morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: West Momvasha Rd
Miles today: 17.0

   It was a tough walk today. The first 6.5 miles took four full hours to complete. That is our slowest walk since April. Continuous rocks and needed both hands for the many boulder climbs. Ended up with 17 miles, sleeping in the forest with a hung bear bag. Very tired. Rocks and rigorous climbs all day.   Got some surreal pictures. Empire State Building (ESB) Took its picture from New Jersey--must be ofver 30 miles away. NYC skyline and ESB with local lake in foreground taken from Prospect Rock in New York. Unbelieveable sight. NY skyline on top of 20 miles of trees: it just can't really exist. Then after walking another 11 miles to Mombasha High Point, I get an even closer shot of the skyline; cradled in the tops of trees.   Water is scarce in New York. One of the locals informed us that Fitzgerald Falls has stopped running. First time in his memory. So tonight I carried extra water to our camp site. It was extra weight I could have done without. A trail angel left 6 gallons on H2O and two big slices of pizza at the road 200 yards from where I'm writing this. The word is that the first half is expecially hard, so two more tough days.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: West Mombasha Rd

To: Beechy Bottom Brook
Miles today: 16.9

   First full day in New York. Eight miles of rough walking; lots of rocks, steep ups and downs, and climbs that required both hands. Saw a black snake yesterday. Today it was a rattler. I heard the rattle in the grass, so I bent over to try and get a look. Snakes are long. I put my nose right above it's body. Took a picture and moved on. One of the early climbs is named Arden Mountain, Agony Grind. It is well named. I hope the picture shows it well; steep, big and little loose rocks, and a long way down.   There were two fun encounters with the mountain today. The Lemon Squeezer is a very narrow path between two rock walls. I had to take my sleeping mattress off my back pack. The two inches it protrudes past my backpack made me too fat. Next was a high rock face. It required hand holds and toe holds to scale the perpendicular face. My confidence is way up. It went well and seemingly too easy.   Another picture of the skyline of NYC. It was 30 miles away. The view so reminds me of the cit of OZ in the Wizard of OZ--fantastical, unreal.   Made 16.9 miles. When the rocks are difficult it reduces the pace to 1.5 miles per hour. We get over 2.5, when it's smooth. We'll see what the 4th of July brings. Hope to camp on a high, tree-free mountain and maybe catch some fire works.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Beechy Bottom Brook

To: Graymore Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

   First time in along time I wasn't ready to hop out of bed. After I was on the trail, that lazy feeling was soon gone. We heard that the rain was due early afternoon. So we changed plans. and made a short day. Stayed at the Graymore Spiritual Life Center Fransican Way. It was suppose to be covered sleeping, fresh water, toilets, and pizza to order. Everything but the pizza came through. Spent an hour plus walking the grounds and sitting in churches. I hope the pictures turned out.   Walked through Bear Mountain Museum--200 at 124 feet above sea level. So many people--a bit overwhelming. Then ate lunch sitting on Bear Mountain Bridge with the Hudson River flowing under it.   Hope to do three 20 mile days to get to our re-supply. It's raining now. Please stop before morning.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Graymore Spiritual Life Center Franciscan Way

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

   Away from the views of New York City and the Hudson River. Back under the trees. Took no pictures. Many ups and downs; and many roads crossed today. Longest day in some time --18.9 miles.   Filled the water bladder three times today. All were from water pumps; not springs. Tomorrow looks the same--pumps, not springs.   Did a relatively long day. We heard rain would be here late afternoon. Got started at 6:15am. Just about made the shelter before the storm. 15 minutes short of the shelter simultaneous thunder, lightning, and huge down pour. I quickly put on my upper rain gear. My top was dry, however my shoes quickly filled. Someday I will learn.   Hoping to make re-supply in Kent, CT in two days. Need 28 miles. Carried 7 days of food this last section--really too much.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: RPH Shelter

