morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 15.1

I got up early and was happy to see Waldo made it to the shelter last night. I took off towards Salisbury to pick up a maildrop and was a little worried about getting there on time. There were several partial views that I wasn't too excited about but it was still a decent day. The trail left the woods briefly for a nice view across a field and I passed by a neat waterfall. I opted out of an extra 3 mile roadwalk detour thanks to the heads up from some SOBOs last night. I forded the Housatonic River where the bridge is out but it wasn't fast moving and only about knee high so it wasn't bad. When I got to town, I found out that Peter Beck's Village Store is no longer open. The good news is that I can pick up my package at the post office. The bad news is that it's Sunday! I turned lemons into lemonade by using the rest of the afternoon to shower and do laundry at Vanessa Breton's. She has a cozy house and makes you feel at home. Talked to my husband for quite a bit and texted with the kiddo into the night. Oh, and curling up with a purring cat isn't a bad way to end your day early. Hopefully, the post office opens on time in the morning and I can get back to what I do best.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Got my maildrop from the post office. Surprise soda and rice krispy treats from my husband! Spent the morning on the phone and online getting some things I haven't been able to find in towns. New Lifeproof case for my phone and a new knee strap are on their way. Crossed 1,500 miles and entered Massachusetts. I've been looking forward to MA. I'm curious to see if I can recognize the trail we relocated at the Gathering last year. Passed by some neat looking swimming holes at Sages Ravine but didn't have time since I didn't leave town until 11. I almost stopped early too because a southbounding, weather app addicted, fear monger told me it was going to thunderstorm on Mt. Race. The only reason I hesitated was because the guidebook says it's open for .6 miles. I made an educated decision based on four months of living in the woods and went for it. It drizzled a little but the rain held off. It was gorgeous on top but I didn't get any pictures because I was afraid of getting my phone wet. I can't wait to get this new Lifeproof case! I found Waldo sitting on the trail up Mt. Everett and we tackled it together. There was an awesome place on the rocks at the summit to cowboy camp but we chickened out and headed to the shelter. I may have pushed my luck a little today but it never rained and I'm happy about not stopping early.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a lazy day. I strolled around taking pictures of everything I could find. I sat around on Jug End enjoying the view. The mountains are starting to look like real mountains again. Hung out with some hikers and a teenage girl who was lost while we waited for someone to come pick her up. Went into Great Barrington with Waldo for some lunch and watched a hail storm from the comfort of my restaurant booth. It stopped raining and I left Waldo to do his resupply. I got a ride from a cool guy with two kids. One of the kids had read A Walk in the Woods and we all talked about the trail the whole way. They dropped me off and it didn't take long for my weather luck to run out. It poured down and I got whacked on the nose by a big piece of hail. The lightning was a little scary but it was all wooded and I didn't worry too much. The worse part was being cold. I haven't been that cold in a while. I stopped to eat and had planned to move on but never left. The opportunity to get out of freezing wet clothes was too inviting. I'm not looking forward to putting them back on in the morning but I am looking forward to Upper Goose Pond Cabin. Tomorrow is going to be awesome.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Waldo got to the shelter last night after dark but he brought strawberries! I thought it was a dream this morning until I found some strawberry leaves in my water bottle. Then I remembered that I didn't know what to do with them last night since I was already in my sleeping bag. Slept in a little but decided to try and make it to Upper Goose Pond for the night. It's been a while since I pulled a 20 mile day. I've honestly been pretty bummy lately. I took advantage of feeling great physically and mentally at the same time. Lately it's been one or the other. I made great time and even stopped at a view and Benedict Pond. I got here too late to swim or canoe but I might hang out in the morning for just a bit. The cabin was full but I'm tenting right next to a dock so hopefully I can wake up early enough to see the sun rise. If not, my consolation prize will be coffee and pancakes at the cabin. I'm pretty sure nothing can go wrong tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I just wanted to say really quick that I appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement on here. Knowing people are rooting for me really does help. So thanks everyone!I didn't wake up early enough for the sunrise but I did get coffee and fresh blueberry pancakes. It was absolutely amazing. Waldo and I took out a canoe and had a blast. We paddled around laughing and listening to The Beatles. We went out to another pond. I can only assume it was Lower Goose. There was more wind there and we only got halfway across before we decided to turn around. Our lack of upper body strength has turned us into tiny baby t-rexes. I have a feeling we're going to be sore tomorrow. Two trail magics today! Today's hike was brought to you by the letter C. C is for caffeine! But not cookies, because the Cookie Lady wasn't home. I started to get a migraine but I took something for it right away so it wasn't too bad. I was the only NOBO at the shelter tonight! The SOBOs are starting to come in waves. I am excited. I like exchanging the inside scoop with them.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Did a lazy 3 miles to Dalton and rode bikes, courtesy of Tom Levardi, to the post office with Dora and Chief Two Sticks. Got my new phone case, a second knee strap, a new phone charger, and new underwear to swim in. I was secretly hoping not all of my packages would be there so I'd have to hang around all afternoon. Unfortunately, they were all there but that didn't stop me from wasting the afternoon charging my phone and hanging out. When I finally left I had to haul it the next 14 miles and got to the shelter just before dark. I was so tired I shamefully ate a bag of bacon jerky for dinner and went straight to bed. Excited to be up at higher elevation and can't wait for Greylock tomorrow. If I time it right, I may even get a shower and some Chinese food!
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I got out of the shelter at a reasonable time for once. I made it to Mt Greylock too late for breakfast and too early for lunch though. I played on the wifi and waited half an hour until they served lunch. It was totally worth it. Great views from Greylock. The hiking was beautiful too with lush forest full of rich greens and browns. I talked to my son on top of Mt Williams and got reminded that I'm not the worst mom in the world. I got to the Mt Prospect ledges and was super excited to go down the section of trail where I hiked on the A.T. for the first time. I was surprised how much of the trail I recognized. I remember the ledges, the boulder I peed behind last year, and the boardwalks at the bottom. Unlike last year, there were bugs and no fall colors but it was still very cool for me. I even took a picture of me hugging the tree with the first blaze I ever laid eyes on. I can't believe how long ago that was. I can't believe I've found a way to make last year's dream a reality. It only took me over 1,500 miles to walk back to where I started. It was a good feeling. When I got to the section of trail that we relocated at ALDHA'S Gathering, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to recognize it but I did. It still looks fantastic and I took a picture with the blazes that I painted. I hiked on and made it to Vermont. Three states left! Tomorrow I'll reach 1,600 and reward myself with half a day of hiking and spending the night in town. I could smell myself today and that seems like a pretty good sign that I need to do laundry and shower again.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

I didn't know I passed 1,600 miles until I started writing this! It was only .5 from the shelter I stayed at last night so I'm not actually awake until at least the 3rd mile in the morning. Usually there's numbers made of twigs or rocks. I would've made a marker if I'd known. Oh, well. I'm passed 1,600! I already knew I wanted to stay in town tonight but instead of rushing I decided to take my time. I've been doing a lot of late afternoon rushing to shelters and I think that's why I'm so tired. Today was stress free and there were a few folks napping at our lunch spot so I didn't feel too guilty about it. Every time I took a break today I had to put on my rain jacket to stay warm. I don't think I've ever been cold in August. New England is weird. The upside to the cooler weather is the lack of annoying bugs so I'm not really complaining. Got down to the road and got a hitch into Bennington with a SOBO named Bowline. We hung out at the cafe and then stuffed ourselves with Chinese food. Now I'm showered and laundered and oh so happy that I don't have to put on cold wet clothes in the morning. I talked to my husband and son for hours. I love hearing their voices. Tomorrow is up in the air but I think I can take on whatever comes my way. I fell through a rotted boardwalk today and will reassess how my shin feels in the morning. I've seen broken boards before but never really thought about the fact that someone has to be the unlucky one to break them.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Bennington, VT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Unplanned zero today but if I do a couple 20s I'll still meet my goal for the week. Bowline's friend, Map Quest, gave us a ride to Dunkin' Donuts and Price Chopper in the morning to resupply. SOBO trail angel win! When we parted ways I said, "see ya", out of habit and was a little bummed out because I knew I wouldn't. I wish their whole group the best of luck. Spent the afternoon giggling at horrible television with Waldo and rested my brain and body. I talked to Young Gun on the phone a little and he's so close. I love the bubble that I'm in now but I do miss my friends I started with. I can't wait for them to catch up. Also talked to Ghost and he's going to try a hike this week before he decides if he's coming back or not. Lyme is serious, folks! I feel like I'm extremely lucky to have had my body hold out this long, so all my previous mental issues have to be easier to deal with because they're the one thing I can truly control. The weather isn't looking good for tomorrow. There's a 100% chance of rain with a high of 73 degrees. Normally this would make me apprehensive to hike out in the morning but today I'm looking forward to it. A cold and rainy day in the woods is better than a hot boring day at a job I don't love. Bring it!
