morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Seth Warner Shelter, VT

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter, Bennington VT
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

As with many of my 2015 & 2016 journal entries, I am writing this one months (in this case - 8 months) after the fact. After much photo and guide review, I realized why I subconsciously put this day off so long. I remember lots of rain and lots of pain. Despite the rain, the first 8.5 miles or so were OK. Then things went downhill...no, really - as in a rocky and steep 2200' down in 2.5 miles. Considering this was just my 2nd hiking day and I wasn't in great shape to begin with, my quads were really crying to call it a day at the bottom at the Rt 9 crossing. Alas, many "No camping allowed" signs were posted, and while I was ready to break that rule, there really was nowhere to camp. So up we go on a steep and rocky 900' in 1.5 miles to the shelter. And as that uphill started, it REALLY started raining. Hard. I mean I felt like a salmon swimming upstream. (PAUSE - if the preceding sounds whiny, and you are planning an AT thru-hike, do not be alarmed and frightened away. The beauty of the AT, and the mental, physical, and emotional strength you will summon and/or gain along the way makes it all worth it. Ok, back to the trail). Fear not, I channeled my inner salmon and made it wet, cold and tired (but very happy) to the shelter and a pleasant and friendly group of shelter mates, and a damn good night's sleep.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter, Bennington VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter, VT
Miles today: 12.8

Note to dear reader: I'm writing this entry about 6 weeks after the actual hike, and either I never hand-wrote my insightful impressions in the first place, or I did write them (and I know, SHOCKING to those who know me) and I lost, errr...temporarily misplaced them. So I will delight you with my stream of consciousness memories of the day fueled and aided by (how appropriate!) a Long Trail Ale as I write.Highlights of the day: 1. I read a sign posted at the road crossing yesterday warning that the footbridge over Hell Hollow Brook was closed and the stream must be forded. My instinct tells me the local tourist bureau did not name this brook. I had thoughts of flames and ghouls with pitchforks as I crossed. Though the "Bridge Closed" sign was orange, the crossing was rather tame and i could have crossed it without changing out of my hiking shoes, into my sandals, and back into my hiking shoes, and while wasting all that time, someone could have fixed the bridge.2. I reached Goddard Shelter at early afternoon and had some great tasting and frigid water coming directly from the mountainside. I love getting water this way. There was also some interesting rusted metal (see photos) with a floral imprint that really puzzled me as to why and how it was there. Puzzlement disappeared shortly as I came upon the ruins (including bedframe relics with same floral imprint) of the caretaker cabin for the Glastonbury Mountain forest fire lookout tower. Very nice of everyone passing by to leave the ruins as is, and preserve a little history. Though it would be hard to carry a bed frame out of the woods.3. Reached Kid Gore Shelter at 4pm-ish. This shelter has the best view of any I have ever stayed at, perhaps rivalled only by Blue Mountain Shelter in Georgia (see March 31, 2014 entry). Most shelters are buried in the woods and for all their charms and pleasures, views aren't one of them. This one has a long narrow corridor vista out to the horizon. I was able to enjoy it for precisely 12 minutes until mosquitoes ( who apparently enjoy a view too) started to dive-bomb my head. Appropriately attired in hoodie and long pants, I thus prepared and enjoyed my dinner while being entertained by a hyperactive chipmunk and a (whatever the opposite of hyperactive is) woolly caterpillar.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Kid Gore Shelter, VT

