morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-28
From: NY Hwy 17A (Greenwood Lake,NY)

To: NY Hwy 17A (Greenwood Lake, NY)
Miles today: 0.0

It was still raining when I got up this morning. I got most of my town chores done yesterday, so today was a welcome down day. After breakfast at the diner I went over to the library for journal updates and caught up on all the news in the papers.The rain stopped about midday so the rocks should be dry by tomorrow. I packed up all my stuff and got ready to leave, then went over to the diner for a big feed of lentil soup, a chicken wrap and dessert of chocolate raspberry cake. Off to bed at 9:00pm, rested and ready to hike after two days off.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: NY Hwy 17A (Greenwood Lake, NY)

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I got mine squeezed in the Lemon Squeezer today.Out at 6:00am this morning and over to the diner for breakfast. We then hiked up to the trail crossing at Hwy 17A and were back to the ups and downs over the Eastern Pinnacles and Cat Rocks. The day was cloudy but dry. We stopped at the Wildcat shelter where we met Popup and Ishmael. I last saw Ishmael at the Palmerton hostel, so he's hiking slowly for a youngster.We crossed the NY State Thruway into Harriman State Park. The first section of the AT was completed here in the early 1920's. The park is beautiful - mature old growth forest with enough canopy to prevent most undergrowth. The hike was among the old trees, huge moss-covered boulders and occasional streams, up and down the glacier-shaped landscape.The trail led through the Lemon Squeezer, a huge split boulder with enough room for a person to pass, but not with your pack on. Had to take it off, lift it ahead and then squeeze through myself. We made a short stop at the Fingerboard shelter, built in 1928, so it was 20 years old when I was born. And it looked pretty decrepit.From there we made the short hike to Arden Valley Road and down to the Lake Tiorati Circle to see if the showers were open. They weren't, but Pat was there in his pickup dispensing drinks and snacks. Very refreshing, and thank you, Pat! We got water and ate, then got a ride from Pat back up to where the trail crossed Arden Valley Road and set up our tents/tarps just at nightfall. A long day with lots of small ups and downs.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 19.4

We were up early, packed and gone before 6:30am. We made a short stop at the William Brien Memorial Shelter where we saw Ishmael again. Then up and over Black Mt and down to the Palisades Interstate Parkway, where we risked becoming AT road kill as we crossed through the whizzing traffic. Good thing we didn't get there during rush hour. This is one of the few high speed roads that the AT doesn't cross over or under. The road sign indicated that it was 35mi to New York City.Then it was on to the long climb up Bear Mt with a hazy view of the Hudson River and a large ship passing upstream. We hiked down the mountain to Bear Mt, NY which is essentially the headquarters area for Harriman State Park. Lots of people were out enjoying the warm weather around the lake and on the carousel. We stopped at the snack bar for hamburgers and ice cream, then followed the trail through the Trailside Museums and Wildlife Center, a small zoo on the trail. There I saw my second bear. It looked pretty bored. Hikers get in free since the trail goes through the zoo.Then we crossed the Hudson River over the bridge. West Point is just up the river, but I couldn't see it. The Hudson is the only fiord that the AT crosses.We arrived at the Graymoor Friary about 5:00pm, just in time for a cold shower before dinner. The Friary allows hikers to stay in a covered pavilion or on the ball field, provides a cold shower facility, and offers a free dinner to those there by 5:30pm. Such generosity!. Borden was there to give the four of us (Red B, Lost Cause, Frank and myself) a ride to the dining hall. Thank you, Borden! There we were served a delicious beef stroganoff and salad, followed by pizza. One of the Brothers then gave us a tour of the friary. A very interesting place, part of the Franciscan Order.The Brother gave us a ride back to the ballfield. Frank and I gave him a generous donation. As we were setting up our tent and tarp on the ballfield, he came back with Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Said the donations were too generous, so we deserved something in return. And down went a pint of Cherry Garcia before lights out. A huge thunderstorm boomed in the distance, but we only got a light sprinkling of rain. I went to sleep tired but full.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Graymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started with a cheeseburger and coffee breakfast. I brought the cheeseburger from Bear Mt yesterday and Frank supplied the coffee. We were back on the trail shortly after 7:00am. We exited Harriman State Park at Bear Mt yesterday, and the morning's hiking was through second growth forest with lots of underbrush. Not so pretty.We stopped for lunch at Dennytown Road and I dried my tarp and damp clothes in the hot sun. It was a humid day. A group of three section hikers arrived a short time later. They had planned to meet their ride 3mi on down the trail, but one of them just couldn't go any farther. So they stopped and sent one ahead to bring back their ride.We continued on and entered Fahnestock State Park, where the woods were much like those of Harriman - very scenic. The trail led along an old mining road which had sections shored up by deep rock walls to allow the road to cross ravines. I heard an exclamation behind me and turned to find that Frank had accidentally kicked his hiking staff off the trail and down one of the walls.A few words about Frank's staff. It was given to him as a retirement gift. It was once about 6ft tall with a finely braided rope handgrip. As Frank walks along he plants it firmly with each step. Eventually the bottom splits and frays and he has to trim it up, so it's about 6in shorter than when he started. When he's behind me and catching up I can hear the thump of his staff getting closer. Sounds like the booming drum in the Mines of Moria after the hobbit knocked the skeleton down the well (first Lord of the Rings movie). I've named the staff Thumper. And today Frank punted Thumper into the abyss. Then had to clamber down the rocks to retrieve it. I took his picture as he finally reached it.We got a light sprinkle of rain on top of Shendoah Mt. We reached the RPH shelter about 7:00pm after another long day. Shortly afterward Frank (a local fireman) and his wife Christine arrived with two half gallons of ice cream for all the hikers at the shelter. But there were only Frank and I. We made a valiant effort but couldn't finish it. Thank you for the goodies, Frank and Christine! We talked until after dark, and after the Trail Angels left were soon in bed.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: RPH Shelter

