morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Belters Campsite

To: Riga Lean to
Miles today: 14.6

What'd you do today? Un, walked. But I had some fun along the way. PC&J, Pro, and i had breakfast at the Mountain View Cafe. A few race afficiados in there, Lime Rock raceway is right here. Then we walked 10 miles to Salisbury, CT, where we resupplied for the next few days. I've enjoyed the trail here in CT. I like the forests, the rocks even, and walking by water. We were getting city water for the longest time (since PA). It's more drinking stream and spring water again. A very good day. Here's a plug for Hitech's weblog, www.davecockman.com. He's obsessive about keeping it up to date. Chances are you'll find tons of pics there, of all of us. I hope he writes nice things about us, wink. I've never taken the time to read much of it. Although, after the trip, it will be a lot of fun to check everyone's blogs and pics. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Riga Lean to

To: Corn Crib veggie stand
Miles today: 18.0

Sleeping in an old abandoned greenhouse tonight. Trail was good. We were actually over 2000 feet for the first time in quite some time. Found Mash alongside the trail halfway through the day. Hiked with him a bit at the end of the day. I made it into MA, and over the 1500 mile mark today. And we talk like, "Hey there's ONLY 685 miles left!" Like walking this far is a normal, everyday occurence. I really haven't felt like I've had much to write about. Just trudging along, day after day. My body seems to have evolved into a hill climbing, hiking machine not good for much else.But, I have recently been asked three questions that are well worth pondering. The first question was scratched into the dirt on the trail. "Why?" It was very faintly scratched in with a pole tip. Second questions was posed to Porkchop and me by Crescent City. "What do you miss most?" The third questions was asked by a lady who stopped by with her family and chatted with Mash and me yesterday. "Has hiking the AT changed your life?" Hmmmm...good things to ponder. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Corn Crib veggie stand

To: Great Barrington - part one
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It poured all night long. Sure am glad for the shelter provided by the greenhouse. When we all rose, it was clear Jackson wouldn't be able to hike. He'd jumped about eight feet down from a bridge and hurt his right front paw and/or arm. He was heavily favoring it this morning while we waited for the corn crip to open. We discussed options. A zero was the obvious solution. Plus we wanted a chance to celebrate Porkchop's birthday in town. We'd do it one day early. Our party consisted of PC&J, Hitech, Crescent City, Mash, and me. Now, how do we get six miles into town? Never fear, hikers! A lady had come to the Corn Crib. She saw Jackson and started petting him. Porkchop explained the situation and she offered us rides to the motel. Her name was Carrie and she got us all safely to town. Thanks so much! Checked into a couple of rooms at the Monument Mountain Motel. Lunch was mexican, with a tequila toast to Porkchop's birthday. An afternoon break followed. Then onto pizza for dinner. Hiker midnight came soon after and I got a great night's sleep.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Great Barrington - part one

To: Great Barrington - part two
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jackson wasn't much better today. I visit to the vet or another day's rest? The hiker doctor in us all said, rest. Hitech, Crescent City, and Mash were ready to press on. I told Porkchop I'd be happy to stay with them one more day. He didn't want to hold me up, but it's nothing like that at all. We've been running together for almost three months, we're friends, I'm not leaving them behind to try to "catch up," not at this point of the game. PC checked at the front desk, no rooms tonight. James Taylor's coming to town. Hmm, now what? While PC was making calls, I walked across to Lantern House Motel, since their vacancy light was still on. I explained our situation to the owner. I could tell he was a bit uncertain about allowing the dog. After some consideration and my gently pleading our case, he agreed to rent us a room. The folks at M&M were surprised, as Lantern House is generally no pets allowed. We checked in and then walked to downton Great Barrington. Fancy little tourist town. I'm not certain that my hiking garb was chic enough for town. We took in a movie, Little Miss Sunshine, an absurd little pic. Movie popcorn sure is good! I bought a couple books to bring out on the trail. Back to the room early afternoon and then hung out chatting for a while. I bought birthday dinner and ice cream for Porkchop and me. Back to the room and passed out from caloric overload. Happy Birthday!
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Great Barrington - part two

