morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-16
From: mt wilcox south lean to

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke last night around 1am or so to the sounds of my grumbling stomach. Lots of skeeters and moths stuck between my fly and tent making lots of buzzing noises. A bit later two owls started hooting with each other.Got a fairly early start. It was a foggy murky morning. Even though its not raining everything is damp. The aroma of sweat and damp gear is getting quite potent. It will be nice when the weather dries out some.Nice walk today to Upper Goose Pond. Grampi is the caretaker. Stambler just performed surgery on Crusher....she extracted an embedded deer tick from his back. Took two dips in the pond and am now relaxing on the porch. Big day to Dalton tomorrow!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: dalton, ma
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke early this morning to the sounds of people packing up. Grampi was up early too and made coffee and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. What a great way to start the day!Got on the trail just after 7and was feeling good. The terrain today was mostly flat with just a couple of small climbs. The path twisted and turned through lots of pine trees and then went around a pond and some boggy areas. Had to stop twice to apply Bens 100...I normally do not like using bug spray but sometimes its necessary to keep from going crazy!Just before reaching ten miles I started to hear cars. My plan was to visit the Cookie Lady who was just down the road. Its funny, when i hear cars and know I am going to get food I start to salivate....Pavlov response...many of my hiker friends experience the same.As I approached the road crossing I saw a truck parked on the side of the road...I took a few more steps and I saw some movement and than a head popped out the window and someone was taking my picture. I said myself I must know this person and after a few steps more I recognize the person....Steve-o! He had come out to do some trail magic for me! I was treated to a cold beer, klondike ice cream, whoppie pies, water and gatorade! Wicked awesome! Needless to say I did not go to the Cookie Lady. We talked for about an hour before I had to leave. Thank you Steve-o!With less than ten miles to go and easy walking the miles started to slip away. As I was making my way around a corner I looked up and saw someone coming towards me....to my surprise it was Dave Metsky...another hiking friend of mine who came out to do trail magic for me!! In his backpack he had a cooler of dry ice filled with yummy ice cream bars! We sat and had a treat and then continued walking toward Dalton. Thank you Dave!It was nice to talk and walk with friends I have not seen since I left. Arriving in Dalton we went to the tavern and had a beer and some nachos. Afterwards Dave drove me to Frank and Jess's place where I am spending the night. What a day! Its nice to be in NE and having my friends so close by. Its late now, after 11, and I want to write and say more but sleep is necessary. Thank you again Steve-o, Dave, Frank and Jess....you guys are all awesome and made this day on the trail very special and memorable.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-18
From: dalton, ma

To: mark noepel lean to
Miles today: 13.7

Even though I went to bed late last night I was wide awake at 6am. Frank was up too and we had a lazy morning of talking and drinking excessive amounts of coffee. Its nice to be with friends from home again. I am hoping he will join me for a few days on the trail. Last year Frank joined me for the second half of my Long Trail adventure....seriously I think I burned more calories from laughing than I did from hiking on the nine days we hiked together.Got dropped off back at the Mill Tavern in Dalton, said farewell to Frank and started hiking sometime around 10:30 or so. Met up with Itrod and Crusher shortly thereafter. Itrod decided to head to town for a sandwich so we said farewell and kept walking. I was actually to keep up for a while but fell behind as we started to climb. The trail was enjoyable and I quickly got lost in my thoughts. I love my alone time out here and I love the luxury of having so much time to just think about anything and everything with very few distractions. At the top of the first hill we came to The Cobbles, a rocky outcrop with outstanding views of Greylock. Its much cooler today and a strong breeze was blowing. Puffy Q floated about in the sky and it was nice to just sit and take it all in. Hard to believe how far I have walked...the end is nearing and its something I still don't want to think about. At a road crossing we stopped for some snacks at a convenience store. Ichabod showed up and three of us hung out. Around 4 or so we headed out on our way to Greylock which is the highest point in MA. Crusher and I ended out day a few miles shy of the summit and Ichabod continued on. Relaxing and eating dinner and crossing my fingers the skeeters stay away tonight. Working on making plans for the weekend so some friends can join me for a few days. Looking forward to more days of relatively low mileage.Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-19
From: mark noepel lean to