To: Stratton Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Note to dear reader: I'm writing this entry about 6 weeks after the actual hike, and either I never hand-wrote my insightful impressions in the first place, or I did write them (and I know, SHOCKING to those who know me) and I lost, errr...temporarily misplaced them. So I will delight you with my stream of consciousness memories of the day fueled and aided by (how appropriate!) a Long Trail Ale as I write.1. Today I had lunch secluded under a bridge while soaking my feet in an ice-cold stream. Some days, life is REALLY good.2. The purpose of having lunch where I did (see #1 above) was to gather enough energy to climb Stratton Mountain (1700 feet in 3.8 miles). An invigorating climb it was. At the top, I had phone reception to call my friend Steve, whose house I am staying at tomorrow night, and to call Sherri. While I was on the phone, a hawk sailed 20 feet over my head. See #1 again - i.e. life is good.3. A 1300' descent to Stratton Pond Shelter. There were many signs alerting one that there is a caretaker at this shelter and there is no tenting allowed and there is a camping fee. In fact, there was no caretaker, no fee, and tenting was allowed. What WOULD be helpful to hikers is telling them that the water source is Stratton Pond which is now a 10-minute walk (20 min round trip ) away, which if there was a sign, one could get on one's way to the shelter, instead of doing more walking after a 15 mile day. In any case, I went to the pond and met 2 nice ladies who were hiking together and relaxing at the pond. Six long weeks later, I remember that one of their trail names was DEET, and one of their real names was Mary Ellen, but i can't remember both of their names. That being said, a quiet evening was had at the shelter, as no one else showed up, and I enjoyed an evening of pleasant conversation, hot cocoa, and gin rummy with DEET and/or Mary Ellen.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Stratton Pond Shelter 

To: VT Rt 11/30, Manchester Ctr VT
Miles today: 10.7

Note to dear reader: I'm writing this entry about 6 weeks after the actual hike, and either I never hand-wrote my insightful impressions in the first place, or I did write them (and I know, SHOCKING to those who know me) and I lost, errr...temporarily misplaced them. So I will delight you with my stream of consciousness memories of the day fueled and aided by (how appropriate!) a Long Trail Ale as I write.1. There was almost nothing outstanding about the trailside scenery today. There was a Prospect Rock advertised for its views but I was more interested in getting to the end of my hike, than going off-trail to the Rock. I did cross paths with DEET and/or Mary Ellen (see yesterday) and took them up on their suggestion to soak my feet in a trailside creek. I think the old saying to "Slow down and smell the roses" should be replaced with "....and soak your feet".2. A relatively short hike today ended at Vermont Rts 11 and 30 in Manchester, from whence I was picked up by my friend Steve and his wife Ann. (Note to journal - on the drive to their house, we saw a naked man standing on the roadside. End of note). After a much-needed shower (needed by me - Steve and Ann smelled fine), we relaxed on the back porch and enjoyed the mountain ridge view. A very pleasant outside dinner at the Equinox Resort followed, which was then followed by a few drinks back at their house on the back porch. Then, as most good nights do, this one ended by viewing constellations from the hot tub on the back porch.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: VT Rt 11/30, Manchester Ctr VT

To: Bromley Shelter, Manchester Ctr VT
Miles today: 2.0

This morning, my body reverted to non-trail living, as I woke up at 530am and couldn't get back to sleep. After 2 hours of backpack prep, leftover-chicken-eating, stretching, and other minutae, Steve awoke and the day started in earnest. A good cup of coffee, some chatting and backporch-view-enjoying, then headed to Manchester Center to "Up for Breakfast" and took the stairs...up..for...breakfast!! Ok, I get it. "UFB" met the O-Positive diner criteria with just-right crispy potatoes and bacon. A few errands to get batteries and stove fuel, back home, then back out the door again for food shopping and to pick up lunch (mmm, meatball sub - real food!). More chatting and a nap (!), and then a late afternoon dropoff back at the trailhead. Thanks Steve and Ann for being the best hosts in Vermont, northern New England, and possibly stretching to Eastern Canada! A quick 2-mile jaunt to Bromley Shelter. Stopped partway to chat with Caroline and dog Darwin and discussed the pros and cons of dogs on the trail, and a brief history of hiker trail names. An easy platform tent setup, a beef stew dinner, a Grade-A bear bag hang, a chat with Sherri, and hopefully a long night's sleep.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Bromley Shelter, Manchester CTR VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter, near Danby VT
Miles today: 12.8

