morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I started out late relishing the noon checkout time and then hanging out with Saltlick watching some Eddie Murphy movie I did not recognize. Am I so out of the loop?The first two miles out of town are crossing the bridge which bounced with every 18 wheeler. The woods began peacefully, following a bubbling brook. Then it got rocky, especially around Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake. I kept backtracking because the white blazes in this area need a brush-up.You can really tell that the Ice Age Glacier stopped here from the sendiment remains of these nasty rocks. I believe they are worse in NJ then in PA.I got to the Mohican Outdoor Center where they allow you to tent for free. Lint, Road Runner, Krispy Kritter, John & Mary, Gator Woman, Meanderthal, Pipesmoke, and Flip Flop were all here. A few of them were heading into Port Clinton the next day for some weekend barbecue hosted by a former thru-hiker. It is supposed to be big but I have a stronger desire to hike north.MOC is a good resting place approximately 10 miles out of town. There is a store, well water, bear boxes, and a lounge if we all wish relief from the mosquitos.Flip Flop offered me a beer and we sat around the picnic table chatting. Mary, who was very glad to see another female hiker, and I got talking about the gossip of the trail. Since one learns the names of fellow hikers, the news becomes more interesting and frequent.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I did not sleep well last night and it affected my hiking. I felt as if I were making very little progress. By the end of the day, I was so tired that I cooked and ate dinner and crawled into my tent before the sun set.Otherwise it was another incredible hiking day. Moderate temperatures in the 60's and low 70's with strong refreshing winds from the west. The trail through NJ takes you over some meadowy peaks overlooking lakes to the east.I got to see where Mary fell a few years ago--a slip on a slab of wet rock that ended her thru-hike. Today, the slab is dry. Hard to believe she broke her tibia and fibula here.After the first shelter since DWG, we came to a road where the Worthington Bakery is a traditional stopping point for hikers. Unfortunately it appears to be permanently closed due to a death in the family. The water spigot was turned off. Many went to a nearby tavern for lunch. I kept going only to hear that the staff was very friendly and I missed happy hour.I reached Gren Anderson Shelter shortly after Gator Woman. The grounds are a mess of garbage because the shelter is close to a road. I opted to tent among the pines since the shelter had some weekenders occupying it.The bear box here was filled with goodies and fuel, compliments of Desperado. I don't know if he realizes that we need the bear box for our food too. Pipesmoke tried to pass out cookies to make some room.That was the last thing I remember before I fell into a deep sleep.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Goldsmith Road, Murray 
Miles today: 18.3

Chilly morning. I slept through the bear visit. It couldn't figure out how to open the bear box even though the latch was broken.While eating breakfast with Gator Woman, I noticed a deer tick all nestled and snug on my leg. How long has that been there?After yesterday and turning in early, I decided I was really burning out doing all these 20-mile days. My current hiking group mentioned a shelter/campsite 18 miles north. I intended to join them there instead of hiking the original 20 to Unionville to sleep in a pavilion. Once again it was a beautiful day. Still breezy.I was the first at High Point Headquarters resting under a tree eating lunch. We all decided to check out the concession stand at the park nearby. Here is an easy way to get to it. Follow the trail north until you reach the observation tower--the one where you are supposed to see NYC. Work your way down to the nearby road and take a left. Then take a right down a frequently bushwacked path following the sound of kid laughter. At the botton of the hill is the swim area and concession stand where Pipesmoke, Gator Woman, Meanderthal and I ate a second lunch and went swimming (in that order and without waiting an hour after eating!)Then it was an easy six miles to Jim Murray's hidden shelter. Apparently he had thru-hiked years ago and wanted to donate some of his land to a shelter for hikers. The ATC never returned his calls so he just offered some nicely manicured fields with neat wood shacks to the hiking community himself.It is wide open, picturesque and relaxing. There is a sink, a pump for well water, and a hot shower. I washed some clothes and laid them out on the rocks hoping that the heat and the waning sun will dry them. Quite a few hikers had chosen this location for the night including Badger, Papa Bear, Myst, and Bones.As we were finishing dinner, we heard a sound like someone, a man, yelling an unintelligible word. We all looked in the direction of the noise as the yell changed tone and became a repeated series of "hee haws". Two donkeys were grazing in the distance. Road Runner, a tall guy from Tennesee, tried to approach one by talking to it. The donkey got all aggitated and ran away like a kid who had just been bullied off the playground. Very amusing.Then it was quiet and as night fell; the bats and the fireflies put on a modest show.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

I crossed into NY officially today. I have finished another state. NY welcomed hikers with open face rock srambling and iron-laced streams. It would have been fun if the rain hadn't slickened everything up.Also the climb out of Vernon is strenuous. People keep worrying and wondering about the Whites. Take the hike out of Vernon, multiply its length by three, and you have a typical climb in NH. At least it reminded me of the Glencliff Trail to Mt Moosilauke. Neat view at the top. I could see pieces of the boardwalk from the day before.I actually enjoyed today's scrambling and rain walk. I spent most of the day (probably a good ten miles) not knowing where I was, though. There must have been some relocating. The landmarks in the map and guide books did not match. Many trails branched off the AT making it easy to get lost. Wingfoot mentions four stream crossings. I saw one rust colored trickle--the result of a drought mixed with iron sediment.As my water supply dwindled, the rock scrambles became more arduous. At times you get a glimpse of Greenwood Lake to the east. The rain ceased for a bit and I had lunch at the top of Prospect Rock. Most of the time the trail was rather slick, requiring faith in the strength of poles and the traction of my worn out boots (the sole is coming off, by the way).Someone went a little crazy with the paintbrush. There were white blazes along the most difficult slabs as if they were telling us to figure it out ourselves. Did they realize we would be carrying heavy packs?At NY17 near Greenwood Lake a new ice cream store and hot dog stand opened. White Pine, a section hiker who is taking 20 years to complete the trail with his wife who has MS, left us water in gallon jugs. I could finally replenish and drink.I'm now in the shelter with Mary, John, Pipesmoke, Bones, Myst, and Road Runner. Badger and Papa Bear are in their tents. Meanderthal just arrived. Gator Woman has left the trail to visit a friend. It is intermittently raining, more like fallout from the trees when the wind blows. We all expect to sleep well since it is too cold for the mosquitos. Very different from yesterday.Crowded in our little shelter together cooking and chatting, I found this part of camping soothing. It is an experience I can't describe, where we know each other well enough to feel comfortable in close quarters. Where we still find things to talk about even though we are tired. And where we are so adjusted to nature's whims we aren't bothered by rain.
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I was a bit nervous this morning. I had to hike 12 plus miles and be at the Bear Mountain Inn by 1 pm to meet someone. I'm taking a little vacation from the trail. Can I do it?The maze of different trails continues. Watch out for the short white blazes that are almost indistinguishable from the AT white blazes. Threw me off more than once.Today was slightly easier than yesterday. The first five miles to the William Brien Memorial Shelter and its bone dry water source is flat. After that, the trail goes over two mountains, West and Bear. It was a workout but provided tremendous views of the lakes, opposing cliffs, and, as a special NY treat, a large empty parking lot.All day I could hear Westpoint testing their ammunition. It sounds like distant cannon fire and resembles an approaching thunderstorm.Today was dryer and rock traction was better as the sun worked its way through the clouds.The trail crosses the Palisades Interstate Parkway where a registry box was affixed to a tree. Above it, a warning proclaimed "No Water Available Between Bear Mountain and Perkins Tower." Someone hand wrote below, "Or anywhere else in NY." I have to say right now that if it wasn't for the forethought and consideration of hidden trail angels in the area, a lot of us would have gone thirsty. Thanks for putting water out at road junctions.The Perkins Tower was closed for no apparent reason. On my way down to town, we pass under a ski jump of sorts. This is the most delapidated structure, serving more as a home to woodchucks.I reached the Inn in time for my ride from Jim. He has helped thru-hikers before and hopes to one day hike the trail with his son. For now, he is the pinnacle employee of his own business and cannot escape for six months. I have been welcomed into his family's home for the night. I'm getting very spoiled.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Greymoor Friary
