morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Beechy Bottom Brook

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Good beginning to the day. I had enjoyed my night in the tent. Our big order of the day was to climb Bear Mountain. Lot of original AT trail from the 1920 and 1930's. Someone had down a lot of work constructing stone steps. I wish I had counted them....they went on and on and were very well put together. Made climbing a breeze. On top of the mountain the trail was maintained for the non-hiking public so we breezed along on a totally smoothy, obstruction-free trail. We were fairly slow on the climb mainly because it is so hot! Temp in the 90's.After Bear Mtn and before the Graymoor Center, we came to the Appalachian Mkt. It is right on the trail and a very neat place. Had some great fruit, a salad, and Debbie and I shared a deli turkey sandwich. Delicious. Found out that the area is under a tornado watch and strong winds and storms are predicted. Nothing looks threatening.At the Graymoor Center, people can camp at this pavilion at the athletic field and their is a cold shower. We went there - no one is around. We did meet a local person who said it really gets wet in the pavilion in the rain and he recommended going back to another shelter (the printed material also recommended this). We showered then took our stuff back to this other picnic pavilion. A first for me - we will sleep on the picnic tables. Hope I don't fall off!There was a number to call for delivered pizza so we tried it - very good. In fact, I'll have cold pizza for breakfast in the AM. Doing OK in the real food department today.Debbie continues to have pain in her feet. I surely hope she feels better tomorrow. It's hard to hike in pain. My diagnosis is that we both need a zero day but can't take one if we want to reach Bennington, VT in the time we have. We really needed 36-37 days for the amount of miles we need to cover instead of the 31. It's my fault with my crazy summer and my deadline of when I have to leave the trail. Guess we'll just have to see how we hold up.I'm having a good time but am very tired at the end of each day. I feel pretty strong and don't have too many aches and pains. I'm really enjoying Debbie as my hiking partner and our growing friendship.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.5

It was weird to sleep on a picnic table in this large pavilion. The predicted severe storm never materialized - not any rain or wind. I didn't sleep very well. It was very hot. Did hear a pack of coyotes howling last night which I liked. We were up early and on the trail by 6:40AM.Debbie struggled all morning especially on the climbs. It's like her heart is not in it this morning. I've hiked long enough to know that some days are just like that - who knows the reason. Today has been a good day for me and I feel strong. I'd better knock on wood because it could all change tomorrow!The trail was better than it has been and we were able to cover the miles pretty well. We had planned to go 11.6 miles to the state park to their camp ground. The negative to that is the campground is 1 miles from the trail. We have a high mileage day planned for tomorrow and the campground distance would add a mile to that....We decided to go on and hopefully find a place to camp near a stream in 2 or 3 miles. If not, we would go on to the tenting area. It got pretty rugged after leaving the Lake Canopus area and we did not find any camping areas. I fell after we left the state park entrance. I must be learning since I fell more on my right side than on my face! I have a big goose egg on my lateral elbow but no problems or pain with range of motion. I also have a huge right thigh bruise. Mainly I'm just irritated and angry with myself!Soon after my fall, Debbie started experiencing some pain above her right knee. She's worried that if it does not get better she may not be able to continue. I can tell she is scared.The tent site is really nice with a neat old hand pump and cold water. It's been a great hiking weather day - upper 60's and low 70's, breezy and clear blue sky. Supposed to get cold tonight. Hope I stay warm and I hope Debbie's leg feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Hortontown Road
Miles today: 1.3

