morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-29
From: NY 17

To: Black Mountain
Miles today: 11.1

Slept in a long time until it started to sprinkle. That got me moving quickly. Got packed up when we heard Slick Rock and Speck at the road. Perfect timing. It was good to see them. Speck had to go to the hospital the other day because of some kind of rash that's spreading all over her. She is on steroids and taking another day or two off. We got some snacks, looked at pictures that seemed like a storybook. Each picture held a story of its own. We entered Harriman State Park, which is a really pretty park. Saw a deer gracefully run through a green patch of grass. Nice overcast, breezy day. Perfect hiking weather. Mountain laurel all over the place. We came up to this lake right away that had this little island in the middle of it. People were fishing and canoeing.Our next fun challenge was the lemon squeezes. Two huge rocks started out about 6 to 7 feet apart and then quickly came together. We had to take off our packs, then walk through sideways. Right after that we had a climb straight up a rockface. Moving really slow, we all made it through. We went to Lake Tiorati. People all over the place. Smells of all sorts of things cooked out filled the air. The swimming area was crowded. Had a nice view of the mountains towering over the lake. We took 2 hours there, showered, ate, rested. Then headed back to the trail. This was one of those days that I didn't want to hike on. My body felt beat and each step was tough. Tired, drained, worn out, I made it somehow to the nice stoned shelter. We filtered water from this mosquito infested well, then headed for Black Mountain. Another place NYC is visible. Great idea! Mole camped up top with us. Great views. Couldn't see the skyline of NYC because of the smog. It is only 36 miles away. We had a good sunset. Waited until it got dark and we got to see NYC's glow. Then we saw some fireworks. Cool! The only thing that would've made this night perfect would have been if Speck were here.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Black Mtn

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 13.9

We had a cool day for some good climbs. Good views. We saw Bear Mtn Tower from the vista. It was cool actually getting to the tower. It was full of a lot of history. Real neat! They had no water - bummer! Hiked down past a ski jump, then came up to Hessian Lake. Lots of people picnicing, fishing. We then walked up to this huge pool. It looked so cool, so refreshing. We checked in our packs so we didn't have to carry them. We met up with Speck, then went swimming. Oh, it felt so good! Our swim was cut short by a thunderstorm that didn't last long at all.We walked through the Bear Mountain Zoo. The trail went right through the zoo. The Black Bear Exhibit was the lowest point on the AT at 124 ft. The zoo is an educational and rehabilitation zoo - for the animals. My favorite was the bald eagle. Also, I found out that the umbrella looking plant thats name was a mystery is called the May Apple.We stayed there for awhile. Then, the guys and I went into Ft Montgomery. Had to get more food. I have hit my starving phase. We got to go to this park focusing on the Revolutionary War. Took a bridge back that cut out the extra mile back to the trail. We got a good view of Bear Mtn Bridge. We crossed that iron bridge - over the Hudson River. It was really really beautiful. Wishing I had film. I guess some things aren't meant to be captured on film, but at least I'll always have that memory. New York is beautiful as well. I think people tend to overlook areas like this and focus more on the big cities.I tried to hike faster because the day was quickly losing light. It was neat hiking as the sun was setting. Reddish orange light hit the trees giving the trail a glow. I ran down most of the trail for several reasons. One, to get to the camp area before dark and also my feet hurt so bad. I made it to Graymoor Friary. They allow hikers to stay at a shelter by the baseball field. Arrived close to 9:00, glad to be there. Took my first ibuprofin since Georgia. Feet throbbing and killing me. Jan Liteshoe, Jesture, Mule, and several others camping there.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Shenandoah tenting area
Miles today: 17.6

We decided to look around the Friary. Glad we did. It was interesting. A lot of statues and art work all over the place. Even saw a monk/friar. Stayed there until 10:00. Hot day today, not very motivated. Feet felt a lot better. Took lots of stops today, some to avoid the heat, some to rest. Oopu's feet caused him a lot of pain, as well. He has been hiking the last week without inserts. Greg, this maintainer, talked with us. Really neat talking with people who are very passionate about the trail as we are. It was another late hike, another cool sunset. We stayed at Shenandoah Tenting Area. We figured since it had Shenandoah in its name it would rain, but it didn't. I ran into some 3 foot jumping pinkish frogs. They would jump along the side of the trail. A Boy Scout group also stayed at the nice tenting area. Went to sleep watching the stars, lightning bugs, and listening to some animal howling. Can't believe it's the first day of our fifth month.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Felt fresh and good this morning. We got good miles in. Everyone except Speck and I went into this small town. We hiked to the shelter - 10 miles by lunch. We took a siesta during the heat of the day. After leaving the shelter, I took my time, stopping to sit on a footbridge that crossed this stream. As I sat there, I closed my eyes, trying to take in the sounds, trying to become a part of nature, the water from the stream running through my veins, sometimes fast and sometimes slow; the wind my air, my breath of life; the blazes a map leading to my heart, directing my steps, leading my life; never to dwell on hard days from the past; never to anticipate the upcoming climb, but to take each step, each view, each pain as it comes. I left the stream feeling even better. The day just got better.We came up to Nuclear Lake, very beautiful and big. Had nice places to camp but no camping was allowed. Diesel, Cire, Oopu, and I went swimming. The water felt nice - not too cold. We stayed there a bit, then went about 1/2 mile and camped. Very tired, but felt cleaner and good after the swim. Hit 1400 miles today - woohoo!
Date: 2003-07-03
To: NY22
Miles today: 6.6

Everyone is pooped this morning. No motivation in the group. We filled our water then headed to NY22. There, we ran into every hiker's dream. There was a hot dog stand. That motivated us to walk a little quicker. I had 3 hot dogs. We hung out for awhile. Then, Oopu and Diesel said they wanted to go to NYC. I was all about that. The rest of the group headed on, and we went into Pawling. We didn't even try to hitch a ride, and this guy in a pickup truck stopped and drove us the 3 miles to Edward M. Murrow Memorial Park. They have a pavilion for AT hikers, a really nice place. They have a small lake. We gladly went swimming. A really nice place for families. Lots of children swimming and playing on the swingsets. We showered outside with warm water, then walked into town. Weird Al is also here, and he went with us. First, we went to the train station, got tickets, then went to Mama's Pizzeria. Watched 3 episodes on TBS, went back and tried to get some sleep. Supposed to be the world's longest fireworks display in the world in NYC. Tomorrow will be quite a day, spontaneous, exciting, and probably overwhelming.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: NY22

To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

Happy 4th of July! Made it to New York City, got bus tickets to get back to where we're heading tomorrow. It was hot and hazy. Toured Rockefeller Center, went to the top of the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, walked through Central Park. We watched some of a baseball game and climbed rocks just to get pictures of the buildings in the background. We walked to Battery Park and got a good seat for the NYC fireworks right in front of the Statue of Liberty. A good sunset was followed by fireworks. The place was packed. Cheers filled the air, boats honked, children's eyes widened as the fireworks filled the sky, a moment that filled me up inside. Then, behind us, the Macy's fireworks started. Those lasted 30 minutes. Saw colors and forms that I've never seen before. Couldn't believe I was standing in Manhattan on the 4th of July.After the amazing grand finale we walked to Brooklyn Bridge. Walked across it, and the view of Manhattan was nice. Lights filling the sky. We sat on a bench looking over the Manhattan Bridge with a cool breeze and tired body for several hours. Took the subway back to Times Square which was booming. Found out that the bus station was closed so we had to waste the night - 5 hours. So we went to a coffee shop that stayed open until 4:00 AM. I realized by being here in the city that something I've tried to get away from - the worldly rush, the impatience of people - is still here and will always be here. A world that I'm not ready to step back into yet but know that one day I will - hoping that the things I've learned, the pace I've taken - I can hold onto.We ended up talking to some interesting people on the streets. Got to get a taste of how it is here. Glad I don't live anywhere near NYC. Walked around Times Square, then found a Starbucks table where I fell asleep as the beginning of a new day lit the sky.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: New York City

To: Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up an hour later, headed to the bus station. Slept all the way to Cornwall Bridge, CT, and then to the farm. Very neat atmosphere. Kids everywhere, dogs, horses, a baby horse. A thunderstorm came. Sat there and watched some of the guys quickly feed the cows, and the rain came with the kids running through it. I loved it so much. Had a great home cooked supper and easily fell asleep. Big difference between here and NYC.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Cornwall Bridge

To: Ireland Farm
Miles today: 0.0

Slept most of the morning. A hot day. I swam with the kids, some of Cire's cousins. The day was very relaxing. Went down to their river, saw the baby horse that was just born, had a cookout. This is a totally drastic change from NYC. I loved the atmosphere here. Huge family - 11 kids, horses, dogs, the goat running everywhere. They built a huge bonfire, and we all pulled up chairs. They wanted to hear Diesel and Speck. Then they would sing some. One of the moments that has been the most precious to me was that night. There was this table thing that the kids would stand on - like a stage. They would get up there and sing for us. This one song all 11 kids, Jane, and Kevin, got up and sang, "Three Wooden Crosses" by Randy Travis. All the many different voices, to listen to a group of people singing a song they all loved from their hearts, thinking that I'm so glad I got the chance to meet this special family. They taught me to be more carefree, not to care about material things but to put family first. They did sparklers. I was actually sad hugging all my new friends good-bye. The people, the places you go, the memories that are made. Wow!
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Ireland Farm

To: Sharon Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Had a good breakfast of pancakes and rode the 2 hours to Cornwall. Took a while at the post office to get our mail drops. I got my Techwick EMS sleeveless shirt. So glad I got that. Much cooler. Weird being back on the trail. I was very tired. We had climbs. Our bodies hopefully will get used to the hills again. I took some breaks. A lot of people were out on the trail. A thunderstorm soon came. We had to make it to the camp area. I put up my tent in the pouring rain. A tough day for me. Seeing the drastic change from NYC to the farm, knowing that the trail was going to be harder, a hot and heavy pack. I wasn't too excited about coming back out here. It did feel so good to lie down in my sleeping bag. I ended up falling asleep before 8:00.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Sharon Mtn Campsite

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

The rain stopped by morning. It was overcast and cool. There were slugs all over my tent. We had some up and downs. Speck and Diesel fell victim to the slick rocks. Both were okay. We had this really cool section that ran along the Housatonic River, benches everywhere. We went close to 6 miles to the hydroelectric plant. There was an outside shower. We all showered, aired out our stuff, and napped. It would've been a good time for a hidden camera. As the sun would peek over the building, we'd scoot closer to the building. At one time, I was against the ivy wall. It was a good break. We were to have a big climb. It didn't seem so bad. We had a great view at "Rands View." The rest of the hike was really nice. Walked some through Salisbury, CT. Trail went through some neighborhoods. Made it to Plateau Campsite - you have to stay at campsites in CT.Diesel played guitar as the mosquitoes ate away on us. Good day. The climbs are beginning to get harder. The way I look at it is this: back in high school, I played basketball. I didn't like the running after each practice. I knew I'd have to do it everyday, so I just got to where I enjoyed it. So, out here, I know the mountains are going to kick my butt. I'm gonna take one climb at a time and enjoy it as much as I can.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Plateau Campsite

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: moderate rain

Had a lot of wind last night, allowing us to have a cool morning. We had a lot of climbs today. After the first 1000 ft climb, Sandles and I took a break eating blueberries. There were patches of them. Great view from Bear Mtn at the rock observation tower. It was 65 degrees - pretty chilly. Crossed the state line into Massachusetts. Ate lunch there as it started raining. Just happen to have lots of rocks to climb, so I had to be extremely careful. Whacked my head on a low tree branch - didn't feel too good. Got to walk along a ridge that dropped pretty much straight off. Fog was hanging low - you could barely see some of the mountains. It felt like I was in a picture.Made it to the shelter around 3:00. Decided to stay there. I was very happy with that decision. I napped as Oopu and Diesel built a fire. The rain stopped, and the sun came out. Met some other hikers. Sandles and Cire stayed at the Hemlocks Shelter 0-1 mile away. This shelter is very small - holds 5. We sat around the fire, holding our wet clothes over the heat.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Tom Leonard Leanto

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Had to wake up at 4:00 AM to put on my fly. Got it on right before the downfall. Couldn't sleep very well after that but I was cozy. Got going by 8:00 and flew through the first 3.2 miles. I felt good, so I would run on the downhills. We had to push it to make Tyringham before 4:00 - 14 miles. The rain didn't stop. To make the time go by faster I counted newts. Little orange newts all along the trail. I stopped at 65. Passed through this one field that had yellow flowers that were taller than me - mountains in the background. Days just get prettier and prettier. It was chilly.We went to Tyringham by Jerusalem Road - only .6 mile - closer than the main road. We ended up doing the mileage by 2:00, so we had a wait. We sat on the porch of the Cobble View across from the post office. Wind chimes made music as the rain came and went. This is a really small but nice town. Hiked the .9 back to the trail. Hiked about 2 miles and then camped by this stream. The guys built a fire and Cire surprised us with hotdogs. Great surprise! Had the heaviest bear bag ever! Surprised the tree didn't fall over.Our group has been struggling lately. Everyone is wanting to get this hike over as fast as possible. I get that way at times. All I can do is hike each day at a time and try to savor the experience, even if it is hard and long.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Campsite

To: Pittsfield Rd
Miles today: 14.6

ATTACKED BY LEECHESRain went away and the sun came out. Started the day with hurt feet and uphills. Met some southbounders - Pooh Bear and Ruby. Went to Goose Pond. Very nice. Canoes, kayakers, cool water. We skipped rocks. I put my feet in as Oopu and Diesel swam across. Then, I saw this black thing on my foot. Yep, it was a leech. I got it off and everyone got a look at it. Then, I realized that my feet were covered in small leeches, all over my feet - in between my toes - yuck! We got them off by using salt. That cleared everyone from the water. Had another pond - but no leeches there - whew!Decided to go to the Cookie Lady's house. There was no lady home, meaning no cookies. Thirteen hikers all here hanging out. The 7 of us, Clover, Snort, Ziplock, his father - Llama, and Two Step. We decided to stay. Girls hung out talking while the guys played hacky sack. The moon was beautiful tonight - almost full. We all ate a thing of tuna - 4 pounds of it. Then, out of nowhere, came swarms of mosquitoes. We quickly got inside our tents. Nice hike today. Going to get some real food, laundry, and showers tomorrow in Dalton, Massachusetts.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Pittsfield Rd

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was pretty cool this morning. We had less than 10 miles to do. I decided to just relax and enjoy rather than quickly get to Dalton. Boy, it was a nice hike. Thinking about the trail. I'm gonna enjoy every last part of it. Even though sometimes I wish I could be done with it, I'm going to live my life now. Worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Ended up going to this viewpoint. I got really excited when I saw Mt. Graylock. It stood much bigger than its surrounding mountains.Made it to Dalton before lunch. Went right to Tom's house. He greeted us with cantaloupe (so good and fresh), cookies, soda, and ice cream. We decided to stay here. Laundromat was closed, and the bus drivers had gone on strike. Went to this sports bar with Llama, 2 Step, and Truckin. Got to watch some of a baseball game. Then, we sat in the yard on our ridgerests and listened to Diesel play his guitar. Good day to be done with the hike and relax.Then, Tom gave us a ride to the Berkshire Mall - 7 miles away. The guys went to see movies while the girls - Speck, Slick, 2 Step, and I went to Bath & Body Works. Got hand massages - the lady looked at my hands full of stained dirt and callouses and scrubbed them with some orange stuff. They felt so smooth and good when she finished. Went by EMS and several other stores. We ate at a nice restaurant. Had girls night out. Had the best dessert I've probably ever had - fried cheesecake and ice cream. Tom came back to get us. He is so wonderful to let us stay in his yard and to take us places. Tom, if you read this, I want to thank you! Because of you, we had a wonderful stay in Dalton. His yard looked like tent city - at least 15 hikers there. Full moon tonight.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Dalton, MA

To: Thunderball Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Got going ASAP this morning because we had 2 big climbs. It felt good getting back in the woods - hiking alone. I met only one hiker going south all morning. Very peaceful. The first climb out of Dalton went by fast. Had an amazing view from the Cobbles. I could see the town of Chesire and the Housic River. Went through Chesire and back in the woods for lunch. Flies were pretty bad. The second climb was gradual. My motivation of the day was Mt. Graylock. I wanted to get there and eat and shower in time to see the sunset. Each step I took, I got more excited. There were a lot of spruce trees and balsam firs. They reminded me of Christmas. There was also a sweet smell that smelled like cotton candy.Diesel caught up, and we summited Mt. Graylock - 17 miles by 4:00. Felt good to be here. You can see everything from up here. There was a beautiful war memorial tower we went up. Could see the mountains of Vermont. I'd forgotten how far you could see from this high of elevation. This is the highest point in Massachusetts. Got to shower and hang out at the Lodge.Now, sitting here watching my sunset. A lot of people came out to see it, and it turned out to be a great one.! It's amazing how we've been out here for over 4 months, and my heart still glows when I see sights like this - all the colors that fill the sky.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Thunderball Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Got to see the sights again. The mountains looked so blue through the hazy sky. Had a wicked climb of 2500 ft in 2 miles. We made it down to Williamstown. We were going to eat at the Pizza Hut, but it had closed down. So we ate at the Oriental Buffet. I'd strongly suggest eating there. It was very good! We could see Mt. Graylock. It just towered over the city. Had a climb out. Found a nice cold stream that I stuck my entire head under. It was really hot! The water felt very refreshing. Soon we reached the Vermont border. Excited because it's another state. Supposed to be beautiful. The flies were pretty bad. We made it to the shelter and tented. Had a fire. Two Step has still been hiking with us. Again, it's good to have another girl in the group.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Early this morning it started raining. All of us hurried to get our flies on our tents. It came down pretty hard. Tent getting soaked as I packed it up. Didn't really feel motivated this morning. Hiked with 2 Step, Sandals, and Oopu. They lifted my spirits and we made the best ouf of the rain. We were so wet that we splashed through all the puddles. Didn't mind because we were going to get dry later on. Hiking along the Long Trail as well as the AT. 2 Step has hiked the Long Trail - remembering back. The sun came out but still hard to see the sights. The climb down was really rocky and slippery. I took a good fall. The good thing about it was I got down a bit faster.Cire's father and stepmother were at VT9. They had fig newtons, oranges, and apples. They carpooled us to the Autumn Inn in Bennington. We tried to dry out, get showers, and do much needed laundry. All 12 of us went to eat at Madison Pub Brewery. The people in Vermont are very nice! Great meal! Now, everyone is exhausted. Good to dry off in a nice place.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Bennington

To: Bennington
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Cire's birthday. So, we sang to him all day long - at the bagel place and in the room. Bought him a cake and put on 39 candles - made the AT symbol. Speck, Slick, Sandles, and 2 Step all took off. We are splitting up for I don't know how long. They are trying to get to Manchester Center for the festival by Saturday. We are just going to go - no schedule to try to catch up with them. I hate that we are momentarily splitting up but it's for the best. That part of the group like pushing it. I'd rather hike not knowing where we're stopping for the night - just find a cool place. I think it will be relaxing. I got a little stressed out thinking that everything was strict and planned. It's good to have a plan overall. Tonight we are going to go to a movie and hang out, enjoying the time spent with Mrs. Robin and Jessica, Diesel's mom and sister, who are also here.
Date: 2003-07-18
From: Bennington

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

It was gray and rainy this morning. I got to sleep in. Got back on the trail after lunch. Diesel and Cire are taking an extra day off. Thanks to Mrs. Robin and Jessica, Mrs. Jane and Mr. Click. I had an amazing time spending time with you all. So Oopu and I got on the trail, not really having a plan in mind. We are meeting up with Cire and Diesel tomorrow. The rain left, and the sky started clearing. Had some cool views with the mountains and the clouds. Meeting a lot of Long Trail hikers. The miles went by fast, and we reached the shelter. I gathered wood, and Oopu got a fire started. Still give him a lot of credit even though he used an alcohol stove to start it because the wood was soaking wet. Turned out to be a nice night. We were going to climb up Glastenbury Mtn to see the sunset but decided we didn't want to do the steep climb up there and back. We reached 1600 miles today.