morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-09
From: RPH Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 38.26

I drove into Kent and immediately found the gang parked at the local outfitters. Skywalker looks great!!! I brought him a wonderful surprise of Charlotte, his cousin visiting from Germany. She will join us and experience the AT at it's finest...in NE.   Yep, another state down and Kent marks 2/3 done. Skywalker was not sad to leave NY kept referring to the hardship and rocks. He hiked into town with Jericho and Righty and met Fireman in Kent at the Outfitters. Fed them all a picnic lunch and then they left their heavy packs with us and hiked 11 miles to Cornwall Bridge before dark. It was a good hike which included a 5 mile river walk along the Housatonic River. "Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Kent, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

   So, this 11 mile hike was the first hike that Skywalker did without bandaids on the feet. The feet actually look OK. Sure, beat up with healing blisters and tender spots but no infection and willing to go on! He has been using Ray's tried and true Tuffskin product with good results. He is also wearing ladies knee highs under his socks. Hey..whatever works!    Charlotte and I hiked back to meet him. Met SOBO Orange and chatted. We had a good dinner at a little restaurant in Sharon and they entertained us all with stories of the big adventure. We will be slack packing Jericho and Righty for the next few days. Skywalker has lost what ever butt he had and they call him Skywalker No Butt."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 14.1

   After a big breakfast, we all headed back to Cornwall Bridge to let the hikers continue where they left off. Charlotte and I visited the laundromat and did a group laundry. They carry only a change of clothing, few socks couple pairs of underwear and it all stinks!!!   We drove along the Mohawk Trail, found the AT road crossing and hiked back on the trail to meet Skywalker. After 2 hours of hiking, I was sure we had somehow missed them so we turned around and hiked back to the car. Not 5 minutes later they showed up! I did a trail magic tail gate picnic lunch for Skywalker, Righty, Jericho, Possum and Locomotive Joe. It was great!   Hiked thru a residential area, by a power plant and across the Housatonic River on a steel bridge and the hike ended for the day. We drove to Salisbury but couldn't find a place to stay all together. Skywalker, Charlotte and I got the hikers rate at The White Hart In while Righty and Jericho stayed at Maria McCabe's house. Possum decided to camp. We ate pizza and ice cream. Met Wolf Paw and Chickadee in town. So far Ct small villages are charming, lots of farms among the Mt's, people friendly and welcoming but it is a bit expensive.Skywalker soaks his feet every night in a combo of epsom salts and lavender oil that I brought."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Guilder Pond Picnic Area, MA
Miles today: 21.2

   Big breakfast of pancakes, bacon hash browns and eggs. We dropped Jericho, Righty and Skywalker off where they left off in CT and Charlotte and I returned to Salisbury, CT to see if Maria McCabb had room for us all this evening. She is a great lady who opens her upstairs up to hikers and keeps them well entertained. Since her last hiker had just left ,we were lucky to make plans for tonight. Speaking of that last hiker named Tyback, he is actually hiking the trail barefoot!!! I don't even want to see his feet! *** 3PM crossed into MA...WOW another state down...4 to go.***   Charlotte and I drove around looking for this pickup spot that was described in the book as Everett MT, now easily assessable by car. There was a gate across the opening and lots of day hikers coming and going. Well, it was a good mile in and all I could think about was they had to do over 21 miles and then hike another mile out. Skywalker and gang showed up at 5:45 feeling good about the cool weather and good hike they accomplished today. Good views with doable ups and downs.   We drove back to Salisbury, CT to spend the night. Ate Italian at the same restaurant. Skywalker just eats and eats and when he is done he eats all the left overs of other people. No doggie bags needed! We decided if he needs a new trail name it will be "Garbageman"   Several notable sights. Saw our first men thru hikers in kilts and skirts. It cuts down on chaffing so they say. Wonder if they wear underwear?? Also some of the hikers sleep in hammocks instead of tents. Usually the young ones.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Guilder Pond Picnic Area, MA

To: S. Egremont, MA
Miles today: 6.6

???Short AM hike through fields, pine forest, across 2 roads, more fields. The beginning was mostly downhill but rocky. We ended up at the Shay Rebellion Monumont. Had to look that historic incident up on the internet. After our independance, a group of local farmers were sick of being taxed for everything and decided to revolt. The planner was named Shay and he fought actually fought for our independance against England. Anyway, this spot marks the sight of the short lived revolt.We stopped at noon as Jericho was meeting his wife and Skywalker and Righty were planning a zero day Sun. They will be picked up by Lefty and Buoy and do some rafting. It was a great visit and Mrs Skywalker, as I am called, will return to work and look forward to our next meet. Stay tuned for lots of pictures to be uploaded soon.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Mt Wilcox South Lean -to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

