morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-15
From: Shenandoah Tentsite

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Lunch at the deli on NY52 where I called Linda to work thru computer problems. At the shelter I met "Conquer" an experienced section hiker with lots of info about the NH and VT sections; and "Wander", the first true SoBo thruhiker. He started at Katahdin June 1, braved the rains and swollen river fords (they don't use bridges for hikers in ME) and was pumped up about all the high mileage he achieved so far. He wants to avg 20 miles/day for his entire hike - good luck..
Date: 2009-07-16
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Thayer Brook
Miles today: 21.1

The good weather is fading into more frequent thunder showers. I was lucky to reach a shelter just before a big one hit. So, of course, I ate and ate until it stopped. When the sun came out, it was a sauna! But then I came down into the Housatonic River where I was able to take a refreshing dip before finishing the day - all wet from the swim and sweat from climbing Schaghticoke Mtn - a tough section. I 'stealth camped' just before another big gully washer hit. I remained snug and reasonably dry in my nice little tent, falling asleep as amidst the lightning and rain.
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Thayer Brook

To: Kent CT
Miles today: 1.5

A short downhill into Kent CT, a picturesque village nestled aside the Housatonic River. I'm planning spend a 'nero' day with lots of other hiker bums wandering around town. I stumbled across "Ace" at the laudramat - wonderful seeing old hiking buddies. I'm doing dinner with a bunch of them, including "Ace", "Firebug", "Desert Fox" and more. Still no word from Naneek and Solar System - I'll have to break down and use my cell phone to find out where they are. And of course - "MoFo" - who still plans on joining us in a few weeks.
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Kent CT

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Met everyone for breakfast, so got a late start. Nice views from the ridgelines back into Kent and looking down on the Housatonic River Valley. Swollen creeks, quaint cottages and challenging hills. Stealth camped along with Desert Fox next to a picture perfect bubbling brook. He falls asleep at sunset as soon as his head hits the ground - lucky guy.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Another pretty hike along the Housatonic. Joined "Gozer" (sister of "Many Smiles" who got off the trail because she fell in love with "Cous Cous" the guy of Team Gouch) for side trip into the HydroElectric Plant for a cold shower and trail magic - hot dogs, beans, etc. Surprize - "Featherfoot" was there - who I hadn't seen since the Erwin, Nolichucky River Trip. He's suffering from a serious blister brought on by new shoes. His wife is picking him up in Salisbury, getting off trail to treat the blister, probably 5 days. We decide to go into Salisbury together for the night to celebrate our brief reunion. Along with Desert Fox, the three of us got a room at the classy White Hart Inn (circa 1826). Starting with cold beer served on the veranda, followed by a great dinner in the tap room... charming!
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Salisbury CT

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3

Late start saying goodbye to Featherfoot. Beautiful section including ridgeline views, bubbling brooks with waterfalls, hemlock hillsides and the challenge of 4 peaks. Crossed into MA; I'm lov'in New England.Trying to arrange a road trip up to Manchester VT for "Ahab" & "Rainmans" hiker X-travaganza. I hiked with these guys earlier and last saw them at Trail Days. This could be lots of fun - 2 days of partying while it rains in NE.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: moderate rain

A dozen hikers from Salisbury & Great Barrington piled into a panel van and traveled up to Manchester, VT. The "Dirty Dozen" arrived in a steady rain shower and were welcomed by Rainman's family - laundry, shower, hot stew, video, games, etc. Over 30 hikers came out of the woods to descend on their home. We slept inside wherever space was available. More people are expected tomorrow. Wow!
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Great Barrington, MS
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day at the X-Travaganza. Check out the other pictures. Over 50 hikers have literally taken over the Fox house; all contributing and preparing food. Wiffle ball, swimming in the quarry, watching videos, catching up on where/what everyone is doing in our 2009 A.T. community. Oh.... and the rain stopped. Yes !!
Date: 2009-07-23
From: Great Barrington, MS

