morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Biscuit's parents house

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9

Woke late this morn (0900) after staying up half the night playing "Goldeneye" on N64 - loads of fun. Had a nice breakfast - some strawberry cobbler, banana, granola, oj, and chocolate chip cookies. I didn't get moving until about 1245 at Jug End Road, and got chased by mosquitos all the way to US 7 where Flora, Fauna, Derek and I stopped at the Corn Crib Farmers Market for lunch. I had 2 peaches, an apricot, and a pint of Berkshire ice cream. Wow, that's my first full pint to date, I'm just getting warmed up for Vermont! The mosquitos didn't slack off too much this evening, and it started raining a little while after I got to the shelter. But there are only 4 of us here, so I put my hammock up in the shelter and fixed dinner in the shelter. I had a very good rest, not totally necessary but enjoyed, and I got to skip some hiking in the rain!
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained pretty steady all night - makes for a good nights sleep! I took my time getting up, hoping the rain would stop, and it had mostly quit by the time I got moving with Flora, Fauna, and Derek at 0840. A bit of up and down, and on the down the bugs could get downright ferocious. Stopped for a break at the Mt. Wilcox south lean-to - I was planning on refilling water there, but the spring was a tiny pool, no flow, so I just conserved the bit I had until a few miles later at Beartown Mtn. Rd, where there was a good clear and cold stream. Kept on moving, (planning a big mile day today) so I snacked as I walked. Flora, Fauna, and Derek stopped at the Shaker Campsite for lunch, and I kept moving. I only stopped once more this afternoon to take a breather and eat a little. The hiking was pretty today, despite the bugs - lots of pines and a soft footbed, some rocks (which were very slick from rain and moss). Got to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin a little after 1800 - a nice place operated by the AMC Berkshire Chapter with a caretaker. Its a pretty large cabin, swimming in the lake, and pancakes in the morning! All for the reasonable (actually its a steal) rate of $3 donation! So I am sleeping inside tonight.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Levardi's front porch, Dalton MA
Miles today: 20.6

Blueberry pancakes for breakfast fixed by the caretaker, Grampy! A great way to start a long day. I said bye to everyone just before 7, then got moving for another 20 miles to Dalton, with a bit of a time restriction (the PO closes at 1630). A good day for hiking with the weather being a little cool and cloudy. I pushed pretty hard, although my right ankle is bothering me again. Loads of pine trees (wonderful scent- like Christmas trees) and a soft, almost spongy footbed. Much evidence of beaver activity, several ponds along the trail with beaver lodges in them, and one spot where a temporary re-route was in effect due to flooding of the normal route (from beavers). I took a short break at October Mountain Shelter for water and a snack, then got back to it. Still a fair number of rocks on the trail, so I have to be cautious with my ankle, but even so I made it to Dalton, Mass at 1530. Stopped at Tom Levardi's house (the sidewalk in front of his house is the AT) and got permission to stay on his porch. Then he gave me a ride to the PO for my mail. After which, I walked up the street to the Backward K Restaurant and had a burger and fries. Going thru my mail later, Tom invited Delta and I to have a bit of a second dinner with him. So I had spaghetti and corn on the cob. This evening I walked into town to call Tina to figure out our meeting spot in Vermont next week. Now off to sleep.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Tom Levardi's front porch, Dalton MA