To: Mt. Wilcox South
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Jackson was ready to go today. Last night, we knew he had won over the motel operators. They went to the store and bought him toys and chews! We checked out this morning and set about getting a ride back to the trail. Fifteen minutes passed and PC was wondering if we should call a cab. I said give it a few more, and at minute 22, a gentleman with his dog stops. He went out of his way to get us back to the Corn Crib. Thanks mister! We walked some sweet trail today. Glaciers cut through this land, leaving their distinctive mark ont he mountains. The valleys were full of lush green fern. The forests were ever changing. Streams and a pond were along the route. I saw (on separate occasions) an owl, a hummingbird, and a woodpecker in action. So, here are some of the "whys." I wanted to live in nature, not to live in a paved over part and do chemical warfare on my lawn. No, actually co-exist withing a natural environment. I wanted a grand adventure, outside of societal norms. I wanted an opportunity to make healthy friendships with others. I wanted time to reflext and think on my life to this point and what's left to come. I wanted to do something for myself! I wanted to set a postive goal and take the steps necessary to reach it. I needed to slow down, get off the wheel, and simplify my life for a whie. Kill your television!
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Mt. Wilcox South

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

What do I miss the post? I told Crescent City there was an easy answer and a difficult answer. Easy answer - live music. I love listening to bands at bars and clubs (no stadiums). Difficult answer - I miss a real chance to reconcile with my ex-wife. I've spent a lot of time thinking and grieving over the loss. Probably too much, but who's to say? I've often wondered if she misses me as much as I miss her. Well, I talked to her, and while things are friendly and cordial between us, I'm pretty sure I should give up any future hope in that direction. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Tom Levardis - Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Made the hike from Upper Goose in pretty good time. Tom is a trail legend who's opened his home to thru hikers for 28 years. We tented in his back yard, as the house was pretty full of hikers already. I got to Goose Pond late the night before, but enjoyed a breakfast of homemade blueberry pancakes from Caretaker Joanne. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Tom Levardis - Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepal Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Rained all day. Cold all day. PC&J and I stopped by Chesire to get our mail drops. Onto Mark Noepal, which was a bitch of a climb late in the day with full food bags. Met some nice weekenders, Steve and Jamie. Chatted with them a bit before we all turned in at hiker midnight. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Mark Noepal Shelter

To: Sherman Book Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We stayed at the shelter last night to get up for the assault on Mt. Greylock, highest point in MA. It rained all night and into the morning. We finally left around 930 or so. The climb was not as bad as I'd expected. My confidence for the upcoming stuff if slowly coming back. There's a really cool lodge at Greylock, Bascomb Lodge. We hit the snack bar, of course. Wandered around a bit, but the whole mountain was socked in by mist. There were a few hang gliders and one parasail setting up to launch, waiting for a clearing in the fogs. I cheatted with one of them for a bit, then pushed on. By the time we'd walked the six miles down to MA2, a cold coke sounded good. A quick check with the locals pointed us to a grocery store 1/4 mile off trail. Score! Cokes and snacks, as well as our friends Jim Beam and Bud, joined us for the hike out of town. The campsite was nice, tent pads and even a privy. Porkchop and I had a great time talking on into the night with Jim and Bud. No rain and my soaked tent even dried out overnight.
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Sherman Book Campsite

