morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Salisbury,CT

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: broken clouds

My trail angel niece, Heather, picked me up at the airport in Boston and we were on the road to Salisbury, CT by 9am. We gave some SOBO hikers a ride back into Great Barrington just before reaching Salisbury.    I thought I knew where to get on the trail (Rt 44) but I was wrong. First I headed away from the white blazes. Then I realized the houses looked familiar! So we had to go back to the car and drive to Rt 41 where I had finished hiking in July. I was so embarrassed. Hard to believe that after already hiking 1,869.8 miles on the AT I can still head in the wrong direction! I feel like such a rookie some times!    We were finally on the trail at 2pm and reached the shelter by 4:15. So my speed is about average but I sure feel out of shape. I'm loving my new boots....another pair of Alamosa Mid waterproof boots that are instantly comfy! I'm amazed that they had not 1 but 2 pairs of this discontinued model left at Outdoor 76 in Franklin, NC where I bought my first pair. And my dear friend (and now an official Trail Angel) bought the second pair for me to use on my future section hike of the entire AT. Yep....I'm planning another hike before I even finish this one.    Heather hiked with me all the way to the mosquito infested shelter and we ate the veggie subs that we picked up on the way to the trail head. Then she headed back down the trail to the car to head home. I'll miss her company. She was so much fun for the 700 miles we hiked together last year. I was expecting to be alone most nights because the NoBo hikers are way ahead of me and most of the SOBO hikers should be south of me by now. I was happy when a section hiker showed up to spend the night at the shelter. He's a retired lawyer (Brave Foot) from FL. Part of the fun of backpacking is meeting such a variety of people that share a common interest in backpacking. I learn something new from almost every new encounter.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: The Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

The sun comes up later these days so I wasn't awake until 6:00 and didn't want to wake up Brave Foot so I just lay in my sleeping bag until 6:30. Once I started to stir he got up, packed and was gone in 15 minutes! Since it's a short day for me, I decided to take my time and relax. It's going to be better for my knees, I hope!    Right off the bat, I got to climb Bear Mt where I met a SOBO hiker. His name is Spinoza and he's a philosopher that teaches at a college in Pensacola, FL. Said he misses his family and has wanted to quit a few times. He said there are so few thru hikers to hike with. I'm sure he's right! A SOBO college freshman orientation group showed up an we all hung out on the mountain top and ate while we talked.   I passed the CT/MA boarder early in the day. Woo-hoo! Another state done. A short time later I passed Sages Ravine with a nice campsite and beautiful water falls and swimming holes! Too bad it was so cold and in the shade!   Climbed Mt Race and had ridge-line with views for 0.6 miles. When I got to the end, there were 2 women sunning on the rocks. They asked me if I was hiking the AT. When I said yes, Mary Louise, a 62 year old kindergarten teacher said she's always wanted to hike it. So I spent about 45 minutes having lunch with them showing them my "AWOL" pages, schedule, and some equipment. When I finish this hike I'd like to encourage other women my age to do it if it's on their bucket list. So I told her I would email some internet links and names of books that might help her prepare. She plans to do it in sections because she's a teacher.   Hudson, a Thru hiker from 2006 and currently owner of Bearded Woods Hostel showed up along with his friend Voldemeg. They hope to finish another thru hike that they started this year right after he closes the hostel on Labor Day. He taught me a new hiker word. Lasher. It means long ass section hiker. The next closest thing to being a thru hiker. So now my name is Rerun the LASHER.    I climbed over Mt Everett. Not as much view as I expected. There are 2 shelters only 0.1 mile apart so I checked them both out and decided to stay at The Hemlocks. I wasn't expecting anyone to show up but I was hoping someone would. I did some journaling and lo and behold, Galahad, a retired epididymologist in his 60's from the Albany area showed up. He use to lead Sierra Club Outings so it's nice to have him here for the night.    I'm staying in the shelter because of bear activity in the area. I set up my tent inside the shelter because of the Mosquitos and mouse population residing in the shelter!
Date: 2014-08-26
From: The Hemlocks Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Tent Platform
Miles today: 14.4

