morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Vernon, NJ

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

"Between believing a thing and thinking you know is only a small step and quickly taken." ~ Mark TwainJuly 11, 2010 ¢ Day 98 - SundayLeft Vernon relatively early to catch the morning coolness while hiking back up to the ridge. The PA rocks are now behind me with a new type of rock in front of me. Some of the rock is a red color but the majority a dirty white. The main difference is that now there are various stretches in length of hiking over monolithic rock formations. It is sort of like walking over uneven poured concrete. Foot placement can be critical in maintaining my balance. I'll take this type of rock any day, over the numerous sharp PA rocks.Once again the weatherman was wrong. The temps should have stayed below 87. Instead the temperature was 96 degrees F. Really, this is the only profession that I know of that a person gets paid whether even if he is wrong and it¢s ok. God forbid if a doctor, firefighter or law enforcement was ever wrong.The heat wave has definitely taken its toll on the plant life. The usually tall green stalks of the grasses are brown. The smaller grasses crunch when stepped on. Stream beds are completely dry or mud pits. Springs that are still flowing are very slow. Rivers and creeks are very low. Fire danger is very high and so far I have been lucky not to have to detour because of forest fires.The berry fest is still going on. I am now eating tons of raspberries. They are smaller than what you find in the store. But, the juice and sweetness are a delight.Steve and Jake are now up ahead trying to make big miles before they have to leave for a friend's wedding. I will miss the antics and ways that we found to stay cool during our mid-day meltdowns.   I've slowed down my pace so I can visit relatives near Bear Mountain in New York.Towards the end of today's hike I entered New York for good. The trail bounces back and forth between New York and New Jersey as it travels in an easterly direction. The trail has now turned north in NY.Outside Bellvale NY I found several hikers eating assorted homemade flavors of ice cream from the Bellvale Farm Creamery. The place was crowded with motorcycle riders, folks trying to escape the heat of the city and, of course, hikers. I had two scoops of homemade black cherry vanilla sundae. Oh, so good!Made camp near the Wildcat Shelter. The mosquitoes are a real nuisance. I can't imagine what they would be like if there was more water laying around. I guess there is some good here from the heat wave - less bugs. Thank God I kept my tent with me. Some hikers sent theirs home and have to suffer in the shelters with a terrible night's sleep. You can tell who they are on the trail, being cranky and taking naps along the trail. I fall into a comfortable sleep lazily watching the bugs trying to penetrate my tent's screening.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise." ~ George Washington CarverJuly 12, 2010 ¢ Day 99 ¢ MondayI slept in this morning since I had to slow down my mileage. I still got up around 5, lay back down, tossed and turned then finally fell asleep for another hour. I was still packed and on the trail by 7 AM.The trail went up and over several mountaintops consisting of slabs of rock. The slabs are uneven due to glacier activities from a time long ago. Large boulders, also a left over from the glaciers, are strewn about on the forest floor.Hiking the AT in NY has taken on a new dimension. The trail crosses mini canyon-like ridges with rock ledges and large boulders. Steep climbs and descents find their way to the top. Once across the top I would descend back down into another valley surrounded by high walls of rock. The Lemon Squeezer was one of those sections. At one point, trekking poles or walking sticks would be of no use. Either pack away the poles or throw them up the rock wall and then climb hand over hand up the rock face. It would be grueling work especially in the hot weather. My saving grace would be the rise in elevation is only a few hundred feet. Speaking of hot weather, today was another day of temps in the low 90's and high humidity. My clothes are soaking wet from sweat and do not dry out over night. I have never been so miserable while hiking, yet I have not had a bad day. I always seem to be rewarded in some way for the punishment I endure in the heat. I think because I know how I have been in the past with my midday meltdowns, I safely push myself to live with the heat. On that note a sizzling good night.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-13
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 8.8

