morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Beaver Pond, NJ

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: broken clouds

Woke early today and got an early start. There were quite a few day hikers today.The most exciting event of the day was nearly stepping on a copperhead snake!!I gave him space and got some video.I was feeling strong today and continued to walk until about 8:00pm. Tonight I am here at the Mashipacong Shelter with 2 section hikers. Feel tired after nearly 23 miles today. They are calling for thunder storms tomorrow-June 9, WED.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Mashipagong Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

The morning started out rather cold, gray and cloudy, but no rain. I walked up to High Point State Park. Walked around Sawmill Lake and then up to the High Point Monument with a group of school children out on a field trip. Their teacher, Scott asked me to talk to his students answer their questions about the AT. That was fun. There were about 30 4th graders. It started to rain about 10:00am and with all my side trips and stops I only made it to here, High Point Shelter. There are 3 other hikers here tonight and 1 dog. If I can do it I'll push on to Vernon. The wet rocks really slow me down. I just do not want to rush and risk an injury. I've been stopping to pick wild blue berries and that is slowing me down too.A high light today was meeting a teacher Scott and his 4th grade class on a field trip to High Point State Park. It was fun to talk with them and answer their questions about my AT experiences. We hiked up to New Jersey's High Point Monument, the highest point in NJ at 1,680 feet high.I now have a new appreciation for NJ, and have more to think about when I think of NJ. Used to only think "SOPRANOS" when I heard New Jersey mentioned.Now I will recall the beautiful ponds, lakes and wooded areas of north west NJ.Oh, and a bear sighting. Only my 2nd one in 109 days on the AT.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ - St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Miles today: 19.4

It was an early up and out this morning. I had an almost face-to-face encounter with a black bear. today. He finally moved off the middle of the trail, but was in no hurry to move.No hitch hiking allowed in NJ, so a bit of a walk into Vernon from off the AT.The Episcopal Church accomodation were great. There was a stove and microwave available to use. I cooked a pizza. Watched a bit of TV and rested. It felt so good to have a HOT shower and get my clothes washed.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Vernon, NJ - St. Thomas Episcopal Church

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

I woke REAL EARLY this morning - 4:00AM. Made some coffee and was thinking about taking a zero day but got back on the road to the trail instead. Today I hiked just over 17 miles to Wildcat Shelter. Today the trail went into NY state. I've got 5 days supply of food and I hope to make it through NY without stopping for another re-supply. REVELEE is here too in the shelter tonight.After a resupply in Vernon for 5 more day stretch I'm back on the AT.Again, no hitchin' a ride in New Jersey to get back to the trail-but that's ok.Did not get Silver Fox's voice mail on my TracFone, so I did not pick up my care package she sent to me-waiting back at the Vernon post office. Bummers! Need to check my messages more frequently.But she will have the PO send it on to my next drop in Glencliff, NH and I will have that to anticipate.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: A Campsite beyond Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Up and on the trail by 7:30 am with REVELEE. It did not look like a tough day.However, with little water, lots of rocks and tons of hills in the 15+ miles it was a difficult day and I'm tired!!I'm at about the 1,380.2 mile mark near Fingerboard Shelter. I found a sweet grassy spot on the west side. Got my bug net up and I'm listening to A Prairie Home Companion on NPR here under my tarp.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Campsite E.of Hudson River
Miles today: 15.3

What a DAY!! I was short on water from the start-not good!Also NY has lots of ups and downs and it's been harder then I expected.Add on that my water shortage and I'm really tired after about 15 miles today.It felt like I had hiked more then that. Passed another big landmark today whenI walked over the Hudson River Bridge. Then climbed a hill over looking the river. Found a camp site and called it a day at 4:30pm.FROST left a voice mail today saying he was walking along Perkins Drivewhich goes to the summit of Bear Mountain (1,305 feet elev.)in New York state.That mountain would seem a walk in the park and a mole hill when compared to Clingmans Dome @ 6,643 feet, back in the Great Smoky Mtns. N.P.when FROST was post holing through 3-4 foot deep snow with drifts deeper back in early March!He also mentioned he would soon be crossing the Hudson River.I'll add more to this journal when I receive FROST's next set of journal pages.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Campsite E.of Hudson River

