morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-05
To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

by RightyThe guys got me up at 6am and we were hiking by 7am. Not taking any chances with the heat. It was clear and sunny out and it seemed like the humidity was lower. I'm still very weak on the uphills, just no energy, and my legs start to cramp easily. There were lots of ups and downs but not too steep. I took it slow and handled it OK. We did 15.1 miles today. By days end, I was feeling much stronger and more confident that my strength was coming back. The RPH shelter was really like a hut. Actually had 4 walls and a door. We still set up our tents in the yard. The shelter was actually on a town road and we were able to order pizza for dinner. I don't even llike pizza...but what a treat. We met Mayor Turtle and a section hiker, Mark. Earlier in the day we met a SoBo (south bounder), Slow and Steady, who had met Lefty a few days earlier and had greetings from her.
Date: 2006-08-06
To: NY Rout 20 - Pawling, NY 
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWoke up to 67 degrees, blue sky and cool breeze. We were hiking by 7:30am. We had 17.3 miles to do today. As usual, there were lots of ups and downs. We had to climb Mr. Egbert. Jericho had to go into town to pick up a mail drop and I decided to go in with him so I could get a nice dinner and then a breakfast before we started hiking the next day. Skywalker didn't need to resupply and decided to hike on to the next shelter and wait for us. The town allowed you to camp in the local park. It was about a mile out of town; but it had a beautiful view of a lake and swimming area. We set up our tents and enjoyed a quiet evening. Took a shower (with my clothes on) outside of the bathrooms by the swimming area at the lake. Felt good.
Date: 2006-08-07
To: Ten Mile River
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

by RightyThe sound of rain on the tent woke me at 5 am. Went right back to sleep and woke up again at 6:30 am. The rain had let up. Jericho and I hiked through town and had breakfast at a quick stop and then hitched a ride to the trail head. Started hiking at 10 am. The first few miles went through fields of wild flowers. Beautiful! When we crossed NY22, there was a hotdog stand on the side of the road, so, of course, we had to get hotdogs and sodas. The next 6 miles took us through the Pawling Preserve, which went through a lot of low, marshy terraine with lots of bugs. It, too, was beautiful in it's own way. Next, we crossed into CONNECTICUT. YEAH!!! Another state down. Five more to go. We camped at 10-mile River campsite which, as you would guess, was right on the river. We were able to soak our feet, swim, take a bath. It was heaven. We caught up with Skywalker there. Also ran into Flying Tortois and Mark. We had a very pleasant relaxing night around the campfire.
Date: 2006-08-08
To: Updates and Party Info
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all,Party Info first: The party will begin on Sunday 8/13 at my dad's farm 1170 Litchfield Tpke., New Hartford at 12pm and go late. Please come by anytime. I will not be there until 3:30ish because I will be going tubing down the Farmington River from 12-3. Not sure if mom will be tubing or not. Ned "Quack Quack" Mullin's ph number at the farm is 860-482-4704 if you need any info/directions. Unfortunately I will not be reachable at that number until Sat evening. Please BYOB and food to grill. Call Ned with any questions. We'll have a bonfire once the sun goes down. Bring your tent if you want to camp out in the back yard with us. I am hoping to see friends again in CT before driving back to SF at the beginning of October (after completing the trail). So, if you can't make it up to the farm this weekend I'll hope to see you then.Currently, I am sitting at an internet cafe in Salisbury, CT. Had to come into town to get some iodine for water purification. My zapper died. Also wanted to mail a few things back to dad's. My pack was feeling way too heavy again. Ditched my sleeping bag as well as a lot of other items I used to deem necessities. Did 25 yesterday. Hope to do 21 today. Dad hiked in part way yesterday so we got to walk a few miles of the AT together. That was a lot of fun! We grabbed dinner at Mt Side Cafe. Am hoping to meet up with Monalogue tonight if I can catch up with her. Will probably get close to the VT border before coming home for the party this weekend.--Lefty
Date: 2006-08-08
To: Mt Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWoke to a beautiful day with clear blue sky and white puffy clouds. It was warm but the humidity was low and there was a cool breeze. We all slept a little late today since we only had 8.2 miles to go. We had a leisurly breakfast and I spent some time sitting on the rocks in the middle of the river at this beautiful campsite. We walked .7 mile and took a side trail to take us across Bull Bridge, our first covered bridge in CT, and to a grocery store that catered to hikers and had sandwiches, sodas, and other goodies.Once we got down to the business of hiking, it was challenging. We had one 1000 foot elevation gain in a little over a mile to get to the top of Schagenticoke Mt. then another 700 foot climb in less than a mile to reach another peak. This was all over rocks and ledges. Connecticut has rocks too, in case you thought they had miraculously disappeared, but at least the AT routed the trail around and through the worst of them. Even then, it was a strenuous climb. We stayed at Mt Algo lean-to tonight so that we can get into Kent tomorrow early and meet Anne, Skywalker's wife. Looking forward to a little female companionship.
Date: 2006-08-09
To: Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe got up early and hiked the .3 miles into Kent and went to the outfitters so Jericho could pick up his new backpack. We had breakfast at the local cafe in town. Anne (Mrs. Skywalker) got into town about 11 am.We left to hike half day at 1 pm. We had 11 miles to do; but it was a beautiful day and we were psyched. First, we had a STEEP downhill, much like the Agony Grind from a few days ago. Only difference was we hadn't already hiked 10 miles in 105 degree heat and we only had a day pack. So, we made it down fairly easily, albeit, slowly. We had about 5 miles that went right along the Housatonic River that was spectacular. Anne and Skywalker's cousin from Germany, Charlotte, picked us up at the end of the hike and they had already found us lodging in Sharon. (Kent was way TOO expensive) There was only one place in town to eat, so we ended up eating at a fancy Italian restaurant. The food was real good and the waitress was OK with thru-hikers. It was a pleasant evening and we were back at the Hotel by 9:30 and off to bed.
Date: 2006-08-10
To: The Connecticut Connection
Miles today: 51.5

By RightyStrange, isn't it, I haven't lived in Connecticut for 16 years but as soon as I crossed over into CT from NY, I flet like I was home. It was a nice feeling. The trail was better than it had been in weeks. There were still rocks, but the CT ATC didn't feel it was necessary to take you across every rock and boulder. instead, it took you around them. There also seemed to be more varity in trees. We started seeing pine, balsam and fir. The fragrance was intoxicating. The streams (yes, there was water again) were clear and inviting and one section of the trail took you along the Housatonic River for miles. We stopped in South Kent to go across Bulls Bridge, the covered bridge, our first in New England. Hiking through the towns of western Connecticut (Kent, Cornwall Bridge, Falls Village and Salisbury) was like looking at a Normal Rockwall painting. Very pastoral and picture perfect. I did explain to my hiking buddies that this was NOT representative of ALL of CT. One of the best parts of CT was that Anne, Skywallker's wife, came down from NH to slack-pack us for three days. We were able to do more miles without our heavy packs on. Each day she would meet us midday at a predetermined road crossing and we'd have a big tail gate picnic. She would feed any other hikers that came by too. She is a real true trail angel. Another nice thing about CT was that Lefty's Dad, Ned, who lives in Bakersville, CT had a big party on Sunday, August 13 and Lefty, Buoy, Skywalker and myself all took a zero day to enjoy the festivities. Thanks, Ned for a great party. We loved meeting all your ski club buddies and to learn of their interest and support. Ned's brother, Bruce, came all the way up from NC to show his support. He took us out for a hiker breakfast at the Log Cabin in New Hartford.A special thanks to my girlfriend, Fran, who came from RI to spend a few hours with us. Also, special thanks to Vinnie who came back from her family reunion a day early to celebrate with us.