Miles today: 7.1

After a short reprieve in New Orleans consuming Po Boys, Bignets, and Alligator Bite Hurricanes while enjoying the night lights of Bourbon Street, I decided to return to the Trail.My Mom and my sister Maria joined me for a meandering walk through the zoo, which is not really a zoo, but a wildlife sanctuary. The naturalist on duty said originally every state that the AT passes through was supposed to have a Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center with rescued local animals. But funding for the project was cut short and there is only this one.It was quiet in the park which gave the naturalist time to tell us stories about each animal. I hear people blast this place but I thought it was a nice diversion when no kids were around. The animals were certainly lively.My Mom left Maria and me to walk seven miles to the Greymoore Friary ball field where she came by with sodas and chips. Before dinner they took off for home. It was a good visit and made me slightly homesick.Halfmoon and Now or Never are here along with some new faces, Rainy Jay, Baby Blue, and Crash--fast young hikers. They all started mid to late April. Seeing fellow hikers along with the short day have lightened the transition to the trail. I hear that my friends Catdog, Hawk and Quest are mostly ahead and I may be able to catch up. No idea where Saltlick is.Now or Never, Halfmoon, and I got dinner and a great tour from Brother Lou. Then we hung out for a few hours at the pavilion where the Friary has set up a shower and sink. Again, we have nice weather and blue sky. Not too many bugs. I opted to sleep in the pavilion so as not to deal with condensation on my tent in the morning.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Greymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

I felt the brunt of my vacation today physically and emotionally. I missed my friends and family at home and wished at least one of them could hike with me. Good thing I'm getting closer to New England.I also felt sluggish as I walked--a consequence of too much relaxation.I believe I am behind everyone by a couple of days. A very lonely feeling that I'm sure will pass as I get my speed and endurance back. This is it, I realize. I am on the home stretch.As I was taking a rest at the Catfish Loop Trail, Now or Never came up. I thought he was ahead of me because he left the Friary baseball field first this morning. But he got lost on a ridge--very easy to do in NY. He also left a shirt drying on a picnic table at the Friary and I grabbed it before I left.So after telling him the good news that I had his shirt, I suggested we hike together. After spending time with friends, I was craving company and conversation.The miles were similar to yesterday in that the grade was fairly level and imbedded with rocks. Rainy Jay zoomed passed us along with Baby Blue. We met some southbounders today. I met Spoon and some winter southbounders in NC and GA back in April but it would be safe to say that these three guys were in the lead. Mike and Paul managed to hike 771.5 miles in thirty-six days. Yeesh.We arrived at the RPH Shelter to find the water from the pump rusty. However, there is a good stream a little north on the trail. A new privy has a bronzed plaque that reads, "We are getting our shit together with yours" and a list of names of the builders.I decided to try my tent because the mosquitoes are getting fierce. It was all wet when I pulled it from my pack. I drew a blank. The last time I used it was a week ago Sunday and I folded it up in the morning dew. For some reason I thought it was dry and never aired it out. Duh! Oh well, it isn't moldy after a week in storage.I'm here at the shelter with Now or Never, Half Moon, Crash (not to be confused with Crash! Bang!--Crash remarks, "There can be only one."), Rainy Jay, and Miracle Man (southbounder). Rainy Jay's friend is also here and he needs to be picked up by his brother who may or may not bring us ice cream.It was also another beautiful summer day with no threat of rain.Later..Rainy Jay's friends showed up at the shelter with gallons of water, two large pizzas, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream! I was just about to fall asleep when Half Moon approached my tent and whispered that we got some trail magic. Hyuni and Mike rock climb in the Gunks but intend to section hike the AT. They generously offered all of us food without accepting reimbursement. Thanks guys!
Date: 2004-07-21
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Pretty much all day we were hiking near a busy highway or road. I never felt I was deep in the woods. We also had two opportunities to buy food. This is good and bad. Good to have high fat foods but you don't lighten the load you're carrying.At NY 52, Now or Never, Rainy Jay, Half Moon and I walked the 4/10ths to a deli where we ate breakfast sandwiches and I drank a 32 oz bottle of OJ (they didn't have a smaller size). Later, at NY 55, we walked 3/10ths of a mile to a hotdog stand that is actually a rehabbed school bus. The woman running the place--I never got her name--gave us water. She sold grill cheese sandwiches, sodas, and pasta veggie salads. Pretty good place to stop on a hot day.The paved roads are very hard for the feet. Now and Never and I arrived at Old Rt 55 and saw some faded double blazes pointing left. We hiked approximately a half mile off trail on pavement before I pulled out the map. Fortunately we got a ride back to the trailhead and found the correct path. What a pain. It was also getting brutally hot.Water, or lack there of, is still an issue. I am now at this shelter for the night listening to traffic .7 miles downhill. The stream nearby is dry. No campsites either so we will be a feast for the mosquitoes tonight as the three of us share a shelter. We built a fire to drive them away.It sounds miserable but it is actually peaceful enough. The birds are having a songfest currently. It was another beautiful day that brought out inquiring day hikers who sat down with us and asked some questions about the trail. They have moved on.Tomorrow we cross the border into CT. I am practically home and in New England. Hard to believe I got here by walking.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

I tried to leave early this morning but my tent was wet and it looked like a nice, cool day for a hike--no rush to beat the noontime heat. I went to breakfast with Goose, Still Learning, Mousebait, a female hiker who writes some very funny registry entries, and White Patch, who has been in town for over a week after he broke a couple of ribs when he fell on a rock.I finally left town around 9:30 and followed the trail up a steep ascent to Caleb's Peak, past St. Johns Ledges, and down 91 rock steps to the Housatonic River. I'm very glad I did not try this yesterday in the rain. The sun came out and it turned into a gorgeous day.At the first shelter, I saw Mary and John again. They had to take a week off from the trail. We remarked on how the terrain was gradually getting more difficult.I passed various dayhikers and a boyscout group as I worked my way up Silver Hill. Goose and an older hiker named Alleghany caught up with me at the top. We had heard that at the next road crossing there is a package store that gives out a free beer to thru-hikers. I had also learned this was true with the package store in Kent as well.When we got to CT4, we found the road a bit difficult for hitching. Alleghany wanted to skip it because he thought he was ruining our chances for getting a ride. But someone did stop on the dangerous curb and we all piled in. Within minutes we were at Richard Bramley's package store checking out the 99 varieties of beers.Richard has been in business for 28 years. The trail used to go in front of his store and he began offering free refreshments to hikers. We asked him to take a picture of us in front of his store. He said, "You guys just crack me up."I "sweet talked" a local into bringing us back to the trail and we were all pumped up for six rolling hills to our destinaton for the evening. It is amazing how a beer can make the miles pass so much quicker.The shelter was infested with mosquitos from the swamp I could not see. I also found another deer tick in my leg. As much as I hate the stuff, it is time to use deet. For now, I am taking refuge in my tent. I could hear the hum of insects flying outside all the way to midnight.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Brassie Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 21.0

I say that I have done 21 miles but I am sure I did more. Around mid-day, I hit US7 and thought the trail followed it around a cornfield. When I realized I was off trail, I looked at the map. I could turn around and take the trail from where I left off or I could continue on US7 and pick up the trail on the other side of the cornfield. I opted for the latter. was only missing .4. But when I got to the trailhead on the other side, I turned down it toward the south. Don't ask me how. After trudging through cornfields again, I ended up back at US7 across the street from where I was before. Goose was standing there now with his map open. He sees me and says, "Where's the blazes?"I also had plans to stay at Riga Lean-to for the night. But Wingfoot has some inconsistencies with distances and I missed the sign for the shelter. I retraced my steps for approximately 2/10ths of a mile, but gave up and headed for the next shelter a mile north.Otherwise, it was an excellent day for hiking and I felt strong even up to my twenty-first mile. There were countless views along the way such as Rand's View which is an open field at 1400'. Later we hauled up a steep, quick rock scramble to panorama views from Lion's Head. I also passed a bizarre geological formation called Giants Thumb which is a rock projecting from the ground in the middle of thick woods-- almost as if God is giving us the thumbs up.I knew I had long miles today so I skipped the outdoor shower at the hydroelectric plant and the various town stops for coffee. We had to hike on pavement and flat surfaces for a few miles, so the hike wasn't a strain (although I do find pavement walking a bit painful. Give me hemlock any day).I bumped into a boyscout group. One of the leaders goes, "Lonesome Dove?" and I say "yeah?" It was the same boyscout group I saw yesterday.I also ran into a soutbounder named Pisses in Wind. I told him that I hope he has learned his lesson. He is the first fellow hiker I have seen who has the same backpack as me.There are many ridgerunners in this area. I saw one hanging out at Rand's View reading a book and then another near the next road crossing. Can't imagine they keep themselves busy.Now or Never and I landed at US44 at the same time--the road to Salisbury. We walked the .5 to this uppety NE town where well dresed tourists eat lunch on porches. I resupplied at the grocery store, ate a second lunch, and bought a frappe (I can finally call it that!) at the local ice cream shop.Then it was back on the trail for a four mile ascent which turned out to be easy.At the shelter, along with Mayaquez, Diesel, and Sleepy is a secton hiker who did the trail in 95 and was upset that the northern states don't have that many trash cans at road crossings. What?
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up and it was 52 degrees out. This weather is unpredictable. Regardless, it turned into a sunny, breezy, and hot day. The morning temps chased most of the skeeters away so I didn't bother with deet.Today had fantastic views as a payoff to some tough ups and downs. I never heard of Race Mountain in CT nor Mt Everett in MA, but I will probably come back here someday with an AMC group to explore them again.Actually, the first mountain I climbed today was Bear in CT. At the top, I met Trip, a grad student studying logic who started May 13th. Hard to believe. I even tried to hike with him a bit but decided he was too fast and had better eye-foot coordination. In our brief encounter, I learned that his whole family has hiked the AT except for his Mom, who plans to hike it soon.Race Mountain had a long ridge walk with dramatic drops to the east.I think I spent too much time in the morning sun, though. I felt pretty wiped out by noon and took a break at some picnic tables near Guilder Pond. Even after eating I felt exhausted. Critter showed up after a weekend respite. He wanted to reach South Egremont before the post office closes and took off.Right now the trail is buzzing. Now the southbounders are in the mix along with the summer dayhikers, section hikers, and boyscouts.I reached Jug Road where a reliable spring was located. The trail went through some low marshy areas and the mosquitos swarmed in thick masses. As you walk along the makeshift boardwalks over the mud puddles, they would gather on your arms and shoulders. Deet wasn't helping at all. I saw southbounders and asked if the suffering was almost over. They didn't know what I was talking about because they were just entering the thick of it while I was leaving.When I finally reached US7, my destination, I walked into the nearby fruit stand and bought a Georgia Peach, walked outside to eat it. Yum, it was scrumptious. Went back inside and bought another. Ate that too. Then I went back into the stand and bought some chocolate milk and drank it all at once. I was finally ready to attempt hitch hiking--something I have never done alone.I didn't have to work very hard. Barry, whose son C-legs is hiking the trail--another mid-May starter, was waiting to pick him up at the same spot where I got off. He offered me a ride and a beer. His very tall son showed up and we headed into the elite town of Great Barrington.Although I am from MA, I only learned about this town years ago when they got hit by a tornado and it was written up in the Globe. I splurged and got a room, ordered a feta, spinach, and mushroom pizza, and sat around watching TV. I was stressed and worn out and discouraged. But I could spend one night without hearing the obnoxious whine of mosquitos. What luxury.