To: Chris and Arla's - Bennington
Miles today: 16.8

Took about an hour's walk to get to the MA/VT border. We stopped to take pics of the border signs. For the first hundred or so miles, the AT shares the walkway with the Long Trail, the country's first long distance hiking trail. It started to rain about that time. Then the weather turned. Cold rain, low 50's, winds gusting up to the 30 mph. Guess who doesn't have a rain jacket? Yep. All I've got to wear is my pack and an ultralight tee shirt. Fortunately, I have some glove liners too. I was miserably fucking cold! There was no taking breaks. I couldn't walk fast enough to stay warm. I knew hypo wasn't setting in, so I just kept motoring.The trail is sloppy muddy everywhere. I can't remember any sustained section that was like this. Got to Longdon Shelter and found Pockets, Tonka, and Riceburner. They asked if I wanted to hitch to town for a motel. I was game. None of us have our winter bags yets. PC&J showed up. I made us hot chocolate. I have my vest, which was barely keeping me from shivering. As we were heading out, Rabbit finally showed. We all headed down to the road, 4.5 miles away. Got to the road just before six pm on Sunday. Six miserably wet, muddy, stinky hikers, and one once golden, now mud covered retriever. The wind had let up, and it was a bit warmer. Porkchop and I agreed we'd give it 10 mintes, then keep hiking. Most everyone agreed. Thumbs were stuck out, and in about a minute, one, then a second car stopped for us. I guess you call that a sign, eh. The girl that took me to town told us that she'd had a flat tire earlier in the weekend. So many people stopped to help her, that she wanted to repay that. Karma! We were dropped off at Friendly's. Rabbit and I went next door, to Christ and Arla's. We heard they let hikers crash in their garage. We explained to Christ there were six and a dig, he was like, come on in. He showed Rabbit and me around, then we grabbed the crew. Porkchop, Rabbit, and I went to dinner and were later joined by Riceburner and Minutes, sobo who'd showed up a bit earlier than us. Turns out Mintes had been running around all summer with Nokie and Livin, the guys from Miss Janet's! We all slept on the floor in Chris and Arlas's barn/gameroom/guesthouse. Was great to be out of the elements after such a shitty, nasty day. Was a lot of fun to hitch in with the crew and hang out. Instant Karma's gonna get you.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Chris and Arla's - Bennington

To: Mid Gore Shelter ?
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Chris and Arla were awesome. Their house in Bennington was dcroated in art made by themselves or friends. Arla manages four art spaces in town. Seem like laid back Vermont hippies to me. And that's a good thing! Arla even shuttled us back to the trail. More truly cool and excellent AT angels. Got off to a late start, noonish. I stopped at the first shelter, 1/6 miles up. Wasn't so bad, but the town trip was so much more fun. Ran into Rabbit there. She';d been the first one out on the trail. We talked and shared a cookie and some candy.It turned to rain as the afternoon went on. I just kept on walking. Got to Mid Gore around dusk, 730ish. Found PC&J and met Paul and Donna, older married couple. They're school teachers and otu finishing Vermont together, before school starts. Too cool. Paul did Maine last year and told us about his experience. I wore socks, long johns, bacalava, used my liner and sleep sack and FROZE. I'm so glad my sister's on top of my resupply. My cold stuff will be in Manchester Center, only one more night before I get my sleeping bag back. Kudos to Cari. I couldn't be doing this without her help. Peace.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Mid Gore Shelter ?

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Now I know why they call it Verdemont. (Green Mountain - Vermont) It always rains. It rained all last night. I froze in the mist. Cleared up around 9, long enough to skip out of the shelter. I'm back to shelter sleeping, bugs are down and I hate wet tents! Toiday we climbed Stratton Mountain, likely birthplace for the idea of the AT. Almost 4000 feet, with a 1700 foot climb. Practicing for NH and ME! The rain kept me moving along. Took two breakes, one at Story Sptring where I met Sobo Elvis. Second, at the top of Stratton where PC&J and I met Hugh, the caretaker of the cabin, firetower, and trail. More cold miserably day. Bright side, everything's green and lush. Downside, the mud just about sucks the shoes off your feet. Lots of slipping and sliding today. Got to the very nice Stratton Pond Shelter around 5:30. Nice to get in early for a change. All these late starts push camp time back each day. Early start tomorrow. 10.6 to VT30, then hitch to Manchester Center for the day.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hmmm, where to start? Rabbit showed up last night at 10 in the pouring rain. Silly girl! This weather and trai are not made for night hiking. It pretty much rained all night, until about 4am. Got off to a decent start, wanted to hit UT30 around noon. 10.6 miles to the road. Arrived about 12:30 to fine Stoker, Big Boss, and Westside. Big Boss offered me a ride to town. Sweet. We'd met in Dalton at Tom's house. PC&J showed up and we were whisked to town. Stayed at Sutton's place, they rent rooms/bed to hikers. As I was settling in, I heard someone go--hey, I know you, Pacer! It was Josh and Leigh, proprietors of the Hiker Hostel in Dahlorega. Wild. They're doing a sobo of the long trail. What are the odds of seeing them here?Finished chores, and then Porkchop and I met Josh, Leigh, and Four Leaf Clover for dinner at the Sirloin Saloon. Long Trail ale, salad bar, filet mignon with gorgonzola, garlic mashed, and sweet corn. Mmm good. Earlier at laundry we met Golden Ticket and Juke Box. They're a young couple hiking south from Hanover for a few weeks. They wanted to know if they could bunk with us. Of course! I had a very nice stay at Suttons. Manchester Center was a bit yuppie, but the company I kept was great! Peace.
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Manchester Center

To: Peru Peak
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Gorgeous day...sun shining, mid 60's. This morning at breakfast, Golden Ticket and Hikebox offered us their parents' numbers in Hanover, so we could stay with them. Thanks! Hanover is an expensive town, a plae to crash and do chores is most appreciated. We were at the local bookstore when a lady offered us a ride back to the trail. Out of the blue. Magic. She had a little Jack Russell named Willie from Ireland. (Makde me think of Groundskeeper Willie). We started hiking around 1pm, found Diablo coming out of the woods, not feeling well, headed to a clinic. We also crossed paths with a group we know and a new one, college kids on orientation. It's fun to talk with them. Guess who I found? Mash. He'd been off trail for a few days, catering some event for his once girlfriend, now fiance's boss. She asked Mash to marry her and gave him a ring, how sweet. I'm excited for him. Beautiful views from the observation tower on Mt. Bromley. I could see for miles. This is truly beautiful country. I can't wait for NH and ME. I've got my sleeping bag and cold weather gear, thanks to Cari. Got in touch with Nokia today too. Great day on the AT. Kill your television.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Peru Peak

To: Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Great hiking day. We got up and out early. I ran across Stoker, Walter, and Bobcat the first of seven shelters I'd pass today. Walker wasn't feeling wekk, and heard Diablo had contracted giardia. They'd been running together, so he's needing to be tested. A few shelters up, I ran into Pockets, Tonka, and Riceburner. We all bitched about the weight of our winter gear. This was the same crew I ran into Bennington with when none of us had the right gear, LOL. Little Rock Pond was gorgeous. I love all the water features we're running across. Ran into Rabbit coming from town. We all wound up at Hinchey Shelter - {C&J, Mash, Walker, Rabbit, Shoker, and me. Fun crew to hang with. Peace.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Hinchey Shelter

To: Pico Camp
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Brrr....Eduardo makes his appearance. Cold and windy all day, no rain so far. Temps were high 40s, winds gusting to 30 or so. Made the climb up killing, but wasn't as bad as expected. Had some dinner at Cooper Lodge, 3100 feet up. It was once enclosed, but the locals busted out the windows long ago. Mash said Pico was also enclosed. We (same groups as last night) pressed on, 3.4 miles in and hour twenty. I asked Walker, how'd we get here so fast? Response? We're f-ing thru hikers, man! Time to turn in, we're at Pico, it does have windows and not too many drafts. What a crazy night, lots of joking and laughter. We settled down around 10pm, but the storm intensified. Around 3am, a backpack fell to the ground. We all awoke to find Stoker curled up under his light fleece blanket, freezing. I tossed him some socks, and Rabbit and Walter zipped their bags together to make a blanket, then made a Stoker sandwich. We all were laughing like hell! Peace.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Pico Camp

To: The Inn and Long Trail
Miles today: 5.7

When we awoke, the storm was still going. Porkchop and I decided we'd spend the day at the Inn. The winds were still super crazy. Had a choice between hikes, blue blaze, hike and hitch, or hike past the road, up another hill, then down a side trail to the Inn. Well, I don't blue blaze anymore, and regardless of the weather, I chose to walk the extra 1.9 and .5 so I'd have those miles done. It actually cleared up a but on the hike, but the draw of the Inn was too strong. Wound up with Mash, PC&J, Rabbit, and Stoker. Walker ran into Pockets and had joined in the slackpack (Pockets and Tonka). They invited me to come along. I was torn, and don't need to rush to Hanover, my box won't be there until Wednesday anyways. Spent the afternoon with my friends at McGrath's Pub, and a few perfectly poured and presented pints of Guiness. The food was good too! Had a chance to give Rabbit her birthday foot massage, then chilled with the guys watching tv. Weather's supposed to clear up the rest of the week. My shoes are shot, have been since I got to UT. No tread left anymore, they're like walking in moccasins. I must say, these roots have been very, very slippery lately. Peace.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: The Inn and Long Trail

To: Locust Creek
Miles today: 12.8

The weather cleared today. We hiked out, big steep climb right away. I thought it wold never end. Stopped for a break, and Polar Bear came in. Hadn't seen him since Dalton. He said Danger Zone was not far behind. Hadn't seen him since we got off trail athe Pro's house. PC&J pushed on, and I waited for DZ. We caught up, then set out to catch the others. Found Mash and PC&J around dusk, by the side of a fire road. Everything we need, they said, flat ground and a water source. We all pretty much hit the sack around 7:30. It's getting tougher, mentally, to be hiking from dawn to dusk. Seems there's no time for anything but walking like a machine. A few days ago I said I most missed a chance to reconcile with my ex. That's wrong, or last least a metaphor for all the hurtful decisions I've made in the past. That's what I miss. But on the other hand, I feel that I am in a great position to do more with the rest of my time here. I've learned from my past, and know I'll be better off in times to come. I do miss my dog, Winston, though. Yes, hiking the AT has changed my life. More on that later. Peace.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Locust Creek

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

P.U.D.S. today. Really pointless ones. Sucked teh life out of me. It's not just me. A bunch of us are up against our personal walls. The clock ticking on Hatahdin doesn't help. I feel a lot pressure, and I didn't come out here for any of that. I'm considering a flip, so I can summit and finsh at a bit more leisurely pace. I dunno, I guess we'll just see what develops. That seems to work out here best. I'm surrounded by hikers and we'll keep each other going.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Baltimore Jacks
Miles today: 14.6

Ok wow, let's catch up before we cover today's activities. On the fouth, I ran into old friend Gastante, heading south. He got Lume and was off the trail and sick the whole month of July. He'd just got back on and was hiking south for a month. Told me how great NH and ME are gonna be. Cool to see him again. The fifth was my five month anniversary on the AT. Loving the life! Today, there's only 442 to go. I got up early and headed out around 6:30. Had 15 to get out of VT and into NH. I really did not feel like hiking. I even considered hitching to Hanover. Seriously considered. But, I really wanted to walk over the state line, so put my head into and motored. I'm glad I did. Got to town about 2pm. I'd talked to Hitech the day before and told him I'd call when I got to town. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College (oh, gawd). I found a bunch of hikers on the town green. Said hi and hung out a bit. Called Hitech, he was across the street at the coffee shop, updating his blog on their wireless network (www.davecockman.com) We rolled into town without sort of a place to stay. Jukebox and Golden Ticket's parents would PC&J and I stay in their yard, but we'd found Mash and Dangerzone. We didn't want to put them out or impose in any fashion. Otherwise, Hanover is really expensive and not particularly pet friendly. Here's where it gets cool. I had no sooner walked into the coffeeshop when Baltimore Jack came over and said hi. I'd met him in Hot Springs and at Trail Daze. He asked how many I had and offered us a chance to crash at his place, shower, and launder. Awesome! No sooner had this happened, then I ran into Dogwood. I hadn't seen him since Tennessee! He, Jack, and I ducked in for a drink, then Jack told me to meet him in an hour with my crew. Meanwhile, Pockets was planning to eat a Ben & Jerry's Vermonster, 4 1/2 pounds of ice cream, plus toppings. I scurried back to watch the festivities. (Yes, he ate it....no, he didn't feel well after).I'll have to finish this after my hike. Suffice to say, so many fun and special things happened here and now, I can't even beging to write them down. Thanks Jack!!