To: Nuclear Lake
Miles today: 13.5

We woke this morning to the sound of rain, so we waited a while until it quit. We were back on the trail about 8:30am. This was one of those days that seemed to crawl by. Not much scenery and the miles came slowly.One highlight was the stop at a deli on NY Hwy 52, where I had an excellent breakfast sandwich and took a sub sandwich with me, along with a large bag of Ruffles potato chips strapped to the top of my pack. I stopped to talk to a couple of southbounders a while later and they spent more time looking at those Ruffles than they did at me. Get your own bag!We were hoping to find a mobile hot dog stand at NY Hwy 55, but the roach coach was nowhere in sight. So on we went until we arrived at Nuclear Lake. This used to be the site of a nuclear fuels research center, but it has been diamantled and the lake tested and declared to be safe. It was a beautiful lake with a large grassy area just right for tenting, so we called it a day and set up camp under the "no camping" sign. Took a short swim and felt much better. I joked with Frank that we wouldn't need headlights to read by, since we would glow in the dark. Tomorrow we'll exit NY for CT.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Nuclear Lake

To: Ten Mile River Campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

We left our scenic campsite by the lake about 7:30am and hiked the 6 miles over to the Appalachian Trail Station before noon. Trains to/from New York City stop here on the weekends only. I hung my damp laundry on the bench and left Frank to watch stuff (and take a nap) while I walked the half mile down the road to the deli to fetch our lunch. On the way down I met Dave Mueller coming back. I last saw him in a shelter in the Shenandoah National Park. He's having problems with a knee, exacerbated by the rocks of PA and a heavy pack, so he's hiking slowly.When I got back with a big bag of sandwiches and drinks, Frank told me that a train came racing by and my laundry flew everywhere. But he rescued it. We ate, I took a short nap, and we were off again, only to discover that a portable hot dog stand had arrived a hundred yards down the road! Where was this guy when I was making my half-mile trek in the heat?The trail led across several fields in the baking sun. I pulled out my umbrella and walked along under it, looking very fetching as I strolled among the Queen Anne's Lace in bloom. We crossed a field where hay was being cut and baled, and I was glad to see that the crew had left for lunch.We finally reached the shade and relative cool of the woods. Shortly after a rest stop at the Wiley shelter we crossed Hoyt Road and into CT. Frank and I gave each other a high five to celebrate our arrival in New England. Neither of us really thought we would make it this far when we started.After climbing up and over Ten Mile Hill we arrived at the campsite at Ten Mile River and called it a day while there was still time for a swim in the river. Which was extremely refreshing after the hot and sticky day. Dave was already there, and a troop of summer camp girls and two other hikers came in later. I pitched my tarp under a big hemlock, ate, filtered water and went to bed.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Ten Mile River Campsite

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 8.6

I tok my time in breaking camp this morning since the plan is to resupply in Kent, CT and spend the night. After starting the steep climb up Schagticoke Mt in the withering heat and humidity, I found myself wishing that I had started earlier. I met a southbound hiker who was sweating so profusely that it was dripping from his pack.Finally reached the top and then down to the road for the short hike into Kent. I had used all my water so was very glad to see a lemonade stand set up on the sidewalk by some kids. I ordered up one without ice, then had a refill that they offered for free to hikers. From there I stopped by the outfitter where I bought a 55 degree sleeping bag - my 40 degree bag is just too warm.We then stopped at the cafe for lunch and were joined by Dave Mueller. He lives on a sailboat in a small community in FL and works as an engineer at a hospital nearby. He used his AT hike as a way to negotiate a deal at work that gives him 5 months off each year while retaining his benefits. He's using the hike to shake down his gear, then plans to sail and explore the world during his time off in the future. Sounds like he's carried over 60# to here, but he's going slow because of knee problems. He has to be back to work on 30 Sep so doesn't think he'll finish. But he will have done very long section!After lunch we checked into the B&B, showered, did laundry and I had a pizza for dinner. In the process we checked the weather. The forecast was for the heat to last one more day, then a cold front bringing rain and much cooler temperatures. We decided to wait out the heat with a zero day here instead of Salisbury and paid for another night. Off to sleep in air conditioned comfort.
Date: 2004-08-04
From: Kent, CT