Pretty low-key hiking day after a good night's sleep (9+ hours). The first week of the trip thus far has been almost entirely in the "tunnel of shade". In contrast, today's hike featured a few spectacular vistas - especially at Baker Peak, which featured (what seemed like) vertical rock face climbing and mountain peaks and valleys views. Shortly before reaching the shelter, fell down on some slippery ledge - fortunately landed on my back and my pack broke the fall. Checked the body parts and all seemed ok, phew. Got to Lost Brook shelter at 4:30 p.m. and 5 or 6 weekend camping yahoo-ish types were already there chopping wood, stoking a fire (why do we need a fire at 4:30 in the afternoon when it's 80 degrees outside?) and smoking. Turns out my initial instincts were partially wrong - they invited me to sit and have dinner with them. Casting aside my snobbery and social anxiety, I accepted. Turns out one of the guys worked across the street from my old workplace, and 2 of them used to live a block away from where I live now. It's a small world, but I still wouldn't want to paint it.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Lost Pond Shelter, near Danby VT

To: Domed Ledge Vista, Shrewsbury VT
Miles today: 12.3

Awesome 10-hour night sleep and awake by 6 a.m. Had a 2-oatmeal breakfast and on the trail by 7:30 a.m. (earlier than normal). After an hour or so downhill start, a very gradual incline along a classic babbling brook over moss-covered boulders - pleasing to all the senses. Had a lunchtime stop at Little Rock Pond, a beautiful spot marred only slightly by 2 day-hiker groups with 4 snippy, chasing, barking, food-grabbing dogs. All together now -"please leash your mildly annoying animals that not everybody loves!" - okay, got that out of my system. After lunch, a hilly and rolling stretch that put me on schedule to reach Greenwall Shelter by 2:30 p.m. Alas, as warned in my guidebook, that shelter's water source sometimes ran dry; indeed, it had. Plan B was to go ahead, find water, then stealth camp. Turns out Plan B should have been plan A, as I found a great spot on Domed Ledge Vista, on a side trail between Route 140 and the top of Bear Mountain. Privacy, great mountain range views, and a long sunset, plus a bonus - a strong phone connection! Calls with Sherri and my brother capped off a day ending on a literal and figurative high point! Lesson of the day - don't be so tied to a schedule out here, and let the good and unexpected things happen.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Domed Ledge Vista, Shrewsbury VT

To: VT Rt 103, Clarendon VT/Qu's Whistle Stop
Miles today: 5.3

"Behind the scenes" in Trailjournals, there is a section to enter each day's sleeping location (i.e. tent, shelter, hostel, etc.). Understandably, there is no option for "converted ice cream shop caboose". Let me backtrack a bit...Yesterday's hike was a little longer than originally planned, which in turn made today's a little shorter. My plan was to get lunch at Qu's Whistle Stop Restaurant, about a half mile off trail down Rt 103. Heavy extended rains were expected in the afternoon and Qu's offered tenting on their grounds. I was awoken by spattering rain about 630am. I completed a quick packup and was on the trail by 7am. By this time, a pretty steady rain had started, so my pace picked up as I wanted to get out of the rain at Qu's ASAP. One notable occurrence was seeing 50-60 red efts (newts) on the trail in the first hour of hiking. Another funny occurrence was seeing a plastic white lawn chair at an outcropping overlooking the Rutland Airport. The chair had to have been carried at least an hour into the woods, but a good idea for plane-watching! I got to Qu's at midmorning still in time for breakfast. Had a great breakfast, recharged the phone, free fast WIFI, updated the blog, and kept warm and dry. Qu's is a small friendly place that had a lot of hikers and locals streaming through. Connected by an outside porch is a converted caboose that is used as an ice cream stand on weekends. The owner/hostess was gracious enough to let me stay inside through lunchtime (closing time). The rain stopped for a bit around midday but torrential downpours were still on their way. Around 2pm, I went outside to scout out a tentsite that would keep me the most dry (or the least wet). While checking that out, the owner came out and asked if I wanted to stay in the caboose. I said sure, when the rain stops I'll go in my tent. She replied, "you don't look like you'll steal anything, I meant why don't you sleep there overnight". Hmmm, stay overnight in a dry house with free WIFI and an unlocked ice cream locker? Uh, ok! Well, that turned into the best trail magic kindness ever...shortly after, pouring rain, lightning, and thunder for the next 6 hours. But I was dry, with plenty of time to read, blog, make phone calls, etc. As an added bonus, just before sunset, the rain stopped and I was treated to an awesome purple and pink sunset, and then off to sleep. PS for the record, I did NOT eat any ice cream.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: VT Rt 103, Clarendon VT/Qu's Whistle Stop

