morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Hemlocks Lean to

To: MA 23
Miles today: 16.4

Tonight we are staying at the East Mountain Retreat Center, this is a religious center for silent retreat groups and a hikers hostel. This is a place where you are asked to be quiet after a certain time of the day. Another item we are entering the Berkshires. Today was a good day, maybe all days are good days, especially when you have arrived at your daily destination. " Now that was not so bad". A late start, 8:15, as usual Pokey and I behind the rest of the crew. Let me just say this, "If Pokey means she is a slow hiker and I'm not saying that, then what am I?" Never mind, don't say it. Pokey and I stopped at a place called the Garden Market, about 2 tenth mile off the trail, no sight of the others. So, we had ice cream and some fruit and asked the clerk if we could dry our tents out. He directed us to the Green House, worked like a charm. Back on the trail, wet and slipery, especially on the descents. After yesterday, I was being cautious, it was so bad at places you had to do the hiking technique called the butt slide. I'm pretty good at it. Even though, I was a cautious hiker today, I fell one time, slipped on a rock, what else? Again, Switchback reported that he fell two times. This sounds suspicious! He's still the champ. East and June Mountains were the climbs today and both provided views of the Berkshires. Tonight, we had much needed showers, do I need to say more. The washing machine got a real test of endurance, but what I liked the best was ordering pizza and sodas. After the chores and putting on the feed bag, it came to all of us, remember we're at a religious retreat, that we are very tired as opposed to being just tired. We have been hiking seven day stretches, since Harpers Ferry, WV. and it's like we forgot about "zero days". We talked about taking off Saturday, then a bright light appeared and we decided to take Saturday and Sunday as Zero days. If only CEO'S could do so well in decision making. Just happens that these zero days will be spent at Pokey's dad's cabin, right here in the neigborhood. Everyone is thinking I'm really looking forward to these days off. See what a little silence brings forth. You can bet this will be a silent night. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: MA 23

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Back on the trail at 8:00, The East Mountain Retreat Center was a fantastic place to stay, but had to hike a mile to get back to the trailhead. Then it was a 2800' climb with some additional short climbs. The trail was rocky and if not rocky the tree roots made for careful walking. I arrived at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin at 6:00. Something different tonight as the cabin is a cabin, so no shelter tonight. The cabin provides a two layer sleeping area with bunk beds, a kitchen and dinning room. Gramps is the caretaker, his job is to oversee the area. It cost $3 to stay here and that includes a breakfast of pancakes and coffee, not bad for $3. With this kind of deal the place was packed. Switchback, Zippy, White Lighting, Delta, Flora and Fauna, Pokey and others enjoyed the company and facilities. That's it for tonight, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean to
Miles today: 17.6

After a breakfast of pancakes and coffee, I was back on the trail at 8:00. The hiking was not bad had a 800' climb in a two mile stretch, but the rocks and the exposed roots characterize the trail. After eleven miles, Pokey and I came to the Pittsfield Rd.took a one tenth mile to the rightlooking for the Cookie Lady's home. She wasn't home but the Cookie Man was. Yes,he treated us to cookies and soda. We talked about the trail as he is real interested in knowing about our journey. We signed the hiker's register and noticed that Switchback, Zippy and Wizard were here earlier. Finally came upon the shelter at 7:00 and it looked like a hikers convention. Zippy, Switchback, White Lighting, Pokey, myself and six other hikers staying for the night. Tomorrow a short hike planned into Dalton, MA. Pokey's dad is meeting all of us in Dalton. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Kay Wood Lean to

To: Dalton, MA.
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

A short hike day is something to look forward to and today was a short day's hike. The whole of three miles. I just thought about coffee, as we were to meet Pokey's dad at the Gourmet Coffee Shop. He was there and we had coffee. Pokey's dad gave me a lift to Cheshire, MA. so I could pick up my mail (10 mile trip). Yes, I was grateful.Then we drove to Dalton and picked up the rest of the gang. The next stop was at Pokey's dad's girlfriend's house for showers and resupply. Once we had completed our hygiene needs and bought groceries, we headed out to the cabin for a three day R&R. The cabin is located in West Hampton on Pine Island Lake. At the East Mountain Hostel, Pokey called home and received the sad news that her husband's step-mother had passed away. So the next day she will leave and attend the funeral (07-19-04). She has a five hour drive, but plans to return to the trail the next day. Monday, Switchback, Zippy and Wizard plan to move on. I'll wait for Pokey and we will take back to the trail on Tuesday.That's my report for today, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Dalton, MA.

