morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Viewpoint on AT, vista

To: Trail to Murray Property (Secret shelter)
Miles today: 22.5

I met 3 clueless kids (my nickname for them) starting out today. The did 2.5 miles, had been expecting 10 miles to get the shelter. They're heading south, just started at High Point State Park today. They don't have a guidebook, which explains their confusion about the distance. The one guys boots were like golashes, completely the wrong type of boot for the AT! I left them after giving them some advice, then found one of their pack covers about 1/2 a mile down the trail. Good luck to them!I caught up to Gummy Bear, he's traveling with MacGyver and Big Brown. We talked for a bit, then they hiked on ahead.The trail skipped the NJ High Point Monument! I felt gypped. I was completely expecting it to go to the monument's base, but it made a turn and never went back.I stayed at the "secret" shelter of Jim Murray, it was great! It had a hot shower, good sink (in which I did my laundry), electric (I charged up all my batteries) and had the loft to myself. Trail Fox showed up about 9 PM, but she camped out in her tent. I met they guy from the Town Inn in Harper's Ferry, he was staying there for a while, guess he's a friend of Jim's. Small world, I knew he looked familiar when I saw him but it took a while to place him.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Trail to Murray Property (Secret shelter)

To: Bearfort Mtn
Miles today: 22.5

First stop, 2 miles from Jim's place, was Unionville. I picked up my 2 packages (GPS and Flash card, and next guidebook/map section) and did my resupply shopping at Horler's General Store. The guy at the store was an a$$hole, was rude about making me leave my pack outside (in the way of the front door, BTW, whereas inside I could have put it in a corner), and they only took cash. Definitely wouldn't have shopped there given another choice. I bought 2 days of food, my next stop is Fort Montgomery.I got stuck in 2 thunderstorms today, on in the morning (really hard rain, close lightning, it hit while I was crossing the flatlands/ponds of the wildlife preserve - not much cover there). The second one hit just before camp. I put on my running shorts for the evening one, much better to have dry clothes for the morning.The other hiker at the shelter where I had lunch was awfully quiet, I couldn't get him to talk much. It was weird sitting there in silence while I ate next to another hiker. Odd guy.I passed a cooler full of goodies and a trash bag not long after dinner, I love that trail magic!I set up camp on Bearfort Mtn, its a great campsite!Passed over some neat boardwalks today, one must've been 3/4 mile long or more.I'm camped about 0.2 miles from the final NJ/NY boarder. Good-bye to my 8th state tomorrow.I met 2 SOBO girls, didn't get to talk much, but they seemed nice. They are the first real SOBOs so far.
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Bearfort Mtn

To: Island Pond outlet
Miles today: 19.8

I tried to get an ice cream at the place near the NY17A crossing, it was closed and I couldn't convince the girl prepping the store to sell me some early. I was all looking forward to it too.I had lunch at Wildcat shelter, there was no picnic table, and the jerks that stayed there last night (I passed them earlier and knew they were punks) left a fire going, and ranting in the shelter journal about African Americans (only they weren't using that term, if you know what I mean). I had the best trail magic of the trip today - a family that drove all the way up from Long Island, put a sign out and sat waiting with sandwiches, cold drinks, candy bars and water! I sat and had 2 sandwiches with them. I felt kinda bad because I was there only thru-hiker all day.I stopped early for the day (7:15) to camp on a bluff overlooking Island Pond. I went out for a swim after everyone else had left for the day - it was a great swim! I didn't go out too far though as I was worried about getting a foot cramp, I could feel one coming on after the ~20 miles of hiking.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Island Pond outlet

To: Osborn Loop trail
Miles today: 20.3

I went through the "Lemon Squeezer" early this morning, it wasn't too bad, I didn't even have to take my pack off to get through.I had lunch on Black Mtn, NYC was visible off in the distance, better than I had thought it would be.I went up Bear Mtn, then down and through the town. I made it to the wildlife exhibit just as it was closing.I walked into Fort Montgomery to get dinner and resupply, dinner was great, resupply was a challenge as the selection was VERY limited. My feet were killing me on the hike after town.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Osborn Loop trail