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter @ Killington Mt peak
Miles today: 11.4

As promised, the Whistle Stop staff arrived bright and early at 630am for the 7am opening. I packed quickly anticipating another great breakfast and wasn¢t disappointed. Had a nice chat with the owner; sadly, it is likely that the Whistle Stop will close after the 2016 season. If you are hiking in 2017, be sure to check your guidebooks and/or call ahead. Waddled the half-mile back to the trailhead under much less humid and cooler conditions. A steep rock scramble (500¢ gain in a half mile) got the blood flowing and ended with great views at the top, then rolling hills for the next 3 miles. About 4 miles in, a gradual but steady climb towards the Killington Mountain peak began. About 7 miles in, the final steepest push commenced ( about 2000¢ in the last 4 miles). Steep, rocky, winding trail, over and under fallen trees, hand over hand in places. Just 1.5 ¢ 2 hours of putting my head down and getting in the ¢zone¢. This is the sort of physical challenge and accomplishment I relish, reminiscent of climbs up Albert Mountain and Roan Mountain in NC. The terrain ¢flattened¢ a bit in the last mile or so before camp, but I was pretty spent and ready to plop down for the day. When I arrived at the shelter site however, a couple I had been flip-flopping with the past couple of days was just coming down a side trail from the Killington peak. They highly recommended leaving my pack and making the short (1/4 mile) but very vertical climb. About halfway up, my aversion to steep exposed places kicked in and I almost turned back. After some self-coaching and urging, kept going and made it to the top. The views were spectacular and worth the extra effort. I didn¢t linger long and headed carefully down to camp. A bit melancholy to be spending my last night ¢on trail¢ for the year, but thankful for a fabulous hiking day.
Date: 2017-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Time to get back on the trail! This year's hike will be a different style than past years.  The plan is to cover the 75 miles of the Garden State of New Jersey. This year, I will partner with my friend Dave; he will be hiking 3 of the 7 days, and parts of a few others. We will be staying off-trail most nights, and just camping a few nights (me only).  Not exactly roughing it, but an opportunity to spend some quality time with an old friend.  Dave was my Food Box Mailing Guy in my thru-hike attempt in 2014. He never thought he'd hike, but here he is! Well, just a short entry today to test the new Trail journals format. Check back in a few days when we start! Thanks for reading...O-positive.
Date: 2017-05-23
To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Dave arrived at my office at 1030am, and we made the short drive to Enterprise Rental in Framingham to get our rental car. The 2003 Caravan (despite its mostly stellar performance as support vehicle during AT 2014) would not be making this long journey. Thankfully, cars can¢t cry, or it¢s rust problem would just get worse. We hit the highway after a short drive back to my apartment to drop off the Caravan, and to pick up my gear and driving music. After a few hours, we made a lunch stop at Rein¢s Deli in Vernon CT. My regular hot pastrami still satisfied, but the highlight, as always, were the pickles. Dave, a first-time Rein¢s patron, gives it a thumbs up. Several hours of uneventful and un-scenic driving followed as we cruised through western CT and eastern NY, but the lack of scenery was offset by good conversation. Once we exit Route 84 and head southbound through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the scenery improved and the hike anticipation built. We arrived by late afternoon at Deer Head Inn, an older but well maintained hotel with a small jazz club/lounge/restaurant on the main floor (¢the oldest continuously running jazz club in the country¢).  Our 3rd floor room was reachable only by stairs, so a good warmup for hiking. The convenient location couldn¢t be beat either ¢ from our window, we can see where the AT crosses the road. After settling in, we took a leisurely walk to ¢downtown¢ DWG to grab sandwiches/dinner at a local shop. DWG is small (microscopic?) and quaint, and like many towns the AT passes through, has seen busier economic times (timber, mining, etc) but appears to be in a re-invention stage (camping, hiking, canoeing, etc). We spend a little too long at dinner, as the Deer Head nightly jazz performance ends just as we get back. We settled for a cold beer at the bar, then headed up to the room.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5

We woke early to shower and organize our packs, then walked downtown to Village Farm Bakery for the 8am opening. After a quick, hearty and delicious breakfast, we headed back uphill, grabbed our packs from the car, and (after a few ceremonial photos at the trail marker) got on the trail for the planned 9am start. After a few hundred yards, the trail led to a narrow sidewalk bridge and a 10-minute walk over the Interstate 80 and the Delaware River. The 18-wheeler trucks flying by on the bridge a few feet from our heads finished waking us up. Despite the trucks, the river view was very pleasing. The first half of the day was flat/gradual uphill and was a good way to gradually get our ¢trail legs¢ stretched out. Sunfish Pond was very scenic (2 sections with rock sculptures), but our pace slowed as the ¢trail¢ around the lake consisted of hopping/stepping from boulder to boulder. Later on, as we gained elevation, the clouds cleared away, and we had a great view of the river valley. As we reached mid-afternoon, it became clear we weren¢t going to get to the Mohican AT Outdoor Center at our current pace in time to meet our shuttle ride back to the Deer Head Inn to get our car. There was no cell signal available to reach the shuttle driver, so I jogged/briskly hiked the last 2-plus miles to meet him, with the plan that I¢d pick Dave up later. Fortunately, Kenny (¢Old Dog¢) waited the extra time for me to arrive, and within an hour, I had retrieved the car and was back to pick up Dave, who had just finished the 10.5 mile jaunt. The Mohican Center was a short drive up a gravel road. After settling into our cabin (private room for 2) and showering, we drove to a local restaurant for a fried chicken dinner. Everyone slept well.
Date: 2014-03-14
To: Leaving Soon
Miles today: 0.0

Have been planning this trip for a couple years. Was going to make it in 2013 but had to postpone it until this year. I thought I'd have to postpone it again until next year but things finally worked out for me. I'm finally able to make it happen.My wife and youngest son are coming down with me to Amicalola Park. Mrs. Boomer will be supply central at home. I will start my hike on the 25th. I'm as excited as a little kid going to Disneyland. Packing and repacking over and over. Actually weighing stuff on the kitchen scale. I finally have my equipment ready, maybe, kind of, well, you know. I'm done reading about the trail. It's time to go.
Date: 2014-03-16
To: Only ten more days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Still not happy with my pack weight. Having fun with this.   Will redo pack and supplies tomorrow. Gonna watch "Catching Fire" with my family and relax. WOW ! Just broke a tooth eating a Milk Dud while watching the movie. Better here than on the trail. Rebuilt the tooth with dental wax for now. I should have worked on my pack instead watching the movie.
Date: 2014-03-17
To: pack test
Miles today: 0.0

Got some painless dentistry done yesterday (crown) to fix my broken tooth. I'm so glad that didn't happen on the trail. I had actually packed dental wax in my tiny first aid kit for any lost fillings or broken teeth. I only packed it because it weighs next to nothing. I didn't think I'd really need it. I put the wax back in my kit.Had some limited hours this morning for a 5 mile loop hike on the Buckeye Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park with my loaded pack. Felt good. I know my climbs here are tiny compared to the AT but its the best we have here near the north coast of Ohio.Temperature was high 40's with light rain. I finally got to test the Packa I bought last year. Seems OK for now. Has good pit zips for ventilation.
Date: 2014-03-24
To: Made it to Amicalola Lodge 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it to the lodge in twelve hours. Had to drive mountain roads in the dark. Very strenuous and tiring. A warning light came on indicating a transmission problem. Had smell of burnt transmission fluid as it climbed hill to lodge. Will have to see what needs done with the car before Mrs. Boomer and our son can make 12 hr trip back home. It seemed to drive OK. Might be another delay on my hike. Will deal with it tomorrow. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-25
To: I just wanna hike 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Went to a Ford dealer to see about getting our transmission fixed. We had a choice of getting a new or a used transmission. I also got a quote from Aamco for a repair. I thought all options were too expensive considering the mileage and age of the vehicle. Mrs. Boomer (wiping a tear from her eye) decided she'd feel safer driving home with our boy if she got a new transmission. So we got her one. Unfortunately the one she picked had a new car wrapped around it. In a few years it'll be all ours, free and clear. We really did keep the old one too long. Can I go hiking now?The plan is for us to go to Springer Mt. in the morning so I can start my adventure. It finally seems real.