morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Lake Tiorati

To: Hemlock Springs
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking with Robo was fun and a change from the norm but I found that by trying to keep up I worked to hard and it did wear me down by the end of the day. Today I didn't attempt to keep up that pace and he was long gone before long. As I fell behind Robo's dog Patches would look back as if to say hurry up your falling behind. The climb up Bear Mt was tough but along the way there was views of the New York City skyline off in the distance. A haze hung in the air and the skyline wasn't very clear but I could still see it standind tall. I was working hard for every mile I gained as the ups and downs never ended. New York has been very tough and my body seems to be worn from doing over 100 days of hiking. I crossed the Hudson River at the end of the day and made my last climb of the day as dark was approaching. Got my tent set up just above the river and railroad tracks. Tenting alone tonight.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Hemlock Springs

To: Shenandoah Mt
Miles today: 20.2

It got a little cold last night. I was considering sending my sleeping bag home and just using my silk liner and thermals if it got to cold. I elected against that because I was just a bit uncomfortable and if it was rainy out it would be even colder. Today's trail was somewhat easier than the past few   My 6:00am start would give me all day to make some miles. I crossed a road and scratched out some food to get me thru the next couple of days. I was enjoying a cup of coffee when a group of 20 somethings with packs dropped in. We hung out and talked. They just did a 5 day hike and 5 of the 6 said never again. It was by far the most physically demanding thing that they had ever done. They had 6 miles to go to finish and offered me some food they had left over. I needed it as the store didn't carry much. I found out that the group I was with was just a couple hours ahead of me. The day was hot. I hiked till almost dark as finding a tent spot was non existant as I hiked around a big lake much to far from access to the water. I scratched out a spot just after 7:00. I set up tent then made dinner as Mosquitos and knats were eating me. Then I got into my tent and breathed a huge sigh of releaf as I lay my body down to rest. I'm getting to old for this. It was a warm night with a light breeze as the sun dipped below and behind me as I had the top of Shenandoah Mt to myself.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Shenandoah Mt

To: Garden Center
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

I felt a little exposed last night. Still feeling like bear country. It was a warm night with a light breeze that mainly blew just overhead rustling the leaves. The sun was still below the horizon as I began getting packed and ready to go. There was a shelter 3 miles from where I began and I found the group there in various stages of packing up. I filled my water supply and left before they did. They had an 19 mile day planned and if I was going to make it that far I needed all the time I could get. They all passed me at the top of the first hill. They intended on stopping at a convenience store .03 off of the trail. I didn't and was able to move ahead of them once again. My 1st stop was at the 9 mile shelter and when I got there I was tired. I took off my shoes and layed down. The heat was already intense. A quick rest and a new supply of water and I was on my way again. There was Nuclear Lake at another 5 miles with easy access to swimming. I got there and took a swim before everyone else showed up. It was a great break and I cooled down immediatly. It was another 5 miles to a known place where we could camp and nothing in between so I was shooting for that. The group became fragmented going on the final stretch of the day and darkness would be racing us to the finish. Everyone else passed me except Lil Dipper, Red Wing and Bandito. When they came up they encouraged me to stick with them for the final stretch. We all crossed the railroad tracks and entered the landscaping/nursery property where the owner allows hikers to camp. We all did a tick search on each other with the aide of headlamps. We all had atleast 1 on us. We crossed a couple fields with high grass just before we ended the day. Exausted and sore. The traffic passing on the right and an occasional passenger train on the left didn't phase this sleeping hiker.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Garden Center

To: My Algo Lean to
Miles today: 18.0

Nature thru hiked last year and had some good info on what's ahead. It was she who knew about staying at the nursery which was not in any of the guides. She recently picked up a new pair of boots and they gave her some bad blisters. So bad that she called her son to come pick her up so she could get off the trail and be attended by a doctor. The speeding trains and traffic throughout the night kept some awake. The 6:09 train was enough to put the whole crew into action. Everyone stayed until 9:00 so they could shower when the place opened. I decided to pass on a shower and got an early start on the rest. It was very hot early on and I was entering overheated territory. I felt faint and the sweat pouring off of me was hot as it fell from my face and hit my arm. The heat was intense and I was approaching a faint/lightheaded place. After the last few days of heat I was glad I didn't have a scale to weigh myself as I felt lighter than ever. To me the sweat falling off of my face and the rest of my body was lbs shedding from my frame. I elected to bypass the first shelter as it was off of the trail. When I came down the hill I heard running water and could not believe my eyes as I approached a nice river. Breaktime. I strippeddown and waded out to a big hole just behind a large boulder. I was immediatly refreshed as the cold water brought my core temp back to normal. After a long break I got dressed and moved on. It wasn't long before the heat took control once again. A little further along I crossed the river again in a place that was deep enough to swim in and there was a tenting area right on the river. The thought crossed my mind to end my day right there but it was early and I continued on. I questioned that decision many times throughout the day as the heat continued. I was craving something cold and with each road crossing I hoped for some magic. The last road I crossed before the last grueling climb of the day I was greeted by 2005 thru hiker Socks. She had cold gatorades and other goodies that really set me right. The climb up Schaghticoke was a hard climb especially in this heat but the worse of it came long after the initial climb. I was suprised to find that the final ups and downs were intense and took much longer than expected. The group never caught me which was a big suprise and when I finally arrived at the shelter it was close to dark. By the time I set camp, got fed and cleaned up it was dark. I was so glad to finally put myself in a prone position. Tomorrow morn I only have a 1 mile hike into Kent Conn. I entered Conneticutt yesterday. There Is not any cheap places to stay so a quick resupply and a few brewskees and I'll be back on the trail.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: My Algo Lean to

To: Skiff Mountain
Miles today: 3.1

It was only a 1 mile hike down to the road then another mile to the town center of Kent Conn. This town has 3 prep schools and no fast good places. I passed one of the high schools that wax more like the property of a college anywhere else. The ball field had artificial turf and the clay tennis courts were immaculate. I then crossed the Housatonic River and into the small but stylish town center where i bought a coffee and sat outside to plan my day and watch the comings and goings of the local people. After coffee I made my way to the laundrymat. There I was able to get my clothes clean and update my journal. Then I went to check on my forwarded maildrop which was not yet there so I had it forwarded to Dalton Mass. I went to the grocery and did a resupply. Went out to a bench and sorted and repacked my bag. Two section hikers were there doing the same and we chatted a little bit. The couple seemed pretty cool. Harley Hogpit and her fianc© Rocket Man were out for a couple of weeks. Harley had attempted a thru a few years ago and made it to Drlaware Water Gap. Rocket Boy was new to the trail and was not quite as enthusiastic as Harley was but they were having fun just the same. I then went over to the pub and had a few before the rest of the gang showed up. We were given a local tip on a place we could set camp later on right behind a vacant building in town. We bought some beer and other spirits so we could continue the Summer Solstice celebration. When we returned with the goods the plans changed again and before I knew it I was hiking out of town in the blistering heat after consuming way to many beers. I let the gang know that I could not travel to far today under such conditions and the first flat spot would be just fine. They as usual dissappeared quickly and I slowly moved up the hill. I spotted many tenting possibilities and I wax about to stop when Hobbs, Caveman and P'Nut had stopped for the night. Somehow Robo got sidetracked behind us but the rest of the gang was further ahead. We sat around until the wee hours of the morning under the stars of a warm dark night. Hobbs has been carrying a pink flamingo for the last 100 miles that he found on the side of the trail that someone left. I believe he intends to take it all the way to Katahdin. We enjoyed the night and I got to get to know these guys a little better. It felt good to crawl into bed.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Skiff Mountain

To: Silverhill Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The day began much later than usual as Robo came up the trail. He left the trail last night to take care of urgent business. When he returned to the trail he sat and waited for others to show up. None did. Darkness set in so he crashed not to far from where we set camp. He as did we looked like we should have after drinking most of the day then hiking in the heat. Dumb. The now remaining members of the group quickly passed me and were shooting for a 20 mile day. I knew I didn't have it in me and would most likely be loosing this fun group. The trail is a subculture all it's own and this group is a perfect example. I've been with most of these hikers for a week or so. As I mentioned earlier in my past entries about the slow process of getting to know people. Often it takes many meetings on the trail and shelter locations. There are still new hikers to meet and the meeting process will continue especially once I return to the trail after my RI vacation. I'll miss this group as I do with those I'm able to spend a couple of days with. Most groups stay together because they are able to hike pretty much at the same pace. My knees were aching and my blisters on my baby toes were hurting. I had a not to bad climb then a downhill that included St Johns Ledges which is 91 rock type boulder steps that was very steep. The hill ended at the Housatonic River and followed it for over 4 miles. There were many great camp sites near the river and would have come in very handy last night. The trail turned away from the river and headed uphill. Near the top was the SilverHill Campsite off of the trail a little bit. I took the turn to take a look and was suprised to find the nicest set up for tenting. The picnic table had a shelter roof. There was also a hand pump for the water and a nice swing. I had already had enough for this day and chose a tent spot under some large pine trees overhead and a soft pine needle floor. A section hiker named Graham stopped by as did Harley Hogpit and Rocket Boy. They moved on even tho some bad weather appeared to be coming quick. Soon after they left a dad and his two teenage kids arrived and set up camp. I pretty much layed around and drank lots of water. Took a short nap before making my dinner. We talked for awhile under the open shelter roof about hiking as they made plans for tomorrows hike. The rain was off and on showers before getting serious and when it finally arrived as an all out T-storm. The rain was pounding the fly of my tent and the lightning periodically lit up the sky followed by the thunder. I fell asleep with my headlamp on and my music going and was woken by the sound of the others aborting their rainfly for the shelter of the picnic table roof. The rain was still coming down hard. I took a quick look around and was comforted to see all was dry inside. Easily I returned to the dream world.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Silverhill Campsite

