mile 1470.2)

To: West Cornwall, Connecticut (bearded woods hostel) smile 1479.1)
Miles today: 10.0

Little bit of a late start today, planned on staying at the bearded woods hostel,had planned on getting picked up at the end of the hiking day, but we were not going to make the pick up point in time. So we got picked up a few hours earlier, which gave us time to get laundry/showers/food purchases accomplished. The hostel itself was very nice, the proprietors, "Hudson" and "big Lu", have put a lot of work into making it a very nice experience. Lots of little touches, and the old house had been totally renovated. Hudson gave us a ride into town, and they also picked us up and drop this off at the trailhead. They put on a very nice meal, and it was great to have time to chat and get to know some of our fellow through-hikers who were also staying there.
Date: 2014-07-08
From: West Cornwall, Connecticut (bearded woods hostel) smile 1479.1)

To: Brassie Brooke shelter (mile 1500.3)
Miles today: 21.0

Left bearded woods hostel, in West Cornwall, Connecticut. decent terrain. Some ups and downs, some rocky areas. Plenty of mosquitoes, making even stopping to go to the bathroom an unpleasant task. Traveled with "Digger", on his second through hike. I was dismayed to hear him opine that Maine is harder than New Hampshire. Everyone up to this point has been talking about the White Mountains. We had heard, however, the Maine's wilderness is rugged. We busted the 1500 mile mark today as well. We will cross in the Massachusetts tomorrow morning. We camped at Brassie Brook shelter this evening. Met the "Bee-man" who hails from Nevis, in the (? West Indies?). Also at the shelter this evening was bear-juice and movin' on.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Brassie Brook shelter (mile 1500.3)

To: Scheffield, Massachusetts (mile 1517.1)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Torrential downpour last night. I heard this evening that it was actually a tornado in spots, and that four people were killed. we launched this morning around 8:30. More challenging terrain today, some magnificent views on the ridgelines. Relatively hot and humid, all the rain stirred up the mosquito population. They tremendous amount of stagnant water boarded the trail (as well as spots directly ON the trail)¢¦ we took a long lunch to dry out our sleeping bags, tents, etc. Quite humid, sticky with all the insect repellent. Finished the book "cycle of lies", about Lance Armstrong and the drug culture in the cycling industry. Began listening to iTunes University's White House tapes. Currently working on LBJ (fascinating, some of them also quite humorous). A couple of big mountains today, prior to exiting Connecticut, we tackled bear mountain. Lots of wet slippery rocks on the steep hill on the backside that we had to negotiate. Mount Everett was also a doozy. After that, the terrain settled down and was relatively easy going, although a tremendous amount of stagnant water made the mosquitoes ridiculously abundant (my tube of Army insect repellent (DEET) is quite greasy, and the chemicals separate from the cream). We found no good camp spots when we got to the road, and it was already after 7 PM, so we elected to camp at a private home that offers shelter to hikers. We did not get a room, simply tented in the yard. The fee for that privilege came with the bonus it made it all worth it. A shower. There was a restaurant nearby, and we both agreed we could use a beer. So we had a sandwich and a beer there. While we were there, a tremendous thunderstorm dumped tons of water, had we not been indoors, it would've come right during our tenting and dinner operations. Today's "thought for the day" comes compliments of Karla and Kevin: "The most memorable journeys usually end with the dirtiest clothes."
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Scheffield, Massachusetts (mile 1517.1)

