morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Ashville Road, Near the Microwave Tower
Miles today: 20.0

A very heavy dew overnight and the morning temp was 53 and very nice throughout the day. It took a while to get into the groove and get the ankle moving with purpose. Lots of rocks and tough hiking. I moved along alright and was delighted to hit hwy 319 at lunchtime when I decided to check out lunch at the Blue Mountain Summit restaurant. I can report that the Black & Blue burger with beer battered fries was top notch-it was hard to get back to the Trail. I really enjoyed walking along the stone face and rock piles called The Knifes Edge along with the views. Richard & Ski-man were kind enough to bring fruit, shrimp and drinks at the end of the day. Ziplock regaled us with trail guitar and song through the night. 58 miles to the New Jersey state line...Dave I'm almost there.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Ashville Road, Near the Microwave Tower

To: Leroy Smith Shelter, Pa. (off trail at Wind Gap)
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wonderful cool day with temps between 65-70 perfect for hiking. We had a few fireworks go off around our camping area which started just after I got to sleep-oh the bombs bursting in air...The climb at Lehigh Gap was the days highlight climbing as it was a combination of stone mountain and boulders. Not as hard as first reported. The top ridge area was quite desolate and very moonscape-ish with most of the trees down and bleached white from the sun. Zip-lock and Nitro picked an entire bag of Blueberries and shared them with all of us at the ten mile break. Richard and Ski-man were there with cold drinks and a report of sleeping and diner options at Wind Gap. Four of us decided to stay in Wind Gap (in a fairly cheesy motel I might add) and all of us dined at the Gap Diner which was cheap and cheerful. Dave I'll make High Point on the 4th.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Leroy Smith Shelter, Pa. (off trail at Wind Gap)

To: Delaware Gap, PA
Miles today: 21.0

Finally made the 229 miles of Pennsylvania! What a tough state, but only 894 miles to go. Last day with the crew I've been with the last five days-Catchup and I set off on our own and made good time to the border. A beautiful crisp day with lots of nice sunshine. Really making good time and looking forward to some nice deli treats in New Jersey - which, BTW has the largest concentration of black bears in the USA.Orla I hope you had a good trip to France! I miss you all. Keep Orbis International in mind and tell a friend about what I am doing to help prevent blindness worldwide! MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Delaware Gap, PA

To: Blue Mt Road, NJ
Miles today: 18.0

The morning started by crossing the Delaware river via a bridge which was rocking from the traffic as Catchup, Spirit and I crossed into New Jersey. The rocks were waiting...The terrain was mild and we walked along some open ridges most of the day with good views. Spirit fell behind after a bit so Catchup and I stopped at mile ten to check the deli at the Mohican Outdoor Center. Bingo, I had the works. No sign of Spirit so we left a note and pushed on. My old shipmate Dave agreed to pick us up at 1630 and head to his house for R & R. Heehaw.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Delaware Gap, PA

To: High Point State Park, NJ
Miles today: 25.0

Happy 4th to all and warmest regards to Great Britain. Hit the trail a bit late as I sat up reminiscing with Dave and a few drams of Oban. Lovely temperature for most of the day and sadly the rocks are still living on the Trail in NJ. Catchup and I stopped at a road crossing and went to a Pub for lunch which consisted of a few tasty burgers. The afternoon was very dark and overcast and we knew rain was near. The last five miles saw the heavens open and dump rain. Thankfully we were headed to dinner and a warm shower at Dave and Liz's house. Thank you very much for taking in two very wet, tired and hungry hikers. zzzzz MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-05
From: High Point State Park

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 21.0

Dave was superb this morning as he got up and made Manning Breakfast muffins for Catchup and me. Dave then dropped us back to the Park and we proceeded north. For some reason both my knees were a bit swollen and sore. I was moving like a Pony Express rider after a hard days ride. But I kept at it and as the rocks started to finally recede I began moving better. At noon the rain began where it left off yesterday and came down in torrents. We closed in on a shelter and decided to take a break from the rain and eat lunch. Yes I had the left over pasta from last night and was loving life, until I had to get back up (I'm currently sitting with ice packs on both knees-boo hoo). At the 20 mile mark we went to Heaven Hill where I had a black raspberry milkshake, two peanut butter cookies, one vitamin water and a regular coke. Now for dinner.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Orbis Hqs in Manhattan, NY
Miles today: 0.0