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a typical zero day - rest, eat, do town chores. I slept late, had breakfast in the room and took my funky pack to the laundromat and washed it. Bought a pair of socks at the outfitter, had lunch at the cafe and went by the Post Office to mail my 40 degree sleeping bag home.Then to the library for email. Frank and I went back to the Pizza Bar and Grill for dinner. Ishmael was there and was looking for a place to stay since the church hostel was closed for a rummage sale. I told him that there were only B&B's in town; no motels. I think he was angling toward sharing my room but I didn't bite. On the way back to the B&B the rain started to sprinkle down.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Kent, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

A relatively short day today. It rained all night and last night's forecast was for rain today as well. We wanted a place to dry out after a wet day's hiking, so I called for reservations at the motel in Cornwall Bridge. The rain stopped at daybreak, but the reservations were made and we stuck to the plan.Down to the cafe for breakfast in cool autumn-like temperatures. We then hiked the mile back to the trail and re-entered the woods. Over Caleb's Peak and down the steep boulders of St John's Ledges. At the bottom was a summer camp group out for a day of rappeling.Shortly afterward during a break on the trail, I met PaPa Bear from Birmingham, AL. He did a long section up to Damascus last year but had to get off because of a leg infection. He's back this year doing another long section from Harper's Ferry to Katahdin.The rest of today's hike was a nice river walk along the Housitanic River to the motel in Cornwell Bridge. The motel manager let us use the car and we went over to the Wandering Moose restaurant in West Cornwall for dinner. There we planned the next week's hiking. Looks like the opportunities for motels become more scarce as we move north. Back to more camping like we did in the southern states. The food and motels through the middle Atlantic states have been great, and I'll miss them.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Rand's View
Miles today: 18.3

Another perfect day for hiking with morning temps in the 50's. Is this August? We checked out and walked over to the general store for a breakfast sandwich for now and one for the road. The general store seems to be the center of things in town. An older gentleman, sitting out front drinking his coffee said "If it's happening, it's happening here." Then "You going about 40 miles today?" Always refreshing to talk to a wit early in the morning.We hiked the mile back to the trail, into the hemlock forest and up along a mountain stream. Over to Pine Swamp Branch lean-to for lunch, then over to the hang glider launching site from where we could overlook the racetrack complex where Paul Newman used to race his car. Races were underway on this Fri afternoon and the noise stayed with us all the way down the mountain.We crossed the Housitanic River again at Falls Village and took a short detour to the Mountainside Cafe for burgers and fries. Then on along the river on a handicapped-accessible section of the trail, crossed the river again, and stopped to take a look at the Great Falls of the Housitanic. A hydro plant upstream controls the water flow and they weren't so impressive today.From there we made the long climb up Prospect Mt, bypassed the Limestone Springs lean-to since it was a half mile off the trail, and set up a stealth camp at Rand's View. From there you could look across the valley to the impressive Bear Mt and Mt Everett that we will be climbing in the next couple of days. The light wind had a little edge on it. Tonight will be the first test of my 55 degree sleeping bag. Maybe I shouldn't have been so hasty in abandoning the 40 degree bag!
Date: 2004-08-07
From: Rand's View

To: Sages Ravine
Miles today: 10.8

Out of camp at 7:30am and hiked the few miles to Salisbury, CT by 9:00am. There I had coffee and bagels outside in the cool breeze, and bought supplies at a grocery named LaBonne's Epicure Market. Salisbury is an upscale New England village. I took time to catch up on my journal then went over to the library to catch up on email. Very friendly and helpful people at the library.We finished up our chores and hiked out of town at 2:00pm with heavy packs, including 5 days of food to get us to Dalton, MA. Let it be noticed that I went into a town and left without spending the night in a motel or B&B!I stopped at the Brassie Brook lean-to for a break and read in the shelter register that Allegheny had been bitten by a rattler a few days ago. Fortunately no venom was injected and I think he is back on the trail after seeing a doctor.From there it was up Bear Mt at 2300 feet, with great views. Then a steep climb down to Sages Ravine, crossing out of CT and into MA shortly before reaching the campground. Most individual tent sites were taken so we chose spots at the group campsite. Several other thruhikers came in later, including Stickman and Gaia. It promises to be a very cool night.
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Sages Ravine

To: US Hwy 7 (Great Barrington, MA)
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up at 5:30am this morning, and didn't get much sleep because of the cold - down to about 50 degrees. I sent my warmer sleeping bag home a few days ago at Kent and bought a lighter one. Now the temperatures have dipped and the new bag isn't warm enough. A river of cold air flowed down into the ravine all night.But I warmed up soon enough. I hiked down the very pretty Sages Ravine and made the climb up Race Mt. Another gorgeous day and the views from the top were outstanding. After reaching the top the trail led along a cliff edge for a ways, looking over the Housatonic River valley. Then down a bit and a stiff climb back up Mt Everett. From there through the scrub oak to Jug End where the trail descends back down to the river.I took time to dry my tarp on a cliff edge and almost lost it when the wind picked up. Retrieval would have been an adventure. We made the steep and slow descent of Jug End to the valley and walked across to Hwy 7 through swamps and ferocious mosquitos. I couldn't stop to put on DEET for fear of being eaten alive.At the highway we walked over to an antique store where the manager let us use the phone to find a motel room. Then a gentleman in the store offered to give us a ride to the Days Inn three miles away in Great Barrington. We checked in and walked downtown for dinner, finally deciding on a bar and grill. Turned out to be one of those upscale restaurants that serve small portions - not nearly enough for our appetites. So after dinner we picked up a large burrito each to finish things up properly. I was in bed and asleep before 8:00pm, really tired from the climbs and lack of sleep last night.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: US Hwy 7 (Great Barrington, MA)

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

We walked over to a cafe for breakfast at 6:30am. I wasn't too hungry for a change, since I ate my burrito when I woke up at 2:00am. Maybe that's the secret to keeping your weight up on the trail - add a midnite meal.Frank decided to take a zero day in Great Barrington, but I decided to move on since I want to be at Katahdin by the end of Sep. I enjoyed hiking with you, Frank! I took a taxi back to the trail and was walking north at 8:00am.A short way into the woods I met the Monday Mountain Boys, a group of about ten senior men that apparently take a hike each Monday. I razzed them a little as I passed by the strung out column. "The word's out on the trail about the Monday Mountain Boys - they say the first liar doesn't stand a chance around you guys!" To the ones at the end "Your leader says you guys at the back just can't stand the pace!"On to the Tom Leonard shelter where I met dayhiker Deb, who had read some of my online journal. She had left some drinking water for hikers down by the next road. Thanks, Deb! There was also an older gentleman at the shelter who was trying to sleep, but the mosquitos had a different idea. He moved from the bunk shelf out under a tree but was still tossing and waving at the bugs when I left.I picked up some water from Deb's stash at the road and moved on. I had put my poles in one hand and was fiddling with a pack strap with the other when I hung my shoe on a rock and went sprawling. I ended up face down on the trail with my pack up around my ears. Rolled over, shucked the pack, got up and checked for damage - fortunately only a small scratch on my leg. And fortunately the rock I tripped over was the only one on the trail. A reminder that your hike could end today if you're not careful.I stopped at the Mt Wilcox South lean-to to read the register. Recall from a previous entry that Michael had to leave Nitro and make a dash for Katahdin before school starts. Now the pain of separation is eloquently stated in the shelter journal. From Michael, "Schmoopsie loves Boobeary." And although the message flow is one way only, from Nitro, "Boobeary loves Schmoopsie." Ain't love grand?Six more miles to the Shaker campsite where I caught up with Dave Mueller, last seen my first day in Kent. He said he got here at 10:00am, strung up his hammock and slept all day. Now he's ready for a good night's sleep. I set up my tarp on a tent platform while battling mosquitos. My Big Green Bug Smashing Machine (fly swatter) laid waste, but they kept coming. Under the tarp and bug bivy and lights out at 9:00pm.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Shaker Campsite

To: October Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

I was out of camp at 7:30am and said goodbye to Dave. He's walking short days because of a knee problem. I soon met 5 southbounders - starting to see more and more of them. I was tempted to stop at Goose Pond Cabin, but that was only 10 miles and too soon to halt.I crossed the Mass Turnpike a short time later, twirling my bandana over my head and getting waves back. Pumped my arm at an 18-wheeler and got a blast from his air horn. The rest of the day's hike was through sorry, boggy dense woods. This land must have been given up for the AT because there's no other use for it. I got to the shelter at 6:00pm and there I met Andy, out for a couple days before school starts. He's a junior majoring in chemistry. He shared some of his pasta dish with me and we talked about thruhiking. Thanks, Andy! We were the only two in the very nice shelter.