morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Bear Mountain

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 7.1

At Graymoor Friary, in a tent, 7.1 milesWell first things first. we did find a tent spot at old Ft. Montgomery at the site of the largest battery. We did have other guests at this beautiful site overlooking the Hudson River. Both Medicine Man and Hall were at the same site. As we returned there after 8 last night [from a great prime rib supper], we saw up on one of the hills a gentleman entirely dressed in camo and using a metal detector to find artifacts. Just a bit illegal and he said he had already found a cannon buried straight up and down. He had marked the spot as all he had with him was a trowel. Had one of our better sleeps as the trains roared by underneath us [there was actually a tunnel below us].We are tonight guests of the Franciscan Friars of Graymoor who are treating us to supper in their dining hall. They have been taking in hikers since 1972.It was quite a meal. We were waited on by the homeless men of St. Christophers who can spend up to 21 days here per year. Staying with us tonight are Medicine Man, Hall, Nick and Bank Robber, who actually stayed behind for confession. I do believe we will all be tenting.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Shanandoah Tenting area
Miles today: 17.6

At Shanandoah Tenting area, tenting, 17.6 milesA pretty good day. Up and out by 6:45. Temp in the low 70's and sunny. We met a couple of SoBos today who warned us about a distinct lack of water further ahead. We filled up every chance. We had breakfast at a spot that had a tap, as that is one of the two meals that require water. We checked the handbook and found that we could get a shower and there was a canteen and water at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. So when we hit NY301 we tried hitching down the road a mile. After 15 minutes we gave up and walked. Of course the canteen etc. was another mile past the office but well worth it. A free hot shower, and a snack shack that had a nice grilled chicken burger with fries and drink.We managed to "yogi" a lift back the office so only had to walk half way back before we got back on the AT.We must have crossed at least 25 stone walls. Most were 4' to 6' across at the bottom and about 4' or 5'tall. The smallest stones would have been at least 50#. These I am guessing would have been gathered and put to one side when clearing fields in the old days.Today, we jumped over 1400 official miles and in 30 miles will be into Connecticut.Because of the very heavy dew last night when we stopped for breakfast, we aired out the ground sheet and tent and now have the Thermarests and sleeping bags out being aired.With us tonight at this tent site are Nick and a couple of girls who arrived at 9:00 pm and are SoBos.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Shanandoah Tenting area

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

In Telephone Pioneers Shelter, 17.1 milesStarted out very slow and tiring. We walking beside but a mile and half away and 1000' above the I84. All we could hear were truck and car noises - no birds, or the wind through the trees, just vehicular noise pullution.A great day, other than that, had breakfast of a bacon and egg and ham and cheese burger and coffee at 10 am and followed that with a large pizza at 11 when the pizza joint next door opened. Then at 4:30 we followed the advice of the SoBos [thru-hikers, left May 27th, Bojangles and Wheel. First we've seen] and turned right at the next road and walked .2 miles to an old converted school bus and had a couple of hot dogs fully dressed and a couple of sodas. She also filled up our water bottles for us. So three meals on the trail and we didn't have to cook one.Temp stayed today in the 70's and a bit of a breeze with a rain early this am then it just sort of threatened for the rest of the day. We have gone 7.6 miles past Morgan Stewart Shelter and that is where Deja Vu and Songbird spent last night. We might just catch up to them in the next few days if they slow at all.We have passed Whispering Leaves and her husband, who are using 2 vehicles and hiking south every day almost the same route we are going but backwards but then getting in their car, driving to the end of our next days hike and that morning hiking back again to where we started from. So is that clear? Okay instead of a to b, b to c, c to d, d to e, etc. they do b to a, c to b, d to c, e to d etc. Don't have to carry a pack, but have two vehicles to move about.Finally talked to the Sungod at home today. He is going to come down later in July and would to hike with us for a couple of days. It is pretty hard to guess where you will be in 2 or 3 days days, 8 or 9 is almost impossible. We'll call him on the day before and let him know where we will be the following day. With us tonight in the shelter are Nick and JuniataThe Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: 10 mile River Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0