This is the kind of shelter a hiker dreams of. Owned by the Nat'l Park Service and managed by the Berkshire AMC, it has a caretaker and is available only for section and thru AT hikers. Skywalker says it was beautiful and good swimming. Staying were 6 SOBO's for a total of 15 hikers. The gang we met in the Shenandoah's Mousehat, Trailboss and Hardcharger and Birdlady, Fireman and I want to be a Cowboy, Prahna and I Rock. The next morning they were served a big pancake breakfast for $3.00 donation. A great way to start the day! Skywalker loves being in NE!"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 29.2

Four months on the Trail!Skywalker was exhausted tonight when he called. Several comments come to mind...1. People must be crazy to do this 2. Our bodies are not made for this punishment   3. Looking forward to having a good sleep 4. Sick of always looking for water, setting up the tent and taking it down. He has another foot blister and a rash on his back. They detoured into Dalton today to pick up mail, food and do laundry. He stopped at the pharmacy and the pharmacist thought he had a fungus on his back. So he is treating it with Cortisone and Neosporin. No wonder the spirits are low. Visited the Cookie Lady 1/10 off the trail for fresh blueberries and homemade cookies. Staying at St Mary's Church by the Hoosic River which allows hikers to sleep in the parish hall. Fresh grinders for supper. Plan to cross Saddle Ball Mt and do Mt Graylock tomorrow. This is the highest peak at 3491 feet in MA. Then it will be N Adams with the plan to be in VT this weekend! Continue hiking with Righty and Jericho. Can you believe this guy?"Himmelwanderer" 611 miles to go!!
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Cheshire, MA

To: VT/ MA Border
Miles today: 18.8

Sat, 9:30 AM passed into VT and Skywalker called from the border on Jericho's cell phone. Excited to have another state completed. 3 more to go!! Under 600 miles to go. Weather is drizzley rain. Yesterday they did Mt Greylock and it was a good hike. They had lunch on the top at the Lodge and continued on to Cogdon Shelter lower down. Met Forest and Wholly Bear as well as Possum on the Mt. Skywalker says they all really stink and haven't had a shower since Maria's in CT. Glad I am not around them!    This is the place the AT joins the Long Trail (LT) for the next 105.2 miles. They separate at the Maine junction at Willard Gap and the AT crosses into NH and the LT continues North to the Canadian border.The LT was completed in 1930 and is the nation's first long distance trail and the inspiration for the AT."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-20
From: VT/ MA Border

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: mist

   Hiked 10 more miles to the shelter after calling from the border yesterday. The trail conditions in VT turn to instant mud in any rain. Vermont is called Vermud by many a hiker. There was even a boardwalk at a high elevation. This morning they left the shelter with plans to restock in Bennington (5.1 miles off the trail). They had no snacks left and a hiker needs those carbs. Hiked 4 horrendous miles that was slow going, steep, wet, full of moss and algae with lots of stone steps leaning on hiking poles. Then waited and waited for the promised shuttle at VT9. Finally a trail angel in a Ford Explorer stopped to take them into town. Now this had to be man without a sense of smell or a past thru hiker, cuz by now they are truly fragrant. A good decision to stop at a motel for a rainy nero, near zero, day. Sharing the room with Righty and Jericho.   By noon they had all showered and were off to eat the day away. Plan to do laundry as well.   Sunday night another call after another meal. Agitator broke on the washing machine and they took turns agitating it by hand until the spin cycle kicked in. Skywalker calls this another case of Thru Hiker Blues. Skywalker 's latest favorite candy is now Payday. He also admits to scoffing packages of mayo in restaurants and eating them plain. Amazing since he never even will eat mayo at home. They stocked up on 3 days worth of food and will head out in the morning with the promise of better weather. I will plan on meeting him north of Manchester Center, VT in a few days. Send him those messages in the guest book. He really appreciates it! "Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Bennington, VT

To: Manchester Ctr, VT
Miles today: 40.1

A quick stop over in Manchester to pick up Jericho's bounce box. A bounce box is extra food or supplies that are sent ahead by the hiker if they don't need them or have enough food. They got a ride from a trail angel who is picking them up shortly. Heading up to the Bromley Mt shelter and will do Bromley in the Am and then meet me at Mad Tom Notch.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Manchester Ctr, VT