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 16.0

Woke early with thoughts of a hot brewed coffee just 5 miles away. Twas a treat to sit and eat a simple breakfast. Earlier in the day I was met by day hiker who asked me if I was a pretty good cook. I was puzzled by the question but answered, "yes". Then I asked her, "What's cooking?" As it turns out she was looking for a hiker with the trail name "A PRETTY, GOOD COOK". I had a good chuckle.Today I passed a small pump house, walked on north about 40 minutes. Stopped for a break on a side road then got back on the AT and headed what I THOUGHT was north for about 40 minutes. What a shock it was to see the same pump house on the left side of the trail!!!(groan)OH well, I'm glad it was only an 80 minute time loss. I say that only now, but I am tired!!Later today FROST wants to stop in to visit the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The AT handbook describes the Graymoor Friary as home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and birthplace of the Christianity Unity movement in America.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke to beautiful blues skies, willowy green ferns and birds singing this morning. I met up with NEFIS and we walked together. Later met up with REVLEE. After 14 miles or so our goal was a small deli & Mountain Top Market. I got a veggie Sub that was the best ever! The owners were really very friendly. Truly worth the short walk off the trail to get there. NEFIF, WILLARD, NUT HATCH, SEA OTTER and later SUN DIAL are all here tonight at the Morgan Stewart Shelter, near Poughquag, NY. We had a great fire going and good conversation. About 17 more miles remain for the NY section. Time to sleep...
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY

To: Ten Mile River Lean-to, NY
Miles today: 20.5

Got up this morning, and crazy to say I has another deli on my mind. It's 10 miles away off NY highway 22. At noon I took the 1/2 mile walk off the trail to the deli.. enjoyed an egg salad sub sandwich. Rested a bit then headed off again with WILLARD for Ten Mile River Lean-to where I am now, under my tarp next to the river.It was a 20.5 mile day. About 3 miles back I left NY and crossed another state line, into Connecticut!! 9 states completed & 4 more to go-WOW!I still am not sure if I will go into Kent, CT tomorrow. It's been 7 days since I've had a shower and I'm running low on food. I think if I can't find a shower I will push on to Salisbury, CT. I need to get my bug net up now and get some sleep.
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Ten Mile River Lean-to

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

I got up early and headed out at 5:30 AM. It's nice to hike in the cool temps of the early morning. A lovely walk along the river and then some easy climbing. The trail went within 1/2 a mile of Kent so I decided to get some more food-enough for 4 more days. Spent 30 minutes at the library. Got back on the AT and headed for Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to. I met LIGHTS OUT - a section hiker who informed me he snores loudly. I'm prepared with my ear plugs.Tomorrow I hope to do 20 miles. Today was 15.7 miles. It's after 9:30pm and time to sleep.....For those following FROST's hike, I received more trail journal pages and will be adding those from June 1 forward. FROST called this morning sounding chipper and happy as ever.He is now in Connecticut!It's a beautiful Friday morning there with temp at 67F. He was calling from the top of Silver Hill - elevation 1,110' which is near Cornwall Bridge, CT.This puts him 1,467.7 miles already hike and "only" 771.4 to go.AMAZING!!On Saturday he has made plans with Maria to stay in her home 1 night.FROST said their was no shower in Kent, CT so he is looking forward to a HOT shower at Maria's home.He needs new trail running shoes ASAP so that's my first errand this morning.His 2nd pair have nearly 1,000 miles on them. This next pair will be his 3rdand hopefully last pair to complete the A.T.Sure hope REI has his favorite style and size.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Canp site near Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 19.3

Woke this morning at 5:00 primed and ready for a fairly long day. It started with a sweet river walk that turned into an up and down roller coaster. Not easy!! Then around 2:00pm I passed the Limerock Motor Speedway. It's a REALLY noisy race car course for the wealthy. As I hiked for the next 5 hours I could hear the roar of the cars racing around and around the race course. I wondered, "How many barrels of oil it takes to run that many cars each day?" One thing's for sure, the USA runs on so much oil with little thought of tomorrow and the following generations.I ended this day with a long road walk until the trail pulled up into the woods. It was about 7:00pm and I was about as tired as I have ever been. I climbed up on a quiet hill and found a spot to set up my tarp. For supper I cooked 2 meal portions at the same time. I was SO HUNGRY!
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Maria McCabe's Home