To: williamstown, ma
Miles today: 9.6

Slept in this morning and started my day with two cups of VIA...oh so good! It didn't take too long afterwards to start moving. Easy, short day. Feet, legs and body very happy.Headed out just before 9am to finish my assault on Mt Greylock. It was a peaceful and relatively easy three or so miles. Greylock is almost 3500 ft and it was refreshing to be up high again....kind of moving out of the hills and back into the mountains again. The woods today smelled of pine and felt so very familiar. The wind was blowing gently and the sound combined with the scent of pine stirred up memories and emotions of past hikes and times with my family and friends. I miss you all so very much. Tomorrow I will be in Vermont and in my stomping grounds which brings me mixed emotions. I am so very excited to have so few miles to go but my heart is on the trail where life is simple, yet not so simple. Being out here for so long has made a lasting impression on what is really important on my journey in the living world...I hope I will be able to share and convey this with my family and friends on my return. My heart tells me though this insight is only fully understood from being on the trail for so long. I will do my best. I am having a hard time expressing what I am feeling in words. It's all good is what I can say for sure.Crusher and I spent almost two hours on the summit of Greylock. The views were hazy and the ranger told us rain was on the way but as we all know predicting weather is not a perfect science. We spent some in the tower and than in the lodge...the weather actually improved all day long and as I sit here in Williamstown I am still waiting for the rain. I got a surprise visit from DaveBear! He had thought about finding me on Greylock or the Seth Warner Shelter but we connected here in Williamstown. So nice to see you DB!!! I feel so humbled to have so many wonderful and generous friends....I have much thanks to return to you all and to future thru hikers on my return. Again it's so hard to express this overwhelming feeling of friendship and love. Sometimes it's hard to hold back the tears and goosebumps when I have the time to reflect on how much happiness and encouragement you all leave with me. How am I so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life? I will do my best to give back all that you have given to me. Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-20
From: williamstown, ma

To: congdon shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Crossed the border and am now in Vermont! Also known as Vermud. Also known as the green tunnel. This section is certainly living up to its reputation....so much mud everywhere, boot sucking mud, and green leafy trees obscuring any kind of view. For the next 100 miles or so the AT and the Long Trail follow the same path. Where the trail splits the Long Trail will continue in VT up to the Canadian border. The AT will take me through the remainder of VT and than to NH and ME.Last summer I completed the Long Trail so today was filled with memories of that trip. My sister had joined me for the first five days and what fun did we have! I remember our first day out we encountered some really bad thunder storms and got completely soaked. Arrived at the shelter early today and there are 3 sobo's here, one nobo and one section hiker. One of the sobo's gave me a Wendy's double cheeseburger and it was fabulous! My usual hiking buddies are now spread out and I am not sure when or where we will meet again.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-21
From: congdon shelter

To: kid gore shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

Slept great last night until about 1am when I was woken from my slumber to the sound of mice scurrying everywhere. Eeeewwww! This is the first shelter I have been in that had several active mice. I need my sleep so my only option was to set up my tent. In the morning I noticed the little turds had nibbled a hole in my food bag despite having hung it. They also infiltrated another hikers backpack in search of morsels. The mice here are pro's. Considered yourself warned!I got on the trail around 8 after having a nice cup of VIA. Vermont is very nice walking even with the mud and all. The climbs and descents are gentle with very few steep spots. It was easy to get lost in my thoughts of when I did the Long Trail last summer....so many familiar places and lots of memories of me and Rachel talking and giggling.The trail went over Glastenbury Mountain today. Just before the summit I took a nice long break at Goddard Shelter....thunder was sounding all around me and dark clouds could be seen but I managed to escape getting caught in any rain. Sitting at the shelter hundreds of dragon flies were buzzing around.There is a fire tower on top of Glastenbury and the views from the lookout were awesome! Maybe a little hazy but definitely worth going up to take a look.Arrived at Kid Gore around five or so and just finished dinner. Wish I had not left my book behind in Williamstown. Short day tomorrow to Kelly Stand Rd where a friend will be picking me up. Hope the weather holds! Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-22
From: kid gore shelter

