morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-05
From: High Point shelter

To: campsite on Wawayanda Mtn
Miles today: 20.5

I got up at 6:00, but didn't leave the shelter until 7:25. Two hikers that were tenting came up and got their food out of the bear box and slammed the metal door. Ugghh! No sleeping in.   I hiked 7 miles and went in to Unionville, NY, which is just over the NJ line a half mile off the trail. I picked up my maildrop and bounced part of it three to four days ahead. That was so I wouldn't have to carry so much food, and therefore weight. I ate across the street at Annabel's Pizza. Had chicken wings and a ceasar salad. Saw Treebeard there, and gave him the rest of my salad   Swampy terrain for the most part today. And the mosquitoes were terrible. Another point to potential thru-hikers. The bugs will drive you insane! They will eat on you! They will cause you to fall down while fighting them off. They will own you!! And finally, they will win! Make sure you can deal with that. And that you budget at least a thousand dollars for bug spray! I have had hikers tell me they would never use deet, then a few weeks later they have recanted that nonsense!      This afternoon I had a long one mile boardwalk, and a suspension bridge over a creek. Then more bog bridges.   Get to NJ 94, and walked a couple hundred yards to Heaven Hill Farms. I got a big slice of watermelon, a pint of strawberries, a blueberry muffin (they have a bakery also), and a coke.   Then made a 1000' climb up Wawayanda Mtn. where I am camped tonight.    Treebeard (the stuff legends are made of) is camped here also. He is out of food, and won't get his resupply until the 7th, so I shared my always overloaded food bag with him.    Big miles on a 90 degree day. Saw two groundhogs, a snake, a covey of quail, and three deer.
Date: 2011-07-06
From: campsite on Wawayanda Mtn

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of camp at 6:45, and out of New Jersey at noon. Another hot and humid one today, and the mosquitoes were bad again. New York started out with rocky climbs. Exposed rock that put me out in the sun and heat. Hot, but fun climbing on the rocks. Greenwood Lake was my vista for most of the day. Let me tell you, it was a tough day.   Around 4:00, we stopped at Bellvale Creamery for some great ice cream. Had three scoops each of calf tracks and butter pecan. Then washed it down with their house brand of root beer. Yummy!!! A must stop. Got to the shelter and found Walking Wally there. We will hike together for awhile. That is, if he doesn't want to do 20's. He had gotten off the trail to spend a few days with his wife on the fourth.
Date: 2011-07-07
From: Wildcat shelter

To: campsite on Island Pond
Miles today: 11.7

88 degrees and high humidity! Got up and out at 6:25, trying to beat the heat.    It is very hilly in N.Y. They're not huge climbs, but more than I've had since Virginia., and they are straight up. Lots of use of hands. Water sources are scarce, and most are ponds, lakes, or streams that are full of tannin. So much so that the water is stained a dark tea color.   I got to Harriman State Park, hike through the remote part, and came upon this fabulous, small lake. Beautiful rocky shoreline. The trail went along one end so we walk a hundred feet to this bluff overlooking the lake and set up camp at 2:39. Short day! Huge trees and rocks, with grass underneath, like a park. _I went swimming as soon as I got there, and the water was great. Cool and refreshing! A couple of people came to fish awhile. But now its a great evening, as it's cooling off. This is what I imagined the trail would be like. Can't say enough about the view. Wally says this is common in Maine.I lost a toenail today. It just.came off as a new one grows underneath. I guess all the banging in the toebox of the shoe while in the rocks of Pennsylvania. Forecast calls for 75 tomorrow, so will try to make it to Fort Montgomery. May take a zero there. It's been over 400 miles since I had a day off.   While cooking dinner, a deer walked down the bluff. Later, I went and sat on a huge boulder on a peninsula until dark.   The day started terrible, with all the heat and humidity. But turned out to be one of the best yet. You just take what the trail gives you. _
Date: 2011-07-08
From: campsite on Island Pond

To: Bear Mtn Bridge Motel
Miles today: 17.7

Woke at 5:20, to get an early start to town, but it started raining. I went back to sleep and got up a little while later. No rain, so out of camp at 7:10. Went through the 'lemon squeezer' which was two huge boulders, that had a 20-24" wide gap between them, and waist to over 20' high. And, mostly at a slightly pitched angle, which made Moondoggie walk at a slightly pitched angle, which was very hard because of the heavy pack on my back. Up and down all day. Some on the climbs were steep, and I had to use my hands for climbing again.   New York is surprisingly beautiful. Especially the Harriman State Park area.    We got to Palisades Parkway, and this car starts flashing it's light. Then brakes and pulls off in front of us. I gotta tell you, I thought this was a crazy person. It turns out to be Ghippee '10, who I met in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, at the hiker feed. He jumps out, and immediately offers us a refreshment. Then we figure out that we met somewhere before. Nice trail magic, then we move on, and miss the trail, get lost, and lose over 30 minutes finding it again. 20 minutes later, it's raining again. I see several deer. Four does, one close as 15', and it didn't run. Then saw two 6-points and an 8-point. One of the 6-points was about 35-40' and also didn't run off.   Got to Bear Mtn., and I was soaked, as well as everything I had. I stopped and got a soda out of a machine, and drink it under an overhanging roof. Then a great trail down to the Bear Mtn zoo by the Hudson River.   I called and got a ride from the owners of the Bear Mtn Bridge Motel. A great place and great people. We ate at the Barnstormer BBQ. I had the 1/2 and 1/2. A half of a chicken and a half a rack of ribs. Some of the best fries, and an outstanding cucumber and tomato salad. Daydreamer, Wally, and I are here tonight.
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Bear Mtn Bridge Motel

To: Bear Mtn Bridge Motel
Miles today: 0.0

My first zero in 450 miles and one month. Had breakfast at the Bagel Cafe. Then did laundry at the Holiday Inn Express. Hung out all my wet stuff on a fence in the sun. Then got a deli sandwich at the cafe. In the afternoon, I watched tv and napped. Had a few refreshments and went to eat supper at the Barnstormer BBQ again.   Had a good rest today. Much needed!
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Bear Mtn Bridge Motel

To: stealth camp .7 miles past S. Highland Rd
Miles today: 13.2

I got up at 6:20, and got a shower. Went to the Bagel Cafe at 7:10 and stayed until 8:30 having coffee and juice, breakfast, and talking to Wally, Rusty Bumper, Glide, and his wife Julia who was in from Michigan to visit him.   I went to pack up, and was on the trail by 9:30. The Bear Mtn Zoo, which the AT goes through, didn't open until 10:00. So we took the bypass trail to Bear Mtn Bridge. From there, we crossed the suspension bridge. It was a pretty easy trail today. The only steep up was just after the bridge.   I saw three doe, that were running from something that spooked them. Then stopped at the Appalachian Market in the junction of US 9 & NY 403. Had a lunch there of a turkey hero sandwich, chips, and an orange soda. Then went to a campsite at a steam a little ways past the South Highland Rd.   It was 84 degrees today, but not as humid. Nice day with few bugs.
Date: 2011-07-11
From: stealth camp .7 miles past S. Highland Rd

To: camp behind Mountain Top Market
Miles today: 17.5

Hot and humid today! 92 degrees. Started at 6:07 to beat the heat. May have gotten 5 or 6 miles in before it got hot. Did 10 by lunch, and then took all afternoon to do 7.5 more. There was a lot more up and down today.   There was trail magic at the RPH shelter. 2 diet pepsi's (only flavor left), and luna bars. Greens are was there taking advantage of the free food and drinks. Then Bishop '05, left some. There I had a coke, and 2 nectarines.   Got to NY 52, and came to the Mountain Top Market and deli. We are tenting behind the store. Very hiker friendly place! We had not intended to stop, but Wally had left out this morning saying he was hiking on with us. He went on ahead. When Daydreamer and I got to NY52, we decided to go in for refreshments as it was very hot. When we get there, who do we see but Wally. Did he try to ditch us? Weird! And he's acting strange. Just saying.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: camp behind Mountain Top Market