To: Mt Wilcox South - Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After enjoying a little sunshine yesterday, swimming, playing whiffle-ball and eating lots of good food, it was time to hit the trail. I caught a ride with "Daddy Long Legs" and his cute wife "Sassy Sunshine" back to Great Barrington (didn't have to ride the dirty dozen van).I started hiking at 3:30PM when it started raining again - naturally. I pushed a little past dark using my headlamp and my little trail umbrella. I might have looked a little weird pulling into the shelter to "Wander" the southbounder already established in the shelter. I had already eaten my dinner at the previous shelter, so was able to quickly get set up for sleep.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Mt Wilcox South - Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Muddy trails & hungry mosquitoes kept my concentrationhiking up to Upper Goose Pond. The rains slowed and the sun peeked through enough for me to take a quick swim and canoe ride in the pond before fixing my trail dinner. A beautiful spot worthy of spending a zero but the weather is not cooperating. So plan a big mile day tomorrow into Dalton, MA.
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Rained again last night while I stayed dry in Upper Goose Pond Cabin. Only two dinky pancakes from the caretaker before setting off in the rain. Trails very muddy w/ standing pools of water to clean off the mud before another round of muck. Then I came upon not one but two stashes of trail magic during my big miles hike today, so I maintained good energy all day. As I walked into Dalton, I saw "ACE" and "Desert Fox" on the front porch of Tom Lavardi's house, which made it an easy decision to stay there (versus Rob Bird's house). Tom fixed us all ice cream sundaes for desert.
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Mark Noepel Shltr

To: Williamstown
Miles today: 9.6

Crossed Mt Greylock and down the steep north slope into Williamstown for my maildrop. Arrived at the Mountain Goat Outfitter just before another thunderstorm hit; everthing sooo wet. I'm tenting in the back of the outfitter (just keep all your wet gear out of sight from the "paying" customers). Missed the post office before it closed, so will complete my chores the next morning.
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Williamstown

To: Congdon Shltr
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

Crossed the state line from muddy MA to very wet VT. Meeting lots of SoBo, which is fun because I can pick up great tips on where to stay and what to see going north. The forest in VT have more firs, hemlocks, spruces; I just wish it would quit raining so that I could enjoy the scenery as in this early morning picture.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Congdon Shltr

To: Goddard Shlter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Pretty hike; tough down into Rte 9 and then back up again. I used my little trail umbrella in a thunderstorm to get me up to the shelter before the tropical downpour - 6" in 2.5 hours!!. Holed up with ACE and Desert Fox. Trying to make Manchester, VT by Friday.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Goddard Shlter

To: E. Branch of Deerfield River
Miles today: 12.5

Slow start waiting for the rain to slow down. Trails are streams, streams are rivers, puddles are ponds, ponds are lakes... well you get the idea. Trying to step on rocks, logs and shallow muck takes too much effort; it makes a 15 mile day into a 20 mile hike. Just muck through the mud and don't waste energy on dancing feet.In the afternoon the rain stopped and the sun came out so we took a chance to stealth tent just before the climb up Straton Mountain. It actually worked out, no rain until we started hiking the next day. We had a fire and good trail dinner.
Date: 2009-07-31
From: E. Branch of Deerfield River

To: Manchester Center, VT Green Mtn House Hostel
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: heavy intensity rain

If you're tired reading about the rain, imagine how exasperating it is to hike through the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont in a continuous downpour. I crossed Stratton Mtn without a thought of going up the fire tower. I just wanted to get off the mountain and into Manchester where I had made a reservation at Jeff Taussig's Green Mountain House Hostel.A BMW picked me up at the trailhead for the 4 mile ride into Mancester Ctr where I got my maildrop and a few groceries. Jeff picked me and ACE up in town and drove us out to his picture perfect hostel. Extremely clean, well organized, home/hostel, full use of kitchen, hot shower, laundry, Ben & Jerry ice cream, cold sodas, mattress bed with cotton sheets, internet, long distance phone calling, games, books, DVD, etc. This is truly a 4star hostel, the best I've been in on the entire trail. I decided to zero here the next day.
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Manchester Center, VT Green Mtn House Hostel

