morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Brink Ridge Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: haze

Happy Independence Day everyone! My day was very difficult as I struggled mentally, physically and emotionally as I hiked. I spent the day thinking of the trail as a relationship to decide what I should do.The trail and this entire journey is just like a relationship. Before I left, I talked about it to friends and looked at the possibilities of dating her. We started out very quickly and soon ran into the ups and downs, but the excitement of learning about each other kept me interested. We went into towns together and enjoyed some great times meeting new people and camping. When I left Georgia we entered the Smokey¢s and reached the peak at Clingman¢s Dome. Things were going good. The relationship smoothed out through Virginia where everything seemed really stable. We shared some romantic nights together as I sat on a rock and watched sunsets. Things were absolutely perfect. But as the relationship continued, we ran into some rocky parts in the North. I began to feel mentally and emotionally fatigued as we saw things differently. The trail said ¢This way to a nice vista¢ and I replied, ¢but I just walked down this mountain, must we go back up?¢ The differences began to lurk as I became tired at eating the same foods everyday. I began to ask where this relationship is going. We spend days together new not talking much, but every once in awhile I¢ll become frustrated and yell. That¢s how I broke my second pair of trekking poles.I spent the day today figuring whether I should love this trail and would do anything for it, but it¢s not helping me out. The rockiness and the ups and downs are killing us, where I¢m looking for a more stable level ground. What should I do? Do I give up and part from this beautiful trail that has shown me so many wonderful times? Or do I continue to try and push to see what we can become next. These are the thoughts in my head lately as I struggle each day mentally, physically and emotionally. I¢m going to spend the next couple of days figuring what I should do. Although this story may sound strange as I¢m looking at his trail as a relationship, maybe I¢ve just been in the woods to long.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: moderate rain

Bravefriend and I woke up at 5:30 this morning to get an earl start so we could get to town earlier in the afternoon. I assed him and hiked the day by myself as the overcast sky dropped misty rain on me. I realized today what the characteristic of NJ is to the trail; swamplands and mosquitoes along with streams that trickle brown water due to the tannic acid that falls from the trees. The terrain is better with less rocks, but the hills are becoming increasingly steeper as we pass over ridge lines instead of walking along them. My body is filled with mosquito bites as we walked through wet swampy areas with tall grass. The trail maintainers did, however, provide us with platforms in some areas, which made the walk easier and more exciting. I could hear the birds chirp and the bullfrogs moan as I silently passed though. At the end of the platforms was a suspension bridge. I t still amazes me how these things are built. But I arrived at the church hostel in Vernon, NJ by hitching a ride into town. The hostel includes showers, toilets and get this carpet. I get double padding tonight with my thermorest. Tonight is luxury with Blues Brother playing in the background. Sometimes, I just simply miss home.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Vernon

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After a wonderful nights sleep at the hostel, I slept in to 9:00 and had some breakfast. Andy Dufrane, Bravefriend, Squarl and I decided to watch Dazed and Confused before we left. This hostel and listening to other hikers I got a second wind on this trip. Then, I did the stupidest thing I could do. Eat greasy Burger king before hiking. I spent the beginning day of my hike cramping up and then running into the woods to take care of business. Not too much fun, but I survived and ended my days in NJ and welcomed my 9th state, NY. The terrain brought huge boulders of rock to climb up and down on as we saw a beautiful lake below. At one point, we could see NYC barely in the distance, but it was fascinating. The weather today was absolutely perfect: nice and cool with partly cloudy, blue skies. I continued my trek climbing a ladder up a boulder at one point and the arriving at a homemade ice cream parlor. I went with cheesecake and cookies n¢ cream ice cream on a waffle cone. It was a wise decision. Two miles down the trail was a shelter that I¢ll call home. It¢s a full house. Mapman and Robin, Don Quixote, Chocolate Bandito, Compost, some section hikers and our group are hanging out tonight. What a beautiful night.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Last night before bedtime I was able to see the mating process of two beetles. The woman beetle sprayed a scent out and soon two male beetles began to dual it out. It was amazing. We hikers began making bets on who was going to prevail as one jumped on the other and began beating him. The loser beetle finally flew away as the winning beetle didn¢t waste anytime getting to know his prize. I was shooting some pictures when the male beetle pushed the woman beetle under a leaf. I said, ¢Alright, alright I¢ll leave you two alone.¢ I then snapped one more pic and went to sleep. Thankfully, they didn¢t keep me up. I got an early start and soon began doing some serious climbing. NY always seems to have to out do all the other states. The trail lead to every major rock formation. The climbs were absolutely intense along with the descents. To add to that, the trail twists and turns and in some sections were blazed accurately. I have to admit, today was the first day I got lost. I walked a quarter mile straight down a four-wheel trail thinking it was the AT and ended at a pipeline clearing. Not seeing a white blaze, I turned around and hiked back up the damn mountain. I found out that I turned left instead of going straight. No, I wasn¢t happy. There weren¢t any views today, but some of the rock formations I walked through were intense. I walked through the ¢Lemon Squeeze¢ which is two massive rocks two feet away from each other. I didn¢t get stuck, but it was awfully close. Squarl and I did get a short hitch in and out of a small deli that offered sandwiches and Gatorade. A couple of miles later, we went swimming at the Torico Circle. The water was refreshing but pretty dirty. We had some dinner and then walked to the shelter, which looked like a landfill left by some day hikers. Hopefully, we won¢t get any critter visitors.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymour Ballfield
Miles today: 15.2