I can take my time today since I really don't want to get to camp too early. The woods were just beautiful this morning and the air was nice and cool. Climbed Mt Busnell early on and got great pictures of the fog sinking in the valleys. Jug End was rocky and steep. Not sure when I'm gonna see the rolling hills everyone keeps telling me about. There was some flat hiking through some cow pastures and some corn fields. Pretty.....but it got hot in the sun.    I was excited when I saw on the map that I had about 5 miles to hike on flat terrain but the mosquitos were bloody awful. Pun intended. The trail followed the Housatonic River for awhile and there was swamp land with board walks. I was warned that Massachusetts is called Massaquito by the hiking community. Now I know why.    Climbed June Mt and made it to Ice Gulch where the shelter is. There's a tent platform with a view of the ravine/gulch so I set up my tent on the platform in a position that allows me to see the view through my door. I only passed 4 SOBO hikers and 2 other people that were out for the day. So I didn't expect any hikers to show up at the shelter. But about 5:30, Changes and his 11 year old nephew, Pyro Whittler, from NYC arrived. They are hiking for 5 days and decided to pitch their tent on the cushy pine needles close to the shelter. Changes is an English Professor on Long Island and he thru hiked in 1996. It's nice to have them to talk to. I always like it when there are other people camping in the area.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Tom Leonard Tent Platform

To: Shaker Camp Site
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Sunrise wasn't as impressive as I had hoped since it's very overcast out and it's been warm all night. I didn't realize a NoBo thru hiker showed up around 8 last night. His trail name is Color Bandit because he signs the shelter log book in various color crayons. He had to fight off the porcupine and 3 mice in the shelter last night. These shelters hold 10 people in 4 bunks and a loft for 6 more over the picnic table/porch. I noticed when I arrived that porcupines have been doing serious damage to the bunks, ladders and were even climbing up into the loft. During the night I wondered what all the commotion was coming from the shelter. Color Bandit was using the shelter broom to shoo the porcupine out. I'm surprised he didn't get quilled!    I was on the trail by 7 and only saw Color Bandit and 2 SOBO hikers pass me. Quiet woods today. I did pass the bike owned by the hiker that's slack packing himself the whole way. He leaves his bike at the end of his hike route for the day and drives his car to the start of his hike. When he's done for the day he bikes to his car. As the saying goes....hike your own hike.    It's suppose to rain after 2pm but I should be set up and in my tent before then since it's another short day for me. I'm looking forward to spending the night at Upper Goose Pond Cabin tomorrow night. Wish I could have done 21 miles today so I could be inside while it rains. Instead, I'm keeping my promise to myself to go slow so my knees will hold up!    Climbed The Ledges which were much easier than the name suggests. I noticed some of the leaves are already changing colors. And there are large areas with these tall bushes with trumpet like yellow flowers. Really beautiful. As I was hiking, I was thinking I would love it if there was a picnic table at the campsite. They usually only have picnic tables at shelters. So today must be my lucky day because there was a new picnic table at the Shaker Campsite. Unfortunately I may not use it because the bugs are so bad! The woods were beautiful today but it was hard to stop and enjoy without getting eaten alive. Once I got everything set up at the campsite, I went to the stream and washed my hair (and other parts). What a treat to have clean hair for a couple of hours!   I started hearing some thunder rumbles at 4:00 so decided to cook supper and finish getting my tent rain ready just in the nick of time. A section hiker, Not Yet, showed up and had to put his tent up in the rain.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Shaker Camp Site

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

When I retrieved my food bag from the bear box in the morning, I saw a hole in my one and only prized Cuban Fiber stuff sack!!!! A mouse had gotten into the bear box and managed to sample several snacks and one supper meal. Color me mad!!!   I had to wipe my tent down to reduce the amount of extra water I'll be carrying today! It's cooled off a lot from the rain which is a good thing. Not Yet was able to get the weather on his phone and said it would only get up into the mid 70's and partly sunny all day.   Hiking was easier in the cooler damp forest. It was dark and kind of gloomy but the trail opened up on Cobble Hill and I got a nice picture of the fog and mountains.    I passed 7 SOBO hikers on the trail. The first 3 were Gravity, Up in the Air and Treadmill. The other ones told me their names but I only remember The Guy on the Couch. He doesn't like to get moving in the morning.    Climbed Baldy Mt but it wasn't so bald so I didn't get any pictures. Took my time and fed the food the mouse destroyed to the fish under the Cooper Brook footbridge. It was such a beautiful spot.    I got so excited about getting to Upper Goose Pond Cabin. I passed a chimney that was part of a lodge that I think I spent one night at in 1970. And Goose Pond Cabin turns out to be the one my friends and I spent our first Thanksgiving after high school graduation. It was so cool to see the fireplace and cast iron stove that I remember from back then. And the upstairs is the same except for the addition of 15 bunks. Maaret is the caretaker. She's in her late 20's and from Manhattan. We paddled the canoe to the connected larger Goose Pond to pick up the gas tanks that were delivered for the gas stove. There's no road access to Upper Goose Pond. Naturally I went for a swim and wash. It was cold but excellent after 4 days without a shower.    Two SOBO hikers showed up. A married couple called Straight Up and Just Holly. Two college groups showed up, too. The freshmen do a short backpacking trip as a team building experience. They stay on the tent platforms rather than in the bunk room.    So my thoughts for the day are:-I don't want my circumstance to negatively impact my mood. -Taking the time off to do this hike has been good for me on many levels. Because of that, I have become a better person to be around. And those I love will benefit.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: The Cookie Lady's Home in Becket, MA 
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

The caretaker made pancakes for us for breakfast so I polished off three then did the dishes and was on my way.   The trail crosses over the Massachusetts Turnpike on a foot bridge that has a cool sign that identifies it as the AT. And there was another sign letting the traffic know that they're entering the Berkshires. What a beautiful day. Very cool morning...perfect for hiking!    Climbed Becket Mt and hiked past Finerty Pond. Sure wish I could build a house on it. It's big enough to be a lake and so peaceful. Not a soul around.    Passed 8 SOBO hikers. Talked to 3 that are hiking together. Forrest Moisturer, Captain Morgan and another guy that was too tired to talk.    I stopped at October Mt Shelter to sign the journal and mentioned that I was off to the Cookie Lady's and hoped she'd have chocolate chip cookies today.    I was tempted to hike on to Dalton because it's so nice out but that would be a 20+ mile day and my knees are unhappy already. So common sense prevailed and I went to the Cookie Lady's house in Becket, MA. She and her husband, The Cookie Man, own a pick your own blueberry farm with 1,200 bushes. They also have 25 chickens and cook hard boiled eggs for the hikers. Marilyn and Roy Wiley moved here 30 years ago. Roy retired from a career as an electrical engineer for GE. He made gyroscope like devices to steer missiles. They are the sweetest couple. I arrived the same time as 3 SOBO hikers, Pickles, Spot and Chin Up. We chatted together while we munched on chocolate chip cookies! ;D I told them how much respect I have for SOBO hikers and they were surprised but pleased. I mentioned all the good places to stop as they head south like Maria's in Salisbury, Port Clinton with Grandpa who will shuttle for free to Cabbalas for new boots when PA rocks tear up the ones they're wearing, the Doyle, and Outdoor 76 in Franklin,NC. I also mentioned that wet boots will freeze solid over night! One of them hadn't considered that it might snow in the southern mountains in November. We had a good time talking.    I loved being able to charge my phone in the Cookie Lady's garage...especially because it's warmer inside than outside. The breeze is great for keeping the bugs away but it's turning into a cold night. Gotta get my wool long johns on tonight so I can sleep warm!
Date: 2014-08-30
From: The Cookie Lady's Home in Becket, MA 

To: Tom Levardi's House in Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had 2 hard boiled eggs and picked a couple of hands full of blueberries for breakfast and was on my way. It was cool enough out to wear my long sleeve shirt.    Got a beautiful picture at a clearing on top of Warner Hill. I could see a windmill farm of at least 8 windmills on a distant mountain. Met an older woman section hiking SOBO alone. Not many of us old ladies out here.    Went right to Toms house when I got to town and he gave me the low down on camping in his yard....mostly be quiet and pack out my trash. Oh, and pee at the gas station which is about 0.2 miles away. The neighbors are right on top of each other here! So I got right into the routine. Walked about a mile to the Community Center to take a shower for $2. It use to be free but they're getting more hikers than they expected. I told the lady at the desk I felt sorry for her having to smell us stinky hikers. She said she's smelled worse than me. My shower felt wonderful.   Then I walked a (sweaty) mile in the opposite direction to do my laundry. So much for showering. The guy at the laundromat checked the time before he'd let me start my wash because the place closes at 4 on Saturday. I was there at 2:15....more than enough time. The sad part is my clothes smelled worse when they were done. Not sure what was washed in that washer before I used it.   Once the laundry was done I went to The General Store to resupply but there wasn't much of a selection so I went to Cumberland Farms. Good thing I only needed one days worth of food. The "best" thing I bought was a chocolate chocolate chip muffin for breakfast. It goes down hill from there. PB crackers for lunch, gorp for a snack and cheese and a bulky roll for supper. Ahhh the hikers diet!   When I got back to Toms house I had to dry out my tent before I could put it up. So while it was drying I walked another half mile (round trip) to the hardware store. They were closed but they leave denatured alcohol and Coleman fuel by the door for hikers to take for free. That's amazing to me. I'm so thankful because I don't know how or when I could get more before I run out.    As I was heading back to the house I spotted 2 NoBo hikers heading towards Toms. I told them about the free fuel but they don't need it because their hike is done tomorrow. Willis is a NoBo section hiker that has done the AT over 4 years and has only 1 day/20 miles left to do! His brother tags along from time to time.    When I got back to the house there were more hikers setting up for the night. Butterscotch is a younger quiet sort. Shaman is also NoBo and is tall, thin and really fast. Peanut B and Monkey pooh are a SOBO section hiking couple. Nice people but tonight is probably the only time our paths will cross.    It's gonna be an interesting night with the train tracks just up the street and lots of street lights and road noise. Glad I have ear plugs!
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Tom Levardi's House in Dalton, MA

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 8.8

Up by 5:30 and hoping to be on my way quickly to avoid the storm that's moving in for the next 2 days! I ate my chocolate chip muffin on the way to Cumberland Farms (aka the nearest bathroom). The hike out of town wandered for a mile through a residential area that was so New England.    Other than the view on The Cobbles, which are outcroppings of marble, the hike today was unremarkable but still beautiful. I really love the woods even when it's overcast and somewhat gloomy. It makes me think of fairy tales like Hansel and Gretal. I did a lot of thinking about it being Sunday...a day of faith and rest. I had so many thoughts running around in my head that I felt like I had preached a sermon by the time I was done!    I beat the rain by several hours. I had my mail drop sent to St. Mary's Church Hostel and planned to spend the night in their rec hall in the basement of the church. I was surprised that their service was at 8:45 and long over by the time I arrived. Thankfully, the door to the basement was unlocked and my mail drop was already waiting for me on a table by one of the 2 hiker lounges. They even had drinks and snacks available for us.    I was able to charge my phone and talk to Ronnie and Misty for at least 45 minutes each! The Priest came in to see who was here and offered to dry my wet clothes and towel. I took him up on his offer because I already know they won't dry on their own by morning!    I repacked my food bag with the contents from my mail drop then spent a few hours updating my on line Trail Journal. It takes a long time to do when I'm not connected to WiFi. And I wasn't able to load any photos. That will have to wait for WiFi.    Tomorrow I'll be going over Mt Greylock which is the highest peak in Massachusetts. It's suppose to rain but I hope to arrive at Bascom Lodge on the summit before it starts. I may just stay in the bunk room there.    There are 4 men and 2 of us ladies spending the night in the church hostel....more than I expected.    My thought for the day is that I want to handle disappointment better and get over it faster. Let it go....
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

