morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Ceasar/Brook rd Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to rain- coudy and drizzling rain all day. Put on my rain suit first thing again. Walked a 1/2 mile to CN rt 341 and hitched in to Kent CN for resupply. Resupplied at the IGA and ate breakfast at the village restaraunt. Was back on the trail by 1000. Shortly after starting back north I stepped up on a bridge to cross a creek and there was a copperhead waiting to greet me. I jumped up to the next level of the bridge and becuase my AK-47 was neatly packed up in my pack I had nothing to shoot him with other than my camera. So I shot a photo of him. I continued on north and stopped on an overlook to take a lunch break. As I snacked on trail mix and a snickers bar and just before taking some photos two hikers came up- Bird Brain and PA Pine Nut. As they approached we introduced ourselves and since we were all about the same age we instantly became friends. They were section hiking south and had been doing so for the past ten years and are seeking to complete the entire AT. They are from Beech Creek PA.After visiting with them for a while they headed on south and I headed north. I soon came upon Guinea Brook which was rain swollen. I surveyed the creek for the best crossing area. I chose my route carefully and proceeded across and realized about ten feet from the north shore that the rest of my crossing was beneath the water. I had to decide whether or not to try to rock hop or ford the creek in the water. I chose to ford. I found my self flat on my back in the creek (pack submerged)shortly afterwards. My pack was heavy due to the recent resupply so I found it extremely difficult to right myself and get out of the water. I could feel the swift current trying to carry me downstream. I felt like a turtle on its back with the heavy pack pulling me down. I finally made it out of the creek with my boots full of water, soaked to the bone and cold. I immediately removed my pack to see if all items in the interior of my pack were wet. Thankfully, to my amazement, the entire contents were dry. ( Gregory packs are great). Removed my boots and poured out the water, wrung out my socks, put them back on and headed north. Arrived at the campsite late afternoon and set up my tent. Ate supper, called Kelly and turned in for the day. Glad I wore my rainsuit and had dry clothes to put on!!
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Ceasar/Brook rd Campsite

To: Limestone Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.75
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke early to decent weather, on the trail before 0700. Good walk this day, went by Hang Glider view. Saw view towards Lime Rock park where Paul Newman and others race their cars around a 1.53 mile racecourse. Continued on with other views. Met Bird Brain and Pa Pine Nut as they ventured south. They use two vehicles, parking one north at their starting point and walking south to their ending point where the other vehicle is parked. Good to see them again. Came again to an overlook where I could see the racetrack and took a photo. Continued on until arriving at the side trail leading to Limestone Spring shelter. The side trail was a very steep 1/2 mile downhill to the shelter. I met four other hikers, Red Dane and Dodger, and the other two I can't recall. Later on Micheal and his son Matthew (from Canada) came in and tented down from the shelter. After changing clothes I cooked supper and then into my sleeping bag, dry and warm. During the night we had a terrible T-storm, it must have lasted all night.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Limestone Springs Shelter

To: Salisbury CN at Mary McCabes Hostel/rooming house
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: few clouds

Awoke to dreary morning , still drizzling rain from T-storm last night. I expected to see Micheal and Matthews' tent completely washed away from the torrential rains during the night, but they were still there. Rain suit on and climbing out of the hole that the shelter was in and back on the trail by 0730. Passed Bird Brain and PA Pine Nut on the way to Salisbury CN, dry clean clothes and a warm room at Maria McCabes Hostel/rooming house. I thought I was going to White Heart Inn but because of the fact that a race was going on, we thought rooms may be full. I told them I would be staying at Marias if so.As I came out of the woods the trail continued on by a field of hay. I saw a momma turkey and five or six baby turkeys- little balls of fluff. Momma turkey took off into the woods and the babies scurried along the trail in front of me trying to stay out of my way. when I realized that they were getting too far from momma turkey, I took my trekking pole and hurded them back towards momma turkey in the woods. Got to US 44 and followed the road for 1/2 mile. When trail exited the road I continued on towards Salisbury to the White Heart Inn and the rooms were all full. Arrived at Marias' about 0945 (across the street). Got some dry clothes from Maria that she had gotten from the thrift store for hikers to use. While Maria did my laundry, I went to the White Heart Inn for breakfast. After breakfast I went back to Marias and went to my room for a nap. I awoke later to voices coming up the stair. They sounded friendly so I looked out and up the stair came Bird Brain and PA Pine Nut, my new friends that I had met each day for the past three days. They would be staying the night also. I was glad to see them. We all went back down stairs and spent most of the afternoon just resting and visiting with each other and Maria. Me, Bird brain and PA Pine Nut went out for pizza, then back to Marias and a call to Kelly.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Salisbury CN at Mary McCabes Hostel/rooming house

