morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 5.3

I have by now concluded that mosquitos never sleep as they were still buzzing around all night and again as I woke up in the early morning. The first two miles of the trail were flat and wnet through an area with lots of fallen trees due to a tornado that had gone through in the early 90's. As Dodger and I reached the road to Great Barrington we looked at each other and then stuck out our thumbs - we were hitching a ride to get some mosquito repellant. A lady took us to the local K-mart. Armed with deet and a birthday card for Dodger's daughter, Lauren, we went straight to McDonalds. We sat down and had breakfast - actually we sat there long enough to have lunch! So good to be out of the rain and no mosquitos flying around Back on the trail we passed by Benedict Pond. Had the weather been slightly better I would have gone for a swim. Arriving at Mt Wilcox South Lean-to we met Pickwick once again - but he was hiking on, whereas we were taking a nero day (nero = almost zero). Later in the afternoon the two girls we had met at the Glen Brook Lean-to came in to spend the night also - and they had brought with them a surprise - Dodger's wind jacket. He had found it missing at Tom Leonard Lean-to but by then it was too late to go back and retrieve the jacket and we thought it a lost cause, but the two girls had brought it along and gave it to Dodger. Thanks girls.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

The bugs were so bad today that I didn't really take any breaks, since everytime I just slowed down a little I would get swamped with mosquitos. Luckily the trail was an easy walk today. During the walk the sky started to get darker and darker and I had barely sat foot on the patio of the Upper Goose Pond Cabin before the sky opened up and rain once again came pouring down. Sometimes it is nice to get lucky - the rest of the hikers that arrived later during the day were all soaked. The cabin was a nice little two-story building. Kitchen and living room downstairs and bunk beds upstairs. Bathroom facilities in form of a privies were outside. In the living room above the little couch was a shelf full of books and the adjacent wall contained a built-in fireplace. No electricity so all light were candles with the exception of a few gas-lit lights. At the end of the day there were ten hikers gathered in the little cabin including Dodger, Pickwick, Una Mas, Suds, and I. Pickwick had a terrible tooth ache and could barely eat a bite (highly unusual and alarming for any hiker). The caretakers for the week was a mother and her 21 year old daughter and they were so nice to offer Pickwick a ride to a dentist the next day. Today was actually the daughter's birthday so we all helped celebrating by singing the birthday song and shared a pie and a couple of bottles of wine (this was the first time the girl had ever opened a wine bottle, which made it rather entertaining). We all sat up til late and had a great time.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

The caretakers had made a HUGE stack of pancakes so I ate and ate and then I ate a little more. The hot pancakes tasted soo good. At least it was not raining at the moment so after giving a donation to the cabin it was off on the trail again. Too bad the weather had been so nasty yesterday as there were a canoe down at the pond and a great hammock right next to the patio. Well, maybe I will come back one day. 9 miles of easy walk and I was at October Mtn Lean-to. Taking a break there I read through the shelter register and found some info about a hostel in Dalton, Mass. The hostel was named the Bird Cage. With such a named Dodger and I agreed it had to be inspected a little closer - preferably by spending the night there! Two miles after the shelter the trail crosses Pittsfield Rd. Instead of crossing Dodger took a right and at the second house on the left he went down the driveway - I followed, as he had told me about this nice lady. The house was the home of the AT famous Cookie lady and the Cookie Man and their dog Rufus. We rang the bell and played a little with Rufus and out came the Cookie lady and her husband with a neat little basket. "Hello there, are you two hiking the AT?" They offered us the cookies in the basket and we stayed and talked for a little while. The house had a lot of land around it and I learned that they operated a blueberry farm. A farm where you picked your own berries and then paid per amount. While there I borrowed the phone and called ahead to Julie's Daycare to set up a meeting time as I was getting close to Chesire and North Adams. We set up a time to come visit the daycare the following day. It was 13:00 and I still had almost 10 miles to go before reaching Dalton and that hopefully before the post office closed. The 10 miles seemed like one long sprint through mud and over bog bridges but at 16:31 I was at the post office in Dalton. However, I was one minute too late. The lights were turned off and the door was locked. Well, I am a hiker and that box inside contained food so determined I walked to the backdoor and knocked. The post office assistant there opened the door and was real nice in letting me get my package - him and some more workers were busy sorting mail anyway. Thanks. Meanwhile, Dodger had gone next door to the Shell Gas Station to ask for Rob Bird, the owner of the Bird Cage. Dodger came back and said the guys there had called mr. Bird and he was on his way and right enough only three minutes later there he was. Rob was an awsome guy. He ran this hiker hostel out of his house and the first thing he said after I stepped in the door was "Welcome in the family." He offered us showers and laundry and made up beds for us. Paul with Bunions and Bear Bait were already there. For dinner I cooked up pasta with Rosemary, sundried tomatoes, and chicken in a creamy sauce and a rice with curry dish for everyone. Thanks for a most wonderful stay Rob you really made us feel welcome and a part of your hiker family.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Dalton

To: Chesire
Miles today: 9.3

Dodger had gotten up really early and came back with a treat for us both - two English muffins with bacon, egg, and cheese from Duff's Variety store. It was without doubt the best breakfast sandwich I have had on this trail. After saying good bye to Rob Bird we walked out of Dalton. One second Dodger and I were talking the next second I watch Dodger doing a truly impressive stunt dive/roll landing on his back in the tiny strip of grass between the side walk and the street. Apparently the sidewalk had suddenly "jumped up" and tripped him! It was an awesome roll though looked rather professional - especially since he wasn't hurt. The 9.3 miles to Chesire were done quickly. We had left at 9:00 and arrived at Chesire Ice Cream stand at 12:30. I had agreed to meet Julie and her kids at the Ice Cream stand at 13:00 so I figured I would have to sit and wait a little while. However, a grey van with 6 kids and julie were already there and so was Draggin, Julie's friend. Draggin did a thru-hike of the AT last year. Julie took us all to her house where we had a shower and wonderful home grilled burgers. Then it was time to let Mr Stinky out of the bag. The kids had prepared a lot of great questions and Mr. Stinky sure did try to answer most of them. After the questions we palyed for a little while until the children got picked up by their parents one by one.Draggin came back to the house later in the day. For dinner we sat outside and enjoyed a great dinner and good talk until late in the evening. Tomorrow Draggin and Julie were going hiking too and would drop Dodger and I off at the trail on their way.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Chesire

To: Adams
Miles today: 0.0

While Dodger and I packed up our stuff Julie was making a huge breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit for everyone. Just as we finished eating it started raining. I was looking with dread out on the rain, not again! Dodger started whimpering as he too dreaded going out in the rain to cross over Mt Greylock in the rain and fog. Julie didn't want to go hiking either so she kindly offered that we could spend another day with her and Draggin. We went to Walmart to get some photos put on a CD. I had almost filled up both of my memory cards for my camera. Back home we had real sandwiches with good bread, cold cuts, and cheese. It had been a while since last time I had a sandwich so I fully enjoyed the texture of the bread and the flavors of the meat. The rest of the afternoon was spent on napping, working on trailjournals, and talking. Saturday evening: It was movie and pizza night. Julie and Draggin had invited a couple of their friends over and we watched "The Fastest Indian" starring Anthony Hopkins. It was a great movie with a funny but true story.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Chesire

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 11.0

Waking up to a clear day got our packing going quite a bit faster. Yahoo, today I was going to cross over Mt Greylock, the first mountain since Front Royal, VA that is over 3000ft. Julie made pancakes and then took us back to the trail. Julie is going to thruhike either the AT or the PCT in 2008. I am excited for her as this is truly an amazing trip. We said our good byes and happy trails. Thanks for a great stay and please tell your kids hello from Mr Stinky, Dodger, and Red Dane. The walk up to the summit was steep at places but not as bad as feared. At the top was Bascom Lodge where Dodger treated us to burgers. At the lodge or rather in the garage next to the lodge hikers can stay overnight for $10.00. However, they only serve their famous breakfast on Wed-Sun. I was tired so I took a nap in a chair in the lounge room, while Dodger went off together with Bear Bait who had just arrived. They got a ride to North Adams with Bear Bait's friend who had come to visit. Sleeping in a chair is only comfortable for so long. It was time for some fresh air to wake me up again. While sitting outside I got to talking to several people including Bill. He was up here visiting with his newly married daughter and family. It was a good afternoon. Dodger returned after a few hours and we made our way down Mt Greylock on the northside to Wilbur Clearing Lean-to. Paul with Bunions, whom I had met at the Bird Cage in Dalton, was already there. The evening was spent enjoying two Guiness that Dodger had gotten in town.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: haze