July 13, 2010 ¢ Day 100 ¢ TuesdayI was to visit with relatives starting on the 14th for 4 days. I was looking forward to the visits and getting out of this damn heat wave. Steve woke up this morning saying he wasn't feeling good. His main complaint was weakness and feeling tired. I asked him if he had a rash of any type on his body and he said no (I was looking for symptoms of Lyme Disease). The simplest plan for him, I told him, was to do a nero into Bear Mountain then find a hotel to rest.I left the shelter and already the morning's heat was oppressive. There was no water at the shelter so I had to ration my water and make a mad dash to the rest area on the Palisades Parkway to get my precious water. Several miles after leaving the parkway the trail is a relatively open ridge walk. The ground is made up of solid off-white rock that bounces the sun's radiant heat back up to you. If I was feeling the effects, I knew Steve was hating life. Finally reached the top of Bear Mountain hot and exhausted. The water pump was missing and the bathrooms closed for renovations. My only saving grace was a soda machine with cold drinks. A brief rest and down Bear Mountain I went. The trail was recently relo (relocated) with a beautiful stone work stairway and path down to Bear Mountain Lodge. This section of trail is truly a work of art. It is worth the hike up or down to see the master stonework that went into the path.Met up with Steve and Jake at the Bear Mountain Zoo. I was not impressed with the condition of the animals in the zoo. My biggest complaint is the limited space given to animals that naturally roam over miles and miles of wilderness. I could see in their faces and body posture a sense of depression and lack of freedom. I know both and don¢t wish that for any man or animal. Especially freedom, that men and women fight for and then cage other men and women who desire the same feeling. I am fortunate to live in a country where I can seek my own personal freedom carrying a backpack and exploring the wilds of forests, mountains and small towns of Americana. My current freedom is to live a simplistic life out of a backpack with survival instincts to secure water and food each day and become one with Mother Nature and not just a visitor. I learn each day with my freedom to read signs through audio and visual perception and transform them into another day of successful survival. When I reach the end of the day with that thought, it feels so good to be alive.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: NY Rt. 9 Peekskill, NY
Miles today: 5.9

July 14, 2010 ¢ Day 101¢ WednesdayWoke up to a wet morning. A heavy rain fell off and on throughout the night. The added bonus for me was the wet vegetation and muddy trail. By the end of the morning the drizzle again turned into a downpour. I met Steve and Jake at the Appalachian Market under the canopy for the gas pumps.I am going off trail for several days to visit relatives. I called my cousin who lives nearby for a pickup. Steve was not feeling good and again I asked him about any skin rashes. He said no. Steve, Jake and I said our good-byes. They continued on the trail. I stood under canopy and watched them head up the Trail.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-15
From: NY Rt. 9 Peekskill, NY

To: Peekskill, NY
Miles today: 0.0

July 15-16-17, 2010 ¢ Days 102, 103, 104 ¢ Thursday, Friday, SaturdayI was picked up on the 14th and taken to my cousin's house. Showered, did laundry, had a few beers and talked with Uncle Eddie and his girlfriend Lucille. By 5:30 I am in a fast moving vehicle just coming off on a 2 mph day heading back out to visit the rest of the Petrovich Clan living in Tarrytown, NY area. We had a great dinner thanks to Uncle Billy and Aunt Linda.The next morning and day I mainly stayed in bed and rested. Thank you Tommy, Christine and family for letting me regain my energy through relaxation.My next visit was to my cousin Sharon and her husband. Thank you both for continuing the family visits in a restful, entertaining Guinness-filled atmosphere. It was good to catch up with family and see everyone again! Steve called when I was at Sharon's house saying that he finally went to see a doctor and was told he had Lymes Diease. ( I tried to tell him.) He did have a rash and it bulls-eyed in red. By the time Steve is ready to go back on trail will be about the same time I go back on trail.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Peekskill, NY

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area, NY
Miles today: 17.5

July 18, 2010 ¢ Day 105 - SundayMet Steve and Jake at the ball field of Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The field was being used as a soccer field. Many teams and their families were there. It wasn't too hard to find the hikers in the crowd. They¢re usually surrounding a picnic table eating food. That's how I found Steve and Jake¢¦ eating.We spent the rest of the day hiking in Clarence Fahnestock State Park. The forest is pocketed with large rocky ridges that the trail goes up and over. Just as the last rays of daylight fail Steve, Jake and I reached the Shenandoah Tenting area. Steve was feeling the effects of his medication. The air was somewhat cool and dry so I cowboy camped.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area, NY