Since we had only 10 miles planned for today we were slow to get up and around. It was pretty cold last night but I was snug and warm.The trail as we left was pretty mild and Debbie was continuing to have pain in the area medial to and slightly above her knee. It took us an hour to 1.2 miles! We realized she was going to have to get off the trail at least temporarily. After trying to find a shuttle, etc., I left my pack at the side of the road with Debbie and hustled back up the trail to the tent site where the caretaker had just come as we were leaving. We couldn't really find any shuttles or satisfactory local motels The caretaker took me back to Debbie and then took both of us to Hwy 52 deli. We called my daughter, Sherry, who lives in Scotch Plains, NJ and she readily agreed to drive two hours to come get us. Another trail angel!Sherry and Becca (age 18 months) came to get us at the deli. I'm sorry that Debbie is hurt but I'm loving getting to see my daughter, her husband, and my grandkids! Lovely.Debbie is doing rest, ice, and naproxysen. We've enjoyed some great food and red wine. I've enjoyed playing with my grandkids. Tomorrow we will re-work our itinerary and hopefully 2 or 3 days rest will allow Debbie to continue especially if we back off on the mileage. No way we'll make it to VT....we had too many hard days planned plus the trail was harder than we had anticipated. The important thing is that Debbie not have any permanent injury and that if possible we continue and just scale back our agenda. It really is too easy to get focused on getting the miles done!
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Hortontown Road

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sherry took us back to the trail this morning. That gave Debbie's leg 3 days rest and she says it feels better. Before we had even gotten 15 minutes underway on the drive back, Becca threw up ..... she obviously felt sick. I felt sorry for her (and for me since I was the one cleaning her up and sitting beside her to care for her). She's such a good little baby. She wasn't crying - just listless and looked sad and ill.It took us about 2 hours but Sherry took us right to the trail. I surely hope she didn't have trouble driving home with a sick baby. I've called to check but didn't get any information this eveing.Our hike started slowly. Debbie was feeling very tentative and vulnerable We also climbed pretty steadily.After we crossed Hwy 52 we met the two women we had met before at the shelter. One of them gave Debbie a knee brace. Mary K. and Pam G - two friends who we really enjoyed visiting with. They are close to our age and also understand this weird backpacking love affair.Debbie decided to lead us and see if she could hike faster and feel more confident. She did great and we got to the shelter about 5 PM She says her leg feels "tender". I can tell she is worried. We'll see how it feels in the AM.Four young strong thru-hikers stopped at the shelter for a while this evening. It's fun to listen to them and to think how far they've hiked since the spring. It's a beautiful evening and I'm glad to be back on the trail.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: HWY 22, Native Landscapes Garden Center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed the shelter last night. Some hikers came in late but only one stayed in the shelter. It wasn't too buggy and it cooled down rather nicely. It was a pretty shelter.We were up early and on the trail before 7 AM. The trail was pretty and varied. We did some up and downing and side hill climbing with some rocks. We also went by Nuclear Lake which was very pretty. After Nuclear Lake we had a forest walk which was pretty easy and pretty. Saw a mother turkey and her brood of chicks - neat. Easy climb up West Mtn. We were out in open meadows quite a bit and had a gentle steady climb. Great views of West Mtn where we had been earlier and of farms and barns. Very pastoral.Debbie's book said that Landscape and Gardening place allows tenting; use of kitchen; showers and bathroom. The owner isn't here and it's not clear where we could put a tent but we both took a quick shower. (with a bandana for my towel). Book says there is often a mobile hot dog stand here but not today....A guy did give us a ride 0.5 miles to this deli. The sandwich was huge so I had 1/2 sandwich for lunch and will eat the rest for dinner. We also got a ride back from the deli. We're hoping maybe we can put our sleeping bags on the porch tonight to sleep. We'll see. There are comfortable chairs on the porch and we've just hung out and read and relaxed.Talked to Sherry and Becca seems to be OK. Sherry made it home with her from taking us to the trail without any problems. I'm glad.Debbie's leg is still sore but seems to be holding up with our doing short days.The owner came after 5 PM and said we could sleep on the porch. There will be security lights on and we are very close to a very busy HWY 22.....it's not a good situation but we'll do our best!
Date: 2011-06-08
From: HWY 22, Native Landscapes Garden Center

To: 10 Mile River Campsite
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

What a night! The writer of the book re Landscape Center should have said it was a good place to rest and relax DURING BUSINESS HOURS! It was a long, long, night. The security lights were on over us on the porch. There was not place to put a tent. Sprinklers were on and off during the night. Traffic was very loud on HWY 22 - just a short distance from us. It was hot and buggy On the back side of the business is a train track so that added to the ambience. The security lights on the porch went off shortly before 1AM and after that I slept restlessly. We survived but I would recommend that no hiker try to stay there overnight!We were up early and on the trail at 6 AM. It is already muggy and predicted to reach 95 degrees today. We climbed early and are happy to be getting in miles before the heat really cranks. By 10AM it was already very hot.We got to 10 Mile shelter early and there was a nice water pump there. We decided to camp by the river about 0.2 miles more. There is a privy at the camp site but no water - we filled up and can come back if need be.By 2:15 we were "swimming" or sitting in the river. Very cold but very refreshing. My clothes are all rinsed out of all the sweat of the day. Feels great!Spent some time talking to this man and his two sons that we've seen several different days on the trail. They are interesting people and I enjoyed getting to know them better. Their journey is open-ended and they are trying to get the most of their experience.Weird to think we have only 6 more hiking days. I'm definitely ready to see Mike. I feel lonely for him and we talked quite awhile last night.We've got time to kill and I'm sitting with my feet in the river reading on my Kindle. This is the life! Good-bye New York! We're in Connecticut now. Another state completed!While Debbie was is in river, her Croc floated away. She walked way down the river and found it! I say that is definitely a good luck omen.
Date: 2011-06-09
From: 10 Mile River Campsite

To: CT 341 - Kent
Miles today: 8.5

Last night was an adventure. I had retired to my tent early. I was reading on my Kindle and dropped off to sleep. I awoke about 1/2 hr later with the wind blowing and thunder and lightening. I didn't have my rain fly on my tent so I hustled and got it put on and got everything inside. Debbie got the weather on her I phone and it showed severe weather just to the north of us. (We found out later they had golf ball sized hail in Kent). The storm passed then it came back - rained on us and was somewhat stormy. In spite of all that, I slept well. Hate packing up wet tents but what can one do? We had a 1000 ft climb to start the day and the trail was more rocky than it has been for several days. It is very hot and humid. Prediction is for 96 degrees. That is crazy for New England in early June?! I'm sweating bunches and drinking water like a fish.I lead today and it was a mental struggle. I feel beat up and I think I had a bit of "short-timer's disease". I felt like I was going slowly but Debbie kept assuring me that I wasn't. I misread the map and thought our long climb was over and it wasn't - messed with my mind. Lots of rocks and steep descents which I'm feeling in my knees. It is always weird to me how about 50% of hiking is mental - and today I was a mental case but made it through.Finally got to the road to go into Kent. Walked 0.8 miles into town - couldn't get a ride. It was essentially level so was an easy walk. The outfitter had no fuel and was the poorest excuse for an outfitter I have ever seen. No fuel or freeze dried food - odd place. We found this wonderful deli / market. Both of us had this fantastic Cobb salad with grilled chicken. The greens, all the produce in the salad were exceptional. Loved all the veggies. Just what the doctor ordered.We then walked to the grocery store for resupply. Debbie and I decided we would have wine, cheese, fruit and crackers for dinner tonight - quite civilized, don't you think?Mary, of Cooper Creek B & B came to pick us up. We're in an old, old house on the 2nd floor. We've dried out our tents; done our laundry; and or course, had an awesome shower. ULA had sent me a new pack so I've been transferring stuff. My repair job had held up and I really do like the OHM pack. Hopefully they have fixed the problem.It's stormy again tonight going totally black about 4:30. They are wigged out here - this is not New England type of weather.Bob, Debbie's husband, left Florida today on his way to get us. Five more hiking days. It's been a good hike but I'm looking forward to going home. We'll have done more than 300 miles in 26 or 27 days of hiking. We basically took 3 days off the trail for Debbie and drastically shortened the mileage for the last 9 days. All of the above was wise.It's wine time!
Date: 2011-06-10
From: CT 341 - Kent