To: stealth camp on Hammersly Ridge
Miles today: 16.3

I ate breakfast deli sandwich at Mountain Top Market. Then left at 6:20. Back on the trail at 6:40. I moved at a good pace trying to beat the heat again. I took a break for lunch at the Telephone Pioneer shelter, where I dried my left shoe out. Oh, I forgot to mention that I just stepped off into the creek.   After leaving there I pushed three miles to NY 22 and Native Landscaping and Garden Center. The owner is hiker friendly. He let's hikers get a shower, use the restroom, get water, camp, charge electronics, and hang out on the front poarch.   I picked up my maildrop, and a package from Kelly, with a jar of her homemade salsa, chips, and a necklace she re-strung with the wooden AT symbol that 'Fishin Fred' gave me way down below Albert Mtn in N. Carolina.   I got a shower, looked over the camping area, then walked a half-mile to a deli. When I got back, I charged my electronics, got water, and hiked to the top of Hammersly Ridge where I'm camped tonight.   I felt Wally wanted to hike alone, or hike at a different pace, so I separated this morning. He wouldn't say, but something was bothering him. Daydreamer stayed in town and went out with several other thinkers. I am happy with my daily average of 16 miles. Especially in this heat.
Date: 2011-07-13
From: stealth camp on Hammersly Ridge

To: Mt. Algo shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

First, I forgot to mention the huge trees I saw yesterday. One oak I measured with my 47" hiking pole, and had one and two-thirds poles. That's an 80" diameter tree! Wow was it huge! There were several in the 50 - 65" range! Can't even image what these forest looked like to the first settlers.   I got up a little later than normal, so didn't get on the trail until 6:46. I wasn't feeling the hike today. But I held a steady walk all day. Tough climbs of 600', 1000', and lots of smaller ones. But I'm also set up to go into Kent, and do some town chores tomorrow. But I also plan to hike back out the same day.   I hiked about a mile along the Tenmile River after entering Connecticut. Yes, I am in another state! Also, can't cross off New York yet. Then I crossed the Tenmile River on a cool footbridge, just before the confluence of it and the Housatonic River.   Talking about footbridges, there are the most simplest to some very elaborate ones. This one was an Iron span bridge.    Then I hiked along the Housatonic River for about a mile. Absolutely beautiful rivers! Daydreamer caught up today. We hiked on the Taconic Range of Connecticut. I will hiked back into New York for two miles then back to Connecticut again. This time I am finished with the state of New York. I will now hike up the very western side of the state.   We get to camp, set up tent and get water just in time before a rain. I am cozy, dry in my tent at 5:10. A very light rain, and thunder in the distance.   I saw two snakes today, but they weren't poisonous.
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Mt. Algo shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

My tent dried out overnight in the nice breeze. The temperature got down to 55 last night! Nice! I got up and out of camp at 7:15. Went .4 miles to a road, and then .8 miles in to Kent, Ct. I had some town chores to do. First I went to the Villager for breakfast. Then to Backcountry Outfitter for a sleeping pad. I bought a cheap one to cut, fold, and put along my waist. That makes my hipbelt fit because I have lost so much weight that I can't tighten the hipbelt any more. So the pad basically adds inches to my waist. I also got more bug repellent. I am going through that stuff. Otherwise, i'd lose my sanity. Next I did laundry, and while the washer was going, I went to IGA for some lunch items. Then while the dryer was going, I got a haircut and beard trim. Aahh! Feels, and probably looks better. After going to the hardware store for new earbuds for mp3 player, I went for a late lunch, and then ice cream. Real ice cream! Then back to the trail where there were two women doing trail magic. If I would have known, I would have just ate there. They had a huge spread. I got homemade cookies and some chips for later. And I had a glass of pink lemonade.   It was 5:30, and I still had 6.9 miles to do before dark. So I took off climbing almost a thousand feet. Then down some steep, steep steps to the Housatonic River. I turned and hiked down the road along the river for a few miles.   I got to the shelter right at dark and set my tent by headlamp.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter

To: Belter's campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

I had another river walk this morning of about three miles that was basically flat. Then it was up and down for the rest of the day. I went through a crack in a boulder that was like the lemon squeezer in NY. I also saw what I thought was a badger or similar animal in the same rocks. In was light brown with darker brown around the extremities. When it saw me it went into a hole in the rocks. Later in the day, I could hear and see a road racing course. Although the cars looked like matchbox cars from the mountain. But they were certainly loud. Low humidity today helped with the climbs, but I was still sweating. Plenty of water through this stretch, so I have been carrying less, which means less weight. Tonight I also sat on an open-air privy, which means no walls, just a floor!
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Belter's campsite

To: Sages Ravine campsite
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

I left camp at 6:20, but didn't get to Falls Village until 8:00, after 3.4 miles. I got turned around because Awol's guide said the town was at the Iron Mtn. Bridge, but then I checked my map and it showed Falls Village to the East. So I walk back .3 miles and then up the hill .5 to the Toymakers Cafe. I had breakfast consisting of a loaded omelette, a cinnamon bun, OJ, and some of the best coffee on the trail. Then I walked another .5 to the Post Office to get my maildrop. So I did a roughly 20 mile day. 2.6 of that didn't count.   I crossed the Housatonic River for the 2nd time this morning to get back on the West side. Then along it to Great Falls. An awesome falls that would be even more so during higher water.   Then a climb of 1000' up Mt. Prospect. After that, Rands View, and the Giants Thumb. A huge rock sticking straight up in the middle of a forest. Then another 1000' climb up to the Lions Head. A rock viewpoint. And then I continued another 600' to Bear Mountain. How many Bear Mtns are there At 2345', it is the highest point in Connecticut.   I am in Sages Ravine tonight. It was straight down from Bear Mtn. But this is a beautiful spot! It's in Massachusetts! I'm done with Connecticut!
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Sages Ravine campsite

To: stealth camp on woods road on West Mtn
Miles today: 18.9

First thing out of Sages Ravine was a climb up Race Mtn. There were views for a half mile along the rocky ridge. Then down and back up to Mt. Everett at 2602 feet.   After coming off of Everett, I got to play superhero. I was walking along and heard this very loud squealing under the dense undergrowth. I thought it was a bird in trouble or a baby bird. I moved the bushes back with my pole and a snake had caught a frog. The snake already had swallowed the right hind leg and was trying for more. The frog was struggling and squealing very loud. So I poked the snake with my pole, and it spit out the frog. In one motion the frog leaped three feet to right in front of me. He then said, "thank you Moondoggie, for saving me!" And I said, "your welcome, little frog buddy!"    I stopped at the ATC regional work center. They had converted a nice old farm house and buildings. From there I walked into South Egremont, Ma. I ate at Mom's Cafe and also got a few lunch items at the market next door. I got a ride back up the hill from an 80 something year old woman. She was heading for a choiral festival to sing. I got back to the ATC farm, and talked with three ridge runners. Then I started a long section that had very poor water sources. It was 88 degrees and very humid, as I walked through farm fields in the afternoon. I saw a doe in a hay field and got some good pictures of her. I finally get water on top of West Mtn. Then moved on quickly, finding a camp right at dark. Right before I get in my tent, Do What comes night hiking down the trail. He had gone into town to see the new Harry Potter movie. He decided to make camp with me.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: stealth camp on woods road on West Mtn

To: Mt. Wilcox North shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The bugs were bad, so I ate breakfast at the first shelter I got to. Wise decision. Then I got water .3 mile down a precipitous hill. After leaving the shelter, and walking a mile, the rains came. I got damp, and some wet.   I saw two deer today. I got to the first shelter and waited out the rain. Then went a few miles to the next one. I got there around 1:30, Do What was there! After visiting for a bit, they decide to move on. Daydreamer and I decided to call it a day. Needed to dry some things out, and the next site to camp would be tenting. I also got a weather report of damaging winds and hail, but it only sprinkled rain.   I saw 23 red efts (orange salamanders) today.    I couldn't find the water source because it had dried up, so I hiked back without my pack 1.1 miles to get water, one way. I was back in 50 minutes. I set the tent up in the shelter to keep the bugs away.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Mt. Wilcox North shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up and out of camp at 6:13. Had two climbs and one steep desent today. It was a tough 14 miles today with rocks, roots, fields, ups and downs, swamps, etc. I got to Upper Goose Pond, which was given to the ATC by a private sportsman's club that had it for 72 years. They wanted the place forever preserved naturally. I got here at 2:30 after a phone interview with Lee Peacock of the Evergreen Courant, my hometown newspaper.   Glide, Peregrine, Mothership, Poppins, Why Not, and many others are here. I went swimming and washed my hair in the lake (biodegradable soap). And I did laundry the old fashion way, in two buckets of water, and hung it out to dry. There are canoes to take out on the lake, but I was too tired from hiking. And there's a bunkroom, although I chose to tent. I don't sleep well with a lot of snoring hikers, as I'm a light sleeper. The last two short days of 9 and 14 have done my tired aching feet some good.   I am seeing deer daily, and saw a hen turkey calling her poults today.   Why Not brought his Mom in for the night, and they both brought in some food from Trader Joes. Awesome!
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Kay Wood shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

I got up and packed, then went to the cabin for breakfast. All you can eat blueberry pancakes and coffee! I only had a dozen. That's right, just twelve. I left around 8:30, after helping with the dishes. This was a day of constant hiking with few breaks. I only took my pack off three times. Once for lunch, once at the cookie lady's house, and once at a road crossing a few miles later.Had one 900' climb first thing after crossing I-90. The trail was a jungle today. It's the worst I've seen so far. Saw several volunteer work crews putting in some stone steps. I stopped and talked to them, and thanked them for their efforts.I met Roy, the cookie ladies husband, and had homemade oatmeal cookies. They have been doing this for hikers for many years. They also have water and restrooms for use. Nice break with nice people! Full house at the shelter tonight, and seven tents.I walked in a predominantly cherry forest this afternoon. Large trees that averaged 20-25" in diameter.
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Kay Wood shelter

To: The Shamrock Inn - Dalton, Ma
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: clear sky

Everyone was stirring in camp very early. They were either trying to beat the heat or get to town. I went to the Depot Deli for breakfast. There were a dozen hikers there. Great camaraderie. Graveyard shows up and everyone pitches in to buy him breakfast and give him leftovers. He's broke again. After a great breakfast, I go to the Post Office to get a maildrop. I found out that the weather was going to be 97 degrees, with over 90% humidity. Heat advisories were all over the Berkshires. 102 degrees in North Adams today. So, with that, I decided to stay in Dalton, at the Shamrock Inn. I did laundry and showered first. Then lunch at Angelina's. I came back for a nap, then went to the Shamrock's restaurant for dinner. I mailed some stuff home. Not a good signal in Dalton, so no journaling. It is sweltering hot!
Date: 2011-07-22
From: The Shamrock Inn - Dalton, Ma

To: Bascom Lodge - Mount Greylock
Miles today: 17.1

I left the Inn at 6:00, and walked out of Dalton and up a 1000' climb, and then a 1200' descent into Cheshire, Ma. I stopped at a food mart for a deli sandwich and a snack. Then started a 2500' climb up to Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts highest peak. Hot again today at 90 degrees, but the humidity was down and the wind was strong. It actually felt great hiking although there was the usual sweating going up the mountains.    We got to the Mark Moepel shelter at 1:30, which was our destination for the day at 14 miles. But after a short break, all five hikers decided to push on. I am at Bascom Lodge staying in their bunkroom. It is basically a hostel, although they have private rooms, they were expensive. I decided to forgo the dinner, which was also expensive, and cooked supper as usual, on one of their picnic tables while all the 'day hikers' drove up in their clean clothes and went in to eat. It was a quick supper because the black flies were out, and they are vicious devils. I am 10.5 miles from Vermont!
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Bascom Lodge - Mount Greylock

To: Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Am I glad I was in the lodge last night! Around 3 a.m., I awoke to thunder. And in the distance to the Southwest, I saw lightening storm approaching. At 4:15, I had to close the windows because the rain was blowing in. I had coffee and packed up, and out by 7:15. Did the over 2500' descent into the Hoosic River valley on wet rocks and roots. But, immediately got a hitch down the road to the Pricechopper grocery store. After I resupplied, I ate lunch at the Oriental Buffet. AYCE for $8.26 including a drink. Glide and Mothership decide to stay in town. Shutter, Daydreamer, and I move on. I got back on the trail and climbed 1600' beside a beautiful stream, and one of the best springs since the middle of Virginia, Pete's Spring. Got to the Vermont State Line, yes Vermont!!!! I am in Vermont!!!! Peregrine is here so we all take pictures. Saw Peregrine back in Dalton and forgot to mention. While taking a break there, the clouds cleared, humidity dropped, wind picked up, and there were no bugs. Tented at the shelter tonight with a nice, fun group of NOBO's.    I also went under the 600 miles to go mark this morning. There's something in the air. I think everyone's starting to realize that we are actually going to make it. We are actually going to be thruhikers soon!