morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Cascade Brook Camping - Day 122

To: Near Bellvale, NY - Day 123
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

Rightlane's sister picked us up near Bellvale, NY, because she lives nearby in New Jersey and works in "The City." We rode to Pomona for the night. I recognized some towns and roads, because my Grandparents lived about 20 minutes away from here. From a handyman working at this house, we learned that a crane had fallen on the Tappan Zee bridge over the Hudson. I called my Mom and told her about this, explaining that the bridge is being replaced because it is old. She said, "It's not that old, it wasn't there when I was a child." She lived in Nyack, right where the bridge crosses. Sorry Mom, that's old for a bridge. We had a very relaxing day, swimming, enjoying the hot tub and eating steak, salmon and grilled vegetables. New friends are Rightlane's sister, Maggie, her husband, Travis, and their friend Tai. Thanks for a great day!
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Near Bellvale, NY - Day 123

To: 11.5 Miles to campsite - Day 124
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

What a wonderful place Thai has as her vacation home! I took my first outdoor shower (Tim I want one!) The morning was spent relaxing and eating. Steak and salmon for breakfast with a vegetable omelet, eaten poolside. Maggie then took us to shop and then back to the trail. We had missed the ice cream yesterday, but arrived at the trail just as The Creamery opened! Thus, our hike was delayed until 1:00pm. We experienced more tough New York climbs, finishing the day at 8:30 pm. The full moon rose as I cooked supper, so I took my meal to the view and ate by moonlight. We could even see lights from The City. Now to sleep with the noise of the New York thruway. Thai's HouseMaggie, Rightlane and ThaiMaggie is a Professor at NYU, Costume DesignIce Cream!Goodbye Thai and Maggie
Date: 2016-07-21
From: 11.5 Miles to campsite - Day 124

To: WestMountain Shelter - Day 125
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The thruway kept me awake! I am a sound sleeper, but I could not get to sleep easily. When I finally slept, the noise was not an issue. We looked forward to a break at Lake Tiorati, but almost six miles separated us from the lake. I barely hiked 1 mile per hour. After passing over the thruway, the Lemon Squeezer was a real challenge, followed by abrupt ups and downs. The break at the lake was much appreciated. A soda and ice cream sandwich was first, followed by lunch and swimming. South-bounders told us all the water sources were dry, so we headed for the visitor center on the Palisades Parkway. Fortunately, we had 4 miles of relatively easy terrain. We had to run across two lanes of the parkway. The off trail hike was .4 to get to the water faucet. Since it was after 6:00pm, White Owl suggested we cook there. Sure! This meant less weight to carry to the shelter, but also hiking past sunset, arriving at the shelter at 9:00pm. Tents were visible before the shelter. I thought someone had a dog, but it was a bear! It had dragged someone's pack off and knocked over her tent! We scared it off, but only a few yards. All the hikers were at the shelter and came out. One used an air-horn and the bear ran off. It took about 15 minutes before they found the girl's pack, it was back up the trail. Rightlane's tent was the only other one up, so we believe another disaster was averted by our arrival. The evening ended by watching the full moon rise. Palisades Parkway photo by FifteenOn the Way to West Mountain Shelter, photo by QuestseekerSide View of West Mountain Shelter photo by G FogView of Hudson River from West Mountain Shelter photo by Dirt Time
Date: 2016-07-22
From: WestMountain Shelter - Day 125

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center Day 126
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

When a shelter is .6 miles off the Trail, you have a long haul before your day's hike even begins! Then there was a difficult down, followed by a climb up Bear Mountain. My reward was the view of the area that I remember driving through to my Grandparent's house. Then there were vending machines used to quench our thirst. I topped that off by climbing up the Bear Mountain Tower, which isn't required on a thru-hike. Another steep decent got us to Hessian Lake for lunch. I had a delicious half pound burger and fries and was uncomfortably stuffed! Staying in the air conditioning for an extra hour also helped. The Trail then went through a zoo with the Bear exhibit being the lowest point on the whole AT at 177 feet. Then we walked across the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. White Owl counted about 30 people who waved to us from their cars. The next six miles were really hard, made even more difficult by high humidity. We were able to get a break at a convenience store; pizza for supper and cold drinks. A local named Paul came over and said he had waved to us on the bridge earlier and was now on his way home. He gave me some ice cold water which was greatly appreciated! Thanks Paul! We headed to camp at the Graymoor Spiritual Center where they let hikers camp on a ball field. It had running water, a shower (cold water) and electricity. We were happy. I was also glad to see Limey, who had been several days ahead, but he took 3 zero days. Bandana was also there. He is from Japan and I have seen him many times. I set up the hammock and slept very well.Cheeks Caught UpBear Mountain TowerLowest Point on the AT at the ZooLunch Stop at Hessian Lake Bear Mtn Bridge over the Hudson - internet photo
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center Day 126