I got another early start and began climbing up huge boulders again. The terrain eased off though. I was in a hurry because I needed to get to the post office in Fort Montgomery before they closed at noon. The miles began to fall my way and I arrived at the summit of Bear Mountain, which had Perkins Tower. It was closed due to renovation, but I did get a few strange looks from weekenders. Squarl, Dufrane and Bravefriend caught up and we set out for the town of Bear Mountain. Upon arrival we walked though a park where hundreds of people quietly asked their neighbors, ¢Who are these people?¢ After the stranger friendly park we walked through a small nature zoo that featured two black bears, fish, a porcupine and my favorite the otter. This otter swam around and showed off to us. Squarl called him Ottie Powell. At the bear¢s den, though was the location of the lowest point of the trail. It sits at 124¢, which means we only go up from there. I arrived successfully at Fort Montgomery, got my new shoes from Merrill and then was soon asked if I wanted food and a pop from a local there called Moose. Moose does trail magic and buys lunch for the hikers. What a nice guy. As we all ate lunch we had locals walking up asking questions in disbelief that we live in the woods. It was quite amusing, but the support is incredible. I headed out for the trail, which took us over the Hudson River via a large bridge and walked to a pavilion shelter located on a Monk monastery. We were able to order dinner so I got veal Parmesan and a tasty salad. Nothing like good eating after a cold shower also located here.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Graymour Ballfield

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After listening to two squirrels drop acorns from the woods, I got my bed ready on a picnic table. That¢s right folks! I feel officially homeless. It was either there or the mosquito infested pavilion. So, I laid there under the big ole¢ sky covered with my silk sheet and the buzzing began. The skeeters found my and repeatedly bit my only shown flesh, my nose. I finally fell asleep and woke to an itchy nose. I did, however, feel well rested.Today¢s hike was easier than the previous days, but my legs were beat. 130 miles in 7 days is no joke. The body has been aching. But I had one thing on my mind: Trail magic at the next shelter. Missing the World cup Championship, I wasn¢t disappointed upon arrival. I was greeted by a very large grill, eight coolers and friendly faces. I screamed ¢Goooooal¢ as I dropped to my knees. Yes, it was time to eat. I took down a large burger, hot dog, pork chop, potato salad, coleslaw, salad, corn and watermelon. It was a total score. I set here now stuffed feeling like my belly button is going to pop out and become on outie. Good times though with good people. It¢s days like this, that I hike high miles.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: RPH Shelter

To: Pawling
Miles today: 17.3

I woke up this morning to the continuation of last nights trail magic. I ate pancakes with whip cream and chocolate sauce with ham patties. Part of a complete breakfast. I headed out with tired legs and sore knees, but by the time I reached the next shelter, I was feeling good. I was thinking of putting another big day together, but my knee pain came back. The hills have been difficult to come down. I¢d rather climb up hills than come down. I decided to go into Pawling, NY for a quick swim and laundry. When I got to the road though we saw the Dover Oak Tree, which is considered the oldest tree on the trail at around 350 years of age. The circumference of the trunk is over 18¢. Andy Dufrane and I hitched together in a Sebring convertible. The top was down so we aired out at the expense of the older, retired woman who kindly took us tot he post office and then to the Pavilion. There is a small beach buy a little pond so we could bathe. They¢re calling for rain tonight, so a hot Italian dinner with a couple of cold ones will help heal my sore legs.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Pawling