To: County 20, Dover oak
Miles today: 17.3

   Last full day in New York. Didn't get quite as far as we wanted. We were going to get water and eat at the Dover Oak. I was in the lead. Just as I got to the Dover Oak it started pouring. I got my rain gear on, filled water bag, and no Dave. Thought about looking for him, but I figured he just stopped at the shelter. So I just used the Dover Oak as my umbrella and waited for it to stop. (The Dover Oak has a girth at 4 feet high of 20 feet 4 inches. Took a picture) It got late. I was worried. So I set up my tent between rains and just as I started to retrace the trail there was Dave, dry and he had eaten supper as it rained. Everyone is well. Just need an early start tomorrow to make the outfitters in Kent. Connecticut before 6pm. Need 20.7 miles. Just want to get in and out. No place reasonable to stay. Need walking poles, two days of food, and a call home.   Really looking forward to a full day off. Didn't have one in Pensylvania, New Jersey or New York. I'm sure my memory is wrong. Had to have one in Pennsylvania. Anyhow, it's been a long time. It will hve been 18 days and close to 300 miles for sure. So, there must have been one in Pennsylvania.   Took a picture of Nuclear Lake. It was located near an old nuclear processing plant. It doesn't glow or anything, and has been given a clean bill of health.   Need to get a very early start. 20.7 miles before shopping for walking poles--store closes at 6pm. To bad about today's rain delay.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: County 20, Dover Oak

To: Mt Algo Lean-To
Miles today: 20.4

   Needed an early start. Going to Kent to get walking poles. One stick is just not enough. Needed 20.4 miles by 4pm to get to town before the store closes at 6. Started walking at 5;30am. The first 2/3 was quite easy. The last 1/3 in Connecticut (new state) was a bit of a challenge. Not much to look at, took 3 pictures of signs Appalachian Trail R.R. Station, State Line, and Ten mIle Hill. Did take a nature picture of Ten Mile river.   Made it into town. Got groceries, dried my wet clothes--been caught in the rain the last two days. Spoke with and shared a beer with two men from Gautamala. They have limited English and I, no Spanish. Grabbed lunch. Finally got to a phone to call Denise. Ended up walking back to my tent just as darkness arrived. Straight to bed.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Mt. Algo Lien-to

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3

   Started out tired. Slept in. Didn't get started until 7:30am. Am getting back into climbing. The legs haven't had to do that for some time. Did get a gentle 4 mile walk next to the Housatonic River. Quite beautiful. Still the 3 steep climbs were quite tiring.On the last one I took a wrong trun and startled a vulture. Took 3 pictures. Ended up climbing a steep-steep grade in vain. Back down and through a very narrow rock crevice.   Two hours after I took the river picture; I took a vista picture, just to show the change. After yesterday's long day, today's walk was really very hard. Puts me in position for an early arrival at Salisbury--our day off town.   Very hot today. Drank more water today than I can ever remember.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lien-to

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: haze

   Hot. Hot. Hot. Tried to sleep in a shelter last night. The mosquitos were awful. I was at Pine Swamp Brook. Finally got in my tent at 10pm.   Didn't get started until 7am. Just a couple of steep climbs. Had one good photo opportunity--a waterfall in Falls Village. The views available on the walk were all hampered by the humidity. High 90's for both humidity and temperature.   Glad to get into Salisbury. No place to camp. Found a home that rented rooms, that were priced reasonably. Will probably stay 2 or 3 night. Time for relaxation and rehabilitation. Just showered, ate, and called the family. I am tired.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   Taking two days off, then will be hitting the trail in earnest to attempt to finish by the end of August. Dave and I have both been dragging. In speaking to other hikers, we think it may be lack of salt. We have been sweating so much, and pushing lots of water.   Went down town early to leave a message at the post office so Dave would know which B & B I was at. He was already in town. Spent sometime at the library. It was built in the 1800's. Got some time on the computer.   Spent some time scheduling food stops for the remainder of the trip. If all goes well, Dave and I could be done by the end of August. I'm sure that it will be later. Mileage will decrease. The north is suppose to be real tough. Need to get my cold weather gear back by the end of July. We are going over the White Mountains. Above tree line and snow is always a danger.   Went out to eat, such a treat. Got laundry done. Clean clothes, such a treat.   Buying food tomorrow. Still in the 90's. Cooling down when we get gack on the trail--only mid 80's.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Salisbury, Ct