To: Manchester Center, VT Green Mtn House
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I felt a bit guilty "wasting" the first truly sunny day in a long time, but I was able to dry out all my gear after giving some of the nastier ones a long overdue 'bath'. I relaxed and ate lots of ice-cream and other high calorie foods. I spent the day as a total zero and loved it.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Manchester Center, VT Green Mtn House

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

After relaxing at Green Mtn House, I resumed my hike up Bromley Mtn (ski resort) along with "Ace" and "Poptart". I lagged behind all day due to a sore rib muscle caused by an earlier fall while trying to avoid the muck. The trail was still 'punky' but starting to firm up around the edges. The overcast skies were spitting all day but didn't settle down for solid rain until 6PM. By that time, I had found refuge in the almost rebuilt Lost Pond Shltr, which had been destroyed by fire (for the 2nd time). The shelter smelled of fresh cedar shake. I ended up having the shelter to myself in the rain (since most hikers assumed it was still out of commission). The rain and the cedar smell reminded me of youthful summers in Maine and the Old Town Canoe Company - peaceful sleep.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Clarendon Shltr
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Tough little section with several ups & downs. Although threatening, the weather stayed dry after last night's rain. I stopped for snacks at the Whistle Stop (VT 103) before catching up to Ace a few miles short of the shelter. We were both tired and decided to tent next to a stream before getting an early start the next day to resume the climb. The skies cleared and the almost-full-moon shone all night. The Vermont sections are beautiful so I'm hoping the weather stays clear and cool for the next few days.
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Manchester Center, VT Green Mtn House Hostel

To: Rutland VT, The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

A steep climb up to Killington Peak - the biggest ski resort in the East. For the first time in Vermont, I was treated to some awesome 360 degree views. I was particularly interested in the big mountains in the east... the White Mtns of New Hampshire. After an expensive cheeseburger at Killington Peak's snack bar, I wanted to take a free gondola ride - up&down - but I was running out of daylight.Ace, Firebug & I shared rooms at The Inn at Long Trail. It's a rustic mountain top classic! Built in 1938; owned and operated by generations of the McRath family, it's Irish Pub is built into the cliff rocks such that you sit on cushioned rocks surrounded by natural varnished lodge poles and birch tree stumps. It's sunroom / gaming room is full of neat antique games and comfy over stuffed chairs... very inviting for hikers or skiers to relax on cold or wet afternoons. The food is fantastic and everything is reasonbly priced ($27 for room & breakfast, my 1/3 split).I didn't plan on spending tomorrow in Rutland but I'm waiting for replacement shoes from Montrail (warranty ie free). Plus, I lost my trek poles when the pickup truck that gave me a hitch into town took off before I could get my poles out of the back - bummer!. OK maybe it evens out... free shoes but pay for new poles. All this heavy planning while I'm sipping a cold Guiness beer in this beautiful lodge. Let's see, I think I'll have the sheppards pie for dinner followed by the homemade apple crisp ala mode for desert. I will all work out.
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Rutland VT, The Inn at Long Trail

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

Ace & Firebug, took off this morning while I stay behind to pick up my shoes and find replacement trek poles. We all plan to be in Hanover, VT for the weekend. I hike / bus the 4 miles back into Rutland. The shoes had arrived, according to UPS, but since the dork outfitter didn't open until noon, could not be delivered. I wander around Rutland town center shopping for poles, taking in the sights. Many hikers had stayed downtown at the "12 Tribes" hostel which also ran the eclectic "Back Home Again Cafe" as well as an outfitter - sort of a commune business - another neat rustic (leather, natural foods, exotic teas and breads)establishment.By the time I got my poles, shoes and hitched back up Killington to the Inn at Long Trails, it was 6PM before I started hiking. It would be a night hike, but I felt good with my 'new' gear. The night was clear & cool and the moon was full. I even called Linda from the mountain top trail to gaze together at the same big ole moon - how romantic. Around 11PM, I reached the shelter area. Instead of making a nuisance of myself, I found a level spot off in the woods near a bubbling brook, threw down a ground cloth and climbed into my sleeping bag, exhausted but satisfied.
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Stony Brook Shltr