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning forgetting where I was at and almost fell off the picnic table. It was a slow morning for all of us (Bravefriend, Squarl & Andy Dufresne). We gathered our stuff and walked into town for breakfast and planned the day. I waited for the library to open and when it did, I checked E-mail, weather and read some trail journals. Yes, in that order.Dufresne and I left Squarl and Bravefriend after lunch, got a hitch and hit the trail. We had one thing on our mind: finishing NY and starting CT. As soon as we hit the border, we heard rumbles in the distance. When a thunderstorm rolls in, the thunder sounds very intimating as it echoes through the mountains. I pushed on to a quicker pace and without a raindrop falling, I arrived at this amazing campsite next to Ten Mile River. The sun began to set as we saw two boater heading down stream. A Great Blue Huron watched us we washed our muddy legs in the river.Dinner was chicken fried rice, Lipton of course and since I lost my titanium spork a couple of days ago, I McGyvered to wooden chopsticks for utensils. Tonight, I get to sleep in my hammock next to a beautiful river in the middle of nowhere. These are the nights I¢ll simply never forget.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Campsite

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

I woke up to clouds, but slept great in my hammock. I¢m so glad I have it back. The rain held off for the most part, but misty drizzle and high humidity made my clothes drenched. Dufresne and I walked into the town of Kent, CT for a re-supply, post office and lunch. I was able to get to an outfitter too, but everything was ridiculously expensive. $22 for a new titanium spork and bug spray. What a rip off. We watched the rain fall hard, but once it let off, we hit the trail again. Ascending to the ridge runner, we walked the toughest part of CT. I hop he¢s right, because my body was tired and my feet were soaked from the tall wet grass and sweat. When I arrived at the campsite and took my shoes off, my feet were extremely wrinkly. I apologized to them as I do every night. The bugs are nasty up here and I found two large ticks on me. They¢re calling for strong T-storms so the hammock setup will get tested for sure. Overall, I¢m proud of the miles today.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Salisbury
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

Last night¢s T-storms were absolutely incredible. The way the lighting brightened the sky was a true sight to see. Did I feel safe? Why would I when my hammock is attached to two trees? I slept great however and woke up to partly sunny skies. CT is absolutely beautiful. Mossy rocks next to many watery brooks. It¢s nice to refill my water bottle every couple of miles with this heat. The trail is getting steep again though, which puts pressure on my knees and ankles. Dufresne and I put some hard miles in today and when we noticed that the shelter (or Lean-To) was a half a mile off the trail, we decided to just push into town. My feet were pounding, but I haven¢t been in a hotel since Harpers Ferry. Upon are arrival, we ran into Neighbor J, a section hiker who¢s asking hikers to take a survey for a magazine in CT. After the surveys and a few snapshots, we ran down the mountain and got a hitch into town. Warm shower, dinner and a few beers, made the difference. I don¢t think I realized how dirty I truly was.
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Salisbury

To: Glen Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 14.2

After sleeping, watching Sports Center, going to the post office and re-supplying at the grocery store, Dufresne and I finally got onto the trail during the heat of the day. What kind of day was it? Well, we climbed up and down four mountains. Lions Head, Bear Mt, Race Mt. And Everett Mt. The climbs are becoming insane, but the views are absolutely incredible. I took my time and prolonged the day until I arrived at the lean-to where I¢ll setup my hammock to keep the bugs off of me. These bugs are unforgivable, but what do you expect when you¢re in the woods next tot water? I finished another state though. Bring on MA.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Glen Brook Lean-To

To: Benedict Pond
Miles today: 18.3

Beep Beep, Beep Beep. Yes, it¢s 5 O¢clock in the morning. The time I woke up. It was early, but it was cool out. Dufresne and I got an early start to head into the town of Barrington, MA. The plan was to get in early and watch Pirates of the Caribbean, but after hitching in town, we found out that the one theatre wasn¢t showing that movie. So we refueled up at a grocery store, hitched out and continued hiking. I coated myself with DEET bug spray because of the terrible swarm of mosquitoes. These bugs are just unforgiving. The terrain wasn¢t too bad, but the heat was on. We were looking forward to jumping in the Benedict Pond, as we ran into two trail angels. Annie and Natalie asked if we wanted a shower, do laundry and have a cooked meal. How could we resist. So, they drove us into a town called Lee, MA and had a wonderful vegetarian dinner. We stayed the night in a guest room. Thankful for the wonderful hospitality and good company.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Benedict Pond

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

I slept in today and had some breakfast. Annie drove us to the trailhead crossing in Lee, MA so we could drop most of the gear off and then only took our needed supplies like food and water with us back to Benedict Pond. This way we could hike the majority of the day without all the weight. Yes, it was my first time slack packing on this trip. Along the way on the trail, I ran into a lot of weekend hikers that wanted pictures and asked question about the AT. I guess I feel like a celebrity sometimes out here, but I find it amusing on how people ask their questions. I also ran into my first Southbound hiker. They started June 1st from Maine so my question was simple. Does Mt. Katahdin really exist? They looked at me like I was some freak, but I¢m getting anxious for that mountain. Overall, it was a great experience. Dufresne and I found a little campsite next to Finerty Pond. I¢m hoping for a good nights sleep in my hammock.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Campsite