To: Danby, VT
Miles today: 19.5

Mad Tom Notch - we are taling about the pucker brush finding this meeting spot. I ended up getting directions from the local road crew and taking a fire road unpaved for miles. 5 hikers waiting and my box of Dunkin Donuts was attacked and devoured within minutes and then the peaches from our tree were enjoyed. The threesome of Skywalker, Righty and Jericho have now been nickamed "Team Senile" by Fireman. They say it was a joke gone wrong but there is truth in a little bit of humor! Last night they stayed at Bromley Mt shelter and it rained all night. A porcupine was visiting and eating Whollybears walking stick that was leaning against the shelter. This AM 4 miles to Mad Tom and then off to do 17.5 this afternoon.The trail goes right thru some of the ski areas. Stratton and Bromley done. Killington and Pico to go.Met Forest, Fire and Mousehat. Vt is beautiful and truly the land of the Green. Green license plates, Green Mt Nat'l Forest, and a Green environment both environmentally and in beauty. Today's hike was rocky and muddy in spots and we went over a supension bridge, which swayed in the breeze. One person allowed at a time.Vt has the best privey's according to Skywalker.   At the end of the hike we drove north of Rutland to Christin and Brent's house. Christin is a friend of Righty's family and they opened their house to us. We finished off Lefty's birthday cake from a few days ago. So Lefty and Righty were together in spirit. Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Danby, VT

To: Upper Cold River Rd-Base of Killington
Miles today: 20.0

Up and at 'em - 6AM and on the road by 7am. Breakfast at McDonald's and they all took those apple pies to go! Great day with the weather cool in the high 60's with sun off and on. A delightful day to hike. Some up and downs, suspension bridge, thru pines, along a river with the trail high above, then down to ford it across stepping stones. Met Mad Hatter (AT '02 or '04) doing a trail magic lunch for some former boy scouts. He maintains a great site further along for trail magic. Also met Fish and Minnow, Fire, Forest and Mousehat. 20 miles today brings a big milestone of 500 miles to go! We drive back to Brent and Christin's for a barbeque feast of burgers, sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, lots of nibbles topped off with apple pie and Ben and Jerry's plus some good beer. We thank them over and over for the hospitality and putting up with all of us. Their house is way up on a mountain and they are carving a homestead for themselves. Brent decides to hike with us tomorrow and we all nickname him "Surfer Boy" and make up stories of his history on the trail. This will be his first VT winter! Forgot to mention that I brought Skywalker his 3rd pair of boots. This pair is LL Bean just like the first one's. Skywalker loves them and today challenged himself to a little jog along the trail and did 6 miles in 2 hours. Crazy man! Of course the blisters are still there but healing slowly. I think this will just be his burden for the rest of the trail. You should see Team Senile hobble around at the end of the day. They laugh at each other anyway.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Upper Cold River Rd-Base of Killington

To: Kent Pond, VT
Miles today: 16.3

Unusual to sleep in until 6:30. But there was Surfer Dude awake and ready ro go on his Virgin Hike. Stopped at the top of Rt 4 when Righty spotted an elder hiker she knew named Just John. How did you get here, she asked?Walked, he replied with a laugh. AM hike was a long one up Killington, around the lifts, nice view from the top and down by Pico Peak to meet Anne for lunch. Mad Hatter left great trail magic in the woods with a book to sign in. After lunch the Long Trail and the AT separate at the Maine Junction at Willard Gap. We returned to Christin and Brent's for another great meal. Pot Roast with all the fixings. Jericho gave Skywalker his first haircut in over 4 months. Jericho is a barber in real life. Thank you Chrisin and Brent for sharing your mountain home with us for 3 nights. Did I mention Christin is Righty's almost daughter.SO FOLKS THE PLAN IS TO CROSS INTO NH ON TUESDAY!!!!!!!!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Kent Pond, VT

To: Woodstock, VT
Miles today: 19.4

Rain began around 9AM and Anne quickly backtracked to the car. Forgot her raincoat and hat in the day pack. Then thought it would be easier to sit it out in Mt. Meadows Lodge and use their computer. I have been using computers in local libraries along the way. Left the Green Mt Natl'd Forest this PM. While waiting at the trailhead, I chatted with the Sequin Sisters (AT '05) They were returning to do trail magic and had to show me their dresses bought at a used clothes store on the trail which they wore for the rest of their hike. Glittery bright colors with sequins all over them. Wish I had seen them! Also met Brock and Kids Meal. Skywalker, Jericho and Righty were pretty wet when they showed up but feeling good about the miles. The weather was cool in the 60's so good hiking. They met Cat, Cud and Redcoat. We checked in to a motel in White River Junc as Woodstock is a bit pricey for us. Showers and out to a local restaurant for fish and chips that included one trip to the salad bar. I was first in line and got a modest salad and a plate of chips and salsa for the table. I turned around to see the 3 of them headed across the dining room with platters of salad piled 8" high with bunches of bread teetering on the top. Big grins on their faces ignoring the looks of patrons saying...they told us "one trip to the salad bar". I just shrugged and told the waitress they were hikers.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Woodstock, VT