It was a steep downhill going from Wilbur Clearing Lean-to down to North Adams. Had to stop a couple of times to give the knees a little rest from all the pounding. Earlier in the year I had been contacted by ed who had read the trail journal and since then we had corresponded a couple of times. Today I was finally getting to meet Ed in North Adams. At 10:00 a car pulled up in the parking lot next to where I was waitng. It was Ed. I recognized him from the photos he had mailed. It was a lot of fun getting to know a person with whom I had only corresponded by email and received a couple of care packages from. Ed took Dodger and I to a diner where he treated us to breakfast. I had a great tasting omelet with homefries. We decided to drive up to Mt Greylock as Ed had never been there. It was almost discouraging how fast we reached the summit in the car - a trip that had taken hours to walk! Up at the Bascom Lodge we met a couple more thru-hikers: Messenger and Bear Bait. Ed took some pictures of us all and I had a fun time talking to everyone. I asked Ed what had made him follow my journal. He works as a photographer for a newspaper and had taken several photos of a young girl who was a fantastic gymnast. Later she got killed in an accident and Ed remembered her favorite quote; it was the same as I have at the bottom of each of my entries. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away." The afternoon was coming to an end and Ed had to return but before leaving us back in North Adams he loaded Dodger and I up with goodies he had brought such as: Gatorade, chocolate, granola bars, a book, and so much more. Thanks a lot Ed it was really great finally getting to meet and talk with you. Hope to see you again someday and good luck with your outdoor adventures. Just as Ed was leaving we ran into Pickwick. He too had spent the day in town and was now on his way back to the trail. The sky had turned gloomy once again and there were plenty of rain in the forecast - as usuall!!! After two miles I stopped at the campsite so I would have a chance ot set up the tent before the rain hit instead of continuing another 5 miles and get drenched. I hadn't even gotten all the stuff inside the tent before the first drops started falling. No cooking tonight out in that down pour - so dinner will be...a cold tuna package
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

2 miles after leaving the campsite it was time to cross yet another stateline. I was leaving Massachusett and its 141.8 miles and entering Vermont. This was also the place where the Long Trail begins. Pickwick was already there taking photos and 10 minuttes later Una Mas and Suds show up. As we all stood there talking a father and his two sons came walking down south. They where finishing the Long Trail. It was really awesome to see them finishing their thru-hike. The scene made me think of what it will be like to stand up at Katahdin finishing the AT. First, however, I had another 10 miles to walk to get to Congdon shelter for this day. Congdon Shelter used to be an inclosed cabin with a wood burning stove. It was now open and the stove had been removed. The shelter, inspite of the "renovations", still had a lot of character left. We all ended up there for the night. Una Mas, Suds, Pickwick, Dodger, and I
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Rain again? - or at least the clouds seemed to threathen us with more rain. The trail was pretty muddy until I reached Harmon Hill. The area was beautiful and had a great viewpoint at the top. The hill was covered with lots of tall grass, green lush ferns, and prickly raspberry bushes. I remembered the story Dodger had told about him sitting there early one morning eating berries as a bear and her cub approached. The momma bear wuffed a little but the cub was already eating and Dodger just sat quietly eating so for 45 minuttes him and two bears shared that raspberry path up on Harmon Hill. Finally Dodger got up and slowly walked away. It would be another month or so before the berries would ripen this year. Down the hill and cross VT 9. Sitting at the bridge crossing the Citystream a thru-hiker, Mango, came by. He was from Johnson City, TN. It was fun to talk to someone from back "home". We chatted for a while until he took off. He looked fresh and healthy. I am sure he will make it to Katahdin. From the stream it went uphill to Melville Nauheim Shelter where I found Pickwick taking a break. It is always fun to meet up with hikers that you know. Mango had't left the area yet so we exhanged a few photos before he hiked on. From the shelter the trail seemed to continue going uphill up to Little Pond Lookout and the Glastenbury Lookout. If you are not looking carefully you can easily miss the Glastenbury Lookout as it is almost overgrown now. Lots of tent sites in the area but no water. The trail then went downhill for a bit just to go up again up Glastenbury Mountain to Goddard Shelter. The shelter was built in 2005 and looked relly nice. It had a nice view all the way to Graylock Mt. In relatively clear weather you can see the Memorial Tower on top of Mt Greylock. The only negative thing about this area was the bugs. The gnats and the mosquitos were relentless, even inside the shelter where gnats usually don't come. The rain started and I thought that would keep the bugs away, but no, now they all came inside the shelter!!! I have to mention the privy here. It had a rather unique feature. You could hear everything from the shelter all the way down in the privy. Should a band come play up there in the shelter, you will find me in the privy with the great acoustic
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Got up late and packed up but the rain kept puring down so I partly unpacked again and just sat there waiting for the rain to stop. Una Mas and Suds came in all soaked. They just wanted a lunch break. They were cold but in good spirits. That inspired and motivated me so once again I changed my mind packed up and got going. At least the rain had stopped by now. It was a rocky and slippery walk to Kid Gore Shelter where Una Mas and Suds stopped for the day. After a brief stop Dodger and I trudged on to Story Spring shelter. The shelter was almost full but there was room for yet another two hikers (there is almost always room for more hikers, especially if the weather is bad.) Abi and Tim where there too so we got to talk to them for a while. They were out for a couple of weeks enjoying the trail. Pickwick was also at the shelter. I fell asleep once again listening to the rain drumming on the roof.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Early in the morning everyone in the shelter awoke as a big branch fell down and hit the privy with a big crash. Glad I wasn't in there! The rain had stopped and off I went. The first 3.5 miles were easy until I reached the base of Stratton Mtn. The climb up the 3936' tall mountain turned out to easier than feared, didn't seem any worse than Mt. Greylock. At the top of Stratton there was a firetower with great views. I could see Stratton Pond a little ways out and the ridges in the horizon. There are two tops of Stratton. On the other top (0.8 mi away) you can ride the skilift down to Stratton Village. It used to be free for hikers, do not know if it still is. The gnats were horrible so it was time to head on. Down at Stratton Pond Shelter I found Pickwick and Tank. Pickwick had taken the trail that goes around the mountain, which apparently was muddy and rather mosquito filled.The shelter was nice but it was one of those pay shelters. The shelters around the three ponds (Stratton, little Rock, and lost Pond) they are all pay shelters. It cost $5 to spend the night at the shelter or at one of the campsites. This is because these are high-use areas, menaing a lot of people come here to camp so in order to better manage it there is a fee. Onward and forward. The last 8 miles of the day were so easy to hike that I seemed to be almost flying. Not a lot of elevation changes only a few mud holes and mosquitos to deal with. Spruce Peak Shelter was an older cabin with a recessed sliding door. I sure did treasure that feature as it meant a night without mosquitos! Met a lot of hikers there: Abi & Tim; Kuwait, Turtle, and Snail (Turtle and Kuwait were out to hike the Long Trail); Steve; Pickwick, and Tank. Dodger and I were running out of food so we had planned to eat our last 6 oatmeal packages for dinner. Abi helped us out and gave us a package of couscous that she had extra. It was a fun evening talking to everyone. And we all got to finish dinner before it started raining. I fell sleep in a top bunk right underneath the tin roof listening to the rain.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