To: "The garage" at Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 17.0

It rained again last night. I got up about 0600, my "hammock bivy" sorta worked last nite but I still was harassed some by mosquitos. Went to Duff and Dell's for breakfast, then finished packing at Tom's and went down to the PO. Phoned Dad and Tina, and finally got on the trail at 0930. I hiked fast and hard, arriving in Cheshire at 1300 for lunch at Diane's Twist - sandwich and ice cream. Hiked on feeling very good, feet not hurting and plenty of energy. Again, very nice trails today for the most part, lots of pines and such. The last few miles to the top of Mt. Greylock were fairly muddy and eroded, but the summit is beautiful! I paid for a bunk in the garage, which includes a shower, and I also got dinner, family style - great food and lots of it! Now I am sitting on the front glass porch, looking out over Massachusetts, and enjoying the sun dropping low. Had some folks at the table tonight saying they had met some people who were hiking the entire AT. Someone else replied that they must be close to finishing now, at which point I nonchalantly stated that it was about 600 more miles. "Oh, are you hiking it too?" I'll leave out the ensuing conversation, but it was both interesting and repetitive. I'll head on down to bed here in awhile - very satisfied tonight!
Date: 2004-07-18
To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Welcome to Vermud! Or Mudmont, whichever you prefer. I hiked down off of Mt. Greylock this morn to Mass 2/North Adams, and down to the Super Stop and Shop for a brunch of a roast beef sandwich and salad, with fruit juice. I bought some stamps and mailed postcards, then began climbing back to the ridge. After hitting the ridge, it was about another mile to the Vermont state line, and the southern terminus of the Long Trail. As I said before, it is rather muddy in Vermont, at least the first 10 miles. The positive side is that the mosquitos seemed to have quieted down some, so I am sleeping in the shelter tonight. I was a little tired hiking today, maybe I have a bug, but it isn't slowing me down too much.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

It rained pretty much all day today, and the mud would have been even worse, if the rocks turned to mud. So far Vermont has been pretty rough. I guess that it's just preparing us for Maine, which can be about like this (or so I hear). At least the temps have been mild (60s-70s). I got up at 0530 and was hiking at 0640. I stopped for a break at 1325 at the Goddard Shelter, which had a nice view of the inside of a cloud. It was a nice shelter though, and I would have stayed longer, but I still had 10 miles to go, so I pushed on. I arrived at Story Spring Shelter at 1900. The shelter was fairly full, but the nice folks offered to make room. I declined - good spots here for my hammock, and the mosquitos are a little worse here. I had some interesting conversation with folks as I prepared and ate dinner. Jumped into the hammock early to get a good nights sleep!
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Four Winds Motel - Manchester, VT
Miles today: 21.1

Had a nice thunderstorm last night, sleeping in my hammock kept both the bugs and the rain off. Woke early and got moving before 7. It was still wet and muddy - slippery rocks and all. The rain had pretty much stopped as I got on the trail, and when I got to Stratton Mtn about 1030 it was mostly blowing clouds. Being up near 4000 ft here was similar to the 6000 ft down in the Smokies - all pines and mossy. Pretty hiking throughout the day, the weather just got nicer, and the trail was maybe a tiny bit less muddy. I stopped at Prospect Rock, overlooking Manchester from the ridge, and ate some snacks to celebrate the 3/4 pont on the trail. No huge fanfair like Damascus or Pine Grove Furnace. The last section into VT 11/30 was nice with a number of streams and some cascading waterfalls. I made it to the road about 1720 and had just changed into sandals and drank some gatorade when Delta hiked in and Tina showed up. She was meeting me up here with her sister Annemarie, and her niece Heather. We managed to fit all 5 of us into Tina's car, with the windows rolled down (poor Heather in the back with the 2 smelly hikers, and her head practically out the window). We found a hotel for Delta (most had no vacancy) and we settled into ours (which we had made a reservation for). The hikers cleaned up, and we picked up Delta on the way into town for dinner. We decided on Friendly's where we had bad service but good conversation. I am ready to take a little more time off tomorrow to spend with Tina, and now I have to get ready for the last 5 weeks or so. The mental difference (perspective) with where I was in Damascus and now is amazing. I feel like it has been forever since then. The end is nearing, but it is still quite far.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Four Winds Motel - Manchester, VT

