morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Canopus Lake NY 301 

To:  Zero Day in Poughkeepsie, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Day #126 I was only going to stay the morning and hike out in the afternoon. Circumstances have a habit of changing plans on the trail, and so my today became a zero. First, the bed I slept in was soooo comfortable it wouldn't take much convincing to stay another night just on this fact. Second, the weather turned ugly and it rained all afternoon into the evening. The good thing about the rain was I left my salt stained backpack outside to get a good natural wash. Third, when I told my aunt and uncle that I might be leaving in the afternoon I could see the disappointment on their faces, Fourth, I needed to find an outfitter to buy trekking poles. Yes, you heard correctly, I traded my big wooden walking stick, that¢s been with me since Georgia, for Leki poles. Those that know me would tell you that I can be stubborn at times. My last major fall could have easily ended this hike with a serious injury and it opened my eyes. I can't keep challenging the protective bubble from the Goddesses of Deland and the prayers from loved ones. I believe if I had the walking poles the mishap would not have happened. Conclusion, I am now the proud owner of Leki Makalu Antishock poles. Fifth, the food was way too good to pass up. During the evening we went to the movies and saw the sci-fi thriller "I Robot". I had not been to a movie since Lady Kritter and I went last year for the final trilogy of the Hobbit. Back to the house and another comfortable night in a bed. Life is good, on and off the trail.
Date: 2004-07-19
From:  Zero Day in Poughkeepsie, NY

To: RPH Shelter (from NY 301)
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Day #127 I needed to go to the Post Office and bank in the morning and by the time all the other running around was done it was already noon. By 1:00 my family and I said our good-byes and I was once again on the trail passing Canopus Lake. A feeling of calmness comes over me every time I leave a town and my feet hit the trail. 4:00 and I was at RPH Shelter. Already there was Diesel, his son Sleepy and Maya Quezs. I was thinking of hiking on, when they told me about a feed that was going to happen at the shelter. Other hikers, Walking Stomach and Little Tree, came in and heard about the "feed" from meeting one of the committee members on the trail. Free food can change a hiker's mind in a heart beat. I stayed. Sure enough around 5:30 folks started showing up carrying coolers and bags of food. It turns out the Dutches, Putnam Appalachian Maintenance Committee of the NY/NJ Appalachian Trail Conference was having their annual picnic meeting at the shelter. Hamburgers, sausage, and hot dogs were cooking on the grill. A table with all types of salads brought in by the committee members was laid out buffet style. A feast was in progress. More hikers came in - High Octane, Critter, Caterpillar, and Enigma. The shelter was full and tents were popping up. With a full day of hiking ahead tomorrow it was early to bed, content and full of good food. Life can be so good on the trail.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: RPH Shelter (from NY 301)

To: NY 22 Pawling, NY
Miles today: 19.7

Day #128 Left the RPH Shelter at 7:00 to get some miles in before the day's heat and humidity. The weather called for a slight chance of rain in the afternoon with temperatures in the mid to high 80's and high humidity. Mid-morning I stopped at the Mountain Top Market for my first stop on the deli circuit. The deli circuit on the trail starts in northern New York and extends into Connecticut and Massachusetts, from what I've been told. Later that afternoon I was feeling the need to cool off in the waters of Nuclear Lake. I didn't for two reasons. One, the area was littered with Coyote droppings everywhere, in the water, on the shore and in the grass. Second, Nuclear Lake was the location of a nuclear research facility that had a fire and explosion. According to the locals, the feds came in cleaned the area and declared it safe. The facility was rebuilt then eventually shut down and the buildings torn down. I just did not trust the water, I felt I would either howl at the moon or glow in the dark, so I moved on. I was planning to spend the night at Telephone Pioneers Shelter until I found out there was no water. Coming out to County Road 20, there stands the massive Dover Oak Tree, similar to the Keffer Oak in Central Virginia. Came out to NY 22 where the Appalachian Trail Station is located. Hikers from this station can take the train into New York City on the weekends. I hitched a ride into Pawling, NY, a very hiker friendly town. The town lets hikers camp near the pavilion at Edward R. Murrow Park. The Town Tavern has a 3/4 pound hamburger, one of the best on the trail so far. I cowboy camped at the park and was bothered by mosquitoes most of the night.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: NY 22 Pawling, NY

To: Kent, CT. St. Andrew Episcopal Church
Miles today: 18.6

Day #129 I was up early and hitched a ride back to NY 22 and was on the trail by 7:00. I love my walking poles, or as some people call them, trekking poles. All the action of walking is not just with my legs now. I find my descents are quicker and safer using both poles as anchor points as I place my feet. Going up hill the little push with the poles propels you up relieving pressure on the knee and ankle joints. New York State is now behind me. I have crossed the state line and officially in the New England states, the first one, Connecticut. During the morning near Ten Mile River I ran into Pete and his dad Joe. I met them on the first two days of my hike and had not seen them since. Neither Pete or Joe are thru-hiking. They are enjoying hiking different sections along the AT. Accompanying them is T-Bird. The trail follows a nice section along the river and comes to Bulls Bridge, my first New England covered bridge. I stopped for lunch at the Country Market and Deli. The afternoon was spent climbing over Schaghticke Mountain and then down into Kent, CT. Most of the hikers are staying on the St. Andrew Episcopal Church grounds in tents. Kent is another friendly town to hikers. I ran into Catdog, Quest and Hawk. We sat down and talked about the different styles of hiking the trail and about the remaining 722 miles. Hawk and Quest are looking to summit Katahdin around September 18th. It is still a little early yet, but I would like to summit Katahdin the week of September 20th.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Kent, CT. St. Andrew Episcopal Church

To: Kent, CT. ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day #130I wanted so much to continue on the trail today. I can¢t. I think the constant walking, heat and sweating is taking a toll on my body. My back and shoulders are covered in a heat rash from all the sweating and the pack has rubbed it raw. I feel tired, the kind of tired associated with heat. I just need to regroup my energies, heal my body and continue. I know some of the best scenery is coming up and I will be ready for it.Quest gave me this poem to read to lift my spirits and I want to share it.Don't QuitWhen things go wrong, as they sometimes will,When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,When funds are low and the debts are highAnd you want to smile, but you have to sigh,When care is pressing you down a bit-Rest if you must, but don't quit.Life is queer with its twists and turnsAs every one of us sometimes learn,And many a fellow turns aboutWhen he might have won had he stuck it out.Don't give up though the pace seems slow-You may succeed with another blow.Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a faint and faltering man;Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victor's cup;And he learned too late when the night came downHow close he was to the golden crown.Success is failure turned inside out-The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,And you never can tell how close you areIt may be near when it seems afar;So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.         ~   AnonymousEnough said ...
Date: 2004-07-24
From: West Cornwall Road

To: Riga Lean-to
Miles today: 21.3

Day #132 Catdog came to pick Hawk, Quest and I from Maria's and dropped us off at West Cornwall Road. I ran into Austin at the intersection of the trail and the road, another thru-hiker who I met in Kent. The weather was cloudy and it looked like it wanted to rain. Suddenly the sun came out; the humidity was low and the temps were in the low 70's. The morning hike was disturbed by muffler-free engine noise of race cars running at high speeds on a race track. I came to an overlook where Austin was standing to see the winding race track containing little ant-like cars speeding around it down below. The noise could be heard throughout the mountains for hours. Far enough away from the racetrack vibrations Austin and I broke for lunch on a rock overlook called Belter Bump. We took out whatever was still wet from the rain storm and laid them out on the rocks for a quick dry on the warm rocks. The Housatonic River runs through several refreshing pools near the hydroelectric plant. Austin and I both thought the same thing when we saw the pools. Swimming. We had a blast. We left the pools and within 10 minutes came to The Great Falls of the Housatonic River. Below the falls is a large pool where the locals jump into and swim. The Great Falls are not majestic any more since the hydroelectric plant diverts part of the water to run the generators. Late afternoon Austin and I walked into Salisbury, bought some wine to have with our spaghetti dinner and ice cream cones. Around 9:00 I made it to Riga Lean-to. Just after setting up our tents Austin and I heard what we thought was thunder. Several seconds later a blast of light flashed through the trees then a boom. Running to the lean-to we met some section hikers and two ridge runners sitting on the shelter steps describing the fireworks display from the valley below.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Riga Lean-to campground