To: Limestone Spring
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Had a good nights sleep but still didn't feel quite right. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to fight through the rising fog. The three were up early and on the trail just before 7:00. I soon followed then passed them, Maketime and soon after Graham who was breaking down camp. He said that he got setup just before the rain fell hard. The trail remained on the ridge and for the longest time I could hear the race cars zooming around a race track. At one viewpoint I could see the track. I could also see a couple of very nice homes near the track and wondered if the noise was as loud down there as it was where I was at. About 2 hours later as I was road walking because of a detour I went right past the track and the noise was not near as loud. The trail was diverted because a bridge was being being replaced. The detour brought me through some well to do properties with much landscaping and large homes. The money that it must take to maintain these properties seem all that more rediculous as I pass with all my temporary possessions on my back. The reroute was about 4 miles of road walking(which I don't like) then I entered the woods where I ran into Rocketboy & Harley Hogpit again. They continued down the trail and I took a short sidetrail to the Housatonic River and went for a quick swim. Just long enough to cool down then I hit the trail again with the intention of finding a tent spot as soon as one presents itself. I traveled mostly up and on sloped terrain. I traveled 3 more miles before deciding to travel another 2 to get to the shelter. At the trail head it showed another .05 to the shelter. It didn't show that it was a steep downhill that after such a long day felt further than it was. A little while later Rocket & Harley showed up. The shelter was not worth the hike down. The bugs were bad so we both set up our tents inside. Nobody else showed up so that worked out just fine.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Limestone Spring

To: Salisbury
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: clear sky

In the book it showed two places that offered rooms for rent. I called the 1st name listed and Marie said to call from the road when I get there. She would come down and pick me up. Maria is an 81 year old women that takes in hikers as a way to help pay the bills. For $35 you get a bed and a shower. It's an older 3 bedroom home with a nice yard right in the heart of the small town. Walking distance to the bank, library, grocery and resteraunts. She will also give rides to the laundry and other places one might need to go. She told me to go take a shower then to come down and make myself some breakfast. Love it or Leave it stayed last night and was staying again tonight. A little later I saw Harley and Rocket at the grocery and told them about Maria's. When I returned later they had checked in and the house was full. Maria thanked me for telling them about it. I finished doing things around town then went back and took care of my toes. I bought some hydrogen peroxide to get the infection out of the wounds. Later on we all went to do laundry and have dinner at a pizza joint. Maria brings many hikers here and is treated very well by the staff. She is a pistol and likes to joke around. We began outdoors but was soon chased inside by a quick but all out T-storm with a heavy downpour. We all had a good time and fattened up on pizza and beer. Harley and Rocket talked about doing a slackpack tomorrow and I considered going also. I had a room by myself and had a fan blowing on me throughout the night. The temps and humidity have been high and the thunderstorms do little to cool things down.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Salisbury

To: Salisbury
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

For breakfast Maria allows those staying to make breakfast. Each is allowed 3 eggs, 2 pieces of toast, banana, juice and coffee. I woke up in the night with aching knees and sore toes. My idea to also slack was pretty stupid as I am in desperate need for rest. When I woke Harley & Rocket I told them I needed to stay and heal. After breakfast Maria gave me instructions if any hikers should call or stop by. Maria drove the two about 20 hiking miles away and also drove another section hiker to the town of Great Bsrrington. I planned on soaking my feet and hanging around relaxing. By the end of the day my toes were looking pretty good. Operating a room for rent is very time consuming and Maria is on call all day long. For 81 she is indeed a ball of fire. At first she lays down the ground rules and plays the roll of a tough gal. Her tough as nails cover gets blown after a short while because her concern, consideration and desire to be most accomidating shows that she is a big softy. She is a lovely women at 81 and a wonderful friend to the hiking community. She enjoys what she is doing and it shows. One of the many characters that make this adventure wonderful and memorable.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Salisbury

To: Glenbrook Tent
Miles today: 14.2

I had way to much liquids throughout the day because I had to get up a few times to pee and to adjust the fan. It was to hot then to cold. A little after 5:00 I began to ready myself for the day. I repacked my pack last night so I would be quiet getting out. I made coffee and breakfast and was heading down the road just before 7:00. I said my goodbye's last night and headed out of Salisbury under clear and rather cool skies. The trail began at 600ft and brought me up to the 2300 level in short time. Not a bad hike. The trail followed Ball Brook for awhile. It was a very cool area that was tucked into a deep ravine that was emerald green as moss was growing on all the rocks. The water running down was substantial and the sound as it cascaded over the rocks was soothing and music to my ears. The heights are starting to return again as I climbed over 2000ft 3 times today. The highest being 2600. The mountain tops had much ledges with open views in all directions that provided clear looks at the scenery below but only hazy looks at the mountains off on the distance. There was some hard climbing today but not to bad a day. Finally arrived at the campsite area and decided to set my tent in a pine area under some large spruce trees. It began to sprinkle then it rained off and on as hikers came one after another. Before the night arrived about 14 hikers were scattered all around. The only other thru hikers were Rafi and PopPop. I had met PopPop early in Pennsylvania. I met Rafi for the first time. Some section hikers had a fire and stayed up until the wee hours. I fell asleep early but woke in the middle of the night to pee and a good sized fire still burned with nobody around. Not smart. Section hikers appear to be a little less concerned with fires and food safety precautions as pots and pans were also left out. By signing all the journals along the way we get to read about things to worry or be concerned with. Such as bears and such. Perhaps the frequency of reported animals makes us that much more weary.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Glenbrook Tent

To: Tom Leonard Lean To
Miles today: 14.3

It was a cool comfortable night for sleeping. I heard an owl during the night the first in awhile. The sun showed itself early but was soon obscured by moving clouds. The first 9 miles was either downhill or level and really nice hiking conditions. Some of the downs were like yesterday where it was steep and required long steps on rocks and boulders. It made for slow going and was tough on the knees. This type of terrain had not bothered my knees before but lately it has been a reaccuring problem. Again there was much ridge walking but the views offin the distance were behind a foggy haze and gave just a slight shadow of what was really out there. The sun came in and out of the clouds and saved me from direct sun but the heat and humidity continued to sap my energy as it has over the past week or so. When I came out of the forest I crossed some fields and hiked along the Housatonic River once again. Up here the river is just a lazy flowing water that gathers its water fromthe farmlands that slant from all directions. Its a little discolored and not to inviting. The last 5 miles were uphill and turned out to be more difficult than it should have. My legs are heavy and my breathing can't get into a rythum. The heat and humidity becones me to drink more liquids but the opportunities are rare. I tried to talk myself into a second wind but it was not happening. I felt weak and my legs and pack felt heavy. I was more than ready to end this day. The mosquitos and knats were out in force as I attempted to rig my tent in the shelter as it looked like rain. I was able to set the screen section of my tent in the bunk to keep the little buggers away throughout the night. Soon dark clouds rolledin as did booming thunder and about an hours worth of a drenching downpour. Being in the shelter ready for the night watching the earth around me puddle and flow with water made me feel good. A rough day can be soothed out here rather easily and helped me forget some of my troubles.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Tom Leonard Lean To

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the shelter to myself. Everybody else tented. The rigging did a good job keeping the bugs away. I have been feeling extra tired lately and yesterday was no exception. The sun was shining early and the humidity began right off the bat. I hiked down to get water and I could feel the moisture rising from the dead vegitation on the forest floor. It seemed to be rising hot already. I was on the trail just after 7:00 and had not determined how far I would go. There were 2 shelters close together and not to far away so I doubted I would be stopping so early. It was an option if I needed it. Early on I was hiking along a nice ravine and up a rocky ledge area much like the others over the past few days. Lots of blueberries grew in bunches up high and they are already ripe. I'm beginning to enter and hike in large pine tree areas and it is really nice hiking on the soft needles and I have always loved the smellof pine. There are also lots of ponds and sign of beaver so now the water is not very safe at all. The trail when down low travels around these ponds andthere is much mud and boardwalk type of hiking. The bugs love this wet and heavy vegitation areas. The thought of ticks is always on my mind in these areas as the grasses and weeds are allovergrown and covering the trail. The swampy land that I have hiking through reminds me of the area where I grew up and did my exploring as a child, imagining that I was deep in the wilderness somewhere. With the heat, soreness and fatigue of late has me wishing while here in the deep wilderness that I was a little closer to the comforts of home. I arrived at a campsite early afternoon and decided that I had already had enough for this day. Another hiker was already there. Circle Walker is a southbounder and has been jumping around a little. She told me about the Upper Goose Cabin where I intended on going to tomorrow. The register at the campsite mentioned some bears that have been frequenting this site and seem to not be intimidated by the presence of hikers. Oh great. I went to get water and then went to add treatment to it only to find out that I didn't tighten the caplast time and all was lost. Circle Walker let me use her filter. So I go to bed knowing that I am low on fuel, out of water treatment, in a spot that bears could be trouble and nursing a couple sore knees and toes. Happy Camper- NOT