To: Shaker Campsite (mile 1534.7)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Nice breakfast at Jess Treat's house, we dried out our stuff while she made the first run shuttling hikers back to their respective trailheads. We had a great hike, mosquitoes are definitely starting to kick up, though¢¦ Passing through a lot of standing water which provide optimal conditions for them. After a steep climb, we came to some magnificent views, as well as a construction site¢¦ A trail crew was building a stone staircase using pulleys to manipulate the large, heavy stones. Very impressive! The day, however, was spectacular from the standpoint of weather (very low humidity, nice and sunny with minimal clouds, although the mosquitoes in the forest were somewhat of an annoyance). Ended the day at a campsite that was formerly the location of the village of shakers, a religious sect (a branch of Quakers), where we had the usual dinner ritual, took advantage of a bear box (saved us having to toss a line for a bear bag, although I have seen NO evidence of bears in this area). Have a mosquitoes though, so we were anxious to get our evening business concluded and get into our respective tents with bug nets. I have a package coming to me at the post office (care of "general delivery"), in Dalton, Massachusetts. Since we are unlikely to make it before they close on Saturday at noon, I am arranging for my brother to pick us up and give us a lift in there before they close on Friday. One of the disadvantages of dealing with United States Postal Service is their restrictive hours, if you are arriving on a weekend, and do not make it before they close, you're stuck until the following Monday, to receive your package OR having to deal with the headache of having it forwarded to the next town.
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Shaker Campsite (mile 1534.7)

To: pine Forest near Finerty pond (mile 1550)
Miles today: 16.0

11.5 miles of rolling terrain in decent weather, to US Route 20 just a little east of Lee Massachusetts. There we waited at the Appalachian Trail parking lot for my brother Frank, who picked us up and gave us a ride to the post office in Dalton, Massachusetts. We also took time out for stopping at old country buffet, it was good to have some all-you-can-eat vegetables, something that we've been in relatively short supply of. Total time off trail: only about three hours. Thank you Frank! We were back on and hiking at 6:30, and got another three or 4 miles in, grand total about 16 miles. Found a really nice campsite in a Pine Forest a little past Finnerty pond. Lots of mosquitoes, but we had long sleeves and head nets, so had a nice relaxing dinner and then retired to our respective insect-free environments. A good day. Especially the part about taking care business, and seeing my brother again before pressing on.
Date: 2014-07-12
From: pine Forest near Finerty pond (mile 1550)

To: Hotel in Dalton, Massachusetts (mile 1565.2)
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Excellent terrain for walking today, and weather was good, too. We passed by some interesting devices hanging in the woods, looked like some mosquito surveillance tools, a sticky trap on one¢¦ Could not figure out what the other thing was. We passed by a house where they reportedly sell goodies to hikers, but the residents were not home. They are known as the cookie Lady, and they also sell eggs. Since we were not able to avail ourselves of that service, we pressed on after recharging our waters. We met our fist south-bounders today, "Spoons and Toey"... They said they left around May 31. Massachusetts is one of the nicest states we've encountered... The terrain, weather, etc. are great. The trail is among the best-maintained, as well. As w anywhere there's lots of rain, there are lots of mosquitoes, so we're staying covered w bug dope. I was using my tube of Army DEET, but ditched it because the agent had separated from the vehicle (the cream), giving you a greasy feel. Picked up some better stuff in Wal-Mart. We needed to dry out, shower, and do some laundry, so we stopped in Dalton and stayed at a hotel. We again hit the old country buffet just stock up on vegetables. We were out of food, too so we hit the grocery store. Good to get back out on the trail in the morning.
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Hotel in Dalton, Massachusetts (mile 1565.2)

To: St. Mary's Church Cheshire, MA (mile 1574)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

hotel in Pittsfield Massachusetts last night (maybe three or 4 miles off the trail). Got groceries and had a late lunch today, and were offered a ride back into Pittsfield by a very friendly couple, Bob and Peg (thank you!). Had some climes, over Crystal Mountain and past Gore pond. Past "the cobbles", some outcroppings of marble with a very nice view of the Hoosic River valley, Mount Greylock, and the town of Cheshire. It rained for a good part of the afternoon, but neither of us donned our raincoats. It was not too heavy initially, especially since we had plenty of cover from the canopy of leaves in the trees. However, once we emerged from the Forest into the town of chess Shire Massachusetts, we got pretty drenched. We walked through the town, and passed on the ice cream sales, as we had had a late lunch. We were also anxious to get situated, we planned on investigating a church that allows hikers to stay there in their community room. This didn't did turn out to be the case, St. Mary's of the assumption. Their local priest, father Dave evidently really enjoys spending time with hikers. We did not get to meet him, but we're very grateful for his gracious hospitality. Rather than go to a restaurant, we had plenty of food, so we cooked our food out on the picnic table in the churchyard. The mosquito activity was quite intense, so we essentially just boil the water and pulled it into the community room and prepared it there. Not too many miles, but we are all stocked up and ready to roll now.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: St. Mary's Church Cheshire, MA (mile 1574)

To: Unmarked campsite next to a spring (mile 1593.2)
Miles today: 19.0

stayed at a church community hall last night, very nice digs. Awfully nice of the parish priest to open the church to hikers. Big climb up to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. There was a very nice war Memorial at the top for Massachusetts residents who have served. Beautiful scenery and view, and a nice lodge at the top that sells food (we sat at the picnic table and ate our tortillas with Nutella and peanut butter). beautiful country, magnificent scenery, not too humid¢¦ Mosquitoes were not as bad as we anticipated, given the heavy rain last night. The Pine Forest smells wonderful. We camped next to a spring, made 19 miles today. We also met some great folks, interesting characters, too. One was "whiskers", an older gentleman who has been hiking the trail for a couple of decades. And he is not cut his hair or shaved since 1970-something. This photograph is in the photos section of this journal.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Unmarked campsite next to a spring (mile 1593.2)

To: Bennington, Vermont. (mile 1607.1)
Miles today: 14.0

First day in Vermont (well, first MORNING in Vermont)¢¦ Shortly after we got started, we came across many trails full of just mud. I decided to take a photograph of Al negotiating one of these obstacle courses, and after I obtained the photo, I gleefully took a side path that went around it. In my haste while still holding his camera in my right hand, I slipped and fell across a rock banging my shin up. That's what I get for making fun of him. I guess we all get what's coming to us sooner or later. Regretfully, he was unable to record the event for posterity, as I had his camera. I must say, I admire his self-restraint, as he did not do the "slow-clap". Although he probably would have, once he realized I was not hurt. As we were out in the middle of nowhere, there was not much capability for stitching up the cuts, so I rinsed it off with water and used my bandanna to stop the bleeding. Although the weather was nice, there is a lot of mud. After 12 or 13 miles of walking, my leg had ballooned out a little bit, so we decided instead of just staying one night in Bennington, we would take the next day off. We were about due, anyway. We stayed at a local motel, and went to a pizza joint to grab some dinner. Will wash out our stuff (especially our shoes), and spread our tents and sleeping bags out to dry.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Bennington, Vermont. (mile 1607.1)

To: Bennington Vermont (mile 1607.1)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took the day off to get my leg a chance to recuperate. Stayed at the hotel, ate at the pizza place. (Had a nice breakfast at a local diner that is very popular). Went to the library, was hoping it I could read a book to my grandson on Skype, but the timing was off. We were unsuccessful. Later, we went to a movie (Transformers, NOT recommended!)¢¦ The popcorn was good, though. Leg still a little swelled up, but I can walk on it. Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow and get down some miles.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Bennington Vermont (mile 1607.1)

To: kid Gore shelter (mile 1621.5)
Miles today: 14.4

Good day, great weather, lots of mud, few high hills, steep climb out of Bennington¢¦ Little Pond Mountain was quite a hump, passed Goddard shelter, and Glastenbury Mountain. Climbed up and looked off the lookout tower, nice view. Proceeded on to Kid gore shelter, but it was full. However, there was a nice (in fact, PERFECT!) Spot just a few yards down the Appalachian Trail to the west. Nice water source there, too. Good night, cooked dinner and then the mosquitoes wanted to come out and have THEIR dinner. We at that point decided to retire to our respective bug nets.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: kid Gore shelter (mile 1621.5)

To: Stealth campsite near Stratton Pond (mile 1637.4)
Miles today: 16.0

Nice weather, terrain¢¦ steep climb up Stratton Mountain, and we went to the top of the lookout tower. This is the summit on which Benton McKay was inspired to propose creation of the Appalachian Trail. Nice view of the surrounding areas. The trail skirted Stratton pond, although the entire way was essentially all mud (and naturally, mosquitoes). We stealth-camped < a mile from the pond, found a nice little spot down a hill in some Pines. We were joined by "Squirrel" and her dog, Zima. Lots of mosquitoes, but we had DEET.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Stealth campsite near Stratton Pond (mile 1637.4)

To: Manchester Center, VT (mile 1647.2)
Miles today: 10.2

Easy day of walking, but we were out of food, so we stopped in the afternoon in Manchester Ctr., Vermont where we spent the night at the Green Mountain hostel. Our host Jeff, really did a nice job of setting up the house to accommodate guests. Complete with kitchen, computer, and lots of additional amenities. He picked us up from the grocery store, and drop us off back in town. Had a good chat with fellow hikers, and I wasted some more time trying to get an Apple iPod to work with a windows-based PC. No luck there¢¦ Trying to transfer media (library Audiobooks) onto this portable device, to avoid chewing up my phone battery listening to audiobooks while I walk. Will have to figure it out at the next stop. What was really great was having some time to Skype with the family. (Well, face-time on Apple phone)¢¦ Meanwhile, I am listening to my last audiobook, a nice long one -- Doris Kearns Goodwin's "No Ordinary Time".
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Manchester Center, VT (mile 1647.2)

To: Big Branch Shelter (mile 1663.7)
Miles today: 16.5

Started @ McDonald's for an egg McMuffin and a cup of coffee. I walked up the street to a different (better) grocery store to pick up coffee/bandages (the latter for by busted leg); we hitch-hiked to trail head, and Marion, a local resident gave us a lift, and she played some funny songs (with some admittedly "naughty" lyrics). We continue to encounter hikers who acquired Lyme Disease on this trip. We've heard about another fellow, who had more advanced symptoms (Bell's Palsy, which partial paralysis of the facial muscles due to nerve involvement). We sure have been lucky. We've been checking most days, not seeing many ticks, but the Deer Ticks are pretty tiny (getting bigger as the season progresses). With all the mosquitoes, West Nile Virus infection might be even more of a risk. A nice walk up Bromley Mountain ("the Sun Mountain"), with outstanding views, a ski lift (not currently operating), and a hut that is left open for hiker use in the summer. Some more nice peaks, then a walk around Griffith Lake, then up to Baker peak, where we encountered phone reception, even for Al w his Sprint telephone. As it was getting late, we considered tenting at Lost Pond Shelter, but there was "no room at the inn", a virtual tent city with > 20 hikers stacked on top of each other and the only open spot too close to the privy. Now that the trail is shared by North and South-bounders, both AT thru and section-hikers, AND Long-Trail hikers, Vermont, while one of the most scenic states, is probably among the most crowded. So we pushed on to the next shelter, "Big Branch", which also had no tent space, but I noticed a clearing next to the river
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Clarendon Shelter (mile 1680.6)

To: Shelburne Pass (mile 1699)
Miles today: 18.0

We had a really challenging scramble over knotted tree roots and rocks to get to (almost) the top of Killington Mountain. It was only 0.2 miles to the top from the shelter, but it straight up. As it is a ski resort, we encountered tourists who had just ridden up on a ski lift. Ate our lunch there, snapped, some photos, then pressed on. Plenty of really clean water in the Green Mountains, no piles of yellow foam or other evidence of pollution. We arrived at Shelburne Pass and camped for the night near the road, across from "The Inn at the Long Trail". As there was a nice Irish Pub, we availed ourselves of phone charging, a sandwich, and a beer. Nice end to the day. Into town (Rutland) for food re-supply tomorrow.
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Shelburne Pass (mile 1699)

To: Stoney Brook Shelter (mile 1707)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Broke camp across the street from the Inn on the long trail, and headed into town (Rutland, Vermont) for breakfast/food resupply. Had a good conversation with my family, both last night and this morning. The first half of the day was relatively pleasant, low humidity, sunshine, decent temperatures. The trail terrain was quite tolerable as well. Our breakfast was at the yellow deli restaurant/hiker hostel, a real throwback to the 60s, good food and coffee. Gracious hosts. Too bad we are in a hurry, what about a nice place to stay and relax. (Well, not exactly a HURRY, but we did not come out here to sit around towns¢¦ "Miles to go before we sleep¢¦") Today the trail was virtually empty, as there was a severe thunderstorm forecast for the afternoon/evening. We resisted the urge to wait out the storm in town and pressed on around 1 PM from the trailhead. We arrived a few hours later at Gifford State Park, where we decided to take in the shower and wash our clothes. We were delayed for sometime while we waited for the attendant to go get some quarters ($.50 for five minutes), but it was worth the wait. In addition to shower, we were able to wash our clothing in the sinks. That accomplished, we took off a little after 4 PM. Around 5 PM, it became dark and overcast, and a major thunderstorm ensued. Naturally, we got drenched, but we had the foresight of readying our raingear and ensuring that all stuff requiring dryness was packed in plastic bags. (Well, ALMOST everything)¢¦ We arrived at Stony Brook shelter around 8 PM, and it rained on into the night. It was a good thing we decided to press on, had we waited for the storm to pass over, we would have been stuck all evening. It did not stop until 2:20-something (AM). Tent space was (almost) all taken... I ended up camped almost on top of a couple from Eastern Europe, refugees from Communist Czechoslovakia, who's giant Schnauzer was decidedly angry at my presence. They advised me to keep my distance, not an easy task in tight quarters.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Stoney Brook Shelter (mile 1707)

To: Stealth campsite off Totman Road (mile 1723)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

This morning, my neighbors chatted with me, sharing their story. They've been here since the 1980's. Among the first things they wanted to know, was "what do you think about Benghazi?" Some decent terrain, and the mosquitoes were not as bad as I expected, after a rain storm of such proportions. (I had DEETed up, anyway prior to exiting my bug-net)... We lunched at the "Lookout", a platform constructed atop a private cabin open to hikers. Naturally, our packs regurgitated their contents onto the rocks in an attempt to dry out from yesterday's drenching (see photo). We passed through lots of forest and some very weedy trails, finding a spot just in time before dusk.
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Happy Hill Shelter (mile 1737.3)

To: private residence in Norwich Vermont
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a nice walk into Norwich Vt. Right on Main Street, we discovered a nice community breakfast being sponsored by the local Grange community. We then proceeded down Main Street, and across the bridge into New Hampshire (Hanover, home of Dartmouth college). First stop was Dartmouth outing club, where we took advantage of Apple computers and getting organized. They maintain a list of local residents who are willing to share their homes with hikers. We contacted Lizanne, who graciously opened her home to us for a couple of nights. It was great to just get shower and laundry, but she exceeded all of our expectations, even preparing a delicious dinner for us,, steak and salad. We had wine, too. Additionally, she provided us with transportation, certainly more than we could've expectedProbably the best surprise of all, was the news that our hostess had an Apple laptop which she allowed me to use to download my library audiobooks and transfer onto my iPod. This resolved a conundrum that has been plaguing me for weeks. Our plan is to take the day off tomorrow to rest our legs up for the White Mountains. We will then be hitting it hard on Monday. We had a great conversation over dinner, we are looking forward to tomorrow.