morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Greymoor Friary
Miles today: 6.3

July 14 - Greymoor FriaryJoy is suddenly realizing you are catching up to a more normal breath while hiking reasonably fast up a 5% grade road. After crossing the Hudson River this morning, I had a fairly good climb.I am eating lunch on a high vista across from the West Pont Military Academy. Nice picnic spot, but you have to work to get here. The stay in Fort Montgomery was refreshing.Looking forward to stay at Friary tonight.Arrived at Graymoor by 3:30 and was settled in by 4:00 at the ballfield pavilion. The friars provided a big chocolate cake from which I took a healthy slice. They check to get a head count at 4:30 then serve dinner (free / or donation) about 5:30. We all agreed on $5 per person.Total miles today was only 6.3 with totals now at 1394.4 and 779.7 left.Got email from my friend, Newton Ward. He will be visiting his son, Allen, in Massachusetts when I pass thru. He wants to link up if at all possible. Answered him asking for a cell phone I can call to coordinate. (The choc cake is great)Oh, by the way, I've been keeping count of those old stone fences this week. May continue doing this for a while just for fun.Sun 7/11   12   in 12.0 milesMon 7/12   8   in 14.3 miTue 7/13   3   in 14.2 miWed 7/14   8   in 6.3 miThey seem to be increasing. Plus the occurrence is somewhat related to the type of land. Tuesday was very rugged and with little farm land.What a deal this is. Brother Leo, one of the friars was our host for dinner. Very nice man. He explained a little of the Friary's history and showed us the facilities. Earlier, it operated as a university, the site is now used for administrative work and provides a home for retired priests. There are only 20 permanent residents now but there is room here for about 130. The site is used to promote ecumenical work between the Catholic and other churches.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Greymoor Friary

To: Sheandoah NY Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.6

July 15 - Push on to Sheandoah NY Tenting AreaOne of my biggest problems is carrying too much food. Just have not learned how to minimize the weight. Anyhow I am seeing some improvement as I eat as much as I can for all three meals.Today was my 115th day on this trip. I want to dedicate it to my deceased father who was a mail carrier. I thought of him several times today because I know he would have enjoyed the trail today. First, because it was wild and rugged but secondly, because it crossed the old Albany Post Road. This road has not even been paved, but is now topped with gravel. It is the old mail route used by express riders to carry mail between New York and Albany. If that road could talk, just wonder at the stories it could tell!Speaking of stories of the past, today was a bell ringer in the old stone fence department. As you may know, I've been fascinated with stone fences. Well today the AT actually crossed 38 old stone fences. And this does not even count other ones you could see. All total there might have been as many as 75 fences. Also saw some stone home ruins. One especially ornate one was located near the crossing at Dennytown Road.Again some of the higher elevation forest appear to be almost groomed. Just trees, large rocks, and grass. Very clean look with almost no underbrush. Other spots had the usual groves of blueberries and mountain laurels, etc. Several places one could pick blueberries three at a time. I ate lots of blueberries today.Covered 17.6 miles for totals now of 1412.0 miles traveled and only 762.1 miles to go.Talked to Mary Ann again today by cell phone. My old friend Ira Ousley would say we communicate the 'Indian' way. We were in the YMCA Indian Guides with our boys. Old Ira would bring all kinds of modern equipment on our campouts. He always said if the Indians could get their hands on that stuff they would use it too. So...just about anything qualifies as the 'Indian way'. But the Indian way may not be the thru-hiker way. Weight is the issue. I am still thanking my friend, Larry Gardner, for convincing me to take the cell phone and charger It just makes sense. Its my lifeline to home and makes a big difference. Now... if I could just figure out how to get by without carrying so much food.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Sheandoah NY Tenting Area

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

July 16 - Morgan Stewart ShelterAs planned, we traveled light today, our intent to alternate easy and longer hikes. Today covered only 10.3 miles and crossed 27 stone fences. (There are always at least an equal number of stone fences that either parallel the trail or branch off in a way that the trail does not cross them.) Now hiking pretty regular with Palm Tree and Boonie. Mouse is on the same schedule at present but is not trying to hike with us - it just works out that way at present. I think she desires to be on an independent path.I am carrying enough food to get me to Kent, Conn. There I'll get a 5 day supply that was bounced forward from Delaware Water Gap.The trail today was relatively easy. Still I have to say New York has some very wild sections. These mountains make me feel like I'm a long way from home. Maybe that's because I am. The trail today passed thru a section that produced lots of charcoal for making steel during the Civil War. I stopped for lunch in a stone lined pit used for this purpose. The trail maintainer in the area told me the steel from this area was used to produce a certain kind of cannon. Think it started with a 'C' or 'K'. Everywhere you go there is some historical significance.We will get into Kent, Conn on Sundayafternoon. Really wish there would be a way I could attend Sunday morning worship. I miss church a lot. But I am still spending about two hours most days memorizing the Scriptures. This is a major source of comfort. Since we always hike alone, this works out great for me.Hey, no falls today and no rain. Our weather remains very favorable. Still missing Sox and Adam.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley (Webatuck) Shelter 
Miles today: 16.6

July 17 - On to Last Camp in New YorkSaw famous Dover Oak on the trail today, it is over 6 feet in diameter at the base.Wiley (Webatuck) Shelter had a water pump. Water was good. After setting up tent and getting ready to cook dinner it started raining very hard. Converted to non-cook dinner in tent. Yes, Adam you can eat Raman noodles without cooking them. Got good nights rest and excited about getting in to Kent tomorrow.Today covered 16.6 miles with totals now at 1438.9 hiked and 735.2 to Katahdin.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Wiley (Webatuck) Shelter 

To: Kent, Connecticut
Miles today: 12.7

July 18 - Kent, ConnecticutBlue Fish at the Fife and Drum Restaurant. So nice to be here in the Gibbs House B & B where we (Palm Tree, Boonie, and myself) rented a loft apartment for the night.The Backcountry Outfitter here was very helpful. Got new tips and replaced the bent sections on both Leki hiking poles. Now I'm good to go to Katahdin. He also loaned me needle and thread. I sat on his front porch and repaired the tie loop on my tent. While taking down the tent this AM, I kicked it and pulled the tie loose. Mary Ann told me that Adam is home but is planning to come back out on the trail very soon. Will check with him by phone as she also got his number for me. Great support from home!Boonie says, "Hey" to all his fans. We want to explain the Shaghticoke Mtn phenomenon. This mountain is a large impediment in the trail between NY and Kent. It seems the trail goes up and down it about four times, also the trail manages to cross over between NY and Conn a few times. Kent is nice, with lots of quaint shops, etc.My cut on left elbow is healing nicely. (on the trail everything seems to heal in two days) Uncovered the bandage here in town and washed it. Nothing else required. I have tons of food and will mail the excess forward. Anxious to get going again. We expect to be in Massachusetts in four days.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Kent, Connecticut

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

July 19 - 119th Day, Caesar Brook CampsiteGood news! I talked to Adam this AM and his feet are better now so he plans to come out and continue his hike to Maine. Think he is planning to get back on in Massachusetts. We will try to hook up and finish together. Also heard from Toe Break and think he may want to get together at about the same time. We will just see how all this plays out.I'd like to acknowledge the constant prayers for my safety and good traveling conditions. It almost always rains at night and the trail is reasonably dry when I'm hiking. Also, the temperature is usually cool and I do not have to hike in the rain. This may be hard to believe when the TV is filled with reports of flooding, etc.Was late getting out of Kent because I wanted to make some calls. I then went to the PO again to bounce excess food forward. Sent supplies to Glencliff, NH. A lady at the PO gave me a ride to the trailhead. Got started hiking at 11:10.Covered 13.6 miles with totals now at 1465.2 hiked and 708.9 to Katahdin. Tomorrow I will have less than 700 miles left.Passed thru and down the St. John's Ledges. Very steep and dangerous. See pictures. Makes me glad no one in my family is trying to hike with me when we come to such places. Later in the day the path followed the Housatonic River for about 5 miles. Along this stretch, one can see very large maple and fir groves. Almost all of this section was bordered with old stone fence work. The trail crossed only 14 fences today. It was a great hike!Tomorrow we plan to go 15.7 miles.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

July 20th - Last night in ConnecticutTraveled 15.7 miles today, not counting the .3 miles off and .3 miles back for side-trip lunch at the Mountainside Cafe.The Lord continues to smile on our pathway with excellent weather. Now I cannot say the same for the local ATC. The 1/2 mile side trip to the Limestone Springs Lean-to is a doozy! Seems we had to climb almost straight down to get here. Will get pictures tomorrow when I return to the trail. Have not been able to get cell phone connection for the last two days. Will try again tomorrow.On this segment I have about the right amount of food. Tomorrow will be the last day out before going in to the Days Inn at Great Barrington, Mass.Boonie got on a mushroom photo kick today and captured shots of just about all colors in the rainbow.Think I drank 4 liters of water today (not counting two glasses of lemonade at lunch. Ate a good dinner. (Fresh garlic and vegetable protein in Caribbean Three Bean and Rice dinner. Camp tonight included Kevin (Univ. Conn Junior chemistry student out for one month), Tumbleweed and Timber, and Monkey Man - in addition to Palm Tree, Boonie, and myself. Boons, Kevin and I had a high-level discussion about sulfuric acid manufacture on top of Bear Mountain. I explained the process of burning sulfur then contacting the flu gas with water in the presence of a fixed bed catalyst. Kevin is considering becoming a chemistry professor. Don't know that our discussion did much to encourage him.Kevin has been working out all summer in hopes of making the rowing team at UConn. His left knee is causing him some pain and he will likely cut his hike short tomorrow to avoid serious damage.After dinner at the behest of Boonie, I played another penny whistle concert, starting with the ever popular 'Cockles and Mussels', moving on to several hornpipes, including The Boys of Blue Hill and The Liverpool Hornpipe, some jigs, and finally concluding with The Londonderry Air (Danny Boy). A good time was had by all.
Date: 2004-07-21
To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

July 21 - Eleventh State, MassachusettsFear of climbing. You would think I know better by now. Last night at the end of the day, we descended down a deep and treacherous path to the Limestone Springs Lean-to area to camp near the water source. Being tired I seem to have been in a mood that allowed fear to creep in. Its a matter of physical weariness affecting ones attitude.I don't know that this applies generally but I suspect it does as well as zillions of other occurrences. Sometimes fear is unfounded. This morning after two good meals I climbed out of that camp without a speck of concern. Totally different frame of mind. Also, I am amazed at how a good night's rest can change things. The Lord provides healing in abundance on the trail (and I suspect in all circumstances). Its good when we realize just how often we benefit from his restoration. Maybe we just become a little more aware of it on the trail. This is a very true thing. You can ask just about anyone on the trail and they will attest to it - no matter the religious persuasion. Explanations vary but the daily restoration and its relationship to food and rest is universal. Our Father treats us all the same. We should try to be perfect in this sense as He is perfect.Good town visit to Salisbury, Conn today. Ate a Ruben sandwich and some ice cream. Sent cards and Anniversary note to my wife, Mary Ann (43rd Wedding- which is tomorrow). I'll be able to call her tomorrow too as I am going to South Egremont, Mass for a mail drop.Coming out of town with Palm Tree, we happened to meet a fellow out for a little run. He stopped to visit and ask about our hike. Turns out he seemed to understand the nature of our quest because he himself is a fellow adventurer. Who was he? He is a New Zealander named, Sir Michael Fay. A very gracious gentleman, he explained that he is recently retired as an investment banker but has previously been the team leader for New Zealand's entry in the Americas Cup racing team. We had a nice visit with him.Climbed to the highest point in Connecticut then descended down very steep stone ledges, crossed into Massachusetts and followed the Sages Ravine Brook then turned back up to the Laurel Ridge Campsite.Hiked 12.8 miles with totals now at 1493.7 miles covered and only 680.4 to finish! 121 days on the trail leaves me thinking of ancient mariners who had to be away for long periods. Glad I do not have to continue this life style much longer.   I'm still loving it but my heart is with my wife and family. One big benefit though is that I can take as much time as I like each day to meditate on the scriptures. Have been reviewing the Sermon on the Mount in earnest for about two months now.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: US7 - Days Inn Motel
Miles today: 12.7

July 22 - 43rd AnniversaryConfirmed that a dozen red roses were received by Mary Ann. Son John, Aimee, Wallace and Susan Stewart took her to dinner. Probably was so nice she will not expect me to show up again next year.Meanwhile on the trail, I got supply pick up at the South Egremont Post Office and got a ride back to the trailhead, then made it to US highway 7 south of Great Barrington. Got hitch to Days Inn Motel and am sharing a room with Boonie.Climbs this morning were pretty tough. All total, climbed about 3000 feet, some of it with exposure to the sun on mountain upper levels. Went over Race Mtn, Mt Everett, Mt Bushell, and the Jug End. I fell once. You just cannot trust those slick green rocks. Nothing hurt much. Left wrist and left knee are a little sore. In the late afternoon we passed thru low swampy areas full of hungry mosquitoes. Glad to get to a motel.Had Mexican food for dinner. Already looking forward to breakfast. We will hit the trail before noon and plan to take a total zero day in Dalton, Mass next Tuesday. Still working out details for hooking up with Newton and Twila Ward. Probably will see them in Dalton on zero day.Expecting to see Adam in about one week. Will contact him by phone tomorrow.Thinking about my younger son, Mark. Need to get finished ASAP as his unit is being activated on August 19th for deployment in Iraq. He is the CO and tells me they will probably remain at 4th Army headquarters about one month before moving out. That gives me just enough time to get to Katahdin and get home to see him off.Total distance today was 12.7 miles. Total hiked is now 1506.4 miles and only 667.7 miles left. Watch out Vermont, here we come!
Date: 2004-07-23
From: US7 - Days Inn Motel

To: Mt.Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

July 23 - Rain As if it is news, I've concluded that into every hike a little rain must fall. (You must walk in the rain to get to Maine). But today was ridiculous. Palm Tree and family friend, Katie, gave Boonie and me a ride to the trailhead after taking care of business at the PO. Started hiking about 9:45. After a pleasant lunch break on East mountain with Boonie, it began to sprinkle, then rain, then rain harder, then rain really hard.The trail turned into a river and my shoes and socks turned from dry to damp to very soaked.Very trying time on the trail. An experience to remember. My umbrella worked really well. Learned that I need to always keep toilet paper in a zip loc at a location I can reach while hiking. It is needed for wiping glasses. The umbrella gave excellent protection but in heavy rain the mist eventually obscured my vision.Met a guy in all that rain who looked at me and asked if I was Santa Clause. I saint, no, but I am one of his helpers. Hiked in the rain about 5 hours.Camped in tent at Mt Wilcox South Lean-to. Total hiked was 11.7 and totals now have 1518.1 covered and 656.0 to go.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Mt.Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Bay Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

July 24 - Upper Goose Pond Cabin I guess there really is no balancing principal that causes bad days to be somehow offset by a good ones. But today was so pleasant compared with yesterday that it makes me wonder. After yesterday my mood has ratcheted up so much that if this continues no one will be able to stand me, I'll be so happy. Not many of those big smooth and slippery green rocks today. Green and smooth, yes, but not wet and slippery. I have learned to avoid those big smooth green rocks - even when not wet.Now writing in the AM on Sunday. After coffee and the famous Upper Goose Pond Blueberry Pancakes, I'll be hiking out to Highway 20 to meet Newton Ward. He is visiting his son, Alan, who lives in Springfield, Mass. Looking forward to a very busy day. We expect to go to church then eat lunch. Must get back on the trail by 2:00. Hiking in to October Mountain Lean-to tonight. (7 miles.)
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Upper Goose Bay Pond Cabin

To: October Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

July 25 - Fantastic DayTrue to plan, I got up and had everything packed, ready to roll by the time, Karen, the caretaker had breakfast ready for the first round of eaters. At Upper Goose Pond Cabin, you pay a small donation and next morning the caretaker makes coffee and pancakes. Great start for the day. Left the cabin at about 7:40 and got to Highway 20 by 8:30, waited there about 20 minutes then met friend, Newton Ward and his son Allen. Went to church with them at West Springfield, Mass. Church of Christ. Alan's son, Joel presented the Sunday morning sermon. Joel was three years old when I last saw him. Home from Korea where he serves in the Air Force, he has definitely grown into a fine young man, now standing about 6'-4" tall. Went to dinner at a buffet and pigged out. Big ole salad and lots more.Back out on trail at 2:40. Made it to October Mt Lean-to by 7:05.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Dalton, Massachusetts

