morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Ten Mile Campsite

To: CT 341Kent CT (Fife & Drum Inn)
Miles today: 8.6

Day 109 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Warm and somewhat humid. Cloudy in the morning to clear and less humid in the evening. High in mid to upper 80's.Today's Nature: I noticed the woodpecker's this morning. Very loud echoing...drowning out the other forrest sounds.Falls Today 0 Total 4I'm not sure why but I lacked energy today. The tenting site at Ten Mile River was pretty free of insects and I slept well last night. It felt a little warmer and the 1,000' climb up Schaghticoke Mtn seemed to go on forever. I average less than 2 mph for sure. The AT passed through Schaghticoke Indian reservation with many rocky ups and downs. For awhile I thought I was back in PA. This is the only place along the entire AT where the Trail crosses an Indian reservation.I reached the road to town before noon. It was only 1/2 mile in and as I was walking in I met Snail & Sally on their way out. They looked refreshed (while I must have looked worn out.) We chatted for a few minutes about the town of Kent. They hiked in early yesterday and camped in a park, I believe. Kent is definitely not a "hiker town." I think they tolerate hikers. It is a manecured, New Englandy place where residents gladly pay $4 for 2 scoops of ice cream. The hiker special rate at the Fife & Drum Inn is $85 weekdays. Add to that a 12% room tax. Now I'm not looking for the $15 Doyle, but it certainly is a pricey place. I do believe one of the churches will let hikers stay in their basement.As I was walking in I got a big surprise. Charlie, who I had hiked many miles with up to Front Royal, yells, "Hey Skeemer!" I was sure he was at least 4 days ahead of me. Seems he hurt his knee last Thursday and spent the next 3 days in a motel in Wingdale NY...the place I almost hitched into last night. He is taking it easy and did a short hike into Kent this morning. He is also staying here at the Fife & Drum.I couldn't check in right away and had a lemonade at the motel restaurant and a root beer float ($4.95) at the local parlor. Went to the Outfitter for a couple of incidentals. Then, went to the laundramat and came to the room and got cleaned up.Charlie and I got together for dinner and talked about the territory we had covered since last seeing each other at Front Royal. He has really been doing some good miles and not taking that many zeros until this injury. He's wearing a knee brace that seems to be helping. I believe he's going to continue doing short days for now. He is determined to stay on the AT until he reaches Katahdin. As we were preparing to pay for our dinners, I realized I had lost my credit card. Must have been left at the Outfitter. Went back and they were closed for the night and won't reopen until 9 in the morning. So, tomorrow may be a short day for me too.Thought for the Day: It's great to see Charlie, but I'd rather have missed catching up with him if it had to be due to an injury.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Lower Cobble Rd. Salisbury CT (White Hart Inn)