To: near Glen Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 9.7

Day #133 Austin and I decided to take it easy today since we did a 20 plus mile day yesterday. When I woke up the temperature was in the low 50's. Austin and I went to the shelter and watched the world go by down in the valley. I finally left Riga around 9:30. The day was just beautiful. Bear Mountain (2316'), Race Mountain (2430') and Mt. Everett (2602') were great rock climbs with spectacular views. Bear Mountain is the highest point in Connecticut. The trail on Race Mountain were ledges with steep drop offs. From the summit of Race Mountain, I could see the Catskills Mountains in New York. I hiked through a gorgeous ravine called Sages the runs Between Bear Mountain and Race Mountain. This area had a mountain stream running through it over large boulders and into little gorges. The water was clean, cool and refreshing. It was also in this area I crossed into the State of Massachusetts. I have now hiked through 10 states with only 4 remaining. I arrived at Glen Brook Lean-to at 4:30 affording me a leisure day in a pine hemlock grove. I pitched my tent and collected fire wood for tonight's entertainment. Caterpillar, High Octane, Raven came in just before dusk. Austin and I greeted everyone and offered space around our site for tenting. The evening was cool so we started the fire to take the chill. The orange and yellow flames illuminated the rugged terrain surrounding us. I went to my tent early, knowing I was going to be up early to do another 20 plus mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: near Glen Brook Lean-to

To: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-to
Miles today: 21.4

Day #134 "There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein Knowing I was going to do a 20 plus mile day, I left the tenting area of the lean-to at 6:30. The early morning sky was clear and the eastern views off The Jug End were excellent. The climb down was not an easy task. It made you think where every move was going to be. It seems the further north I go the more you see these types of ascents and descents. A successful climb is schooling in rock scrambling. Completing each challenge is a graduation to the next level, eventually ending, I hope, at the doctorate level in New Hampshire and Maine. A group of art students with their professor were at the Shay's Rebellion monument on MA 41 doing a 3 hour painting project of a corn field. It was interesting to see each artist's interpretation on canvas of the field, from realist to an impressionist view.Looking at the maps and handbook it seems that my climbs are becoming more frequent and higher. What goes up must come down and into the valley I go where there is either a road or a flow of water. Today, the valley is created by the Housatonic River. Route US 7 also runs in this valley. Austin, High Octane, Caterpillar and I stopped for lunch at a produce stand on the highway. I had the juiciest, peaches, apricots and plums that I can remember. I am starting to meet sobo's (south bound hiker's) who left Katahdin at the end of May and early June. We exchange information of what lies ahead for each of us. I am always given praise and adulation for making it this far. Knowing each of them has thus far traveled 600 plus miles, I in return, encourage them to continue with their quest to reach Springer Mountain. The trail in front of them contains the same topography they have already seen and conquered, so they know it can be accomplished. My final advice is not to let the many weeks in Virginia wear them down, stay focused, hike your own hike, take it hour by hour, day by day.I¢ve developed a shin splint on my right leg since coming into Salisbury . Toward the end of my hike today, I managed to limp into Mt. Wilcox Lean-to around 8:30 and met Austin. Every hiker I have talked to throughout the day has been battling the mosquitoes. These small biting creatures will find any exposed skin or tight clothing and give you that itchy injection. I took out my mosquito head net at the lean-to so I could set up my tent. I wrote a comment in the shelter registry that mosquitoes are not new to me since I come from Florida. The only difference between Massachusetts mosquitoes and Florida Mosquitoes is in Florida we put saddles on them.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Mt. Wilcox North Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

"Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance." Unknown During the night a few drops of rain fell on the tent an indication of things to come. I tuned-in the NOAA weather channel on the radio and the forecast was not favorable. A front was moving in with heavy rains beginning in the afternoon and lasting into the next day. Looking at the sky it looked like the weatherman finally got it right.Left the lean-to at 7:00 and by 10:30 I was in Tyringham, MA getting my bounce box and mail drop from Lady Kritter. A light rain came in the afternoon. I arrived at Upper Goose Pond Cabin in a light rain and immediately jumped into the pond's refreshing water. The air temperature was in the low 60's which made the pond water feel warm. The Appalachian Trail Conference provides caretakers for the cabin, who spend one week as a volunteer caretaker. This week's volunteer caretaker was a gentleman named Wayne, his 12 year old son Coby and 15 year old daughter, Kelsey. The cabin is a two story wood structure, no plumbing, no electricity with propane stove and lights. It is located on what they call a pond in New England, what I call a large lake in Florida. The second story is the bunk room for caretaker and hikers. One-by-one the wet hikers were coming to the cabin. The later in the afternoon they arrived, the wetter the hikers were. By dark-thirty the cabin was full and we were in the middle of a good, frog chocking, full-blown rainstorm. Hawk, Quest, High Octane, Caterpillar, Critter, Austin, Polar, Pilot, and three sobo's all enjoyed the warmth and dryness of the cabin's fireplace. I stood on the covered front porch looking out into the wet, chilly darkness and wondered how the other hikers were surviving in the shelters and tents. Each will have their own unique story to tell and remember as part of their AT experience.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #136¢Wander here a whole summer, if you can. Thousands of God's wild blessings will search you and soak as if you were a sponge, and the big days will go by uncounted." John Muir All night long the rain continued. The light of dawn was late due to the dark rain clouds. Hikers were stirring getting ready for a wet day. Wayne was up and in the kitchen making coffee and pancakes for everyone. I was already up, so I joined him in the kitchen doing what I could to make his morning easier. Pondering the weather outside, it didn't take me long to decide I was staying put. I could come up with many reasons why I stayed. My two favorites: I did not want to jeopardize aggravating my shin splint any further on slippery rocks and ground. Second, why be miserable and wet when I could be happy and dry? Sometimes the hardiest thing to do is the simplest.Austin, High Octane, Caterpillar and Critter were all packed and ready to hit the trail, except for one thing. No one wanted to leave. Finally, High Octane called the others into the cabin and told them he was staying at the cabin. In the end, each one said they were ready to go but, deep down inside, none wanted to leave the comforts of the cabin. The boys, as Wayne and I called them, played board games, took the canoe out in the rain, went fishing on the pond and took naps. I sat on the porch and let the energies of Mother Nature consume me. Later in the afternoon the rain stopped and I went for a short walk in the woods. The smells were incredibly musty like an old damp oak barrel.The hikers that endured the weather started rolling in. To the Cold and the wet, the cabin was paradise in the middle of the woods. Catdog, Lonesome Dove, Joker, a married couple named John and Mary, a sobo named Jerry and several other hikers dripped in. All the bunks were full, the floor in front of the fireplace occupied as well as the floor of the front porch. A cozy night indeed.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Zero Day

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day #137 The cabin was full of activity early in the morning. Wayne and I were in the kitchen again making blueberry pancakes and coffee for everyone. I left the cabin at 7:30 and was on the trail heading towards Dalton, MA. The trail was wet, the rocks were slippery, brooks were flowing heavier than usual, and the mosquitoes out for another tasty meal. The forest contained large areas of fallen trees giving the woods a disheveled appearance. Beavers were at work flooding sections of trail that had to be re-routed. It was, for me, just another day in the green tunnel. The day went quickly and by late afternoon I was in Dalton. Joker and I went in together for a motel room at the Shamrock Inn. The simple things that we forget in the civilized world become luxury items on the trail. A pillow, sheets and a mattress. And, that glorious, most excellent advancement of modern man, the hot shower! The boys went to a private home, known on the trail as the Birdcage, to spend the night. Next door to the inn was the Shamrock Pub and Restaurant, where Joker and I met Quest, Hawk, Hawk's wife Peggy, Lonesome Dove and Catdog.I am going to have to slow down my pace. I came into town limping badly. I think I am putting too much stress on the shin splint. I need to rest and reduce my mileage to build up its strength for Vermont and the Whites of New Hampshire. Traveling throughout the eastern United States, I have noted several observations. The same size creek in one state can become a stream in another, or in the New England states, a brook. A three sided building to protect the hikers from the elements can be called a shelter, a hut or, a lean-to. A hoagie sandwich can be a sub, a submarine sandwich, or a grinder. In Florida, a gator hole filled with water maybe called a pond and a pond in New England is called a lake in Florida. Yes, Yes I know, (change of accent) you say tomato and I say tomahto, you say potato and I say potahto, Differences can be good.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #138Zero Day, A plus Day as the hikers like to call them. I was up early, packed and ready to go. Joker and I walked the three blocks to the cafe for breakfast. My shin splint was not feeling right. The walk back to the hotel to pick up our packs caused me more than a discomfort in my right leg. Joker needed to make Williamstown by Saturday to pick up mail so he took off. I stayed at the room for about an hour to rest the leg. Around 9:00, with my backpack on, I was walking out of town. Half an hour into my hike I realized that I needed to rest my leg instead of walking on it. I turned around and went back to the inn. I asked Quest and Catdog if I could share their room. Both said no problem. I spent most of the day in the room with my foot elevated and in ice. Catdog came back to the room with a newspaper article on shin splints. The article was most informative and it seemed I was doing the right things for a swift recovery. I also decided to do low mileage the next couple of days to help in the healing. I was antsy to get on the trail, but I knew I had to listen to my body. Another plus day to recover from another injury, but I'm still on the AT heading towards Maine. By now you¢re saying is all this pain and suffering worth it? In a simple three letter word - yes. I have witnessed, observed, heard, smelled and touched mother earth and her creatures in ways that have taken away all that pain and suffering, leaving me memories forever etched in my mind. Hell YES, it's worth it!
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Dalton, MA

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 9.3

Day #139 The day of rest and ice treatments seemed to help my shin splint. It felt good enough to give it another try. I Left Dalton, Ma. at 8:00 and had no trouble walking through town and up the mountain. I met up with Now or Never in the mountains and around 12:15 we walked into the little community called Cheshire. Sobo's told us of a great place to stay in the town's catholic church. St. Mary of Assumption was a block off the trail. A memorial service was being conducted when we arrived. Now or Never and I went to the rear of the property and found the hall where hikers can stay for free. Several women were in the hall preparing a reception for the attendees of the memorial service. The women cordially invited us in, explained the simple rules: No alcohol, no smoking, no cooking under the porch, keep all packs and gear out of the main hall until night time. Now or Never needed to re-supply and go to an outfitter so I decided to go with him into the next town of North Adams. This way I could explore the area and not be in the way at the hall. We found a local bus service for transportation and spent the afternoon having fun off our feet. Returning to the church, we noticed a wedding ceremony was in the final stages, followed by a late afternoon mass. The pastor of the church, Father David came to the hall and greeted us. He is a funny guy and really made you feel at home. He would not take donations, saying the stay was free. Father David felt hikers needed a home away from home; a place to rest and brush off the trail dust. He apologized for not having showers or bunks, and having to sleep on the floor. I told Father that was okay, at least we were indoors, we had the convenience of bathrooms and we¢d be out of the predicted inclement weather. Two sobo's came in by early evening, Lead Dog and Heat Mizer along with a nobo called Friar. The rain started during the evening and the forecast for tomorrow was the same - rain. At least tonight we were cozy and dry.