The rain had never stopped. It is easier to deal with the rain if you are just on the trail. You stay warm as long as you walk and upon reaching a shleter you can put on dry clothes. Today, however, was a trail town stop. It can be difficult to get a ride into town when you are soaked and you get cold as you are no longer constantly walking and yet you are unable to change clothes as there is no place and/or you will just get your dry clothes wet too. 3 miles after Spruce peak shelter Dodger and I reached the road leading to Manchester Ct. After unsuccesfully trying to hitch a ride into town Kuwait came down from the trail and offered us one. Her friends were waiting for her and Turtle so they gave us a ride while waiting for Turtle to come down from the trail. At the post office I went through the maildrop to repack a few of the items. The package had included my flip flops and vitamins. There were also a surprise box from my friends at Harpers Ferry. They had sent out two boxes of Marathon Energy Bars and a HUGE can of caramelized popcorn and pecans. Needless to say that can did not stay closed very long Dodger and I had eaten half of the contents before we ever left the steps of the Post Office! And my favorite thing in the package was as always the homemade card. The card featured the AT logo on a beautifully decorated blue background with trees stamped onto the paper. Thank you so much for the surprise I truly treasure them. The rest of the day was mainly spent at the Northshire Bookstore. With a brief stop at the Eastern Mountaneering Sports Store (EMS) and Mc Donalds. On the way out of town we stopped by a store to get some bread. Together with Pickwick and Dodger I sat in front of the grocery store eating sandwiches until the manager came out telling us to move over to the corner. We had deliberately not gone to the corner as there were a sign there saying "No Loitering." Well, it was time to leave anyway and so we did, but not until we had picked up the trash around us (and it was not even our trash). So much for buying lunch at the grocery store - all the customers there had been really friendly to us - don't know why we couldn't sit there and just eat our lunch? In front of another store on our way out of town we met Kathy Regan, who offered us a ride out to the trail in her little blue Miata. Only one problem: 2 hikers, 2 big packs, 1 big dog, and a driver - hard to fit into a tiny two-person sportscar! We ended up getting part of the ride from the nextdoor car while Kathy took her dog home and then came to pick us up to take us the rest of the way. It was still a lot of fun cramming 3 people and 2 big packs into that little car. But we had a lot of fun talking on the way as Kathy was a very humorous person. Two miles up the trail we eneded the day at the new Bromley shelter. It is a nice big shelter, which easily sleeps 12 hikers.