To: Pine Island Lake, West hampton, MA.
Miles today: 0.0

Pokey left for Maine this morning with her son and daughter as they will attend her mother-in-law's funeral.Zippy's girlfriend arrived yesterday and drove Zippy, Switchback, Wizard and myself to East Hampton to do some shopping. I bought another pair of boots, my third pair. The rocks in Pennsyvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut wiped out the soles. You might say "No treads, treadless, slip bottoms, flats" whatever, new boots for me. After the boots, I replaced the filter to my water pump. We had lunch at a restaurant, I guess I was thinking too much about food as I can't remember the name of the restaurant. Later on we stopped and had pastries and coffee at the Pastry House, that was the name of the place. I'm not making that up. Well, a full day, so back to the cabin for supper and relaxation. (Whatelse is there in life but food and walking?)That's it for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Pine Island Lake, West hampton, MA.

To: Pine Island Lake
Miles today: 0.0

Zippy's girlfriend drove him, Wizard and Switchback to the A.T. trailhead in Dalton, MA. Switchback and Zippy will no doubt do big mileage days. Pokey and I will not catch up with them unless they detour off the trail but that's not their plans. Wizard will try to stay with them. If he has to slow down then maybe Pokey and I will meet up with him. This now appears to be a "slim chance".I have really enjoyed hiking with these guys and feel sorry the group is separating. But, hiking the A.T. this occurs often, I have seen other group of hikers slit as they travel and I guess this is the way of the experience. Pokey's dad and family really thanks me for waiting for her. They were concerned about her and were glad she would not have to hike alone. I guess they won't have to worry as much. Anyway, I enjoy hiking with her and hopefully we will rejoin the others up the trail somewhere.That's it for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Pine Island Lake

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

Pokey's husband, Jared, shuttled us to the trailhead and we started hiking at 4:00. We arrived at the campsite at 6:00. St. Rick walked in at 8:00. He is from England and doing a thru hike. I enjoyed my visit with Sue and Minnie at Pine Lake. This is one of the great pleasures of being a thru hiker, you meet so many wonderful people. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean to
Miles today: 15.6

Today's big climb was Mt. Graylock at 3491' in about 7 miles. Mt. Graylock is a big deal, I think it is the tallest mountain in Massachusetts. I hear that famous writers of the past use to hang out on the mountain. You know the guy who wrote "Moby Dick", he got the idea from the profile of the mountain. Well, maybe that's not actually correct but you get the idea. When I hiked off the mountain the inspiration didn't hit me. Maybe next time! On the summit is Bascon Lodge. It was 3:30 and tea time. So I passed up on the tea and substituted ice cream and soda. I had a coffee to help me relax, didn't see any donuts. Pokey made a phone call to her husband, that' where the coffee came in. We hiked out from the lodge at 4:30 and arrived at Wilbur Clearing Lean to at 6:30. The shelter was full so tent time. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean to

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter at 7:30, another mile stone as we crossed the state line into Vermont at 1581.9 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia. Two more states and we will be in Maine. An interesting tidbid not only are we traveling on the A.T. but we're also on what is called the "Long Trail".The long Trail was completed in 1931 and runs the length of Vermont to the Canadian Border. This trail is the oldest long distance trail in the Nation. The A.T. and the Long trail share the same treadway for more than a hundred miles. When you get to the "Maine Junction", a sign, the trail turns east just north of US 4 and now your are pointing to New Hampshire. We arrived at the shelter at 6:30. The trail today was muddy and rocky, might as well add in a few tree roots, so walking was "be careful". At the shelter, the bugs and mosquitoes were lined up for dinner so tents tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Caughnawya Shelter
Miles today: 18.7

Packed up and on the trail at 7:30. Several climbs today, Little Pine Mountain at 3100' and Glastenbury Mountain at 3748'. The trail was rocky and muddy. Not just your ordinary mud, but mud that would suck off your boot if you stepped right into it. Real sticky mud, mud that gives you nightmares. Well, you get the picture. Pokey took a fall today, she was lucky as she fell on the side of the trail, as opposed to on the trail. If she had fallen on the trail, you got it. She would have fallen in the mud. The mud that is sticky and would suck off your boot. She would have been a muddy mess. See, she was lucky. After 6 miles on the trail, we arrived at the Melville Nauheim Shelter and took a break. About an hour after leaving the shelter, it started to rain and rained on and off the rest of the day. We arrived at the Goddard Shelter at 4:30, took a break as 4 other hikers were there and St. Rick walked in about 15 minutes later. We moved on after a short break and arrived at the Kid Core Shelter at 7:00. The shelter was full, but only 200 ft, down the trail was the Caughnawga Shelter. Now this is a shelter with character, really old and appears run down, looks like it might leak . Well, we probably will find out because the sky gives the appearance that rain is on it's way. Why are those Long Trail hikers sleeping in their tents? Note: I met two Southbounders today-Sour Cat and Sweetfish. Female and male, they have a long way to Georgia. That's it for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Caughnawya Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Pokey and I started hiking at 7:30 and by the way, the shelter didn't leak. The weather is a little cool this morning and it looks like more rain, so I dressed out in my rain gear. The hike to the the Story Spring Shelter was a nice level walk with a rocky and muddy path. At the shelter took a small break and talked with Oatmeal Stout, a southbounder, who started in June. Two other hikers walked in, they are hiking the Long Trail. Another hiker, section hiking came along going south. I lost my footing on some of the rocks and fell and hit my forehead on a flat rock. Oh yea, it hurt, but I was lucky it was not a jagged rock. If so I might have been seriously hurt. But back to my feet and alls well. Stratton Mountain was quite a hike, 3936' but the view from the firetower made it worth the effort. From the tower, you could see Mt. Graylock. The sky was as blue as it gets. Enjoying the view were Tailwind, Grass and Tote (or Uncle Ben) and a few others. We reached the shelter at 5:30 and shared the shelter with two southbounders. Tomorrow, Pokey and I meet Pokey's husband at Vt. 11 and ride into Manchester Center, Vt. for resupply and laundry. From the shelter tonight, I heard Looms, they must have been nesting on Stratton Pond which was about 4 tenth mile from the shelter. The shelter is real nice, has a covered porch with benches and a picnic table. There is a caretaker, from the Green Mountain Club. A $6 charge for the accomodations.Mushroom reporting, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Vt 11/30
Miles today: 10.6

We left Stratton Pond Shelter at 7:30 and met Pokey's husband about 10 minutes from the trailhead. Pokey was really happy to see him and we hiked to Vt. 11 and drove into Manchester Center. We did laundry and while our clothes were in the dryer, we stopped in at Friendly's. Friendly's is like a DQ in Illinois. We had lunch and topped that off with some ice cream. Back to the laundry and next stop to the grocery store as I needed a resupply. Pokey's husband brought a maildrop for her. After packing up, we went to a restaurant for supper and drove back to the trailhead. Here is where our plans changed, when Pokey started to strap on her pack, she discovered that her water bladder had broke and everything in her pack was wet. Her sleeping bag was wet and this is not a good thing as the nights have been cool. So, her husband drove us back to a motel, we registered for rooms and spent the rest of the evening talking and drying out. So, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Vt 11/30

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

We departed the motel at 7:30 and hitched a ride back to the trailhead and started hiking at 7:45. The third car that past us gave us a ride and we were very thankful. Several elevation challenges today. From 1870 to 3260 up Bromley Mountain and climbed Peru Mountain at elevation 3430 in 3.3 miles. The views from Peru Peak were characteristic of the Green Mountains, looked like maple trees as far as you could see. The shelter came into view at 6:30 and no room at the inn so tents went up. Tailwind, Sojourner, Walk Sofly and others hiking the Long Trail were sharing the area with us. Goodnight
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Vt.103
Miles today: 15.9

I woke up last night to the sound of rain bouncing off my tent. We I got up this morning the rain was still coming down and of course it rained all day. If my memory serves me right, I believe this is the second time during the hike that I have walked all day in the rain. This is probably unusual for thru hikers, but whose complaining. The plan was to hike to the Clarendon Shelter a 16.9 mile day, but when we reached the Greenwall Shelter (10 other hikers there with the same plan), it was time for a quick change in plans. When thru hiking, you can change your plans as the situation demands. What we needed was to dry out.We hiked on to Vt. 103 and a 1/2 mile down the road was the Whistle Stop Restaurant. The meal was just what I needed. The open face roast beef was the best I've ever tasted. Pokey ordered the meatloaf, potatoes, gravey and a vegetable. The portions were giant size and the dessert of strawberry shortcake topped it off. The strawberry shortcake was huge. That lunch almost made the walk in the rain worth the effort, I said almost. We had to make another decision hike on to the next shelter in the rain or hike another mile to the Country Squire Motel. Not a hard decision when you wet and the rain still coming down. At the motel, cleaned up and spent the rest of the evening drying out clothes and gear. Tomorrow a big hike day planned 17 miles, which includes a 2400' climb up Killington Peak in 7.4 miles.Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Vt.103

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

As you can tell didn't make the 17 miles as planned decided to stay at the Cooper Lodge. This is a shelter, unlike other shelters this one has four sides. There are four hikers here tonight, Pokey, Sojourner, Walk Sofly and myself. On the way took a break at the Governor Clement Shelter. As ascending Killington Peak, met Moses, no he wasn't carrying tablets from you know who. He was headed south so he had been up on the mountain. This actually is the fourth time that we have seen him. Each day we would stop and talk with him and he would report on the trail before us. His wife drives him to a trailhead north, picks him up at a pre-determined road south and he repeats the process the next day. He was doing about 17 miles a day and today was his last day until next year. There are numerous ways to hike the A.T. and his method, just another creative endeavor. Today it did not rain but it was cloudy and cool. No views but lots of mud, rocks and tree roots and I saw everyone of them and stepped on half of them. I can describe my boots to the last seam. We past two southbounders, who have been hiking since June. I made a remark to Pokey, "they have a long way to go". as you know I'm pretty intuitive. Tomorrow an easy day 6.2 miles to Vt. 4 and 9 tenth mile to the Inn at the Long Trail. Hey, today is my fourth month anniversary being on the trail.Goodnight
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Vt. 4
Miles today: 6.2

No rain this morning but the clouds were thick and dark, so when I woke up I thought this might be another raining day hike. But, I was wrong, the sky cleared and the sun was warm and bright. What a beautiful day in Vermont. Sojourner moved on at 7:00 and the next view of him was in Rutland. Pokey and I, now a twosome, as Wizard, Switchback and Zippy are long gone, hiked out at 8:00. Walk Sofly caught up with us at 11:00. He said that he went the wrong way and after hiking about an hour realized his mistaken direction. I was wondering why it took him so long to catch up and pass us. I guess that tells you how fast I hike. Pokey and I arrived at Vt. 4 at 11:30 and hitched a ride to the Inn at the Long Trail. It always feels good to pull in to a place that has a shower and dress out in clean clothes. The lunch was appealing and then a shuttle to Rutland, Vt. to purchase a few items. Shuttled back to the Inn, ate supper and had a conversation with the other residents. Pokey now is downstairs with her head in a book and us guys are talking shop. I thought this would be a good time to catch up on my journal and that what I'm doing now. It is 9:00 and I'm about to hit the sack. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Vt. 4

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We shuttled to the trail at 10:17 and was on the trail at 10:30, nice hiking as the trail had few rocks and I might say very, very few mud holes. The tree roots disappeared and only one climb of 1400'. No views today, mostly tucked in the woods. The forest was splendid and beautiful today. I met a couple, Little Bump and Flounder, southbounders. They have been on the trail since June. At the shelter was Roadrunner and myself. Pokey, Grass, Uncle Ben and Welsh Nomad are tenting. That's my report for tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

On the trail at 7:30 and this looked like it was going to be another beautiful day. There were no major climbs but a lot of up and downs along the way. I spotted Moose tracks and pellets, but no Moose. I've never seen a real live Moose and am excited to have the experience. Southbounders, thru hiking were on the same section as us but I only remember the name of King David. When I reached the shelter it looked like it might rain tonight. Pokey, Grass and Uncle Ben are tenting. Finn, Spork Song, Steady, all females and several other southbounders are in the shelter. Finn is from Finland, but now she lives in the U.S. Aussie and Bear Behind came in later and set up their tents. I met Aussie back at the Devil's Race Course in Virginia. For the past two days the trail has been easy walking thanks to the absents of rocks and mud. The forest in Vermont is a pictureques site. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Not only did it rain last night , it stormed but this morning all is well. Pokey and the other tenter dried their tents at the shelter. The sunrise was spectacular and back on the trail at 7:30. I had a nice meeting with Blueberry Bert and Good Tyme. Their daughter shuttled them to Norwick, Vt. and they are hiking south to Mt. Graylock. We hiked and shared camping space from Springer Mountain up to the Smokies. When they get to Graylock, they are returning home for family business and then returning to the trail. They said to tell "Hawkeye hello".No big climbs today and the trail stayed friendly. A beautiful forrest and it reminds me of the Smokies. Peaceful and quiet, I really like the woods. The views were mountains on mountains as far as the eye can see. I passed two day hikers from Vermont. At the shelter, Walk Sofly and Ranger Jim arrived at 6:00. In two days, I will be in New Hamshire, I can smell the maple syrup already. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it didn't take two days to get to New Hamshire, the plan was to stop at Norwick but decided to hike into Hanover. Tomorrow can get an early start at the post office to pick up mail drops and then a 10 mile hike. On the way to Hanover, passed through West Hartford, Vt. and stopped at Rick and Tina's Country Store Snack Bar and Grill. The name itself said, this place has it all. I was thinking this is the Wal Mart of Vermont. Well, I really was thinking donuts and coffee. So now you have already guessed, this is a natural stopping off place. Lunch lasted an hour. Back on the trail to Hanover. Home of Dartmouth College, and another mile stone as now we would be in another state. The trail stayed friendly and the hike was enjoyable and easy. Some views of the continous mountains on mountains and the absence of the terrible threes " rocks, mud and exposed tree roots". I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day and to top it off the Connecticut River was a welcomed site. As New Hamshire was a stroll across the bridge, I could hear the marching band. Now, just 441.9 miles to the summit of Katahdin. That's my report, from the New Englander, Mushroom, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The Sunset Motor Inn was a real comfort. I checked out at 8:45 and found Pokey and we decided to hop a bus into town (Hanover). At the post office, picked up our mail drops and sorted threw the various letters and packages. My son, Jason had forwarded my mail so that I could take care of some personal business. Hawkeye sent foods and Yellow Poppy sent a water color post card she painted from one of my snap shots. While sorting threw the mail, Snowman arrived, I haven't seen him since New York. He had left the trail to attend a wedding. Pokey and I organized our packs after getting our gear together and headed over to Lou's Restaurant and Bakery. Snowman and Welch Nomad joined us and then back to business. Half the day gone, Pokey and I hoisted our packs and started hiking. No major climbs today and we arrived at the shelter at 5:30. Not bad timing as it started to rain at 6:30 and lasted for about an hour. The shelter has good company tonight: K-2, Snowman, Pokey, myself. During the hike today, met six South Bounders, they started in June. I just can't stop thinking "Boy do they have a long way to go". I hope they enjoy their journey as well as I have. That's it for now, goodnight.