To: Kelly Stand Rd
Miles today: 8.2

Went to bed early last night but was woken up a few hours later by some passing storms. Lots of thunder, lightening and rain. Stayed nice and cozy in my tent! Tried to sleep in but I find it so hard....always have been an early bird even when I stay up till all hours of the night. Guess my body has its own clock and some things just don't change no matter how hard I try. And than of course I start thinking about morning coffee and shortly thereafter the only choice is to just get up! I love the mornings and always will.Last night there were a few other folks at the shelter...Reid, Ian and his cute dog Rocky who are out for a section and Three Bears who is NOBO. Nice people. Ichabod and Crusher are now almost two days ahead and Fynious and I plan to meet back up on Saturday. Heads Up is still a few days behind and I am hopeful we will hike together again soon.Had a very short day and the terrain is still pleasant even though there is so much mud! It was very cool, dry and windy today with lots of passing clouds...there was a touch of fall in the air if I do dare say. I actually got cold a few times when I stopped for a break.I got to Kelly Stand Rd early and took the opportunity to dry my gear out while I waited for my ride. As I was waiting a car passed by me and I saw a head from the backseat pointing at me...the car stopped and out pops Stinkyfeet! She is out here doing the Long Trail. Sue, it was so nice to see you! Hope you enjoy the rest of your hike.Just as Sue was leaving my friend Andy pulled up. He had sandwiches and some other goodies....we than loaded up the car and made our way to Pittsfield. Took a short side trip to the Vermont Country Store...a thru hikers dreams! So many samples and goodies to try! Yum yum! After that it was ice cream with rainbow jimmies.I am now resting in the pool house after having my fill of Judy's delicious chicken tettrazini. Back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. Gotta keep moving.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Kelly Stand Rd

To: stratton mountain
Miles today: 3.4

Long day but most memorable day! Up at 5am and on the road by 5:30am. Arrived in Old Orchard Beach and picked up one of my sisters and my nephew and than made our way a little further north. Surprised my sister Rachel at work and than we all went to the hospital so I could meet my new niece Isabella!! She is absolutely adorable! Can't wait to be done with the trail so I can spend more time with her. What a cutie! Thank you Andy for making this happen....and thank you Leslie for arranging things on your end.On the way back met some friends in Hooksett. Had an awesome meal at the Flying Goose and than made our way to Kelly Stand Rd. After hours of driving we finally arrived back at the trail! Headed up Stratton sometime after 10pm in light rain and fog. Had hoped to camp on the summit or tower but too wet and windy. Found a nice spot shortly after the summit and got to bed just before 1am. Hiking with some friends this weekend....always a good time with my hiking buds.Long day but wicked awesome!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-24
From: stratton mountain