At 10 mile River Lean-to, in a tent, 13.0 milesHey, we are in Connecticut, So let's see. That's 1 Georgia, 2 North Carolina, 3 Tennessee, 4 Virginia, 5 West Virginia, 6 Maryland, 7 Pennsylvania, 8 New Jersey, 9 New York finished 9 states down, 5 to go.A very warm day. We had a breakfast egg, cheese, bacon, bagel thingie with coffee on NY22. Then as we returned to the trail, we were hailed by Carolina Cruiser who is doing a documentary on the trail and he needed two professional actors, he couldn't find them, so he asked us if we would just retrace our steps out of the woods up to the Appalachian Trail Train Station where you can get a train into New York City. Heck seasoned thru-hikers could do that and only 2 takes.We had been told that there were lots of farmers' fields that we would pass through on this trek but up untill today we probably only had about 10 or 12 miles of them. Well today we added about 3 more. The cows seem to not be bothered by stinky hikers walking by.Do you remember those huge Boston ferns that your grandmother had in her living room? Well they grow wild around here and they sure are a dense dark green.We caught up to Raincrow today.We were actually going to go a bit farther today but the ridge runners are real sticky about tenting anywhere but in one of the designated spots. The next "legal" spot is 6 miles away and we thought that might make for a long day. When we arrived at this shelter, there was a family from California enjoying the sunshine. We probably talked for more than half an hour before they had to move on. They just wanted to see what the AT was really like and what one of the shelter/lean-tos looked like. We let them know what a couple of thru-hikers smelled like.Joining us tonight are Torty [Connecticut tortoise] and her dog, Georgia, also tenting [bugs]The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-18
From: 10 mile River Lean-to

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

In Stewart Hollow Shelter, 15.8 miles.I better start with the fireflies, as it is dark outside and for the last 3 or 4 nights, they have put on quite a show. Last night one got caught between the tent and the fly and we watched him put on his little light every 30 secs or so s he slowly moved neared the door and freedom.A good day in spite of the thunder storms that played with us all day. We made it into Kent and had a shower [solar, euphanism for no hot water] and did laundry at the same time. First time in a couple of weeks that we have been clean and our clothes at the same time.Of course we tried the local eatery for a cheeseburger and it was pretty tasty.After an hour on the phone with Canon, trying to chase the status of my camera, we got absolutely nowhere. I don't think anyone has heard of the word "service" any more. You know the line "Your call is very important to us. All our representatives are busy but leave your number and we will call you back." How do they call me back when I am at a pay phone that doesn't take incoming calls?With us tonight are Juniata, Bear Bag, Nick and Neil.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Stewart Hollow Shelter

To: Sharon Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

At Sharon Mtn Campsite, in a tent, 12.4 miles.Another great day on the AT.We made it into Cornwall Bridge for our food drop by 9am. Now this is a small town described by "Wingfoot", the author of the handbook as "another upscale locale with surrounding area populated by the rich and occasionally famous". We were more than pleasantly surprised. As soon as you cross the bridge into town, there is first - The Package Store, a sort of liquor store that allows hikers to fill their water bottles at the outside tap. When you go in to sign their thru-hiker register, you are offered your choice of a soda or one of their 99 choices of beer [free]. The next building is the Post Office, then the Outfitter. Across the street is Bairds General Store - good for short and long term food supply that has a deli and serves breakfast and coffee. Well we had breakfast, eggs, saugage, home fries, whole wheat toast, and coffee. Of course breakfast wouldn't be complete without the New York Times and the local guys sitting the deck with us.I would say all in all a pretty good morning.We were back on the trail and made this site by 5:45. After setting our stuff out to air, we headed for the view point. We passed a rattlesnake that was at least 4' long and not in good humour. He was shaking that tail and quite angry.Sharing our site with us tonight are a couple from Mass doing an 8 day hike, Nick, and a group of about 4 including scouts and a leader.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger.
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Sharon Mtn Campsite

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

At Plateau Campsite, In a tent, 14.2 miles.Pretty good day. hot in the 80's and sunny. Had a pretty good albeit expensive breakfast at Mountainside Restaurant on Rt 7 at about 9:30, then a great swim and chance to bathe at the falls just above the power plant. We slipped into Salisbury for supper but there were no restaurants, just "dining rooms" so we got a sandwich from the deli at the grocery store and an ice cream fro Bev's. By the time we left town there was no way we could go 4 more miles so we are set up here just outside of town.Spent most of the day hiking with Juniata and Nick but they have continued on the next shelter.Staying with us tonight are a couple of section hikers from N. Carolina going from Lee Mass to Kent Conn.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Plateau Campsite

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

In Glen Brook Shelter, 13.3 miles.A beautiful day, temp in the low 70's, a bit of breeze all day.When we stopped at Riga Lean-to for breakfast, we caught up to Mr Ed and Juniata. At Brassie Brook Lean-to, we stopped for a break and "trail magic". Disco Dan, class of 2001, had left sodas and bars.We crossed the Conn-Mass border sometime in the morning, so now we have only 4 states to go.After lunching on top of Race Mtn, we enjoyed the sun and breezes for about an hour. We had a good view of the valley below and watched the vultures do their "float in the thermals" thing.Oh, we have now have less than 700 miles to go.Joining us tonight are Smokey and Cephul [?] SoBos #6 and 7. They left Katahdin on May24th.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

At Tom Leonard Shelter, in a tent[bugs], 14.3 milesWe woke up to hard rain, so sort of lay back and enjoyed the rain beating on the roof. It stopped at about 6:30, so we started to pack and get on our way. we were out and moving by 7:20, stopping to say "thanks" to Mike, one of the trail maintainers.We stopped into So. Egremont for a meal. Scrounger had French Toast and I had a cheeseburger. Spent more than an hour trying to chase down my camera, with no success. Finally we got back to the trail by shortly after noon. Tough hitching in New England.We stopped a couple of hours later for some ice cream, before the rains returned in force. It probably rained hard for about 3/4 of an hour but we had on our frogg toggs and pack covers, so it wasn't that bad.Today we didn't pass or see another hiker.When we finally arrived at the shelter, ther were 3 SoBos here ahead of us, Dixie Bound, Nana Wolf, and B.S. Just as we were settling down Neil has showed up.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Tentsite
Miles today: 11.2

At Shaker Tentsite, In a tent, 11.2 milesAnother great day. When we exited the woods onto MA23, there was our old buddy, Sun God. After apologies for being 3 minutes late, he told us that just down the road 3 miles were both a Mickey D's and a Friendly's. We decided on the Friendly's. After a good breakfast and coffee and the paper, we headed back to the trail. We had sort of planned an easy day of 10 miles with Sun God and he was up to the task. We had a few nice breaks and still made this tentsite by 5:00.It was a very wet night and still raining when we broke camp, but we knew we had to meet the Sun God.Yesterday and today, because of the rain, we have seen lots of the little orange efts on the trail. We hadn't seen them since back in Tennessee.We are over 1500 miles now, so we are moving slowly but steadily on to Maine.It has been nice to hike with someone from home and find out all the news.We are sitting here getting eaten alive waiting for our tent to dry, so we can crawl in and get some peace.An nteresting question was asked of me yesterday by the lady running the antique store where we bought our ice cream. "So just how do you find out the weather out on the trail?" My answer, "What does it matter? If it rains you put on a rain jacket. When it stops you take it off."With us tonight is Neil, the young native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and Sparkling Brook.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Shaker Tentsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