To: Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 14.1

Day 112 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Mostly sunny and warm. Some rise in the humidity and hazy sky over the mountaintops. High temp in upper 80's.Today's Nature: Tall hemlock firs surrounding the shelter where we're sleeping tonight.Falls Today 0 Total 4The room at the White Hart Inn worked out fine for Charlie and me. They did charge us 75 cents for each time you picked up the phone no matter what kind of call it was...800, local, calling card. We thought for the price of a room at least they would let you have free use of a phone.We had breakfast ($7 pancakes) in the dining room. Ranger Rick came in just as we were leaving. He is taking a zero here today. We got checked out; walked back out of town and were on the Trail shortly before 8.The 1,000' climb up to Lion's Head wasn't too bad. On the way up we met a local woman with her 2 dogs out for a short hike up the mountain.In a couple of hours we were at the Brassie Brook Lean-to where we ran into a couple of old thru-hiking friends, Sue Bear and Magnolia. Sue Bear had just spent 5 zero days with her family. She lives in CT only a few miles from the AT. Magnolia had recently returned from her second visit (from the Trail) to NYC...she loves that place. We were all delighted to see each other and had a good time catching up on everyone's status. They were suprised to hear of Hotfoot's departure from the Trail. We all pretty much hiked together all day and crossed over into MA together. Another State bites the dust.Charlie and I stopped at a shelter while Sue Bear and Magnolia decided to go on 9 miles to Great Barrington MA where they got a motel room for the night. They plan to take in a 4th of July parade there tomorrow. We may see them again in the near future.We all climbed Bear Mtn (2,316') and took group pictures at an old rock observation tower. After descending to 1,360' we climbed Race Mtn (2,430') and on to Mt Everett (2,602') That last .7 mile climb to Everett was steep...a killer, almost straight up. It was enough for Charlie and me. We decided then we were stopping at the next Lean-to for the day.When we got here at Hemlocks Lean-to it was pleasant. A modern, clean shelter next to a good water supply. We're not sure why, but there are few mosquitoes around so far tonight. So, we decided not to bother putting up the tents and just stay in the Lean-to (For some reason they call a shelter a Lean-to around here).Hey I cooked tonight...4 cheese mashed potatoes to which I added bacon bits. They are easy to fix and taste pretty decent. I think I'll start including them as a staple in my food bag.Thought for the Day: A day without insects is like...wonderful!
Date: 2003-07-06
From: US 20 Jacob's Lader Hwy Lee MA (Sunset Inn)

To: Dalton MA (Shamrock Village Inn)
Miles today: 19.0

Day 115 Avg Mls/Day 13.5Weather: Pleasant, warm but not as humid. High in low 80's some breeze.Today's Nature: Plenty of toads on the Trail today. Good, right?...toads eat insects.Falls Today 0 Total 4Well, Charlie and I almost took a zero and stayed in Lee another day. It was supposed to be warm and the temptation of a Friendly's right across the street and a pool at the motel was too much. I tried to deal the motel down to $50...but the best they would do was $65 (from $90). It was just as well as we got in another 19 miles. We are both taking a zero here in Dalton tomorrow. I have a mail drop; can use a zero to eat and rest and Charlie can rest his knee.We had a great breakfast at Friendly's. They have these 3 egg combo specials that are quite good and a good breakfast seems to help.As we left town, we were walking along the road and had not started hitching when a gentleman pulled over and asked if we wanted a ride to the Trail. He is Steve Smith, a Member, Board of Managers of The Appalachian Trail Conference. I believe he was headed out to do some Trail work. He had with him a scale model of the typical lean-to built in MA, like the Hemlock's Lean-to where we stayed 2 nights back. I took a picture of him holding the model next to Charlie.The Trail did not seem that difficult and after the initial climb of 700+' the ups and downs were mild. There were some rocks and if there was one thing that stood out, it was a lot of tree roots in the Trail today. There were some nice sections with cushiony pine needles.At about 11:30 we stopped at October Mtn Lean-to for a lunch snack. Two miles and 45 minutes later we were at Pittsfield Rd crossing where "The Cookie Lady" resides. She and her husband are "friends of hikers" and had an outside water spigot installed so hikers could get water. When she has time to bake them, delicious cookies are provided to hikers. We also heard about her from SOBO hikers, Maniac & Bear. All the hikers stop there. Well, when we got there no one was home except for the dog, Rufus...and although he wasn't mean, he wasn't friendly and wouldn't make friends with us. We relaxed for a half hour; signed their register; got fresh water and were on our way. Like I said, on the Trail timing is everything.We didn't see see any NOBO's...passed a few people going South that looked like day hikers. The Trail runs through the town of Dalton and we arrived at 5 p.m. In Dalton, the Trail passes in front of the home of "Trail Angel" Tom Levardi. He was out watering the yard when we dropped in. He gave us a nice cold soda and some cookies. We stayed and chatted with Tom for a half hour or so...a real genuinely nice fellow. Thanks again Tom!Got in our room at the motel; took showers and went to supper at the Inn's tavern next door. There we were joined by thru-hiker, Typhoon. Charlie and I both had the NY strip steak and brownie sundies.Tomorrow will do laundry, get my drop box and mail and visit the library.Thought for the Day: Toads may be hikers' best friend.
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Dalton MA (Shamrock Village Inn)