To: CT 4 - near Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 11.1

It was good to be in a bed last night and to be inside during the storm. We had a lovely breakfast with blueberry pancakes with blueberries from Henry Kissinger's farm. We got back to where we came off the trail. Debbie was initially having a lot of pain in her foot and you could see it in her gait. She felt better as she walked and got limbered up.We had a great day of hiking. Climbing and chatting - really enjoying the day and each other. We had a brief break at Caleb's peak then did the descent to the river. The St. John's Ledges were very steep and rocky. They were wet in places and tricky but I'm super glad it was not raining. We then had a long, level walk by the Housatonic River. Lots of pretty views. We ended the day with a climb up Silver Hill and were picked up by Cooper from the B&B.Mary and Cooper have been very accomodating. The house was built approximately in 1820 (4 rooms up and 4 rooms down) with many later additions. There are awesome antiques everywhere. Very neat blue delph tiles around the fireplace. I'd love to have someone knowledgeable tell me all the neat things I saw.The Cornwall Bridge package liquor store gives free beer to thru-hikers and I got a Long Trail IPA - nice. We got another salad from the deli and will have it for dinner tonight. I'm actually going to have my 5 fruits and veggies today - Yipee! Last night in civilization so tomorrow it will be back to a full pack and the woods. No cell phone service for me so I've missed talking to Mike.
Date: 2011-06-11
From: CT 4 - near Cornwall Bridge

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Still no service on my phone so no chatting with Mike tonight.Woke up this morning to rain and a 70% chance that it would continue today. Temp in the 60's though, which will be very nice. Had to ford a pretty deep, swift creek first thing this morning. Managed to keep my left foot dry but fell in with my right.....oh, well. The trail had lots of up and downing and I have felt really good today. The rain stopped but it remained cloudy, damp and cool.Got our tents up at the campsite before it started raining. Very good fortune. I think I will sleep warm but it will be cool tonight.Good hike - good times!
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Hwy 44 & Cobble Rd - Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

It rained off and on all night. I did sleep warm. The morning the tent was spattered with mud and leaves. I've got everything in it's appropriate stuff sack then in a plastic bag - trying to keep everything dry from the wetness of the rainfly. Probably won't get to dry it tonight.We really moved right along today. Both Debbie and I are feeling strong and in a rhythm. We had a long but well-graded climb. It was cloudy and misty but never needed our rain gear. We got into Salisbury shortly after noon and found a great place to eat. Country Bistro - very nice. Salisbury is a lovely little town. We walked to Maria McCabes. She's a delightful older lady who rents rooms to hikers. She is very thoughtful and has things that hiker's need - like a clean t-shirt while they do their laundry. She will take us to the laundry between 5 and 5:30. There's a pizza place next to the laundry so we'll eat dinner while we do our laundry. She also is furnishing food for our breakfast in the AM. She has a delightful sense of humor. she is a WWII war bride.It is night and pouring outside. How lucky to be in town for the night!
Date: 2011-06-13
From: Hwy 44 & Cobble Rd - Salisbury, CT

To: Guilder's Pond Turn-off
Miles today: 13.7

Surprise! Surprise! Our hike is over. I'm writing this is Debbie and Bob's RV. Here's how the story unfolded.Maria McCabe was one of the highlights of my hike. She is 82. Really enjoys hikers but she does a great job of being very clear about her limits and what she will and will not do. She has a great energy and sense of humor about her. We said our good-byes last night. She does not get up until about 9 AM.Today was a day of climbs. First we climbed Lion's Head then we went up Bear Mtn. I'm so pleased with how strong I feel. It was very pretty trail. The descent from Bear Mtn was steep and rocky so was slow going. We got to our intended campsite at 12:45 - it seemed way to early to stop but we had agreed to shorten days to avoid ending our hike due to physical problems. It is predicted to rain and it seemed really attractive to got 3.7 miles more to get to a shelter. After much discussion, that is what we decided to do.We had a big climb up Race Mtn - really neat and fun climb. There were a lot of rock outcroppings as we climbed up the side of the mountain and lots of views to our right. We could also see where we had to climb. Loved the bluffs. The descent was long and rocky. Then we started our climb up Mt Everett. ; Now that was a climb. It was steep with lots of slabs of rocks. It was all very wet with water often cascading down the trail on the very rocks we are scrambling up. We Finally got to the top. Found out we had a phone signal and Debbie decided to call Bob to find out where he was. He was at a trail head very close to us. During all this we met a local day hiker who told us of a trail head that Bob could bring the RV into and we could hike to - so down we went to go to the Guilder's pond turn off and then out on the road where Bob could pick us up.In a great serendipity, as we reached the road, Bob drove up at the exact moment! Happiness! We are in Massachusetts. I have loved the hike and had a good time but am ready to go home.Good-bye Connecticut. Now I have hiked everything on the AT south of Guilder Pond,MA (and the 100 miles of VT to the Maine Junction). It really means I lack most of MA, a little bit of VT and all of NH and ME. That is still a lot but it is good to get another 220 miles done!I felt so strong today and yesterday. It's a great feeling to be 65 and feel healthy and able to do this kind of backpacking.It was super to share this hike with Debbie. I so enjoyed sharing the experience. We encouraged each other. We laughed; we whined; we supported each other. Great hiking buddy and new friend!I'm truly a luckydog!
Date: 2011-03-07
To: Anticipation 
Miles today: 0.0

Another day of anticipation......One month away. I have most of my gear assembled and will pack tomorrow. This weekend I will meet up with Deja Vu, El Flaco, and Master Chief for a short trial hike and test of my gear. The last time we were all together was at Rousch Gap in Pa, the last day for me on the trail for 2010. I negotiated two months away and over stayed by three weeks to complete half of the trail for practice for a Thru Hike in 2011. Well not actually. I was hoping to be able to complete the trail in 2010 but it didn't work out. Oh shucks, I'll just have to start over. YES! So here it is, 2011 and I'm so excited. I get to fire up the dehydrator next week when I get back from Brevard. All I can think of is food and food and did I say FOOD. I think it would a great time to go get something to eat. See Ya!
Date: 2011-03-14
To: Practice Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Last weekend was so much fun. Not only did I get to experiment with the temperaturesin the 20¢s and 30¢s, I saw friends from all around the country. Carl, Groundhog, JD Rockefeller, Timon, Master Chief, D©j Vu, and the El Flaco. We cooked on fire and had great meals and shared stories. It as if we had been friends for life. Friday we climbed the ridge to reach the Art Lobe Trail. It¢s been a while since I carried a full pack and my shoulders screamed for mercy. It was good to get back into the woods. The sounds and smells made me feel like I was back home. After ten miles I was happy to get Big Blue off my back and relax around the campfire. Saturday we climbed Looking Glass Mountain, A short three miles up and what a view. I made three new friends on the climb. Katie, Tyler and John. Katie is in kindergarten and Tyler is in second grade. John was struggling to get to the top so the duo tricked him by telling him there was an ice cream stand on top. Two hundred flavors and all! Sunday Johns Rock was amazing. A much steeper climb and by then I could feel the straps dig into my shoulders¢¦. What am I getting myself into?
Date: 2011-03-20
To: Dehydrating
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks to go and i'm working on getting ready to be away for six months. It's just a bit overwhelming. I'm thinking of the trail and what I have to do and i'm thinking of what I need to do to make it less of a burden for Linda, as if that could be accomplished. Learning a new camera, planning food drops, what cold weather gear to take. What to mail and where to mail it? Will I have time to get it all done? I think not.. There is never enough time! The dehydrator is running and have to go shopping for tomato paste, diced tomatoes, onions and sausage. All I have left to get gear wise is two sd cards for the canon sx130 is camera.. The days of grabbing your pack on a whim and taking off are long gone. Although I went hiking two weeks ago, it's been 10 long months since i've been " In the woods". Oh how I long to be back! Man those shrimp smell good! See Ya!
Date: 2011-03-21
To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

Whats really important!Tears are falling down my face as I contemplate being away for six months.I think i'm a little homesick and i haven't even left yet. One week to go and so much to do. Painting, repairs, bills, tax return.   The dehydrator is running and this afternoon I will begin packing the mail drops. My mind is thinking of my friends and family I will be leaving. Six months! Wow, thats a long time. I've dreamt of hiking the trail end to end for over thirty years and the time is here. I hiked half the trail last year but the plan was only for two months. What am i going to do without Buster and Blaze? Well the dehydrator is calling. It needs to be refilled. Only six more pounds of onions to cut. See Ya!