What a wonderful day off the trail. Dave took me to the Port Jervis train station so I could head to Penn station in NYC to visit Orbis Hqs. I felt a bit like Country Mouse going to the city. (Liz had taken me the afternoon before to her sister's house to try on some of her brother-in-law's clothes to look presentable). The trip was a bit long, but a breeze as Orbis was just a few blocks from Penn station. I met Chris and a few others at reception and was put into an office for a few minutes to chill. The entire staff of about 30-40 was assembled in the conference room with See Mike Hike t-shirts and hats--I was completely blown away by the welcome (thank you). I was asked to regal the group with a summary of three months on the trail followed by a question and answer period. The best question was how did the Trail change me. I answered after a bit of contemplation with, "I've regained my sense of wonder and my smile", not to mention the physical loss of 30 pounds and an iron body. After a few pictures and introductions I left with a fantastic group of staffers (John, Kate, Jenn, Jacki, Delores, Ming, Cindy and FRANK!!) to hit the town and go to the "House that Ruth Built" in the Bronx. Yep, Yankee stadium. The Yanks have suffered this year and it was a thrill for a fundamentalist Red Sox fan to visit our favorite rivals for a chance to see them get beat by the LA Angels. I had a great time, good game with lots of hits and great plays. Yanks won and A-Rod tied Lou Gehrig for all-time home runs. I stayed at the New Yorker hotel and took the morning train back to Port Jervis. Dave picked me up and offered to slack pack me through New York, luck is still holding. Gotta catch Catchup.Thanks to all the good folks at Orbis for your hard work and dedication and looking after a shell shocked AT hiker in the Big Apple!!
Date: 2007-07-08
From: NY 17

To: 17/Arden, NY
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: few clouds

Started out with a bear in my sights in the first ten minutes. About 50 feet away, good sized mature female. I watched her for a few seconds and reached for my camera- crap, I still had on the long exposure from the game- she gives me a few snorts and guttural noises and starts moving up the rocky out-crop. I captured two very blurry images, maybe I can pawn them off as pics of Mrs. Bigfoot. Otherwise the morning was pleasant if not a bit more challenging than normal. The rocks were popping up with alarming frequency as were the ups. I crossed into NY just before lunch time which was easy to spot as some good soul spray painted the state line on the rocks. The Trail was heating up as the temp quickly jumped from nice to almost too warm, then down right hot. Today I encountered more thru- hikers than ever before, 21 all told. I knew about half and they were all quite surprised to see me as I had previously past them. I told those who asked that I had taken two days off to go to Manhatten to Orbis Hq, etc. The buzz on the Trail was getting to Bellvale for ice cream, which was a mere .2 miles off the AT, plus they let hikers fill up on water. BTW water on the Trail is getting worryingly scarce. The ice cream stop was mile 17 for me and I arrived at 1330, very hot and almost out of h2o. I got a large ice cold black raspberry shake, which was quite good-and resisted getting second-replenished my water and returned hiking. Then it got damn hot, 95 by my watch (which is on my pack waist-belt) and very up and downish. The last nine miles took me an hour longer than the first 17. Today was the hardest I've had on the AT, so far...zzzzzzzzzMikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-09
From: 17/Arden, NY

To: Peekskill, NY
Miles today: 24.0

Tough to get going this morning. Nowhere near as tough as yesterday. Hit the lowest point on the AT just after Bear Mt., a mere 124 ft above sea level. It got hot & humid today and well over 90 and humid. Surprise, surprise there are rattlesnakes in NY. I had crossed the Bear Mt Bridge and spent a scary half mile or so walking down US 9 and up a bit of the Trail called Camp Smith when I heard the tell tale rattle to my right. Well there were some low bushes and I did not ever break stride as I peered at the snake. It was not coiled but head was up and ready to strike I said out loud &&*^%$$#@@, you are not even worth a picture today--it's too hot. zzzzzzMikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Poughquag, NY