To: Dupuis Hill
Miles today: 19.0

In the morning, I was pleased to learn that I had caught up to Ace, Firebug as well as Daddy Long Legs, Bonesy and Rocket. They all started hiking earlier then me but once I got the body moving again, I caught up to Daddy Long Legs. Although normally, much faster then me, he wasn't feeling well and had slowed down. This was good for me, since I enjoyed the company. We stopped for ice cream at the country store on VT? and made 19 miles before finding a nice spot to camp. With no rain for a few days and clear skies, the forrest and mini views are spectacular almost enchanted.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Dupuis Hill

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

A beautiful hike up and mostly down into Hanover just across the Connecticut river which separates NH from VT. The trail leads down the streets of Dorchester, along beautiful new england homes, past Dartmouth College into Hanover. All enhanced but a beautiful crisp sunny day.Four of us shared a room at the Sunset Motor Lodge. I shared a queen bed with Daddy Long Legs - only possible in our thru-hiker world while the other two, Bonesy and Rocket slept in the other bed. The box of warm weather gear from Linda had arrived at the Motel. And the box full of home made cookies arrived at the Post Office. Life is good so I plan on spending a zero tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The roomates changed today - now Ace, Firebug and Desert Fox. I boxed up my summer gear and mailed it back home. It may seem strange to be doing this in August, but the upcoming White Mtns are above 6000ft and notorious for fickle cold weather systems. With the cool wet summer we've had so far, it's best to prepare for cold nights above treeline. I am sooo excited about the upcoming sections mountains. I pray the weather patterns are favourable for climbing these spectacular peaks in the next 2 weeks.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Ups & Downs on a cloudy day, meeting up with Ace & Firebug (FB) at the shelter for a nice campfire evening. Met another 'older' female hiker... Gail, from Seattle (65). She is an experienced hiker, having already done the entire Pacific Crest Trail.
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: NH 25A
Miles today: 16.9

Big mistake leaving the shelter this morning! I went South for an hour before meeting Desert Fox going North. "Where are you going Cruiser", he says. What an idiot compounded by the fact that the terrain was a steep down which had to be reversed adding 3 miles. So I really went 20 tough miles today- - ugh! Boy was I pissed.No views from the Smarts Mtn fire warden tower but I was able to catch a few views west and south from Mt Cube. Stealth tented with a group of 10 Explorer Scouts from Connecticut.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: NH 25A

To: Jeffers Brook Shltr
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy hike into Glencliff, NH. Visited the hostel briefly (dump) before starting up Mousalake Mtn. Great shelter location where I could clean up in under a waterfall. It looked like an AARP convention with all older folks at the shelter except for Ace - (FB, DF, Gail and Cruiser).
Date: 2009-08-12
From: Jeffers Brook Shltr

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Crossed rugged Mt Mousalake, the first really big peak in the White Mtn Range. It was a partly clearing day as I descended Beaver Creek Trail which followed steep cascading waterfalls down the North slope... the most ruggedly beautiful sections on my journey (to date)... lots of pictures. I stayed at One-Step-At-A-Time hostel in town where I could also resupply for my section through the famous White Mtns. It rained in the evening, so I hope it clears tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-13
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Kinsman Pond
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A wicked climb up the twin peaks that make up Kinsman Mtn. It rained from one peak to the other, so no views. The descent paralleled a pretty creek which was beautiful even in the rain. The shelter cost $8, the water was green but it held 16 people and there were only 6 of us staying in the shelter, including Bonsey's father and brother. His dad's knees weren't doing so well, so they were heading off this knarly mountaing first thing tomorrow. All is wet again, except the tent.
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Kinsman Pond

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 11.2

From Kinsman going north, the trail goes down into Franconian Notch and then up to Franconian Ridge which is a spectacular extended ridge running above tree line. The weather cleared resulting in fantastic views (check extra pictures).Ace, Firebug, Desert Fox and I decided to hike the extra mile, downhill, to Greenleaf Hut. You can see it clearly from on top of the ridge but the distance fools you, taking almost 45 minutes for the rocky descent. It was worth it, as all four of us got Work-For-Stay (WFS) and enjoyed our first AMC Hut dinner. It was served to us out the back door, still in pots - doggy style - but it was sure good. After the paying guests settled down for the night, we were allowed to come into the hut and set up our sleeping bags on or under the dining room tables. The work was relatively easy, cleaning dishes, refrigerator, stove, etc.We slept very well that night, excited to be up in the White Mtns.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful day in the Whites. I hadn't planned on stopping so soon, but Ace and DF had already secured a WFS slot at the hut, so with a turkey dinner on the menu I decided to stay as well. Glad I did... slow down and enjoy these spectacular mountains and the AMC Hut system.
Date: 2009-08-16
From: Galehead Hut

To: Mount Webster
Miles today: 18.0

At Galehead, I decided not to wait for breakfast since the paying guests wouldn't be finished until 8:30. Instead I started hiking by 7AM, climbed 1,100ft to the top of South Twin Mtn, then Mt Guyot before stopping at Zealand Falls Hut for lunch. I was collecting and eating more food from the huts then planned; I still had chocolate peanut butter squares from last night and copped a big hunk of fresh bread from Zealand for lunch. Along with my own protein shake, I scrambled down into Crawford Notch and kept going back up to the top of Webster Mtn making the most of these gorgeous sunny days and plenty of food. Ace and DF stayed in the notch to resupply but I didn't need any more food. At the top of Webster, I found an awesome stealth site just of the last cliffs in a little nest of spruce trees. I ate my dinner overlooking the cliffs and slept "cowboy" under the stars. Magic!!!
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Mount Webster

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: fog

After rising to a pink & blue sunrise, I moved on to Mizpah Hut in time for some free breakfast. Climbing back above treeline again, I stopped at Lake of the Clouds Hut for some apple granola before climbing Mt Washington. By then, the clouds had blown off the mountain peaks and the sun was shining brightly. I felt sooo fortunate to have good weather as Mt Washington is notorious for bad weather causing unprepared hikers all kinds of hardship and even death.After taking pictures and enjoying lunch in the snack bar, FB, IceFingers, Simple-Man and I did a fast, rough, rocky hike down/up to Madison Hut. We arrived ahead of other NoBo's and were able to secure WFS slots, again. I was surprised to find Ahab working with the crew at Madison (inside contacts). Simple-Man and Ahab entertained the guests that night with tales from the trail. I just had to clean up the bunkhouse the next morning. Another hut feast in the Whites. This is fun!
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 10.8

After cleaning the bunkhouse and then getting some of the leftover breakfast - which included fresh (I mean really sweet & fresh) blueberries,cream and true maple syrup on my pancakes. The hut food is pretty darn good. This was the friendliest hut. Thanks Myan and Ahab. I didn't leave until 9:30AM. From the hut, the trail climbs up to the Madison Peak before following a long difficult ridgeline, descending into Pinkham Notch. Rock/boulder hopping was difficult enough with the mild 20knot wind gusts; I can only image how difficult these mountains would be in really nasty weather.I was able to make it into Pinkham Notch in time for a cheeseburger at the AMC Lodge before continuing up the north side of the notch, climbing dreaded Wildcat Mtn. A learned that a few days earlier, a fellow hiker had fallen on this steep climb, fracturing a rib, ending his hike for the season. Once again, I decided to stealth camp at the top since I was running out of daylight (and energy) to make it to the next shelter area. The stealth site was the next to the Wildcat Ski Lift lodge. I swear the webcam mounted on the building followed my movements as I ate my dinner at the top of a double black diamond ski run. Later in the night, I had to move my sleeping bag to get away from the cold winds that whipped up aroung 2AM. I hope it doesn't start raining, at least until I can make it into Gorham day after tomorrow.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Wildcat Mountain

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: fog

Although colder, the weather remained clear for another beautiful day of hiking. I enjoyed my last hut breakfast at Carter Notch Hut. Climbing out of the notch, I was treated to great views back towards the 'Presidential Range' where I had just come from. It was a long day of hiking looking forward to a town visit tomorrow. I treated myself to a refreshing swim in the Rattle River at the shelter. Also caught up to FB and we decided to share a motel room in Gorham.