To: Dalton MA Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Weather: Nice in the morning, sunny, hot and humid in the afternoon. Thundershowers predicted tonight.Probably not a bad day to take a zero. Slept in until after 6 and had coffee and brownies in the room while watching a little Imus on TV. Went to breakfast at Duff & Dells Variety...very good and reasonable too. No $20 breakfast here.After breakfast stopped by the P.O. and picked up my drop box and a nice trail majic box full of goodies from Mike and Gretch. You guys are too nice! Thanks for everything (even though there was no possum meat.)Next was the laundramat which was a half mile or so walk in the hot sun. But inside they sold cold soda for 50 cents. It's always nice to get the wash out of the way.Came back to the room and sprayed my clothes with the permethian spray I had sent to me. It is supposed to repel and kill pests when sprayed on the outside of clothing. Did my shorts, shirt, socks and gators. Next was a shower, after which I started sorting through the drop box I had Julia send. Realized right away that I "ordered" too much, thinking I needed a 4 to 5 days supply. When I added to that the trail majic, I knew I had more than I could carry out of here...so I sorted out items to bounce ahead.Went to the library at noon (didn't open until then) and used the internet for an hour. Didn't get to do a lot since their system is very slow it wouldn't let me into Netscape mail. They allow only patrons one hour per day...no exceptions even if the computers are free and no one else is waiting. Another (probably unfair) comparison to the South. There, in towns like Erwin, Franklin and Hot Springs, they let us stay on as long as we wanted if no one was waiting.On the way back to the room stopped by the P.O. for a box/envelope to bounce my excess items ahead to my next maildrop. It was only $5 to send them prioity mail. Charlie has been resting this afternoon, which is what I should have been doing. I kind of laid around until 6 when we went to eat at the only place open, a tavern/cafe. I had what they called goulash...which turned out to be macoroni and ground beef in a tomatoe sauce. It was okay. We then went to the gasmart and got a pint if ice cream...nearly 1200 calories.Tomorrow the Trail swings through the town Cheshire where Charlie gets new shoes in the mail. We'll probably eat lunch there before climbing a couple of thousand feet up Mt Greylock.Thought for the Day: Sometimes you just have to make do...a pint of ice cream from the gasmart when they're no ice cream shops around.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: VT 9 Bennington VT 

To: VT 9 Bennington VT (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 120 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Steady rain in the morning, cloudy and cool in the afternoon. Highs in upper 60'sI had to make a decision on the motel room last night. After hearing the weather forecast I went ahead and took the room for another night... making today a zero.When I looked outside at daybreak it was raining. It didn't let up until late morning. I realized then I could have left and got a half day of hiking in, but it was too late to change my mind.I watched some Imus until 7 when I walked about 10 minutes up the road in the rain to a breakfast diner. There, I had a nice breakfast of french toast and sausage. Came back to the room and watched some more Imus and the news.After 11 walked into town to find a few things I needed...reading glasses, sanitizing wipes, Famous Amos cookies, triple A batteries and denatured alcohol. Found everything except the alcohol. Could only find it in 2 quart cans so I'll have to get it at the outfitter in the next town.Spent some time at Hemmings Motor News headquarters. They have a visitor center with 20 plus antique automobiles, trucks, tractors, gas pumps and all kinds of automotive memorabilia. A real nice guy walks around and tells you about the each vehicle...invites you to look and sit inside...very friendly. They also have a 50's full service gas station out front on route 9. I enjoyed the visit.Went to the library to use the internet. Spent about an hour reading back articles by newspaper columnist and AT thru-hiker Eli in Nashvillecitypaper.com You may recall I met Eli back around Roan Mtn and we "hiked together" for several days. He writes a feature article that appears in each Monday's edition with an interesting perspective on hiking the AT. Only problem, back in early June he refers to several hiker trail names including mine...but for me he adds "a.k.a. Union Boss" Ha Ha Eli...others have tried and failed to give me a new trail name (like "sexy legs" and "Richard Tick.")Picked up a pizza on my way back to the room. Watched some news and packed up to get back out tomorrow. Would like to do 20 miles each, the next 2 days.Got an email from Charlie's wife. Sounds like his injuries are not serious and he will return to hiking tomorrow...just a little slower. I believe Rosemary said his knees were taking the brunt of the impact because his hip and calf muscles were tight. He's been given some exercises to do. I knew the only way he'd quit was if they told him he'd absolutely have to.Thought for the Day: With less than 600 miles to go, hikers like Charlie won't give up without a fight.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: VT 9 Bennington VT Autumn Inn 