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lazy morn, up at hotel around 0730. Did some packing, then we went down for breakfast. Back to the room to shower and finish packing, then we took a little drive up into the Green Mountain National Forest on Mad Tom Notch Rd. There was one section where we had some views, but it was very hazy today so nothing spectacular. The driving was nice, kinda like hiking only easier and air conditioned. We came back to Manchester and ate lunch at the Best Diner, did a little more shopping, and went back up to the trail around 1500. Tina and I said our goodbyes - I won't see her now for about five weeks, after I finish the trail. I am missing her already, but that is one more thing that I can look forward to when I finish. I just went 2 miles today, no hurry, I had a few things that I needed to do, and there is a pretty good chance of rain tonight so it would be nice to be at a shelter. Also I was hoping to see some others here, but there is only a work crew down below the water source, so no company up here. Got to the shelter, set up my hammock, ate some halvah, rapaired mosquito netting, read "Lila," made a small fire to keep the bugs off, and read my note from Tina. Just a lite dinner of ramen and tea. I will probably turn in early because the bugs are pretty active and there is nobody to chat with.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Well, the SOBO thru hikers are coming through en masse now. I have seen at least a dozen and maybe more like 20. Tonight at the shelter there are 3 SOBO and only 2 NOBO (Theo and I). Otherwise, it was a very rainy day today. It started early and although it let up a couple times, now at about 2000 it has started again and is really pouring down now. This is supposed to continue into tomorrow and then maybe let up some. I was a little down this morning, just didn't feel like hiking in the rain. I hiked to Peru Peak Shelter and took a lunch break - it had pretty well stopped raining when I left, and my spirits were high again. And even when the rain fired up once more I was feelin fine! So I trucked along squishing in my shoes and got to Big Branch Shelter fairly early (1720). I fixed dinner, built a little fire to drive off skeeters, fixed dessert, and decided to sleep in the shelter (with the hammock as a bug bivy). One of the SOBO guys sleeping bag got wet, so he is using one of the mylar/potato chip emergency bag thingys. It makes me smile with memories of the past March/April down in GA/NC.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

A great day today! The rain quit, temps were cool, trail was good (except for some small rivers flowing down it), and I had dinner at the "Whistle Stop" restaurant. I made some phone calls, and then hiked the mile out to the shelter. A very nice shelter with great camping around it, and a fellow who brings up wood for the fire! The trail today has been the best so far in Vermont. Less mud, some nice sections on old logging roads, and some good views. I met up with Ashtray at White Rocks and we both received some fresh veggies from a family out on a day hike! That was really nice, sitting in the sun trying to dry out my shoes, and eating a cucumber, grape tomotos, and carrots (I love carrots!) The lower mileage days are really working out well. I am taking some nice big breaks and enjoying the slower pace!
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 15.4