To: US9/NY403, to Peekskill, NY, then NYC
Miles today: 2.4

I changed up my plans, and decided to go into NYC from Peekskill, today, rather than from 2 days further on, due to my feet issues. I need new shoes, and now! I hiked the 2.4 miles to the road crossing, hitched into Peekskill, did laundry and had a 2nd breakfast, then took the train into the city. I met up with Bekah (my brother Ken's wife) and hung out for the day. We went up in the Empire State Building. Quite the change from trail life.
Date: 2008-08-07
From: NYC

To: Viewpoint, rock steps, vista
Miles today: 21.3

Back on the trail after getting a train to Peekskill, and a taxi up to the trailhead.Ran into lots of SOBOs today. Saw the only NOBOs at the RPH shelter, including Wheeldog! He had gotten Lyme disease and had to take 6 days off, otherwise I woulda never caught up to him.My new shoes and socks are working wonders on my feet, they feel great again!
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Viewpoint, rock steps, vista

To: Green Trail
Miles today: 20.4

I resupplied at the Deli 0.5 miles up the road from the trail. The choices were very limited. Next town is Salisbury, CT, in 48 miles.I got stuck in another thunderstorm. This one had really cold rain, and the temp dropped to the high 50s. I'll need to use my rain gear again before long.I took a short swim in Nuclear Lake, wouldn't you know it, like 1/2 an hour before the thunderstorm him.NY has had a ton of frogs and toads on the trail, way more than any other state so far.Tomorrow, after 4 miles, I cross into CT.I saw a dove play injured, presumably to lead me away from her babies. Pretty cool, I'd only ever seen grouse to that. The AT rail station at "Appalachian Trail" was funny, just a small wooden platform next to the track.I had the best trail magic yet - a cooler with cold beer in it! Heineken and Newcastle too. Also had fresh oranges, red bull, sprite. Very cool - thanks Brittany, whoever you are!I passed lots of SOBOs again today, didn't see any other NOBOs.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Green Trail

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: few clouds

I crossed into Connecticut today and said good-bye to NY, one more state down! Today's hiking seemed fairly tough, lots of medium-sized ups/downs, but it ended up being my second longest day yet at 25.9 miles. That only leaves about 22 tomorrow to get to town (Salisbury, where I plan to spend the night).Last night's campsite will be now be known as slugville. My tent had at least 15 covering it when I got up. The ones on the tent screens were the worst, they left slime trails that'll be there forever.I hiked with Wheeldog for a couple of hours this morning. Also met Rock Locks and B. And another big bunch of SOBOs. Saw a racoon that smelled like a skunk and was acting kinda funny. Must've either just got sprayed or is rabid.Found another tiny tick on my leg, I noticed him at lunch.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: thunderstorm

Saw a rattlesnake, in plenty of time to stop well before it. It was in the middle of the trail as I came up. It eventually moved off the trail on its own, just as a group of day-hikers came from the other direction. They were all excited to see it.I made it into Salisbury about 5:30. Had a bit of trouble finding Maria's place, I had to stop and ask directions at the ice cream place.Maria is great. She took me up to the laundry/pizza place, then waited while I did my laundry and had dinner. Her place is really nice too. I can hardly believe that she's 79 years old, she's still driving (and pretty good, too), runs the house by herself, and keeps it really clean.No rain today, a couple of thunderstorms threatened but none hit where I was.
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Salisbury, CT

To: MA41, near South Egremont, MA
Miles today: 18.5

I had a good pancake breakfast, then did my grocery shopping. It was expensive, over $50 for 3 days of food. Dumb (one of the other hikers staying at Maria's) dropped me off at the trail where I got off yesterday. Maria was sweet, she gave me a hug before I left.I crossed into MA just before lunch time. So far the peaks are more alpine-like than other states, with semi-exposed peaks and short shrubs.I got stuck in a long-lasting thunderstorm, shirtless didn't cut it this time. The temperature dropped to about 55 degrees and the rain was cold! I got a bit hypothermic, had to stop and put on my shirt and rain jacket, which helped tremendously. For a while there I was wondering what the heck I was doing out here, dodging lightning while running across the exposed ridge, freezing my ass off, hurting my numb feet trying to go so fast, shivering and just not having a lot of fun.Hell on Bad Wheels had the quote of the day: "Emergency evacuation of the chocolate hostage", his way of saying the runs that he got after drinking some of the lovely NY stream water.Between the late start (9:30 AM) and the cold/tough hiking, I only made 18.6 today.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: MA41, near South Egremont, MA

To: Main Road, near Tyringham, MA
Miles today: 24.1

Woke up to another slug-covered tent, only this time they were mainly on the fly and tyvek.I noticed today that all the birch trees are dead. For a while there it was only dead ones on the ground. Towards the end of the day there were some live ones. Odd, I need to research that when I get a chance.The mosquitos were terrible today, first in the morning, then late this afternoon/evening. The only respite was when I was up on the mountain in the middle of the day. For dinner at Shaker campsite I had to go into full protection mode - head net and all.I got stuck in 3 short thunderstorms today. I put my rain jacket on right from the start this time, I think the shirtless days are over.I didn't get a chance to dry my tent out today, it stinks now that its been sitting in my pack wet all day, it smells like dead worms. I think I somehow let a slug stay in it all day long. I hiked till 8:10 PM, just as it was getting dark.I noticed the other day I can now tell animals apart based on the noise they make as I approach, as they run for cover. At least I can tell between squirrels, snakes, deer and bear.I heard coyotes last night, they were all calling and woke me up. I also passed a cooler of trail magic (sodas), put out by Someday Maine and Seeker. Nice of them.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Main Road, near Tyringham, MA

To: Warner Mtn.
Miles today: 21.9

MA has lots of deep dark pine forests, ponds/lakes and beaver ponds. It's definitely got that "northern woods" feel to it. I got semi-hit on by 4 older (50s) women today. They said they saw me down in Kent, CT. The one wanted to set me up with her daughter! She said multiple times how her daughter had told her to find her a cute hiker while out for the day. It was a fun 5 minutes of talking to them. I loved their dog too - he looked just like a lab but with a pure white coat.I didn't see any other NOBOs today, only 1 possible SOBO that I didn't talk to.I dried out my tent and sleeping bag at lunch. I was sitting about 100 ft or so from my stuff. The 10 people that went by all were confused by the camping gear strewn about the side of the trail in the sun. It also showed the shape I'm in, I passed all 10 within 20 minutes of finishing my lunch, it was a 600 ft vertical climb over about 2 miles that I just cruised up, where-as they were all stopped taking breaks as I passed. Some had passed me as much as 30 minutes before.The trail was really muddy today, but not too bad as far as climbs go.Near the end of the day, atop Warren Mtn, I could see Mt. Greylock. I'll be there tomorrow. Nice sunset, too.I've been loving how many good streams there are - I haven't had to use my cup in a while, and I only carry 1 quart.I started my mushroom photo project today - then my camera battery was dying so I had to stop. There are just way too many mushroom types and varieties to photo them all, but I'm trying.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Warner Mtn.

To: Mt. Williams
Miles today: 25.0

Today was supposed to be easy, but I was having a hard time getting going. I did about 6 miles to Dalton, where I stopped in for a 2nd breakfast of 2 eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes. I stopped by the convenience store and resupplied - just one of each meal. It was then 9 miles to Cheshire for lunch, where I stopped at Karen's, and had a meatball sub and chocolate sundae.Then it was on to the climb up Mt. Greylock, right around 7 mi8les and 3000 vertical feet. It wasn't bad at all as it went up for a bit, then levelled out, then up, then level, etc. the whole way up. I was on the summit by 6:20, where I had dinner. It was deserted as they have the road closed for construction, I loved it! I did another 2.5 miles after dinner and set up camp atop Mt. Williams.I ran into Big Brown in Dalton, he was planning on going back there tonight after hiking. He invited me to join him, they guy in Dalton was going to come and pick him up and he said he had room. But, after all my stops for breakfast and lunch I was too far behind.It's getting colder fast, I almost needed to put on my fleece at dinner.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Mt. Williams

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

I hiked with Trail Fox and Big Brown a good part of the day. T-bone also joined us towards the end of the day. It was nice having someone to hike with that hiked about the same pace, and good conversation.I hitched into Bennington, stayed at the Autumn Inn. A nice young woman of about 25 or so in a brand new Hyundai Accent picked me up on her way home to Albany, she was in NH for a Walmart employee training. You never know who's going to pick you up when hitchhiking, it's been way more women than I ever would have expected.Vermont is muddy, at least so far. Lots of lots of mud to slog through all day.I had Domino's delivery for dinner, and did laundry at the hotel.Found a tick on my hip, that was fully engorged, which means that he's been there more than 24 hours. Uh-oh, hope I don't get Lyme disease. Supposedly symptoms could start in about 10 days.
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Bennington, VT

To: Just past Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept in past 8 AM, then went out for breakfast. They only took cash, which I had accidentally left back at the hotel, so I had to go find an ATM, which was a big pain the rear. I tried the place across the street, but they didn't take my card type, so I had to walk about 20 minutes down to a bank and pay the $3 fee. By the time I got back to the restaurant I was sure they had thought I had skipped out on my bill, but they didn't seem to mind that I had been gone almost 45 minutes.I did my resupply shopping at the mini-mart, having decided to try for Killington in 4 days of food. My guidebook section doesn't go that far, so I'm winging it a bit not knowing the exact mileage I need to cover in those 4 days, but when I was hiking with Trail Fox the other day that was her plan, so it should be do-able.Lightfoot, a thru-hiker from 2002, picked me up to get back to the trail. We ended up hiking together for an hour or so, he was a really nice guy and gave me some of his food after I mentioned I wasn't sure if I had gotten enough to get to Killington.I saw 3 moose today, a mother and 2 young ones. It was funny - I saw the first one just off the trail a bit and thought it was a good-sized moose, until it's mother stood up - wow, talk about big! She was huge. As they slowly walked off the 2nd young one stood up too. Pretty cool, I wasn't expecting to see moose just yet, but the forest looks like good moose habitat.I also spooked a bear today, only saw it for a split second. The trail wasn't quite as muddy today. I hiked until after 9:30 PM to try and get the miles in, given my late start.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Just past Story Spring Shelter

To: Bromley Mtn.
Miles today: 23.6

I loved Stratton Mtn and the views from the fire tower. It wasn't so muddy today. Towards the top of Bromley Mtn the trail went up a ski run, pretty neat to see it in the summer. Wonder what the thru-hikers do in the winter, if there are any? Guess they probably just hike up/down the side of the ski run. It was a great sunset from the top of Bromley. I didn't run into any other NOBOs today.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Bromley Mtn.

To: VT140 Wallingford Gulf Road
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: clear sky

Right now (8:15 PM) I'm sitting in my tent in an absolute downpour, a thunderstorm hit. I pushed it literally to the last second. I could see and hear the storm coming, and waited till the last second to pick a campsite. I got my tent set up and the rain fly on, and just as I put in the last stake the rain hit. I jumped in with my pack and out of the rain just in time.I passed the trail runner that's trying for the record today, he was stopped massaging his shins as I approached. I got a picture of him and chatted for a bit, but with over 40 miles to do every day, he doesn't have a lot of free time to stop and talk to the thru-hikers. Big Brown caught up to me as I was eating dinner. He had gone into Manchester, only to find the free hostel full. He didn't know where Trail Fox and T-bone were.I got my rope caught up last night and had to cut about 8 feet of it off. Then this morning I figured out how I could have gotten it unstuck without cutting it. Oh well, I still have a usable piece left.My guidebook ran out, so tomorrow I'm guidebook-less for the day. I do have some milestones though as Amber read me the shelter locations.I passed some beautiful lakes and ponds today. The trail also wasn't as muddy as it had been. The rock art on White Rocks Mtn was neat. It was pretty easy hiking overall, I should have done more than 23.3.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: VT140 Wallingford Gulf Road

To: US4, near Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 23.7

I had 23.5 miles to go to get to Killington and a hotel night, so I hiked pretty fast and didn't screw around at all. The climb up Killington peak was pretty tough, it was over 3000 vertical feet, and the trail was a pain - it would go up 5 ft, then down 4, the back up, down, etc., slowly making it's way up the side of the mountain. It was also a really cold day, the coldest since the early part of the trip - it was in the low 50s at the top. My hands were getting numb. I met one of the most annoying hikers so far at the top, he was loud, kept repeating himself, talked about things that didn't need to be talked about, etc..I really hated not having the guidebook, I'm glad that it was only for a day.I had a bit of trouble finding the Inn at Long Trail, I walked through the Pico ski area lodge, not sure if it was back in there or not. I then had to get back to the road, and bushwacked through a beaver damn to get back to the road. Maybe not the best choice, but the alternative was about a 1/4 mile walk.The bartender was really rude when I got to the Inn, all because I missed a small sign with a note to call for the receptionist. Other than that, the Inn is great - laundry on-site, clean rooms that are nicely decorated, great bar and good food. I had a salad and 2 entrees, and ate every last bite. I ended up in bed really early as it had been a long day.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: US4, near Sherburne Pass

To: Trail to The Lookout, observation deck
Miles today: 17.5

Slept in, had a great breakfast at the Inn, then hitched down to the post office to get my maildrop (the guidebook). The guy that picked me up was a slate roofer, very nice guy who was really proud of starting his own slate roofing business and told me all about it. Pretty cool, good for him.I walked down to the outfitter's and bought a freeze-dried meal, was hoping to get stove fuel but they only had the giant canister so I skiped it. I bought 2 days of groceries at the mini-mart, then hitched back to the hotel.I packed up my bag and walked back down to the trail, about 1/2 a mile or so. It was 11:18 when I hit the trail.I had lunch at Mtn Meadows (a lodge near Killington), also got on the computer for the first time in forever. Good stop - lunch for $10 and computer use.I made it to the Lookout cabin by 7:15, walked in and it was packed with people, probably 15 or more other hikers. I didn't get a very warm welcome, in fact it felt like I was crashing a party I wasn't invited to, so I checked out the view from roof, then headed on. I set up camp not far down the trail, talked to Mom and Amber and went to bed. A little animal kept running circles around my tent, at one point it even jumped on my tent! I have no idea what it was, although maybe it was a squirrel.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Trail to The Lookout, observation deck

To: Griggs Mtn.
Miles today: 22.1

Just a quick update - I'm still keeping my journal, but I just haven't had as much access to a computer to get it updated on the web as often as I'd like. I've just crossed into New Hampshire and am doing well. I added my cold-weather gear, so now my pack is about 4 pounds heavier, but it'll be needed in the Whites. It's been getting colder, a couple of days ago I had numb hands all day long, temps were in the low 50s. I was glad/lucky it didn't rain or I'da been in trouble! I've been averaging 22 miles a day since Harper's Ferry, they are exhausting days, but I'm loving it. I should be into Maine in a bit more than a week, and (if all goes well) to Katahdin sometime in mid September. I'll update my journal as often as I can, and add in the complete set of entries once I get back home. Thanks to everyone that wrote in my guestbook, keep 'em coming!E-man----------------------------------------------------------------------------Daily update:I kinda took it easy this morning, then at lunch I figured I could get to my mail drop, so I hauled ass all afternoon - I didn't sit down or stop at all except to pee. I took a nasty fall when I was snacking and hiking, tripped on a small rock. It hurts falling with your backpack on! I made it to the post office in plenty of time. I added my winter gear - rain pants, gloves, hat, long-sleeved technical shirt, new GPS and my MP3 player. I sent home my old guidebook sections, running shorts and GPS.I had a great dinner at the general store, bought breakfast for tomorrow and headed out. I love having the MP3 player, although I had forgotten that the FM radio in it doesn't work anymore.