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Day 121 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Sunny in the morning; Partly cloudy in afternoon; evening showers then clearing. High in Mid 70'sToday's nature: Several piles of Moose manure along the Trail...but no mooseFalls Today 1 Total 5Got up at 6:15 to a blue sky. Packed up and walked up the road to the Top Notch Diner. Had their 3 egg breakfast special. The motel agreed to drive me back to the Trail and the manager's boyfriend picked me up at the diner at 7:30 or so.I was on the Trail walking shortly before 8. The Trail climbed from 1,360' at the road to 2,815' at Porcupine Lookout then on to 3,100' at Little Pond Mtn. The high point came at the Glastenbury Mtn observation tower 3,748. With some descents and ascents in between there was plenty of climbing. The grades were not bad and it was not particularly strenuous.At around 9 I ran into Ranger Rick. He had also taken a zero in Bennington at a different motel. We hiked together for a few miles and chatted. When I told him the only thing I didn't find in Bennington that I needed was the Heet alcohol for the stove he said he had an extra bottle which he gave me. That was nice and much appreciated.I hiked on ahead and we met up around noon when I stopped for lunch at Goddard Shelter. There I also met another NOBO, Mud, a young man who had left Springer about a month after me. He does more miles each day and seldom takes a zero.Late in the afternoon I passed Ward's Girl, a section hiker I had met at one of the shelters on Friday. Her name came from a person named Ward who was psychotic and banned from the AT. Her friends named her this. Mud passed me and another hiker, Swift.I spent most of today listening to oldies on the radio while I was hiking. The reception from a station in Albany was pretty decent.I did slip a a rock and landed on my ass...no damage done. It should not have happened.When I arrived at Story Spring shortly before 5, there was Drifter all settled into the shelter with Swift and another female section hiker. Drifter had taken a zero yesterday too...in a shelter. I guess he just slept most of the day.I pitched my tent which turned out to be a mistake. Shortly thereafter some showers moved through...getting it wet and dirty. In fact I had to cook my dinner in the shelter while it was raining. I wiped down the tent later and it rained again. I can't win today.A group of 4 guys showed up and are tenting next to me. Ranger Rick, Drifter, Swift, Mud and the lady secton hiker are in the shelter. Ward's Girl and a couple of others are tenting. This is the most I've seen at a shelter in a long time.Thought for the Day: Tomorrow may rain so I'll follow the sun.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: VT 11/30 Suttons Place Manchester Center VT
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

Day 122 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Overcast and cool in the morning. Mostly cloudy cool in the afternoon with an afternoon shower. Clearing in evening. High around 70.Today's Nature: Snake in the Trail. Noticeable lack of usual wildlife...few birds, no woodpeckers.Falls Today 0 Total 5 (almost fell but caught myself going down)When I got up and out of my tent before 6 almost everyone was gone. Only the 4 guys tenting next to me and 2 in the shelter were left. Drifter and Ranger Rick left at 5.It was a cool night and I slept in my down bag which was nice and warm. The morning hike reminded me of March in Georgia. It was cool enough that if I stopped for any length of time I was cold. Fortunately, the climb 1,600' up Straton Mtn (3,936') was early in the day. When I got there about 10, I started to climb the firetower for a view. About half way up I realized there would be no view as all you could see was fog and clouds. Supposedly, as the story goes, it was here on Stratton that Benton MacKaye first imagined a long distance trail that would link the high peaks of the Appalachian mountains.After the hike down from Stratton, the remainder of the day was fairly easy with gentle ups and downs. Actually, the climb up and down Stratton wasn't all that bad either.Around noon or so I caught up with Ranger Rick. We hiked together for a piece. He is also planning an overnight near or in Manchester Center VT. Towards 3 in the afternoon I passed Drifter. He said he was having some problems with his boots and would be taking a couple of zeros in Manchester Center starting tomorrow.I ducked into Spruce Peak Shelter just as it started to shower. Waited it out for about 20 minutes during which time Drifter and Mud come in. They both plan to spend the night here and come in to town tomorrow. I took off about 3:30 and hiked another 2.6 miles out to highway 11/30.It took me about 20 minutes to get a ride with a very nice local gentleman, George. He took me 5 miles in to town and right to the door of Suttons Place, a local hostel. This place was recommended by others as one of the least expensive places in Manchester Center. No one was home but the door was open and a note said take a room and Frank would see you later. I showered and took off to do my laundry. The only great thing about this stop was the laundramat is across from Friendlys. So, I ate dinner while my clothes were in the wash. After drying them I returned for a 5 scoop sundae.Came back to the house to finish this and call Julia. Plan to have breakfast at Friendlys and head out in the morning.Thought for the Day: I think Friendlys is rapidly becoming my favorite part of hiking the AT.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: US 4 Rutland VT (Inn at Long Trail)

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Day 126 Avg Mls/Day 13.5Weather: Mostly sunny highs in mid 70'sToday's Nature: When I stopped to talk to a SOBO looked down at a red salamander. Also toads on the Trail. Moose poop but no moose.Falls Today 1 Total 6 Fell forward tossed my poles and landed on my hands...got dirty but no damage doneToday's Song: Warewolves of London by Warren Zevon It's a good thing I was alone as I was howling along with Warren on this one.Got to call Mike and Gretchen last night from the Inn. They have been following my journal, sending "trail majic" and giving me hell for staying in motels. So at least tonight I'm in a Shelter. I would have tented but the mosquitoes didn't seem that bad. There are only 2 others here, Mud and "T".The Inn included a full breakfast so we had to wait for them to open at 7:30. So it was about 8:30 when I reached the Trail...a half mile downhill from the Inn. Didn't bother to hitch.The hike today was tiring and tough...a lot of climbing with ups and downs. Must have climbed at least 4 mountains/hills. Looking at the elevations in the guide book made it appear not that bad, but there must have been elevation changes in between the landmarks that weren't listed. All I can say is I'm tired today, unlike the past several days.Starting to run into SOBO thru-hikers everday now. Passed at least 3...stopped and chatted with Little Moose and then Waldo, nice young men.   Little Moose filled me in on the Whites. You know I'm going to disappear into the White Mountains of NH next week. It is supposed to be the toughest part of the Trail. I don't believe the huts have phones.Mostly hiked alone although Ranger Rick, Mud and I passed each other several times. We all had a late lunch together about 1 p.m. at Stony Brook Shelter. Mud is a young guy that started out later this morning and passed us on the Trail. BTW, he left Springer nearly a month after I did, so he is moving.Got to the Shelter about 6, just behind Mud. T came in about 7. I had Ramen with added Sweet Sue chicken. Again, I wasn't starving but didn't have any trouble eating it. Someone before us had too much food and left some gorp and trailmix in the shelter which we divied up. Tomorrow we go through a couple of towns...one mid afternoon that sounds like it has milkshakes and hot food. So, guess who won't be cooking tomorrow.Well, I am kind of tired so I'm going to cut this short. Should be in Hanover NH Saturday.Thought for the Day: Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza everyday.