To: Maria McCabe's Home, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I've been in Salisbury, CT all day and am so glad I stopped here. The local people have all been very friendly and cheerful. I spent about 1 hour getting my beard shaved off. It sure is much cooler without all that hair on my face.I'm sharing a room with BABOO and section hiker.My next goal is Dalton, MA about 70 miles from here. My new trail shoes are waiting there. My feet will be very happy.FROST stayed in Salisbury, in the home of a wonderful woman, 81 year old Maria McCabe. She opens her home to thru-hikers. FROST says she is such a sweetie. Maria says her friends think she'snuts to open her home to all these strangers. But she does not care. She told FROST, "I do not know what I'd do if there were no hikers to help out this way."She drove him into town to do his laundry. FROST sure enjoyed his timethere. She has humming bird feeders and feeds the chipmunks too. Maria wants FROSTto keep in touch and send her a photo of him on the summit of Katahdin.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Canp site near Limestone Springs Lean-to

To: Maria McCabe's home-Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Walked into Salisbury for a zero day of rest and prep for the next leg which will include Bear Mountain on Monday or Sunday. With the exception of that noisy speedway I think CT has been a very pretty state with big trees and a nice trail.The people were friendly enough. Today I'm looking forward to a shower and getting my clothes washed - yes!!Talked with several locals about the AT and some of my experiences over coffee and a muffin at THE ROAST. The weather has been perfect. Goes from 75F in he morning up to 85F by noon.Now, I'm here at Maria McCabe's who is a very kind and helpful 82 year old. She rents out rooms and also gives out hugs.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Maria McCabe's Home

To: Brassie Brook Lean-to, CT
Miles today: 5.3

I got up early today at Maria McCabe's home and made a pot of coffee. Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of fried eggs, toast, OJ and milk. I headed out about 10:00 am and only had gone about 5 miles or so when a good old thunderstorm hit at around 2pm. I was near Brassie Brook Lean-to so decided to hunker down here. I'm glad I did. I'll get an early start tomorrow and climb Bear Mountain.FROST called from just inside the Connecticut state line at the foot of Bear Mountain, preparing to hike over and on north into Massachusetts . As always he sounded in good spirits, said it was rather hot and buggy, but he does not complain about it. Says it's all part of the AT experience.He enjoyed his stay in Salisbury, in the home of a wonderful woman, 81 year old Maria McCabe. She opens her home to thru-hikers. FROST says she is such a sweetie. Maria says her friends think she'snuts to open her home to all these strangers. But she does not care. She told FROST, "I do not know what I'd do if there were no hikers to help out this way."She drove him into town to do his laundry. FROST sure enjoyed his timethere. She has humming bird feeders and feeds the chipmunks too. Maria wants FROSTto keep in touch and send her a photo of him on the summit of Katahdin.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to, CT

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to, MA
Miles today: 23.2

Got an early start this morning. I met up with several hikers who were caught on Bear Mtn during the thunderstorm yesterday. I think that could be a bit unnerving.As I walked along today I met quite a few interesting day hikers. The trail today went along some very beautiful ridges and Race Mtn and Everett Mtn..and I have crossed into MA --10 states down and 4 to go.The day ended here at the Tom Leonard Lean-to. Also here are THE GRISWALDS and OTIS(their Boxer who is so cute!); CLOUD and GRAM-CRACKER.I'm not sure about tomorrow. I would like to spend a day at Upper Goose Pond. I met one of the caretakers (WANDERER) of the cabin way back in March in The Great Smoky Mtns. N.P.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to, MA

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

I headed out after a night of expecting a visit from the local porcupines. Entries in the lean-to journals along the trail say they are rampant. I did not see one. As I walked today I passed several ponds with beaver dams. It's amazing to see their engineering skills.About 2:00pm the weather turned quite bad with rain and thunder. My barometer says stormy so I stopped here at the Shaker Campsite and have set up my tarp.I'm under my tarp listening to NPR. The temps today were quite nice around 80F with a breeze that keeps it cooler. I'm going to do my best to get up early and get to Upper Goose Pond Shelter. Halfway through the day today I decided to make a stop in Tyringham. I caught a ride in a dump truck by a driver working for a landscaping company. The guy was really nice. Then about 2.5 hours later he picked me at the McDonalds and took me back to the trail. I tried to find some med for the athletes foot that I think I have picked up, but no luck.After a 7 mile hike up the hill to Upper Goose Pond I am finally here. It's a really nice big cabin made just for hikers. I am disappointed that WANDERER is not here, but HOUND DOG soon will be here. I took a nice refreshing swim and also took the canoe for a paddle across the lake. I expect to sleep really well tonight.Just got a short call from FORST.He was trying to talk on the TracFone while getting bitten up by mosquitoeswhich he says are getting worse.He's really hoping to make it to Upper Goose Pond Cabin tonight, but still has about 14 miles to go to get there and it's after 2pm there already.They are calling for severe thunder storms tonight.Also he hopes to meet up with one of the caretakers of the cabin.He met the caretaker w-a-a-a-y back in MARCH on the trail going throughthe deep snow in the Great Smoky Mountains and is hoping to see the caretakerthere at the cabin tonight.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Jim & Julie's Home, DALTON
Miles today: 20.6

Re-connected with WANDERER, who extended an invitation to stay in his home in Dalton, MA tonight. His wife fixed a wonderful veggie meal for dinner. THANKSso much for your generous and warm hospitality-Julie and Jim!! It was much appreciated.Found out that my new shoes were mailed by UPS, so they were not at the Post Office. However, a nice care package from Silver Fox. Thanks honey!Will have to wait until 11AM Thursday, June 25 to P/U my new trail shoes at UPS warehouse. Looks like I will be doing a zero day. That works just fine.I really need to rest my feet and body.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Jim & Julie's Home, DALTON

To: Tom Levardi's Home, Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I met up with Tom Levardi who lives in Dalton. What a great guy!!He offered to drive me out to the UPS place to pick up my new trail shoes at 3:00pm hence a zero day here in Dalton. Was hanging out on his front porch withCLOUD, when he walks out carrying 2 ice cream sundaes for CLOUD and ME.How cool is that!!Here's a small world story. In conversations with CLOUD I discover that his 2 aunts and an uncle all went to the same Mennonite High School in Lancaster, PAthat my wife attended back in late 1970s. In fact the uncle was in the same graduating class as my wife!! Like I said, "It' a small world."Had a good filling meal at the Old Country Buffet.I'm afraid I've picked up an athlete's foot infection from one of the public shower stalls. Tonight I'm soaking my old dogs(feet) in a warm water medicine solution. Sure hope is works!I'm going to try and get an early morning start tomorrow, SAT-June 26.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Tom Levardi's Home, Dalton, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to, MA
Miles today: 20.3

Woke this morning at 5:00AM and got packed up. Had a nice breakfast for only $3.50 just down the the street on DEPOT ST.Heading back to the trail with my new trail shoes feels good after a zero day in Dalton, MA. I've really enjoyed my time walking through MASS much more then I expected. So many very friendly people who are making for some wonderful times and memories.Making good time from Dalton through Cheshire, then up and over Mt. Greylock to the Wilbur Clearing Lean-to and camp area. I covered over 20 miles today. I'm now under my tarp. Just had a nice time around the camp fire talking with a young couple who are starting out their lives together hiking the AT - WOW!! That's nice to see and listen to their thoughts and dreams. Now I am too tired to write any more. Time to sleep....
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to, MA

To: Harmon Hill, Vermont !!
Miles today: 19.6

Up early again and heading north to North Adams, MA for a resupply of food.Then it's on into Vermont! by way of THE LONG TRAIL & AT. This portion of the trail is 100 years old and it looks it! It's in pretty bad shape. I made it to Harmon Hill and set up my tarp. I have a great view of Bennington, VT. Mileage today was almost 20 miles. Today I enjoyed checking out several beaver dams. One dam was about 100 yards long! Met several section hikers today who were just starting out in Vermont. There is a good breeze blowing right now. I hope it does not get too strong. It's after 8:30 and time to sleep....I was away all weekend. Just got home to 3 voice mails at home from FROST, at 6:30 AM my time(9:30 EST), 9 AM(noon EST) and 5PM (8 PM). FROST was quite puzzled as to where I was after 3 calls from early morning to evening and no answer from SILVER FOX.....(chuckle chuckle) Now he knows a bit how I have wondered for 4 months as to where on the AT he might be. His first call was from the town of North Adams, MA. He got a bit more food to make it through to Manchester Center in Vermont, which is 58.5 miles away. Looks like half of the AT section in VT is through the GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST.His 2nd phone call at noon(EST) was from the MA/VT state line. He said, "I can smell the maple syrup from here and almost taste the BEN & JERRY'S ice cream."FROST also mentioned the weather was overcast and fairly humid.The Massachusetts section was 90.3 miles long.The Vermont section is a long 149.8 miles.The New Hampshire section is 160.9 miles.and the final state, Maine is 281.4 miles.The 3rd message he was calling from his camp site about 8:00PM(EST) on top of Harmon Hill at an elevation of 2,325 feet. That puts him right at 1,599.5 miles from Springer Mtn, GA and 579.6 miles from the top of Mount Katahdin, ME. woohoo!!
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Harmon Hill, Vermont !!

To: Story Spring Shelter, VT
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

The wind did pick up last night and it started to rain this morning. It was raining pretty steady so I slept in until 8:30. That's a bit late for me. I have been seeing lots of moose droppings along the trail, but have not seen a real live moose - yet. Met a section Long Trail hiker named STEPHEN and hiked with him for a bit. I wanted to stay up in a fire lookout tower tonight. However, there were no panes in the window openings, so with the wind and rain it would have been quite wet in there on the floor. Instead I headed on to Story Springs Shelterwhere I am tonight. I just could not find 1 level spot to set up my tarp. This is my 3rd day of 20 miles days. I have enough food left for 2 days.Staying here tonight are TP; STEPHEN; THE GRISWALDS and OTIS their dog. Got a fire going and having a good time.I'm looking at a 20 mile day again tomorrow, We'll see how it goes. Time to sleep....
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Story Spring Shelter, VT

To: Green Mountain Hiker Hostel, Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I did not get an early start today. Also did not know what my destination would be today. I decided to call Green Mountain Hiker Home. They, Jeff and Regina had an opening so I decided to head there. When I got to VT 11 I waited all of 3 seconds for a ride from a really nice past thru-hiker. The Green Mountain Hiker Home is a GREAT place to stay. Very clean and relaxing. FROST just called from near Stratton Pond/Shelter and Trail which is about 1,630 miles from Springer Mtn. He got my voice mail regarding Jeff Taussig's email invitation to stay at his Green Mountain Hiker Hostel Home. FROST was glad Jeffstill had room for him at this late notice. FROST has about 11 more miles to go to get into Manchester Center, VT and it was nearly 1:00 in the afternoon there.He'll give Jeff Taussig a call when he gets into town late this afternoon/evening.Frost was walking and talking to me while crossing over a stream. I did not want to hold him up, slow him down or distract him so we did not talk for long. He did mention talking with a female hiker recently who had completed over 1,500 miles,then tripped and fell and hit her head. The head injury has ended her hike.That is NOT what any thru-hiker wants to happen to them or anyone, but it does.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Green Mountain Hiker Hostel, Manchester Center, VT

To: Green Mountain Hiker Hostel,
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up early and made a pot of coffee here at Green Mountain Hiker Home. Yesterday I somehow pulled a muscle in my left leg which did not feel so great. I've decided to take a zero day to rest my muscle, relax and clean up my gear. I couldn't think of more reasonable relaxing and nice place to do this. I went to the EMS Outfitter and bought maps of Baxter State Park and The White Mountains. Also called Black Diamond to order 2 replacement tips for my hiking poles. They will send those to Glencliff, NH.FROST got in kind of late to the Green Mtn Hostel last night and decided to take a zero here today, the last day of June 2010.I was pleasantly surprised to get a nice email & photo from Jeff Taussig, owner of GREEN MOUNTAIN HIKER HOSTEL, near Manchester Center, VT.The photo was FROST with several other hikers enjoying Jeff's hospitalityin their "hiker home".I've added a couple more of FROST's journal entries back for June 14&15.