To: Off the Trail at Bull's Bridge, CT
Miles today: 18.0

Said goodbye to Liz and Dave, thank you so very much for taking me in, I think I even put on some weight! You have truly earned your Trail Angel wings! The day started well enough and I got my motor on, but my feet have been hurting of late as if the arches have fallen. So I left the Trail a bit early and went to the post office in Kent to get my boots that I broke in in March. So this makes a third change and hopefully the feet will feel better. Met up with Catchup, Richard, Skiman and a new couple CNN (for Charles and Nancy) in Kent and we are currently at a campground being deluged with some long needed rain.It is actually pooled up around my tent and I hope there are no small holes in the bottom of it. Trail Magic was top notch today from Mac & Cheese, thanks!zzzzzzMikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Off the Trail at Bull's Bridge, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 19.0

Beautiful, clear, crisp New England morning after last night's much needed rain. It really cleared the air and made for a glorious day of hiking. I am in the land of Ock. We are camped right on the Housatonic River and it was fantastic to bathe and wash clothes in. The hike today was quite easy and short (ish) to give the feet, legs and body a break. We (Catchup, the newly named Cargo Master {Richard}, Skiman & CNN) are cooking out at the campsite the full American--hot dogs & hamburgers. Miss you all. Only 711 miles to go...MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Good morning, very cool in the low 50's. Camp breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon before setting off was very nice, thanks to Catchup & Cargomaster. We set off as a group again and enjoyed the day of fairly easy terrain and views. My feet are starting to feel better and I'm getting used to the mileage again. We should cross into Massachusetts tomorrow by mid-morning--making that state number 11--only three left, three tough ones. Went under 700 miles today, only 689 to go.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Sheffield, MA {US 7}
Miles today: 21.0

Nice cool morning with bright sunshine. Three good climbs for the day. We started at 720 ft and climbed Bear Mt. (@ 2316 ft.) which was the highest for sometime. Soon afterwards we crossed into Massachusetts with lots of up and downs and water-hooray. Race Mt. was next @ 2365 ft. and it offered splendid views. Then on to Mt. Everett (2602ft) after lunch which was ok, but the heat notched up a bit and the down was killer with lots of rocks. Good day overall, heat was a bit of a problem, but on the bright side my feet are feeling better by the mile.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Sheffield, MA {US 7}

To: October Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Cargoman headed home today after taking care of five hikers for a week--many thanks! Nice cool day after last nights rain storms. Climbing was reasonably easy with a few tough ups and moderate downs. The camp tonight is very buggy, so I put on the bug dope and started a fire. I almost decided to leave the Trail last night after speaking to my wife who is having a very unfair and difficult time with our two sons. Caitriona implored me to finish the journey and deal with the boys later. I will carry on for now, boys get your act together. Only 631 miles left...
Date: 2007-07-17
From: October Mountain Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 21.5

Beautiful day with perfect temperatures. Still hiking with Catchup & Skiman. We stopped at "The Cookie Lady's" house and was greeted by her husband Roy and a basketful of cookies. Skiman asked Roy about the airplane on his mailbox and they hit if off (Skiman is a retired Col., USAF fighter jock). So Roy takes us over to see his hanger, grass runway and a 1949 Piper four seater in pretty good condition.Not to mention the huge blueberry shrubs--wow. I forgot to mention that on Sunday I got stung on the left bicep by what can only be described as an African/Amazon hybrid yellow jacket type bee. It hurt and put a welt on my arm that is yet to go away. Why mention it today? Because his brother got me on the right shin today and it is swollen like nobody's business. We had lunch and a resupply in Dalton. Thanks, I got the package, Mark!Chris, I sent a memory card with more pictures today, hope you got that card reader fixed. Off to sleep...I miss you all.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Cheshire, MA

To: North Adams/Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 15.0

Slept on the floor in the hall of St. Mary's church in Cheshire, MA last night, which was very nice especially to get away from the bugs and rain. Woke up to a steady cool rain that followed us all the way up as we climbed Mt. Greylock. Very slow going up and no views. The summit was so socked in we could barely see the tower at the summit. Catchup, Skiman and I sought refuge in the old ski warming lodge and ate lunch. The decent was very slow and slippery and wore me out. Upon arrival to Mass 2/North Adams I took the left turn into town for a rest of the knees. Now that leaves 596 miles to go to summit Katahdin.Mike
Date: 2007-07-19
From: North Adams/Williamstown, MA

To: Harmon Hill
Miles today: 17.0

Crossed into Vermont--heehaw! Also started 105 miles of the Long Trail (America's first long distance hiking trail at 275 miles) that runs concurrent with the AT. This also marks the start of Moose country. Lots of rain and the tread way is mostly ankle deep mud now and it makes for slow going. Not many views sadly. I am missing the sun, but enjoying moonlight in Vermont...
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Harmon Hill

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Lots of rocks and mud today. Very slow going but moving out anyway.Met my first southbounder, a woman and her dog, going by Lady and the Tramp--good luck! Caught back up with Catchup and Skiman and they are in fine fettle. The sun was in and out making for a cool day with some rain. As I was eating dinner the temp dropped fairly quickly which left me cold in my bag for sometime. It's raining now and the Red Sox are losing to the White Sox... Went past 1,600 miles today, leaving only 558 miles to go ...
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: VT 11&30
Miles today: 21.0

The morning was a bit cool after last night's rain. Climbed Stratton mountain (3,936) and had fantastic 360 degree views from the fire tower. Catchup and Skiman went swimming in Stratton Pond, which looked wonderful, but I was not in a swimming mood. I came off the Trail to a five mile hitch, to go to the Mountain Goat Outfitter for a mail drop from Mike J. Unfortunately it did not arrive. It was late so I decided to stay just outside Manchester as it was completely booked up due to a horse and car show. Ironically the couple in the room next to me at the Chalet motel are from Rhode Island and in town for the car show. Richard & Mary have a 1970 AMC Rebel in red (it's hers actually), one of only a handful apparently in the US. So I decided to go to the car show for a day of recreation.My brother Mark has some friends with a house in New Hampshire right near the Trail and they are gonna meet me there in two weeks time for some culinary delights at Crawford Notch, oh yeah!!!!Only 537 miles to go...
Date: 2007-07-23
From: VT 11&30

To: Minerva Hincey Shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cool day, moved like a machine. Almost got to 30 again. Light rain in the afternoon and overcast. I'm fairly certain it will rain some more. 508 miles to go. zzzzzMikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Minerva Hincey Shelter

To: US4 / Rutland
Miles today: 20.0

Good day out in the Green mountains. Great hiking temperatures and terrain. I kinda beat the body up yesterday and punished the chassis. I also somehow injured the left instep of my foot and it banged on all day like a bass drum. Climbing Killington today was no sweat, but a bit disappointing with no views and the treadway was not that nice. I came to US 4 and hooked a right up the highway .9 miles to the Long Trail Inn. While .9 doesn't seem all that much it was all uphill, but worth the trek. Great staff consisting of Oke at the reception desk and Owen behind the bar. I also reunited with Catchup, Skiman and Cargomaster for dinner, which I indulged in bangers & mash plus a pastrami sandwich and some golden necter--the long anticipated Long Trail Ale. Very little wildlife visible today and no Moose sightings yet. Thanks for all the continued support and I hope to see all your names on the pledge list. Less than 500 miles to go, yep only 488 remaining...zzzzzzz
Date: 2007-07-25
From: US4 / Rutland

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Tougher than expected miles today and a bit hot. I was sweating like a steam engine. Many ups today with few views and other than birds no animals. It is 26 miles to Hanover and 468 to Katahdin...MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Plainfield, NH (off the Trail at Norwich, VT/US 5)
Miles today: 21.0

I made the mistake of sleeping in the shelter last night with an Olympic snoring champion. I arrived late to the shelter area and all the decent tenting areas were taken and only two hikers were in the shelter so I said I'd give it another try--NEVER again. Today was cell phone day as I received calls from many parts of the planet. My old friend Will Ludt called to check out my progress and invite me to visit in Amherst, NH once they return from Maine in a weeks time. A work colleague and walking partner, Kat Cassedy, home in NH on vacation, called to check my location and threatened to join me for a few miles on the Trail. {Remember Kat walked many rehab miles with me in the UK following my knee surgery.} She also invited me to the family ranch near Hanover for LOBSTER, beer and a shower plus a chance to meet the family, so I agreed. Next on the call list was an emerging opportunity for my 15yo son Darren to come join me on the Trail for the last 400 or so miles. Many back and forth calls between my wife in the UK, my brother in Boston and my sister in RI. This might just work. Man was it hot and humid today!
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Plainfield, NH (off the Trail at Norwich, VT/US 5)

To: Near 3-Mile Road
Miles today: 6.0

Great visit at the Cassedy home with Kat's mother Mary, sister Margaret and two nephews Carlton & David-thanks for having me. Crossed the Connecticut River into New Hampshire today-wow. Kat is out on the Trail, making her the first of all my friends and family who said they would walk with me, to actually do it. We got a late and lazy start to the day getting her ready for the Trail. I must say even though she is quite determined she will find much like when I started back in Georgia, the climbs and weather will & are kicking her butt. Kat is purple in the face with exertion and sweat still, almost two hours after stopping. I feared today would be a low mileage day and it was. Got conformation from my wife Caitriona that Darren is indeed coming to meet me on the Trail for the rest of my journey. Not next Saturday the 5th of August (as I had planned to meet at Crawford Notch) but this coming Saturday 28 July. Hakuna matata-no worries. All pick up and drop off arrangements have been made. My good friend Todd (Ock) Sears stepped in and provided Darren with all manner of hiking equipment-thanks my man. My good buddy Ronnie G. is to take Darren to London to catch his flight-again mucho thanko bro. My sister Jennifer is collecting Darren from the airport and keeping him for a few days to acclimatize. Maybe this period of observing Kat will help me with Darren...
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Near 3-Mile Road

To: Smarts Mountain Tentsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Very hot and slow going today. Kat is keeping a smile on but struggling. She has hot spots on her feet and possibly permanent purple on her checks.A light rain made the day a bit more pleasant but we need a real solid shower for a few hours to really cool things down. Darren should arrive to Logan airport in Boston later tonight. Only 418 to go...
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Smarts Mountain Tentsite

To: Guest Blog
Miles today: 0.0

Guest log: From my friend Kat Cassedy who walked a bit of the AT with me from Fri-Sun and left the Trail at Wentworth, NH.************************************I had hatched in my mind for some time the thought that my vacation to visit my family in NH might coincide with when Mike (or rather, Rain Check) would be coming through the same area on the AT. Growing up there, I had been aware of it since I was a kid, but I had only walked a small section of it up in NH's White Mountains.   For this opportunity I got my brother to loan me some hiking gear, lugged my own hiking boots with me from England (took up 1/2 a suitcase), and tracked Rain Check down and asked if he could live with a much slower pacefor a few days in return for some company from a familiar face. He agreed, especially with the lure of a lobster dinner break with my family to kick it off!I drove out to pick Mike up to bring him to the house, and frankly, I nearly drove straight past him! I've only known Mike in "civilized" mode ... short hair, well-groomed, clean-shaven, and, well, not entirely skinny.   The guystanding where we agreed to meet had a bushy beard and mustache, longish hair that looked like it could use a wash and a comb, and he looked inserious need of a good meal! I hesitantly rolled down the window and said, "Mike...?" "Hey, Kat!"   Good grief! I swear if I hadn't been looking for himin that spot, I probably could have driven right past and not known him.So, Friday I hit the trail with this new guy, RainCheck, and spent the next couple days hiking him with on the mountains and ridges I had seen all my growing years but never walked. On the first incline we hit, I wasn't half way up before I was wondering if this had been such a good idea! But I wasdetermined to "cowboy up" and not whine about it.   I am so glad I went, even though it was only a few days. It was lovely and cool and green in the woods, and you could get away for a while from cars and dogs and voices andelectronics and the hecticness of daily life. I quickly learned that if I wanted to look around, I needed to stop moving, or a root or rock would send me reeling. I learned to think about constantly looking for water sources.And I got over quickly the embarrassment of answering the call of nature, well, in the wild. And when you're out of breath climbing a hill, try not talking ... it works wonders. And finally, I learned that if you slow down to help a friend when they're not in peak form, they will slow down for you when the balance swings the other way.Thanks for slowing down a little for me, RainCheck! Fair winds and following seas...