morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Close to NY/NJ line

To: NY 17/ Harriman
Miles today: 19.0

   Nice night of tenting; no bears. Hippie, the B's and myself founda cool spot on top of a little ridge. Got nice and quiet oncethe dude on his ATV in the distance went to bed. (It is Jerseyfolks; lots of people).   KB and myself are getting a kick on this journey out of thegraffiti in the shelters. Since Georgia you basically have twochoices it seems; smoke weed or God loves you. Every shelter, andI mean about everyone you find one or the other. We amuse ourselvesby locating these two writings in every shelter. For myself it kind of reminds me of our two choices in the last election.....(I told you I wouldn't bring politics into this journal butit is getting hot out here) Well, we hitched into another town, ate some grub and heard aboutthe tornado watch and serious storms brewing later on. Hippie letus know about the exposed rock, which there is a bunch up here.There was a shelter two miles in and right when we reached it thewrath of mother nature let loose. We waited the storm out and I leftfor Harriman on my own. Not sure if they stayed; we always meet upin a few. Hiking in the cooler air was awesome; got a ride to Harriman and am going to take a zero tommorrow.    Forgot; crossed the NY\NJ border early today. The hiking is gettingreally cool...lots of rock climbing and hopping from boulder toboulder.   Chillin on the AT............................................   "it's such a cloudy day,   seems we'll never   see the sun,   feel the day has possibilities,   frozen in the moment,   with a lack of imagination"   RUSH
Date: 2005-06-07
From: NY 17/ Harriman

To: Harriman
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day; taking it easy and checking out the town. Back on the ATin the A.M. ........talk to you all later and take care. ** The B's and Hippie.....will see you in a few; somewhere B4 Conn.**   (If you guys still want to do that big day let me know or maybe   Tripod can catch me @ a road crossing.........)
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Harriman

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

   Hot, hot , humid and hot!! I think it has jumped from early springto mid summer up here in the NE.    Nice zero as usual; checked out Harriman and had a great meal @TGIF Fridays. The waitress was a little perplexed as I guzzled downsome beers and had 2 entries from the menu. Have to explain the thruhiker hunger thing and then they really freak.   New York...........lots of people and highways to cross. Crossed onetoday that had a sign that said NY City 34 miles. Pretty cool; there aresupposed to be some views where you can see the city but it is veryhazy up here; nothing to see. Walked to a Visitors Center and drank about3 or 4 gatorades and enjoyed the conversation with the attendant there.   Bear Mtn. was cool; I think I was seeing double in the heat on that climb. On the other side the trail goes thru a Zoo which was closed whenI got there. Not to excited to see my first bear behind bars in NY sotook the alternate route.    We walked out of Civil War country and now we are walking into RevolutionaryWar country. I walked into Fort Montgomery for some grub and checked outthe grounds where an undermanned group fought off the British.    Long walk across Bear Mtn. Bridge; long sweaty climb up to Hemlockand now laying here naked; trying to sleep in the heat.(That shouldscare the bears away!!)   Sweet dreams.....................................................
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 21.6