Date: 2006-08-10
To: Falls Village
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe had breakfast at a local restuarant across the street. It was good. We started hiking at 9 am. We were slack-packing again. There were lots of ups and downs; it was quite strenuous but doable.Anne and Charlotta met us after 12 miles at a road crossing and we had a tail-gate party. Anne makes a mean sandwich and always has chips, sodas and cookies. The next 3 miles were easy and we ended up stopping there (at 14.7 total) because it started raining and there wasn't another road crossing for 7 miles. We drove into Salisbury, CT and found lodging in a house owned by Maria. She has been renting out rooms to hikers for years and it was quite comfortable and nice to be in a home. We had pizza for dinner and again, early to bed.
Date: 2006-08-11
To: Gilden Pond
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyIt was a beautiful day today. Warm, in the 70's, cool and breezy with no humidity. We had breakfast at Jeffrey's, a local restuarant. We left the trailhead at about 9 am to hike 21.6 miles today. The first 7 miles were fairly easy ups and downs. Anne met us with lunch and even though we had just had breakfast, we ate again. The second 7 miles were beautiful, along a river bank and a stream then up Bear Mountain which was a good climb. We sat on the rocks on top and had great views of the valley to the west. The third 7 miles were really hard. We went up Mt Everette, over lots of rocks and across ridges on top. We had to employ our mountain climbing skills once again, but it was no where near as hard as PA.Near the end, we crossed from Connecticut into MASSACHUSSETTS!! Yeah again. Now only 4 states to go. We stopped at the pizza place for dinner again and then back to Maria McCabe's house for the night.
Date: 2006-08-12
To: Egretmont Road
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyToday is a nero day as we have only 6.6 miles to hike into South Egremont, MA. We had another great breakfast at Jeffrey's. It was another perfect day. We hiked into So. Egermont so that Jericho could meet his wife at the Post Office and spend a couple of days with her. Skywalker and I were headed to the party at Ned's farm. We had another tailgate party at the post office while we waited for Sharon, Jericho's wife, to arrive.We finally made contact with Lefty and Buoy and they came there to pick us up and take us to New Hartford for the party the next day. Unfortunately, Anne had to get back to New Hampshire and to work the next day so she wasn't able to join us. We got to Ned's about 5 pm and got our tents set up first thing then Lefty and I went to run some errands. Ned cooked us some hamburgers and hotdogs and we got to bed by 9 pm.
Date: 2006-08-13
To: Zero Day in New Hatford, CT
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyToday is a zero day at Ned's farm in New Hartford, CT. Oh, yes, Ned is Lefty's Dad, in case any one is wondering. Ned's brother, Bruce took Lefty, Buoy, Skywalker and myself to the Log Cabin for a real hiker's breakfast this morning. After, we went back to the farm and helped Ned get ready for the big party. We decided not to go tubing...it was a little on the cool side. People started arriving about 3 pm. It was so great to have a chance to visit with old friends and to see so many of Ned's ski club buddies and to learn that so many of them were following us on our website. Thank you Frannie and Vinnie for coming to support us. Thank you Molly, Lefty's friend from CA, for coming and bringing your friends. We all sat around a big (I mean BIG) bonfire that evening. It was a wonderful Zero day with great friends, old and new!
Date: 2006-08-14
To: South Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe slept in a little bit this morning after such a late night partying. Yeah, right....we were up at 7am and had breakfast with Bruce at the Log Cabin and then Buoy drove Skywalker and I back to our trail head. We started hiking at 12 noon and had 13.5 miles to do. The first 3 miles were flat, through fields and meadows. The next 7 were up and down. I felt really tired and sluggish all day. After 3 days of slack-packing and a zero day, it was hard to put on a full pack again. In fact, mine was even heavier as I had to pick up my winter clothes and gear at Ned's. IT WAS A HARD DAY!We got to the shelter about 7:30 pm. Jericho was already there and was starting to worry that we wouldn't make it. I really have to get back into the "HIKER MODE".
Date: 2006-08-15
To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

by RightyIt rained hard last night and was still sprinking in the morning. The tents were soaking wet and dirty but still had to be packed up. We finally left about 8:30am. It wasn't too hard a day, but felt hard with a heavy and wet pack. We were done by 5:30pm. Our destination was a cabin .7 mile off the trail, that has an attendant. It was pretty neat. Actually, anything with 4 walls, a floor and roof is pretty neat. There were 16 bunks upstairs with a living area, dining area and kitchen down stairs. The first thing we did was unpack our wet tents and hang them out to dry. The cabin was on a pond, and you could go for a swim or a canoe ride if you wanted. We met Mouse Hat, Trail Boss, Iroc, Prana, Fireman and Cowboy at the cabin. There were another dozen hikers there but I didn't know many of them. It was nice to sleep inside, out of the elements. There were rumors that the attendant made blueberry pancakes for everyone in the morning. I hope I'm not dreaming about that.
Date: 2006-08-16
To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe woke up to the smell of coffee and pancakes this morning. I don't drink coffee; but the pancakes were excellent. It was a clear, crisp day and we got onto the trail about 8:30 am. We had 18.6 miles to do. The first 4 and the last 4 were all up and down; but the middle 10 was fairly flat. So, all in all, it was a decent day. We made one stop at a farm where you could pick your own blueberries. Our book said that the owners let you pick whatever you could eat for free and the "Cookie Lady" also served you homemade cookies. The Cookie Lady wasn't home, but we did pick blueberries and also took some with us for breakfast the next morning. I was really tired after almost 19 miles; so it was early to bed for me. Our shelter mates were Fireman and Cowboy.
Date: 2006-08-17
To: Catholic Church Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe left the shelter at 8:30am for a 3 mile hike into Dalton, Mass. First thing we did was stop and have breakfast. Then we found the post office so Skywalker and Jericho could get their mail drops. Next we went to the laundrymat to do our laundry. We had a pretty neat experience there. The owner gave you a clean towel and washcloth (free) and allowed you to use his restroom to clean up if you wanted to.After all our chores were done, we hiked the 9 miles into Cheshire, Mass to a catholic hostel. Right as we came off the trail and into town; we came to a little ice cream shop; so, NATURALLY, we had to stop and get some ice cream. Yummy. The church was right up the street and it really wasn't a hostel. They just let you sleep on the floor in one of their sunday school rooms in the fellowship hall. Only rule we could see was that you had to be out by 9 am. It was clean and dry and there was even a bathroom. We never saw anyone from the church. It was a good day!
Date: 2006-08-18
To: Massachussetts Memories by Righty
Miles today: 90.3

by RightyAll 90.3 miles of trails in Mass were a pleasure. Can you believe I just said that?? Many reasons for that comment. First the weather was unusually good. It's been cool in the am and pm and only in the 60;s or 70's during the day. We did have rain one night so had to deal with wet tents; but that was soon forgotten with the following good weather. Second, the terrain has been similar to CT. Difficult enought with al the ups and downs but not unbearable. The rocks have continued to subside and pine needles have become more prominent. In Mass, the shelters are referred to as lean-to's. They have been adequate and the water has been plentiful. We did stay at one place called Upper Goose Pond Cabin which was really classy by hikers standards. It had windows and doors and slept 16 upstairs in a loft. The night we were there it was full and many more slept in tents all around. The caretaker made blueberry pancakes for all in the morning. What a send off! Since it was on a pond, you could swin (I thought it was too cold) or take a canoe out. Oh, yes, the privy was a two-holer and was emaculate. Probably because the caretaker was a woman. No wasp nests or spider webs inside and even smelled nice. In the towns that the trails go through, the people have been wonderful. In Dalton, MA, when we went to the laundrymat, the owner gave you a washcloth and towel and let you use his bathroom to freshen up. Just a simple gesture like that means so much to the hiker.
Date: 2006-08-18
To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

by RightyWe had a pretty good day in store for us today as we had 15.6 miles to do and we were going to climb Mr. Graylock, which we had heard so much about.We left the church in Cheshire at 7 am with the intention or going somewhere for breakfast. We soon learned that there was no place within walking distance and we didn't want to take the time to hitch into town. So, we found a Shell station that had a mimi mart and got hot cocco and donuts. We started hiking about 8:30 am. It was overcast and coolish with temp at 65 degrees. We hiked 8 miles UPHILL, elevation gain only 2800 feet, but it seemed a lot higher. Mount Graylock is the highest peak in Massachussetts at 3491 feet. We spent almost 2 hours at the Bascomb Lodge, which is a ranger station and also houses hikers and other guests. We were able to get a lunch of hotdogs, chips and sodas. There is an observation tower there but I didn't climb up because it was still so overcast you couldn't see far. Jericho went up and took some pictures of the fog. We had a 3 mile hike down Graylock which was pretty steep but no real problem, then there was another 4 miles to the campsite. We got there at 6 pm, set up our tents, cooked dinner and went to bed by 8pm.
Date: 2006-08-19
To: Update from Lefty & Buoy
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone!Buoy and I are in Manchester, VT. We like this town so much that we are having a hard time leaving. That's definitely one of the dangers of "going into town". I think I hit the three-fourths mark yesterday. 1636 miles down, 537 left. Pretty darn unbelieveable! I have to keep this update short as I already have a line of people behind me waiting to use the free internet access computer in this Manchester bookstore cafe. Buoy and I picked mom and Skywalker up last Saturday 8/12 and we all drove to dad's farm. The party was fabulous! The weather was perfect. It couldn't have been a better day. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us. We felt a little like celebrities. The attention was fun. Everyone was so happy and excited about our success. The morning after the party Buoy drove mom and Skywalker back to where they'd gotten off the trail, in South Egremont, MA. Mom decided to keep hiking with Skywalker for the time being. She may come up and join me when I get into Maine. After Buoy got back to the farm, my Uncle Bruce drove us up to Cheshire, MA so that we could leave our van at the farm. Thanks so much Bruce, for everything: for driving up from NC to see us, for treating us to breakfast, for letting me borrow your down sleeping bag and for driving WAY out of your way to drop us off at the trail in northern MA. Some big news is that Buoy is back on the trail. In the eleven plus yrs we've been together we've never been apart THAT long. It's great to have him back.Thanks to Paula Felt for being one of our biggest fans! And, thank you for organizing the fund raising effort with the ski club members. I must be the worst fundraiser in the world, because before the party I'd only had 2 people donate to National Breast Cancer Coalition fund. Thanks to Christiane for the care package waiting for us at the farm. You are so clever, and we are so greatful! Your homeade powerbars are a hit on the trail! Pajaro, baby! What is this, number 7?Molly, I mean...."Justafriend" what can I say...you are hysterical! Buoy and I couln't stop laughing at your guest entry. Thank you so much for taking the time to drive up to visit us on the trail, hike with us, party with us at the farm and for the fabulous guest entry.I really gotta go. There is A LOT of huffing and puffing going on behind me.Take good care!-LeftyP.S. We added a bunch of new pictures, but didn't have time yet to attach them to journal entries or put them in any kind of order. Check the photo album for new additions dated 8/19.
Date: 2006-08-19
To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

by RightyIt was overcast this morning when we got up but no rain. Yippee! We had only 3 miles to hike and then we crossed into VERMONT. One more state down. Only 3 to go!!! Once we got into Vermont, it started raining lightly. There were shelters at 12 and 19 miles so we decided to stop at 12.5 and got out of the rain. We met another hiker Cowboy at the shelter, but he decided to go on. Possum came by also, and she too, went on to the next shelter. There were 7 people in a shelter made for 4 so it was crowded, to say the least. It was very smelly and noisey....and strangely enough, the noise bothered me the most. It rained all night. Welcome to Vermont! We had been forewarned that VT can be a very WET state and the trail get very wet, muddy, mucky, miserable,dangerous, and so on.