Today went very well, although I spent a bit more than I meant to. I got moving about 0815 and got a soda at a stream from the Hiking Gnome. That kept me moving over the good trail to Govenor Clement Shelter where I took a short break with "G" (who is hiking the Long Trail). I saw 2 kangaroo mice (I think thats what they were) that were kind of messed up (lethargic/drunk). From there it was all uphill for the next 4 miles, over fairly good trail, although somewhat steep at times. About halfway up I met a gal that was practically running the other way with nothing but a hip pack and a large axe. She's a GMC ridgerunner out clearing some blowdowns - from time to time over the next 6-8 miles I would come to a log freshly hewn in half and rolled to the side and I knew who to thank. I got to the Cooper Lodge Shelter and climbed the steep (almost 400' in .2 mi) side trail to Killington Peak, which at 4235' is the second highest in Vermont. I watched all the gondola riders on top, then went down to the gondola and restaurant, and had a cheeseburger and fries for lunch. The clouds are almost low enough to the the peak that I can touch them, they are sailing over. So far these are the best views I've had in Vermont. I ran into Theo on the side trail and we discussed lodging options for tonight. Then moved on for a spectacular descent through beautiful alpine forest - the smell of spruce and soft needles crunching underfoot. A wonderful hiking day - cool and not too sunny. It was a good afternoon getting to Sherburne Pass and the Inn at Long Trail where Theo and I decided to split a room, do laundry, cook some camp food (to save buying dinner), and make some phone calls. Another "Wow, this is great!" day.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: The Inn at Long Trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast at the Inn, walk down the road to trail, follow trail 5 miles, lunch at Mountain Meadows Lodge, walk 5 more miles, stop at a nice shelter with a cold clear stream, make dinner and sit in front of fire eating it. What a nice day. I am alone at the shelter, 'cept for the skeeters. I made a little smoky fire to keep them away, which is sorta working. I made a number of calls this morning to take care of some stuff (my new shirt is falling apart already - Mountain Hardware says they'll replace it). I had a nice hike past Maine Junction where the AT/LT split up. Then down to Kent Pond, along the shore of which is the lodge where a gal fixed me a hugh turkey sandwich, and chips, egg, apple and grape juice for $5.00 American - wow was that a bargain! The rest of the day was good, nice trail and I felt great. Another NOBO showed up about 1945, he started May 2, name is Voyager. It is getting late now, so off to bed I go!
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Had a super slow morning - the rain made it tough for me to get going. I just got dried out yesterday, and today...wet again. Ah well, I got moving about 0930. The shelters are spaced about 10 miles apart in this section, so it is either a 10 or a 20 mile day. Not much in between, so I took another short day. I stopped at 1335 and spent the afternoon snacking and reading. It is cool enough today that the bugs aren't too bad, so I am going to brave the shelter. I may have to pull out the hammock if they get bad later. It was a very nice day for mileage - so that made up for the rain, and I put my dry shoes in my pack and hiked in the sandals today because they'll dry faster! I ate lots of food and feel great tonight - the rain is still pattering down on the metal roof, making a nice background noise for me to sleep to!
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a lot of time this morn getting ready. I got up about 0815, and left the shelter at 1005. I really enjoy taking my time, and I was only planning on doing 11 miles, so no hurries. Hiked with Zippy and Switchback for a little bit, lots of ups and downs, since we are going against the "grain" again. Tomorrow I will be into New Hampshire, and only 2 states left! I am looking forward to town, getting my mail, phone calls, and all that stuff. The privy here at this shelter is like a tiny hexagonal gazebo with screen all around - very unique, and supposed to be the most photographed privy on the AT. So I took a couple pics too. The shelter is nice sized, log construction. I set up my hammock diagonally across the inside of the shelter. I have almost eaten all my food - for the first time ever! Tomorrow I will get a new load of food - man will that be heavy! But that is the way it is.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Camp just outside Hanover
Miles today: 14.6

Got an early start on a rainy, misty morning - nice trail again, but a bit wet walking through some tall grass. I made it into West Hartford around 10ish and had a second breakfast at Rick and Tina's General Store. There was a short climb out of there and then some very good trail all the way into Norwich VT, where we began a couple miles of road walking, under I-91 and across the Connecticut River - officially entering New Hampshire!! Down to 1 1/2 more states and about 440 miles. I made a quick run to the post office to get my mail drop supplies, then went to the Dartmouth Outing Club where there is some space to go thru my stuff and repack my pack. I grabbed a sandwich at Subway, and then made some phone calls to Tina and Dad, talking with each for a little while. I then got dessert at Ben and Jerry's and made my way up to the north end of town and pitched the hammock in the trees past the soccer field. Met up with Zippy and Switchback for another foray to town, and saw Baltimore Jack! Now it is late (2300) and I must go to sleep.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Camp just outside Hanover

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Strolled back into town after packing this morning and had pancakes and coffee at the Dartmouth College food court. I got out on the trail at 0910 - a little post-town melancholy as I got going, just adjusting back to the trail patterns. I had a couple of good climbs today, and water was a bit scarce. I left town with 2 1/2 liters and wasn't able to get any along the way, so I didn't eat as much as I might have, and arrived at the shelter a bit dry. Thankfully there was good water here, and I have drank almost a gallon and only peed once so far. This shelter used to be someone's home, not the actual shelter, but the site. It has some foundation and a chimney remaining. It is amazing to think about someone living up here with seemingly nothing else around.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

A big day for me - had 3 good climbs today: Smart Mountain, Mt Cube, and then another 1000' up to the shelter, which I arrived at just in time, as it began to rain right as I got there. I woke at 0630 this morning, had a nice lazy morn and finally left about 0810. It was rather warm this morn, the bugs were bad and I was sweating by the gallon. I made it up Smart Mountain and had some ok, but hazy views from the old firetower. Got water and took a break, then hauled on and arrived at Hexacuba Shelter just before 1500, after first descending Smart Mtn and then climbing about halfway up Mt Cube. It was looking a little stormy so I considered staying, but I really wanted tomorrow to be an easy day into Glencliff, so I pushed on, topping up my water on the descent at a nice brook. Finally I made a last dash up to Ore Hill Shelter with dark clouds looming and thunder rolling. Lotsa mosquitos here - the water source isn't the greatest but it works. It is a nice shelter though, and a great spot for my hammock just outside, so now I lie here with rain pouring down and thunder rumbling through the valleys. The trail for this last few miles was nice, otherwise there were some rocks and mud, but an overall good day.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: The Hikers Welcome Hostel - Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally took an easy day. After a big rain last night I got up about 0630 and was hiking about 0730. I hiked pretty hard (the mosquitos were chasing me!) over some wet, kinda muddy, but generally nice trail into NH 25, where it was just a short roadwalk down to the Hikers Welcome Hostel, where I arrived about 1030. A few others are here - Laura and Pablo, and later No Worries and Minus One, but a pretty small group tonight. I got some trail magic here (cookies) from Pam Bennett, that were sent to Minus One and No Worries. Thanks! I showered and did laundry, snacked a little, and called Tina. There is a big selection of movies here, so one was on most of the afternoon. Later I got a ride down the road to Warren, where I got a couple things at the store, and a couple subs and the local pizza place. After my dinner I talked to Tina some more, and watched another movie! A very relaxing way to spend the day - and tomorrow I start into the White Mountains, with Mt Moosilauke being the first big-un at 4800 ft (above treeline).
Date: 2004-08-02
From: The Hikers Welcome Hostel - Glencliff, NH

To: Stealth camp at Gordon Pond
Miles today: 13.0

The first mountain that takes us above treeline! I went over Mt Moosilauke-which was 4802' high- the trees had just petered out, some scrubby bushes, but mostly just alpine meadow! Good views with the weather being fairly clear. Lots of people up there on day hikes, even on Monday. I spent a half hour, sitting and looking. Also met up with Bandicoot and Laura and Pablo there. The hike down was steep, but so cool, following a waterfall down (yeah it was steep). At Kinsman Notch I walked down to the Lost River Gorge (tourist trap) and got dinner - it was about 1630. Coming out from there I considered setting up my hammock and staying, but I felt good, and I had time, so I pushed onward (and upward again). I made it to Gordon Pond, and after a bit of fumbling around finding the campsite, I finally got set up. Minus One and No Worries showed up too. Now I am sitting by the pond waiting on a moose to show up, and otherwise enjoying a nice sunset. I watched the huge dragonflies zipping around at the pond tonight, and saw a frog nab one right out of the air! Very cool. I walked over and watched the frog chew on the dragonfly. He would kinda eye me, then chomp chomp, then eye me...
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Stealth camp at Gordon Pond

To: Stealth camp at brook before Franconia Notch
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

My first AMC (Appalachian Mountian Club - aka Appalachian Money Club) hut experience today - very good. I got there at 1420 and they still had leftover pancakes which I ate a couple of. I also had some lemonade, for which I paid $.50 a glass - not bad though. The AMC has a great hut system, but the thru-hikers mostly do not use them because they are about $70 a night. Also the campsites charge $8 a night. So mostly we thru-hikers just camp anywhere that we can in between all their sites. Of course there are many restrictions, but at the hostel in Glencliff a list had been made of all the various sites and how to find them, as well as where to get your water and such. The hut was really nice, and the staff very friendly. I mean where else along the backcountry trails can you get food and drink, and even theough the food is leftovers, it is better than what I have to snack on, plus it is either free, or $1.00. So I am not complaining. The trail today was a bit rough - I hiked almost 8 hours and covered a tad over 12 miles. Very glad I can get away with shorter miles now! Rich (Porter '99) from Rockfish Gap Outfitters left me a note yesterday saying he had passed thru and must have missed me! Great to hear from him!