To: bromley mountain
Miles today: 16.7

Wish I had more time to journal yesterday....so much more to talk about. Anyway...slept great last night even if it was only for a few hours.Got up early and packed up wet gear. Arm, Giggy, Jen and I than made our way to Stratton Pond Shelter where we found Hot Donna waiting for us. Enjoyed some hot coffee and lots of Donna's peanut butter squares, cornbread and homemade jam. Oh so yummy! Christine had decided to hike up Stratton and meet us all later in the day.Nice easy day for walking and it was awesome to be with friends again and catch up on stuff. Took a lunch break at Prospect Rock and than continued down the trail to the parking lot. Very hot and humid today but no rain!At the parking lot I took the time to dry out my tent and stuff. Got a note from MntPa he was waiting for us on the summit of Bromley and that we better be thirsty!It was an easy three miles to the summit and its a nice peak with lots of beautiful views. Christine and I arrived to find MntPa waiting for us. He had packed up some beer and pizza!! Life is good today! Enjoyed some treats while we waited for the others to arrive.I had talked with Fynious earlier in the week and we had panned to meet up here tonight. It was all smiles when I saw him coming up the trail. It's nice to be back together with my trail brother. Soon afterwards everyone else arrived with the exception of Donna....just heard some cheering and Donna has just arrived! Awesome!Hanging out and just enjoying the company, food and beer. Life on the AT is always a good time. So happy to be with so many great people tonight.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-25
From: bromley mountain

To: big branch
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Kind of bummed it rained last night but was so happy to be all cozy in the warming hut with my friends. I had such a wonderful with everyone and I am so very happy you all made the long drive to come and spend some time with me. Thank you MntPa for bringing up the pizza and beer and thank you Arm for the pasta dinner! Oh so yummy! Wish I had not fallen asleep so early but this girl does need her beauty sleep. Got up early and enjoyed some wicked awesome coffee that MntPa had made....got spoiled with real half and half too. TrashMan and Bodacious stopped in on their way thru and it was nice to see them again.Headed out under foggy damp conditions down to Mad Tom Notch. Giggy's car had been broken into...not sure why people feel the need to smash windows. Anyway, we decided to head to town for some breaky.Had an awesome breaky with my friends at Bob's Diner....eggs benedict, homfries and blueberry pancakes. It was hard to say farewell to everyone afterwards but the trail was calling for me. Christine....thank you so much for bringing Fynious and I back to the trail head. Again...Arm, Giggy, Mike, Donna, Christine and Jen thank you for joining me...so nice to see you all! Headed back out sometime after noon time...somehow got turned around on Styles Peak and was heading in south instead of north. Thankfully Fynious had a compass and got me pointed in the right direction. First time that has ever happened to me in all my years of hiking.Got rained on after leaving Peru Peak Shelter and than did a ford across the Big Branch River which was kind of scary but doable. Sitting at the shelter enjoying some wine and food and the company of my trail friends.Looking forward to seeing my Vermont Trail Angel tomorrow!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-26
From: big branch

To: rt 103
Miles today: 15.9

Slept like a baby last night. The shelter was right in front of the river and the sound of the running water put me into a deep needed slumber. The nights have been cool and I was happy to be all snuggled up and warm in my sleeping bag.Woke up early, had some breakfast and coffee and started walking sometime around 8am. Everything was still wet and terribly muddy from the rain and it didn't take long at all for my legs to be completely caked with dirt and mud. It was a beautiful cool morning with lots of sunshine and a nice breeze. Fynious and I arrived at Little Rock Pond and hour or so later and took a break near the edge of the water. Had it been warmer a swim would have been welcome. My break was cut short though after a bird pooped on my head...thankfully I was wearing a hat. Fynious got a tiny splat but it was minuscule compared to the turd on my head. Oh well.Next was a gentle climb up to White Rock Cliffs and than a steep descent down to rt 140. After that was another good climb up Button Hill and a gentle descent to a shelter where we took a break. Fynious tried to get a fire started so we could dry our boots but the wood is so wet it was impossible to get one going.The woods were quite lovely today and its a joy to have abundant water....no need to carry extra water anymore. My pack weight will go up soon though as I will be needing some warmer clothes when I go through the Whites. The last part of the day was a steep descent down to Clarendon Gorge. Andy met us near the gorge and the three of us took a break by the water. Andy had some apples, tomatoes and gatorade for us and back at the he had some sesame chicken salad!Back in Pittsfield for the night and enjoyed a wicked yummy homemade dinner that Judy had prepared....salad, bread and butter and a huge spaghetti casserole! Thank you Judy!Getting up early and will do a slackpack tomorrow over Killington. Hope the weather is just like today.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-27
From: rt 103