We never did get the nasty thunder storms that were predicted. So hiking down the north side of Mt Greylock should be less slippery! It was nice to start the day with a sink and toilet. The church was a fine spot to spend the night. And the price sure was right. They ask for donations which usually means $10. I gave more since I had 2 snacks and 2 Gator Aids.    Today was an iPod music day because of the elevation gain. I made great time climbing Mt Greylock, much to my surprise. I had heard it was hard. It is an almost constant uphill climb with an elevation gain of 2,511 feet. But the gain is spread out over 8.4 miles. You'd think I'd know better than to listen to all the hype by now! The mountains were so pretty with the sunbeams shining on the mist through the trees. And the scent of Balsam pine in the air is one of my favorites.    The tower/light house at the top of Greylock is impressive. It was built to honor the Massachusetts soldiers that were killed in WW1 in 1932. You can drive your car to the top of the mountain so there were lots of tourists out. Several had questions about hiking the AT. Bascom Lodge is at the top of the mountain, too. It's a well done arts and craft style lodge. They have a bunk room for hikers and hotel rooms for guests. They also have a restaurant that serves wine....but I resisted. I just got my resupply in Cheshire and have 10 pounds of food to eat/get rid of to make my backpack lighter! I considered staying because the bunks have sheets and blankets! And I could take a shower. But the weather is too nice and I only have 3.1 miles to hike to get to the next shelter. So I ate my lunch, charged my phone and was on my way. I could see the windmill farm again on the next ridge over. Turns out there are 10 and they're on the top of Broady Mt.    The hike down the north side of Greylock was easier than expected,too. Makes me smile. Maybe the iPod made it seem easier than it was.    There was no one at the shelter when I arrived. I really don't expect to see many people out during the week but each time I've said that before, someone has shown up to spend the night. The front of this shelter was chewed on by porcupine but the damage looks old. Hopefully I won't have to fight any off during the night.   Turns out I am the only one here for the night. It's so quiet....not even night time insect or frog noises. I heard an occasional snort or sniff from some small animals but that was it.
Date: 2014-09-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melvin Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

What a windy, rainy night last night! Glad I was in the shelter. The freshmen from Princeton were under a tarp so needless to say they got wet. I was worried that my food bag had gotten blown down so I was happy to see it up in the tree when I went to get it. Somehow a rodent managed to gnaw 2 more holes in my food bag while it hung from the tree. Clearly, rodents lack the common sense to get out of the rain! So I ended up having to trash more food. Fortunately it was all snack food...but calories I will miss for sure.    The rain cooled things off so the hiking temperature today was perfect. It was really misty in the morning so I was able to get a neat photo of Roaring Branch Pond. And I passed a young/small moose at the top of a nameless mountain.    Lots of ups and downs today but I seem to be hitting my stride.....feeling stronger and stronger. Of course the cooler weather helps!    I saw 5 SOBO hikers today. All are doing short sections. One guy, Backpack Guy, is 70 years old and is completing the Long Trail today. I hear the section north of where it splits from the AT is very challenging with lots of rock climbs, rebar ladders, etc. Sounds like fun....maybe my next challenge?   The steep decent to and climb up from Route 9/Bennington was not the killer hike I've heard about. Yes it was steep but it didn't go on for miles. I asked a family I passed if they would throw away the trash I left on the running board of an SUV in the AT parking lot on Rt 9. I had left it there with some twigs that spelled thank you. (T U). I didn't want to carry all the food the mice destroyed for the next 3 days. The family was happy to help me.    The shelter wasn't appealing....dark and evidence of rodent activity so I pitched my tent. Looks like I'm going to be the only one here tonight. I got right to hanging my bear line. Have to do that while it's still light out. I hope nothing gets into my food again. I can only trash just so much of my food. My next mail drop is Saturday when I get into Manchester Center. Looking forward to a shower and clean DRY clothes. It's amazing how damp everything I own is! Yikes is all I can say! Only 202.5 miles to go!!!!