   Had a dream last night; dreamt I was eating some ice cream, somewherenear the North Pole. A cool breeze was blowing and ....................then I woke up; sweaty and stuck to my tent floor.   Actually, it ain't that bad. Being from St. Louis the humidity isthe norm; once you are out in it for a while you get used to it.   Anyway, ran across Daytripper and Traction today; they stayed @ theGraymoor Friary last night and had some extra pizza. Thanks for thatguys. Buzz and I left our packs near a cemetary and walked for some water.Worried about the backpacks?? If somebody has the balls to take ourbackpacks, @ a Friary in front of a sculpture of a hanging Christ thengo for it I guess.   Been hiking with Buzz off and on for the past few; great dude fromOhio. We both agree; New York has been a little different. The people havebeen very friendly; haven't seen so many waves and thumbs up. But I haveto ask this question very politely......what is up with the yellow waterand the red streams?? I went to a state park and pumped some "potable"water that was yello. The Ranger said it could be rust but should beokay. Okay?? Never have seen yellow water so had to dump it out.    The end of the day was emotional...got to the top of Shenandoah Mtn.and somebody had painted a huge flag with the rememberance of Sept. 11under it on a huge rock. It hit me a bit....I had forgotten how muchthis area and these people went thru after that day. Kind of ironic....had a beautiful 360 degree view and the first cool breeze in a week and sat down and felt a huge tug from the heart. No matter what sideof the fence you support, that is a day I will never forget.   Tenting here with Buzz @ the Shenandoah Tenting Area and the eyesare getting dim...........................................
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Crossing so many roads has great advantages up here in NY. I amwalking to every deli, country store and hot dog stand there is. I figurean extra mile or two of walking for some grub is worth it.   Buzz and I walked to a deli early in the day and bought about oneof everthing they had. Sat and watched the rain come down for a whileand then when we left the rain stopped. Karma?? I think it wasreally good karma.   First time in a while I saw some snakes. Nothing crazy; lots ofracers and water snakes. One dude had some remarkable colors and I gota good picture of it.    Funny thing today; walked by a lake up here named Nuclear Lake. No kidding. I almost fell down laughing when I saw a no swimming sign. No sh**!! Not sure what gave that away. One local said it was okayfor swimming but maybe it is just me............if I am looking to swim,maybe something like Clearwater Lake or Trout Lake or Bluewater Lake soundsa bit better.   Got to the shelter and took a nap; never really got up and stayed for the night with Buzz. Lazy and hazy days here in NY......   Life is good on the AT....   "sister bluebird,   flying high above,   shining wings,   onward to the sun"   YES
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Schaghticoke Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

   Telling everybody out there I had the best Bacon, Egg and Cheesesandwhich ever today @ a place calle Toni's Deli. Had two of themactually and the real stuff. The food in NY is #1; great stuff.   Buzz and I are getting a laugh @ the humidity and heat out here.I hang stuff up to dry @ night and by morning it is wetter then it wasbefore. The rocks are sweating which is kinda cool; have to watch the footing though.   ** Note to the B's before I forget.....will be in Kent, Conn.in the A.M. **   Didn't want to forget that. Spent some time @ the Ten Mile RiverArea in the afternoon. Walked out on some boulders and sat for a while,listening to the running water and birds scream out their songs. LikeJack Johnson says, "it is times like these". The solitude and peacefulltimes on the AT is something to treasure.   We are all thinking a bit more about the hike and the fact that weare in New England officially now......crossed the NY/ Connecticut bordertoday. (I will spell Connecticut wrong I am sure a few times before Iget out of the state). Mass. and Vermont are close now which is hardto believe.    Hello to Don and Tom and rest of family......hello to the Bailey'sand everybody else.   Bye bye for now.....................................
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Schaghticoke Mtn. Shelter

To: Kent , Conn.
Miles today: 3.5

Chillin today; into Kent. When I pictured a small New England townit looks like Kent. Coffee shops, little art displays, pubs, books sales,and very artsy. Cool place. Waiting for my room to get cleaned I sat @ the Fife and Drum Inn puband chatted with a local. He was down on his Yankees; I guess they aregetting thumped this year. Downed a few beers and nice to get a showerand some rest. Life on the AT is grand............... **To Michelle, SB's sister.....can't wait to meet you guys. The KillerB's are behind me a day or so. Plan to catch up with them. Let them knowthat I am leaving Kent on Monday and will see them.** TO WELLS -- - DUDE, GOT THE MESSAGE YOU GOT OFF THE TRAIL?? LET MEKNOW SOMEWAY......LETS MEET UP AND HIKE ON BROTHER.....TO MAINE! YOUAIN"T FINISHED YET.................................And good luckto you Kado.....you bas****.......       "art as expression,         not as market campaigns,         it will surely serve us well,          living the same,         state of integrity,         it will surely help us along".          RUSH
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Kent , Conn.