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

Up early and cooking breakfast for PA Pine Nut, Bird Brain and myself using eggs,sausage, toast and coffee. Bird Brain and PA Pine Nut left early for a long day while I went back to bed, I had planned for a short day. I got up and left about 0930 wanting to get to MA and Hemlocks Lean-to. Met Bird Brain and PA Pine Nut for the last time as they were heading south ending their last day of hiking for this season. I continued on north approaching Mt. Everett ( the 2nd highest pt. in MA). I arrived at Hemlocks Lean-to about 1900 and hurried to fix supper and aquire my spot in the lean-to. I met Dennis (later to be called Power Eagle for a trail name) who was hiking with his nephew 365. Dennis and I talked for awhile, he is a christian from Ohio. Dennis suggested hiking with me tomorrow to where the trail crosses Jug End road where he had his car parked. He was leaving from there going home. I agreed and we both called it a day and got to our spaces in the lean-to. Firefly and Feather were also at the shelter. I hadn't seen them since Kent CN.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 14.6

Slept cold last night, the loft area where I slept last night was open at the the overhang and a cool breeze blew across me all night. I was up early and Dennis (Power Eagle) and myself were the first to leave. We were making good time as Dennis took the lead, we were talking getting to know each other better. Dennis had hiked in the day before from Jug End rd. to meet his nephew 365. After 2-2.5 hours of hiking, the trail split with an orange blaze going one way and a blue blaze going the other. NO WHITE BLAZE- uh-oh. We looked and there was no white blaze anywhere. We had made a wrong turn somewhere. (since Dennis was in the lead, I'll blame him ha-ha) We turned around and retraced our route until e found the AT about 1.5 miles back)Off we went trying to make up for lost time. Dennis and I talked about how good God is and how he has blessed us. We reached Jug End rd. about 1100 and Dennis left in his car for home in Ohio and I for Tom Leaonard lean-to. I made good time hiking and took some photos enjoying the views. Met Bear Bait before arriving at the shelter. Bear Bait was there along with a southbounder Coonsbee. Bear Bait was moving on. Later Red Dane and Dodger, Micheal and Matthew, and later another NOBO (can't remeber his name) came in. Mosquitos and black flies are terrible. Ate supper and in sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Tyringham Fire Station
Miles today: 13.0

Up at0515 after and exciting night of fighting mosquitos and a porcupine. The mosquitos were annoying with their buzzing and biting. Then about midnight a loud thump on the shelter floor. Everyone's head lamps came on but we couldn't see what was making the noise. We expected a porcupine but never saw it. About 10 minutes later the same noise. I turned my headlamp back on and saw the porcupine chewing on the shelter floor. I got up and got one of my trekking poles and slapped him across the head. He then scurried off into the woods. After this it was a quiet night. I got up, dressed, ate packed up and moved out. I was at MA 23 in about an hour and a half. I hitched into Great Barrington MA, got my resupply and stopped at Friendly's restaurant because they were all friendly, what a great breakfast. The owner gave me an envelope to mail my journal pages home. A lady sitting in the booth behind me gave me a stamp and the waitress who charged my phone while I ate said she would drop it off at the Post Office for me. After eating, I went out and instantly hitched a ride back to the trail. I made good time with just my blisters slowing me down. I made two more miles than I expected to make and was at the fire station at 1515. I doctored my blisters, got a coke from the fire staion and rested until I started fixing supper of Mac&cheese. Now waiting for a call from Kelly and into my sleeping bag to sleep.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Tyringham Fire Station

To: October Lean-to
Miles today: 16.75

Awoke at 0500. Got up, ate packed up and left the fire station pavillion. Tryed to hitch back to the trail, not a single car passed so I had to walk the 0.9 miles up hill back to the trail. Returned to the trail at 0630. Made good time up todays first major climb. Cloudy and foggy early, stayed cloudy with no views. Started raining about 1300 and rained the rest of the day. Hard at times and I was soaked when I got to the shelter at 1600. There were two guys already there. Paul w/bunions had been there all day. He said he didn't walk in the rain. Eve, a guy from Sweden was there. Still raining. Nothing will dry out so I'll be putting on wet clothes tomorrow morning. Had Ramen noodles and tuna for supper. In my sleeping bag now trying to get warm.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: October Lean-to

To: Cheshire MA Harbour House Inn Bed&Breakfast
Miles today: 21.0

Awoke to rain this morning and cool. I got up at 0530 and dressed in cold wet clothes. breakfast of pop-tart and ceral bar I packed up and left at 0630 and the rain had stopped. I had originally planned to go to Crystal Mt. camp site. The sun came out and the trail was good except for the mud and moszuitos. I made good time and was in Dalton MA at 1300. I had a foot long sub and coke and was on my way at 1345. As I got closer to Crystal mt. campsite, I started thinking about going further to Cheshire and camping beside the trail. I didn't see a good place to pitch a tent before reaching Cheshire. As I approached Hwy 8 it started raining. I decided to call the Harbour House Inn. Eva picked me up at the hwy 8 crossing and carried me to the Inn where I showered and called out to Christinas for spagetti w/meatballs. Eva set a place for me in the dining room and fixed me a coke to drink. Eva and Sam are really great. Eva washed and dried my clothes and is fixing breakfast for me at 0830 tomorrow morning. Wow, clean body, clean clothes, clean bed and full stomach. Going to bed now.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Cheshire MA Harbour House Inn Bed&Breakfast

To: Bascom Lodge Mt Graylock
Miles today: 8.0

Awoke at usual time 0500 but stayed in bed until 0645. Got up, took a shower, got dressed and packed up. Breakfast was to be ready at 0830. I went down at 0800 and my place was set at the table with juice. Cereal, bread for toast and coffee. As I had eaten the cereal and having my toast with coffee, Eva brought in two homemade muffins. I was getting full when Eva brought in my main course of eggs, sausage, and three large pieces of french toast. It was great. When I had finished Eva returned me to the trail. I was off walking at 0930. A steady climb up to Mt Graylock. I made good time and was at Bascom Lodge at 1430. I got my bunk picked out, ate a big hamburger, took a shower (two in one day) and just relaxed the remainder of the day. Feels good to just wind down and look forward to a zero day tomorrow. Waiting for Kelly to call now and then to bed.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Bascom Lodge Mt Graylock

To: Zero day at Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke at usual time, 0500 and realized I wasn't hiking today so I slept on and off until0630. Got up and dressed, walked around the complex here at the lodge. It was partly cloudy but clear. Soon the clouds moved in and it began to rain. I had a great breakfast and talked to a ranger (Ellis) about where I might get some stove fuel. He had a small amount in his truck that he gave me. This was great and should get me by for the next week. Spent the rest of the day taking it easy and thinking about how much I love and miss Kelly. I will be glad to see her in about 3 1/2 weeks. I love her so much. I can't imagine life without Kelly. We just enjoy being together. Had several snacks today, trying to store up some fuel for the next seven days until my next zero day. Supper of Mac&Cheese and tuna. Plan to get some ice cream before the lodge closes. Then to bed early, resting for a hot day hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Zero day at Bascom Lodge

To: Campsite north of Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke at 0500, got up at 0600, dressed, packed up and went up to the lodge to wait for breakfast. Called and wished dad a happy fathers' day. Had a great breakfast of eggs, bacon, home fries and pancakes. Was fueled up and ready to go by 0845. Called Kelly and hit the trail. It was very hot and required alot of water. The heat and a long steep down, and then a long up slowed me down. I crossed into Vermont at 1555, called Kelly and moved on. out of water now, but crossed a stream after about 1/4 mile. Stopped and filtered water and moved on. Reached S. Country road at 1800 adn set up my tent just beyond the road in the woods beside the trail. Ate supper and got into my tent. It is still hot and sleep may be difficult tonight. Calling Kelly and then to sleep.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Campsite north of Seth Warner shelter

To: Melville Nauhiem shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: haze

Awoke at 0500 after a restless night in the tent. Out early, walking at 0615. It was hot and humid already. After walking for an hour, I called Kelly. It sure was good to hear her voice. I was tired early due to the heat yesterday and not resting good last night. There was a 1000 ft climb first thing with a 500ft climb soon after. My foot feels much better today and I was able to walk better. I made fairly good time and arrived at the shelter at 1430. I fixed some instant mashed potatoes when I got in and took a short nap. It started to cloud up and a storm moved in. The shelter is over full with hard rain, thunder, and lightning. I am glad to be in a shelter. Will try to call Kelly at 1900 then I am going to sleep.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Melville Nauhiem shelter

To: Story Spring shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at usual time and on the trail at 0615. Cloudy and cool, good walking conditions. No views at all today, just muddy wet trail. I made good time. I am starting to see signs of moose.   Got to the shelter at 1545. Ate supper and built a fire hoping the smoke would keep the black flies away. The black flies are terrible. Tried to call Kelly but no signal. Going to bed now.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Story Spring shelter

To: Campsite north of VT 11
Miles today: 20.75

Up at 0515, dressed, fixed oatmeal for breakfast and packed up. On the trail at0610. Made good time with Straton Mt. the only real climb today. After the first 10 miles I decided to go into Manchester and resupply today and camp at a campsite beyond VT 11. Got toVT 11 at 1630 and was picked up immediately and carried to the grocery store. I called Kelly while I shopped. She suggested I stay the night at Suttons place. They rent rooms. I hitched a ride to Suttons after I had pizza and salad at the pizza place. There was noone around at Suttons place so I hitched a ride back to the trail. I tryed to call Kelly but no signal. I pitched my tent, hung my food bag from a tree and am in my tent away from the bugs.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Campsite north of VT 11

To: Lula Tye Shelter
Miles today: 19.5

Awoke at 0435, up at 0514, ate breakfast and filtered water. Took down and packed up tent. Was on the trail at 0630. A long uphill to start with, up Bromley mtn. There is a ski lift and ski trail up the side of this mtn.. I got some good views. I called Kelly and spoke barely, not a good signal. It started raining. I was making good time and the rain stopped, the sun started popping in and out. I continued to make good time even thought the trail was very muddy and rocky. I arrived at Lula Tye shelter at 1715. I had to walk about 1/4 mile to filter water from a lake.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Lula Tye Shelter

To: VT 103 Country Squire motel
Miles today: 12.75

Up at 0515, dressed and packed up my tent and on the trail at 0630. Tired early and fighting blackflies and mosquitos. Still made good time and had some good views. Met a family and a man gave me some insect repellent. I called Kelly and talked awile. I slipped on a wet slick rock fell ( hard fall) down. Saw some interesting rock art at the White Rock overlook trail. Saw 5-6 girls hiking (age appr. 16) in dresses with hiking boots and packs and spoke to them. They were from PA hiking a long section of the AT. Got to VT 103 at 1430 and hitched a ride to the Whistle Stop restaraunt where I got a cheeseburger and fries. Then I hitched a ride to the Country Squire motel. After a shower and having my laundry done, I hitched a ride back to the Whistle Stop restaraunt for a supper of fish and chips and choc. ice cream for dessert. Hitched back to the motel and called home to Kelly and mom and dad, and my sister. Also had a call from Lee, my friend who hiked the first week back in VA with me. Going to bed now.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: VT 103 Country Squire motel

To: Zero day at the Country Squire motel
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke at the usual time of 0500. At 0630 I showered and dressed. Called Kelly at 0730 and talked for a while. At 0815 I went up to wait for a bus to Rutherford. It was raining some so I started hitch hiking and caught a ride to K-Mart. I had an AYCE breakfast. After 10 pancakes, I went to get my supplies. K-Mart didn't have anything on my list. I went out and waited an hour for a bus to Wal-Mart. I arrived at Wal-Mart at 1130 and got all my supplies. I went to Sub-Way for lunch and then caught a ride back to the motel. Am spending the rest of the day resting and planning my schedule for the next week.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Zero day at the Country Squire motel

To: US 4 Mendon Mt. View Resort and Lodge
Miles today: 17.5

Up early at 0530. Wanted to get out and hitch a ride to diner for breakfast. Got out to HWY 103 at 0610 and caught a ride at 0635. The skies are clear and the temp is warm already. The mosquitos and blackflies are out early also. After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, french toast and coffee, I was out hitching to the trail. Not a good morning for hitchhiking. Finally got a ride and was back on the trail at 0830. I was feeling good, and made good time. At 1030, I was ready to take a rest. As I crossed a creek, there was a note on a tree telling hikers to look in the creek for cold sodas. Sure enough, as I turned and looked there in the creek was a basket of sodas, what a wonderful surprise. I had a cold soda and ate a snack. I walked on and after crossing a dirt road there was two coolers beside the trail. One with cokes and the other with peanut butter crackers. Two trail magics within 4 miles . These really perked me up. I continued to make good time and reached the top of the mountaint 1545 with six more miles to go. By now it was completely cloudy with rain threatening. I hurried on down and reached US 4 at 1835. Helen from the lodge picked me up and I had a shower. Clean clothes on and eating a fine meal by 1930. Talked to Kelly a while and decided to take off tomorrow because of the rain. Good day, one day closer to be home.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: US 4 Mendon Mt. View Resort and Lodge

To: Zero day at Mendon Mt. View resort and Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day today- rained all day, hard at times. It was difficult to just be laying around not making any forward progress. I guess the extra rest may allow me to make better time once I start backc tomorrow. I spent alot of time looking over my maps trying to work out the best combination of shelters and campsites to plan to stay at for the rest of my hike. It is hard to look at maps and determine the difficulty of terrain. I just pray for dry trail conditions for the next two weeks so the steep rocks won't be so slick. I talked to Kelly many times, we miss each other alot and are ready for the adventure to be over and me at home. I am tired of walking in the rain and climbing steep rocks. It's been a great challenge and I thank God that Lord willing I will have the whole 2174 miles of the AT completed in about 14 days. I never plan to commit to anything this grueling again. I'll stay in shape by walking around the neighborhood and short backpackc trips with Kelly.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Zero day at Mendon Mt. View resort and Lodge

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.25

Up at 0600, showered, dressed and packed up pack. Went up to have breakfast. After breakfast, George carried me back to the trail. I called Kelly and was off walking at 0815. The trail was extremely muddy and the creeks were high and swift. It was hard walking. I had a few good views and took a couple of photos. I was trying to make as good a time as possible so I could get to the shelter before dark. I made the shelter at 1900, filtered water, fixed supper, and ate. I tried to call Kelly but no signal. Two-shoes, Possum, Restless, Mango and Myself are all in our sleeping bags ready for sleep.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.25
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Up early and off walking at 0530. Started raining early and hard. Rained all day. The trail is very muddy with most of it covered with water. It's like walking in a flowing creek. I had to ford two rain swollen creeks today. My feet have been sloshing in my boots all day. They feel like they are coming apart. I stopped several times to check for cell phone signal. I was finally able to call Kelly as I crossed VT 14. I pushed on toward Happy Hill shelter and finally arrived at 1815. Put on dry clothes and ate supper. My feet really look bad. But I must put the same wet socks on tomorrow. It is supposed to rain again according to the forecast. I would like to see things dry out. Going to bed now, another 17 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Moose Mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Up early, dressed, ate breakfast and was walking at 0630 wanting to get to Hanover. Had trail magic just before town. Got to town and had breakfast again ( a real breakfast). Three eggs, five strips of bacon, hash browns and toast. Then I went by subway and got a foot long sub to go for supper tonight. Back on the trail at 1230 trying to get to the shelter early. Got rained on a little from a T-storm. Got to the shelter at 1730. Ate my foot long sub and relaxed.