To: Fahnestock State Park - Day 127
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

The first 12 miles today was great. The ups and downs were gentle and short. There was Trail Magic at 8 miles in: strawberries, cookies, peanuts, chips and a much needed Gatorade. We were trying to get to Fahnestock State Park in time for concessions by 6:00 pm. However, the signs on the trail said the stand closed at 5:00. So, we slowed down. The terrain was terrible the last two miles and we were beat. We did arrive in time to jump in the lake for 10 minutes before it closed. Another hiker, Joules bought us Lemonades at the concession stand before it closed. Thanks, Joules! We set up on the camp ground. The only problem is the water tasted terrible! The Ranger said it is contaminated with salt. White Owl then asked the Ranger to take him to a better water source, so we are set for tomorrow.Bandana from JapanIWOX, White Owl and A NoteHad her tent flattened and pack drug off by the bear! LimeyJoules, thanks for the lemonade!Supper Time
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Fahnestock State Park - Day 127

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY - Day 128
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The next shelter was a great spot for a break. It is a cinder block building and had lawn chairs. Our plan was to get to a market/deli for lunch, but made it there by 4:00pm so we bought supper instead. I had spaghetti and meatballs, but could not eat it all, so I gave my leftovers to another hiker. We still had 4 miles to the next shelter, setting out at 5:15. Fortunately, it was easy, so we arrived by 7:00pm. There are lots of section hikers (ladies) here, so Limey and White Owl helped them hang their bear lines, after scaring them with the bear story from the other night! Okay, to sleep now, but first kill the mosquito in the hammock. Lewis & Clark's photo of a well-maintained trail to the cliffs overlooking Canopus Lake, Fahnestock State Park10 onedotoh and Bea's photo of trail on the way to Morgan Stewart ShelterMorgan Stewart Shelter photo by QuinnWhite Owl to the Rescue: helping the ladies with their bear line.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY - Day 128

To: Camp 12.6 - Day 129
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Limey got coffee delivered to his tent. He says it always tastes better when someone else makes it. I fixed myself a cup also, maybe I would hike faster. Since the terrain was gentle, I did hike faster, but the coffee helped. We passed Nuclear Lake and cooled down by using our hats to pour water on our heads. It felt great, but made a mess of my sweaty hair. Nuclear Lake was a site of a nuclear fuel-processing research facility until 1972. After the Park Service acquired the lands for the A.T., buildings were razed and the area tested extensively and given a clean bill of health, dispelling fears that the lake was contaminated and allowing the Trail to be rerouted along the shore.New York has a boardwalk, about .3 miles long. The area is a big swamp. Leaving the swamp, the Trail comes to a railroad stop where you can catch a train to New York City. We opted out. The Trail then goes in front of a garden center which is hiker friendly. They have drinks, ice cream and hiker supplies. There is an outdoor shower, this one is cold with no walls, so I rinsed off. We can recharge electronics and relax inside or outside in a gazebo. A storm passed through, so we waited it out, then hiked to a deli, .6 miles away for supper. New York has been great to have so many deli stops. Reluctantly, we headed up the trail, only to hear the thunder of another storm! Instead of making the next shelter, we stealth camped. Since I was rushing to get the hammock up, I chose too small a tree. It bent over and I slept on the ground. Nuclear LakeEl Tejano photoJill, is this the Garden Center? If so, NedTheFed took thisphoto of his tent on their porch in 2009, friendly place, yes
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Camp 12.6 - Day 129

To: Kent, Connecticut - Day 130
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Earliest start yet. We were 4 miles short yesterday, and I wanted to get to Kent so I hiked out at 6:45am. One hour later, I checked my mileage and it was .7 miles. I was so upset because it was easy hiking and I thought I could do 2 miles an hour. 45 minutes later I was 2.9 miles further. No, I am not faster: the guidebook was misleading. Actually, I was hiking at a 2 mph rate. Maybe we could get to Kent quickly. NOT! Two large mountains slowed my pace. We were so tired, we considered stopping short. However, a call to a B&B made us hightail it to the road where we immediately got a ride to town. We ran into Joules and bought him two sodas in appreciation of the lemonades he bought for us two nights ago. We headed to the Tavern for supper and dined with Limey who is also at the B&B. I am tired, but clean and well fed. One's photo, thank you!
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Kent, Connecticut - Day 130

To: Camp 10.3 Miles - Day 131
Miles today: 10.3

My first ever B&B was great. I slept good and woke up ready to hike. First order was breakfast, then resupply. We planned a 15 mile day, seeing a five mile stretch of completely flat terrains. It wouldn't happen. We had a tough climb, the hardest descent on the trail so far. When we reached the Housatonic River we were beat. So we went swimming. This took quite a bit of time. After the five mile flat, there was another climb. So we called it a day at 10.3 miles and are enjoying the evening with two young hikers. Limey came in an hour and a half later, there are five now camping. I am sitting in a swing and relaxing. Good night!Clockwise from Left: Limey, White Owl, B&B owner Cooper, Sneaky Pete, B&B owner Mary, IWOXCan't Show How Hard the Descent Was!Kids Rock Climbing (below also)Housatonic River
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Camp 10.3 Miles - Day 131

To: Falls Village, CT - Day 132
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

A hard day !!! We planned 14.5 miles, thinking it would be easy. It was NOT! There are many ups and downs with no rewards. The humidity made it worse. All five of us from last night's campsite are here tonight. We all had a tough day from the 22 year old "Kid" to the 70 year old, "White Owl" who made up the word slogging for today's hike. The only view looked over the Limerock Racetrack, with a race in progress. We did have a nice supper at the Tavern, another giant bacon cheeseburger with more fries than I could eat. 9:30! It's bedtime.Cathy here: I text Tim asking if there was any news from the Homefront and asked if he missed Jill at lot. He replied, "I am very proud of Jill! Far be it from me to hinder her in any way. I do miss her, but she needs the space and time for her life." I think this is great advice and an example of how many spouses may feel about their loved one being on an adventure of a life time. I went thru this when my husband, Ed, thru-hiked in 2008. I missed him terribly but was so proud of him and so happy that he was able to enjoy something that he had planned for a very long time!The Limerock RacetrackLimey having Tea and Crumpets for BreakfastWe Named this the Lime SqueezerWhite Owl thinks it's a MeteoriteMy Favorite TreesPhoto by El TejanoToymaker Cafe, Mudflap Daisy photoSilver Hill Campsite
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Falls Village, CT - Day 132

To: Sages Ravine, CT - Day 133
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The storms predicted for last night did not happen. We got a little rain, just enough to soak my tarp. Camping at the Toymaker Cafe gave me a place to pack up on the porch. Breakfast was a nice wrap of bacon eggs and cheese with lots of coffee.For a change, the morning was easy. Mt. Prospect was a long 3 miles up and I was pleased to complete it in an hour and a half. Following the climb was a nice gentle decline into Salisbury, CT. We got a quick hitch and bought lunch at LaBonne's Market. Hikers gathered in the courtyard to eat and charge phones. For the second time on my hike I got sick. Fortunately, this time I was near a bathroom. We needed to make miles, so we hiked out and I felt better. Again, I think it was bad water.The afternoon climb was Bear Mountain with a great view. Limey was hiking with us and we all camped at Sages Ravine. Birdscope was there and I jokingly asked him if he wanted to learn how to put up a hammock. He laughed, then he helped! He is a very nice guy from Brazil, we met him the day before. I slept well the last night in the hammock; I switch back to my tent for the rest of the trail. Housatonic RiverSmall Cairns in the Housatonic RiverHousatonic FalllsRacoon's photo of the Housatonic Power Plant & Falls CloseupBear MountainView from Mt. Prospect, thanks Rabbit!Bear Box above & Privy, Sages Ravine Campground photos by Rosy EaglePocket's photo of Sages Ravine7/23 photo of Sages Ravine by hiker Paisley
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Sages Ravine, CT - Day 133

To: 4 Miles past Mt. Everett - Day 134
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

We will be picked up by White Owl's wife and daughter for a two day rest at his sister's house. I need a rest! We aimed for a 14 mile pickup spot with two road crossings before if we couldn't make the 14 miles. Two mountains were in the way. The first looked easy in the guidebook but isn't. Mt. Race had a lot of rocks, then Mt. Everett was a very steep climb, slowing our progress. After Everett we arrived to see Limey eating at Trail Magic. We had cold cut sandwiches, chips, apples and apricots. The Trail Angel heard I had been sick the day before and had not eaten much supper so she said, "Eat all the rest, you have been hiking on empty. This is here for you". It was great and I did eat a lot. The next four miles were very tough, so our hike ended at only 10 miles and we headed off trail to rest. If you haven't signed Jill's guest book on the left in a while, please sign Have any questions for her? Awkward or shy to ask publicly, ask her to email you her reply.Who is That?It's LimeyWhite Owl at the Welcome to CT SignViews from Mt.RaceTeens interested in White Owl's Rattlesnake PictureFrom this field in CT, you can see all of the mountains that the AT climbs over northbound heading into Massachusetts, including Bear Mt., Mt. Race, Mt. Everett and Jug End. Rand's view from hiker Poison Ivy
Date: 2016-07-31
From: 4 Miles past Mt. Everett - Day 134

To: ZERO Miles Day, Resting - Day 135
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I have known for two weeks that I would go to Saugerties, NY to White Owl's sister Lettie's house. She is just outside Woodstock, NY and about 10 miles from West Hurley, my childhood home. I have been ecstatic about this break! First, I called my Mom and her friend Myrtle to surprise them. Then I rode around my old neighborhood taking pictures of my friends' houses, my Church and the firehouse. I was hoping to find some friends at home to surprise them. Harriet was home and I got an additional blessing by seeing her daughter Beth, after over 50 years. Bill was also home. He was aware of my hike but surprised none- theless, because the Trail is not very close.Adding to my happiness is a baby grand piano at Lettie's house, so I have polished the keys. It has rained all day, so it's a great day for a zero!West Hurley Methodist ChurchWest Hurley Fire Dept HeadquartersThe Firehouse was our School GymnasiumHarriet and BethBill Bradley, friends since Kindergarten, 58 years!My Childhood Home Siamese Cat NymSaugerties Lighthouse, photo on net by Janice & John Gruber
Date: 2016-08-01
From: ZERO Miles Day, Resting - Day 135

To: ZERO Day - Day 136
Miles today: 0.0

I love White Owl's family. We toured Letty's property where there will be an artist's tour in two weeks. I am ready to hike!White Owl's FamilyLetty's BarnWoodstock,NYMy Socks Don't Match
Date: 2016-08-02
From: ZERO Day - Day 136

To: Stealth Camp, 12.4 miles in - Day 137
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great breakfast at Letty's house, we headed back to the Trail, arriving at the trailhead around 10:30. While saying goodbye to Nancy and Lucia, Trail Talker comes down the hill! I screamed, "BFF!!!!" And ran up the hill. We could not believe the timing of this! She was four days behind in PA. I saw that she was one day behind when we went to Letty's, so I thought she had passed us. However, she had just taken a zero so we connected. We three hit the trail at 11:00 and hiked 12.4 together.We are stealth camped and planning an early start for 18 miles to Upper Goose Pond Cabin tomorrow.My RoomI Played for Hours!Trail Talker Joined UsTarzan
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Stealth Camp, 12.4 miles in - Day 137

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Day 138
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Shaker campground was a nice place for lunch. Then the day drug on and on and on. We finally arrived at 8:00pm, a 13 hour day. So, no swimming, no canoeing and no bunk in the shelter. Three tired hikers went right to bed after supper. Shaker Campground LunchUpper Goose Pond CabinCathy here, I was so disappointed that Jill did not have the same fun experience that we did in 2008. I was with Ed for a month in this area. I parked my car 2 miles north of the cabin and hiked south to meet him at the cabin. I arrived first and had a great time talking with several hikers. Great place and we were able to sleep in one of the bunk beds up stairs. Jill, Vachon was even with us and I had picked up Chainsaw a few miles before the trailhead in the previous town where he had waited for a ride for 45 minutes and was about to call a Taxi!:Vachon on the Right
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Day 138

To: Stealth Camping, 14 miles - Day 139
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We all agreed NOT to do any more 20s! Whoever suggests a 20 will get a sock in their mouth, pulled directly off a stinky foot. We will keep the mileage around 15. We got our pancakes and coffee at the shelter. However, it was not worth the suffering we did to get there. They ran out of pancakes before all the hungry hikers had their fill. It was nice to socialize with the other hikers, some of whom we knew. Then we headed out for a 14 mile day, with a break around 5:00 at the Cookie Lady's house. Again, we were disappointed because she closed down before we arrived. She sells drinks, ice cream and other goodies. We were able to buy some raspberries, which didn't last long. We have been ending our days with about an hour of singing. I suggested that today we sing rounds. White Owl attempted to sing Row Row Row Your Boat, but could never start or end at the right time. I laughed so hard we had to quit singing for the day.We then hiked to around a 14 mile spot and set up camp. Trail Talker and IWOX at Upper Goose PondUpper Goose PondWhite Owl Crossing the Massachusetts TurnpikeDoug and Buckeye
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Stealth Camping, 14 miles - Day 139

To: Stealth Camping, 16 miles - Day 140
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Leaving camp by 8:00am was a great start. We had 6 miles to Dalton Mass, with milk shakes calling us. It was an easy morning and we had our shakes by noon. Then we ate lunch at a sub shop. Trail Talker had to resupply to align with us. Afterwards we went back to the ice cream shop for round two. The Trail goes thru the town for over a mile of road walking, which means good grade but a little harder on the feet. We hiked 7 more miles and are stealth camping to position ourselves for an early arrival in Cheshire tomorrow. This is our earliest day's end in awhile and it is nice to be in my tent before dark. Mt. Greylock. We Will Climb it TomorrowAggie Al's photo of Trail near DaltonHydro Plant in Dalton by Left TurnWhite Blazes Take you thru Town, photo by Birches. Thank you!
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Stealth Camping, 16 miles - Day 140

To: Stealth Camping, 13.4 miles - Day 141
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

We got an early start to get to Cheshire when the PO opened at 8:30. White Owl had a resupply box and I had another surprise goodie box from Phoenix Rising. We ate a lot of goodies and homemade cookies right there in the PO. Thanks Phoenix Rising! Next stop was Basswater Grill which was a longer walk than we thought. Second breakfast was worth it. We had omelets and pancakes. Trail Talker then Yogied a ride to a resupply store. After resupply, she Yogied another ride back to the trail. The locals who gave us rides were very nice. Today's highlight was Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. It was quite a climb, with some nice views. We dodged a rain storm, but not high winds. We were hopping to eat supper at the restaurant, but could not wait until 7:00pm, so we settled for cake, freshly baked apple cake! We found a great stealth campsite, so goodnight!GreylockJill has answered most of her questions that were asked, go to her Guest Book (view) to read. It's also fun to see what others have said, very encouraging. Answer on whether she sends herself drop boxes coming soon :-}
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Stealth Camping, 13.4 miles - Day 141

To: Seth Warner Shelter, VT - Day 142
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We slept in! Got up at 6:45 and left camp at 8:24. Our first goal was to get to Williamstown and a restaurant. We would try to hitch for 10-15 minutes and move on if we didn't get a ride. Upon our arrival, we found three bicycles set out by a local family for use by hikers. We could leave our packs and ride about 1.5 miles to a Chinese Buffet. We had a great ride. The food was good and we ate plenty. The bikes were returned and we spent some time talking to the bike owners. Back on the trail. Walking on the road through town, I saw Robert Bird, who had given me trail magic in Tennessee in April! I ran up and hugged him and he knew me too. We drank sodas and visited Rob for a while. The town break was two hours. Back to the Trail again. We hiked about 7 more miles, passing time singing selections from The Music Man, My Fair Lady, and other musicals. I also shared my best jokes with White Owl and Trail Talker. Another fun day on the trail!First View of BenningtonWhite Owl, Trail Talker and IWOX (Trail Magic with Robert Bird)RobertThanks Rosy Eagle!