To: Salisbury Ct
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

   Two days without a mile. I'm antsy to get back out there. A front is coming through. The temps and humidity will both drop. Should be great walking.    Fixed Dave's water bag. Used the same repir kit that fixed my air mattress. Have 5 1/2 days of provisions. Planning on +/-95 miles, so 100+ for the week seems very possible. Will be adding some salt to our diet, because of all the sweating. Hope it works.   Just spent the day cleaning, provisioning and post officing. Body feels good. Pack feels lighter. Off early tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Salisbury, CN

To: Grass Hay Field
Miles today: 18.0

It's always great to get back on the trail. Legs rebel. Tomorrow they will be better. We did have 3 climbs in the 18 miles we completed. We started at 6am and finished at 5:30pm. Our MPH pace has slowed with the more difficult terrain. One of the climbs was to get to the top of the highest mountain in Connecticut--2,316 feet. It had a great view. There were several of them--great views, today. Along with views come steep ups and downs.   Ended up camping in a mowed grass-hay field. It's grass not alfalfa. There was suppose to be a stream where we stopped. There was a stream, but no water. Got some from a house faucet. Homeowners weren't home, but a worker let us get it. We were really surprised about the lack of H2O. There was huge rain where we were at last night, and everything was running water. What a difference a little distance makes.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Grass Hay Field

To: Mt. Wilcox, South
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

   Good miles. Two nice climbs. Took one picture of 2 teenage boys fishing from a conoe on Benedict Pond. Walk was not difficutl. I just was not enjoying it like usual. Maybe I have the Friday the 13th blahs.   Broke my water filter. Was walking on rocks to get to a good spot near the water. Slipped. Broke the intake valve. 3 1/2 days to Williamstown and an Outfitter.   Mosquitoes are back. Spray does not keep them at bay for long. Tenting from here forward.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Mt. Wilcox, South

To: US 20
Miles today: 17.5

                     70%. 70%. 70%. 70%. 70% It is great having every 7 out of 10 miles done. They just keep falling by the wayside--I should say foot path. Only took one picture today. It was in the early morning. Not referenced in the guide, I believe it is a beaver dam.   Only one major climb today--900 feet. The walk went well. Was able to tent early. We are between shelters. Next two days we have lean-to. Probably won't sleep in them. Too many bugs. The privy, water, and picnic table makes the camping go well.    Met a few more walkers today. Locals out for the day. Neither passed nor was passed by any AT walkers. Meet them in spurts, but fewer and fewer as we go north. The weather and my attitude were wonderful today. Great day walking in low 80's and low humidity. Want to get an early start tomorrow--chance of afternoon rain storm.   Fell asleep. Slept soundly. 4:45-5:45. Everything done ready for tomorrow. Should be asleep before 8pm.   Miss my family, especially my wife, Denise. Less than two months and my adventure will be complete.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: US20

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 15.9

   Such an absolutely gorgeous day: Partly cloudy; low 80's; breeze; and low humidity. Afternoon rain missed us. We started very early--Dave before six. He walked on--three more miles--to make some phone calls from Dalton; and to have a shorter day for the more difficult climb tomorrow. I'll get my calls in at Cheshire.   The walk was a circuitous route to hit the bogs and/or beaver dams of central Mass. Walked by at least a half dozen: some covering 20 acre, at least. Saw a raccoon. Saw a stump left from beaver gnawing. Mostly the walk was short up and downs, rocky and wet.   Stopped by to see "the cookie lady". She walked the trail in 1970, I was told. (Just started to rain. In my tent writing. All unsleeping gear is dry and secure in the lean-to. Food bag is in the bear box, so it won't get wet either. Bear box 2'X3"X3" metal box secured to a tree by a chain. Rain drops on the tent--so soothing). She gives all walkers three cookies. I went out to pick--should say eat--some blureberries. Awesome. Bluberry bushes on the trail are 1 foot high with tiny berries. Hers are 6 feet high with huge berries.   God day today.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Kay Wood Lean-to

To: Mark Noepel Lean-to
Miles today: 16.7

   Got out of camp at 6:20. Walking by yourself has some advantages. Walking through Dalton at 7:45am. I stopped at a local downtown restaurant. Pancakes, eggs, toast (wheat with strawberry jelly) and ham: all for $5.00. Delicious. Then when going through Cheshire, I stopped for a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. And the day was sunny and maybe 80 degrees. Just felt good to walk. Called Denise. Got her at work. Always good to hear her voice. Loving her and missing her more than ever.   The trail had little to offer: Three climbs, wet spots, springs are running well. Took two pictures. I took off my pack to use the privy. Sat it across from the trail sign--picture one. Vista with lake in the distance--picture two.   Taking a half day tomorrow to resupply. Four miles in Mass. to complete, then only three states to go after completing eleven. Times a flying.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Mark Noepel Lean-to

To: North Adams/Williamstown
Miles today: 9.6

   Nice to get a short day, just 9.6 miles. Climbed the highest mountain in Massachusettes. It's right on the northern border--so was Connecticut's--so they are only getting higher. Hearing the horror stories on how difficult the final three states will be.    Got groceries. Road the bus to get to the outfitters. It has been many years since I paid for a bus ride. It was a new experience for Dave, having never riden a city bus before.   Planning for a later start tomorrow. Getting ready to get Vermont done.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: North Adams/Williamstown

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: haze

   We were planning on a half day so we could get a good rest. The rain made the decision easy. It was suppose to stop raining late morning and start again at 4. We got started at 11:15. Walked quickly and got to the shelter by 2:15. It rained quite a bit last night. Puddle jumping for the entire walk.   Had one good "up". Steady climb and then a sign "Inclement Weather Trail". It was wet, cool, and threatening to rain; but not bad enough to by-pass the trail. Very Steep. Very bouldered. Very long. Climbed for a couple hundred yards and another sign read "Inclement Weather Trail". I thought, "Oh, no! Not another one!" I was wrong. It was the other end of the alternate trail. Thank goodness.   The AT in Vermont is actually a trail called the Long Trail that runs 273 miles to the Canadian border. The AT uses 105.2 miles of it. Good day. Got rested for the coming walk. Missed the rain. Stayed dry.    Put my new water filter to the test. I actually read the instructions, twice. Used the instructions to construct and use. It worked fine the first time. Will wonders never cease.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

   When you don't have it, you want it. When you have it, you want it to go away. I'm tired of the rain. The trails are muddy and puddely. Hard on the feet. WET!!   Got on the trail at 7. Right after the rain stopped. I am now walking 3 hours before the first break. Walked on a planked trail in front of a beaver dam. The planks are 3x8's nailed to cut up railroad ties. The beaver dam was 5 feet to 7 feet high and at least 50 yards long. Was going to take a picture at the end. The planks sank under the water. I scurried away with wet feet.   Had a challenging "down". Wet boulders spaced like stair steps. Angled. Crooked. Slick. Sharp. Difficult. Took a picture, hope it shows. Right after the "down", had a 1,000 foot "up". I prefer the downs. As I read in the trail journal: If you fall on an up, you can catch your fall.   Walked a second three hour stint to get to Melville Nauheim Shelter. Started pouring several hundred yards befor the shelter. Stayed raining. Stayed in the shelter. Got a nap. Ready for some bigger miles.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

   It is great getting back to a full day. Was going to walk no matter what. Stayed cloudy with dense fog. However, the rain never came.   The lack of motorized sound is wonderful. Huge vistas are back, after the sun broke through in the afternoon. Uninterrupted views of 10+ miles of wilderness is wonderful.   Ran into our first south bounders. Will probably meet many more over the next month.   Got a nice picture of a beaver dam. I think most of the swamps I'm seeing are beaver dams or the remains of abandoned beaver dams. Have learned to add some salt to my intake. With all the sweating the body needs it. Feeling better.
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

   Great to get back with a big day--18.3 miles. The sun was out and shining all day, drying up the muddy trail. Still had to do a great deal of puddle jumping. My feet stayed mostly dry.   Had a good climb today to Stratton Mountain and was it ever worth it. First, it was 7.4 mile walk--I did it without a break or food. Second, it has a 1,600 foot climb. Third, the fire tower on top has a fabulous view--360 degrees of mountains and trees for as far as you can see. Great to be back in nature. Took 3 vista pictures. Would be great if they show how beautiful and majestic it is here.   Then after a 3 mile "down", you walk out of the forest and confronted with Stratton Pond--at least one mile in diameter, surrounded by trees, and crowned with a glorious sky. Took a picture with me in it, I hope I don't ruin the scene.   Today was just an excellent weather day, too. Cool in the morning. I could actually see my breath when on the top of Stratton Mountain. Sunny all day. High in the 70's. Gentle breeze.   Tomorrow is re-supply in Manchester Center, VT. Next re-supply is Hanover, NH.
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

   Woke early. Wanted to get into town to re-supply and still get a few miles in. I will have missed this mail drop; and need to hurry to get to Hanover, NH before Saturday noon. Manchester, NH, our re-supply today is 5.5 miles from the AT. Caught a ride in 15 minutes or so. Delivered to the grocery. As we were packing our food, a taxi driver stopped by and gave us his card. Most of my re-supplies are now long distance. Hope this is how they all turn out.   Took a picture of our trail angel. Runs an after-school program for some disadvantaged children. Ordered breakfast. Was able to talk to Denise and Emily. Missed Danica. Always great to talk to them. It has just been too long being away. Both Dave and I are anxious to get home.   Had two nice "ups" in the afternoon. Bromley Mountain has a view of 5 states and is the anchor for a ski lift. Had pictures of a similar view yesterday, so I took a picture of the ski lift. Styles and Peru Peak had no view.   Ran into a group of 10 climbers: six teenage diabetics and four adults--one being a doctor. They started walking at 2pm. It is now 6:40 I'm 4.6 miles from where they started. Hope all is well.   Hoping for a good sleep and good weather. Planning on 19.6 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchley Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

   Woke early. Needed an early start for a big day. Did 19.6 Miles. Starting to get back into some long climbs. One had a 1,000 foot rise in two miles. Not terribley difficult. Just always a steady rise. Takes one hour of hard work with labored breath to get to the top. Tomorrow there is a 2,000 foot climb in 4 miles. Oh, Joy!!   Another fine day. Cool. Cloudy. Slight Wind. Still some mud puddles on the trail. Praying for clear skies. Had another excellent lunch stop. Took a picture with me in it. Little Rock Pond--I should have been in it, it looked so inviting. Crystal clear water. At least 1/2 mile in diameter.   Came across a tribute to the Rock God. There is an outcropping of rocks--people come along and stack: big stone, little stone, and pebble. There are 100's of them just sitting. Took a picture.<   Tenting tonight. Seem to sleep better under the stars.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Minerva Hinchley Shelter

To: Chuchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuesday                  24 July 2007 Churchill Scott Shelter   18.2 Miles         1684.1 Total    Had the first serious climbs in some time. Legs are still in good shape. The lungs need some work. Had to stop a couple of times. The first climb was only 400 feet. Most of it was what felt like a rock wall. Put the walking poles away and used my hands. The second climb was 600 feet in .6 of a mile. They don't make them much steeper. Had to take a breather on this one. Lucky it wasn't longer.   The third and last was a 4 mile "up". While seemingly gentle, if you would have a four mile road around a section of farm land, at the end of the four miles, you would be looking 1/2 mile down at your starting point. Took a nice picture of Claredon Gorge from the Mill River Suspension Bridge. After the rain from the beginning of the month, the water still runs furiously. Took pictures of Trail Magic. First one, sodas penned in a stream; second one, sodas in a cooler. What a wonderful gesture and so appreciated.   New Hampshire only three days away.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 21.8

   You sometimes get those walks, where it is almost tree covered for the whole day. This was one of those days. The first break was six miles into the day. There was a Bed and Breakfast that over-looked the pond--Kent Pond--and they had great breakfasts. Got there at 9:30 and the kitchen was closed. Still ate my snack and enjoyed the view. Took a picture.   Dave went to Killington to pick up a food drop. I walked ahead and will re-stock and rejoin Dave in Hanover, NH on Friday night or Saturday morning. The only other view was off the AT. It was .2 mile up hill. Then there was a ladder nailed to the side of a shelter, that lead to a crow's nest on the top of the building. Beautiful 360 degree fiew--a little foggy. Took a picture.   Didn't get to the evening shelter until after 6. Spent a full ten hours walking the 21.8 miles. Hope my body will allow me to do another 20+ day. Want to get to Hanover, NH early Friday.