To: Dalton
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I got a 6:30 start this morning. I pushed hard to get into town. The trail was pretty smooth, but these miles are starting to take a toll on my feet, ankles and knees. I did get into Dalton by noon, which is the fastest I¢ve done 15 miles. I¢ve been told to stay at the Birdcage hostel by the South bounders I¢ve been passing. This guy Rob runs a free hostel bunkhouse, which includes laundry service, a bathroom and a drive around town. Dufresne and I freshened up and went to the mall to enjoy an air-conditioned movie theatre and watched the second Pirates of the Caribbean. Of course, a large popcorn and coke settled just fine for me. We were picked up and sent to an Old Country Buffet. I gorged on fruits, veggies and ice cream. Tonight is a bed with a fan blowing on me. Life is good.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Dalton

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.0

Today I did what I thought I would never do; slack pack. Rob, the hostel owner drove a couple of us to the top of Mt. Greylock so we could hike lite southbound back to his house. It was nice to start out with a 5 lb pack versus a 30 lb pack. But of course, there¢s a story to what happened next. I was still sleepy when I first started, but my body was ready to hike. So, I struggled out of the gates. I focused on the ground so I wouldn¢t trip on a root, a rock or my own feet. Being ulta-lite, the speed of walking greatly increased. So, as I was blazing down this trail looking at the ground, I suddenly looked up to see a large tree trunk sticking halfway across the trail at eye level. Smack! The hit knocked my 3 steps back as I regained my balance and consciousness. It was the shot heard around the trail or at least Andy Dufresne heard it. The rest of the day went well though and I arrived back to Rob¢s hostel safely although I did have a few hiker ask me what happened to my face. I got a few understanding people, but most simply just laughed. Today was a good day just because it was different. Tomorrow, back to the grinds of the trail.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

Because of the Southbound slack pack experience yesterday, Rob drove Dufresne and I back up to Mt. Greylock to continue Northbound. I felt pretty refreshed most of the day and the miles came easy. I walked down Greylock and entered a neighborhood of North Adams, MA, which was located in a valley. Waling down the street you could see where we were hiking up. Pretty intense. I had lunch next to a brook and then began my ascend. The climb was great and when I reached the top, I said my goodbyes to MA and welcomed VT. That¢s right, three more states left. MA was pretty, but along with competing with the tree roots and tocks sticking out of the ground, there were tree frogs hopping and jumping all over the place. Luckily, there were zero casualties. VT was pretty muddy today, but I¢m looking forward to a low mile nero day into Bennington VT to rest.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Bennington

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Last night in Bennington, there was a festival called Midnight Madness, which featured all the stores staying open and a lot of people walking around. I met a lot of fine folks that looked strangely at m appearance of a shaved head long beard, and a black eye, but they asked a lot of questions about the AT. It was a good time eating a lot of food and a couple of drinks.It was a late night however, and Dufresne and I slept in. My legs still felt a little tired from riding the free yellow bikes around town that the local outfitter provides. In either case, we finally got a hitch out of town and hit the trail around one. The climb off the road was extremely steep, but the rock steps up it kept me from sliding. I took my time though and then the rain came in just enough to soak me. When it topped, I had some lunch and dried out my clothes and pack. I arrived at the shelter to see some other thru-hikers and some South bounders. The miles were low today, but I¢m still in recovery mode from Bennington.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: moderate rain

I slept in a little bit this morning and as soon as I was packed up ready to go, I heard drip marks fall on the tin roof of the shelter. Ah, the rain has arrived. The rain hit me all day as the trail turned to puddles and streams. I¢m back above 2000¢ so the temps are noticeably cooler. I trekked on things slipping and sliding down slippery rocks and mud. It¢s a Saturday, so a lot of weekend ¢nancies¢ are out even in this weather. There terrain wasn¢t too bad. My only mountain to climb today was Stratton Mt., which is the birthplace of the AT. Benton MacKaye said he first thought about an eastern continental trail while sitting in a tree on this summit. This part of AT runs along the Long Trail. The Long Trail extends the length of VT from the MA/VT border all the way to the Canadian border. It¢s the nations first long-distance trail and was completed in 1921, the same year the AT was introduced.I arrived at the shelter, which by the way costs $5. There¢s a caretaker supposedly to collect the money, but maybe she won¢t care because of the weather. In either case, there are some section hikers here, including two older women who won¢t stop gossiping about their kids and their girlfriends. Should be an interesting night. Oh great, now we got a couple with their three wet Labradors.