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Bennington, VT

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

I had a hard time hitching in the rain this morning so I paid the Autumn Inn to take me back to the trail. It rained pretty much all day. Nothing heavy and I only heard thunder once but it just never stopped. We haven't had a day like this in a while. Waldo and I embraced the misery, splashing through mud puddles, yelling, "Hike or die!" Not because we are passionate about hiking but because I was certain I would die of hypothermia if we ever stopped. We stopped at Goddard Shelter for lunch and it was really pretty. It reminded me of Mt Rogers or Clingmans Dome. Maybe it was just all the Christmas trees. I opted out of the Glastenbury Mnt lookout tower but I wouldn't have been able to see anything but grey anyway. I thought a root was a snake today and tripped myself for nothing. Then I realized I haven't seen a snake since Connecticut. I kind of miss them. I accidentally passed up Kid Gore Shelter where Waldo was going to meet me to decide if we wanted to go to the next shelter or not. I was already halfway up the next hill before I knew I missed it and it was too far to go back so I just kept going. Sorry, Waldo! The good news is that if I'd stopped at the shelter I would've missed one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. Another instance of right place right time. It wasn't marked in my guidebook and it was only a partial view but the sun came out for the first time all day and the sky cleared just enough to see what was on the horizon. There were clouds hovering over the mountains in the distance and soft evening light bouncing off of everything. I wanted to stay there forever but I chose to hike instead of die. I fell near a beaver pond and I would've been upset if I wasn't already soaking wet. Now I'm warm and dry in my tent, ready to push the reset button for tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

Lots of mud today from yesterday's rain. Sort of a lonely day but I embraced the solitude. I ate lunch by myself on the way up Stratton Mnt. I can see how this fairytale forest inspired Benton MacKaye to propose the creation of the A.T. I got a great view of the incoming rain from Prospect Rock and started hauling butt to the shelter. I had finally hiked everything dry from yesterday and I wasn't about to get it all wet again a mile from the end of the day. It was a long day but I had a good time being lost in my thoughts.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up. Hiked to Spruce Peak. Climbed up and hung out by myself for an hour. It's wooded but has a couple open spots in the trees for views. It would've been an awesome place to stealth camp. Got a ride into town from Hollywood's ride out of town. Thanks! Went to Price Chopper and they chopped too many prices so I sat outside and ate some of my food so I wouldn't have to carry it. Ate at the Chinese food place. Tried to hitch out of town but when a truck pulled over it started raining so I accidentally said "to a hotel" instead of the trailhead. Checked in and it immediately stopped raining. Dried my gear in the backyard and ordered a pizza. I may have failed at hiking today but I definitely succeeded at eating. I found Waldo and we watched Big Fish and traded stories of how we first met other hikers. Tomorrow, we try this hiking thing again.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Griffith Lake
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Did some spring cleaning in my pack and got rid of a few things. I'm trying to lighten my load to prep for getting my winter clothes back. Then Waldo and I went to Bob's Diner for breakfast. I haven't had real eggs in forever! It was amazing. We got offered a ride back to the trail from an awesome guy leaving the diner. We got to ride in the back of a pickup truck which I sort of miss. It used to happen weekly in the south. Great views from the ski slope up Bromley Mnt. We ended the day at Griffith Lake. It was so bright with the light bouncing off the water that we cooked dinner and ate without using our headlamps. It was too cold to swim but it was perfect for just chillin'.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Griffith Lake

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I don't even know where to start. Today felt like three different days in one. I woke up early for once and headed up Baker Peak. It was so nice up there that I stayed too long and negated my early start. So instead I made today all about the smiles instead of miles. I took a break on a rock in the middle of Big Branch. I watched dragonflies for half an hour. I was lying there half asleep with my feet dangling in the water when I felt like someone was watching me. So I looked up towards the trail to find a guy taking a picture of me. It should've been creepy but the second I saw his face I wasn't weirded out at all. I don't think I was proud but maybe grateful? Grateful that I am lucky enough to have the kind of life that gives me the time to do things like fall asleep watching dragonflies. I didn't feel weird that he took a picture without me knowing because he looked envious. He confirmed it by saying, "That looks like heaven." I tried to invite him to sit with me but the water was loud and he'd already started walking away. After my nap, I cooked lunch on my tiny slice of heaven. I met up with Waldo at Little Rock Pond and we swam and it felt fantastic. It was the perfect day. There were little fish nibbling on my toes as we sat in the water's edge. Then two little red-spotted newts swam up and joined in. I geeked out a little. I've been seeing the little orange red efts all up and down the trail since Georgia but they were my first green grownups in the water. They look like miniature alligators! Then Waldo ruined my moment by yelling about leeches. We made a hasty retreat and pulled three off each of us. Bleh! With my love for swimming completely gone, I headed for the next shelter. I didn't get far before I passed three guys hiking naked. I smiled and asked like I always do, "How's it going?" I kicked myself later for not asking, "How's it hanging?" Comedy is all about timing. I was hoping for an uneventful rest of the evening to the shelter but got no such luck. A thunderstorm blew in and unleashed buckets on me. A couple lightning strikes a little too close for comfort but I handled it like a champ. I wasn't brave enough to take the side trail to White Rocks Cliffs but I wouldn't have been able to see anything anyway. I passed by a neat rock garden but was too cold to stop and add my own creation. I made it to the shelter just before dark and set up my tent. I got inside and immediately changed into dry clothes. This should've been the best part of ending my day but it wasn't. You know that scene with the leeches in Stand By Me? I didn't faint but it was definitely my least favorite part of this hike. Extra strength bleh! Sometimes people think I share too much but I feel like people should know that no matter how bad your day was today, at least you didn't pull a leech off your crotch. You're welcome!
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Today started off rocky in both the literal and metaphorical sense. I missed a sign and a turn off for the A.T. because I was busy trying not to fall off rocks that were still slick from last night's rain. I somehow also missed all the blue blazes all the way down to the parking lot. I did an extra .8 for nothing and I had to turn around and climb all the way back up! Then to add insult to injury, there was empty trail magic shortly after. I got to Clarendon Gorge and passed up the chance to go swimming in the river. That place is packed on the weekends! It was pretty though. I could've let all of this get to me but I had bigger plans for the day. I had originally planned to go into Rutland tomorrow from the second road crossing but my friend, Treehugger, was in town so I decided to hitch in from the first road crossing instead. I met her at The Gathering last year and she was a huge part of my trail prep. It was so comforting to meet someone in person who was just as excited about their upcoming thru-hike as I was. We sent messages back and forth about gear and apprehensions and just about everything. I hitched to the Yellow Deli and absolutely loved the look on her face when I opened the door. We got lunch with a SOBO named Willow who was also staying at the hostel. It was great catching up and I hope that whatever Tree decides to do that it works out for her. She totally has the attitude for this and it's unfortunate that her body isn't in sync with her brain. I wish her the best of luck! It was hard hitching back and took a half hour to get a ride, but powered by paninis and Italian soda, I made it to the shelter just after dark. I don't like night hiking by myself but it was only .5 in the dark and I'd walk a million miles in the dark for an amazing woman like Treehugger!
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept great by the water last night as usual. The background noise drowning out my thoughts always helps. AWOL's Guide warns about the proximity to a road and the use of the shelter by the "non-hiker crowd" but it wasn't bad. Guthook's app said that the road had been gated not too long ago and that seems to have helped. AWOL doesn't say anything about Cooper Lodge, however, and that place is a mess. It was trashed and spray painted all over the place. I'm glad I didn't try to push there like I'd originally planned before finding out Treehugger was in town. I got up to Killington Peak and sat around a while. It's the first time above 4000 ft since the Priest in VA. Vermont has sent me to my happy place. It was a steep climb to the peak but worth every step. Once I convinced myself to leave, the rest of the way to the road was easy hiking. I got a hitch from a guy named Spruce and it wasn't even a trail name! He said I looked like a girl he went to camp with. Thanks, Spruce! I went back to the Yellow Deli and decided to stay this time. I got to see Rainbow! I haven't seen her since Glasgow. Also caught up with TMI and met some new people. Found Waldo... again... and have adopted Tumbles. She's the same age as my son and she makes me miss him but in a good way. Scheming for tomorrow has begun. Hopefully everything falls into place.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Rutland, VT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I zeroed today to see Young Gun again on his 5 month trailaversary and to get a group together to slackpack at least a few days. Miss Janet and I came up with a middle of the night plan to bring everyone together and lift everyone's spirits. I'm not the only one that's had a hard time recently. We're going to slackpack with her van and camp and cook and have group hugs every night. I think it's what everyone could use right now. Hopefully it works out the way we plan. The hostel is warm and inviting and the breakfast was delicious. You should definitely donate what you can if you stay here. It was the perfect place to relax and plan our next A.T. adventure. Tomorrow, 23.3 miles!