In Upper Goose Pond Cabin, 10.0 milesAnother great day on the AT. After 2 miles the Sun God left us to try and hitch a ride back to his car. We continued on to the next road where we decided to hitch into Tyringham to resupply with Pop tarts and bagels. After 15 unsuccessful minutes of hitching we were just getting ready to hide the packs and walk into town when not one, but two cars stop to pick us up. Imagine our surprise when we realize that the Sun God is driving the second car. Well into town for breakfast and to resupply. Slight problem, Tyringham has nothing but a post office - no restaurant, no grocery store, so we had to go to Lee about 6 or 7 miles away.When we made it back to the trail, there was a couple there waiting in their car with trail magic. As soon as we got out of the car, they approached us and said "Grayhounds?" Imagine our surprise. Kemo Sabe and Mother Hen had been following our Trail Journals and wanted to meet us. After lemonade and sweet buns, we sure were ready to get back hiking. As we head back to the trail, Gater was coming out of the woods, so he looked at us and said "The Grayhounds, or at least 2/3 of them?" which is how we sign the shelter registers. We had never even met him.We left and made it to this cabin by 3:00. So we have been swimming and canoeing and washing up.This cabin is owned and maintained by the AMC with a caretaker.Here tonight with us are Sparkling Brook, Gazer, Big Red, Tadpole, Strappy, Hover, Wally Gater, and Light Bright, a young med student [Yale] who will be completing the trail in 2 days. She actually hiked from Katahdin to Mass last year and started in Springer this April 15th.The Graayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

In Kay Wood Shelter, 17.6 miles.Another great day on the trail. We had trail magic at the "Cookie Lady's" house. She supplies cookies and water to all the thru-hikers who pass by and if you want to pick blueberries in their field, you may. They were the size of marbles. Never have I seen blueberries that big.We took our time today as it was the first big day in a while. We have only 3 miles to go to get into Dalton tomorrow am. Laundry, food drop, e-mail maybe even a shower and of course at least one town meal.At the shelter tonight with us are Wally Gator, Eucher, Light Bright, and a South African gentleman whose name I haven't gotten yet but I will.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church Hostel
Miles today: 12.3

In the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church Hostel [?] in Cheshire, 12.3 milesAnother one of the great days on the trail. Temp in the high 70's and a nice breeze. We made it into Dalton for our food drop by 8:30. Wow, 3 extra parcels, a bag of dried cranberries from Sue and Robert in Montreal, a Fathers Day gift from Scroungers daughter and some licorice, gum and homemade nuts and bolts from my sister in Winnipeg. A good day of nibblies. Thank you for thinking of us. Had breakfast, did our laundry, visited the library for internet use and were lazily on our way by 1:30. We got a couple of lifts in town from locals which always makes it easier.It was Tadpole's 24th birthday and I think she and Big Red, Hover, and Strappy were going to stay in town and do a zero day.We are staying in a beautiful church hall which at the present time we have all to ourselves. We checked out the local restaurants and one opens at 0600 for breakfast so we will do that before tackling Mt. Greylock, Mass's highest peak at 3491', so we have a climb of about 2500' first thing in the morning, which is way better than last thing in the day.The Grayhounds
Date: 2003-07-27
From: St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church Hostel

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

At Sherman Brook Campsite, in a tent, 15.6 milesNow this was a day. It started with a breakfast at a restaurant and then an 8 mile climb up to Mt Greylock. We made it in a little over 4 hours counting breaks. We had a nice long 2 1/2 break at the top talking to a couple from Framingham, having a couple of ice creams and a cheesburger and talking to home.Of course after an up you get a ......down and I do mean down. My ears popped because of the sudden change in elevation. We came out to MA2 and decided to do the Chinese buffet thingie.It was only .9 mles off the trail but we hitched and it was the 3rd or 4th car that picked us up and took us there and the 2nd guy coming back so we wasted no time.As a result, we only got to this site at a little after 7 but with a very full stomach.I have no idea who all is at this site as it is so spread out but right next to us is Maineiac.Oh and just a little trail magic as we headed back into the woods at 6:45, there in the stream were sodas and it was a nice treat when we finally got to camp.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

At Melville Nauheim Shelter, in a tent, 18.4 milesStarting out we crossed the Mass-Vermont border. Another state done and only 3 to go. We have now less than 600 miles to finish.We had breakfast at the Seth Warner Shelter and met a couple from Texas doing the Vermont New Hampshire part of the trail. We got to the congdon Shelter by about 3 so decided to go 7.9 more to this shelter.The trail dropped about 1000' to Vermont Rt 9 and then immediately went back up the 1000' to this shelter. It was a tough way to finish the day.We have seen more mud today than the last 4 states together.We passed 4 more SoBos today and the last one was named Gimpy. I think that makes about 16 or 17 that have gone by us.We also haven't seen any vultures for last few days so I suspect we have moved north of their range (editors note -> or you are looking stronger than in weeks past...).There are many more hikers now as we have joined up with the Long Trail in Vermont and will following it for the next 97 miles. It is about 280 miles long and goes from the Vermont-Mass border to the Vermont-Canada border. alot of people try this one before doing the much longer AT.Staying at the shalter tonight are Gazer and Grizzly and a host of Long Trail hikers [at least 6 or 8]The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

At Story Spring Shelter, in a tent, 17.4 miles.Another great day on the AT. We met lots of hikers doing the Long Trail. It was one of those days with the temp in the 70's and a bit of a breeze. We had some good vistas and here they encourage you to climb the fire towers. What a view. We could see where we had come from and also where we were going.You can tell you are in the north country because now we have seen moose droppings.At this site tonight are 8 Long Trail hikers all travelling North. They all started about 3 days ago and have that Joie de Vivre of new hikers.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: William B. Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

In William B. Douglas Shelter, in a tent, 15.3 milesA beautiful day, high 70's. We were up and on our way before 7am. A 3 1/2 mile warm up before we started up Stratton Mtn., then a 1700' climb in less than 4 miles. We actually made it to the top averaging less than 30 minute miles. Another fire tower that actually welcomes you to climb it and the views were incredible. We then started a 1500' descent to Stratton Pond. There we enjoyed lunch and a bath and a swim and a 2 hour break in the sun.It was hard to get moving after this wonderful break but we finally started to this shelter.Now we have seen not only moose droppings but moose tracks [not the ice cream variety either].We were entertained at supper by a couple of hummingbirds feeding on the orange flowers out front and now a robin has nestled into the edge of the bushes. Tomorrow into town and a food drop and the grocery store and the outfitter for fuel and oh just maybe a meal or two at a restaurant.As we are half a mile off the trail at this shelter we don't expect to see anyone else here. It is a very old shelter and only gets used if you don't mind the extra mile trip total to use it.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-31
From: William B. Douglas Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

At Peru Peak Shelter, in a tent, 15.6 miles.Up and out of the the shelter by 6:15 as we knew it was going to be tough day -in and out town and 15 miles.We made it into town and had our postal drop by 10. Breakfast and off to the outfitters [which didn't have any water bags] so off to other outfitters which did, then groceries and pizza for lunch. Of course somewhere in here I spent another fun hour trying to find my camera which neither Canon or the US Postal Service can find.Back on the trail by 2:00 with an 1500' climp up to the top of Bromley Mtn.On the way up we passed a group of about 12 people working on making a new spring and trail and shelter. They were actually breaking up rocks with sledge hammer. Hard work in heat. The effort of so many people goes into making this trail.There is a warming hut up there that they leave open for thru-hikers. It was really quite nice but we had to move on. Beautiful views all around. Of course every up has its down, but supper was to be a bit different. We reached this shelter at 7:30 and we were beat up. Supper - hot dogs and mac and cheese. It really was a nice treat from what we have been eating.Because of the bugs, we tented.Staying in the shelter were 2 SoBos and one NoBo, Caddis, who had just got back on the trail after taking a month off.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger