morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-28
From: West Point - Round Pond Campground

To: Graymoor Monastary
Miles today: 6.4

Graymor Monastary - 6.4 miles1400 milesSlept in, got up at 7am. Everyone else was still sleeping. I organized my stuff then went down to the bathhouse where my phone was charging. I sat there and updated my journal since I had been several days behind. I was either walking long miles, low on battery power, or attending a concert. Anyway, I got it up to date. When I returned to camp about 8:30, everyone was up. Everyone was moving pretty slow and going through their resupply. We ate left over watermelon, pineapple, and hard boiled eggs. Finally, around 12:30 everyone was ready and we left. After a quick stop at the post office, I was the first person dropped off at 1:30. I got out right at the Bear Mountain Bridge, the last place I was on the trail. Sugar Plum and Jeff still had to drive Far East Coast and Sanhican back to route 17A and Unionville respectively, then return the rental car and continue their hike. I had planned to do 25 miles today, but with a 1:30 start, I now figured maybe I would camp near a couple if streams about 10 miles up. I hiked across the Bear Mountain Bridge and over Anthony's Nose. After that, the trail got easier but, my pack is heavey with 6+ days of food. When I came out to a road and saw the Appalachian Deli, I had to stop. I went in and bought a pint of ice cream and a soda. While I was eating, Skunk Ape came along and stopped. He is only going to the Graymoor Monastary for the night. (of course he walked 20 miles to get here not 6 like me). I decided to do the same. So I went from a 25 mile day to 10 miles and finally only did 6. At the Monastary, they let you camp at their pavilion. It has a (cold) shower, electric, and you can get pizza delivered there. Of course, I showered, charged my phone, and got pizza. A nice night.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Graymoor Monastary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

RPH Shelter - 18.8 milesA thunderstorm blew up about 4:45am. I jumped up to bring the clothes in from the clothesline before it started to rain. The rain came quickly. It blew in where I was under the pavilion, so I moved my sleeping bag to a dry area and got back in. It's 5:00 but I'm going to sleep a little longer, at least until the rain stops. I got up about 5:45, packed up an left about 6:30. It's very humid, making it uncomfortable. This section has a lot of small ups and downs. Nothing that individually is a problem, but after a bunch of them in the heat, I really started to tire. I had a short lunch break about 9:30 and another at 12:30. After my second lunch, I really started to feel it. The afternoon temps were in the upper 90s and it was very humid. I wilted, but kept going. I reached RPH Shelter about 4:00. This shelter has a hand pump. I pumped it and splashed water over my head. It felt cold, but great. RPH is another shelter where you can order pizza delivery, so I had Meat combo pizza and 2L of Sprite. Skunk Ape, Byline, and Flint are here, plus I met Wild Flower and Golden who are staying here too.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wingdale NY
Miles today: 19.9

Wingdale NY - 19.9 milesI was up and out by 6:05. I wanted to get some miles in before it gets hot again today. However, I didn't hike out at a very fast pace. I walked comfortably until I reached NY 52. There is a deli 0.4 miles East, and I had to stop and consider what I want to do. It's still early in the morning, and I'm not hungry yet. While I was sitting there, Wild Flower and Golden showed up. I just met them last night at the shelter. They are continuing on, so I decided to go with them. They are 2 nice women, one older, one just graduated from college, both Dieticans. We walked and talked until we reached Morgan Stanley Shelter. Sugar Plum, Jeff Davis, and Dos were there. After a break, I left again with Wild Flower and Golden. This time we only went a mile before my knee hurt and I had to stop for a couple of minutes. They went on. After a few minutes my knee got better and I continued on by myself. I played leap frog with Sugar Plum and Jeff most of the day, but never walked with them. I stopped again at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter for water and another snack; then continued on. It's only 3+ miles to the road and Native Landscaping. They allow hikers to take a shower and camp at their place; plus there is a deli 0.6 miles up the road. So I plan to spend the night there, get cleaned up, and get dinner again. I reached the US 22 and the Landscaper about 4:30. I immediately got a shower since they close at 5:00. The place for tenting is near the road so it may be noisey tonight, but I put my tent up anyway. Now I'm sitting on the front porch of the Landscaper waiting for Skunk Ape or anyone else to arrive. If they do, we can go to dinner together.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Wingdale NY

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Mt Algo shelter - 18.1 milesThe train was right next to our campsite, and a train barreled past 3 times in the night. I slept well, except for the train. I was up and left at 6:15. The early going was OK and I reached Willey Shelter before 9:30. I stopped for a break and to get water. The next section up to Ten Mile river has a big climb. It was still early; I had no problem with it. When I reached the Turnoff for the Ten Mile River Shelter, I stopped for another break and snack. Looking at my guide, I thought there was an ice cream place 1+ miles up plus .2 miles off. So I didn't fill my water bottle. Then when I got to the road, I found it was 0.4 to a covered bridge and then 0.2 to the ice cream; too far. By now the day was getting hot, and I was starting another long climb with very little water. The climb seemed to go on forever, and I drank all but the last swallow of my water. By the time I reached the top, I was beat, dry, and thirsty. According to my guide it is still 2 miles to water. I struggled on. When I finally came to the 'stream', it was just a series of puddles, but it had to do. I filled up and treated with a double dose of chemicals while I ate some more. I was desperate to get some energy back. I went on and another mile further found a better stream. So I drank what was left of the water from the previous stream and got more. I also ate again. It's 3+ miles to the next shelter, and I struggled all the way. The heat wore me out today. I had planned to continue 1 more shelter, but the heat and my body were having none of it. So I'm staying right here tonight. I'll have to be satisfied with a 18.1 mile day. I text with my son, and he will pick me up Tuesday night. I'll stay at his place for the 4th of July, plus an extra day or 2. I will have to see where is best for him to pick me up.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Pine Swamp Brook Shelter - 17.3 milesI slept very well last night but still didn't want to get up this morning. I was up and out by 6:15 though. Similar to yesterday, I took my time and didn't rush. The climbs seem harder than they have been for the past few weeks. After climbing a couple of mountains, the trail dropped down and followed beside the Hosatonic River for several miles. It was a very flat, easy, and pretty walk. I stopped for lunch along the river. After leaving the river, the trail turns up again. I struggled through the climbs and descents for the next 8 miles, taking several breaks. I finally reached the shelter about 4:30. Slow for a 17.7 mile day. I have been struggling for a week now. I have felt light headed at times, I have fallen more than in the past, and I am more exhausted during the climbs and at the end of the day. I think it is a combination of reasons:1. These mountains are harder then PA, or NJ (although not nearly as hard as they will be as I go north). 2. I have not been getting enough sleep at night. I have been up too late but still up early ever since Delaware Water Gap. 3. The heat. The days have been hot, draining me of energy. 4. I have been dehydrated for a few days. I try to drink extra water but I sweat it out as fast as I drink it. So I haven't been able to return to a normal hydration level. 5. I did that 29 mile day with only 3 1/2 hours sleep the night before. Because of all the above, I must be wearing down and in need of a restful break. The zero day at West Point didn't fix it. Even though I didn't walk any miles, I was up late, still up early again the next day, it was still hot, and we were still busy doing things all day. So it is great that my son is picking me up tomorrow night. I will spend the 4th of July and another day or 2 with him and his wife. I am looking forward to it with anticipation.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Salisbury CT - visit son Ken in East Longmeadow MA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Salisbury CT - visit my son, Ken - 16.1 milesI slept great last night. I was the only one in the shelter (Dickel and Wolverine were camped nearby) and I was in bed at 7:30. I slept till 6:00. It felt great. I was gone by 6:45. I'm not going to rush today. I have until about 5:00 to do 16 miles. I felt better after the good night's sleep, and the walk down to the road was easy. There is a mile road walk around Falls Village, but it was not bad. You pass the hydro electric power generation plant using the power of the Housatonic River along the way. When you turn back into the woods, the trail is next to the Housatonic River again; this time by the falls. First, you come to a small waterfall. I found a rock at the water's edge with a view of the falls, and sat down for a rest and snack. After a 40 minute break I continued, and within less than mile I came to the great falls. I wish I had realized this before I stopped the first time. I would have come here for my break. It was a beautiful place. I did stop multiple times to look, take pictures, and enjoy. Eventually the trail left the river and turned back up the mountain. After a few miles, I stopped to update a previous entry in this journal. While I was sitting there, Byline came along. I hadn't been keeping close account of my location, so when he said it was less than 4 miles to Salisbury, I was enthusiastic. I got up and started hiking with a purpose, and moving fast. I reached Salisbury by 3:00. I still had hours before my son, Ken, arrived to pick me up. So I went to the Outfitter to look for new tips for my hiking poles. However, he didn't have them. Then I went with Byline to get a 3rd lunch. We went to the Country Bistro. It was pricey, but good. Afterwards, we met Wild Flower, Golden, Meat, and Dickel in the court yard. We sat around and talked. They are going to camp at the church tonight, then Golden and Meat are going to take a train to New York City tomorrow for the 4th. Very nice! About 5:40, Ken arrived to pick me up. My off the trail time with my son starts now. He drove me back to his house in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. I got a shower, we stopped for dinner then went to the local fireworks. East Longmeadow has them on the 3rd so as not to compete with the other communities. It was a great evening!
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Sslisbury CT - visit son Ken in East Longmeadow MA

To: Salisbury CT - visit son Ken in East Longmeadow MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Salisbury CT - visit son, Ken - 0.0 miles14th zeroI was up late last night, so I slept in this morning. After reviewing what I needed for resupply, I mowed and trimmed my son's yard while he cleaned up the flower beds; then a quick shower. It sure is nice to be able to get a shower after getting hot and sweaty. On the trail you just stay hot and sweaty until it dries on its own, and when it's humid, that takes forever and you still stink. After my shower, he took me shopping. We stopped at Five Guys for lunch. I got a haircut, went to REI to get new tips for my hiking poles, then to the Walmart, where I resupplied. We finally returned back to his house where we left everything, and went to South of the Border for dinner, followed by going to the fireworks in Springfield. They had some nice fireworks but the program was over quickly. Upon returning to his house, we started backing up the pictures on my phone. I have all the pictures I have taken over the last almost 1500 miles on my phone. If I ever lost it, or it broke, losing them all would be tragic. So I bought a thumb drive at Walmart, and copied all the pictures to it. Tomorrow I will mail it home. It was a wonderful day; spending it with my son. Thanks to him for taking me so many places and supporting my adventure.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Salisbury CT - visit my son Ken in East Longmeadow

To: Salisbury CT - visit my son Ken in East Longmeadow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Salisbury CT - visit Ken - 0.0 miles15th zeroI woke up naturally at 5:30, but said to myself, "Why?", and rolled over. I slept till 8:00. By then, my son, Ken, was already up. I repacked the supplies I bought yesterday and installed the new tips on my hiking poles. I hope they grip the rocks better. The originals were rounded off from all the use. These have 'sharp' edges. Then we headed off to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, to visit the historic 1830's New England Village located there. I love historic American places. It was great; people in costume going about their daily activities: a man making an axe handle, a tin smith, a parson, women dying yarn, clerks at the village store, a book binder, and a printer. Plus lots of old buildings and exhibits. We talked with many of the individuals and learned a lot about rural New England history in the 1830's. I loved it. Afterwards, we ate dinner at the Golden Corral, and called my mother and wife. We bought some Gorilla Glue and I glued my hiking shoes. It's only been 200 miles since I got them, but I can definitely see wear already. I'm afraid the sole may separate from the upper. The toe cap is already loose and pulling away. So I put glue around the sole/upper seam and glued the toe cap back down.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Salisbury CT - visit son Ken in East Longmeadow

To: Salisbury CT - visit Son, Ken in East Longmeadow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Salisburt CT - visit Son, Ken - 0.0 miles16th zero dayI woke up at 5:20, and kept the same pattern as the last few days: I rolled over and went back to sleep. I got up at 7:00. I sprayed my clothes with permethrin and let them dry while I sat and talked to my son on his deck. Then I took a nap. A real hard morning. In the afternoon, I helped my son fish a TV cable wire through the basement and up an inside wall to their bedroom. Before, it just ran across the floor and was a serious tripping hazzard. Then we bought some outlets and switches and replaced some in 2 bedrooms. At least I did some work today.A big thank you to my son, Ken, and his wife, Amy, for letting me stay with them, and for driving me around and letting me take care of all my resupply and repair business. However, I'm getting itchy. I've been off the trail for 3 days. I have to get back to the trail. So, I plan to have my son drive me back tomorrow morning. Since I stopped early on Tuesday, and will get a relatively late start tomorrow, it will be like 3 1/2 days off. I'll probably struggle tomorrow. It's supposed to be 90 degrees and humid with a chance of thunderstorms, but I have to get going.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Salisbury CT - visit Son, Ken in East Longmeadow

To: The Henlocks Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The Hemlocks Shelter - 13.7 milesOver 1500 milesConnecticut completeI was up at 6:30. Showered, even though an hour after I start hiking I will be hot and sweaty. As I was packing up, I saw the shoe laces on my new shoes (now 200 miles old) are starting to fray. So, as we drove back to Salisbury, Ken stopped at a Walmart, where I picked up new laces. We reached Salisbury about 10:30 where I was sad to leave the company of my son, but I have to continue on this journey. The 5 mile walk to the first shelter wasn't bad. There was one mountain to climb and I was immediately hot and sweaty, but that was expected. At the shelter I had my first lunch; it's already afternoon. Afterwards, I walked another mile to a 2nd shelter where I checked the register and talked to the ridge runner that happened to be there. She said Z was just up ahead. So I was looking forward to catching him. As I left the shelter, it started to rain lightly. I put my pack cover and hat on. It continued for an hour but never got any worse, then it stopped and cleared up. The weatherman had said 40% chance of thunderstorms tonight but nothing about this afternoon. I crossed Bear mountain, the highest and last mountain in Connecticut, then went down to Sages Ravine where I stopped for another lunch. At this point I'm over 1500 miles and I'm in Massachuetts. While I was there, 3 thru hikers rolled by. When I started hiking again, I caught them at the bridge over Sages Ravine as they were reviewing their guidebook. Progress, Joiner, and Sagebrush and I all continued on together. After a few miles we reached Race mountain with views to the East. We stopped there for a break and a snack. Continuing on together, I saw Z sitting on the side of the trail making dinner. I told Progress, Joiner, and Sagebrush I had to stop and talk to Z, and let them continue without me. I sat and talked to Z as he ate. We caught up on things. I haven't seen him since a quick trail passing in New Jersey, and the last time I really got to talk to him was Duncannon PA. After he finished, I walked with him to the Hemlocks Shelter. We reached the shelter about 7:00. Z tents, while I prefer shelters. So I stayed at the shelter while he continued to a tent site another tenth mile up the trail. Progress, Joiner, and Sagebrush were at the shelter as well as Lorax and 2 SoBo thru hikers. These are the first SoBo thru hikers I have met. They left Maine May 29 and 31 and they believe there is only 1 SoBo thru hiker ahead of them. Well, I'm back on the trail and I'm in for the night. Thanks again to my son Ken for picking me up and letting me stay with him. I really enjoyed the visit. It was great.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: The Henlocks Shelter

To: Mt Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Mt Wilcox North Shelter - 21.5 milesI was up at 5:30 and left at 6:15 with Sagebrush. We walked together for 8 miles to US Rt 7. It was a steep and rocky descent, followed by a couple miles of smooth trail. At US 7 I saw a Trail Magic cooler across the road, so we went over; cold soda and water. Great! We each drank a soda. Then we walked a 1/2 mile down the road to the Route 7 Grill. It was closed! It's Sunday and they don't open until 4 pm on Sunday. So we sat down at their picnic tables and ate our own lunch. About the time we finished, Joiner and Progress showed up. Sorry, it's closed. We all walked back to the trail together. When we started, I ended up out front. Up until now, when I walked with them, I brought up the rear and they set a fast pace. So being out front, I figured I'd better set a good pace; I did. Shortly, I noticed them falling behind, but I was settled into my pace,, so I just kept going, leaving them behind. I climbed West Mountain and kept going until I reached Tom Lenard Shelter where I stopped for a break, to eat, and to get water. The water was almost a 1/2 mile downhill, but I needed it so away I went. I was at the shelter for almost an hour, and during that time Progress, Joiner, and Sagebrush went on past. After Tom Lenard Shelter, it was a nice easy downhill for a few miles. Then I crossed another road and back up I went; huffing and puffing again. I finally reached the Mt Wilcox North Shelter at 5:30, only to be told by Joiner and Progress that there was no water there. They were eating dinner, then continuing on to the next water source and camping. Maybe another mile, not bad. I debated going with them or just staying. I have about 3/4 of a liter of water so I decided to stay, eat a dry dinner of crackers, gorp, jerky, tuna, and a candy bar and just use my water for drinking. I will get more water first thing after I leave tomorrow morning. I spent the night with Lorax, a 20 something thru hiker who left Springer March 8, but had to take 5 weeks off due to shin sprints, (a nice young guy), Milkman, a 30 something mechanical engineer from Michigan who works for Ford and coaches cross country and track, and Scout, a 50ish year old woman doing a SoBo section hike who is a chemist.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Mt Wilcox North Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Upper Goose Pond Cabin - 14.0 milesI was up at 5:20 and left by 6:00. I went about a mile until I came to a stream with Joiner and Progress camped nearby. I said good morning and talked with them for a minute. They were just eating breakfast. I drank the last of my water and filled up again, then went on. I walked on down to the Shaker Campsite where I stopped beside the stream to get more water and eat my first lunch, then I continued on again. However, I am chaffing and getting sore between my legs. The problem is the salt build up in my shorts and underwear left over from my evaporated sweat. The left over salt is very abrasive and makes your clothes feel like they are made of sandpaper. With each step it scrapes against the skin, leaving you raw. So I started searching for a stream. After a few miles I found a small one, went downstream, out of sight, took my shorts and underwear off, and rinse all the salt out of my clothes in the stream. When I put them back on, they felt so much better. Wet, but better. When I walked back to the trail, Milkman was just coming by. So I walked with him. He is a very interesting guy but putting in big miles everyday. He left April 28 and needs to be finished by August 11 to coach his cross country team. So he has only taken 2 days off, and is pushing hard. He plans to go 22 today, while I have an easy 14 mile day. I enjoyed his company but at his pace will probably never see him again. When I reached the Upper Goose Pond Cabin turn off, I left the trail. Upper Goose Pond is a beautiful cabin by a lake with a beach, a boat dock with boats you can borrow, and they serve a pancake breakfast. I plan to stay here. Upon reaching the cabin, I sat down at the picnic table for lunch, settled into a bunk upstairs, then went down to the beach. I want to rinse the salt out of all of my clothes, and rerinse my shorts and underwear. I rinsed out my shirt and socks, then jumped in the water to rinse the shorts. It felt great. Afterwards, I went to the boat dock but all the boats were already being used. So I just sat there and enjoyed the beautiful view.