To: Dalton, Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

July 27 - Zero Day in Dalton Mass.I spent the day doing laundry, sleeping and eating. Also got new Spanco inserts for shoes as originals are wearing holes in the heel.Have been feeling a little upset in the stomach. Hope it will pass soon. May be due to eating too much over the last two days.   Want to get on the trail again.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Dalton, Massachusetts

To: Mark Noepal Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7

July 28 - Adam's First Day BackI left the motel at 6:30 in light rain. Ate breakfast at Duffy's and then began the trip up Greylock, Massachusetts' highest.Glad to be hiking with Adam again. My stomach is still upset. Have about concluded that it was from bad food. I ate a pasta and scallops dish and the scallops may have been bad.Stayed at the Mark Noepal Lean-to. Bugs were bad and I have upset stomach from bad food. Took an Imodium A-D during the night.Adam is doing OK, handled the distance fine today and has no foot pain.Rocks are interesting. Looks like a lot of lava flow from the distant past.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Mark Noepal Lean-to

To: North Adams, Massachusetts
Miles today: 11.2

July 29 Last Night in MassachusettsFinished the hike over Greylock. Ate a late breakfast at the summit at Bascom Lodge.Ate lunch on way down into North Adams. Had cheese and pepperoni. Tonight Adam gave me a supper meal because he has more than he wants to carry and I need one more. Originally planned to eat diner in North Adams but we were too late getting down off Greylock.This hike confirms to me that, in many ways, I am slow to move compared with others. Once at the Summit lodge I just took too much time getting going again.Part of the delay, however, was waiting to use the restroom. Wanted to make sure my stomach was o.k. Looks like I'm going to live a little longer because my DILT (distress in the lower tract - term used in Boonie's family) is subsiding and I'm getting back to normal. We all have concluded, now, that my problem could have been food. Did eat Scallops and pasta on Monday evening, 7/26. Been feeling a little low ever since. Much better now. Hiked 11.2 miles for total of 1579.4 covered and 594.7 to go. YES, less than 600 to go.Talked to son, Mark, today about close timing between my finish date and his company ship out date to Iraq. He says his company has quite a bit of training to complete and they may leave as late as Sept 22 or even a week or so later. Point is, I can not afford to get sick or encounter an injury. Right now we are still moving toward completion on Sept 16th.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: North Adams, Massachusetts

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

July 30 - Vermont The most distinguishing feature of Vermont is muddy trails. Lots of mud.This is the 12th of 14 states. Crossed over into the state at about 10:00 AM. No rain today although it has been predicted for the next three days. So far, only clear skies.First night here tenting along stream at Congdon Shelter. Total hiked today, 12.5 miles with 582.2 to go and 1591.9 done. This is my 130th day on the trail.Boonie and I were talking about the comfort that comes with tenting in lieu of staying in a shelter. I said its comforting to be in your own place where you have a standard arrangement for all your stuff. I commented that there are few constants on the trail and he agreed but said they are "rocks, roots, mud, and up". Who could disagree?We are still three days out of Manchester Center, our next supply point. Have reservations there for Boonie, Adam, and me. Palm Tree will be meeting his wife and spending time with family. Not sure how his schedule will play out but he plans to do some slacking and will catch us.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

July 31 - Goddard ShelterHiked most of the day with Adam and was not aware he was having any problem. Just goes to show we really never know what the other guy is suffering. Respectful hike of 15.4 miles to Goddard Shelter area. Set up tent. Adam was late getting in to the shelter. He told us it took him over two hours to finish the last mile and that he decided to turn back the next day. His old foot injury has reappeared and he simply can not continue. Very sad news.Hiked 14.4 miles and now have completed over 1600. Totals are now 1606.3 hiked with 567.8 to go.