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 14.0

Quichee Gorge for breakfast at the new Farmer's Diner. On the way, the debate was the best chips. It was agreed that Fritos had the most calories and the best salt and grease content. Did I mention that talk always comes back to food?   Drizzley start then cleared and the fog lifted. Lots of ups and downs. I hike into Thistle Shelter to check out the privey. It is shaped like a pagoda with screens to enjoy the view. Only problem is that if you are tall, pulling up your pants is giving the world a good view as well. My favorite part of the day was walking along the edge of a hay field with Monarch butterflies emerging and flying all over. It was spectacular!Crossed the White River and under RT 89. We then drive to Sally (Duston) and Dean Whitlock's house in Thetford, Vt to spend the night. Sally is part of Skywalkers adoptive US family that we love. A delightful dinner of chile, corn bread, salad, cake and ice cream eaten on their porch. We love VT!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-29
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover NH and beyond
Miles today: 10.0

An exciting and much anticipated day in store today!   After a big breakfast at Sally and Dean's..many thanks again you guys!... Skywalker, Righty and Jericho head out to cross into NH..Skywalker's home state. The weather is sprinkling but not enough to ruin the day. Dartmouth is in full swing of moving in day and there is music on the Green.Skywalker's sister, Trudy, Arne (nephew), Chris (Wife) and Kim's kids Marissa and Ben arrive with a full picnic lunch for all. Jericho goes off to meet a student from his hometown in Ohio. Mousehat and Forest come along and eat the left overs. We meet the famous Baltimore Jack, a legend on the trail. Says he has hiked it 8 times(?) We see lots of thru hikers hanging or passing through. The trail goes right across the CT River through Hanover Th end of slack packing and they load up their gear again stuffing any and all food they can squeeze. As I leave, Jericho is bartering Skywalker a big bag of Fritos for some PopTarts. Beware the White Mountains await!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Hanover NH and beyond

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

It was torture to carry those full packs again after slack packing. Camped out at Trapper John's a bit away from the shelter as there was a bunch of college students having a good time. 9pM is always considered the thru hikers midnight and these young people obviously weren't thru hikers! There was a gross dead rat in the only water supply! Skywalker wonders where the Dartmouth Outing Club is since it was really decomposing. Hike was good with nice scenery.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Glen Cliff, NH
Miles today: 26.7

Stayed in another shelter last night with Critter and Railroad. Long climb up Mt Cube and they were treated to a spectacular sight of a Bald Eagle flying close by. Skywalker said it was as though he was showing off for them. They watched in silence and all were impressed! Yesterday they saw a Peregrine Falcon up close and personal. Tonight they are staying at The Hikers Welcome Hostel. Which sounds quaint but is really primitive. The bunkhouse if full so they are camping in the yard but being charged the same price of $10. Go figure! We are watching the remnants of Ernesto and hoping the rain holds off for the climb up Moosilauke tomorrow. This will be the first Mt above the treeline and is noted to be slick in rain or ice. I will head North early AM to try and catch them for breakfast!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Glen Cliff, NH

To: Kinsman Notch - N. Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Note - Milage was 9.5 today but adjustment made to keep journal accurate.   I arrived at The Hikers Welcome Hostel about 8AM. I get the grand tour and greet all the hikers hanging aroud the common area checking out the weather reports. Kidsmeal shows me a digital photo of trail magic left for Skywalker the day before. Beth and Chris left a box of goodies but Skywalker passed 10-15 minutes earlier. Thanks anyway, guys!   Because of the iffy weather (remnants of Ernesto) and the fact I could slack pack them, the decision was made to go around Moosilauke and hike north to south and end up back at the Hostel for the night. Also it is easier to hike up than down in case of rain and the slick conditions. I hiked with Righty, Jericho and Skywalker for the first hr. It was strenuous uphill along a beautiful cascading waterfall. I was introduced to rebars which are metal bars drilled into the rocks to pull yourself up with or hang onto going down. It was a challenge trying to balance hiking poles at the same time. But they are in such good shape at this point, they fly right along. I, on the other hand, huff and puff and wonder what the hey I am doing trying to keep up! When I leave them to return to the car, I utilize my skiing skills and sidestep a lot and end up going backwards like down a ladder. BUT, I did not fall or slip. They had a great hike with wonderful views even though the wind was whipping and the temp was 40 degrees (without windchill) at the top. They hunkered down behind some rocks to eat their snacks. Meanwhile back at the Welcome Hostel I meet the caretaker, Phat Chap. A man who must love his people job of meeting assorted hikers of all kinds. I meet 3 Isreali's section hiking named Veg E, ET and YaYa. Also run into Fire, Mousehat, Hollywood, Montana, Hard Charger, Combat (SOBO) Slip and Slide.Out for Burger's and fries and enjoy a huge campfire out back of the hostel. It was a cool evening so it felt great. We leave all the young people and return to the tents for sleep. Yes, my first camping with Skywalker in his little tent The storm is predicted to dump a lot of rain during the night so a zero day is planned.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer'