morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Start: Vernon, NJ - 1342.5End: Wildcat Shelter - 1357.8Water is still very scarce. Trail Angels are leaving jugs of water @ road crossings. Thank goodness because a lot of hikers would be in trouble without their help.We had to cross miles of ledges today. We got caught in a 3 hour downpour just as we crossed the NY line and hit the ledges. There were waterfalls wherever the trail went up or down the ledges. Just at the end I had a bad fall when a tree I was supporting myself with broke off. I have some nice cuts on my elbow and a bruise on my hip but the shoulder seems okay. We got some great trail magic from Philmont's mom and dad and then great ice cream @ a farm a few miles before the shelter.Birdlegs, Snackbreak, & Splendora are camped with us tonight.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Island Pond Mountain
Miles today: 12.4

Start: Wildcat Shelter - 1359.8End: Island Pond Mountain - 1372.2Wow - this was a tough day. The trails in New York are very steep and poorly maintained. They are nothing like the ones I have hiked on East of the Hudson. We went through an area called "Agony Grind" that was just plain dangerous. Saw a nice big rattlesnake that was kind enough to rattle as I climbed over the ledge he was coiled on, rather than bite me in the face. We could not come close to making our planned 20 today and had to stealth camp.
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Island Pond Mountain

To: Base - Bear Mountain
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Start: Island Pond Mountin - 1372.2End: Base - Bear Mountain - 1384.6Another day of difficult trail, high heat, and almost no water.Near Fingerboard shelter we were feeding on large patches of blueberries when we ran into Barking Spider and Plodder again as they were slackpacking south.At one point Bobby was walking out ahead and I heard him scream and saw him jump into the air just as I heard the buzz of a rattlesnake. I carefull walked around to the side of where he was and found a large snake skin. He had almost stepped on a rattler that was drying on the trail after shedding its skin. This guy was big and I had a hard time getting a picture. I suddenly relized it was still moving and I could not see its head. Time to move on.We are still caught in some kind of Doldrums. We are physically worn out and my foot plagues me with each step. Things are a struggle and I am hanging on until I reach my family in Connecticut.We fell short on mileage again today and were forced to stealth camp with no water source for the second night.
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Base - Bear Mountain

To: Graymoor Monastery
Miles today: 10.0

Start: Base - Bear Mountain - 1384.6End: Graymoor Monastery - 1394.6We went into Fort Montgomery for resupply but we had to settle for coffee and pastry with bagels to go. The resupply store in Wingfoot's book had no food at all. The people in the store were very nice and filled our water but the townspeople were very unfriendly. We could not get a ride either way and had to walk the extra mile in each direction. We crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge and the trail improved dramatically. I cannot believe the same club maintains it. We are almost out of food since we were unable to resupply but we were able to get subs delivered to the monastery. The Friars let hikers camp at the pavillion at the ball field. There were several soccer games being played that afternoon.Because we have slowed down we are now starting to get caught by hikers who have been behind us. Tenesse Jed, JB, Big Brother, Director, and Starvin Marvin and his wife Pearls came in. Starvin Marvin and Pearls ordered Pizza and then hiked on another few miles. With such a crowd, camping space may become an issue further along.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Graymoor Monastery

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: moderate rain

Start: Graymoor - 1394.6End: RPH Shelter - 1413.5It started to rain just as we hit the trail @ 7:00 am. Luckily we got the tents packed before the rain hit.The trail was great today so we pulled a long day to sleep in a shelter out of the rain. The rain was heavy so we just kept moving except for a stop to pick about a quart of fresh raspberries. We have found some kind of ripe berries almost every day for the past few weeks.We met Starvin Marvin and Pearls at a road crossing waiting for a ride. They are leaving the trail to get Pearl's foot looked at. Another victum of the PA/NJ rocks.When we reached the shelter we found it was already full. Some of our regular group who were ahead of us took a zero day due to the rain and some other hikers had caught us over the rough terrian of the last few days. We wound up setting up our tents in the pouring rain which was a disappointment. The huge plus was the enormous hiker feed that was being put on by the local trail maintenance crew. What a feast!! There was so much food it was a real treat, especially since our food bags were almost empty.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: RPH Shelter

To: NY22 - Pawling, NY
Miles today: 19.7

Start: RPH Shelter - 1413.5End: NY22 - Pawling, NY - 1433.2Great weather and more great trails. New York east of the Hudson River is so different from the west side. The trail crew here does an unbelievable job. One section even had a small stone wall along the trail built from the rocks that they removed from the trail.We pushed past the beautiful Nuclear Lake where most hikers stopped to swim. We are going to meet my Mother and get treated to some home cooking, showers, laundry, at my Mom's and a real bed @ my sister's and her husband's home. Things are looking up!!!
Date: 2007-07-25
From: NY22 - Pawling, NY

To: Bulls Bridge Road, Kent
Miles today: 11.2

Start: NY22 - Pawling - 1433.2End: Bulls Bridge Road, Kent - 1444.4A short day of light packing as part of our much needed and planned recovery. The trail was good but the foot continues to be an issue. We are going to zero tomorrow. My Mother is having hand surgery and she has arranged for me to see her physical therapist for my foot.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Bulls Bridge Road, Kent

To: Bulls Bridge Road, Kent
Miles today: 0.0

Zero DayMy mother is in for surgery today so it is a good day to zero. It was still a very busy day. I had a noon appointment with the physical therapist who confirmed the point of injury to my foot is a very common spot for a stress fracture. However he also felt that the bones were knocked out of alignment. After about 15 minutes of magic and a foot of tape he had the bone taped in the right position. It feels great!! Tomorrow will be the test. Thanks Mike!
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Bulls Bridge Road, Kent

To: Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 18.2

Start: Bulls Bridge, Kent - 1444.4End: Cornwall Bridge - 1462.6Another day with lighter packs as we hiked into the town where I was born and raised. The trail was pretty rugged with a disappointing reroute at the end that added a pretty steep mountain and left you a mile up the road from Cornwall Bridge which is a good place for resupply.We should be rested and well fed by now. There is no question about the well fed part but rest is another issue. We have more catching up to do in that area.The foot is 98% better. It is a miracle. Thanks again Mike!!!!!
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Cornwall Bridge

To: US7 / 112 Limerock
Miles today: 12.1

Start: Cornwall Bridge - 1462.6End: US7/112 Limerock - 1474.7Finally feeling a little more rested and we are starting to recover. Today was a short day with lighter packs and a greatly improved foot. The great meals from my sister and her husband as well as my mom are starting to have an effect. We started the day in heavy rain but it cleared in the afternoon.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: US7 / 112 Limerock

To: US-41 Salisbury 
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Start: US7/112 Limerock - 1474.7End: US41 Salisbury - 1484.9Practically a walk in the park today. We managed to pull 3 mph with our lighter packs and great terrain without even trying. The trails are so well maintained here.We walked past the high school I attended 35 years ago and over trails I have hiked often. No rain today and the foot is nearly 100%.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: US-41 Salisbury 

To: Jug End Road
Miles today: 16.9

Start: US41 Salisbury - 1484.9End: Jug End Road - 1501.8A full day of climbing and ridge walking as we walked some of the prettiest parts of Connecticut including Lion's Head,Bear Mountain, and Sage's Ravine.Sven & Uff-da told us about sitting on Lion's Head having a snack when a couple came up the trail. Shortly afterward a large black animal appeared and sat a ways away. At first Sven thought it was the couples dog but quickly relized it was a bear. The bear shuffled off into the bushes and disappeared.The weather was in the 90's but clear and the views of the valley were great.We reached two milestones today. We finished 10 states as we entered Massachusetts leaving Sage's Ravine and we crossed the 1,500 mile mark. Only 672.2 miles to go. The foot was great today, no Ibuprofen until after the hike!!
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Jug End Road

To: Blue Hill Road
Miles today: 14.7

Start: Jug End Road - 1501.8End: Blue Hill Road - 1515.9Our final day of light packing & recovery out of my sister's house with her and her husband's support. Dinner @ my mom's tonight as a final send off.We crossed the Housatonic Valley and began another mountain range that will take us through Massachusetts. The trail was poorly blazed once we climbed out of the valley and did not match the maps. We had a few side tracks from where other hikers had wandered around looking for the trail. It is good to be in New England. I can feel my batteries recharging. This is home for me. I have the sense that Bobby is not drawing the same energy from the trail as I am. This is where I grew up and Bobby is from New Jersey, that could be part of it. My sister is worried about Bobby's recovery.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Blue Hill Road

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Start: Blue Hill Road - 1515.9End: Shaker Campsite - 1523.9Day Miles: A short day with full packs after a very late start. I needed to ship excess gear home that I had sent to my sister's house with my brother. I had to build a box to fit the pack and poles. The foot was a little sore with the extra weight but darn near 100%.When we got to camp I read in the camp log that my old friend Suspect is just one day ahead. He had a bad fall on the ledges coming down Jug End and had to go into town for equipment repair. I had cell service and called him to make sure he was okay.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Start: Shaker Campsite - 1523.9End: Upper Goose Pond Cabin - 1533.8We are continuing with short days due to the high heat and still feeling the need to recover.Last night the camp was fairly crowded with 1 southbounder, 2 southbound section hikers, and 2 north bound section hikers.We went into the beautiful cabin @ Upper Goose Pond where we found Chuckles on his 3rd zero day. Snackbreak was there as well and we were soon joined by Sleeping Beauty, Sven & Uff-Da, Bandaid Kid, Birdlegs, Splendora, Lightweight & Popeye, plus 4 section hikers and 6 South Bounders for a full house.We had a relaxing afternoon swimming and canoeing and trying to find Splendora's glasses she lost diving. Some boaters had a diving mask and Chuckles was able to find them.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Cookie Lady
Miles today: 10.6

Start: Upper Goose Pond - 1533.8End: Cookie Lady - 1544.8Another short recovery day with afternoon rain in the forecast. We got to the Cookie Lady's which is a "pick your own" blueberry farm where they let you camp if you do some mowing. We picked blueberries and took turns mowing around the bushes. We ordered pizza to be delivered.A huge thunder and lightening storm came through in the evening but not much rain. A strong wind followed afterwards and dried out our tents. Buffalo Bobby, Birdlegs, Sleeping Beauty, and Lightweight & Popeye are here as well.
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Cookie Lady

To: Dalton - Bird Cage
Miles today: 10.6

Start: Cookie Lady's - 1544.8End: Dalton - Bird Cage - 1554.4Continuing our pattern of shorter days to rebuild our strength for the big mountains ahead. I am still worried about Bobby. I feel stronger every day now that my foot is doing better. Bobby wants to do short days.We are headed into Dalton to stay with Rob Bird @ the Bird Cage Hostel (Rob's Home). Both Rob and Tom Lavardi open their homes to hikers. Chuckles, Splendora, Snack Break, Rebel, Lightweight & Popeye, and a bunch of south bounders were @ Tom's so we opted for Rob's where Buffalo Bobby stayed on his last thru-hike. Here we met Blue Dog who has to get off the trail since he has been called to active duty. Sleeping Beauty has decided to leave the trail as well since she is newly wed and her husband is also in the military and has been reassigned.There are some south bounders here as well. Buffalo Bobby, Birdlegs, Sleeping Beauty, and I have filled the place. We had a great lunch and dinner @ Jacob's which is now run by Mike Conners (Mannix) who welcomes thru-hikers.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Dalton - Bird Cage

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 9.3

Start: Dalton - 1554.4End: Chesire - 1563.7I am Light packing today north bound and then hitching back to stay in Dalton. Bobby is taking a zero day.We are having a birthday party for Birdlegs tonight.I wore through the heel of my right sock today and developed a large blister. I had not brought spare socks with me.I ran into Sleeping Beauty and Birdlegs sitting on a log. They were slack pakcing south bound. We stopped for cocktails and cigars and killed 2 hours. Peter came by and stayed for a while. Starvin Marvn and Pearls also came by. They are back on the trail after having Pearl's foot looked after.Peter and I hiked into Chesire together and stopped for ice cream and ran into Splendora slack packing south as well with Snackbreak, Chuckles, and others who we have passed on the trail.When I got to the gas station in Chesire, I got a ride back to Dalton from Larry, a local carpenter, who offered to go way out of his way to drive me back. Thanks Larry. There are so many acts of kindness every day. I only wish the news would report some of these instead of highlighting the evil in the world. The really evil thing is the press itself.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Cheshire

To: Mark Noepal Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: light rain

Start: Cheshire - 1563.7End: Mark Noepal Shelter - 1568.1Rob Bird dropped us in Cheshire this morning to begin the long climb up Greylock. It had rained earlier in the morning and started raining again during our climb. We stopped at the first shelter for lunch and Birdlegs told us the radio was calling for severe thunder showers in the afternoon so we decided to stay and summit in the morning when it was supposed to be clear.Rain moved in the afternoon and it rained all night.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Mark Noepal Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Start: Mark Neopal Shelter - 1568.1End: Seth Warner Shelter - 1584.The rain passed and it was a great day to summit Greylock. The descent was steep at times. We stopped in Williamstown for resupply then headed into Vermont.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Seth Warner Shelter

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

Start: Seth Warner Shelter - 1584.6End: Melville Nauhiem Shelter - 1597.7The trails in Vermont are not as well maintained as Massachusetts but the climbs are not as steep as I remembered either.Southern Vermont is a lot like Maine with rocks, roots, muddy areas, and signs of moose.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Melville Nauhiem Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Melville Nauhiem - 1597.7End: Story Spring Shelter - 1615.1The rain today just raised hell with the blister on my right foot. More rain in the forecast so I decided to stay in the shelter. The blister has become large and infected so I drained and put on antiseptic. Popeye gave me some moleskin in order to make a donut cushion.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero Day in the woodsIt is raining hard and will rain all day. I havee decided to zero to let my foot heal.A father and daughter team section hiking, that stayed at the shelter last night, have offered to drive a few of us to town to resupply. They have a car parked on a side trail just 2 miles from the shelter. Popeye, Buffalo Bobby, and Splendora went into town for us.I heated water and soaked my foot to treat the infection. We threw a lttle party in the evening for other hikers with our resupply.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Story Spring Shelter

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

Start: Story Spring Shelter - 1615.1End: Spruce Peak Shelter - 1633.4The donut pad made a world of differnce today with the blister.We had great views from the fire tower on top of Stratton Mountain. We have staged @ Spruce Peak Shelter for a short hike to the road into Manchester Center, VT. tomorrow morning. I need to pick up my pack @ EMS which Gregory has repaired for me. The shelter is large so I have decided to stay inside to allow for a quicker start in the morning. Popeye and I stayed up late to watch the meteor shower. View were limited by the trees but we did see several.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Spruce Peak - 1633.4End: Bromley Mtn Shelter - 1638.2The mice were terrible in the shelter last night. They were trying to climb the stove pipe, then falling, and then squealing and running.At 2 am Splendora woke up screaming with a mouse in her hair. At this point she went outside and pitched her tent. With all the people in the shelter and the mice I did not get any sleep. I had just dozed off at 5:00 but Bobby woke me up at 5:30 to head to town. I politely (I hope) told him to go without me. Tenting is more work but better sleep.Bridlegs and I walked to the road crossing together and found SoCo and Mojo had trail magic setup in the form of cold beer. They wanted to hike on and had counted on everyone drinking the beer last night. We had to help.I finally got into town late and had to get my pack. Bobby was ready well before I was since he had headed for town at 5;30 am. He had hoped to find a place to stay in town but struck out and has decided to move on. I am not ready and have a lot to do. I told him I would catch him on the trail. I resupplied,had lunch, and then I had to switch everything over from the loaner pack to my original pack. I also replaced my gaitors @ EMS but the new ones were not as good as the REI ones I had and do not stay on my legs.Buffalo Bobby got out of town ahead of me. Our new plan was to stay in the warming hut on Bromley but Bobby called when he got there and said it was trashy and there was no water. He was going to go 6 more miles to the next shelter. It was late and I had no spare batteries for my head light so I did not want to attempt a night hike across tough terrian so I stay @ Bromley Shelter half way up Bromley Mountain.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Bromley Mtn Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

Start: Bromley Shelter - 1638.2End: Greenwall Shelter - 1660.8It started to rain @ 4:41 am. I had set my alarm for 5:30 to get an early start but it was still raining. It stopped around 6:00 am followed by a strong wind that soon dried my tent. I did not get on the trail until 8:15 but at least my tent was dry. I read the shelter log last night and Cache is back on the trail and camped below me.I have a long day ahead of me to try and catch Bobby who was 8 miles ahead and probably got on the trail an hour earlier.It was so foggy on Bromley Mtn. that I had trouble finding the trail. Then climbing Peru Peak the left strap of my newly repaired pack ripped through from being stiched too much by the repair. I had to tie the buckle to the strap with a piece of parachute cord from my bear rope.Brisk caught up to me when I was fixing my pack and we had lunch together @ Peru Peak Shelter. While we were eating lunch the sun came out so we stowed our rain gear and took off our pack covers. We had heard rumbles during lunch but the sky was clear so we thought it might be from a nearby construction site.As I passed the pond just 10 minutes after lunch there was a huge clap of thunder and a bright flash of lightening. I looked across the pond and the sky was full of dark churning clouds like some biblical event. Minutes later the rain came down by the bucket load.Thirty minutes later the storm had passed and we climbed the rocky open summit of Baker Peak for perfect views of the valleys and the storm clouds to the south.At 7:45 pm I rolled into Greenwall Shelter and caught up with Buffalo Bobby.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Swan Song Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Start: Greenwall Shelter - 1660.8End: Swan Song Shelter - 1674.0The second shoulder strap on my pack broke today so now I have the pack lashed to me with parachute cord.There was lots of trail magic today and we swam in Claredon Gorge then had a nice meal @ the Whistle Stop about a 1/2 mile from the trail.We heard about a nice shelter on private property built by a former thru-hiker, Susan Swan. It was a beautiful shelter and a nice alternative to Governor Clements Shelter which is usually trashed by ATVers.I sense the partnership with Buffalo Bobby is slowly desolving. Hiking partners need to mesh both mentally and physically. I have reached "home turf" and feel renewed and strong. I also know the path ahead and know nothing less than a careless accident will keep me from Katahdin. I savor mornings in camp. The day is fresh and new and full of promise. I want it to last so I take my time. Bobby still leaves camp with an urgency that I do not feel. He is up at dawn and wants to get on the trail. Bobby is also tired and wants to do short days and take zeros to rest. I want to storm on to Katahdin and go home to my wife.I owe Bobby a lot. He stuck with me when I suffered so with my foot. I feel he is on the edge of quitting and I want to stick with him. But, there is a tension developing that we both feel. We are suddenly trying to hike each other's hikes instead of hiking how we please and having our needs natrually mesh.I am committed to stick with Bobby until Katahdin so I will zero when he needs to zero.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Swan Song Shelter

To: Back Home Again Hostel and Restaurant, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 12.0

Start: Swan Song Shelter - 1674.0End: Rutland, VT - 1686.0A cold day with the threat of rain and no views as we went over Killington. The winds were blowing hard @ Cooper Lodge. Today is my wife's birthday. I have now missed our 25th wedding aniversary and her birthday. I need to get back home and into her arms.We went into town to resupply and pick up my ATM card at the Post Office. I also needed to try and get my pack repaired since I have not heard back from Gregory. We stayed at the Back Home Again Hostel and Restaurant run by he Twelve Tribes, a religious group. My package had still not arrived at the Post Office but I was able to get my pack repaired at Kings Furniture which had a commercial sewing machine. These were great guys and they did a great job.I washed dishes for about four hours on one of the busiest nights in the restaurant as my "work for stay".
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Back Home Again Hostel and Restaurant, Rutland, VT

To: Back Home Again Hostel and Restaurant, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day in RutlandStill waiting for my package which seems to be missing in the Priority Mail system at the P.O.The weather is calling for severe weather and possible tornados so we decided to take a zero day. The Twelve Tribes is a great group of people and they are great hosts. Work for stay includes tons of wonderful food and a warm and friendly atmosphere.Torandos were reported in nearby Mendon, VT this evening.