To: river rd
Miles today: 23.1

Got my wake up call just before 5am. Up and dressed ten minutes later and five minutes later I am drinking hot coffee. Car gets loaded and we are off to rt 103 five minutes ahead of schedule!Got dropped off and Fynious and I said farewell to Andy. Two big climbs to start the day and than nice mellow and relatively flat terrain.... thank goodness because I am not feeling so well today. Short break at Governor Clement shelter and than a nice steady climb up Killington! Arrived at Cooper Lodge, took a break and debated if I should do the spur trail to the summit...been up there plenty of times so took the time to rest.Quick two hour jaunt down to rt 4. Feeling worse at this point so Fynious gave me some tylenol cold meds. Meds kick in quick and we do a fast mile through stinging nettles to the Maine junction. Andy was there waiting for us with some water.Two miles later we meet Andy again at Gifford Woods and this time he has gatorade! He takes our packs and off we go again!The trail than went around Kent Pond and Andy was waiting for us again at the Mountain Lodge with apples and gatorade. Enjoyed our treats and views! Beautiful spot. Heard loons calling which was a welcome sound.Another miles goes by and Andy meets us at another road crossing. Yummy sandwich waiting for us at this stop.Half mile to go now! Pass Thunder Falls and an easy end to the day on the River Rd. Thank you Andy!!Got dropped off at the Long Trail Inn and enjoyed a hearty dinner with Jen and some fellow hikers. Thank you Jen for joining us!Back at the pool house now. Hopefully sleep will come fast....it should after I take a shot of nite quil. I am crossing my fingers I feel better in the morning.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-28
From: river rd

To: rt 12
Miles today: 18.0

Woke this morning feeling no better yet no worse than yesterday. Sore throat and stuffy head. No fun. Fynious has it too so at least we can be miserable together. No time for that though when I got miles to hike!Andy dropped us off and we headed out sometime around 6:30. Big climb to start the day and I was thankful my meds were kicking in. I am always amazed what my body will do when I am not feeling well. I started off slow and steady and soon my body fell into a natural rhythm. Thoughts of pleasant times, family and friends entered my mind and I soon forgot about my cold. Day dreaming...what a wonderful distraction! As we all know good things do come to an end at some point and I reached that point about two hours after starting. Time for more meds. It's great they take effect so quickly but because my body is revved up in high gear it goes through me at an accelerated rate. Dose number two is taken and in about ten minutes I become a space cadet again and I keep on moving. The trail was quite nice today and there is still lots of moose sign. Still no sightings and I hope they do not continue to allude me. The mud has not been as bad either since we left the Long Trail.   About 12 or so miles into the day I reached the spur path to the lookout. Andy highly recommended taking the side trip so we did. Perched high on the hill was an old run down house with a ladder that went up to a roof deck. Amazing views! So happy I did the little extra. Had a nice long break and than continued on.Just before reaching rt 12 we found Andy sitting on a rock waiting for us. The three of us walked out together and it was a nice way to end a big day. Andy had sandwiches and snacks waiting for us which is always a very welcome treat especially to a sick and very tired hiker.Back in Pittsfield for one more night! Should be in Hanover sometime midday Friday. Might be taking a couple of days off if plans come together. Some r&r would be most welcome.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-29
From: rt 12

To: pittsfield, vt
Miles today: 0.0

Wicked sick. Woke up feeling nasty....stuffy, runny nose, headache, watery eyes and mild sore throat. Feels like I have been hit by a freight train. Needless to say I made the right decision to take a rest day. Plenty of time for hiking when I start feeling better. Fynious was faring much better so he got back on the trail. I am hoping I can catch up with folks when I get back out but that would mean doing mega miles....so maybe my friends might just slow down instead. Crossing my fingers that I will start to feel better tomorrow....otherwise I will take another rest day.Jibitz