morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-31
From: 0.5 mile past Housantonic River Road

To: The Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 20.5

I slept fantastic last night. Just woke up once when a train went by blowing its whistle. This morning, I felt better than I have in days. I am really enjoying the New England country side. I really need to take back what I said about them two days ago. They have really kept it clean around here. In the South, there was litter everywhere. Big stuff like refrigerators and furniture. In Pennsylvania, all the vistas were marred with graffiti spray painted on the rocks. The water in New York and New Jersey was brown. Not here. There is no litter at all. The countryside is beautiful. I really like it here. The trail has a lot of hikers on it doing day and section hikes. Around 3pm, I crossed into Massachusetts. That means I walked across 10 states and have 4 to go. I had a lot of uphill today but it didn't bother me until Mount Everett. Wow, this was steep, and it was right at the end of my day. I did 20 miles today making tomorrow an easy day into town to see Jess. Good timing, too, since it is supposed to rain. I have been nursing a slightly sprained left ankle and the muscles in the arch of my right foot have been giving me a lot of pain. I haven't seen anyone from Kent the other day. Everyone has been dragging a little - some because they want to make it last as long as possible. Many others have been licking their wounds and trying to heal before we go into the Whites. Another goodnight sleep is in order for tonight.Peace,DutchA new day will dawn for those who stand long, and the forest will echo with laughter.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: The Hemlocks Lean-To

To: Great Barrington, Mass
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

CHECK OUT THE NEW PHOTOS!It started raining around 4am. The walking was pretty easy except for one big downhill. Tevas were the footwear of the day. That way, my socks stay dry and the wet grass cleans my feet. I got to the road that leads to the town I will be meeting Jess in. I don't know where she picked until I find a pay phone. After about a mile of road walking, I found a bar with a pay phone. I received a message that she picked a bed and breakfast outside of town. I asked for directions and a woman named Debbie said it was right by her house and she would give me a ride. While heading over there, she invited me for a dinner and a get-together later. I got showered and cleaned up and accepted Debbie¢s invitation for dinner. I had a great time. They had friends stop by and we all feasted on pork chops and vegetables that she grew herself. It seemed like I was the guest of honor. After a great dinner and a few bottles of wine, everyone picked up guitars and started jamming. To find myself unexpectedly here was one of my favorite parts of my hike. Everyone was interesting and so friendly. I had a blast and really didn't want to leave, but I wanted to see Jess and I was afraid she was at the B & B. It is late and she is still not here. Well, I'm sure it won't be long.Peace,DutchA new day will dawn for those who stand long, and the forest will echo with laughter.
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Great Barrington, Mass

To: Lee, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

Jess and I had to find a hotel. Neither of us were prepared for the New England high prices. Some hotels are charging $250+ for a room and getting it. Most hotels are sold out, so the laws of supply and demand are working against us. We finally found one for the low low price of $163.45. We had a good day and will be getting together in two weeks. Love is grand.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-03
From: Lee, Mass

To: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-To
Miles today: 13.7

Jess and I had a wonderful time but it was, as always, way too short. Pretty soon I found myself kissing her goodbye for what seemed like the hundredth time. I was able to hike at a pretty good pace. I stopped at a big boulder to eat some lunch when I found $15. Things just naturally go my way when it isn't raining for 6 weeks straight. In the evening, a thunderstorm rolled in. I decide to make it to a shelter. There I found one southbound section hiker. I was able to hang my hammock right in the shelter so I will be dry and comfortable. Time for some shut eye. Goodnight.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-To

To: October Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

I had a good night of sleep last night. I can't believe how scarce northbound thru-hikers are right now. I hiked a few miles in the rain when I came upon a trail maintainer. I helped him move a large log off the trail. It is amazing how hard these guys work to keep the trail nice. Soon I stopped to adjust my headphones when I heard a voice from right behind me. I was Monster Button. I hiked with Monster toward a cabin that was 14 miles out. He hikes monster strides and soon pulled away from me. When I got to the trail that leads the 0.5 miles to the cabin, I decided not to stop there and get some big miles in. I did big miles indeed. Now I am so tired and my feet are killing me. I am too tired to set up the hammock so I will sleep in a shelter for the first time since Virginia. Goodnight. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-05
From: October Mountain Lean-To

To: Dalton
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: haze

There was a snorer in the shelter last night. I'm not used to people snoring anymore. Thru-hikers have all lost weight and for some reason only heavy people seem to snore. The snorer in question was a week-end warrior. He was able to sleep late, but the rest of us were up early. I decided to use my earplugs for the first time since Virginia. Then I had a dream a bee was stuck in my ear. I was afraid to try and get it out or it would sting me. It didn't rain last night and it was holding off. Monster came by. Man, is he fast. He and I hiked to Dalton. We planned to hike out after a burger or two. As we hiked in, I saw Martha Graham on a porch. There is a real nice guy who takes hikers in. I decided to hike out and do 4 more miles. I went 3 blocks and it poured, so I found shelter at a gas station until it slowed down. Then I went back to the house and yelled at everyone for letting me go. How dare they. I trust them to keep me out of trouble. There are a lot of people here. Some of my favorites are Monster, Martha Graham, Karma, Billy Boy, Skittles, Rubberband Man, and Take R' Easy. Most of us went to an all you can eat Chinese restaurant. The food was awesome. I am sleeping on the couch tonight.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Dalton

To: Wilbur Clearing shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

I slept on the couch last night. I snuck out early and hit the trail. I got to the next town around noon. There was a small store where the clerk made me a sausage, egg, and cheese on a bagel. I didn't stay in town for long and headed up Mount Greylock. This is a big mountain - about a 2,500-foot climb. At the top is a high price lodge with a grill that closed 1/2 hour before I got there. I am safely in a shelter with 3 southbounders. I'm beat.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Wilbur Clearing shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: haze

A damn mouse chewed through my food bag again. It ate the blueberry muffin I saved for breakfast. It also stole about 1/2 pound of gorp. The little bastard ruined my food bag. When my hike is done I will make every little rodent I come across pay. It was 3 miles to the road that took me to town. It was another 3 miles down the road to the post office where my mail drop awaited. I got mail and headed over to Subway. I woofed down a sub, 2 cookies, and a soda. I could feel the day slipping away so I hightailed it back to the road. I hitched a ride to the grocery store. It was an excellent market where I got fresh fruit, bagels, cream cheese, and tuna. The cream cheese doesn't need refrigeration and the tuna is flavored. I pushed hard to get to a shelter. Along the way, I passed the Vermont border. Yes, only 3 states to go. The pressure is on right now to do big miles for a couple of reasons. I am planning on meeting a friend in Manchester, VT on Sunday and Jess somewhere north of there Thursday. Also, the hardest part of the trail is coming up. The northern half of New Hampshire and the southern part of Maine are killer. I will not be able to go fast through there at all. I am already planning on getting my cold weather gear for going over the Whites. I'm not sure if I am a strong enough hiker to get over them. I guess time will tell. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: moderate rain

There is a stream beside the shelter that everyone got their water from. I thought it looked brown, but I couldn't tell since it was getting dark. I really needed water since I was out for the last 4 miles of my day but I wasn't going to drink that. I got a wonderful night of sleep. I never woke until someone¢s alarm went off. I think an alarm is very rude to everyone else. In the daylight, I confirmed that the water was a crappy brown. Everyone didn't seem to care, though, and filled up. As soon as I started hiking, I came upon the swamp and mud bog that fed the stream everyone filled up from. I chose to wait. A person can live for over 3 days without water. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long. After a few miles, there was a lovely spring. My day just flew by. I hiked in my Tevas because the trail is a muddy stream. Around 5:00, I got to the first shelter. Since the next one was only 4 miles, I decided to press on. I took two bad falls on the way. I have been falling daily lately. When I got to the shelter there was only one hiker in it. I set up my hammock and hit the hay. I am in really good shape to get to town on Sunday. Goodnight.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: 1 mile past Stratton Pond
Miles today: 16.0

After another good night of sleep, I had a lazy morning. I had the shelter all to myself, so I spread out my gear and attempted to let everything dry. I am no longer in a rush since I only need 26 miles in 2 days. I felt kind of sluggish in the morning. I had Stratton Mountain to climb and that energized me. I am amazed at quickly I was able to climb it. At the top, there was a fire tower. It started raining hard so I went inside for lunch. After the storm, I went to the next shelter. This is a nice shelter but someone comes around and charges six bucks. SIX BUCKS, who do they think they are? They don't make you breakfast or give you a pillow. All they do is charge you. There were about 15 people there, so they were making a killing. I set up my bed on a bunk and got ready to pay six bucks like everyone else. I looked around at all the people who would be keeping me up with their snoring. I felt the rock hard bunk that would make me toss and turn all night. I then saved myself six bucks and went another mile to string up my hammock. It is the weekend and there are weekenders everywhere. I don't mind them but they smell funny. Like soap and perfume. I can sometimes smell them coming down the trail before I see them. The mosquitoes have been terrible and are really bad where I am camping. I really hope I can hook up with my friend tomorrow.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-10
From: 1 mile past Stratton Pond

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

Wow, did it rain last night. I found 2 trees that only charged me a dollar each, so I saved 4 dollars for not staying at the shelter. I stayed dry. Actually, I like it when it rains at night. It just sounds neat beating on my hammock. As usual, it stopped raining as the sun rose. I packed up as quickly as possible, trying to avoid the swarming mosquitoes. I really haven't minded the rain that has hit us every day for the last 10. What I mind is the mud. Today was the worst. I hiked in my Tevas because I don't care if they get muddy. At one point, I stepped on a place that looked like ordinary mud. I expected to sink the usual 2 inches when I sank down to my knee. When I pulled my leg out, it filled in ready for the next unsuspecting hiker. I slipped and took my worst fall yet. I have been afraid of falling and getting a hike-ending injury. This morning it almost happened. My feet went right out from in under me, sending me hard on my side. I laid there in the mud and checked my inventory of body parts. Legs: OK, hips: OK, torso: OK, arms... Wow, my left elbow hurts. I could bend it at the elbow so it wasn't broken. Still, it really hurt. I went to a stream to clean up the mud that was strewn on my side from foot to shoulder. As I washed my elbow, I noticed blood. Then there was more blood. I have a one inch cut that is just oozing blood. I was cursing very loudly at the trail conditions. This is the muddiest I have seen the trail and the other states didn't charge SIX DOLLARS to sleep on a hard board with mice. They should take some of those dollars and do some trail maintenance. News flash, the trail is not supposed to be wetlands. I was within 3 miles of Manchester when the trail took me further away. It was hard to pass up trails that would take me right to town just to walk through more muck. I finally got to the road crossing and started to hitchhike the 5.5 miles to town. I got there by 1:00 pm - just 1 hour after my friend had left town to go back to PA. So I was stranded there, but that wasn't so bad since there were tons of restaurants. I got a bed at a hostel for $20. I'm clean, dry and re-supplied. I'm planning some easy days for the next 4 to meet Jess for our anniversary. All seems to be pretty good for the last 537 miles. Time for bed. Goodnight. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

My roommates just threw their wet stinky dirty laundry on the floor. It made the whole room smell. I have earplugs, but no nose plugs. I slept pretty well despite the odor. In the morning, I gathered my things and packed as I watched the weather channel to see it is going to suck for another couple days. I headed to McDonald¢s for breakfast. Then I went to the bagel shop. I have bit my tongue about how crappy the customer service has been in New England. I haven't said a word about how they never smile, are slow, never a please or thank you as they hold out their hands for ridiculous prices. Well, I will be silent no more. This bagel adventure is the perfect example of their inconsiderate attitude. First of all, it takes two of them to hand me my bagels. I ask for 2 onion and 4 plain. The girl puts all 6 together in a paper bag. If you put onion and plain bagels together you get all onion bagels. I actually let this go. Next, the guy had to take over since I wanted 2 muffins. He apparently is the muffin man. He puts my muffins in yet another paper bag. I asked if he had plastic bags. "No," was all he quickly said. "Is there any thing else?¢ he then said sharply. I asked, "You really don't have plastic bags?" I got yet another quick "No." I said, "How about those bags right over there?" I pointed to yesterday¢s bagels wrapped in clear plastic bags. He said, "You mean the bread bags?" I said "They seem to be holding the bagels just fine to me." He asked grumpily, "Would you like one?" He gave a sigh and got one bag and set it on the counter. "Is there anything else?" he said sharply again. I replied "Yes, there is. I want the 2 onion bagels in 1 plastic bag, 4 new plain bagels that haven't been ¢onionatized¢ in a separate bag, and the muffins in yet another bag." You could feel the tension while they got my order together. It may have been because I was a hiker that they had such lousy attitude, but I had it with crappy service. From now on, I complain right away instead of taking it like I have all of my life. It actually feels good as long as they don't get an opportunity to mess with your food.I caught a ride with Molasses who was thru-hiking, but got off and is section hiking a few spots. As I was hiking in, I saw a trail crew packing to do some maintenance on a shelter. There was on girl that had 2 coolers stacked with a pack on top strapped to her back. The trail is shared by another trail called "The Long Trail". It is 260 miles long and goes from Massachusetts to Canada. So now there is about twice the number of hikers sharing the trail. It's ok since The Long Trail users know their place. Just because you call it long doesn't make it so. There wasn't as much mud and the rain was very light. I'm enjoying not pushing so hard.   Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

It rained with a vengeance last night. Everyone in the shelter expected me to ask for everyone to make room. I never got a drop in my hammock. By morning it had stopped all the confounded raining. The radio reported we got over 2 inches in some locations. The hammock has been an excellent choice for this rainy year. I have been hiking with Tipperary lately. He has been a delight and keeps quite a good pace. He is a retired Irish priest in his 60s. This trail is filled with a lot of very interesting people and he is no exception. He knows many languages and has done missionary work around the world. This is his first hike ever. He and I hiked in the puddles together all day. At one point there was a note that read, ¢Do not attempt to cross the stream. It is completely flooded. Follow the blue blaze trail to the road and turn left until you get to the trail again. You can go look at it for yourself, but do not attempt to cross.¢ Tipperary said, "Let's give it a look-see for ourselves." So I headed down. It was raging and completely flooded. Just downstream was a horrendous waterfall that would mean certain death to anyone who slipped. I went straight through it hardly slowing down. I turn to see if Tipper was giving it a try. He was right behind me and said, "Well, Dutch, no candy-asses here.¢ Although the trail was quite flooded, it wasn't muddy. My feet were wet all day, but everything has been wet for over a week. The weather is due to break tomorrow. Right now, it is raining again. I hear a lot of people have dropped out this last week. How can people stop now? As long as I can stay uninjured, I'm going to Maine. Two more days till I meet up with Jess. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Had another good night of sleep. There were 7 of us at the shelter last night. We all decided to go 0.5 miles off the trail for some breakfast. After 2.5 miles, I jogged down the road to a really nice restaurant. Sea Bee and Tipperary were already sitting at a table. There has to be a joke there somewhere. "An accountant and an Irish Priest go into a diner...." We all met up there and had a feast. They serve huge portions and charge accordingly. Flipper and Silver Feet are brothers hiking The Long Trail. We have seen them since we entered Vermont. Silver Feet has real bad blisters. There is no way he could continue, so he is catching a bus back to Massachusetts. The rest of us all headed up Mount Killington. It is a huge mountain that has ski slopes. It was quite a tough uphill - about 4000 feet. Rey Jay, an elderly woman, had a hard time and was beat by the time she got to the shelter. I could have hiked more but there is no point since I will be meeting Jess tomorrow 9 miles away. It is very cool up here and I don't have my cold weather gear yet. I am staying in my hammock and will put my feet inside my backpack to help insulate them. If it gets too cold, I will retreat to the shelter which is really a cabin. I feel good climbing these big mountains which is good since they get bigger soon. I now have less than 500 miles to go. The rain that has plagued us the last 11 days finally broke. Tomorrow should be really nice. I have a shower as a reward coming after a short day of hiking. Life is real good right now. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Mountain Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 10.6

CHECK OUT THE NEW PHOTOS!Man, it was cold last night. We are over 4000 feet above sea level for the first time in a long time. There is a ski lift that brings people right to the top. That lends itself to good graffiti on the shelter. My favorite reads, "The hardest part of skiing is admitting to your parents you¢re gay." I have an excellent radio station that has its tower on this mountain. It makes the hiking a complete pleasure. Everyone I have been hiking with for the last week is stopping at The Long Trail Inn. Tipperary and I are the only ones not staying at the Inn. Tipper decided not to stay because it is a beautiful day to hike. I will be meeting Jess 2 more miles down the trail. I said I was going to stop at The Long Trail Inn for lunch, but as I got close I just wanted to get to the Inn that I'm staying at. If you could have smelled me, you would understand. I got to a large pond were some ducks were begging for my last stale bagel. It was fun to watch them fight over a crust of bread. They would eat out of my hand, so for fun, I would stick out my finger and they would bite it thinking it was food. This got boring quickly so I hiked on. I got to the Mountain Meadow Inn where Jess made reservations. They are preparing for a wedding that will be held tomorrow. As I watched them put up a large tent, a woman approached and asked if she could help me. I said I have reservations and she looked me up and down as to doubt me. I had to repeat that I have reservations. She was thrown off guard because she already had here speech ready to tell me this was private property and there is no place to eat here. It finally hit her that "I HAVE RESERATIONS HERE". I got checked in and went to my room for a great shower. They have kayaks so I took one out. I enjoyed it, but don't really need the exercise. I watched the news for awhile. There is a huge blackout in NYC and other cities. It was fun to watch people so dependent on electricity walk around in a daze wondering why their cell phone doesn't work. They actually had to walk, hee hee. It didn't affect any hiker at all. I soaked for awhile in a hot tub waiting for Jess. Wow, did that feel good on my sore muscles. Jess finally came around 8pm and we went out for some dinner. All is good today.Peace,DutchAll that are lost probably got there by wandering.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Burlington, VT

To: Burlington, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Jess and I went for a morning jog under rain threatened skies. She has been training for a marathon. We did 5 miles in pretty good time. We spent the rest of the day indulging in food and HBO. Her visit is quickly coming to an end. I did a shakedown of my pack to reduce weight before I go into the Whites. I also gained weight because I got my cold weather gear back. It seems insane to be carrying a 15 degree bag in summer heat but I will be changing altitudes daily. Jess's visit will sadly be the last until I finish. That should motivate me to hike faster. Peace, DutchIf you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.