To: Cornwall Bridge, Conn
Miles today: 11.1

   Greetings from Connecticut! Hung around Kent today; hard town to getout of. Met lots of cool people; many freaking on the journey andthe stories. Chilled @ the library and a cafe.   Humid again and lazy days. Stopped @ a Mobil station before leavingtown for some grub. Met two local gals; time slipped by as we swappedstories. I never know what time it is out here and I never want to know. Getting real good @ looking @ the sun and guessing the time. All clocks are going in the trash when I get home   Man, there was a flat river walk for a few miles today which wasnice in this heat. I've been freaking a few day hikers out here; listeningto music and singing. Last week I was screaming some song out when Icame over a small hill and a couple was stopped, staring wildly inmy direction. Either my singing was horrible or they didn't knowwhat was coming. I laughed and kept moving along.   Lions, tigers and bears, oh my...........actually right now itis ticks, mosquitos, and buzzing flies, oh my!! There is some bugthat is a gas; keeps flying into my eyes. Bite my legs, arms, backor whatever dude, but stay out of my eyes!!   Follow your dreams.................................................. PS-- Thank you to whoever for the trail magic in Conn the lastcouple of days. Much needed soda, beer and water in the heat.THANKSAGAIN!!!
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Cornwall Bridge, Conn

To: Limestone Spring Tent Area
Miles today: 18.2

   Cornwall Bridge I got cleaned up a bit; ate like a horse andmoved on. Loving these small little New England towns up here.    Had a great discussion today with an ederly lady near Falls Village,Conn. I was walking along in a daze as usual when I heard some barkingup the trail. She was on the bank of a Hasutonic (think I spelled thatwrong) River and couldn't get up back to the trail. After helping herup and giving her three dogs all the attention they could take wetalked about the hiking community. It is something that we takefor granted out here; I know it is something that I will really misswhen this journey comes to an end.   Speaking of Falls Village I had to stop in the afternoon @ the local beer store. Tired and hot I downed some big cans of Heinekenand probably 2 gallons of water. A cool down is on the way andspeaking for all the hikers out here we can't wait for that!!   Finally got a hold of the B's; going to meet them @ a shelteron Wednesday and move on from there. Just missed you Michelle; wasn'tsure where everybody was so I just keep walking north   Take care!!   ** Judy, I am past Cornwall Bridge so maybe somehow your package      can get sent forward. I'll try to call**   "There are two days in the week that I don't worry about, two days I have no fear or apprehension towards, one of those days is yesterday, and the other is tomorrow"
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Limestone Spring Tent Area

To: Brasse Brook Camping Area
Miles today: 8.5

   Met up with the Killer B's @ the shelter this evening. I spent a coolday in Salisbury, Conn.; checking out the town and the history.   Walked into town and saw a huge sign that said serving breakfast. Prettyeasy choice, think it was called the White House Inn or something likethat. Great food and cool people. Walked around town in a daze; had somegreat ice cream @ a small shop ( the lady brought me out a glass ofwater to wash it down which was awesome). The public library here wasthe first public library in the country; dated 1803. The town of Salisburywas also huge in the Rev. War, supplying a huge ammount of iron and otheressentials to the war effort.   Anyway, stopped in a beer store and bought an 18 pack of Molson. Carriedit 4 or so miles to the shelter. Haven't seen the B's in a few so thoughtit would be cool. Imagine this; there were 4 day hikers pausing @ the topof Lion's Head and here comes a thru hiker sweating and thumping up the trailcarrying an 18 pack of Molson. One of the dudes was so impressed that hesaid he could get into this thru hiking thing. I tried to explain thatit isn't always like this but he was sold.   Cool weather is back......the New England breeze feels good. Went froma sweat shop to long sleeve shirt in a day. Sitting here sharing somebeers with the B's......Life is good!
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Brasse Brook Camping Area

To: Great Barrinton, Mass.
Miles today: 16.9

   The smell of pine trees and pine needles is everywhere!! The transitionfrom the Mid Atlantic states to NE has begun. Last night was the firstcool night we had in a while and sleeping was great. We wanted to getgoing early so we had 4 cheese, Metric, and Sweet Cheeks throw some rockson the shelter roof early in the morning. They were staying up the trailand it did wake us up. I thought the sky was coming down!   Got above 2500 ft. for the first time since Virginia I believe today.The climbs up Race Mtn. and Mt. Everett were really cool. Misty and rainya bit it was a shame there wasn't a view but more to come.   Did a stupid thing today; slammed my knee into a rock while walking.Like the funny bone thing in the arm I had to collect myself a bit.SB, KB and Sweet Cheeks thought I had been shot by a cannon or something.It's happened before many times; the knee on knee thing. It goes awaybut man does it hurt.   We walked thru the worst mosquito patch in Massachuttes late in theday. Dancing and running for 3 to 4 miles we made it out alive Funnyhow fast you can walk with mosquito's everywhere.    Oh yea, forgot that we did cross into Mass. and made it to Great Barrington. Thanks for the ride; ate @ Friendly's, got some beer andChinese food and chilled while watching our favorite show, XtremeElimination on cable. Talk at you all later....................
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Great Barrinton, Mass.

To: Tom Leonard Lean To
Miles today: 6.4

   One word to describe this day.............relaxing. Very, verychill day. Hung out with the B's in Great Barrington, which is a really neat town. Did some laundry, ate @ a diner and believe itor not, saw Star Wars again!! They hadn't seen it; same ending asthe first time   Loved this town; pretty hip and upbeat.    We walked out late to the nearest shelter, smiles everywhere andlaughing about Star Wars. We all seemed to agree that Yoda is quitethe bad a** in this one; kinda like a green Bruce Lee. He seemed socute in the other ones but he is a ninja in this one. I couldn't sleepthinking my perception of Yoda was ruined for life........   Anyway, planning on doing some hiking tomorrow. Life is greatand everybody take care!   "it is about the smiles,   not the miles"
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Tom Leonard Lean To

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

   Nice, cool weather setting in! The humidity has vanished which isa good thing.    Great sleeping last night in the shelter, little bit of rain to putus to sleep. At this point I try to tent as much as possible. Nothingagainst the shelters but jamming 10 or so people in a closed spacesometimes leads to no sleep. But when the weather turns south theshelter is a great place to be.   Walking thru Massachuttes the ferns are everywhere. Just beautifulferns and green to walk thru. Talked to a local guy today aboutthe lease laws up here. I really couldn't follow but lots ofthe land up here is by lease; keeps the developers out which is a good thing. Over 300-400 acres of land in this area with only a smallammount of people.    Also the geology is changing. Not to interesting to some but itis to me. The glacier dumpage that we climbed over in Penn is totallygone. Replaced now with marble, quartz and other cool stuff. Someof this rock in this area is over a billion years old.   Laying here @ Upper Goose Pond; listening to the night birds andcrickets with a smile................................   "there is trouble in the forest,   and the creatures have all fled,   and the maples scream opression,   and the oaks just shake their heads".   RUSH
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Mass. 8/ Dalton
Miles today: 20.4

   HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!   To you Dad, have a great day and I canpicture you sitting threre with your whiskey sour; watching theUS Open. Maybe one day I will take you in golf.......doubt it butmaybe   The caretaker @ Upper Goose Cabin had blueberry pancakes readyfor us this morning. How cool is that?? I of course ate tons ofthose. Was tough getting going with that lump in my belly butwas enjoyable.   Mid day we came to a road crossing and the "Cookie Lady"!Great conversation and thanks a bunch Marilyn for the water andthe cookies. And thanks to Rufus the dog for not biting ourheads off!!   Warner Mtn.--- amazing view and great area. Picked up @ Daltonby SB's friend Sarah and Andrew. Thanks to you guys for everything.Went to an AYCE buffet ; saw Shorts, Scarecrow , Metric and others.Good to see those guys.   Making this short, hello to everybody and will catch you alldown the road. Enjoying Mass. a bunch.....nice country and people **HAVE MORE PICTURES ON THE WAY; TRYING TO FIND A COMPUTER THATCAN DOWNLOAD**
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Mass. 8/ Dalton

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 8.6

Hey again........Want to thank Sarah and Andrew; friends ofSB's for taking us in and driving us around town. Great time!! We decided to take it easy today (whats new??) Did a shorthike to the Cobbles; a very cool overlook on the AT. Andrew andSarah picked us up in Cheshire. And what do you know there justhappened to be an ice cream stand on the trail thru town. Therewas brain freeze for everyone of course. Went to a cool little pub and grill; over 150 or so beer choices.We all indulged in that and then saw the late running of BatmanBegins. Very cool movie; I didn't see the other Batmans but thiswas good stuff. When on the Cobbles we were able to see Mt. Grelylock and the GreenMtns. of Vermont for the first time. A little chill went up my spine;Vermont. I think everyone here is hyped on that. KB's home turf andhe is excited......back to higher elevations, cold spring waterand great views. Peace to all from the AT.................... "Man has yet to create   anything as resistant,   as the human spirit".
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Cheshire

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean To
Miles today: 11.0

Cool, cool weather.........the New England crisp, clean air is back. The Killer B's, myself and Sarah and Andrew bummed around abit. Besides the usual treats I shove in my backpack we allwent to Angilinos Deli and packed in 12 inch sandwiches and chipsfor the climb to Greylock. There is something about being up in elevation. Walking on the ridgetoday to Greylock was cool.....hard to believe I am back to longsleeve shirts. Mother Nature always has suprises............... The B's and myself spent some time @ the hut on Grelock. Root Beerand juice for all. Life is so chill on the trail; they played somecards while I took my usual old man mid day nap. While hangingaround we found a pile of board games in the corner. Remember thatgame Mouse Trap?? Here I am; sitting @ a bench trying to build thatsucker so I can trap a plastic mouse. The B's think I have crossedthe line with the attention I give to mice. Can't catch the realdeal then why not a plastic one?? Of course that didn;t work either. One last thing.....today was hike naked day and we heard that4 cheese, Sweet Cheeks and a few others did. We somehow forgot;maybe next year Hello to Wells and Kado from everybody out here...... Sitting here next to a nice fire, eyes getting tired......
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean To

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

   Into Vermont today..... Massachusetts was a beautiful state. I reallyenjoyed the hiking and the people. Great stories along the way andgood towns.   Hiked to Mass. 2 and walked to a Friendly's....ate some grub, actuallyate a lot of grub. 3 eggs, bacon, toast, milk juice, soda, the usualthru hiker insanity!    Got to the state line and ran into Daytripper, Traction, Cat, andFlash......good to see them again.    I keep telling the B's that two things I wanted to see on thetrail were rattlesnakes and moose. We are starting to see a lot ofmoose poop, lots of it. According to Scarecrow the Moose use thesetrails a lot so hopefully I can catch a glimpse of one beforethe end.   Pine needle floors; strong pine smell in the air; cool northwind in my face; listening to the owls call in the night; clearrunning streams; this is the life. Nothing feels as strong andit is in my blood................life on the trail is magic indeed.   Tenting by a stream, full moon Zzzzzzz.........................   "I asked Bobby Dylan,   I asked the Beatles   I asked Timothy Leary   but he couldn't help me either"
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

   Let's see, what happened on this great day. Starting to get somegreat sunsets again; being up here @ 3500 feet with the weatherjust right it was remarkable @ dusk. I came upon a ridge witha view to the west and for a few miles I was able to watch thesun go down as I walked. The sunset colors; changing from brightyellow, to yellow, to pale yellow, to orange to a faint purple,then a weird pink until it fell into the western sky. Times suchas these up here touch the heart......nothing even comes close. Seeing some huge a** beaver dams up here in the bogs and ponds.These guys are really busy up here, lots of trees knawed off. Enjoying the cold spring water up here; reminds me of earlierwater on this journey in Carolina and Tenn. Great ponds, highbeautiful grass, mooose pellets, beaver dams and anything elseyou can think of....it is all good!! Take care.............. **Z Man - - save the vacation for after the AT man.... don'twant to get out of the groove & don't want to be around hugegroups of humans
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Vermont 11/30 
Miles today: 21.2

The idea today was to get to Vermont 11/30 and meet Mrs. Manz,KB's mom. We were stoked; who wouldn't be?? Heck, food and showerand beer and a shave....sounds like fun to me. We hiked with a purpose, which is rare for us. I stopped @ ProspectRock and took in a beautiful view of the Green Mtns. and the surroundingarea. Thought about a lot of things; about the journey, the people,and just the beauty of what was in front of me. I feel so blessedto be here on the trail and @ this spot....don't think for a minuteof how lucky I feel to be out here. After all the miles some couldget burnout but for me it will be hard to leave; KB has been talkinga lot about life off the trail and he seems to be a little hesitant about going back to what you all call the "real life" Shouldbe interesting, no doubt. Anyway, Mrs. Manz was there, soda, banana bread, brownies and a rideback to Underhill,Vermont.....somewhere in the Yukon Territories I think So, to make a long story short, Scarecrow, Shorts, myselfand the Killer B"s are going to take a few off in Underhill. Gotta go, take care everybody...................... **Hello Mom and Dad....will call over the weekend!