To: Pawling, NY
Miles today: 18.8

July 19, 2010 ¢ Day 106 - Monday"Never quit in town, never quit going uphill, never quit in the rain. If you are going to quit, it has to be on a sunny day, on top of a ridge, with the wind in your face. You never walk away weaker, you walk away stronger." ~ Billy BumblefootToday was one of the lowest mental days that I've had hiking. The morning started off great with a break at the Mountain Top Deli just before a rain storm. The rest of the day I was struggling with pain radiating from the balls of my feet. I have been dealing with this for several weeks and usually a couple of Vitamin I (ibuprofen) would dull the pain. Today nothing seemed to work. At one point Steve, Jake and I are cooling down in the waters of Nuclear Lake when large thunder heads start rolling in. It is a mad dash to the shelter 3 miles away but the foot pain slowed me down. The heavy rain skirted us so I was saved. We all decided to leave the shelter (no water) and hike into Pawling, NY.I called Lady Kritter from town and talked to her about how I felt. She listened to me and gave me good advice and a great pep talk. Lady Kritter doesn't understand why I am out here, but she knows I love it. Her personal feelings were put aside and our talk fruitful. Thank you so much for your support. I started this hike as a walk to be in nature, for how long I didn't know. I would go off trail when the hike wasn¢t fun anymore. That is when I would leave the trail. One thing I¢ve learned throughout my hikes: I don't leave the trail because of one bad day. I guess the miles, constant heat, humidity and feet condition are taking their toll. I continue on outlasting my mental and physical handicaps. Tomorrow is another day to limp the hiker hobble northward.I will be walking in the woods and out of nowhere a straight row of rocks are placed on top of one another to create a wall. Today the land is covered in a young forest. I pictured these areas back to a time when man cleared this land by animal and hand, then picked up the rocks to expose soil for the planting of crops and grass for farm animals. The amount of time and work without modern machinery was mind boggling to me. All that remains now are the walls criss-crossing the forest.Steve, Jake and I came out by the Dover Oak, one of the largest oak trees on the AT. Estimated age of the tree is over 300 years. While sitting on the road, a gaggle of turkey started walking across the road. The mother hen was escorting at least a dozen chicks. Directly behind the last chick was another mother hen watching and coaching her line of 13 chicks to cross the street. Yet another hen followed with half a dozen chicks. Just as the last chick crossed the road, traffic reappeared. It was as if the mother hens knew when to cross safely.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Pawling, NY

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite, Kent, CT
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: broken clouds

July 20, 2010 ¢ Day 107 - TuesdaySeveral hikers and I stayed at the pavilion in Pawling. I got up before dawn and was heading back for the trail. I heard the passenger train horn as it pulled into the town's station. For a brief moment my thought was: do I go left to the station and ride home, or do I go right and continue my journey? I was determined to overcome the adversity within me and turned right.I hobbled throughout the morning pushing the pain aside. Between Lady Kritter's and my energy work, the feet were slowly healing. I had a baptism of sorts in Ten Mile River late in the morning. I came to the river and saw crystal clear water flowing. I took off all my clothes and stood naked in the water. I washed all the negativity from me, soothed my feet and re-energized my spirit. I was rewarded with some spectacular views of the river as I hiked north towards the Connecticut/ New York state line.I have been in contact with Walking Stomach who lives in Kent CT. She has offered to share her home with me when I get to Kent. I would get a shower, do laundry, resupply and have a few beers with her and her significant other, Soft Feet. I called when I arrived in Kent and was given a King's welcome and royal treatment.Today was a turn around period for me. I may not finish the AT and that's ok because that was not my goal in the first place. And, then again, I just might hike to Katahdin! I just wanted to go for a long walk, sort of Forest Gump style, on my terms.I was winding around a mountainside just south of  Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite when I heard a high pitched baaaa coming from the woods up ahead. At first I thought it was a family hiking up ahead and it was a baby crying. Walking closer to the cries I realized it was not human but that of an animal in crisis. I heard a story from a hiker in Virginia who witnessed a bear with a fawn in its mouth, still alive weakly crying. I silently walked up the trail and found a spotted fawn crying for its mother. The cry must have alerted every predator within hearing range on the mountain. The fawn's mother did not respond or appear. The fawn jumped and scampered aimlessly while crying. I came out of the trees making noise in the hope of alerting the fawn and mother. First sight of me and the fawn took off up the mountain at a fast pace. It stopped its crying and disappeared. I never did see its mother which is most unusual.Today lifted my spirit and Walking Stomach and Soft Feet helped me make it through another day. I knew this from before, but somehow along the way I forgot it. Simply put, take each day as it comes, even if it means slowing down.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Brassie Brook Campsite
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

July 22, 2010 ¢ Day 109 - ThursdayThroughout the night it would drizzle off and on. By morning the rain stopped. I used my bear bag rope for a shelter clothes line to hang wet gear and clothes. Nothing dried by morning. My clothes were still pretty saturated. There was nothing I could do but to put on the wet clothes, sling my backpack on and continue north on the trail.The morning's hike was through a beautiful pine forest that gained elevation. The only downside was the overlook that looked down onto Limestone Raceway. The trail descended back down to the Housatonic River. I found a bright and sunny spot along the guardrail of highway US 7. I laid my rain gear out to dry on top of the guardrail while I waited for Sticks and Able.Once they showed up we hiked into Fall Village, CT. Had a great lunch at the Toymaker Cafe then continued north along the Housatonic River. Came to a great energy spot with Able called the Great Falls. The river drops over a huge monolithic rock creating a waterfall whose height is 38 ft. short of Niagra Falls. The amount of water flowing over the precipice was incredible. I could see this energy from the foot of the falls and from the top. Each perspective gave a different exuberance.A walk through an open pine forest brought me into Salisbury, CT. Went to the town food store that had a kick ass deli. The climb out of Salisbury once again put me in the mountains, a place I like to call home. A great campsite was located near the shelter. The sites were full of thru-hikers enjoying, like me, the return of being in the mountains. No one stayed in the shelter.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Brassie Brook Campsite

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: moderate rain

"Rainbows apologize for angry skies." ~ Sylvia VoirolJuly 23, 2010 ¢ Day 110 ¢ FridayNot long after leaving camp I climbed Bear Mountain and then descended into Sages Ravine. The climb down was arduous over rocks and rock slides. The AT crosses the state borders between Connecticut and Massachusetts at Sages Ravine.I love Sages Ravine, I call it a place where west meets east in the mountains. A stream cuts through the rock ravine creating beautiful waterfalls and pools. It reminds me of sections of the John Muir Trail in California. The climb out of Sages Ravine brought me up and over Race Mountain and Mt. Everett (2430 and 2602 ft.)The rain started just after leaving Sages Ravine. At first it was a drizzle as I climbed over Race Mountain. The rain became a steady downpour on Mt. Everett. Usually the climb down is ok, however, today the rock face was slippery every step of the way down. I wouldn't say I fell down, I would rather think of it as a major slip (a new category of being off balance). It rained throughout the afternoon as I entered into the town of Great Barrington, MA. The town has a main street with several side streets; Very clean with a lot of shops. This would be a great town to spend the Christmas holidays. Snow, lights and the Christmas spirit.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 6.4

July 24, 2010 ¢ Day 111 - SaturdaySpent the morning getting journals up to date, drying gear and clothing from yesterday's rain and staying in the AC to escape the heat. Checkout was at 11:00am. Steve, Jake and I left the room 11:20 and with a great plan to escape the afternoon heat. We decided to go to the movies in an air condition theater and see "Inception¢. Good movie about dreams with some wild special effects.After the movies went to the food store, resupplied and headed for the trail around 4:30. I hitchhiked out of town. A man picked me up and I told him I was going to the AT trailhead. He said he knew where it was. Minutes later we are zooming passed the trailhead and I asked the man where he was going. He said to the trailhead but he needed to go by his house first. NO, I said the trailhead. It turns out he is taking me back to the trailhead on Rt. 41. NO I said the trailhead on Rt.7 that we just passed. It took some time but I convinced the man I did not want to go to his house, I did not want to be dropped off on Rt. 41. I wanted to go to Rt.7 and now I yelled. He got the message and brought me back to where I needed to be and I was once again following white blazes north.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: few clouds

July 25, 2010 ¢ Day 112 - SundayI¢ve started to really feel that I am in the New England states. The first thing I noticed is the change in terrain. There is so much moisture in the forest that moss is growing everywhere. The big trail rocks are covered with wet algae causing the rock to be slippery. The trees have changed to a soft wood forest of pines. The forest floor is soft and spongy because of the tree needles decaying on the ground. Trees are living closer together and sometimes I feel like a flea walking in between the hairs on a dog's back.Another feature of New England states along the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts is the beginning of the trail skirting mountain ponds with clear waters. Beaver dams can be seen holding back the water of stream and brooks to create shallow ponds. Most of the time a beaver lodge will be located somewhere on the pond.Today was the first day in quite some time where the temperature did not go above 90 degrees. Along with the temps the humidity is also dropping. I am getting the feeling cooler temperatures will be arriving followed by a few more heat waves.My final destination for the night is the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. The cabin sits at the end of the pond with a dock jutting out into the water. A quick dip before I make dinner refreshes me and washes away the trail dust and sweat. The jump into the water from the dock is cool tingling sensation as the pond water envelopes me. Several SoBo's who left in early June arrived at the cabin. Water and trail conditions were discussed. Tonite 12 hikers, all male, are staying. It is good to see two different styles of hiking (NoBo's and SoBo's) come together and share their journey..If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe